Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Super Sunday!!!!!
Awesome effort by all the DBC Juniors on Sunday, not only did everyone show their mettle in Davis at the criterium but Andrias Freund took 3rd in the elite 3s at Pine Flat Road Race in Fresno. His brother, Alexander did very well in the elite 3s as well. My hat's off to Zach Wick, tremendous effort Sunday for 2nd place in the 17-18 Junior race. For all you first time racer, great effort. Elsewhere I think some pro from Rock Racing won a race that started in Davis and finished in Santa Rosa.....anybody hear anything about that?
Monday, February 16, 2009
A Big Week & The Big Show...
All week you could feel anticipation within the group for the Amgen ToC and the kids were fired up. We started the week with our "15 minutes of fame" courtesy of KXTV channel 10, who were very interested in our program and our riders given the success this group has had in developing young riders. Thanks must go out to all the kids and the parents for making an effort to get to the shooting on a day off Monday.
Tuesday new kits arrived. Something about a new kit, they just "feel" fast. If a new kit wasn't enough motivation for the weekends crit how about a training ride with a few of your favorite Pro-Tour riders? Seems Astana, Saxo Bank, Garmin and Ouch were taking in the sights along the American River bike-path regularly, just ask Robby or Torey. Cool indeed.
When the fireworks started for real the weather looked ominous. By the end of the AToC prologue rain was falling and the next day's start in Davis would prove interesting, in particular the Juniors crit which was to follow.
First I have to tip my cap to every single rider, male or female, new or experienced that saddled up yesterday. The conditions were very rough and it was clear early they would stay that way.
In the 10-14 race the field shattered on lap one as a rider from Team AC (above category) attacked from the gun. This move and the wind blew the field apart. We had several riders in this group, most new, some riding their first race. Each did a great job. Karch was able to make it into the initial chase group and was riding very well with national champion Dylan Drummond from Tieni Duro and Matthew Valencia from Sugar CRM. They rode with women's' junior national champion Katrina Howard and a rider from SJBC. The SJBC rider and Katrina attacked and left the three to fight it out. The rain and wind was treacherous and with 3 to go Drummond tried to slide under a lapped rider and lost his front wheel. Like dominoes all three hit the deck and slid. Karch was last man in but first man up and remounted to chase, sadly Matthew was not so lucky and we hope his injuries are minor.
In the end Karch motored solo for the last three laps winning the 10-12 division, he was stoked. New rider Charlie Kimball was having a very good first ride until disaster struck in the form of a blown from tire and a resultant crash. I hated to see him hit the deck and suspect we will see more of him in the 13-14 as he looked good. Young Will Kanz also rode well getting some experience and toughness in the difficult conditions. And Cami Rolles and Spencer Salk also gritted it out for the home town crowd. Would be nice to see them out again...
The womens 15-18 was all about tactics. Riders were coy about working and left it to others to work. April gainfully took up the effort and was always at or near the front. At the back end newcomer Kayleen Dobner was learning the ropes in the toughest of conditions. She was gapped off early, but hung in and finished, well done. For April, clearly the fitness is there. In the end however those who had sat-in wicked it up and jumped her so she'll have to wait another day to get that win.
The 15-16 Men's field was large and stacked. Torey and Robby would have to stay near the front and counter Tieni Duro and Specialized. Torey appeared to get a bad start and was fighting from the back, Robby on the other hand did everything right. He covered the early move, was vigilant on the front and looked good. Then it happened, someone moved left and overlapped, in a flash 4-5 riders tumbled, sadly Robby among them. This guy gets my hard-luck award for the last two weeks. The upside, he was scraped but unhurt, the downside, the bike was not. His day was over. We need to pull together behind him to keep his season on-track and offers of a ride were there by the end of the day. Thank you, this is what "team" means.
The 17-18 would be much like Cherry Pie, Specialized on the sharp end. They had Four riders who attacked relentlessly from the gun and yet time after time one ominous force drug them back, El Gigante. I've ridden with Zack Wick since his initial days as a 13-14 and recall working with Steve to get him home from the race ride after a long day doing all he could to hang on. Yesterday I saw a young man who was simply a mental rock. With almost no help early on, young ZW made every right move. Mid-race Tap's was able to help out as two groups came back together. Cody was clearly not on a good day but was giving it his best to help Zach. With one to go it was El Gigante who threw down his own move and it almost worked. Specialized was shocked and Charlie Avis gave chase but couldn't close, this was special. Out of the last corner Zach had the gap but thee finish was just too long, Charlie bridged and then jumped with 50m to go, game over.
Ride of the day? Unquestionably ZW, everybody in the field knew it. Down the road I would be very weary, he is due his payback.
Tuesday new kits arrived. Something about a new kit, they just "feel" fast. If a new kit wasn't enough motivation for the weekends crit how about a training ride with a few of your favorite Pro-Tour riders? Seems Astana, Saxo Bank, Garmin and Ouch were taking in the sights along the American River bike-path regularly, just ask Robby or Torey. Cool indeed.
When the fireworks started for real the weather looked ominous. By the end of the AToC prologue rain was falling and the next day's start in Davis would prove interesting, in particular the Juniors crit which was to follow.
First I have to tip my cap to every single rider, male or female, new or experienced that saddled up yesterday. The conditions were very rough and it was clear early they would stay that way.
In the 10-14 race the field shattered on lap one as a rider from Team AC (above category) attacked from the gun. This move and the wind blew the field apart. We had several riders in this group, most new, some riding their first race. Each did a great job. Karch was able to make it into the initial chase group and was riding very well with national champion Dylan Drummond from Tieni Duro and Matthew Valencia from Sugar CRM. They rode with women's' junior national champion Katrina Howard and a rider from SJBC. The SJBC rider and Katrina attacked and left the three to fight it out. The rain and wind was treacherous and with 3 to go Drummond tried to slide under a lapped rider and lost his front wheel. Like dominoes all three hit the deck and slid. Karch was last man in but first man up and remounted to chase, sadly Matthew was not so lucky and we hope his injuries are minor.
In the end Karch motored solo for the last three laps winning the 10-12 division, he was stoked. New rider Charlie Kimball was having a very good first ride until disaster struck in the form of a blown from tire and a resultant crash. I hated to see him hit the deck and suspect we will see more of him in the 13-14 as he looked good. Young Will Kanz also rode well getting some experience and toughness in the difficult conditions. And Cami Rolles and Spencer Salk also gritted it out for the home town crowd. Would be nice to see them out again...
The womens 15-18 was all about tactics. Riders were coy about working and left it to others to work. April gainfully took up the effort and was always at or near the front. At the back end newcomer Kayleen Dobner was learning the ropes in the toughest of conditions. She was gapped off early, but hung in and finished, well done. For April, clearly the fitness is there. In the end however those who had sat-in wicked it up and jumped her so she'll have to wait another day to get that win.
The 15-16 Men's field was large and stacked. Torey and Robby would have to stay near the front and counter Tieni Duro and Specialized. Torey appeared to get a bad start and was fighting from the back, Robby on the other hand did everything right. He covered the early move, was vigilant on the front and looked good. Then it happened, someone moved left and overlapped, in a flash 4-5 riders tumbled, sadly Robby among them. This guy gets my hard-luck award for the last two weeks. The upside, he was scraped but unhurt, the downside, the bike was not. His day was over. We need to pull together behind him to keep his season on-track and offers of a ride were there by the end of the day. Thank you, this is what "team" means.
The 17-18 would be much like Cherry Pie, Specialized on the sharp end. They had Four riders who attacked relentlessly from the gun and yet time after time one ominous force drug them back, El Gigante. I've ridden with Zack Wick since his initial days as a 13-14 and recall working with Steve to get him home from the race ride after a long day doing all he could to hang on. Yesterday I saw a young man who was simply a mental rock. With almost no help early on, young ZW made every right move. Mid-race Tap's was able to help out as two groups came back together. Cody was clearly not on a good day but was giving it his best to help Zach. With one to go it was El Gigante who threw down his own move and it almost worked. Specialized was shocked and Charlie Avis gave chase but couldn't close, this was special. Out of the last corner Zach had the gap but thee finish was just too long, Charlie bridged and then jumped with 50m to go, game over.
Ride of the day? Unquestionably ZW, everybody in the field knew it. Down the road I would be very weary, he is due his payback.
Catching Up & Looking Ahead
Been a few weeks since I was last able to get time to post, so need to do a bit of catch-up and some acknowledgements.
1-2-3 Go
Cal Aggie Crit allowed a chance to show that while some of our horse-power has moved on, others are quite happy to fill the gap and step it up. While It was Cody, Zach and Torey going 1,2,3 in the junior's race, it wouldn't have been possible without the efforts of AJ and Robby who worked selflessly to keep things together. As has been the hallmark of this group it continues to be teamwork that gets it done.
Pie Anyone?
At Cherry Pie last weekend there were highs and there were clearly lows. The juniors fields were perhaps the largest I have ever seen in NorCal at a "regular" race like this as even the 10-14 race had about 30 riders in it.
In that race the field split early as Swift, Sugar CRM and Tieno Duro all decided to have a go early. It was Swift's Stanley Goto who lit it up on lap two and his move cut the field in half. We had on one rider in the race and he made the move, it was Karch, "killer" as he was known on the BMX track the last few years. I had told him to keep it simple, let the bigger 13-14 riders on the teams slug it out, stay out of trouble and out of the wind. As the field continued to shrink he continued to hang. On the penultimate lap he was top five through he 180 and as they shuffled through the chicane on the last climb to my surprise he tried to jump the field, brave perhaps Wise? well not sure. They came through strong but he faded and I was sure he had slid back off the podium. I was surprised to learn that all of the riders in the group except for him were 13-14's, he had won. Surprise!
In the 15-18 Specialized wanted to make sure everyone knew they intended to dominate. They had 8-9 riders toe the line and from the gun they were all over the front. Sure would've been nice if they were a little more aware as with five to go the Specialized "train" derailed itself with three riders touching wheels and hitting the deck in the chicane, Tap's and Robby were unlucky victims, right place, wrong time.
Zach and Torey escaped and off the back Alex Huettis slipped by continuing to churn along ever steady, as did April another victim of bad luck in the form of a rubbing front brake. In the end the 17-18 came down to numbers and we simply came up short. El Gigante you did us proud with your gutsy shot up the inside from waaaay out, but it wasn't meant to be. Ride of the day? Torey who was always where he needed to be and after some discussion with the officials over errant results slotted 11th overall, 3rd for the 15-16 group. Superb ride.
On to the Amgen...
1-2-3 Go
Cal Aggie Crit allowed a chance to show that while some of our horse-power has moved on, others are quite happy to fill the gap and step it up. While It was Cody, Zach and Torey going 1,2,3 in the junior's race, it wouldn't have been possible without the efforts of AJ and Robby who worked selflessly to keep things together. As has been the hallmark of this group it continues to be teamwork that gets it done.
Pie Anyone?
At Cherry Pie last weekend there were highs and there were clearly lows. The juniors fields were perhaps the largest I have ever seen in NorCal at a "regular" race like this as even the 10-14 race had about 30 riders in it.
In that race the field split early as Swift, Sugar CRM and Tieno Duro all decided to have a go early. It was Swift's Stanley Goto who lit it up on lap two and his move cut the field in half. We had on one rider in the race and he made the move, it was Karch, "killer" as he was known on the BMX track the last few years. I had told him to keep it simple, let the bigger 13-14 riders on the teams slug it out, stay out of trouble and out of the wind. As the field continued to shrink he continued to hang. On the penultimate lap he was top five through he 180 and as they shuffled through the chicane on the last climb to my surprise he tried to jump the field, brave perhaps Wise? well not sure. They came through strong but he faded and I was sure he had slid back off the podium. I was surprised to learn that all of the riders in the group except for him were 13-14's, he had won. Surprise!
In the 15-18 Specialized wanted to make sure everyone knew they intended to dominate. They had 8-9 riders toe the line and from the gun they were all over the front. Sure would've been nice if they were a little more aware as with five to go the Specialized "train" derailed itself with three riders touching wheels and hitting the deck in the chicane, Tap's and Robby were unlucky victims, right place, wrong time.
Zach and Torey escaped and off the back Alex Huettis slipped by continuing to churn along ever steady, as did April another victim of bad luck in the form of a rubbing front brake. In the end the 17-18 came down to numbers and we simply came up short. El Gigante you did us proud with your gutsy shot up the inside from waaaay out, but it wasn't meant to be. Ride of the day? Torey who was always where he needed to be and after some discussion with the officials over errant results slotted 11th overall, 3rd for the 15-16 group. Superb ride.
On to the Amgen...
Monday, January 26, 2009
More Early Bird Smackdown
In addition to the below post denoting Cody's efforts at Patterson this past Saturday, it appears Alex's big brother Andreas decided to dish out a bit of pain himself in the Elite 3's race. If he was intimidated in any way by the older riders in the 3's field he didn't show it as Andreas powered to second in the Elite three race, a tall order indeed.
While it is only January it appears the big shoes left by TK, AwfoSho and Staz will be amply filled by a new crop of fresh faces who have earned their time in the spotlight.
Well done.
While it is only January it appears the big shoes left by TK, AwfoSho and Staz will be amply filled by a new crop of fresh faces who have earned their time in the spotlight.
Well done.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Early Birds & a Tapinator sighting at Patterson...
Yes it's still only January but many of the boys (and girls) have been busy. Not content to sit back and wait for the warmer drier weather we've had riders new and old out on the road. At the Early Bird Criterium Series in Fremont April has been spotted getting in her licks with the Women and then jumping in with the Juniors field late in the day. I suspect we'll see her at the front at the ToC Crit next month.
Newcomer Alex Huettis got his "feet wet" last weekend in Fremont and was roughly introduced to the pavement with a lap to go, along with April, when a rider apparently overlapped and reacted hard taking folks to the ground. Undaunted young Mr. Huettis promptly went home and rebuilt his "taco'd" wheel on Monday (yes he can turn a wrench all you teammates out there) and was fired up for the next race. Gotta love it.
And yesterday at the Patterson Road Race, the Tapinator played it cool and patient with Alex Freund sitting in early, gutted out the climb, bombed the harrowing descent (rocks, gravel, cattle-guards anyone...) and then jumped away from the lead group in the last K to snag a well deserved second place in the Elite 4's thus earning himself some mighty nice upgrade points in the process. Hmmm, patient, Cody... this could be dangerous.
Yes it's early, but clearly there is success to be savored and I'm sure much success to come.
Now, who likes Cherry Pie?
Newcomer Alex Huettis got his "feet wet" last weekend in Fremont and was roughly introduced to the pavement with a lap to go, along with April, when a rider apparently overlapped and reacted hard taking folks to the ground. Undaunted young Mr. Huettis promptly went home and rebuilt his "taco'd" wheel on Monday (yes he can turn a wrench all you teammates out there) and was fired up for the next race. Gotta love it.
And yesterday at the Patterson Road Race, the Tapinator played it cool and patient with Alex Freund sitting in early, gutted out the climb, bombed the harrowing descent (rocks, gravel, cattle-guards anyone...) and then jumped away from the lead group in the last K to snag a well deserved second place in the Elite 4's thus earning himself some mighty nice upgrade points in the process. Hmmm, patient, Cody... this could be dangerous.
Yes it's early, but clearly there is success to be savored and I'm sure much success to come.
Now, who likes Cherry Pie?
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Livestrong Indeed
Wanted to make a quick post to the blog with a reference to the Velonews website. Thought you all might find a familiar face among those in the photos that accompany the following story. http://www.velonews.com/article/86531/the-trek-livestrong-u23-team-tunes-up-in-austin
For those new to the team that poised young guy second from the right in the front row was wearing the same kit you'll be in at this time last year. For those who were his mates last year each of you should feel a certain amount of pride in having contributed to his success.
Hat's off to Taylor and best of luck to him as he starts a whole new adventure. I can only imagine how proud his family must be right now, not to mention a certain juniors team director who recently stepped down after much success.
Carpe Diem...
For those new to the team that poised young guy second from the right in the front row was wearing the same kit you'll be in at this time last year. For those who were his mates last year each of you should feel a certain amount of pride in having contributed to his success.
Hat's off to Taylor and best of luck to him as he starts a whole new adventure. I can only imagine how proud his family must be right now, not to mention a certain juniors team director who recently stepped down after much success.
Carpe Diem...
Monday, January 12, 2009
Davis Amgen Toc Crit- Reg Open
All, a friendly reminder that the Davis Bike Club sponsored JUNIORS ONLY criterium that will follow the roll-out of the Amgen ToC Stage 1 start in Davis is now open for registration. This should be a very cool event indeed, so please get out to the web and register as soon as you can. It is not often that you will get the chance to be "the show" after the big guns roll out so get out their training, get fired up and plan to "get it on" come Sunday February 15th!
Reg is via sportsbaseonline, easy way to get there is via the NCNCA website road link for the event at www.ncnca.org/road .
Everyone should have a fresh new kit by then for the podium!
Reg is via sportsbaseonline, easy way to get there is via the NCNCA website road link for the event at www.ncnca.org/road .
Everyone should have a fresh new kit by then for the podium!
Friday, January 2, 2009
Greetings and Happy New Years one and all. I have been tracking the e-mail and keeping in touch with Mike and it sounds like many of you are already out on the road and well into getting that early season fitness. I have been hunkered down with school-work and holiday commitments but much of that is now behind me and I will start to work with Mike to get things in full-swing. A few quick reminders:
2009 License
Got it? Good. Need one? It's easy.
As a reminder if you have not done so you will need to renew your license (and or if you are new purchase one) before toeing the start line for 2009. It's simple and relatively painless to do this online and I would recommend this over the "day of race" approach which simply adds time and stress to the race day. Just go on-line to www.usacycling.org to get this done. Set up an account if needed and away you go. For juniors the annual license cost is only $15.00. Please remember to register as a rider for Davis Bike Club.
Also, print a copy of the receipt to show you indeed have a paid 2009 license until the real deal shows up via snail-mail.
Need help? Let me know and I can walk you through it.
Sponsors & Clothing
Sponsorship is wrapping up. Info will be forthcoming about the good folks who will support your hard work in 2009. Please remember these businesses and individuals give purely for the love of sport in support of all your hard work. Represent them accordingly on and off the bike.
As to clothing this is in the queue and will deliver the first week of February. Oh and did I mention I believe we are a "GO" for the all-white "check me out" bibs option. This should be a limited item for teams so you will indeed get noticed...
Race Results
Finally I wanted to post race results for those hearty early season warriors that braved the San Bruno Hillclimb on January 1. We snagged our first win, two top three placings and a fine showing by everyone, way to go guys. The honors to the "hard-men" are as follows:
Place: Name: Time:
1 Andreas Freund 16:47.79
3 Cody Tapley 17:09.18
10 Alexander Freund 20:02.80
13 AJ Snovel 20:33.58
See you soon on the road.
Shawn
2009 License
Got it? Good. Need one? It's easy.
As a reminder if you have not done so you will need to renew your license (and or if you are new purchase one) before toeing the start line for 2009. It's simple and relatively painless to do this online and I would recommend this over the "day of race" approach which simply adds time and stress to the race day. Just go on-line to www.usacycling.org to get this done. Set up an account if needed and away you go. For juniors the annual license cost is only $15.00. Please remember to register as a rider for Davis Bike Club.
Also, print a copy of the receipt to show you indeed have a paid 2009 license until the real deal shows up via snail-mail.
Need help? Let me know and I can walk you through it.
Sponsors & Clothing
Sponsorship is wrapping up. Info will be forthcoming about the good folks who will support your hard work in 2009. Please remember these businesses and individuals give purely for the love of sport in support of all your hard work. Represent them accordingly on and off the bike.
As to clothing this is in the queue and will deliver the first week of February. Oh and did I mention I believe we are a "GO" for the all-white "check me out" bibs option. This should be a limited item for teams so you will indeed get noticed...
Race Results
Finally I wanted to post race results for those hearty early season warriors that braved the San Bruno Hillclimb on January 1. We snagged our first win, two top three placings and a fine showing by everyone, way to go guys. The honors to the "hard-men" are as follows:
Place: Name: Time:
1 Andreas Freund 16:47.79
3 Cody Tapley 17:09.18
10 Alexander Freund 20:02.80
13 AJ Snovel 20:33.58
See you soon on the road.
Shawn
Monday, December 8, 2008
Team:
We will be kicking off our 2009 team rides this weekend on Sunday, December 14th. Returning team member Robby Hartman has offered to "host" the ride. This will allow us a place to convene pre and post ride and also is an intermediate point for those in the foothills and Sacramento.
The ride will be on the American River Bike Trail from Rancho Cordova up towards Beales Point in Folsom and is an out and back loop. Given the fog and weather this is a good option for this time of year. Distance will be 40 miles or so with an option for up to 60 for those that wish to extend. Team Coach Mike Pugh will be leading the ride and other adults are welcome.
The ride will roll out around 9:30 from Robby's House in Rancho Cordova. Pertinent address information is as follows. It would be great to get as many riders out as possible to start to build some miles and team chemistry for success in 2009.
Hartman's
2224 El Canto Circle
Rancho Cordova, CA 95670
Hope you all can join in.
We will be kicking off our 2009 team rides this weekend on Sunday, December 14th. Returning team member Robby Hartman has offered to "host" the ride. This will allow us a place to convene pre and post ride and also is an intermediate point for those in the foothills and Sacramento.
The ride will be on the American River Bike Trail from Rancho Cordova up towards Beales Point in Folsom and is an out and back loop. Given the fog and weather this is a good option for this time of year. Distance will be 40 miles or so with an option for up to 60 for those that wish to extend. Team Coach Mike Pugh will be leading the ride and other adults are welcome.
The ride will roll out around 9:30 from Robby's House in Rancho Cordova. Pertinent address information is as follows. It would be great to get as many riders out as possible to start to build some miles and team chemistry for success in 2009.
Hartman's
2224 El Canto Circle
Rancho Cordova, CA 95670
Hope you all can join in.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Wanted to send a follow up to my November 1st post regarding the 2009 kick-off meeting. We will be holding this meeting at the Hallmark Inn in downtown Davis (2nd street between F & G) this coming Sunday 11/16/08. The meeting will convene at 5:30 in the Breakfast Room just off the first floor lobby.
Please come prepared to complete paperwork (i.e. bring a pen), order clothing and discuss your 2009 goals (short and long-term) as this will help Mike Pugh and I to start to assess how best to help you reach them.
Finally as a reminder if you know of someone who is not on the blog or the listserv but is interested in joining for 2009 please pass this information along accordingly.
See you all Sunday night.
Shawn
Please come prepared to complete paperwork (i.e. bring a pen), order clothing and discuss your 2009 goals (short and long-term) as this will help Mike Pugh and I to start to assess how best to help you reach them.
Finally as a reminder if you know of someone who is not on the blog or the listserv but is interested in joining for 2009 please pass this information along accordingly.
See you all Sunday night.
Shawn
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