Bethel Love

Bethel Love

We had another good showing at this past weekend's races at Bethel. Aki Soto, the race promoter, posts results and race reports and pics here:

http://bethelspringseries.com/

We got this report from Carlos Fonseca, Cat 4's:

First race of the year. Sunny but cold. About 32 degrees at the start of Cat 4 race. As usual in Bethel, wind on the back corners. The goal was to shake off the cobwebs riding in the pack. No matter how much you ride including riding in a group, nothing prepares you for the aggression and the inexperience of many riders you'll find in these races. Even in Cat 4. Few close calls but all in all a great ride. Tested out the legs about half-way through. At the bottom of the hill I attacked and bridged to the small handful of riders about 15-20 secs ahead. It was the yellow jersey team. Except the yellow jersey was back in the pack. Needless to say, no one was interested in continuing and I certainly couldn't continue for that long by myself. It was nice to hear someone shout go Bikeway at about every lap. And as always, my wife Chris, and kids, Amanda and Jake, there to support me. Ended the race upright and in the middle of the pack.

A link to his Garmin data is here:

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/74187399

And this from Sam Train, Cat 5's, about his first road race:

I woke up today nervous, yet very hopeful that I'd do well in my first cycling road race today. The temp didn't look too promising at 26 deg at my house. But, I'd trained in colder weather. I went through my usual pre-race morning routine, packed up the car, and headed to Bethel. Many thoughts raced through my head as I drove the 50 minutes. I finally arrived, and went and registered. I did the usual warm up and stretch, keeping a close eye on the time for the start. I hopped on my bike and headed to the starting line. I had seen Nick Siska earlier, and saw him again at the starting line. I tried to get as close to the front as I could (remembering what Audrey posted in the blog to be confident and at the front of the start!). My nerves were really in high gear. The starter went through the rules quickly, then readied everyone for the whistle blow and start. I got myself into what I thought was a "go fast" position (although it probably looked more goofy than anything). The whistle blew and off we went and me making my own small personal history as my first race. I got off to a good start, got clipped in, and headed to the first turn where everyone kind of squeezed together. Then off we went, with me towards the front of the pack. Down the hill and to the back straight-away where we were all smacked in the face with a nice headwind. Everyone was scrambling to draft including me. I thought this isn't too too bad...not as fast as I thought it would be. The laps wound down. I kind of found my niche in the inside right where it seemed to be a bit of a no-man's-land and I could pass people. In that first turn after the starting line, I always got hung up slowing down because someone would cut me off or slow down too much. Of course I'd hit the brakes too hard and slow down too much, but quickly make it up. Somewhere around lap 8 or 9, I decided what the hell and raced out towards the front. I figured I'd be everyone's nice big drafting man. I managed to lead a lap, but quickly got eaten up by the peloton. One guy went out and led the race for a good 6 or 7 laps before he was eaten up by the peloton. Finally I was climbing the hill for the final push and the bell lap. As we rounded the 1st turn, I really started ramping up my pedaling, ensuring I was at the front of the pack. I noticed several people going down in my peripheral vision, thinking no worries, you're well ahead of it you've got it made here on the far inside and to the front. Famous last words. A guy behind me to my left decided he wanted to see if he could ride on the grass, in the process bumping me hard enough to knock me over. Down I went, sliding a good 10 feet before I finally came to a stop. I got up knowing I was ok but thinking oh crap I hope he didn't wreck my bike!!! I helped the guy up who crashed into me and walked over to a couple of guys who were still down in the road. One guy was injured badly with a hurt shoulder a hip. Sadly, he had to make a trip to the hospital. Hopefully he isn't injured too badly. I stayed with a couple of other guys until race officials arrived, and I picked my bike up determined to at least finish. I came up the hill, my pride and ego injured knowing I think I could have done well..but I learned quite a bit about racing. I can see why people hurry up and move to Cat 4...Cat 5 races scare the heck out of me! I'm thankful for everything I learned riding the group rides at Bikeway. Next week - Johnny Cakes. I may even have to do another Bethel race or 2....I think I'm thoroughly hooked!