tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8913158636464922652024-03-05T11:45:00.515-05:00My attempt to conquer the real world!Zachary Mainohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07467224391012725472noreply@blogger.comBlogger233125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-891315863646492265.post-38392623879766899662011-05-04T13:17:00.007-04:002011-05-04T13:49:01.139-04:00Cone- AzaliaOUCH! That is the only word that adequately describes this race. It is a 10 mile loop, 4 miles of which are over dirt/gravel roads. This race is usually brutal, but this year was worse than previous editions as the Michigan winter was unkind to the usually semi-smooth dirt country roads and it had rained all night and into the morning. Platt Road, the longest straight section of the race and is not paved, was infested with potholes this year. There was no clear line through it and the holes were all 4-5 inches deep. Two things were sure going into this race: 1) Don't be in the middle of the peloton and 2) Equipment was going to break.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8KX-GfTb5U7I3m1K27bXFZDTDALZHUCeNg27wlV7JdamotcCh-med-MILMnFzAMdHBqyzPi2kbrU5aIRIXCoJsNybXW30T7FkksWDwVtfuqfhwP_qTOe6dOOE4g3XhdsUROHpDSYh4sw/s1600/IMG00062-20110430-1821.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8KX-GfTb5U7I3m1K27bXFZDTDALZHUCeNg27wlV7JdamotcCh-med-MILMnFzAMdHBqyzPi2kbrU5aIRIXCoJsNybXW30T7FkksWDwVtfuqfhwP_qTOe6dOOE4g3XhdsUROHpDSYh4sw/s320/IMG00062-20110430-1821.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602912388959144578" /></a><br /><br />The Pro/1/2 race started with about 28 guys, half of which were from Bissel of Panther. Riders such as Kirk Albers and Paul Martin showed up to throw down, so it was not going to be an easy day in the saddle (as if Cone ever is...). As we headed into the pothole section on the first lap, I sat up with Alex Vanias and let the peloton get a little gap. Once they hit the bad section and everyone freaked out and started diving everywhere, Alex and I jumped to the soft right shoulder and moved around to the front. It was when I was at the front that I realized how strong the wind was that morning, we were driving directly into a 20+ mph headwind, so I moved back a few spots but stayed near the front to not get caught out in crashes.<br /><br />After clearing Platt Rd there were only about 18 guys left in the group, all of us were covered in mud and dirt from the wet water filled holes. Most of out shifting and bearings weren't working smooth either. The dust and mud had gotten into the cogs, pins and rollers and everyones bike was squeaking. Luckily the next dirt section (short tailwind, then turn left into the crosswind) was much smoother. As we made the turn two guys went down on the inside, from what I understand one of them broke their ankle and still rode another 40 miles on it. The crosswind made this section brutal as you couldn't hide because the wind came from the left and the good line was along the right shoulder. I made it through with little trouble though and we turned into the tailwind for a couple of miles which allowed my legs to rest.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKbUvjFKdzGklYYnTKjEh6sSgJEAuHH44g1D_afrs-s48cwP2Rtk-xLnQhk6cj7vSBrcjGqE3T7tMzth9XDj3zV5u92LQYvptCLR5eEzshRdLcvYXwEn1SbZlfb8ujoCCXRSATHAQXBDo/s1600/IMG00066-20110501-1327.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKbUvjFKdzGklYYnTKjEh6sSgJEAuHH44g1D_afrs-s48cwP2Rtk-xLnQhk6cj7vSBrcjGqE3T7tMzth9XDj3zV5u92LQYvptCLR5eEzshRdLcvYXwEn1SbZlfb8ujoCCXRSATHAQXBDo/s320/IMG00066-20110501-1327.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602918272089348354" /></a><br />(My dirty legs after the race)<br /><br />So I made it through 1 lap safely. 6 more to go. The next lap followed more or less the same pattern. We DRILLED it on the dirt sections and rested in the tailwind, at some point a Panther and Bissel rider got off the front. The other riders in the group wanted to chase, but we knew as soon as we pulled it back the two heavy hitting teams would launch more riders. So we were content to sit in and not work too much.<br /><br />On the third lap I made a positioning mistake. I got through Platt without too much trouble, other than thinking I broke my steering tube when I got pushed into a series of potholes. But the second dirt section I was on the back and took a bad line through the corner. Well this was about the time the Bissel guy in the break flatted and the peloton passed him. So all the Bissel guys went to the front and drilled the pace in the crosswind. I had gapped myself and was now holding 550 watts (I weigh 146lbs) pulling myself back to the field. I made contact right as we turned into the tailwind and Bissel went even harder. I never got a chance to recover and lost ground on that section of road. I was time trialing myself to get back to the peloton, but even while I was holding 32 mph the group was pulling away. 1 hour of racing had passed, I had completed about 26 miles with the peloton and my race was already over. I checked my average power output for the first hour and I had been riding at 90% of my FTP for that first hour.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuDEW2aaWb5U32eLNNmDcTZsYThAJB-JXKQgWjHIlOckNA1oV_0zCtUvY51Uosw7ublcFGMpPfegZLu6aLHDWu_Gdv1km8PiH27DNM_Hp83LHJ7qRyTzyDBU7nkpHspBf8xr8j6Ms80eQ/s1600/IMG00069-20110501-1804.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuDEW2aaWb5U32eLNNmDcTZsYThAJB-JXKQgWjHIlOckNA1oV_0zCtUvY51Uosw7ublcFGMpPfegZLu6aLHDWu_Gdv1km8PiH27DNM_Hp83LHJ7qRyTzyDBU7nkpHspBf8xr8j6Ms80eQ/s320/IMG00069-20110501-1804.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602918586910961762" /></a><br />(My drivetrain after the race)<br /><br />Well my day wasn't over. I decided to keep riding and see if I could finish the race. But after another hour of riding it was clear my legs were going to lock up and shut down before that could happen, so I decided to try and beat the Cat 3s to the end of their race. That meant I had to complete 5 laps total (51 miles), 24 miles of which I was riding solo.<br /><br />Well I achieved my goal. I finished the 5 laps in a time of 2 hours 20 minutes. The Cat 3 peloton of 7 or so guys came in at 2 hours 21 minutes. I checked my average power for the 51 miles, I had ridden the entire time at 82% of my FTP. So I actually had pretty good legs, but the 1/2 field takes no prisoners. Paul Martin won, no surprise there.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuEibjGo_Ft-oxFuO-kSL1dPR3SoMy25ttV5LGvkOGxiLhc7Vv4dq607vAFyqG88pAjqrnKgDoVz-DBFDZrn3DUCZlwLEtGo20L6ytLsWHLBq7QEj9QLsZL-ChFkE7FIipaiQNTjMDHN4/s1600/IMG00072-20110501-1845.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuEibjGo_Ft-oxFuO-kSL1dPR3SoMy25ttV5LGvkOGxiLhc7Vv4dq607vAFyqG88pAjqrnKgDoVz-DBFDZrn3DUCZlwLEtGo20L6ytLsWHLBq7QEj9QLsZL-ChFkE7FIipaiQNTjMDHN4/s320/IMG00072-20110501-1845.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602918795187113154" /></a><br />(My drivetrain after it was washed)<br /><br />After the race I cleaned off my dirt covered body and drove to Jackson to enjoy the hottub at my parents house, wash my disgusting bike and take it apart to make sure I didn't break anything. Fortunately my bike held up, but I know a few guys that broke wheels, frames and seats on these rough rough roads.Zachary Mainohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07467224391012725472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-891315863646492265.post-81427610763189292162011-05-02T21:01:00.005-04:002011-05-02T21:28:00.612-04:00Willow Time Trial<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipixWHH19F3_hY71pYC0-xMQytFgYuj1M9Vj6ujs3Iw1yBi4CU4CJBV7eGEr_k5r28QeSeNk1fZ2nv3xAZ6psUzDIiojsS0b-_p2eF4J7cmOdoV1TiziRpKYQVnRdk6TIo0Dl8U3ujuWo/s1600/WIllow+TT3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipixWHH19F3_hY71pYC0-xMQytFgYuj1M9Vj6ujs3Iw1yBi4CU4CJBV7eGEr_k5r28QeSeNk1fZ2nv3xAZ6psUzDIiojsS0b-_p2eF4J7cmOdoV1TiziRpKYQVnRdk6TIo0Dl8U3ujuWo/s320/WIllow+TT3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602291419962560786" /></a><br /><br />So Saturday morning was the first real race of the Michigan racing season: Willow Metropark Time Trial. There were 13 guys signed up in the Cat 1/2s and 14 in the Cat 3s. It is a 20k race consisting of 6 laps of the park usually coupled with steady, fairly strong winds.<br /><br />I got there early enough to talk with all the guys I haven't seen in a few months, help the Juniors prepare for their races, sign in, get my number on, use the bathroom, set up the team area and then warm up. Ventus Cycling had 6 guys racing: Me in the 1/2s and Bush, Benke, Bott, Holloway and Rainville in the 3s. We all warmed up under our team tent together, no one really talking because we all have our own pre race routines which usually consist of listening to music while we get the muscles primed.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVc3oQD3tYXI1LTJCXeF3nKoEkJP_jdd7RJIJctJQWduOwX_7FAwFiVaLhb2fAK93lLoZ-MNhaedpUbKzmfOq_4zqsxd_RzbqgKiCAId5NUjHwrpuTSaWrlJQr8JJ-9EK1xXhLMLuppUA/s1600/Willow+TT1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVc3oQD3tYXI1LTJCXeF3nKoEkJP_jdd7RJIJctJQWduOwX_7FAwFiVaLhb2fAK93lLoZ-MNhaedpUbKzmfOq_4zqsxd_RzbqgKiCAId5NUjHwrpuTSaWrlJQr8JJ-9EK1xXhLMLuppUA/s320/Willow+TT1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602295410538106546" /></a><br /><br />Before we knew it everyone was scrambling to get ready. All the Cat 3 riders went off within 5 minutes of each other so they all jumped off and rode to the line together. I had another 15 minutes so I got my skinsuit on, helmet and shoe covers on and rode around the parking lot for 10 minutes before headed to the line. An interesting tidbit: I raced with earplugs in under my TT helmet. It was in an article I read a while back and maybe Darrell told it to me, I don't really remember. But the theory goes that we judge out speed based on the wind speed we hear. But with earplugs in you cannot hear the wind so you cant judge your speed or exertion, so you can push yourself harder. It was a really cool experience and I think I am going to continue time trialing with them because its nice to hear nothing but your own breathing. No distractions.<br /><br />Anyway, I knew I was in for a depressing day on the bike because I hadn't been training at all over the winter and I am not the best time trialist. To add insult to injury, 4 of the best time trialists in the state started directly after me, Minnima, Vanias, Vermeulen and York. My plan was to determine my speed based on when I got passed by each rider. My goal was to go under 32 minutes.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAIXgVrQTFRchWPSDIA0BX0UmSi6NoXHiIrmOBxtJ7SxbXS10bvcbNWkh-JP0l8y8fYXttbE5aA1iZ4TXW2IDCRnTi3497rSYNnAmujrs_2eVgAI79OfCjqQNVWM1sCSh4X3o8B6t3UpY/s1600/Willow+TT2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 202px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAIXgVrQTFRchWPSDIA0BX0UmSi6NoXHiIrmOBxtJ7SxbXS10bvcbNWkh-JP0l8y8fYXttbE5aA1iZ4TXW2IDCRnTi3497rSYNnAmujrs_2eVgAI79OfCjqQNVWM1sCSh4X3o8B6t3UpY/s320/Willow+TT2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602295415539437474" /></a><br /><br />31 minutes and 50 seconds later I crossed the line. Last person to finish the race. I had been passed by all 4 riders behind me almost exactly when I thought they would pass me. I ended up 12th, edging out Kroske who was not on his signature P3 having sold it last year. It was a better day for my teammates who ended up 2nd, 3rd, 5th, 6th and 13th in the Cat 3s. All in all it was a good day for the team. I wasn't too upset. Out of form and still able to hold 25mph for 32 minutes isn't too bad. My only goal after the race was to rest and recover. Cone-Azalia was the following morning.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSyouckC2TGjRQ6nFgiXBRLXyYtwMRCv8-ZyxNmvKu10qA0fM9jCrjt8AptfGIxSvmj9pylHE2d1yrqI9FVUrRJWrGIiN2ru3nGkA2lcZCgWZzU7JE_I5cLedh9KPNGtGTkQGnoIXJA5M/s1600/Willow+TT4.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSyouckC2TGjRQ6nFgiXBRLXyYtwMRCv8-ZyxNmvKu10qA0fM9jCrjt8AptfGIxSvmj9pylHE2d1yrqI9FVUrRJWrGIiN2ru3nGkA2lcZCgWZzU7JE_I5cLedh9KPNGtGTkQGnoIXJA5M/s320/Willow+TT4.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602295193305179330" /></a>Zachary Mainohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07467224391012725472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-891315863646492265.post-82907940054972015372011-03-30T19:08:00.003-04:002011-03-30T19:29:33.416-04:00New Season, New Team, Old Blog ReincarnatedHello to the 3 people that will read this,<br /><br />I know it has been about a year since I really updated this thing. Thats because it appeared that no one ever read it. But in the past year I have gotten closer with my family, aunts uncles cousins brothers etc. and most of them are interested in my racing. So I am going to try to revitalize this blog for them.<br /><br />So what has been up? As you probably notices by the massive picture of me at the top of this page (photo credit goes to Erika Fulk) I have changed my blog, I changed my blog because as most of you know I changed teams. have spent 3 years racing for South Lyon/MCG and most of the people I was friends with on the team moved away or stayed as Cat 3. That meant that York and I were alone in the 1/2 races. There wasn't much left for me at MCG and I wanted a new challenge, so I teamed up with my good friend Mark Bush and we started the Ventus Cycling Team. This is a team designed to promote Michigan racing, bring in new riders and help them move up to Cat 1 or Cat 2.<br /><br />I am very happy with my decision to change, I will miss racing and hanging out with the MCG boys, but in this sport even when we're on opposite teams most of us are still friends. We currently have 10 Cat 2/3 riders and are in the process of creating a development team so we always have young talent. If you're interested in riding for us, contact us at info@ventuscycling.com.<br /><br />So what have I been doing all winter? Not riding. I know I should be, but I had no motivation at the end of last season and it carried through the winter months. I am back to training now and should be competitive by June. I did race the first AAVC STS race this past weekend. I managed to finish with the peloton, though we were lapped by a 6 man breakaway. I honestly did not think I would finish because I had not been training, but I still know how to suffer. So I just put my head down and rode. Averaged 230W for 48 minutes, finished at the back of the group because I had no legs to sprint. All in all I was actually quite happy with myself.<br /><br />Also on deck for this season, I have a new GoPro Helmet Camera. I will be wearing it in the majority of my races depending on road conditions (so NOT Grand Rapids or Maillot Jaune) and I will post clips or short 2-4 minute video from the races here. Check back soon to see video from the AAVC race and our team photo shoot.<br /><br />Thanks for reading, I will do my best to keep this thing updated. Here is to a fun filled summer and successful cycling season!Zachary Mainohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07467224391012725472noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-891315863646492265.post-27736383062746776212010-11-09T22:14:00.002-05:002010-11-09T22:17:47.269-05:00Jumping ShipBy now, both of the people that will still read this blog know I am no longer racing for MCG next season. I have taken on the task (along with Mark Bush) of starting our own team. The team will be called Ventus Cycling.<br /><br />I will be posting my race reports right here for the 2011 season as well as video from the POV camera I am working on purchasing. It will be mounted under my stem for some races, and that footage will be available here.<br /><br />I will also be managing the official team blog which is ventuscycling.blogspot.comZachary Mainohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07467224391012725472noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-891315863646492265.post-41889563588695105062010-09-10T09:26:00.001-04:002010-09-10T09:27:33.116-04:00GoodbyeSay oravoir to this blog. I havent used it in a year so I am deleting it. I will create a new one for next season.Zachary Mainohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07467224391012725472noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-891315863646492265.post-67633577963770086702010-04-05T10:24:00.003-04:002010-04-05T10:27:12.003-04:00Selling the GiantHey everyone, going to invest in a new very nice racing frame for this season. Not telling anyone what I am getting yet. It will be a surprise so stay tuned Thursday or Friday for pictures.<br /><br />In the mean time, I am selling my Giant TCR because I dont ever use it and I need money for the new frame. So if you are interested it is listed <a href="http://annarbor.craigslist.org/bik/1676963969.html">here</a>.<br /><br /><br />ThanksZachary Mainohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07467224391012725472noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-891315863646492265.post-11478085527813922532010-03-30T21:32:00.003-04:002010-03-30T22:04:13.018-04:00For the Record......no one ever comments on these so I have no idea if anyone reads it. Anyways here we go, up and running. Going to try and keep this updated for the rest of the season (we will see how long that lasts).<br /><br />So this was quite a busy past week for me. Had two exams, trying to get the Met Cart in the Ex. Phys. lab working properly so Jason can do his thesis, and the Undergraduate Symposium. The Symposium is where all the bright undergrads present mostly their own research. I had to give a speech on Acceleration Economy Differences in Trained and Untrained Runners. It was fun for me but boring for the audience, oh well. After the Symposium I had to go to work. The following morning marked the true start of cycling season.<br /><br />So yeah last week I did the Fisk Knob TT. But come on, its a TT. Its a great race wish good competition and a great way to see where your fitness it, but its still not a road race.<br /><br />Saturday morning was the first race of the FRCC Spring Training Series. Field sizes were surprisingly large considering Barry-Roubaix was the same day on the other side of the state. We had 53 riders in the A group. There was a strong wind out of the east which meant on this course when you go down the hill you are in a strong headwind. So any gap forming on the way up was much bigger by the bottom. The race started off fairly easy. Several people attacked, there were surges but it was all still manageable. At about 35-40 minutes in there was a big split while the pace was high. 15-20 of us were caught out in the second group including my team leader and only other teammate in the race, Adam York.<br /><br />My goal was to get Adam up to the main group to contend. So for a half lap, I pulled the entire second group up to the main group, I was pushing just around 600 watts to accomplish it. Needless to say, I was exhausted and when the back of the group came around I couldn't jump on. I sat out a lab and jumped back into the rear of the group for a while until there was another split with 25 minutes to go. Again I went to the front as Adam was in our group again. Jamie Smith had been caught out in this split too and was up there with my trying to get a paceline going. Surprisingly some A riders have no idea how to work a paceline. I got frustrated so I did one last insane effort and then dropped out. I needed to rest up for Sunday.<br /><br />Julie was at the race with me and her and I watched as the A group sprinted for the line. Taking the win by about a bike length was none other than little Tony Wieczorek. A 17 year old schooled some of the best 1/2 riders in the state and won. Congrats. It was then time to recover and prepare for AAVC.<br /><br />Sunday marked the first of four AAVC spring training series races. The weather wasn't windy but the rain decided to make a guest appearance. Temperature was about 37 degrees and by the time we got to race, the road had puddles and the rain was harder than ever. 45 minutes of crit racing with about 20 guys. I was a little tired from Waterford, but I was still happy with how I rode. I was constantly mixing it up at the front with the other guys, I tried to get into 3-4 breakaways but none succeeded. I even out sprinted Alan Antonuk for a prime.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH3gbpAPM_HzCRJdE5LB6caLMewLoWd24jKChkegGj0NZwE4m3t792OfacInDRDf_qe9YnsGFLqLTlD5UQxJm9gTgZdl8ZK48k6-3p1_wy41sArosKywbCS0-yetpq2zDBBKIaHl9EnqY/s1600/3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH3gbpAPM_HzCRJdE5LB6caLMewLoWd24jKChkegGj0NZwE4m3t792OfacInDRDf_qe9YnsGFLqLTlD5UQxJm9gTgZdl8ZK48k6-3p1_wy41sArosKywbCS0-yetpq2zDBBKIaHl9EnqY/s320/3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454612785141551730" /></a><br /><br />2 riders eventually made it into a successful break that stayed away for quite a while. As I had no teammates my job was pretty easy. I would go to the front, ride hard then go back and recover. Once I recover I went back to the front and rode hard etc. etc. etc. I had no idea how much time was left in the race as the lap cards were not being updated and I could see the break coming close. So I went to the front and did one last hard effort knowing I was going to get dropped. It was so cold and wet that if i tried to stand up my quads would cramp and I knew there would be a surge on the hill. So after my hard effort I pulled out and hear "3 laps to go!". Just my luck.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8QFd3QiqcQrnt_RhCT4-PeLHpfUHREt8KESHbpOGGbcsC6XmaQzcMZk2uwd82h7gpG2Syz8HBSyktVXErPHxohvn0HsA8Of0wC-vDbGPOTkB9R-i-qU_p5nHTPaLyfioKtYUcobQk75w/s1600/5.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8QFd3QiqcQrnt_RhCT4-PeLHpfUHREt8KESHbpOGGbcsC6XmaQzcMZk2uwd82h7gpG2Syz8HBSyktVXErPHxohvn0HsA8Of0wC-vDbGPOTkB9R-i-qU_p5nHTPaLyfioKtYUcobQk75w/s320/5.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454612787113001650" /></a><br /><br />Alexey had a 2 lap flyer that got caught in the last lap where Antonuk took the sprint for the win. I wasted no time changing into dry warm clothes. We were all soaked to the bone by the end and most of us couldn't feel our fingers. Great day of racing though. I may not have finished either race this weekend, but I am not unhappy with my results. I am stronger than I was last year at this time by far. As I keep telling myself. This is my first season as a 1/2 it will be a learning experience.<br /><br />Next week I am racing Saturday as we dont have racing Sunday due to Easter.<br />Pictures courtesy of Blake Beddow's facebook.Zachary Mainohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07467224391012725472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-891315863646492265.post-69122042133962853592010-03-24T14:37:00.002-04:002010-03-24T14:42:19.110-04:00I know I know I knowI am doing horribly bad with my blog this year. It will turn around here probably next week. I have just been slammed with school and I have a big presentation coming up on Friday that I literally JUST finished (still needs to be reviewed though).<br /><br />I did however do Fisk Knob this past weekend. 17.4 mile Time Trial out in the middle of nowhere. I managed to ride 65 seconds faster than I have ever done the race for a total time of 43:59. That is an average of 23.8 mph for 44 minutes. As I haven't been training much and have not done any TT work, I was quite happy with my time. It was good enough for 4th in the 20-25 age group and 14th out of like 190 racers.<br /><br />It was a good test, but there will be a better one this weekend. I am doing both the FRCC and STS training races this weekend. Hope to see you guys out there!<br /><br />Back to schoolwork now...Zachary Mainohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07467224391012725472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-891315863646492265.post-71222351710254092522010-02-28T00:10:00.002-05:002010-02-28T00:18:59.165-05:00Spring Break 2010 BeginsMade it down to Panama City Beach in Florida today. Took us 2 days of traveling to get here. Stayed with my cousin Scott in Tennessee last night, woke up and drove to his college to have breakfast. All I have to say is that if I had $300,000 to spare, I would definitely go to Sawanee University of the South.<br /><br />Once we got to the very nice hotel, we unloaded the car (yes I brought my bike) and checked out the pool deck. We immediately changed into our swimsuits and jumped into the warm pool. We hung out there for an hour until we got hungry. We then showered changed and headed out to scout the area. We went to Wal-Mart to get food (we have a kitchen), ate at Sonic, then dropped by the liquor store and headed back to the hotel.<br /><br />Now I am sitting here typing this after we unloaded everything and cleaned up the kitchen. I am headed to bed so I can get out on the bike early and scout out the area for semi-decent training routes. Picture and more story later.Zachary Mainohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07467224391012725472noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-891315863646492265.post-62233393019246465772010-02-05T12:32:00.006-05:002010-02-05T13:06:58.637-05:00I know I fail at this<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_clYAbHelNJRDotO-wOVhzOwulzMEEsIwHFzb_e4GhhKatbfvmBY-WPSw17qkc0Gi1c4Evw7Ga-60zkUKmOUCnjPqUZN2pZDCDzCE5qDFfTG5RuqIBwgTbGFxCPqd2vTXY-pxr_NHRRQ/s1600-h/Skiing+Whistler+228.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_clYAbHelNJRDotO-wOVhzOwulzMEEsIwHFzb_e4GhhKatbfvmBY-WPSw17qkc0Gi1c4Evw7Ga-60zkUKmOUCnjPqUZN2pZDCDzCE5qDFfTG5RuqIBwgTbGFxCPqd2vTXY-pxr_NHRRQ/s320/Skiing+Whistler+228.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434821574375644034" /></a><br /><br />But hey look, I'm posting now. I'm sorry to my 3 readers that I have not updated this in a long time. It is the off season, I am in my junior year of college and I don't have all that much to write about, but if I did, I wouldn't have the time do to school. However, today is one of my very few free days, so here it goes.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglsvPFZZ1KE3pAPq2wA6QmO938mgSF9JfNUDKwJ3OZPSt3vEfivDhcYRT2V-3pHhB-AZYsg7EE580Wmw5BlYl1NMrHB3u7JV5chrqNQ175Sd2JgUsGRhiTiunjxTd_Fwr_FvrAjEFOfc8/s1600-h/Skiing+Whistler+138.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglsvPFZZ1KE3pAPq2wA6QmO938mgSF9JfNUDKwJ3OZPSt3vEfivDhcYRT2V-3pHhB-AZYsg7EE580Wmw5BlYl1NMrHB3u7JV5chrqNQ175Sd2JgUsGRhiTiunjxTd_Fwr_FvrAjEFOfc8/s320/Skiing+Whistler+138.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434820447366461778" /></a><br /><br />So I was over in Kalamazoo on January 9th with my brother Pat and my parents, skiing. Pat starts talking about a trip Eric is trying to put together for the following weekend. I call up Eric and invite myself, he was going to invite me anyway, just hadn't gotten a chance to call me. So that evening I booked my flight and the following week on Thursday January 14th, I flew out to Seattle.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRZ3xQwcLzO_TL1zRwm0RzYfMT2zik8vvSxKU6rFIbT8F5impGZWyJUNR2nM_GVNwAuM6Bjgw-Bz7FQKKWS26hst9LFjxrwSu6x5uTdCpz1Uy0AViHNaEp99swn1ufbdYhAlXrimYifSU/s1600-h/Skiing+Whistler+161.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRZ3xQwcLzO_TL1zRwm0RzYfMT2zik8vvSxKU6rFIbT8F5impGZWyJUNR2nM_GVNwAuM6Bjgw-Bz7FQKKWS26hst9LFjxrwSu6x5uTdCpz1Uy0AViHNaEp99swn1ufbdYhAlXrimYifSU/s320/Skiing+Whistler+161.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434820458816341202" /></a><br /><br />The point of the trip was to get all five of the Maino brothers together to go skiing out West. It was 80% successful. Greg couldn't make it out, so it was just Eric, Pat, John and me. My flight was 4 hours ahead of Pats, so Eric and John picked me up at the airport and we went to eat, then drop off my luggage at their townhouse. We then went back to the airport to pick up Pat and headed to a bar to meet up with a bunch of their friends (Pat used to live out in Seattle.)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNWWwEgtK5GODD6dopPlejIKJEO9l7cMSmwv37IzV-RMfMSmYJ2_JR2ZY9jQuG6KVE1x8M-keYPoGDs37di5anpFmh9T0lEov5Upo8SQwv2nlD17_1TCsrXGk3uk_6AxPGuxp2V8CRwFM/s1600-h/Skiing+Whistler+244.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNWWwEgtK5GODD6dopPlejIKJEO9l7cMSmwv37IzV-RMfMSmYJ2_JR2ZY9jQuG6KVE1x8M-keYPoGDs37di5anpFmh9T0lEov5Upo8SQwv2nlD17_1TCsrXGk3uk_6AxPGuxp2V8CRwFM/s320/Skiing+Whistler+244.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434821586342567554" /></a><br /><br />The following morning (John and Pat not feeling so hot) we loaded up the 2 cars early and hit the road. In the first car was Colleen (driving), John and me. In the second car was Eric, Pat and their friend Lassi. It was 2 hours to the boarder of Canada, and another 2 hours to Whistler. Yes, Whistler. Where the Olympics are being held in one week, one of the nicest skiing resorts in the world, Whistler. To make the trip even more fun (as expected when 2 or more Mainos are together) we raced to the boarder. Despite Colleen getting pulled over, we did cross into Canada before the others.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUEynRZMd19J2jNsA4wd2IZZ08PJWNL9Is2H5b4NGyzguutqA1T7Im6YQ_F52HRg7n5_nDX_3HhlJD-fGKC1CvAEmt4xKQz-hmBIbquvMLBAA2naaQwj-xQ5BExd2cf5XiTgKfW3CNitk/s1600-h/Skiing+Whistler+171.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUEynRZMd19J2jNsA4wd2IZZ08PJWNL9Is2H5b4NGyzguutqA1T7Im6YQ_F52HRg7n5_nDX_3HhlJD-fGKC1CvAEmt4xKQz-hmBIbquvMLBAA2naaQwj-xQ5BExd2cf5XiTgKfW3CNitk/s320/Skiing+Whistler+171.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434820465976178370" /></a><br /><br />Once we got to Whistler we found our condo and suited up to ski. We took the lift tickets that came with the room and headed to the mountain. Well luck would have it that those tickets weren't valid for that day. So instead of reissuing the tickets they told us that we couldn't ski. The sky was amazingly blue, the slopes were in perfect condition and do to poor customer service, we couldn't enjoy it.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglCH9LWI_-zWk57k0Tu3oIZPo-U9o2-KLbb7THHp-pwwiT9kY19BMYQNJCk1bXHkFLbYC0TOxuHt4XFM6fDTWgYgLkDLWOaAWbsckZ27cdxDJJX2DfPKs3_Rn9zkgwtvb_mwM7HJKXSJE/s1600-h/Skiing+Whistler+178.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglCH9LWI_-zWk57k0Tu3oIZPo-U9o2-KLbb7THHp-pwwiT9kY19BMYQNJCk1bXHkFLbYC0TOxuHt4XFM6fDTWgYgLkDLWOaAWbsckZ27cdxDJJX2DfPKs3_Rn9zkgwtvb_mwM7HJKXSJE/s320/Skiing+Whistler+178.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434820477351587698" /></a><br /><br />So we went hottubing. Then got dinner. Then watched some hockey and went to bed. We wanted to get up early and hit the slopes. And we did. We were on the mountain by 8:45am the following morning and it would be a rough day for me. I have never skied out west, so I have never skied powder. And let me tell you midwesterners who think skiing is skiing and snow is snow.....POWDER IS NOT THE SAME AS OUR CRAPPY MIDWEST SNOW. Its way more fun, but way harder to ski. So Saturday was a learning experience for me. I have never had sore legs from skiing....but then again, I've never skied out west.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp-ihPiNzn3ctyqM1RNNgLjo49svtE_wh5TdCIRe6nh8oyitdHDMTdExMawrEHs33Tv8sx9uJDeZuaNcPWGujJDyrQc8WyEStTSV0qjM5mQvVO8r9FdU97MTqIonFi9gn1FEAGJFKumpE/s1600-h/Skiing+Whistler+237.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp-ihPiNzn3ctyqM1RNNgLjo49svtE_wh5TdCIRe6nh8oyitdHDMTdExMawrEHs33Tv8sx9uJDeZuaNcPWGujJDyrQc8WyEStTSV0qjM5mQvVO8r9FdU97MTqIonFi9gn1FEAGJFKumpE/s320/Skiing+Whistler+237.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434821580041455634" /></a><br /><br />After a fun full day, we went back to the condo, took a nap, ate, sat it hottub, watched more hockey and went to sleep. Again we were up and on the hill early Sunday. I was more confident in myself that day, and we proceeded to go as high up the mountain as they would let us. After one run, they had the peak open. John went skiing through the trees on the first run and decided to see how his ski tasted. But he was fine and we took off for the peak. On the run down, my brothers thought I was going a little fast, my right tip caught and I went face first into the snow. Both skis came off along with both poles. My brothers came to see if I was fine. Landing in power is one of the coolest experiences ever. I was fine with the exception of two nice bruises. We spent the rest of the day skiing 7th Heaven, gliding over fresh powered through the glades. It was amazing.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh6FymsIqfH_1peLpHvGrbca_F-RdWibZEUjbaLYY7bqYRIAWbKzAVN2XMEoF7KDQK6Rxtnf903_98vrhrbfFeBjINZW6hx0qnt5Iqq3ZWfofxsnenrYcMipftwCjdqDEh_fC6v6KLJ9U/s1600-h/Skiing+Whistler+195.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh6FymsIqfH_1peLpHvGrbca_F-RdWibZEUjbaLYY7bqYRIAWbKzAVN2XMEoF7KDQK6Rxtnf903_98vrhrbfFeBjINZW6hx0qnt5Iqq3ZWfofxsnenrYcMipftwCjdqDEh_fC6v6KLJ9U/s320/Skiing+Whistler+195.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434820481711386866" /></a><br /><br />Well that was all the skiing we could get in for the weekend. The next morning we were up early driving back to the States. Pat and I were to fly out that evening because we didn't have school for MLK day. Unfortunately as I checked in for my flight, I had booked a flight leaving Tuesday. So I got an extra day in Seattle. I walked around the city, down to the market and back to the townhouse. Then flew home on the red eye. It was an EPIC trip.<br /><br />Stay tuned for my next major event. Spring Break in Panama City, FL. (Yes I am taking my bike) We leave for Florida in 23 days.Zachary Mainohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07467224391012725472noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-891315863646492265.post-61585963675910910202010-01-19T23:10:00.002-05:002010-01-19T23:23:34.649-05:00Coming Soon to the Internet Near YouMy BLOG! Now that Alexey has a new blog and Darrell reserected his blog. I guess I should reinstate mine.<br /><br />This past weekend, I flew out to Seattle (where I currently am) to meet up with my brothers. We drove up to Whistler B.C. to ski for 3 days. It was amazing. I fly back in 2.5 hours, get in at 6:10am and have class at 10am. SHould be fun.<br /><br />I will update my blog and give a full description of the trip sometime in the next two days, along with pictures. <br /><br />Stay Tuned.Zachary Mainohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07467224391012725472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-891315863646492265.post-53335035572878077152009-09-30T19:00:00.001-04:002009-09-30T23:02:01.111-04:00Other than racing...So other than racing I have been up to other stuff. This is my junior year in College and I am not even halfway done. Deciding to study Pre-Med as well as Exercise Science takes quite a bit of time. My hardest class this semester is Biomechanics. Explaining every movement and motion of the body in scientific terms is fun (sarcasm). I do like the class though and I like my professor. Its a lot of math and a LOT of brute memorization of all the muscles that act on every movement.<br /><br />That is my hardest class, but all my classes are pretty hard (except Intro to Sociology) because of all the reading and writing. I am taking a writing class, a sports psychology class and a nonverbal communication class. When I am not in class or studying I am riding or at work. And on the off chance I am free on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday (usually when I catch up on homework) I am with my girlfriend. I really don't spend much time around the computer, hence I don't update.<br /><br />And yes, I said girlfriend. I am dating a girl named Julie that I have literally known forever. We had a while where we didn't talk because I transferred schools, but we remade contact last summer and started dating this fall. She lives in Jackson, but attends Hope College in Holland, Michigan. Makes for a long drive to see her, but its worth it. She is going to try and come out the the Mad Anthony Cross race and I am trying to convince her to go to Kalkaska to watch Iceman with me and watch the new cross race they are putting on.<br /><br />In racing news as I posted, I am now a Cat 2. You have seen my results, I feel it is time. As Joe told me "What do you have to prove at the Cat 3 level? Getting a few wins over people you have already been beating?" Thanks Joe, that really was the kick I needed to put in for my upgrade.<br /><br />So now that I am a Cat 2 my goal is to train a LOT this winter. Im going to start running again and hitting the gym 3 days a week while riding 5-6 days a week. Ill use CX as good training through December and maybe try a few races at the A level.<br /><br />November will provide with a good week for training as I will be in Sedona, AZ for Thanksgiving. James, I will be there from Nov. 20-27, you guys should come up. And according to my brothers, the 5 Maino boys are all going skydiving while were there.<br /><br />And finally, I have a new apartment in Ypsilanti. Its a nice 1000 sqft. 2 bedroom apartment 1 block off main campus on the corner of HRD and Cornell St. If anyone is in the area and wants to ride this off season, give me a call.<br /><br />Well I hope you all feel filled in. That is everything important that has happened in the past few months.Zachary Mainohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07467224391012725472noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-891315863646492265.post-5471312373431815232009-09-28T18:02:00.002-04:002009-09-28T18:37:57.425-04:00Heeeey yooouuuu guuuyyysWell once again I must open with I AM STILL ALIVE. I am very sorry that I do not post very often anymore (partly because I am under the impression no one really reads this) but mostly because this semester is kicking my butt and we are only 3 weeks in. Anyways, here is a list of the races I have done since my last post and short race reports to go with them, but nothing like my usual 2 page race reports.<br /><br />State Championships - as you may have noticed I was 3rd at the State Crit Championship race. I wasn't a slouch while racing either. From the gun I got in a break with one of the hot pink grand rapids riders (as you can tell, I dont know names all that well) and we were out there for 3-4 laps. It felt like every 3rd lap or so there was a prime and I made sure that I was up at the front every time, not for the prime but in case a breakaway started. Crossing the line at the bell lap we were all together and I was sitting at the back of the group. I made some tight cornering and put in a good effort and found the wheel I was looking for....Scott Gifford. Scott looked back and I yelled "FULL GAS!" and he hit it. Right then a rider took a flyer on the inside and Scott did his job perfectly. He threw the hammer down into the headwind and closed on the guy he got me to the final corner like I wanted and when he pulled off he couldn't turn his legs anymore, I launched my move from the last corner, about 220m form the finish line. It was literally at the last second that I was edged out for the win. But it was an intense race and Team MCG rode fantastic keeping the group together and not letting riders go up the road. And a huge thank you to Scott for a wonderful lead out.<br /><br />Cherry-Roubaix - The crit was short and rainy. It was apparently a hard race as over half the field got dropped and lapped including all the Wolverine riders. My goal was to stay at the front, not crash and sprint at the end. A breakaway eventually formed with York in it so we let it go. This was after about 9 attempts to get a break started many of which I was in. Eventually by the end of the race, the break of 3 won and there was another break of 2 that somehow got away. I took the field sprint for 6th but there wasn't much of a fight as I had the best line through a very nasty and slippery corner. The road race was dry but windy. I felt like crap at the start and didn't think I was going to make it through the race, I was right. The feild split several times, each time MCG had me York and Bush at the front. But it always seemed to come back together. Eventually the winning break was formed of 4 riders that had about a minute on the peloton. Adam was trying to pull them back in but needed help and waved us forward. It was pretty cool to see all 7 MCG guys lined up hammering away trying to shatter the peloton. I was directly in front of Adam and when we made the last turn on the course (we still had 3 laps to go) I looked back and told Adam to hold on. I shattered what was left of the group and pulled York up to the break, then pulled out of the race after chasing the remnants of the peloton for a few miles. York won.<br /><br />Trohpee - This was a fun race. I was completely laid back and didn't want to try much as I was doing 4 races that weekend. I just stayed with the main group and near the front. Mark kept an eye on me in case I got in trouble or was out of position. Because this was the last chance Pat Robb had to gain points on Todd for the Challenge series, the two of them were attacking and counterattacking each other. Fine with me. Eventually we came to the final climb as a group, Bush tried to take a flyer 2k from the line, which was about 300m too early. As the peloton hit the climb, everyone got stupid and started running into each other. I got pushed to my left and then cut off. But because I had been saving my sprint and was peaking for that weekend, I had the energy to come around just about everyone. I missed 1st place (Cotes) by about half a bike length. Oh well, fun race.<br /><br />Erie Street - I am not going back. I will not publicly share my opinion on Canadian bike racing.<br /><br />Devos - 2 races down, 2 to go. This was the last Challenge race of the year and a lot of money on the line. From the gun I went on a solo break to open the legs. The peloton didn't really chase and I didn't try all that hard but it made for a good photo shoot. It was a pretty typical crit. Several breaks, nothing stuck. Lots of primes. I just stayed at the front and watched for any move that I thought would be worth the effort. That move never came and with 1 lap to go, Leadout did exactly what their name implies. I was way out of position at this point but lucky for me, tacked on the back of the Leadout leadout was Kevin Collins and on his wheel was Mr. Lekovish. I made a hard effort to get up there and was really hoping Joe would let me in. He told me afterwords that he didn't want to let anyone on that wheel, but he let me so I thanked him very much. It was a 3up sprint and I am not an amazing sprinter so I was 3rd. Not a bad way to end the Cat 3 season. <br /><br />I raced the 1/2/3 race and my legs cramped and I dropped out. But not after accidentally getting off the front.<br /><br />Now to the more recent. CYCLOCROSS<br />It is that time of the season where the road bikes get knobby tires and skinsuits are back in style. I missed the first weekend of racing due to taking a little time off. But the off season is now over and its back to racing. Yesterday was the Ithaca Grand Prix. I had not touched my cross bike since March until that morning. I donated blood earlier that week. I started running for the first time in 4 years so my legs were in pain. And I never had breakfast, I cant just wake up and eat.<br /><br />Needless to say, I went into that race with NO expectations. I hadn't done any type of dismounts or remounts and I hadn't ridden since Devos so it was going to be a fun race. The course was quite technical with a lot of turns, 2 run ups and a toboggan run that hurt the legs to ride up. The B race was 7 laps (45 min) and I started from the middle of the group of 25-30ish. In the first half lap there were 2 crashes that I managed to get around and going through the start finish with 6 laps to go, I was in the lead group of 5 way ahead of everyone else. There were 3 Wolverines and my roommate Jason (from Wisconsin) in the group. I started losing contact and the group split up on the 2nd lap. I was feeling pretty crappy on the 3rd lap and a Sandbag rider was about to pass me when he flatted. At this point I was at least 20-25 seconds ahead of the closest person. By the end of the 4th lap I was not feeling too hot and some guys were making ground on me, but on the 5th lap I got a second wind and pulled away again (still never making up any ground on the leading 4 guys). The final 2 laps were just survival and trying to maintain my 5th place. When I got to the amphitheater and went to dismount, my skinsuit got caught on the saddle, I managed to stay upright but not after slaming my bike into the barrier. I also fell approaching the low barriers on the 6th lap, foot didnt release from the pedal. <br /><br />I did manage to not get caught (very narrowly, like 5-8 seconds) and I did get 5th place. Not bad for the first intense ride I've had since Devos and having donated blood earlier this week.Zachary Mainohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07467224391012725472noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-891315863646492265.post-80184892069145664202009-09-23T22:51:00.001-04:002009-09-23T22:52:39.292-04:002010 SeasonI will be racing as a Category 2 cyclist for the MCG p/b Trails-Edge.com Racing Team next year.Zachary Mainohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07467224391012725472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-891315863646492265.post-61347135719466694262009-09-16T23:02:00.001-04:002009-09-16T23:03:50.784-04:00Coming this weekend!An update of the end of my season, next seasons plans and everything else I have been up to lately. Contrary to the last comment I received, I am back in school and WAY busier than I have been in the past 3 years. Nor have I had internet since I got back to school. But I will be posting sometime in the next few days about the last month of my life.Zachary Mainohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07467224391012725472noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-891315863646492265.post-90836221895229708132009-08-24T23:06:00.002-04:002009-08-24T23:08:12.567-04:00State Criterium Championships<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz0-snKCIHxwFZvjdgHEFQl7j_AlR12B6mET7Ew3k6LrgAXBkrMvD2N16Njv5dS6yDrk1pgVhKSoGDtzhDQN_Rz6fiiie0mTjwRnVL1c7gWAi0asM12fy5dRW1ujkDS7TplweAYXC855k/s1600-h/5528_1135017934980_1213268585_30475359_2780742_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz0-snKCIHxwFZvjdgHEFQl7j_AlR12B6mET7Ew3k6LrgAXBkrMvD2N16Njv5dS6yDrk1pgVhKSoGDtzhDQN_Rz6fiiie0mTjwRnVL1c7gWAi0asM12fy5dRW1ujkDS7TplweAYXC855k/s320/5528_1135017934980_1213268585_30475359_2780742_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373732688212164098" /></a><br /><br />3rd Place! Missed 1st by about 2 inches. Should have the race report tomorrow.Zachary Mainohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07467224391012725472noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-891315863646492265.post-34227458213089038532009-08-16T16:24:00.002-04:002009-08-16T16:43:40.435-04:00Still AliveWith work, riding, moving apartments, securing loans for the school year and making sure I am involved in research projects this fall, I have neglected my blog. Though it appears that only Doug and DMO read it. Anyways, since my last race (Superior) alot has happened. I went up to Isle Royale with my dad and brother Greg. We spent 4 days hiking, kyacking and camping. Ever kyacked in open water in northern Superior? 2 thing: 1) 4 ft waves make kyacking scary. 2) The farther north you go in Superior, the colder the water is. I could not stand in the water longer than 15-20 seconds. It was a lot of fun and my shoulders were really tired the following week from all the paddling.<br /><br />Just before going up north I raced Maillot Jaune. I broke my sunglasses before the start. I raced hard and stayed with the lead pack. Set tempo for several miles trying to let Adam rest. Then Alexey attacked and I used what was left in the tank to try and pull him back. Dropped out of the peloton, finished 2 minutes back with Scott. Alexey won and Adam was second. I still had no racing glasses.<br /><br />The next day was the State TT. I finished 8th I think. or 9th. Not sure. Top 10. Went over an hour which upset me but oh well. Our team did great 2nd and 3rd I think. We were taking off with the Team Classification in Michigan Challange and had 2 guys posed to take the lead from Pat Robb.<br /><br />Last weekend (not this past one) was Grand Rapids. Rain and brick streets do not mix well. 14 crashes in the Cat 3s. 2 riders managed to not crash or get caught behind a crash. I was one of them. I stayed in the top 5 and kept uping the pace to get rid of poor riders and not let the field bunch and cause more crashes. Alexey attacked again and I refused to chase when I made it to the front of the rotation. I would just match his pace. He ended up winning 4 primes and I got 2. On the last lap I was set up for the win, perfect position. The guy in front of me crashed. I got around him and made up a few spots. Then got pushed out on the 2nd to last corner and nearly ended up in the curb. Made it around the final corner 5th, but 3 guys had a 10m gap already. I was closing on them but the line was too close. I got 4th. Probably would have won. Won a 1/2 hour massage and a $100 gift basket plus $60 for 4th and Oakley had a drawing where I won a set of Radars (the antifreeze sprinter pair). I now have racing glasses (I just have to pick them up). Good weekend.<br /><br />This past weekend was Ada. As always the race was fast and hot. Our team went out in full force the get and keep Adam and Todd 1st and 2nd overall in the Michigan Challenge. We went out too hard. Scott had nothing, Josh had nothing. Todd worked the front too much. Adams legs were tired which left Joe and I to pull the peloton and get in breaks. Our team won our share of the primes (Joe-Socks, Adam-pump, Me-$120 Uvex Helmet (ebay)) But we didnt have it in the finale. Joe and Josh both crashed in the chicane on the course. I was doing 3-5 lap pulls on the front of the peloton. Eventually I blew myself up and got dropped. Rode the last 6 laps solo and finished 22nd. Team got 7th, 13th and 15th. Kind of disappointing for the MCG boys after all the work we put in, compared to our usual placings. But that's racing!<br /><br />Well that catches us up. Sorry the reports were short and not as insightful and detailed as usual. I am at work and have to go clock in in 5 minutes so I had to rush. <br /><br />Final question for all the readers: There were 3 bike shops sponsoring the Meijer Grand Rapids Race. One of those shops has my sunglasses. Could someone list the 2 shop sponsors other than Village Bike Shop, because I know its not them.Zachary Mainohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07467224391012725472noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-891315863646492265.post-48161091583252368862009-07-23T18:34:00.002-04:002009-07-23T18:37:53.387-04:00Soon.I know I haven't updated. I have had nothing to write about. Marquette was the last race I did. I am racing this weekend so there will be updates from Fenton and the state TT. I also purchased a new wheelset and will have a review of them on here. So just be patient and soon something will appear. Also, Monday-Sunday I am going to Isle Royal in the northwest part of Lake Superior for a week of kyacking, camping and hiking. T'will be fun.Zachary Mainohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07467224391012725472noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-891315863646492265.post-91948759182194973832009-07-01T11:45:00.002-04:002009-07-01T13:12:24.472-04:00Superior Bike Fest - Circuit RaceWhat is harder than a 35 minute crit? A 19 minute circuit race.<br /><br />Sunday was the 3rd and final day of racing. The clouds had left and the sun returned, but the sun brought its friend, the wind. The race was held on a 2 mile closed circuit around Presque Isle. The road was about 8 feet wide all the way around but smooth. On the back side of the loop there was an 1/8th mile steep uphill section, from there it leveled out and gradually dropped to the finish line. There were really only 2 turns on the course and both were right handers that came at the end of the lap. The first one was really rough on the inside and still downhill. Not bad if you can handle a bike, but as there were wooden posts every 3 feet around this section on the side of the road, if you overshot it you were done. The other one was smooth and fast, but you needed every edge of the tiny road. From there it was a short sprint to the line. Where ever you were on the first right hander, was probably where you would finish.<br /><br />Our race was 4 laps, 8 miles. We knew it was going to be fast. From the gun (whistle) I went to the front to dictate a pace, but 3 seconds later York flew by me going for his inevitable breakaway. Everyone chased and the peloton got back together as we hit the bottom of the hill when another rider attacked. I rode around everyone on the climb to get to the front and set pace for Adam, but he sat up and the next thing I knew, I was bridging a gap for a breakaway. Florian, Rodd and a 5th guy from either Fusion or Leadout all bridged over and we had a 5 man break with major teams represented.<br /><br />We tried working together, but people were so tired from bridging and the weekend of racing that most of us had nothing left. Florian, Rodd and I continued to take pulls despite being tired. Crossing the line with 2 laps to go the peloton was not far behind us so we sat up. A teammate of the original breakaway rider then flew past us and Florian gunned it and caught up with him. I tried but had nothing and went to recover in the group.<br /><br />The next two laps saw attack after attack and the hill got harder every time we hit it. Both Colin and I were dangling on the back just trying to finish the race. On the final lap there was a split in what was left of the peloton. I went to the front to get York so I could pull him across to the 8-9 riders going off the front. He didn't seem interested so I used what I had left to get to the group and try for the best position possible. I picked up two spots in the corners and sprinted for the line. King of 12th place. York crossed the line a second later and yelled "Was that it? Oh, dangit!" He didn't realize that was the last lap.<br /><br />All in all it was a good weekend. 3 races, 3 destroyed pelotons. 10th, 12th and 12th place finishes with an 11th overall. Adam was 2nd overall and Colin was 9th. Not a bad weekend for MCG.Zachary Mainohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07467224391012725472noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-891315863646492265.post-86214527423501763792009-07-01T11:10:00.003-04:002009-07-01T11:35:50.129-04:00Superior Bike Fest - Road RaceSo after getting 7 hours of sleep I woke up and got ready for our 55 mile road race that was not flat. Unlike the previous day, the weather was overcast, cooler and threatening to rain. With Mark in the hospital, he said I could use his bike if I wanted to. So I did. Tipping the scales at just under 14 lbs and outfitted with American Classic carbon wheels and SRAM Red, it was a great bike for the undulating day.<br /><br />The cool thing is that Mark and I have the same pedals and inseam, so I can just jump on his bike and go without adjusting it. I got kitted up and rode up to a bagel shop to have breakfast with my mom, dad, brother and his wife. After I finished my super nutritious breakfast of a sausage egg and cheese bagel accompanied by hot chocolate, I made my way down to the staging area about a mile away.<br /><br />At the start some people were giving me crap about riding Mark's bike saying that it is crash prone. I didn't care, if Mark couldn't be racing, then his bike was. There were about 35 guys on the start line and we went 8 minutes after the Cat 1/2s. The first 2 miles of the race were a neutral roll out. The lead car (corvette) drove about 18 mph and we just talked in the group. At the official race start the car took off, but the peloton didn't want to play. We all sat there and just kept our nice light tempo. As we approached Marquette Mountain about 2 miles later the attacks and racing started. York took off up the 1.5 mile long climb and the group followed. It was obvious no one was getting away on the climb, so we rode it steadily as a group dropping 3-4 guys by the top.<br /><br />Once over the top, it was about 10 miles of flat, smooth, HEADWIND roads. I capitalize headwind because it had to be an 18-20mph wind in our face. I stayed tucked in the group with York as Colin went on a breakaway that eventually got pulled in. Teams were keeping the pace pretty steady and we hit the turn as one group. This section of road was about 3 miles long before we were headed back in the direction of Marquette. There were several attacks in this area that had the peloton strung out, but on an uphill section after the next turn, Jones dropped his chain, only for 3-4 seconds, but that's all that was needed. York, Birmann and Kuyper all went flying off the front because York attacked knowing Jones couldn't go with him.<br /><br />Over the next 30 miles the peloton averaged like 25mph. We were just flying because the other teams wanted to pull the break back. I have to give a lot of credit to the Leadout guys, Mike Jones, Andrew Florian, Joe Lekovish and Colin Snyder. With all of us blocking we allowed the break to stay out front. At one point the break was about 5 seconds in front. By the finish, they were about a minute out. For some unknown reason, as the peloton entered the two house village of Palmer, we sat up and rode slowly. I wasn't complaining, but no one knew why.<br /><br />As we came back down Marquette Mountain, it started to rain a little. We knew at this point the break was sure to win so it was time to think about positioning for the sprint. Jones and I were near the front without being on the front as we came into the urban area. Interesting little bit: There was a pickup truck driving in the middle of the road in the same direction we were headed. But they were driving at 15 mph. The guys at the front of the group didn't know what to do, and next thing you know, Florian, Jones and I had flown around the truck and were on the front of the group. A police officer stopped the car but we were already mostly around it.<br /><br />Anyways....the final 2 miles were fun as guys had their teammates drilling the front. I was trying to pick out my spot for the last corner and decided 4th wheel was best. So I rode around a few guys and literally elbowed my way into the spot I wanted. As we rounded the last corner I thought to myself "Yes this was the perfect spot" but then I also thought to myself "Crap, I'm not a sprinter". Went around the corner 7th (remember breakaway of 3 already finished) and ended up 12th. Kuyper won again with York in 2nd. Birmann 3rd, Jones 6th and Colin 11th. The overall now had me tied for 9th, Colin in 8th and the podium of Kuper, York and Jones.<br /><br />With a super fast circuit race in the morning it was time to get some rest and catch up on lost sleep.Zachary Mainohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07467224391012725472noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-891315863646492265.post-55010743455974812662009-06-30T10:07:00.004-04:002009-06-30T10:30:45.799-04:00Superior Bike Fest - CritAlright, so this isn't the update you were waiting for, but this one is by far more interesting.<br /><br />This past weekend was the fricken awesome Superior Bike Fest up in Marquette. 3 days of race with a tough crit on Friday, an undulating road race on Saturday and a fast circuit race on Sunday.<br /><br />The crit was an 8 turn course that is pretty much downhill from turn 1 to turn 5, then it shoots back uphill after turn 6 to the start line. It was fast, the whole time. About 35ish riders were on the start line. When the official blew his whistle there was a battle between Brett Beddow and me for control of the front of the peloton. I eventually got to the front and pulled the peloton through the second turn and nearly overshot it, keeping the bike upright in the gutter with everyone behind me doing the same. No one had taken the corner at speed to realize it was so narrow. That corner 2 laps later would be the cause of 5-6 guys crashing at the front of the peloton, including Taylor Birmann who slammed into a light post. Taylor got back up and in the race, but some of the others weren't so lucky. That same corner would later be the cause of 2 more crashes.<br /><br />Because the pace was so high, we were shelling riders off the back quickly. Then when I was on the front of the peloton I heard a crash behind me and when I got to the finishing straight, I discovered Mark Bush was missing from our team. He had crashed and broken his collar bone into 3 pieces and it was almost coming through the skin. I now focused my energy to help York win the crit, because we were the only 2 MCG guys left in the small group. So I would go to the front and pull hard for a lap, drop back to recover then go right back to the front and push the pace to get rid of as many riders as possible. I have to thank teammate Colin Snyder for working back to the peloton after being dropped and helping me when I was dangling after doing my pulls.<br /><br />With 2 laps to go Andrew Florian attacked on the uphill while I was at the front of the group. My options were to chase him down or go with him. I chose the later. He told me afterward that he was trying to drop me on the hill and he came close, but I just dropped my head and soldiered on. I eventually caught him and we immediately started working together. We had a huge gap, but someone in the peloton asked their teamate to expend himself to catch us, and they did. So Florian sat up and I just kept going hoping maybe I could out ride the group in the last .7 miles. I was riding as hard as I could, the croud of 2000ish people all cheering on my last effort. I looked down under my seat as I was approaching the 3rd corner, I was caught. So I took the corner wide and eased up a little. It wasn't the peloton. Kuyper had bridged up to me and I had mistaken him for the peloton. By the time I realized this, it was too late, I had screwed up and lost my podium spot. Kuyper would go on to win the crit a half mile later with Jones in 2nd and York 3rd. I finished just off the back of what remained of the peloton, behind Colin, in 10th place.<br /><br />After the race I picked up Mark's equipment and took it back to my hotel. Later that night Sarah (Mark's fiance) came by to drop off the other bike so she didn't have to drive around with it on the car all weekend. She was not having a good night, that was for sure. She had to go back to the campground 30 miles away to get stuff for Mark and it was dark, she didn't know where she was going and she would have to go back to the campground to sleep and return early in the morning because the hospital wouldn't let her stay there.<br /><br />Well sometimes friendship comes before racing. (Rarely I know) But I decided to go to the campground with Sarah because I know the area pretty well. We then went to the hospital to see Mark and make sure he was comfortable. Then I offered to lat Sarah stay at the hotel with me and my parents because it was 9 blocks from the hospital. It was 2am when I finally went to bed. Road Race start time: 10:25am.Zachary Mainohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07467224391012725472noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-891315863646492265.post-58976983653785491622009-06-22T14:51:00.001-04:002009-06-22T14:51:56.146-04:00Ok i lied. .called into work early. Will post tomorrow.Zachary Mainohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07467224391012725472noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-891315863646492265.post-3710039850396058602009-06-21T18:47:00.002-04:002009-06-21T18:48:27.958-04:00Check Back TomorrowIf you check back tomorrow, I am going to post about racing in South Bend yesterday, my non-time trial and my downtown escapade today.Zachary Mainohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07467224391012725472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-891315863646492265.post-86874340870233585572009-06-16T10:18:00.002-04:002009-06-16T10:24:29.933-04:00Luck is Changing<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj22W0WpRejaKVKXcRy1taw-XTah7HUp0iWQz2upmUacNL2zS37tehrGR6TLlDtb4cH88XbWGJh9ybtxFCtvMDLIVhyGAUiNwCG3vt8yx15LyKFLG669WHtgiI5FO76Fu1LWgv6xuD-eNk/s1600-h/4890_91054978998_516868998_1950871_1298874_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj22W0WpRejaKVKXcRy1taw-XTah7HUp0iWQz2upmUacNL2zS37tehrGR6TLlDtb4cH88XbWGJh9ybtxFCtvMDLIVhyGAUiNwCG3vt8yx15LyKFLG669WHtgiI5FO76Fu1LWgv6xuD-eNk/s320/4890_91054978998_516868998_1950871_1298874_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347930432901340738" /></a><br /><br />So this past weekend was the Tour de Mt. Pleasant put on by the Chamber of Commerce. First off I want to say that this was an AMAZING event. Really really well organized and thought out. Tons of volunteers, no traffic issues and a really fun atmosphere. I will be back again next year for sure!<br /><br />So as the title suggests, I finished both races this weekend. So for mass start races, I am 2 for 6 so I am shooting a 33% finishing rate. Anyways, the crit was fast. 6 corners over .8 miles. The roads were pretty wide for the most part. Turn 5 however was very tight as it went from about 4 lanes wide to a 1 lane boulevard. The boulevard also had asphalt patches, tar patches and a pothole. It was impossible to go more than two-wide into this corner, evident when Scott got pinched out, jumped the curb, rode the sidewalk and jumped back in the race without losing his position.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtiSV-XByF448pNtF6y-4T_NjCSVtuajuuT9PXAYeYtUN16RuF9I8Q3Qwmbki7LehznwPG7scU1SQkz5WhLDeBgOaFHO7TQBi57lMV9gCUtiT-dZ0hJZk-w8LddRt54uxVI131CuCLoPc/s1600-h/4888_695682734278_21725446_40601835_1328236_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtiSV-XByF448pNtF6y-4T_NjCSVtuajuuT9PXAYeYtUN16RuF9I8Q3Qwmbki7LehznwPG7scU1SQkz5WhLDeBgOaFHO7TQBi57lMV9gCUtiT-dZ0hJZk-w8LddRt54uxVI131CuCLoPc/s320/4888_695682734278_21725446_40601835_1328236_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347930428100083682" /></a><br /><br />The first several laps were really fast with attack after attack going down the road. We had 10 guys in the race (of a 30 person peloton) so we were represented in every break. Eventually Mike Jones(Priority) and my teammate Adam York(MCG) got down the road and stayed out for about 1/3rd of the race. With 4 laps to go, we pulled them back in and Andrew Florian(Priority) attacked and I was in a position to go with him, so I did. For about a lap both of us thought we might be able to win the crit. We were exchanging pulls at 400-500 watts and I was having difficulty holding Florian's wheel but I stuck it out. With just over a lap left, the peloton pulled us in and our 3 lap break was no more. At that point we had expended way too much energy to tack back on the peloton so we rode the final lap slowly and talked about the race. Coming up to the finish line I eased up and let Andrew cross first, it was only the difference between like 25th and 26th but it was a gesture because he worked harder in the break than I did.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrhyphenhyphen_hjU2J22Di0c8wdrI0XHLmd1sDDdSztQqarS_H2wygBW0WSzijh6h59TdQm7V5JQCnIRiVrOwXbmS7xVrpsGbn8iv0AbZJ3MDPkBMofoSw5ICM6UuzlXkpsZZjKY0uodomfMnHr3A/s1600-h/4575_1114518895840_1012966683_30347639_4953056_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrhyphenhyphen_hjU2J22Di0c8wdrI0XHLmd1sDDdSztQqarS_H2wygBW0WSzijh6h59TdQm7V5JQCnIRiVrOwXbmS7xVrpsGbn8iv0AbZJ3MDPkBMofoSw5ICM6UuzlXkpsZZjKY0uodomfMnHr3A/s320/4575_1114518895840_1012966683_30347639_4953056_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347930427965326370" /></a><br /><br />Mike Jones and Taylor Birman attacked as Andrew and I got pulled in and they went on to beat the peloton where Mark Bush 2nd in the feild sprint for 4th place. After the race the team talked about what we did right and wrong. We decided that we need to be more aggressive and never let a rider down the road without one of us when we have that many people. My stats for the crit: Averaged 220W for an hour with and average HR of 180.<br /><br />I then watched the Cat 4 race and cheered on Alexey. With 200m to go with the pack sprint, Alexey crashed hard. He hit the ground at 30+mph and skidded 10-12m on his back. His bike was fine and he seemed alright, just mad.<br /><br />The following morning was the 33 mile road race. The peloton was smaller, but we still had 10 riders. It started off fairly slow. I took the first pull through town and as I pulled off, Colin attacked letting the MCG boys rest. Eventually he was pulled back in and over the next 5 miles attack after attack went down the road. Every one had an MCG rider with it. I did some pulling at the front and eventually got myself into a break with Birman, Florian and my teammate Todd Hoover. We thought that might have stuck but the Wolverines weren't going to have any of that. Finally the winning break was formed. Scott and Todd (MCG), Mike Jones (Priority), Patt Robb (Wolverines) and the CMU guy. With the three major teams represented, there were only 4 guys in the peloton without a teamate down the road. So the Wolverines worked with us and we blocked at the front to give the break more time. It worked because they won, Jones winning the sprint, Todd 2nd and Scott 5th.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNCnDKYr6YKgSG4u8aXaoKVhltjLmj8RWH1LG-LpdjoSY0fiPT-e6ZVet-KXkYvN4MfT3PkzxaMQR6EYS4ekFHu9u5TxXC-vGxLb0HRLuUAhZJbEuO-gRPsFa9nc16Jl3Uf4YAA1LsgOM/s1600-h/4575_1114518615833_1012966683_30347632_7547767_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNCnDKYr6YKgSG4u8aXaoKVhltjLmj8RWH1LG-LpdjoSY0fiPT-e6ZVet-KXkYvN4MfT3PkzxaMQR6EYS4ekFHu9u5TxXC-vGxLb0HRLuUAhZJbEuO-gRPsFa9nc16Jl3Uf4YAA1LsgOM/s320/4575_1114518615833_1012966683_30347632_7547767_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347930423417257730" /></a><br /><br />Meanwhile back in the peloton we were talking about going to get Dairy Queen. Which almost everyone was in agreement for. While we were discussing ice cream and women, Tony and the Max Edge guy decided to make a break for it, so we let them go. Shortly thereafter we were passed by the masters field. With about 5 miles to go, we decided the break had plenty of time and we ramped it up to help Mark win the field sprint. It was picture perfect with 8 MCG guys lined up at the front of the peloton. Eventually Taylor decided to attack and Mark and York went with him. They would eventually catch Tony and beat us to the line with Mark taking 6th and York 9th. On our approach to the line Brett Beddow (Wolverine) attacked and Florian(Priority) went with him so I went too. Brett sat up and Florian took off again so again I went with him. Then Florian sat up and I made an attempt to get 10th place. I dropped my head and hammered. The group caught me with about 150m to go. The bright side was that the Wolverines chased me and lead my team out so Joe took 10th place.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXJKGio6koScgvI9Dd6eGKPvmhRPHE4A7MVdChGk4qUVu_GsIcfe1VrN7zyT1PYOVfsXKn-_AI-EVRVicQCC3r7wETi_sHCr58Ik_UHhy_W_JK72H4kJp5Z0XG-EhDNpkA-5VlChRrPuc/s1600-h/4575_1114518255824_1012966683_30347623_1383944_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXJKGio6koScgvI9Dd6eGKPvmhRPHE4A7MVdChGk4qUVu_GsIcfe1VrN7zyT1PYOVfsXKn-_AI-EVRVicQCC3r7wETi_sHCr58Ik_UHhy_W_JK72H4kJp5Z0XG-EhDNpkA-5VlChRrPuc/s320/4575_1114518255824_1012966683_30347623_1383944_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347930421214639874" /></a>(Posing for Kroske)<br /><br />I finished behind the peloton both days, but I finished! And it wasn't a bad day for us with 2nd, 5th, 6th, 9th and 10th place. We even ended up with Todd taking 3rd overall on GC behind Priority's Jones and Birman. All in all it was a great weekend.<br /><br />Photos by Scott Kroske Trea Bott and Sarah Ritter. Video and more images coming soon.Zachary Mainohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07467224391012725472noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-891315863646492265.post-33340777074770835172009-05-31T13:47:00.002-04:002009-05-31T14:11:33.841-04:00The Cycling Gods Still Hate MeSo I got off work early to drive up to West Branch for a race anticipated to be one of the most grueling in the state. I didn't really have a place to stay yet, the original plan was to stay in my car. But both Doug and Mark offered a bedroom at the Super 8.<br /><br />Doug got there first, so I stayed in his room. We woke up at 6:45am, packed up the stuff and met up with the other MCG riders for breakfast. There really wasn't much to eat...it sucked. Then it was off to the course.<br /><br />Driving up the hill to the finish line was interesting because it made you realize how far away the finish line is, even thought it looked close. Not 2 minutes after arriving, Joe comes up to me and says that we don't have wheel support and wondered if Elisa would want to drive behind us. Once she got to the start area, I asked her and she agreed. We then told all the Cat 3 teams that we had a wheel vehicle and I cleared it with the race organizer.<br /><br />Before long, the car was loaded up with wheels, the sun was shining and the race was about to start. The race started pretty slow. No one seemed that anxious to get off the front of our 66 mile hilly race. There were a few attempts, but they were all brought back.<br /><br />At one point, I was riding Andrew Florian's wheel and we just came off of a downhill, so we were moving 30+mph and either we switched townships, or the road commission ran out of money, because the edge of the road we were riding just stopped. I was told someone pointed it out, but neither Florian or I saw it. Andrew successfully stayed on the asphalt as I did not. I went over the 1 inch or so drop and the sidewalls of my tires were rubbing with the road. I don't really remember how I did it, but I got back over the ledge, and kept my bike upright (though at one point my bars were turned about 30 degrees to my bike and I was at 35 degrees with the road). Everyone around me (Bret, Pat, Joe and Colin) was surprised and thankful that I didn't crash. It definitely scared the crap out of me. I decided to stay away from the edge from that point on.<br /><br />A few miles later we turned and headed South. This section was quite hilly and had a very strong head/cross wind. This was definitely a portion of the course you did NOT want to get dropped or have a mechanical (as if there was a section of this course you WOULD want to lose contact with the group). As luck would have it, while riding in the middle of the group on smooth roads down a hill, as someone attacked, I had a front flat. Luckily we had a wheel car so I had a chance of getting back. I swapped wheels and took off for the peloton. Elisa is new to neutral support and didn't know she should have paced me back. So without the help of the wheel car, in a headwind with the peloton chasing a break, I tried to catch the group...yeah, like that's going to work.<br /><br />I chased as hard as I could for about 35 minutes and just kept losing ground because I cant power through the wind. I eventually got overtaken by the Masters field and sat at the back of their group until the bottom of the final climb. I was toast. I made it up the climb but had nothing left, with 44 miles left, I dropped out of the race. I rode up and down the hill twice to get some leg work in, and as my group came around the next time, I jumped in the car and drove behind them.<br /><br />I guess the first time they hit the hill, Mac Brennan put in a nice attack that made a selection of 6 riders that would go on to win the race. Mac would cross the line first, 50 seconds ahead of my teammate Adam York in 2nd place.<br /><br />While chasing, I had considered quitting this sport. But I know I couldn't do that. So I will train hard and be back at the Tour of Mt. Pleasant ready to win, or help my team win. Hopefully my severe case of bad luck has passed, and lets hope that it isn't contagious.Zachary Mainohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07467224391012725472noreply@blogger.com10