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Racing road tactics (basics) |
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Written by Pat Ferris
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Tuesday, 31 January 2012 16:34 |
This is for club riders new to 'road racing' or want to pick up a few tips and ideas about it.
There is no substiute for experience.
Club racing is a superb source of that racing experience. Don't miss out.
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Massed start road Racing:
It is as much an event of strategy as it is of strength.
Smart trumps inexperienced (or a stronger rider lacking speed) strength.
It is rather like being dropped into a half played chess game. Your goal is to win while being unable to move any of the players (your competitors) yourself.
Massed start road racing is where a group of riders start, duel it out on the hills, flats and finish to decide the winner.
Drafting, rain, cold, wind, heat and sometimes snow can all be factors.
Riders make various temporary alliances and efforts to achieve that goal of a good placing.
Very different than time trials where it is purely maximum effort for X amount of time and distance, however a 'road racer' will have more speed than simply lone training.
Q: Why 'road race' ?
A: Road racing will make you a faster, better rider than simply doing the one speed 'plod' training by yourself.
You will race at your training pace, in any sport. (A slow training run pace or swim pace = a slow race pace, correct?)
Your hills and overall cycling speed will improve when you force yourself to stick with faster riders.
It is like high intensity interval training with real life 'rabbits' to follow.
If you allow yourself adequate recovery, you will get faster.
Key points about 'road racing':
-Think about the day's route and conditions and make a bit of a plan for food, water and clothing.
-Spin! Pedal at 90 to 110 rpm. It is easier and has better acceleration. (drive a stick shift car? You gear down to pass, right?)
-Get a good warm up including a couple of short 'jumps' before the race starts so you are ready for the quick change of paces.
-The average rider (you) have six high efforts in them for the race. Save some for last or you will come up empty.
-Do not underestimate yourself. Many races have been won by a 'weak' rider being smart.
-Stay where the 'action' is and don't get 'shuffled off' by slower riders.
-Note the 'movers and shakers' in the group. Do what they do, when they do it. Make a note of where they are.
-Better yet, stay on a wheel of one of the 'movers and shakers'.
-Look up and ahead, not the back wheel of the rider in front of you.
-Hills aren't your best point? Be on the front and the bottom and let yourself slide back as you go up. Be ready to attack back on when they summit and sit up to rest.
-Use your head to think about strategy, overall, but your instincts for quick decisions such as sprints and breaks.
-The 'pack' will split up at various high effort's called 'Selection' points. The smarter/stronger will leave others behind.
-Most selection points happen on the hills or coming out of corners. Expect them by being near the front.
-There will be occasional breathers, where the pace slows down enough for you to rest a bit. Take advantage of the recovery time for a drink, food and get your heart rate down.
-Don't waste your time and energy on foolish, early breaks. Better to plan to stay with the pack.
-Each race, win or lose, will make you a little smarter, mor experienced than you were before.
-Train with faster, more experienced riders. Get the feel of a faster pace.
-Push yourself hard but allow for recovery. Without recovery, there will be no improvement!
-Post race: look back and see what you did well and what you could improve for next race.
Every race you enter will leave you a bit smarter and a bit faster.
Plodding along, alone, will not improve your cycling speed or experience.
Pat
the Club Coach
Want to know more? Get this Thomas Prehn book:
http://coachlevi.com/product-reviews/racing-tactics-for-cyclists-thomas-prehn/
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Bliz this week + Monday 30th club anniversary meeting 6 pm Sandy's |
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Written by Pat Ferris
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Monday, 30 January 2012 03:49 |
Monday: Club 30th Anniversary meeting at Sandy McDonalds place at Charlie lake: 6 PM
As you have heard, the Blizzard Bike Club is 30 years old, in 2012.
We want to do something to celebrate this cool event and need your ideas!
13148 Paradise St in Charlie Lake.
(North on Alaska Highway, right before Jackfish Dundees then left on Paradise St after 3 or 4 km's)
Any ideas may be sent to Sandy at email dustym@bluenova.ca
Turbo Training Tues and Thurs 7:30 pm
Wednesday Club Meeting 6:30 pm Wendy's.
-Unvieling the new 2012 club event schedule.
The Blizzards are in 'Canadian Cycling Magazine', as we speak!!
Note: Details on Jack's Memorial Service details on 'Blizzard Bike Club' on FaceBook
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www.ferrisfastcycles.com
'Blizzard Bike Club' on Face Book
'Fort St. John Triathlon' on FaceBook
other helpful sites:
www.canadiancyclist.com
www.cyclingnews.com
www.velonews.com
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Written by Pat Ferris
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Saturday, 28 January 2012 15:52 |
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Gladysz family, at this sad time of Jack's passing in Calgary on January 26.
Jack was a long time member of our Blizzard Bicycle Club.
He was a Blizzard Bicycle Club President, timed many of our events, and enjoyed both recreational cycling and racing.
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Jack pioneered and set- up and maintained our first Blizzard Web-site.
The Gladysz family sponsored many of our cycling events and hosted many wonderful club social events in their home .
Jack supported and encouraged his family and our club members to enjoy our sport of cycling .
Thank you Jack for all our fond memories .
Patricia Emery - Blizzard Club President
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Canadian Cycling Magazine has Blizzards!! |
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Written by Pat Ferris
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Friday, 27 January 2012 05:05 |
The Blizzards are in Canadian Cycling Magazine, as we speak!!
I have brought in a dozen copies, at the shop.
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30th club anniversary meeting at Sandy's house Jan 30th at 6 pm. (Monday)
www.ferrisfastcycles.com
'Blizzard Bike Club' on Face Book
'Fort St. John Triathlon' on FaceBook
other helpful sites:
www.canadiancyclist.com
www.cyclingnews.com
www.velonews.com
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Used Full Suspension Used bikes now in stock - Cruz - Santa - Cannondale |
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Written by Pat Ferris
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Friday, 20 January 2012 16:31 |
Used full suspension in great shape:
-Santa Cruz Superlight w Magura 19"
-Giant NRS Carb w SID World Cup 19"
-Cannondale Scalpel w Lefty Stans Wheels FSA Carb DBL cranks L (21#)
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Cycle-Ops Turbo trainers , wheel supports and spinerval DVD's
Is your favourite someone still using a shoe for a front wheel support?
Trainers, trainer blocks, DVD, matts
Purchase a 'Bike Fit' gift certificate for your favourite bike rider. (99.95 + tax)
Bike Fit: Your local shop has the Argon 18 bike fitter, the only one outside of Edmonton and Vancouver.
A bike fit matches you to your bike as well as the added bonus of a shoe cleat adjustment, as well.
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How about a 'winter turbo set-up' gift certificate so your bike rider doesn't have to drag their bike thru the snow to get to the turbo sessions.
Cannondale clothing , black shorts (new Baggy padded type and spandex) and capri's.
Leg / arm / knee warmers
Louis Garneau clothing of all Team types
Bikes from Cannondale, Rocky Mountain and Giant
Cross bikes by Cannondale
Road bikes with Flat Bars - Cannondale, Rocky and Giant.
Road bikes with flat bars
Tri-shorts, Bib shorts, Ironman DVD's, bike coats, red strobes, helmets, Pedro's, Gu, tires and tubes, multi tools, bags of all sizes,
Specialized Power bar ironman powder, bike shoes and pedals road and MTB, and much more.
DVD's in stock:
Check it out. Open 10-5, Monday to Saturday.
Or shop by phone. We can ship to you by bus or mail.
Ferris Fast Cycles
10109-95 ave
Fort St. John, BC, V1J 1H9
250-785-3711
fax 250-785-3746
blizzard@ocol.com
www.ferrisfastcycles.com
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Blizzard Bike Club |
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Blizzard Bike Club of Fort St. John Information:
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