February 5 - Early Bird Criterium #5, Fremont
Race info

35+ category 5 (new racers) report by Ron Flores, Davis Bike Club Racing Team

35+ cat 5 Early Bird racers gliding like Pros Photo by Chris Flores

Being new to racing, I thought this would be a good place to start. I made it to the last three of this five-event series, which included pre-race “mentoring sessions” where seasoned racers revealed some of the more salient points of racing that might otherwise only be learned through The School of Road Rash and Broken Carbon Fiber. This was followed by on-bike drills emphasizing the lectures, and finally, they lined us up and let us go nuts. Actually, even during the race the hunter-orange-vest clad mentors were tooling along side of the pack doling out instructions and encouragement. Quite impressive really, them being out in the wind like that, moving up and down the peloton telling this guy to fill the gap, that guy to watch his crossed wheel, and the other guy that it’s polite to look before you blow snot.

My race was the first wave of Master 35+ Category 5, new riders with less than five races of experience. In my previous two Early Bird races I finished in the top ten (including one miscount of how many laps to go at the end—Doh!), so I had high hopes for this one. At the line I introduced myself to John of the Hawks Team, a big guy who looked fit and as if he might produce a nice draft. For the first three laps I happily locked onto his wheel and watched his cluster spin. But I didn’t want to just sit in for the whole race, so I got the bright idea I might try a break. When John moved up the pack, I pulled out along side and asked him if he was warmed up yet. Then I jumped. I tucked and hammered between turns one and two, then peeked under my arm and saw John in my draft. After rounding the corner and waving him through, I noted my heart was about to explode and pondered the intelligence (or lack thereof) of my tactics. Soon another rider made our break a trio. We worked together in a ragged fashion, yet on each of my pulls, as I buried my aerobic tachometer, I had wistful thoughts of the security of the peloton that was no doubt reeling us in. Within two laps we were back in the fold. Someone congratulated me on the break. I asked him if there was blood leaking out my ears.

Mentors caught taking a breather at the back Photo by Chris Flores

The pack stayed together for the rest of the race until the inevitable mass sprint. I recovered enough by then to position myself near the front. When we jumped in earnest, a hole opened up the middle. I clicked into my twelve and filled the gap. We were all pushing hard, and I for one was desperate for some open space. The guy in front of me slowed so I was forced to ease up for a moment. Soon enough I got around him and hammered to the line, a sixth place finish!

Man, that was fun. Thanks to everyone who put on the Early Bird Series. See you at the races.

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