I'll let Asst Cap'n John R write the 40+ Race report, it was fun, fast and very difficult. Also looking forward to some other reports (Mike)
More importantly however, I want to thank and pass out major kudos to everyone for helping, but most especially Bill "Twowheels" Turner, John "The Pirate" Raguin, and Stefan "Good Wheel" Wawersik for putting on a hugely successful race. Let's keep it going!!!
1st Freakin Annual Ken Harrod Memorial Road Race pb MRC
Re: 1st Freakin Annual Ken Harrod Memorial Road Race pb MRC
We did it. There are not many that could have pulled this off after the Sterling rejection but Minuteman Road Club did it and did it in style.
A huge thanks to everyone but special thanks to John, Bill, Stefan and the Harvard Fire fighters.
A huge thanks to everyone but special thanks to John, Bill, Stefan and the Harvard Fire fighters.
Re: 1st Freakin Annual Ken Harrod Memorial Road Race pb MRC
It felt a little dicey there a couple of times, but we did a hell of a job. Thanks to all the volunteers for pitching in.
Even bigger thanks to Bill and John, who put in an extraordinary amount of time and effort over the last 3 months to make today happen.
Even bigger thanks to Bill and John, who put in an extraordinary amount of time and effort over the last 3 months to make today happen.
Re: 1st Freakin Annual Ken Harrod Memorial Road Race pb MRC
From both a rider and a volunteer perspective this was a terrific race. I was lucky enough to marshal the hillclimb for the early races at the same time the Breast Cancer 3-Day Walk was coming down the hill. The organizer for the Walk was very impressed by our organization, communication and focus on safety. The walkers were fine and showed great support for the riders as they walked past. The drivers, in that area anyway, were very courteous and one thanked me for directing her when the racers came through.
As a racer, the marshaling was very solid, the course was terrific and, other than my result, it was a hell of a good race.
The issues that came up after the Masters race (mass disqualification of all but 4 riders) related to the yellow line rule got eventually resolved and they lifted the disqualification. I'll take that issue up in a separate post.
Thanks a bunch to John, Bill and Stefan and all the volunteers. Hell of a job.
As a racer, the marshaling was very solid, the course was terrific and, other than my result, it was a hell of a good race.
The issues that came up after the Masters race (mass disqualification of all but 4 riders) related to the yellow line rule got eventually resolved and they lifted the disqualification. I'll take that issue up in a separate post.
Thanks a bunch to John, Bill and Stefan and all the volunteers. Hell of a job.
Re: 1st Freakin Annual Ken Harrod Memorial Road Race pb MRC
Wiped. The only way to describe how I feel right now.
Great job to all who worked on the race. From Alan helping out in registration in his kit, to Mark Bernard leading the registration troops, to Scott C and Scott S manning some trickier intersections, to Karen M who won the Womens 3/4 race and then was marshalling and cheering us on, to so many marshalls, it was a great job. Stefan, you are amazing. Guys if you have any idea how much Stefan does for this race, you wouldn't believe it. And Bill is unbelieveable. Calm under fire, organized, great rapport, everything. I am so glad we pulled this race off. We did a great thing for cycling in the area, and maybe most importantly, a great thing for the Harvard Firefighters Association. I was talking to them about the scholarships they will be able to provide with this money and maybe for the first time I realized this is bigger than just cycling.
I wish I could write a race report now but I can't. Maybe tomorrow. Great job everyone who was involved.
Great job to all who worked on the race. From Alan helping out in registration in his kit, to Mark Bernard leading the registration troops, to Scott C and Scott S manning some trickier intersections, to Karen M who won the Womens 3/4 race and then was marshalling and cheering us on, to so many marshalls, it was a great job. Stefan, you are amazing. Guys if you have any idea how much Stefan does for this race, you wouldn't believe it. And Bill is unbelieveable. Calm under fire, organized, great rapport, everything. I am so glad we pulled this race off. We did a great thing for cycling in the area, and maybe most importantly, a great thing for the Harvard Firefighters Association. I was talking to them about the scholarships they will be able to provide with this money and maybe for the first time I realized this is bigger than just cycling.
I wish I could write a race report now but I can't. Maybe tomorrow. Great job everyone who was involved.
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PJ McQuade
- Chasseur
- Posts: 769
- Joined: Mon Nov 19, 2007 10:44 pm
- Location: Millbury
Re: 1st Freakin Annual Ken Harrod Memorial Road Race pb MRC
Sounds corny, but this club is so much more than just bikes. Today proved that once again. Podium for Bill, John and Stefan.
To climb steep hills requires a slow pace at first.
-Shakespeare
-Shakespeare
Re: 1st Freakin Annual Ken Harrod Memorial Road Race pb MRC
OK, race report. In the 40+ field with Jeremy, Rob, Len, and Rich. Stacked field to say the least. 5 laps, 50 miles of pain. MRC gets the call up so we get to start the race at the front.
Race starts right out of the chute. My time up Westcott on the first lap was my fastest in the race, and as I remember, I was pack sliding a bit. Lots of attacks but none of them sticking for too long. On the second lap on Still River, a few strong guys go off the front. I told myself today is the day to get in a breakaway, so I make a late decision to go in it. I have to put a massive effort into the wind to get in the break. I make it up there we each do a turn, but then give up because the field is right behind us. Going into the center of town, I realize I am gassed and really need to recover. I decide to sit in for a while, and as typical, I think I fell further back from the front than I should have. I believe early in the 3rd lap this is when the breakaway that stuck got off the front with Croteau, 2 545 guys (Mitchell & Billings), and Jon TR from Monsters Bullet Train Fame. Spoiler, they stay away by 1 minute and finish in that order.
On the 4th lap, a guy starts imploring the pack in earnest to start sharing the work to chase down the breakaway. Nice guy actually, I decide to help him/us. Partway through lap 4 I hear someone yell 2 minutes which isn't very encouraging. But Rich and I and some other guys are doing our part to pull through on the front. So do a couple of other guys. But not many. I can see that everyone seems to have either given up on chasing the breakaway or is pretty gassed. I am feeling better so I feel encouraged that this might end better than I thought. On the final lap we come around to Stow Road and up Westcott. Rich and I move right to the front. I look around and I can see everyone remaining of the field (maybe 35 of the 90 that started) is pretty tired. But so am I at that point. I say to Rich to forget the breakaway as they are gone.
The pack stays mostly together, with a few attempts for breakaways, but they are covered. Coming down Still River, people start swarming. It gets a little dicey. With less than 400 m to go, people are bumping bars, someone bumps me, I do a lean into Jeremy. We both stay upright but definitely lost momentum. I forget if it is before or after that but Len gets virtually stopped with me right behind him by someone completely gassed / bad shift something. Somehow through this we stay upright and give our best effort to pick up some speed. I finish 15th overall, which I was very happy with given the field and what happened at the end of the race. All and all, a great day.
Race starts right out of the chute. My time up Westcott on the first lap was my fastest in the race, and as I remember, I was pack sliding a bit. Lots of attacks but none of them sticking for too long. On the second lap on Still River, a few strong guys go off the front. I told myself today is the day to get in a breakaway, so I make a late decision to go in it. I have to put a massive effort into the wind to get in the break. I make it up there we each do a turn, but then give up because the field is right behind us. Going into the center of town, I realize I am gassed and really need to recover. I decide to sit in for a while, and as typical, I think I fell further back from the front than I should have. I believe early in the 3rd lap this is when the breakaway that stuck got off the front with Croteau, 2 545 guys (Mitchell & Billings), and Jon TR from Monsters Bullet Train Fame. Spoiler, they stay away by 1 minute and finish in that order.
On the 4th lap, a guy starts imploring the pack in earnest to start sharing the work to chase down the breakaway. Nice guy actually, I decide to help him/us. Partway through lap 4 I hear someone yell 2 minutes which isn't very encouraging. But Rich and I and some other guys are doing our part to pull through on the front. So do a couple of other guys. But not many. I can see that everyone seems to have either given up on chasing the breakaway or is pretty gassed. I am feeling better so I feel encouraged that this might end better than I thought. On the final lap we come around to Stow Road and up Westcott. Rich and I move right to the front. I look around and I can see everyone remaining of the field (maybe 35 of the 90 that started) is pretty tired. But so am I at that point. I say to Rich to forget the breakaway as they are gone.
The pack stays mostly together, with a few attempts for breakaways, but they are covered. Coming down Still River, people start swarming. It gets a little dicey. With less than 400 m to go, people are bumping bars, someone bumps me, I do a lean into Jeremy. We both stay upright but definitely lost momentum. I forget if it is before or after that but Len gets virtually stopped with me right behind him by someone completely gassed / bad shift something. Somehow through this we stay upright and give our best effort to pick up some speed. I finish 15th overall, which I was very happy with given the field and what happened at the end of the race. All and all, a great day.
Re: 1st Freakin Annual Ken Harrod Memorial Road Race pb MRC
Now that I can think again, a few additional thank yous:
Mark Bernard, who managed registration LIKE A BOSS. Only afterwards did I realize it was his wedding anniversary. (Thanks also to his wife, Gina, for letting him disappear for half the day to play bikes).
Scott Sweeney and Patty Dalcanzo for managing a scary situation at their marshal post when one of the women's riders was having difficulty breathing. Also, if you've never seen Harvard Fire and EMS at work, it's pretty impressive. If I ever have an emergency, I may drive to Harvard to have it.
Chris Pearson and Amy Tso, who managed traffic all day through the Mass Ave stretch by the schools. This was a nutty section, and they did an amazing job.
Mike Westberry, who won the Cat5 race, then immediately changed and marshaled a tough intersection at Green st. I'm not sure if I'm grateful or mad at him that I'm pretty sure he missed his first ever podium presentation to do this.
There were a ton of other people who handled vague requests, figured stuff out on the fly, and stepped up in the minor chaos of pulling off an event like this for the first time. The fact that none of these stands out immediately is a testament to everyone's amazing flexibility on the day.
Mark Bernard, who managed registration LIKE A BOSS. Only afterwards did I realize it was his wedding anniversary. (Thanks also to his wife, Gina, for letting him disappear for half the day to play bikes).
Scott Sweeney and Patty Dalcanzo for managing a scary situation at their marshal post when one of the women's riders was having difficulty breathing. Also, if you've never seen Harvard Fire and EMS at work, it's pretty impressive. If I ever have an emergency, I may drive to Harvard to have it.
Chris Pearson and Amy Tso, who managed traffic all day through the Mass Ave stretch by the schools. This was a nutty section, and they did an amazing job.
Mike Westberry, who won the Cat5 race, then immediately changed and marshaled a tough intersection at Green st. I'm not sure if I'm grateful or mad at him that I'm pretty sure he missed his first ever podium presentation to do this.
There were a ton of other people who handled vague requests, figured stuff out on the fly, and stepped up in the minor chaos of pulling off an event like this for the first time. The fact that none of these stands out immediately is a testament to everyone's amazing flexibility on the day.
Re: 1st Freakin Annual Ken Harrod Memorial Road Race pb MRC
Finally got a chance to sit down and write...
Thanks to everyone aforementioned (and anyone not mentioned) for putting the race together. The atmosphere yesterday was great, despite the chilly start weather.
As for the Cat5 Race -
I started up front with Kevin, John Morrissey, and Marc. I don't think I saw Chris and Tom up at the start. We decided to take a pretty tame start, considering some of us were still trying to warm up. Once we hit Westcott, other guys did the usually drilling of the hill, but somehow it didn't feel like a terrible pace. I also pack slid, knowing we climb quite a bit, and no one was going to sustain the pace they were taking to breakaway. Just wanted to hang close enough.
My plan for the race was to save a max effort by playing it smart and patient. Pack slides when possible, and sitting in somewhere 15-20 on 110 the first couple laps. Primarily this worked, although both Kevin and I both had to dodge a second lap crash on 110 because we were a little too far back. Other than that, the first lap came and went, and the second lap proved uneventful.
The start of the third lap, I was sitting back with Kevin pretty far back, and I knew John was close to the front. Because of the way roads were (and the fact that 95% of the riders were hitting breaks hard going into Westcott), I said 'we have to go up now on Mass Ave, it's the best chance'. Unfortunately, he only made it up about halfway on my wheel before getting thwarted. I led the entire downhill on Stow road with moderate pedaling (thanks Zipp!), and took the turn onto Westcott at 35+ (instead of the previous 25 and 30). (knowing the roads is great, no?) This had the awesome effect of me using less energy on Westcott (rockin' the pack slide) and apparently severely breaking up the field. Unfortunately, I think Kevin was stuck behind those curbing a lot of speed. On the next section of climbing, I came in contact with John, who had been feeling pretty good on the second lap, but said now he was having some cramping. I wanted to hang back with him, but the now lead group of about 20 was heating up the pace, and after turning onto Green, I found I was clearly in no-man's land. Sorry John - I had to go for it. I didn't freak out, but steadied myself on a slightly faster pace than them and caught them at the end of the Bare Hill downhill. Whew. Caught some wheels, and recovered at the back of the group once on 110.
Once we got to Still River, a couple guys attack off of the front, to no avail - covered within seconds, but a few guys couldn't hold on - down to maybe 15. But now the pace was running hotter and guys were jockeying for position hard... while I kept my patience at around 10-12. One guy attacks from behind on the last downhill, but no way he could hold it. I get behind a guy who I could see wanted up front and followed him up the right side. Now three riders abreast on the flat and I'm sitting in a second wheel spot. Perfect. We begin to take up the whole road at the base of the final climb and some guys are trying to stomp up the hill, but never gaining more than a couple bike lengths ahead of me. It's a fast enough speed that grabbing wheels is a necessity, but I didn't lead or go my hard as possible, yet (thanks in part to good assessment from Scott C and others), so I grab a wheels from anyone going faster than the one I'm on. Probably switched four times. We hit the lesser gradient, and, what's this? My muscles can do more? My heart rate isn't maxed? Drop to a higher gear and spin the heck out of it! I glance back to see pain and no one to ditch off my wheel, but take no chances and hit the line several bike lengths ahead.
Glad to have pulled a win for the home team. But there's no way I'd have been up front without having learned from everyone else in the club. From FMR sprint tips to Berkshire Boondoggles, I've become a much better rider, not just more fit. And yes, I'll put in my upgrade soon.
PS. Sorry I missed my podium. Not something I've exactly had to thing about previously, and typical to my life in general, was just focused on what was next... oops, I guess I better try for another one
Thanks to everyone aforementioned (and anyone not mentioned) for putting the race together. The atmosphere yesterday was great, despite the chilly start weather.
As for the Cat5 Race -
I started up front with Kevin, John Morrissey, and Marc. I don't think I saw Chris and Tom up at the start. We decided to take a pretty tame start, considering some of us were still trying to warm up. Once we hit Westcott, other guys did the usually drilling of the hill, but somehow it didn't feel like a terrible pace. I also pack slid, knowing we climb quite a bit, and no one was going to sustain the pace they were taking to breakaway. Just wanted to hang close enough.
My plan for the race was to save a max effort by playing it smart and patient. Pack slides when possible, and sitting in somewhere 15-20 on 110 the first couple laps. Primarily this worked, although both Kevin and I both had to dodge a second lap crash on 110 because we were a little too far back. Other than that, the first lap came and went, and the second lap proved uneventful.
The start of the third lap, I was sitting back with Kevin pretty far back, and I knew John was close to the front. Because of the way roads were (and the fact that 95% of the riders were hitting breaks hard going into Westcott), I said 'we have to go up now on Mass Ave, it's the best chance'. Unfortunately, he only made it up about halfway on my wheel before getting thwarted. I led the entire downhill on Stow road with moderate pedaling (thanks Zipp!), and took the turn onto Westcott at 35+ (instead of the previous 25 and 30). (knowing the roads is great, no?) This had the awesome effect of me using less energy on Westcott (rockin' the pack slide) and apparently severely breaking up the field. Unfortunately, I think Kevin was stuck behind those curbing a lot of speed. On the next section of climbing, I came in contact with John, who had been feeling pretty good on the second lap, but said now he was having some cramping. I wanted to hang back with him, but the now lead group of about 20 was heating up the pace, and after turning onto Green, I found I was clearly in no-man's land. Sorry John - I had to go for it. I didn't freak out, but steadied myself on a slightly faster pace than them and caught them at the end of the Bare Hill downhill. Whew. Caught some wheels, and recovered at the back of the group once on 110.
Once we got to Still River, a couple guys attack off of the front, to no avail - covered within seconds, but a few guys couldn't hold on - down to maybe 15. But now the pace was running hotter and guys were jockeying for position hard... while I kept my patience at around 10-12. One guy attacks from behind on the last downhill, but no way he could hold it. I get behind a guy who I could see wanted up front and followed him up the right side. Now three riders abreast on the flat and I'm sitting in a second wheel spot. Perfect. We begin to take up the whole road at the base of the final climb and some guys are trying to stomp up the hill, but never gaining more than a couple bike lengths ahead of me. It's a fast enough speed that grabbing wheels is a necessity, but I didn't lead or go my hard as possible, yet (thanks in part to good assessment from Scott C and others), so I grab a wheels from anyone going faster than the one I'm on. Probably switched four times. We hit the lesser gradient, and, what's this? My muscles can do more? My heart rate isn't maxed? Drop to a higher gear and spin the heck out of it! I glance back to see pain and no one to ditch off my wheel, but take no chances and hit the line several bike lengths ahead.
Glad to have pulled a win for the home team. But there's no way I'd have been up front without having learned from everyone else in the club. From FMR sprint tips to Berkshire Boondoggles, I've become a much better rider, not just more fit. And yes, I'll put in my upgrade soon.
PS. Sorry I missed my podium. Not something I've exactly had to thing about previously, and typical to my life in general, was just focused on what was next... oops, I guess I better try for another one
Re: 1st Freakin Annual Ken Harrod Memorial Road Race pb MRC
Photos are now up!
Facebook: https://t.co/J2UOp5kkbN
EVEN MORE photos in this gallery: http://t.co/4vp69cpDwJ
Remember, MRC members: high rez files are free for you, just email me with the file numbers you want (even for the older races at russcam.com/cyclilng)
Mike, excellent job. I could tell as you climbed towards the finish that you had enough left in the tank to hold off any chargers!
Facebook: https://t.co/J2UOp5kkbN
EVEN MORE photos in this gallery: http://t.co/4vp69cpDwJ
Remember, MRC members: high rez files are free for you, just email me with the file numbers you want (even for the older races at russcam.com/cyclilng)
Mike, excellent job. I could tell as you climbed towards the finish that you had enough left in the tank to hold off any chargers!
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jmorrissey
- Domestique
- Posts: 207
- Joined: Thu Mar 18, 2010 1:01 pm
- Location: Ashland, MA
Re: 1st Freakin Annual Ken Harrod Memorial Road Race pb MRC
mfwestbe wrote:but said now he was having some cramping. I wanted to hang back with him, but the now lead group of about 20 was heating up the pace, and after turning onto Green, I found I was clearly in no-man's land. Sorry John - I had to go for it.
Mike no problem at all. I know the things I shouldn't eat before riding (e.g., Salad or Cereal) but being time crunched in the morning I ate a big bowl of cereal which tends to give me stomach issues.
Definitely thanks to Scott C. I haven't been to this area on a bike in years and his info helped out great.mfwestbe wrote: (thanks in part to good assessment from Scott C and others), so I grab a wheels from anyone going faster than the one I'm on. Probably switched
Also thanks to Cratty for giving us a heads up on who to watch. I sat on their wheels most of the day and felt good until half way through the third lap which was the worst time for things to happen.
Last edited by jmorrissey on Mon Jun 02, 2014 3:11 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Re: 1st Freakin Annual Ken Harrod Memorial Road Race pb MRC
Great job everyone!! From what I've heard by racers and spectators everyone loved it!! Also a success was me being home BEFORE noon! Gina (as other significant others) assumed that "I should be back early" meant before 6pm... 
Congrats Mike on your first win!! You've worked hard and deserve it!!
Bill, John, Stefan - Amazing job getting this show on the road and off without a hitch!!
Congrats Mike on your first win!! You've worked hard and deserve it!!
Bill, John, Stefan - Amazing job getting this show on the road and off without a hitch!!
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scott_sweeney
- Tête de la course
- Posts: 1145
- Joined: Sun Nov 18, 2007 8:43 pm
- Location: Stow
- Contact:
Re: 1st Freakin Annual Ken Harrod Memorial Road Race pb MRC
Have we gotten any feedback from Harvard yet?
Curious to see if they'll have us back?
How did we make out when compared to recent years past at Sterling?
Curious to see if they'll have us back?
How did we make out when compared to recent years past at Sterling?
Whoever said nothing is impossible never tried slamming a revolving door.
Re: 1st Freakin Annual Ken Harrod Memorial Road Race pb MRC
No feedback from Harvard, but that is probably good news. Bill and I have a meeting with the firefighters coming up.
Financially, we have a good amount to give to the Harvard Firefighters cause which is great. We did better financially than we have done in Sterling, but that is because the Firefighters got us some discounts and we skimped in some areas that we will probably bring back next year. There will be a feedback session at the upcoming MRC meeting at BST if you want to attend. Look at the Club News section for this.
Financially, we have a good amount to give to the Harvard Firefighters cause which is great. We did better financially than we have done in Sterling, but that is because the Firefighters got us some discounts and we skimped in some areas that we will probably bring back next year. There will be a feedback session at the upcoming MRC meeting at BST if you want to attend. Look at the Club News section for this.