tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13898900139564818282024-02-08T08:18:25.295-05:00Nebo Ridge Road TeamThe Nebo Ridge/Pulte Homes cycling team is a joint venture between two of Indianapolis' best businesses.
Nebo Ridge Bicycles, a title sponsor, provides the team with all of its equipment, advice and maintenance needs.
Pulte Homes, a title sponsor, is one of the nation's premier new home builders.Nebo Ridge Road Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12494563341076206776noreply@blogger.comBlogger9125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1389890013956481828.post-89097455923385022872008-04-13T07:40:00.002-04:002008-04-13T07:57:30.154-04:00Traditional Season Openers on TapFor the past 8 years central Indiana racers have kicked off their seasons with the Ceraland Circuit Race in Columbus, Indiana. Through the years, weather has typically played a role in the outcome. In 2002, heavy rains actually forced cancellation of a race in progress. The soggy course caused numerous slideouts and near-crashes. A temperature of sub-fifty degrees accentuated the term 'white knuckle' racing that day.<br /><br />More often, however, the wind is a deciding factor in the race's outcome. Strong and sometimes even fierce winds limit the ability of any breakaway to remain separated from the peloton. Except for the Category 1,2 race, most races end in a bunch sprint, so plan your personal or team strategy accordingly. In windy conditions, it's not the strongest rider who wins, but rather, the smartest. Use your energy wisely.<br /><br />You've trained well through the winter so you can afford to take a little wind in the final couple of laps when the jostling for position reaches its peak. For the Ceraland course, it is better to be in the wind and have a clear shot to sprint rather than being tucked in 8 back. In the latter position, you could easily be boxed in and end up sprinting for 4th, or 1st OFF the podium.<br /><br />Next Sunday's race takes place in Mooresville's Pioneer Park, the first course ever utilized by the Indiana Race Series. Nearly 20 years of racing action has given the park legendary status among the kyiana racing scene. Unlike Ceraland where the smartest racer wins, Pioneer Park's pack splitter separates the wheat from the chaffe - the strong man or woman wins on this course.<br /><br />Positioned on the calendar in mid-April, you can bet that every time over the Pack Splitter, you'll be facing a stiff wind from the north/northwest. The strongest riders will separate themselves from the peloton early in the race and continue building their lead throughout the race.<br /><br />In the event of a pack finish, a great leadout is a key factor in winning this race. If you have designs on winning this classic, you'll need to be about 4 or 5 back coming down the backstretch hill. By the time you hit the base of the pack splitter you could well find yourself on the front. Remember my #1 rule for racing: Hesitation kills. This is no time to be looking for wheels. When you hit the base of the hill on the final lap you better open up all jets and fly up the hill. Usually, the rider who hits the hill first wins the race, so plan accordingly for Sunday's race.<br /><br />I'll be cheering you all on.Robert Brookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04774797371768581280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1389890013956481828.post-70633476340754176742008-04-07T09:54:00.001-04:002008-04-07T09:57:46.792-04:00Mighty Mississinewa Reservoir Road RaceIt may have been snowing in Flanders this weekend, but warm spring weather greeted Team Nebo Ridge and everyone else at the Mississinewa Reservoir Road Race near Peru, Indiana. This was the season opener for Dan Daly’s Indiana Race Series, and turnout was good in most categories. Smooth roads, low traffic, moderate wind, and an almost flat 15-mile loop made for some very pleasant racing, though a dog or two on the course managed to add some excitement. Team Nebo Ridge was represented by John, Scott, and Michael in the Citizens race, Sally, Mary, and Mae in the Women’s race, and me (Jason) in the Masters 3/4 race. Good results were in abundance for the team: Michael led the Citizens field home in a sprint for first place, and Mary and Sally took first and second, respectively, for the women. My racing education continued with my first-ever entry in the Masters 3/4 event, which turned out to be a fast and smooth 45 miles. The move of the day occurred almost right at the start, when a lone MOB Squad rider casually slipped away in a solo break, never to be seen again by the pack. Nice! I wish I could do that. As the lone representative for our team, I contributed as much as possible to an extended chase led by the well-represented Indy Hand Center team, but the MOB gentleman out front was strong, and he was well-protected by his large and organized team in the pack. Despite some very strong solo riders, the race was dominated by the two large teams, which made the strategy pretty easy to figure out, even for a novice like me. The leisurely pace of the final lap indicated it was going to be a field sprint for second place, so as the pace wound up over the last couple of miles, I simply tried to find a good place in line. I almost got dropped in the last mile as some gaps opened up, but I managed to get back on the train just as we turned into the long finishing stretch across the dam. The two teams drove up the speed, which was good, but my positioning in the pack could have been better. As the front of the race opened up in the final 100 meters, I was able to see that the lead guy was long gone, but there was space for me to accelerate up through the remaining field and take fourth place. I still need to improve my positioning and timing, but this was a good result for me, especially since I’ve never been any kind of sprinter. Big thanks to coaches Bob Brooks and Steve Laflin and their off-season training program at Nebo Ridge Bicycles for all the extra power. Compliments to all of Team Nebo Ridge for a great effort. Hopefully, we’ll see many more teammates out at the Indiana Race Series Ceraland Classic in Columbus, Indiana in just two weeks.Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17582333722892436813noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1389890013956481828.post-24894696880720044022008-04-04T11:53:00.004-04:002008-04-04T12:19:50.293-04:00A Midwest Classic to Start the SeasonLast weekend's Hillsboro Roubaix was road racing as I have often dreamed it to be. In my dreams, though, I didn't get dropped off the back of the group after 20 miles to ride the last 46 miles alone. I have much yet to learn, and the men's Cat3/4 field was an uncompromising teacher. Many others apparently shared my pain, though, as I stubbornly persisted to finish 49th out of 50 in a field of 100 starters. The hills, wind, and brick streets unrelentlingly separated the weak from the strong, so I must say "hats off" to the winners and to the few others who finished in the front group of my race. This is surely the kind of experience that inspired poet Stephen Dunn to write about "the sincere if onlys of grown men in short pants." I can only say that I hope to return next year and try again.Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17582333722892436813noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1389890013956481828.post-35299883726903021412007-08-19T20:31:00.000-04:002007-08-19T20:47:41.253-04:00BismarckA great showing for team Neboridge at the Morgan-Bismarck-Monroe road race! No, there were no podium finishes for the team, but it was still a great showing. The race was named for the famous World War II battleship the "Bismarck." After completing the race, I can definitively state that the moniker was appropriate. It was indeed a battle! A fight against the hills! There were some very tough climbs stretching over the last 3 miles of the course. Depending on the category that one raced in, you had to battle these climbs 3, 4, or 5 times! Ouch! Plus there was one radical, fast, bumpy descent that gave the course a real thrill-ride feel.<br /><br />New team members Scott Yates & Mike Buechler did us proud. Chris Jackman was hanging tough with the lead group in his race and Jason Pope was leading a break late in his event. As for me, well someone has to guard the rear to prevent a flanking manuver by the enemy during the battle! But, this just provides more motivation to train harder, ride more hills, and do more interval training. Then maybe one of these days, I'll actually ride like a racer!<br /><br />LarryLarry Stevenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07632605709046583165noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1389890013956481828.post-61796636498122679172007-08-06T14:38:00.000-04:002007-08-06T14:43:27.861-04:00Congratulations Sally!Next time that you see Sally Yuska, be sure to offer her congratulations on achieving the first win for the Neboridge road race team. Not bad for the team's first year! Sally won the women's race at the Zionsville Grand Prix on Sunday August, 5th. The bricks on the main street in Zionsville made for a bumpy course, but Sally was the class of the field (although many of the other Neboridge women participated and provided strong performances - so congratulations also to Sarah Beth, Bette, and Jennifer).<br />Great job!Larry Stevenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07632605709046583165noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1389890013956481828.post-47997328637309360902007-07-16T12:06:00.000-04:002007-07-16T12:14:50.355-04:00RAINAt the start of the year my 2 main goals were to finish a century and race in one time trial. Well, the time trial may come later in the season, but I am very pleased that I have been able to do a century ride (and more). For those of you not familiar with the event the RAIN ride is a ride across the state of Indiana (hence the acronym RAIN). I was blessed to be able to ride the RAIN with the help of 5 great teammates (some from the actual Neboridge team plus some other good guys). Without their encouragement and work it would have been a miserable slog. But, with the team (Dave Fouts our fearless leader, Sally Yuska, Jason Pope, Hans Kraabel, and Scott Yates) it was hard but fun - great fun in fact. 160 miles from Terre Haute to Richmond is indeed a long haul and there is a suprising amount of climbing (over 3,000 ft according to the Garmin GPS) but it is a great event and provides a great sense of accomplishment. I am still pumped!<br />LarryLarry Stevenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07632605709046583165noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1389890013956481828.post-30784950907307249952007-07-16T12:01:00.000-04:002007-07-16T12:06:36.906-04:00Eagle Creek Fast Crit.Yes, its halfway through the race season, but I fianlly got a opportunity to race. All the stars (family, work, on-call schedules) were aligned! And, it was great! My first criterium race was a bit like a roller coaster ride - a little bit scary but a lot of fun. One does have to be heads-up at all moments. In a pack like this, even a second's lapse in concentration or a small bobble can cause a crash. My goal was to finish with the pack and not get dropped. I made this goal and even had a little bit of energy left for a sprint to the finish! I can't wait to race again.<br />LarryLarry Stevenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07632605709046583165noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1389890013956481828.post-35814847964066337902007-05-14T10:29:00.000-04:002007-05-14T10:49:27.125-04:00Track to Track<h1>Track to Track<o:p></o:p></h1> <p class="MsoBodyText">It is the month of May in <st1:city><st1:place>Indianapolis</st1:place></st1:City> and the whole world thinks of “The Track”.<span style=""> </span>With cars<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:DFOUTS" datetime="2007-05-14T07:49"> </del></span>hitting 226 mph anyone with a “need for speed” will focus on the <st1:city><st1:place>Indianapolis</st1:place></st1:City> 500.<span style=""> </span>I too focused on this track albeit at a vastly slower speed.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoBodyText">34,999 other athletes attended my “need for speed” as we lined up for the OneAmerica Mini-Marathon.<span style=""> </span>Three Nebo Ridge riders, as far as I know, participated in the Mini<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:DFOUTS" datetime="2007-05-14T09:29"></del></span> Jim Marcero, Chris Hancock and myself.<span style=""> </span>Looking around at all the athletes was inspiring to know I was a <span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Comparison" datetime="2007-05-14T07:49"></ins></span>part of something so large.<span style=""> </span>Now it was time to run.<span style=""> </span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Comparison" datetime="2007-05-14T07:49"></ins></span>After Courtney and I trained with the Running Company in Broad Ripple, it all came down to this moment.<span style=""> </span>The wheelchair athletes were on their way and three minutes later, <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:DFOUTS" datetime="2007-05-14T07:49"></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Comparison" datetime="2007-05-14T07:49"></ins></span>Courtney and I started.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoBodyText">The miles started ticking off as I checked my time<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:DFOUTS" datetime="2007-05-14T07:49">s</del></span>, holding a <st1:time minute="45" hour="19">7:45</st1:time> pace<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:DFOUTS" datetime="2007-05-14T07:49"></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Comparison" datetime="2007-05-14T07:49"><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:DFOUTS" datetime="2007-05-14T09:29"></del></span></ins></span>, 170 heart rate and feeling good.<span style=""> </span>My new strategy this year was to hit most if not all the water/Gatorade stops.<span style=""> </span>Seems to be working, time for a Clif shot<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:DFOUTS" datetime="2007-05-14T09:30"></del></span> Mocha Mocha with caffeine, just before entering the track.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoBodyText">When you see the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on television it seems, well, rather small.<span style=""> </span>Now run on it!<span style=""> </span>All of a sudden, this track is very <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:DFOUTS" datetime="2007-05-14T07:49"></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Comparison" datetime="2007-05-14T07:49"></ins></span>large! <span style=""> </span>To most runners and trainers the track is known as “<st1:place>Death Valley</st1:place>”.<span style=""> </span>Something about it just zaps your will to run.<span style=""> </span>Maybe it is the lack of shade or breeze.<span style=""> </span>Maybe it never seems to end.<span style=""> </span>If you make it through the track without major issues, the last four miles seem <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:DFOUTS" datetime="2007-05-14T07:49"></del></span>much easier.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoBodyText">On the way back to downtown I start to notice my left foot feels hot.<span style=""> </span>Well it is too late to stop <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:DFOUTS" datetime="2007-05-14T09:31"></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:DFOUTS" datetime="2007-05-14T09:31"></ins></span>now; this race will not break me.<span style=""> </span>The last mile of the Mini, if you can hold your head up long enough, you can see the finish.<span style=""> </span>It is inspiring and deceptive to know you are in the home stretch.<span style=""> </span>There is the ¾ mile to go marker, come on I<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:DFOUTS" datetime="2007-05-14T07:49"></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Comparison" datetime="2007-05-14T07:49"></ins></span> can make it.<span style=""> </span>There is the ½ mile to go marker, man will this race ever end.<span style=""> </span>Thirteen-mile marker, ok only 0.1 mile <span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Comparison" datetime="2007-05-14T07:49"></ins></span>to go, I can do this.<span style=""> </span>Have you ever notice how long 0.1 of a mile can be?<span style=""> </span>Forever seems like an appropriate amount of time.<span style=""> </span>So<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:DFOUTS" datetime="2007-05-14T07:49"></del></span> I finish the Mini in one hour and forty-five minutes.<span style=""> </span>Not as fast as I would have liked to run but<span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Comparison" datetime="2007-05-14T07:49"></ins></span> I am done running until next January when Mini training starts <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:DFOUTS" datetime="2007-05-14T07:49"></del></span>again.<span style=""> </span>Jim Marcero, our superhuman runner, finished at one hour and twenty-six minutes and congratulations to Chris Hancock coming in at one hour and fifty-six minutes.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoBodyText">Now, what about that other track in <st1:city><st1:place>Indianapolis</st1:place></st1:City> that comes to life in May?<span style=""> </span>Major Taylor Velodrome is located just south of <st1:street><st1:address>38<sup>th</sup> street</st1:address></st1:Street> near <st1:place><st1:placename>Marian</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placename>College</st1:PlaceName></st1:place>.<span style=""> </span><span style="">Built in 1982, </span>it<span style=""> is one of only 18 Velodromes in the </span><st1:country-region><st1:place><span style="">United States</span></st1:place></st1:country-region><span style="">.<span style=""> </span></span>The Major Taylor Velodrome has been host to many national and international competitions, including the 1987 Pan American Games.<span style=""> </span>It is a 333 1/3 meter track of smooth concrete with 28 degree banking in the turns. <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoBodyText">The morning after the Mini I was sitting in a small classroom listening to, I kid you not, a guy <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:DFOUTS" datetime="2007-05-14T07:49"></del></span>who reminds me of Bill Murray.<span style=""> </span>His name is Ken Nowakowski. He <span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Comparison" datetime="2007-05-14T07:49"></ins></span>has a great memory because he remembered that I rode <span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Comparison" datetime="2007-05-14T07:49"></ins></span>the velodrome once last year.<span style=""> </span>After some instruction and minor track bike assembly, <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:DFOUTS" datetime="2007-05-14T07:49"></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Comparison" datetime="2007-05-14T07:49"></ins></span>the class and I headed to out to take a few laps.<span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Comparison" datetime="2007-05-14T07:49"></ins></span><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoBodyText">Looking at the velodrome from <st1:street><st1:address>38<sup>th</sup> Street</st1:address></st1:Street> it seems small compared to IMS from the previous day.<span style=""> </span>Now, walking down the seven degree banked front stretch it seemed to be growing and the twenty-eight degree banking in the turns was monstrous!<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoBodyText">Velodrome racing is not your typical criterium or road race.<span style=""> </span>You have all the same stuff; a bike, helmet, cycling shoes and uniforms but the similarity stops there.<span style=""> </span>The bike for example has one gear and chain ring, no brakes or shift levers and you cannot coast.<span style=""> </span>To slow this beast you must “back pedal” which is a nice way of saying, “try to pedal backwards while moving forward at 25 mph without throwing yourself over the handlebars”.<span style=""> </span>Good luck with that one.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoBodyText">Ken directs us through six balance exercises on the bike.<span style=""> </span>First, ride while hanging off the right side of saddle for one lap then the left side.<span style=""> </span>Then ride a lap alternating hanging off the right and left sides.<span style=""> </span>Next stand and ride while holding <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:DFOUTS" datetime="2007-05-14T10:23"></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Comparison" datetime="2007-05-14T10:23"></ins></span>your rear about an inch off the saddle without moving up and down and ride a lap in the saddle with only your fingertips touching the drops on the bar.<span style=""> </span>Finally stand an inch off the saddle and ride with your fingertips on the drops.<span style=""> </span>We take to the track with our new skills.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoBodyText">Riding the front stretch is not bad at all.<span style=""> </span>The turns are unnerving!<span style=""> </span>Are these 700 by 23 tires big enough to hold the track?<span style=""> </span>Will I slide down the banking like a kid sledding down hill after the first snow?<span style=""> </span>The Laws of Nature and Ken held true!<span style=""> </span>I did not slide off the track.<span style=""> </span>After a few laps, it became comfortable.<span style=""> </span>This could actually be fun!<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoBodyText">Back to the classroom for lunch and lecture.<span style=""> </span>Ken instructed us on everything from gearing to how early to arrive on race day.<span style=""> </span>Lunch is over and back out to the track for bumping practice.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoBodyText">What can I say about bumping practice? It is exactly what the name implies.<span style=""> </span>We paired up and rode the apron slowly.<span style=""> </span><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:DFOUTS" datetime="2007-05-14T10:23"></del></span>Then we leaned on each other, pushed off and continued riding.<span style=""> </span><span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:DFOUTS" datetime="2007-05-14T10:23"></del></span>That was <span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Comparison" datetime="2007-05-14T10:23"></ins></span>cool!<span style=""> </span>To think you can actually lean on someone so hard and not crash.<span style=""> </span>Then it happened.<span style=""> </span>I hear Ken coming up from behind me.<span style=""> </span>“Fouts, lean into me!” great called out by the boss.<span style=""> </span>I lean on him, easy at first.<span style=""> </span>“Push on me!” ok I think.<span style=""> </span>So I lean on him hard.<span style=""> </span>Amazing, we both stayed up.<span style=""> </span>There must really be something to this.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoBodyText">We went <span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Comparison" datetime="2007-05-14T10:23"></ins></span>back out on the track to warm-up while Ken <span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:DFOUTS" datetime="2007-05-14T10:23"></del></span><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Comparison" datetime="2007-05-14T10:23"></ins></span>got the motor.<span style=""> </span>The motor is a motorcycle, mid 80’s vintage, I think.<span style=""> </span>Everyone falls into a pace line behind the motor.<span style=""> </span>An easy twenty miles per hour pace then twenty-two.<span style=""> </span>As with most pace lines it starts out ragged then begins to take shape.<span style=""> </span>The speed increases again and a few riders pull out.<span style=""> </span>We continue to rotate through the pace line as the speed increases.<span style=""> </span>Only four of us left in the line now.<span style=""> </span>How much longer will Ken continue this pain?<span style=""> </span>Just then, Ken’s left hand comes out holding up two fingers, “Two to go”.<span style=""> </span>Yes, only two more laps but the speed is increasing.<span style=""> </span>One more lap, done and we cross the start/finish line.<span style=""> </span>Ken pulls ahead of us and we pull up above the blue line.<span style=""> </span>What a day!<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>Nebo Ridge Road Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12494563341076206776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1389890013956481828.post-58821216903318556032007-05-09T13:36:00.000-04:002007-05-09T14:16:24.508-04:00Ceraland 2007Alright, I guess I'll start the writing.<br /><br />I raced Ceraland about 2 weeks ago. My first race, so I arrived too early (but was rewarded with the first IRS #900), but the day was perfect for sitting outside and enjoying not having anything to do but sit outside and think about sitting outside.<br /><br />Citizen's race was first, with five staunch Nebo riders and a robust field of about 30 others. The race started sedately on the 1.4 mile loop, with just a few rolling hills and a minor headwind on the backstretch to break things up. And the occasional close encounter of the <em>curb</em> kind for an unlucky rider or two. A few pushes here and there, some by our team, but nothing organized enough to stay off the front. The pack came into the last lap intact, with a sprint over the last 90 seconds to sort out placement. A good time, and the Nebo Riders finished in the main group.<br /><br />An enjoyable first race, all told.<br /><br />Chris Hancock, Jason Pope, and I decided to hang around and try our hand at the cat 4 race with Anthony and Jim. The race took off a few steps quicker than the citizen's race, and unfortunately Chris H. found himself trapped behind someone who just couldn't keep the pace, and suddenly with a gap he couldn't quite close. Jim went off the front at some point, and while he didn't catch up with leaders (I don't think, anyway - correct me if I'm wrong), he did spend some time with a few chasers, and dispite having to solo a large portion of the race he finished fairly well ahead of the main pack. He wasn't listed in the final results, but he must have been in the top 7 or 8, I would think.<br /><br />Jason managed a surge off the front of the ever-dwindling group later in the race, but wasn't quite able to seperate himself. With about a half mile to go he had a close encounter of the <em>pedal-spoke</em> kind, bending a spoke (and I think stripping the rim at its insertion). His wheel stayed true enough and he was able to finish with Anthony and myself in the main group. My goal from the gun was to stay with the group, and I'm satisfied that I accomplished that.My legs were spent, but I'm glad I did both races. I'll take all the race experience I can get, and hopefully be able to do more than hang with the group at some point in the near future.<br /><br />See you all at Eagle Creek traditional on saturday. Hope those of you from the group ride yesterday have managed to dry out.<br /><br />Chris J.cjackmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13302263088836656311noreply@blogger.com0