Double the Rage tonight... Double the fun...
Good to see Robyn back on the ride after her crash last week. Here we go! Hunter P and Dillon P put in two monster pulls and had everyone on the rivet!!!! Oh thats right were in the real world this week I forgot. The ride started out low key, rt10 was taken at 20mph or so. As we turned off onto the back roads Eric , LT and Crowell were doing most of the work. With a strong tailwind the speed was high and nothing was going up the rode. It was good to see Brain Spiotti out he was on the front for a spell. At rt42 Eric , Koski and Crowell got a gap but Guido brought it back before the turn onto the climb. The pace was high on the road to the light at the rt68. Going toward the chicane the work on the front was pretty much stats quo with MCG and Petey thrown in the mix now. The ride was all strung out as we hit the hill after the chicane at the top a CCR rider attacked (Joe K?) but MCG brought him back and took a long pull into the industrial park.
Once into the park the pace was a steady 30+ all the way! Gotta love that tailwind. When we got out of the park the pace settled in with the crosswind from the right. As the ride approached the first sprint of the day. Eric and MCG set up LT for a easy win at the top. The next guy was 100 meters behind! Eric got tailed off from his long pull so I sat off the back to help him back. Thats when I saw group of 5 OTB with Bengay leading the charge back up, they didn't make it. Round 12 to Mahoney I guess its a TKO. The false flat after the green house was taken at tempo due to the dug up road. When the ride hit rt10 the pace was tame with the wind dead in the face.
At the S&S sprint Guido took the title of king of the hill. Down 10 we got every light so the ride was pretty uneventful until the finish. Guido showing some late season form took the prize once again. It was almost dark at the finish so I think this was the last 6:00 pm ride so 5:30 next week.
Tuesday the 14th
Crap! Crash casts a shadow on an otherwise exciting ride.
There was a big group out tonight to watch the main event... Chris “the Terror of the Tri's” Mahoney in one corner looking to knock boots with Ben “Hard Life” George.
Sure enough, the front row was the spot to be to watch this one as the 2 took right off outta the parking lot.... Even too soon some would say and once onto Route10 there was a group of 6 ( Tri Guy Scott with Knee highs, also riding like he had an axe to grind, Eric M, Mahoney, BenGe, French Casey, and the Seven Rider ) riding off with little regard to any no fire zone. Hunter P jumped across just before the group turned off route 10 but ended up being an anchor in order to reset the ride and give the peloton a chance to regroup. Despite Eric M, MaHoney and BenGe drilling it thru the early streets,it came back together as everyone turned onto Mount Sanford Rd. Round one goes to BenGe. Once it all came back together Larry M, looking to get some good cyclocross training in, attacked hard, taking Hunter P with him. Those two had a gap for the way to North Brooksvale. Joe K was riding hard out of the pack and caught the 2 and continued on for a little bit. He motivated a few guys to get it in gear, Peter P ( on his TT rig ) Todd H, Steve Gray, Jacinto, etc... Joe K rode for a few hundred meters by himself before getting corralled. Peter P then strung it out while down in his aero bars.
It was a hard opening few miles to the ride this week . Turning onto Mountain rd, Steve Grey, Todd H, Hunter P and a new rider in a French Jersey hit the front, with most of the guys who had been front still there. Hunter P was on the front when a huge bang\pop could be heard from the back. Mike McG barked out the stop command and it was game paused. Unfortunately there was a touch of wheels mid pack. Details are sketchy, but Robyn went down hardest. Also hitting the deck was French Casey. Robyn was slow to get up, as she banged her knee and head. Everyone was concerned but with traffic now squeezing thru half a lane and 50 bike riders doing little more than making the popular side street more colorful, it was decided to ride on. Rondo was on his way, Mike McG and Peter P stayed behind, and there were no doubt others who assisted and helped on scene. Hopefully we can get an update on how Robyn is doing very soon. No need to point fingers at who is at fault, but there was some strangely sheepish looks on a few faces.
It didnt take long for things to get back to pressure cooker level 9. Eric M, Mahoney and Chris C making sure of that, riding off the front on the next incline. Again, Hunter P, jumped the gap to make it 4 up the road. That lasted for kilo or 2 but then it was gruppo compacto for the rest of Mountain Rd except for a surge by Larry M, looking to jump the light.
Once onto Moss Farms, a couple of new faces moved up to the front, Little T ( great to see him back on the bike and pushing the tempo ) Hacker, Ciocci, and LaFlamme. It was Team Zanes leading everyone into the Chicane, with Little T drilling it on the uphill and thru the corner with Larry M, Hunter P and Hacker right there. It was enough to spring the group of 4 off the front and for a little bit, it looked like this one had the right legs. But the rest werent too far behind. Chris C, Mahoney, Ciocci etc. bringing the gap back. Round 2 – Mahoney...
It was nice and quick in thru the industrial park thanks to Little T, Steve Grey and Chris C. On the inclines on East Johnson Ave, Rob from Bikers Edge, being a TWC rookie and thusly unaware of the intense nature of the next sections of road, took off, forming up a little group right off the front with Steve Grey and Chris C. That would keep the speed nice and crisp for the rest of the way and the turn onto Rienhard where it was Eric M and Todd H up front. Lot's of guys jostling about for position the road turned up again for the sprint. Steve Grey jumped first, from the front, with Hacker in his wake. Also jumping late was Larry M, who took up Hunter P and Jacinto. It was a true drag race, with lots of bodies at speed up there to follow thru the usually decisive opening 200 meters. Hacker looked to be in a good spot, then Jacinto, but all were trumped by Joe K, who dashed up the left side at the right moment and powered thru everyone, hitting the corner first with Jacinto and Hunter P close behind. Well done....
I'm sure all will hear soon enough which one of our main event 2 non-sprinter combatants had the upper hand on this one. No one was up to attacking the pack on the downhill after that horse race, so it was all toggethre moving onto Peck Lane and up to Schoolhouse. Everyone motored right thru the uphill section on Peck ln, thanks to Eric M, Joe K, Thompson, and of course.... Mahoney and BenGe. MaHoney looked to be in a spot of bother at the top.... Round 3, BenGe. From there Hunter P, Todd H, Crazt Chris, Steve Grey and Thompson took over at the front.
The speed shot up as everyone turned attention to the Stop n Shop sprint, Julio L, Koski, Todd H and Little T up front. Lurking close by were Hacker, Chris C and Mahoney..... Round 4 to Mahoney? Koski was burying himself, with Hacker on his wheel. When he was done pulling Hacker chose to jump, being left with a whole hell of a long 400 meters to the sprint point. Chris C jumped after him, having to close a solid gap and with Hunter P with him. Hacker couldnt sprint the whole way, burning out halfway up the hill. Hunter P had a long drag sprint as well but was able to come up and over with plenty of time to get to the light first. Julio L rounded out the podium.
Riding back into Hamden was an interesting affair, as a dude on an electric recumbant, who had been shadowing the whole ride, decided to give the guys up front a little motorpacing. Once all the red lights were dispatched, it was game on, with Eric M taking the initiative to stay stuck on his wheel. The speed hovered around 33 mph the whole way back as lots of guys were getting popped.... In 2's and 3's they would drop as soon as a gap opened up, no way to close it going that fast. Credit Eric M for staying right on him as the low rider couldnt have been an ideal draft. Behind him, Ciocci, Hacker, LaFlamme, Peter P, Hunter P, Little T, BenGe and a couple of others were the direct beneficiaries of the high speed train. Round Five to BenGe? When Eric M would finally give up the ghost, it was a mad dash to reconnect with the battery powered thing. Peter P and Little T made it, and with Peter P in the aero bars and perhaps pushing a 55t chain ring, was able to stay in front of Little T for the Finale.
There was a big group out tonight to watch the main event... Chris “the Terror of the Tri's” Mahoney in one corner looking to knock boots with Ben “Hard Life” George.
Sure enough, the front row was the spot to be to watch this one as the 2 took right off outta the parking lot.... Even too soon some would say and once onto Route10 there was a group of 6 ( Tri Guy Scott with Knee highs, also riding like he had an axe to grind, Eric M, Mahoney, BenGe, French Casey, and the Seven Rider ) riding off with little regard to any no fire zone. Hunter P jumped across just before the group turned off route 10 but ended up being an anchor in order to reset the ride and give the peloton a chance to regroup. Despite Eric M, MaHoney and BenGe drilling it thru the early streets,it came back together as everyone turned onto Mount Sanford Rd. Round one goes to BenGe. Once it all came back together Larry M, looking to get some good cyclocross training in, attacked hard, taking Hunter P with him. Those two had a gap for the way to North Brooksvale. Joe K was riding hard out of the pack and caught the 2 and continued on for a little bit. He motivated a few guys to get it in gear, Peter P ( on his TT rig ) Todd H, Steve Gray, Jacinto, etc... Joe K rode for a few hundred meters by himself before getting corralled. Peter P then strung it out while down in his aero bars.
It was a hard opening few miles to the ride this week . Turning onto Mountain rd, Steve Grey, Todd H, Hunter P and a new rider in a French Jersey hit the front, with most of the guys who had been front still there. Hunter P was on the front when a huge bang\pop could be heard from the back. Mike McG barked out the stop command and it was game paused. Unfortunately there was a touch of wheels mid pack. Details are sketchy, but Robyn went down hardest. Also hitting the deck was French Casey. Robyn was slow to get up, as she banged her knee and head. Everyone was concerned but with traffic now squeezing thru half a lane and 50 bike riders doing little more than making the popular side street more colorful, it was decided to ride on. Rondo was on his way, Mike McG and Peter P stayed behind, and there were no doubt others who assisted and helped on scene. Hopefully we can get an update on how Robyn is doing very soon. No need to point fingers at who is at fault, but there was some strangely sheepish looks on a few faces.
It didnt take long for things to get back to pressure cooker level 9. Eric M, Mahoney and Chris C making sure of that, riding off the front on the next incline. Again, Hunter P, jumped the gap to make it 4 up the road. That lasted for kilo or 2 but then it was gruppo compacto for the rest of Mountain Rd except for a surge by Larry M, looking to jump the light.
Once onto Moss Farms, a couple of new faces moved up to the front, Little T ( great to see him back on the bike and pushing the tempo ) Hacker, Ciocci, and LaFlamme. It was Team Zanes leading everyone into the Chicane, with Little T drilling it on the uphill and thru the corner with Larry M, Hunter P and Hacker right there. It was enough to spring the group of 4 off the front and for a little bit, it looked like this one had the right legs. But the rest werent too far behind. Chris C, Mahoney, Ciocci etc. bringing the gap back. Round 2 – Mahoney...
It was nice and quick in thru the industrial park thanks to Little T, Steve Grey and Chris C. On the inclines on East Johnson Ave, Rob from Bikers Edge, being a TWC rookie and thusly unaware of the intense nature of the next sections of road, took off, forming up a little group right off the front with Steve Grey and Chris C. That would keep the speed nice and crisp for the rest of the way and the turn onto Rienhard where it was Eric M and Todd H up front. Lot's of guys jostling about for position the road turned up again for the sprint. Steve Grey jumped first, from the front, with Hacker in his wake. Also jumping late was Larry M, who took up Hunter P and Jacinto. It was a true drag race, with lots of bodies at speed up there to follow thru the usually decisive opening 200 meters. Hacker looked to be in a good spot, then Jacinto, but all were trumped by Joe K, who dashed up the left side at the right moment and powered thru everyone, hitting the corner first with Jacinto and Hunter P close behind. Well done....
I'm sure all will hear soon enough which one of our main event 2 non-sprinter combatants had the upper hand on this one. No one was up to attacking the pack on the downhill after that horse race, so it was all toggethre moving onto Peck Lane and up to Schoolhouse. Everyone motored right thru the uphill section on Peck ln, thanks to Eric M, Joe K, Thompson, and of course.... Mahoney and BenGe. MaHoney looked to be in a spot of bother at the top.... Round 3, BenGe. From there Hunter P, Todd H, Crazt Chris, Steve Grey and Thompson took over at the front.
The speed shot up as everyone turned attention to the Stop n Shop sprint, Julio L, Koski, Todd H and Little T up front. Lurking close by were Hacker, Chris C and Mahoney..... Round 4 to Mahoney? Koski was burying himself, with Hacker on his wheel. When he was done pulling Hacker chose to jump, being left with a whole hell of a long 400 meters to the sprint point. Chris C jumped after him, having to close a solid gap and with Hunter P with him. Hacker couldnt sprint the whole way, burning out halfway up the hill. Hunter P had a long drag sprint as well but was able to come up and over with plenty of time to get to the light first. Julio L rounded out the podium.
Riding back into Hamden was an interesting affair, as a dude on an electric recumbant, who had been shadowing the whole ride, decided to give the guys up front a little motorpacing. Once all the red lights were dispatched, it was game on, with Eric M taking the initiative to stay stuck on his wheel. The speed hovered around 33 mph the whole way back as lots of guys were getting popped.... In 2's and 3's they would drop as soon as a gap opened up, no way to close it going that fast. Credit Eric M for staying right on him as the low rider couldnt have been an ideal draft. Behind him, Ciocci, Hacker, LaFlamme, Peter P, Hunter P, Little T, BenGe and a couple of others were the direct beneficiaries of the high speed train. Round Five to BenGe? When Eric M would finally give up the ghost, it was a mad dash to reconnect with the battery powered thing. Peter P and Little T made it, and with Peter P in the aero bars and perhaps pushing a 55t chain ring, was able to stay in front of Little T for the Finale.
Tuesday the 7th
The Short Loop strikes back!
Hey, it's the short loop again...
There was a good group out tonight for the ride. Notably missing was Eric M, Rondo, JoshyG and Little T as well, who is recovering from hernia surgery. We all wish him a speedy recovery. Feel better T, the ride is not the same without you macho'ing it up in the sprints.
Things started out pretty quickly when Chris C moved up to the front and took an early flyer, inviting any who wished to try for the long break. Team Gaul and Dillon P obliged and there was a quick trio up the road with Thomaas B chasing. The break would get caught pretty soon with Hunter P bringing the pack up. It was all together thru the cobbles as Mahoney, Team Gaul and Dennis from GHCC set a good tempo. Some traffic in the subsequent corners brought the good pace to a halt. It going a bit again
as Hacker brought the group up to Mountain Road. Mahoney and a Team Thule rider got it going on Mountain Rd. After the risers, there was some fragmenting going on at the front. CVC ( Peter P and BenGe ) moved up and got the front proper again with CCR ( Chris B and Hutner P ) coming thru after that. The rest of the way down Mountain was normal with a group of 12 of so rotating thru nicely.
Once on Moss Farms, CCR dropped the hammer with Gregg F, Joe “the beast” K and Chris B moved off the front quickly. Along for the ride was Jacinto. A chase group formed up with Peter P, LaFlamme, and the rider from San Fran. Hacker jumped from way back to bridge the gap, taking Hunter P and Team Gaul along with him. Hunter P doing his best Shleck impersonation dropped his chain but was able to get it back on and jumped back up to Hacker's wheel, who was by this point, overhauling the 4 leaders. More guys would follow and soon it was all back together. Team Gaul and Stage 1 led everyone up onto Marion and everyone got ready to dive into the industrial park. LaFlamme, Team Gaul, MaHoney, Joe K and a couple of others led it thru the park and everyone was down right giddy when the ride turned onto the new pavement of West Johnson ave.
It was back to the good ol days for the run-in to the sprint, with everyone trying to walk the line betweeen conservative and aggressive for the climb up to to Rienhard. Peter P and Thomaas B were leaning more toward aggressive, and moved off the front slightly with Hacker and Hunter P were right behind. Chris B pedaled thru them all and quickly got a respectable gap with 150 meters to go before the turn. Hacker took off and joined up with Chris and a late jumping BenGe also made the jump, but was quick to get disconnected once on Reinhard. Chris B and Hacker had a solid 70 meter gap at the base of the sprint hill. Thomaas B and Team Gaul were heading up the pack as the climb started. Hunter P jumped from a couple of wheels back and got a gap. Jacinto also jumped up and came by Hunter P. The 2 were close the whole way up. Meanwhile, Hacker was leading out Chris B in a half-speed sprint and with impeccable timing, moved off the front. Hunter P was able to come around Jacinto and settled between Butler and Hacker, but this one goes to Hacker.
On the backside Hacker kept his gap up for a little while but would be caught soon on Peck lane as Chris C, Joe K and others came up quickly to resume full speed ahead. A car got in between the front group on Peck and the rest of the peloton. Everyone was fortunate the driver seemed cool about it. It slowed the front group down and by the old train tracks, it was all together again. It took some balls to voluntarily hit the front of the ride once back onto Route 10, as there was a pretty stiff headwind. Peter P, Thomaas B, LaFlamme, Team Gaul and a couple of others were up to the task. Heading into the Stop n Shop sprint, a healthy group of guys rode off the front ( Chris C, Dillon P, BenGe, Seven Rider, Peter K, a couple of Bethel riders, Bill Thompson, Team Gaul, Mahoney, Hacker and LaFlamme ) . Mike McG jumped from the front of the second group, taking along Hunter P. Those 2 quickly rode thru the front group but Chris C was up the rode. Chris was the only one that took advantage of being in the front group, and started his sprint at the bast of the hill. Hunter P lost contact with Mike halfway to the sprint and then it was just the Irishman chasing the ??? ( Greek? Polish aborigine? ). Depending on who you talk to and where the imaginary line is drawn, Chris C may have stayed out in front long enough. It was very close. The judges ruled in Mike's favor though and the ride continued into the headwind, back into Hamden. The final section of the ride was pretty sedate. Chris Butler rolled off the front with a kilo to go, taking Dillon P and Peter P with him. Jacinto tried to gun them all down but was put out in front way too early. Mike McG overhauled the front with 350 meters to go, taking along Team Gaul and Hacker. No one was able to come around McGinley though.
A good ride.... Everyone made up for the lost miles with more intensity.
Hey, it's the short loop again...
There was a good group out tonight for the ride. Notably missing was Eric M, Rondo, JoshyG and Little T as well, who is recovering from hernia surgery. We all wish him a speedy recovery. Feel better T, the ride is not the same without you macho'ing it up in the sprints.
Things started out pretty quickly when Chris C moved up to the front and took an early flyer, inviting any who wished to try for the long break. Team Gaul and Dillon P obliged and there was a quick trio up the road with Thomaas B chasing. The break would get caught pretty soon with Hunter P bringing the pack up. It was all together thru the cobbles as Mahoney, Team Gaul and Dennis from GHCC set a good tempo. Some traffic in the subsequent corners brought the good pace to a halt. It going a bit again
as Hacker brought the group up to Mountain Road. Mahoney and a Team Thule rider got it going on Mountain Rd. After the risers, there was some fragmenting going on at the front. CVC ( Peter P and BenGe ) moved up and got the front proper again with CCR ( Chris B and Hutner P ) coming thru after that. The rest of the way down Mountain was normal with a group of 12 of so rotating thru nicely.
Once on Moss Farms, CCR dropped the hammer with Gregg F, Joe “the beast” K and Chris B moved off the front quickly. Along for the ride was Jacinto. A chase group formed up with Peter P, LaFlamme, and the rider from San Fran. Hacker jumped from way back to bridge the gap, taking Hunter P and Team Gaul along with him. Hunter P doing his best Shleck impersonation dropped his chain but was able to get it back on and jumped back up to Hacker's wheel, who was by this point, overhauling the 4 leaders. More guys would follow and soon it was all back together. Team Gaul and Stage 1 led everyone up onto Marion and everyone got ready to dive into the industrial park. LaFlamme, Team Gaul, MaHoney, Joe K and a couple of others led it thru the park and everyone was down right giddy when the ride turned onto the new pavement of West Johnson ave.
It was back to the good ol days for the run-in to the sprint, with everyone trying to walk the line betweeen conservative and aggressive for the climb up to to Rienhard. Peter P and Thomaas B were leaning more toward aggressive, and moved off the front slightly with Hacker and Hunter P were right behind. Chris B pedaled thru them all and quickly got a respectable gap with 150 meters to go before the turn. Hacker took off and joined up with Chris and a late jumping BenGe also made the jump, but was quick to get disconnected once on Reinhard. Chris B and Hacker had a solid 70 meter gap at the base of the sprint hill. Thomaas B and Team Gaul were heading up the pack as the climb started. Hunter P jumped from a couple of wheels back and got a gap. Jacinto also jumped up and came by Hunter P. The 2 were close the whole way up. Meanwhile, Hacker was leading out Chris B in a half-speed sprint and with impeccable timing, moved off the front. Hunter P was able to come around Jacinto and settled between Butler and Hacker, but this one goes to Hacker.
On the backside Hacker kept his gap up for a little while but would be caught soon on Peck lane as Chris C, Joe K and others came up quickly to resume full speed ahead. A car got in between the front group on Peck and the rest of the peloton. Everyone was fortunate the driver seemed cool about it. It slowed the front group down and by the old train tracks, it was all together again. It took some balls to voluntarily hit the front of the ride once back onto Route 10, as there was a pretty stiff headwind. Peter P, Thomaas B, LaFlamme, Team Gaul and a couple of others were up to the task. Heading into the Stop n Shop sprint, a healthy group of guys rode off the front ( Chris C, Dillon P, BenGe, Seven Rider, Peter K, a couple of Bethel riders, Bill Thompson, Team Gaul, Mahoney, Hacker and LaFlamme ) . Mike McG jumped from the front of the second group, taking along Hunter P. Those 2 quickly rode thru the front group but Chris C was up the rode. Chris was the only one that took advantage of being in the front group, and started his sprint at the bast of the hill. Hunter P lost contact with Mike halfway to the sprint and then it was just the Irishman chasing the ??? ( Greek? Polish aborigine? ). Depending on who you talk to and where the imaginary line is drawn, Chris C may have stayed out in front long enough. It was very close. The judges ruled in Mike's favor though and the ride continued into the headwind, back into Hamden. The final section of the ride was pretty sedate. Chris Butler rolled off the front with a kilo to go, taking Dillon P and Peter P with him. Jacinto tried to gun them all down but was put out in front way too early. Mike McG overhauled the front with 350 meters to go, taking along Team Gaul and Hacker. No one was able to come around McGinley though.
A good ride.... Everyone made up for the lost miles with more intensity.
Tuesday the 31st
The long loop goes out with a whimper?
It was a different kind of night, with plenty of action off the front but nothing that was really leg breaking. The Shaver ( Team Gaul, The New Zealander, The Hail Mary, Pulthruandsitup, whatever.... ) got things going soon after turning off Route 10. Mike McG came up fast and was pedaling good to get thru the rough section first. Then Chris C jumped up and it was a trio. They sped through some late comers and looked like the early break might have a chacne to get some breathing room. Behind, Hunter P and French Casey led the bunch thru the cobbles with Robyn and Builder Pete setting good tempo. Traffic thru the corners, plus no one putting the hammer down would bring the trio back. The ride then soft pedaled for a spell. Coming up over the initial riser on South Brooksvale, things got going when Hacker hit the front hard along with Guido and quickly there was a gap of about 30 yards to a group of 7 or 8 ( Dillon P, Mahoney, The Shaver, Chris C, Jacob, Guido, BenGe, The only guy on a Seven ). Not waiting around for the bunch to get in the game, Ciocci jumped across taking Hunter P with him. Those two rode thru a few of the guys coming off the back and by the first step-ups on Mountain rd, Ciocci had ridden across to Guido, Hacker, and Chris C. There was no one to really drill it up the hill and so the peloton had a chance to come back.
The ride down Mountain was uneventful at first, but then another group rode off the front when Steve Grey came up to the front and turned it on. ( Guido, BenGe, Chris C, Steve Grey, Shaver, Gregg F, Mahoney, Ciocci ) Chris B and Hunter P jumped across this time, but that got everyone proper and started the re-connection. Joe K and Chris B took the opportunity to ride off the front before the light, no doubt looking for a little green light action. No dice though and it was all together moving onto Moss Farms.
It didnt take long for another group to fight its way off the front. This time Joe K was punching it along with Rattatatat. Also present was Mahoney, Jacinto, Shaver, Hacker, Mike McG. Chris B and Hunter P again provided the get-up and go to glue it all back together again, though that group would stay at the front and drive things along thru the Chicane and up to Marion. Team Gaul duked it out with Joe K on the runup to the corner, with Joe K bringing the field thru. Ciocci, Chris C and a CCBer right there. That quickly led to another small gap forming with the CCBer driving the pace, Hacker and Hunter P along for the ride. Again, no one to really crack kneecaps and it was all together by the short loop turnaround. Mike McG took over the front and kept things legit all the way to the light on Route 322.
Once things got going on Mount Vernon Rd, Steve Grey came up to the front and strung everyone out behind him. That kept it fast till the false flat where there was some more gaps opening up but nothing sticking. Guido, Mahoney, Jacinto, Hunter P, CCB, and Team Gaul driving it up. CCB stayed up there for a while again, hammering out a tempo that any former Cold War Eastern European athlete would respect.
Heading up to the turnaround and the sprint, more action off the front as Chris C, Steve Grey, Guido, BenGe and Rattatatat found some breathing room and took advantage. Things sped up behind quickly though as most of the CCR team came up, looking to support the Joe K or Hunter P. Chris C slid back into the fold and it was Joe K, Tri Doug and Todd H setting tempo on Welch Road after The Shaver successfully bridged the gap. By 100 meters to the corner it was apparent that the front group was coming back quickly, proving again just how hard a long attack to the sprint point is. Going thru the corner, even though Guido was first, Joe K had a good jump and was ready to go through him. The real heavy hitters were right there in the front 10 bikes, negating any chance to power away for this one. Traffic and a red light, however, tragically put a kybosh on any sprinting.
Even without a sprint, the field was content to rest up and enjoy some new asphalt on the back side. There was no real activity off the front for the ride back over route 322. The ride actually was sedate for a while. CCB, Guido, Steve Grey, BenGe and a couple of others doing a good chunk of work at the front. The run-in to the Stop n Shop sprint was interrupted by a red light. Once the pushing and shoving started, Koski was doing his best to make up for the absence of Rondo and Little T, setting tempo at the front for Mike McG. The usual guys were queuing up. Rattatatat, Steve Grey, and Jacinto were close to the front and got the first jump with Hacker, Mike McG and Hunter P second wave. It turned into Mike McG trying to cover the ground to Jacinto but coming up short, as Jacinto was able to stay out in front.
Speeding back thru Cheshire, a few guys ( a suggested name is: “Douchebags” ) decided to blow a red light, forcing all but 8 or so guys to stop. That disrupted the ride back as some guys were moving up and some were moving back. In the end, there was 5 or 6 strong guys at the front, but seemingly with one mind, simply soft pedalled in and did not sprint......... Sit........... Sit-sprint.... whatever.
All in all solid ride. Last time for the long loop? Last year the powers that be ( The Fantano Family ) led us halfway up Mount Vernon road before turning right. Thoughts?
It was a different kind of night, with plenty of action off the front but nothing that was really leg breaking. The Shaver ( Team Gaul, The New Zealander, The Hail Mary, Pulthruandsitup, whatever.... ) got things going soon after turning off Route 10. Mike McG came up fast and was pedaling good to get thru the rough section first. Then Chris C jumped up and it was a trio. They sped through some late comers and looked like the early break might have a chacne to get some breathing room. Behind, Hunter P and French Casey led the bunch thru the cobbles with Robyn and Builder Pete setting good tempo. Traffic thru the corners, plus no one putting the hammer down would bring the trio back. The ride then soft pedaled for a spell. Coming up over the initial riser on South Brooksvale, things got going when Hacker hit the front hard along with Guido and quickly there was a gap of about 30 yards to a group of 7 or 8 ( Dillon P, Mahoney, The Shaver, Chris C, Jacob, Guido, BenGe, The only guy on a Seven ). Not waiting around for the bunch to get in the game, Ciocci jumped across taking Hunter P with him. Those two rode thru a few of the guys coming off the back and by the first step-ups on Mountain rd, Ciocci had ridden across to Guido, Hacker, and Chris C. There was no one to really drill it up the hill and so the peloton had a chance to come back.
The ride down Mountain was uneventful at first, but then another group rode off the front when Steve Grey came up to the front and turned it on. ( Guido, BenGe, Chris C, Steve Grey, Shaver, Gregg F, Mahoney, Ciocci ) Chris B and Hunter P jumped across this time, but that got everyone proper and started the re-connection. Joe K and Chris B took the opportunity to ride off the front before the light, no doubt looking for a little green light action. No dice though and it was all together moving onto Moss Farms.
It didnt take long for another group to fight its way off the front. This time Joe K was punching it along with Rattatatat. Also present was Mahoney, Jacinto, Shaver, Hacker, Mike McG. Chris B and Hunter P again provided the get-up and go to glue it all back together again, though that group would stay at the front and drive things along thru the Chicane and up to Marion. Team Gaul duked it out with Joe K on the runup to the corner, with Joe K bringing the field thru. Ciocci, Chris C and a CCBer right there. That quickly led to another small gap forming with the CCBer driving the pace, Hacker and Hunter P along for the ride. Again, no one to really crack kneecaps and it was all together by the short loop turnaround. Mike McG took over the front and kept things legit all the way to the light on Route 322.
Once things got going on Mount Vernon Rd, Steve Grey came up to the front and strung everyone out behind him. That kept it fast till the false flat where there was some more gaps opening up but nothing sticking. Guido, Mahoney, Jacinto, Hunter P, CCB, and Team Gaul driving it up. CCB stayed up there for a while again, hammering out a tempo that any former Cold War Eastern European athlete would respect.
Heading up to the turnaround and the sprint, more action off the front as Chris C, Steve Grey, Guido, BenGe and Rattatatat found some breathing room and took advantage. Things sped up behind quickly though as most of the CCR team came up, looking to support the Joe K or Hunter P. Chris C slid back into the fold and it was Joe K, Tri Doug and Todd H setting tempo on Welch Road after The Shaver successfully bridged the gap. By 100 meters to the corner it was apparent that the front group was coming back quickly, proving again just how hard a long attack to the sprint point is. Going thru the corner, even though Guido was first, Joe K had a good jump and was ready to go through him. The real heavy hitters were right there in the front 10 bikes, negating any chance to power away for this one. Traffic and a red light, however, tragically put a kybosh on any sprinting.
Even without a sprint, the field was content to rest up and enjoy some new asphalt on the back side. There was no real activity off the front for the ride back over route 322. The ride actually was sedate for a while. CCB, Guido, Steve Grey, BenGe and a couple of others doing a good chunk of work at the front. The run-in to the Stop n Shop sprint was interrupted by a red light. Once the pushing and shoving started, Koski was doing his best to make up for the absence of Rondo and Little T, setting tempo at the front for Mike McG. The usual guys were queuing up. Rattatatat, Steve Grey, and Jacinto were close to the front and got the first jump with Hacker, Mike McG and Hunter P second wave. It turned into Mike McG trying to cover the ground to Jacinto but coming up short, as Jacinto was able to stay out in front.
Speeding back thru Cheshire, a few guys ( a suggested name is: “Douchebags” ) decided to blow a red light, forcing all but 8 or so guys to stop. That disrupted the ride back as some guys were moving up and some were moving back. In the end, there was 5 or 6 strong guys at the front, but seemingly with one mind, simply soft pedalled in and did not sprint......... Sit........... Sit-sprint.... whatever.
All in all solid ride. Last time for the long loop? Last year the powers that be ( The Fantano Family ) led us halfway up Mount Vernon road before turning right. Thoughts?
Tuesday the 24th
Ride or hide day at the TWC........
30 or so guys rolled up for the ride giving no notice to the rain... Good to see Craig Luekens back out on the ride.
The pace got going when the the “Team Gaul\War Child” in black rider ( name??? ) moved up to the front and punched it. Ciocci and Eric M were quick to police the front together as the ride moved thru the backroads of Cheshire. Early on there were a couple of times when gaps would form to small groups usually containing Eric M, Ciocci, Team Gaul, or VQ Rob. Chris C and Hunter P were punchy over the first risers of Mountain rd, but mostly it was group compact to stacked up traffic at the light by Route 68. Eric M, VQ Rob, and then JoshyG were the ones that got it going on Moss Farms, but for the most part everyone was nice and polite letting everyone have a chance to settle in after dealing with the traffic. Once past the chicane, Team Gaul started the surge up to Marion with Chris C and Hunter P punching it past the corner. Hunter P had a gap for a ways, but no one went with him and it rolled back together near the short loop turn off. Aidan Charles, looking glowing from a successful wedding and honeymoon was trying to get back into race shape for a couple of key remaining events, hit the front and got everyone’s attention as the ride came up to Route 322. Gregg F, Mike McG, and Hunter were up there too.
Once onto Mount Vernon Rd, the battles for who was gonna drive the pace started up nicely. Peter P was present with the Zane's crew and VQ Rob. Craig Luekens hit the front about a mile in and really strung things out. Pretty good for someone with only a few tens of miles in this summer. JoshyG followed up his effort with a real gut buster. Leaving the pack into the deep end of the pain pool. This left the sharp end of the peleton in turbo mode for the start of those dang false flats. Rondo and Hutner P again driving the pace up them. There wasn’t much of a chance for a separation at the top as most of the strong guys were pretty gassed. It rolled back together and took a little while but things got going again with Eric M, Mahoney, Team Gaul, and Peter P up front. Then it was time to start thinking about the turnaround. Team Gaul and Thomaas B were looking like they were wanting to sneak off before the corner onto Welch Rd. Eric M, VQ Rob, and Ciocci kept it all together. It was pretty much those five leading the way on Welch up to the corner. Luekens moved up the right hand side which pushed everyone along. Chris C jumped up the left hitting the corner first and taking Hunter P with him. Chris C led the whole way from the corner to where the spring would be starting. Hunter P sat quietly behind as Chris C did all the work of building up a gap of about 30 yards or so before Mike McG would start to eat into it. Hunter P jumped past Chris with about 250 meters to go, but Mike McG had already gotten all the momentum he needed. He was dragging Jacinto the whole way and Jacinto did put up good numbers right to the end, but Mike was able to stay out in front.
It seemed for a second that the two would have a good chance at keeping up their gap, but there were plenty of guys to push it on the descent and thru the traffic lights over 84. There was a tailwind and the peleton got all green lights, which was a nice chance. The ride ripped thru the rest of West Street and during the corner by the 84 exit Gregg F slipped off the front with Team Gaul, Rondo and VQ Rob. Rondo peeled off soon after and left the trio to work the gap. The speed was nice and crisp due to the tailwind. Mike McG, Aiden C, and a new guy in a Tosck (?) kit. The leading trio would get caught on the hill by the overpass and it was all together to the light with Chris C leading the way. Team Gaul was back at the front once past the light leading to a pretty good clip heading up Peck lane. Once over the old train tracks, Guido, who missed most of the ride cause he was late and backtracked to West St to join up, and Aiden hit the front with a purpose. Hunter P jumped on and the 3 were off. They hit the corner onto route 10 with a small negligible gap, with Peter P just off the wheels. Guido kept on the throttle in the way that only he can, drinvg the pace up the hill by Cheshire Park ( site of CheshireCross 2010, November 20th, mark your calendars! ) Aidan and Hunter P chipped in a bit, and Peter P was able to latch on, leaving a foursome to head into the Stop n Shop hill. The lead group caught a light that would slow the bunch behind and that would be all that was needed. Hunter P was able to jump off the front and get the sprint there with Aiden giving chase. The group would come back together soon after but get slowed by a light in the center of town. Behind, any springing that the pack would have was negated due to a red light at the top of the hill. Credit Dillon P for jumping up and getting thru the light in ever so somewhat fair fashion ( it was yellow! ). Dillon put his head down and closed the gap to the leading four by the highschool in Cheshire. Getting some revenge for the flat he was hit with early on during last weeks ride.
Guido was driving tent pegs with his legs the whole way back, making sure he made up for his abbreviated workout. The others would help when called on, but it was pretty much a one donkey show. Aidan C was the first to call it a day, waving the rest away 2 kilo's away.. Dillon P was next to pop. The remaining trio soft pedaled into the end.
We will wait to see what everyone has to say about it, but its pretty good guess that says that it will be the shorter loop next week.
30 or so guys rolled up for the ride giving no notice to the rain... Good to see Craig Luekens back out on the ride.
The pace got going when the the “Team Gaul\War Child” in black rider ( name??? ) moved up to the front and punched it. Ciocci and Eric M were quick to police the front together as the ride moved thru the backroads of Cheshire. Early on there were a couple of times when gaps would form to small groups usually containing Eric M, Ciocci, Team Gaul, or VQ Rob. Chris C and Hunter P were punchy over the first risers of Mountain rd, but mostly it was group compact to stacked up traffic at the light by Route 68. Eric M, VQ Rob, and then JoshyG were the ones that got it going on Moss Farms, but for the most part everyone was nice and polite letting everyone have a chance to settle in after dealing with the traffic. Once past the chicane, Team Gaul started the surge up to Marion with Chris C and Hunter P punching it past the corner. Hunter P had a gap for a ways, but no one went with him and it rolled back together near the short loop turn off. Aidan Charles, looking glowing from a successful wedding and honeymoon was trying to get back into race shape for a couple of key remaining events, hit the front and got everyone’s attention as the ride came up to Route 322. Gregg F, Mike McG, and Hunter were up there too.
Once onto Mount Vernon Rd, the battles for who was gonna drive the pace started up nicely. Peter P was present with the Zane's crew and VQ Rob. Craig Luekens hit the front about a mile in and really strung things out. Pretty good for someone with only a few tens of miles in this summer. JoshyG followed up his effort with a real gut buster. Leaving the pack into the deep end of the pain pool. This left the sharp end of the peleton in turbo mode for the start of those dang false flats. Rondo and Hutner P again driving the pace up them. There wasn’t much of a chance for a separation at the top as most of the strong guys were pretty gassed. It rolled back together and took a little while but things got going again with Eric M, Mahoney, Team Gaul, and Peter P up front. Then it was time to start thinking about the turnaround. Team Gaul and Thomaas B were looking like they were wanting to sneak off before the corner onto Welch Rd. Eric M, VQ Rob, and Ciocci kept it all together. It was pretty much those five leading the way on Welch up to the corner. Luekens moved up the right hand side which pushed everyone along. Chris C jumped up the left hitting the corner first and taking Hunter P with him. Chris C led the whole way from the corner to where the spring would be starting. Hunter P sat quietly behind as Chris C did all the work of building up a gap of about 30 yards or so before Mike McG would start to eat into it. Hunter P jumped past Chris with about 250 meters to go, but Mike McG had already gotten all the momentum he needed. He was dragging Jacinto the whole way and Jacinto did put up good numbers right to the end, but Mike was able to stay out in front.
It seemed for a second that the two would have a good chance at keeping up their gap, but there were plenty of guys to push it on the descent and thru the traffic lights over 84. There was a tailwind and the peleton got all green lights, which was a nice chance. The ride ripped thru the rest of West Street and during the corner by the 84 exit Gregg F slipped off the front with Team Gaul, Rondo and VQ Rob. Rondo peeled off soon after and left the trio to work the gap. The speed was nice and crisp due to the tailwind. Mike McG, Aiden C, and a new guy in a Tosck (?) kit. The leading trio would get caught on the hill by the overpass and it was all together to the light with Chris C leading the way. Team Gaul was back at the front once past the light leading to a pretty good clip heading up Peck lane. Once over the old train tracks, Guido, who missed most of the ride cause he was late and backtracked to West St to join up, and Aiden hit the front with a purpose. Hunter P jumped on and the 3 were off. They hit the corner onto route 10 with a small negligible gap, with Peter P just off the wheels. Guido kept on the throttle in the way that only he can, drinvg the pace up the hill by Cheshire Park ( site of CheshireCross 2010, November 20th, mark your calendars! ) Aidan and Hunter P chipped in a bit, and Peter P was able to latch on, leaving a foursome to head into the Stop n Shop hill. The lead group caught a light that would slow the bunch behind and that would be all that was needed. Hunter P was able to jump off the front and get the sprint there with Aiden giving chase. The group would come back together soon after but get slowed by a light in the center of town. Behind, any springing that the pack would have was negated due to a red light at the top of the hill. Credit Dillon P for jumping up and getting thru the light in ever so somewhat fair fashion ( it was yellow! ). Dillon put his head down and closed the gap to the leading four by the highschool in Cheshire. Getting some revenge for the flat he was hit with early on during last weeks ride.
Guido was driving tent pegs with his legs the whole way back, making sure he made up for his abbreviated workout. The others would help when called on, but it was pretty much a one donkey show. Aidan C was the first to call it a day, waving the rest away 2 kilo's away.. Dillon P was next to pop. The remaining trio soft pedaled into the end.
We will wait to see what everyone has to say about it, but its pretty good guess that says that it will be the shorter loop next week.
Tuesday the 17th
Just a few weeks left, gotta make em count.
The ride was slow to get going this week. Seems everyone was still recovering from Chappy's party or maybe the end of the summer is closer that we think.
Eric M was the first to up the ante and Mike McG was quick to follow. Soon after that Hunter P jumped across the gap and the 3 went to work. There was little chance of a trio like that being let go, especially when Guido jumped up tho the group ready to go to work. Sure enough, it was being chased back in earnest thru the cobbled section and it was all together by the turn onto South Brooksvale. Rondo then had go, taking along French Casey and Todd H. That was short lived though and it was all together heading onto Mountain road. Chris C took a dig at the front after the initial riser sections but that was brought back pretty quickly as well.
The pace was smooth for the rest for the way to Route 68. Once onto Moss Farms, Rondo and crew were setting the majority of tempo at first. No one was challenging that, and there were plenty of guys to chip in at the front. Eric M led all into the Chicane and it was controlled heading up to Marion Ave with Chris C and Steve Grey setting the pace up front. Brian the other Brian from Stage 1 took the lead in pushing a small group off the front on Marion, follwed up by Special Ed but both surges were covered and it was all together up to the lihgt on 322.
Once past the light everyone played nice and there was little drama on Mount Vernon road. The false flat section took its toll once again, leaving Jacinto, MaHoney, Hunter P and Rondo to take the initiate up it. Once it settled down from that effort, it seemed guys started to set up for the turn around. Steve Grey and Special Ed, neither huge sprinters, were moving up, no doubt looking to explode the ride on the climbs. Special Ed, took a flyer with Kilo to go on Mount Vernon, leaving Eric M and Steve G to chase it back. Once onto Welch, the jostling began. Special Ed took another flyer, which got everyone's attention. It was kept together by the likes of Eric M, MaHoney, Todd H, Larry M and Guido. Julio rolled thru the corner first with plenty of firepower right behind him. He kept on the gas and was quickly joined by Chris B. They had a gap for a couple of seconds before Hunter P jumped across the gap, dragging the handful of guys who were left. Chris B was at the front for the next 400 meters, settling into a solid pace that let no one sprint past. Hunter P was the first to jump but did so too soon as Mike McG and Jacinto had little problem sailing past with 100 meters to go. Mike's turn of speed was good enough to keep him out front and he got this one with Jacinto close behind.
Heading back into Cheshire was the usual with no one attacked and the pace was steady. It did speed up as the ride was coming back up to Route 322. Chris B, Chappy, and The Other Brian were doing a good job making everyone work. The light on 322 took forever and a day to change and once it did, Chris C took the opportunity to practice his cyclocross starts, jumping off the line and getting a gap till peck ln. That got things going decently again on Peck.
Heading into the Stop n Shop sprint, the Zane's guys took the initiative to drive the pace. Eric M doing good work. A couple of stage 1 guys were up there too. Mike McG jumped first past Rondo, taking Hunter P right with him. On the left side Julio L came up fast, blocking Hunter P from coming around. From there, it was a dog fight right to the very end between Julio and Mike with Julio hanging on. Jacinto made a last second sprint but was well short of the 2. It was an solid and proper sprint from Julio, who apparently was out to silence the critics...
From there was no surprises heading back to Hamden. For the finale, after the Zane's guys were done pushing the pace, Chris B looked good sneaking off with 750 meters to go. Guido jumped on with Hunter P in tow. Hunter P was able to get around Guido and hold him off for the ending.
The ride was slow to get going this week. Seems everyone was still recovering from Chappy's party or maybe the end of the summer is closer that we think.
Eric M was the first to up the ante and Mike McG was quick to follow. Soon after that Hunter P jumped across the gap and the 3 went to work. There was little chance of a trio like that being let go, especially when Guido jumped up tho the group ready to go to work. Sure enough, it was being chased back in earnest thru the cobbled section and it was all together by the turn onto South Brooksvale. Rondo then had go, taking along French Casey and Todd H. That was short lived though and it was all together heading onto Mountain road. Chris C took a dig at the front after the initial riser sections but that was brought back pretty quickly as well.
The pace was smooth for the rest for the way to Route 68. Once onto Moss Farms, Rondo and crew were setting the majority of tempo at first. No one was challenging that, and there were plenty of guys to chip in at the front. Eric M led all into the Chicane and it was controlled heading up to Marion Ave with Chris C and Steve Grey setting the pace up front. Brian the other Brian from Stage 1 took the lead in pushing a small group off the front on Marion, follwed up by Special Ed but both surges were covered and it was all together up to the lihgt on 322.
Once past the light everyone played nice and there was little drama on Mount Vernon road. The false flat section took its toll once again, leaving Jacinto, MaHoney, Hunter P and Rondo to take the initiate up it. Once it settled down from that effort, it seemed guys started to set up for the turn around. Steve Grey and Special Ed, neither huge sprinters, were moving up, no doubt looking to explode the ride on the climbs. Special Ed, took a flyer with Kilo to go on Mount Vernon, leaving Eric M and Steve G to chase it back. Once onto Welch, the jostling began. Special Ed took another flyer, which got everyone's attention. It was kept together by the likes of Eric M, MaHoney, Todd H, Larry M and Guido. Julio rolled thru the corner first with plenty of firepower right behind him. He kept on the gas and was quickly joined by Chris B. They had a gap for a couple of seconds before Hunter P jumped across the gap, dragging the handful of guys who were left. Chris B was at the front for the next 400 meters, settling into a solid pace that let no one sprint past. Hunter P was the first to jump but did so too soon as Mike McG and Jacinto had little problem sailing past with 100 meters to go. Mike's turn of speed was good enough to keep him out front and he got this one with Jacinto close behind.
Heading back into Cheshire was the usual with no one attacked and the pace was steady. It did speed up as the ride was coming back up to Route 322. Chris B, Chappy, and The Other Brian were doing a good job making everyone work. The light on 322 took forever and a day to change and once it did, Chris C took the opportunity to practice his cyclocross starts, jumping off the line and getting a gap till peck ln. That got things going decently again on Peck.
Heading into the Stop n Shop sprint, the Zane's guys took the initiative to drive the pace. Eric M doing good work. A couple of stage 1 guys were up there too. Mike McG jumped first past Rondo, taking Hunter P right with him. On the left side Julio L came up fast, blocking Hunter P from coming around. From there, it was a dog fight right to the very end between Julio and Mike with Julio hanging on. Jacinto made a last second sprint but was well short of the 2. It was an solid and proper sprint from Julio, who apparently was out to silence the critics...
From there was no surprises heading back to Hamden. For the finale, after the Zane's guys were done pushing the pace, Chris B looked good sneaking off with 750 meters to go. Guido jumped on with Hunter P in tow. Hunter P was able to get around Guido and hold him off for the ending.
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