First Singlespeed race...

[Tyrone Shoelaces]

...and I'm addicted :)

There's a cool little grass roots (i.e. locally produced, non-NORBA) racing series in my town in the Spring early Summer that I had always heard was a good time. It's a series of about a dozen or so races, with points rewarded for your placings that carry with you to the end of the season for a total series champion. Unfortunately, I was never able to check it out as my indoor soccer schedule always conflicted, but now during the late Summer & Fall, they put on a shorter (slight shorter course due to shorter days) race series called the Fall Flash series with 5 races on the schedule, so with my indoor soccer team on temporary hiatus, I figured 'why not'?

I entered the Sport singlespeed class (choice for singlespeeders in this series are either Expert or Sport), and had a blast. Despite the heat (it was 104 degrees as i pulled in :eek: ), despite getting rocked a bit by the babyheads for running fully-rigid (definitely should ran a lower PSI), and despite not being aggressive enough out of the start and losing the leaders behind some slower riders right off the bat, I may have done OK (just hoping for middle of the pack to keep it respectable). Results aren't up yet....but next time I'll shoot out of the gate more aggressively and make the faster guys pass my slow ass :D

Chaka -- BIG props for doing so well on your SS last year. It was pretty grueling!

Can't wait for the next one (hopefully it's a bit cooler though)

found a peecture from the race peoples:

(notice the DH shoes in a XC race...)
http://www.racemtbikes.com/082207photos/images/082207192.jpg

[Arty50]

Singlespeed race? Isn't that an event in the Special Olympics?

[Andy_B]

I think your right Arty, those of us that race singlespeeds are either slightly retarded, stupid or both.

Good job Ron.

[altagirl]

Ha, nice shoes. I wore XC shoes and baggy shorts.

So do you guys get a women's SS class too? I just had to race the chicks on geared bikes when I did that.

And good job in the heat - that sounds brutal!

[Andy_B]

Ha, nice shoes. I wore XC shoes and baggy shorts.




Spandex is not allowed when riding a SS.

;)

[marshalolson]

nice man!

[flowtron]

Nice work. Racing is fun eh?
Fast starts are key. I've found it takes a little different mindset, gotta be ready to trade a little paint and redline it right off the bat. In my spotty CX career, my MO tends to be mellower starts and then a lot of passing in dicey spots. Its fun, but hard to do well in the standings.
I rocked the Hematomas in CX too(cuz it was all I had), kinda sucky for running but they help carry a bit of momentum in your step late in the race and you can kick the shit out of the barriers if your steps are a little late.

[Tyrone Shoelaces]

So do you guys get a women's SS class too? I just had to race the chicks on geared bikes when I did that.



I don't think there was. Pretty sure there were only the two SS classes (sport & expert) and I didn't notice any women anywhere rocking SS.

Here are the classes:
http://www.racemtbikes.com/FlashReg.htm

Flowtron -- Yeah definitely a different mindset indeed. My sauce was way too weak at the start and into the first two turns and I just couldn't make up the time on the guys who pinned it right out of the gate...I don't think anyone passed me in my group though and I did manage to tick off a few, so next time, i'll gun it from the start. There were some CX'rs doing this race as well...at certain places on the course, they'd go off on their own route where'd they'd have to jump some haybales or barriers or some shit.

Arty - :the_finge

Andy_B - definitely retarded. On my final lap i was definitely hurting and thinking 'WTF?" (W as in why) :D

[Chaka]

I definitely agree racing SS is completely retarded... where's my special medal?
Congrats Tyrone! and thanks for the props... fun event, yes? Will you be there next week, I hope to be. What gear did you end up going? Love seeing that shiny SASS in the pic....

I'll offer a different perspective on fast starts. They are only beneficial if you can fend everyone off the rest of the race! Otherwise you blow your wad for no reason right in the beginning. I've experienced more success having a decent start, not be too concerned about being in the lead group right out the gate, let things settle a bit, and then pick people off on climbs. The key to this strategy is you have to be a decent climber (duh) and you have to at least stay within reasonable striking distance...

The trouble I have is changing mindsets for short events like this to longer format stuff... totally different and difficult for me.

[Tyrone Shoelaces]

Congrats Tyrone! and thanks for the props... fun event, yes? Will you be there next week, I hope to be. What gear did you end up going? Love seeing that shiny SASS in the pic....



Definitely fun. And yes, i'll be there next week for sure. I should be able to make all the races with the exception of 9/12. (I think).

i ended up riding the stock 2:1 gearing of 32:16. it was fine. There were definitely spots where I was spinning like a madman, and the very last pitch on the largest hill there was bit of a grunt on the third lap, but it seemed like all the other singlespeeders were dealing with the same issues as well (at least the one's around me anyway).

and I rode it fully rigid. There were WAY more baby heads on the course than I thought, so a shock would have allowed me to carry some more speed through these sections, but overall it wasn't too bad and I had to problem keeping up with anyone on the downhill sections and I was actually surprised to see this is where I'd gain some time despite not having any suspension.

Basically, my SASS is fully stock except for a King headset, Thomson stem and seatpost and an Easton carbon riser bar. i would like to ditch the heavy stock fork at some point...but am undecided if I want to go with a carbon rigid or go for some squish. also would like to replace that boat anchor of a rear hub, but I'll ride it out until it explodes.

[Tap]

nice effort, Tyrone!

[Chaka]

Definitely fun. And yes, i'll be there next week for sure. I should be able to make all the races with the exception of 9/12. (I think).

i ended up riding the stock 2:1 gearing of 32:16. it was fine. There were definitely spots where I was spinning like a madman, and the very last pitch on the largest hill there was bit of a grunt on the third lap, but it seemed like all the other singlespeeders were dealing with the same issues as well (at least the one's around me anyway).

and I rode it fully rigid. There were WAY more baby heads on the course than I thought, so a shock would have allowed me to carry some more speed through these sections, but overall it wasn't too bad and I had to problem keeping up with anyone on the downhill sections and I was actually surprised to see this is where I'd gain some time despite not having any suspension.

Basically, my SASS is fully stock except for a King headset, Thomson stem and seatpost and an Easton carbon riser bar. i would like to ditch the heavy stock fork at some point...but am undecided if I want to go with a carbon rigid or go for some squish. also would like to replace that boat anchor of a rear hub, but I'll ride it out until it explodes.

I think you'll find that stock rigid fork is lighter than most competent susp forks? And, if your rear hub is the Spot, they really aren't that bad weight wise. I am amazed actually at the build kit on thoses SASS's we scooped up for the price. If you do go susp give the rebas a look, great fork for that application, for the price. Rock Shox is back!!! thanks to the SRAM acquisition.

[Tyrone Shoelaces]

I think you'll find that stock rigid fork is lighter than most competent susp forks?

oh of course, you're right. When I meant by 'heavy' I mean heavy for what it is...a rigid fork. I'm debating which way to upgrade it....stay rigid and lighten it up with a carbon fork that could take away some vibrations. Or go for a heavier suspension fork, to smooth out those baby heads.

[skimoore]

Nice...looks like a fun little race! I'm sure you'll be kicking ass in no time with a little more experience...

[Chaka]

after riding Confluence repeatedly with the original rigid fork on my SASS, and waking in the middle of the night with painful arm spasms, I decided I am not man enough for the rigid front end! Guess it goes hand in hand with my apparent inability to regularly crack ISIS bb spindles ;)

[Pedro]

Looks cool, if I can get out of work early one day maybe ill check it out.

[Tyrone Shoelaces]

Whoa!! Results just came out online and I'm stoked! I got 3rd!!!

Turns out those guys I was chasing the entire time were 1st & 2nd place....and here I thought the whole time they were like 4th & 5th or something. Sweet. I'm stoked. :)

Pedro -- The race website is here (www.racemtbikes.com) for info on registering, directions and everything. If you ever decide to come up, drop me a line.

[3W MO7B]

Nice job, Tyrone! Looks like you took 3rd. Welcome to the rigid SS racer club. I race my Bridgestone MB-1 SS out there... and I still feel it in my back from last night's course. They do set up different courses every week... some courses are easier for passing, others aren't. My advice is try to hang with the class leader (at least keep him in your sights), and then see if you can trounce him on the 3rd lap, if not sooner. See you out there-
Jeff #123

[Tyrone Shoelaces]

Thanks man...and I see you kicked some serious ass last night (2nd SS Expert). SICK.

see ya next week.

[3W MO7B]

Well thanks... but... I got completely spanked by Chris S. (friend... who is stoopid fast)... and I was getting completely smoked by Bruce (who is in his 50's!).... until this happened and he DNF'd:
http://www.racemtbikes.com/082207photos/images/082207435.jpg

I hope he's okay.

I like the Fall series... it's a little less competitive so I get to feel fast :biggrin: ...of course, I could do without 100+ degree race days!

[Tyrone Shoelaces]

ouch...yeah I saw that guy getting tended to after I finished. he seemed to be in good spirits despite that turn of events. bummer.

[davep]

http://www.racemtbikes.com/082207photos/images/082207192.jpg

Please tell me you didn't forget socks.

Nice work on 3rd place.

[uncle crud]

nice work. next time ride the v-tach with a Surly Singleator!

[Chaka]

Awesome job Tyrone! How deep was the field (too lazy to look). Hopefully I'll see you there next week.

[Tyrone Shoelaces]

Chaka -- Not a very deep field when compared to the Spring series. Only 12 in my class :( But hopefully it was just the heat that kept more people from coming and it will get better.

chili - come on down!

davep - believe it or not, they are there.

crud - that would be like the equivalent of riding two bikes!

[Tyrone Shoelaces]

DAMMIT.

Chaka? 3M MO7B? Did you guys race tonight? Singlespeed sport?

if one of you guys were the guy who passed me out of nowhere as I'm cruising into the finish corral you are dead! DEAD! :D

ARGHHHHHH.. so frustrating to have this guy that you haven't seen anywhere on the course come out of nowhere to pass you right at the end. I thought I was by myself sittin in either 3rd or 4th place again when I hear some gravel crunching coming up behind me getting louder and louder.

"Nah this guy can't be in my class. gotta be one of those cyclocross guys with the big gears comin up that I just passed on that hill".

gravel crunching getting louder and louder.

"Oh I'm only 20 yards from the finish cones. sweet. oh but maybe I should look over my shoulder just in CASE this guy is in my class."

just as I do that....he's right along side of me and I noticed the singlespeed.

"SHIT! NOOOOOOOOOoooooooooo" as I put the hammer down and try to stay on his wheel.

We were practically rubbing shoulders sprinting coming into the finish corral but he had me be a tire length. FUCK.

he looks at me at the end and says "sorry man that was kind of dick move".

grrrrrr.

i'll see you next week motherfucker!! it's on!!!! it's on like donkey kong!!

:cussing: :cussing: :cussing:

if it really was one of you guys you owe me a beer :D

[Pedro]

I thought about coming, but a little too far for a weekday. You should come to the lake sonoma race at the end of September, I just did the August race. It was a great time, 20 dollars and Beer and Burgers afterwards. Real nice people too, very laid back.

[3W MO7B]

Wasn't me. I'm getting over the stomach flu and didn't think racing in 105 degrees would help, especially with a weekend in Dville coming up.

You sure the other SS wasn't from the expert class?

All's fair in love and racing! :biggrin: Don't worry.. you'll get him next week.

[Tyrone Shoelaces]

Yo Pedro - thanks man, I'll look into it.

3W - yeah, it was freakin hotter than last week. definitely WAY less people there this evening than last week it seemed. and yeah, this guy was in my class, I got his number....I finished a bunch of spots ahead of him last week, but he got me this time. Bastardo. Funny thing is this week, i was chasing the same guy for the whole race as last week. I was able to trade jabs with him a bit more this week, but he passed me one last time halfway through the last lap and then dusted me.

fun course tonight. hardly any climbing or descending, but lots of those fun rollers. Two REALLY fun banked S turns too...they ruled.

one of the S turns:
http://a869.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/99/l_4b70052ed5683527edd205ec9ac287a4.jpg

[Chaka]

BWA HAHAHA I KICKED YOUR sASS YOU SUCK DONT FORGET TO WATCH YOUR BACK. HAHAHAHA

Just kidding Ty, was not me. I was unsuccessful arranging a replacement for me at home to help with our newborn twin boys, and, in a brief moment of brilliance, decided to place my sons and relationship with my wonderful wife at a higher priority than coming out and getting spanked by you and your shiny SASS.

How did you end up fairing this week, or did I miss that in your post. Regardless, congrats for getting after it again and giving the finger to the heat.

[Lonnie]

DAMMIT.

Chaka? 3M MO7B? Did you guys race tonight? Singlespeed sport?

if one of you guys were the guy who passed me out of nowhere as I'm cruising into the finish corral you are dead! DEAD! :D

ARGHHHHHH.. so frustrating to have this guy that you haven't seen anywhere on the course come out of nowhere to pass you right at the end. I thought I was by myself sittin in either 3rd or 4th place again when I hear some gravel crunching coming up behind me getting louder and louder.

"Nah this guy can't be in my class. gotta be one of those cyclocross guys with the big gears comin up that I just passed on that hill".

gravel crunching getting louder and louder.

"Oh I'm only 20 yards from the finish cones. sweet. oh but maybe I should look over my shoulder just in CASE this guy is in my class."

just as I do that....he's right along side of me and I noticed the singlespeed.

"SHIT! NOOOOOOOOOoooooooooo" as I put the hammer down and try to stay on his wheel.

We were practically rubbing shoulders sprinting coming into the finish corral but he had me be a tire length. FUCK.

he looks at me at the end and says "sorry man that was kind of dick move".

grrrrrr.

i'll see you next week motherfucker!! it's on!!!! it's on like donkey kong!!

:cussing: :cussing: :cussing:

if it really was one of you guys you owe me a beer :D


Never, Ever, EVER quit until the end. You just aren't racing others you're racing the clock too!!!

(good job tho, my @$$ was on the couch...)

[Tyrone Shoelaces]

Never, Ever, EVER quit until the end. You just aren't racing others you're racing the clock too!!!

(good job tho, my @$$ was on the couch...)

actually, no, in this series, you're not racing the clock, just your competitors.

chaka -- good deal. you made the right choice. and yeah, it was really really hot out there. I think I was in 4th when this guy past me, so I'm guessing a got a 5th this time.

[Lonnie]

actually, no, in this series, you're not racing the clock, just your competitors...

Psst. In life you're ALWAYS racing the clock!!! ;)

http://www.fotosearch.com/comp/SUE/SUE112/HLCL0368.jpg

Isn't it why we do such things?

[yentna]

AWEsome, looks like so much fun! (Never thought I'd say that.)

[madturtle]

TS I feel your pain man. Live, learn and beat his ass next week :the_finge

and good luck w/ the 24 hr race this w/e. Sounds like hell :biggrin: .

[Tyrone Shoelaces]

TS I feel your pain man. Live, learn and beat his ass next week :the_finge



Done and done :)

Felt much better this week and the guy who snaked me at the finish last week couldn't pull off the same trick this time. Just like last week, I didn't see him for the entire race, but during the last half lap, I looked over my shoulder and there he was...creeping up FAST just like last time. So I hammered until the finish and kept him at bay. I couldn't catch the guys ahead of me though and I think I may have gotten 3rd again...we'll see when the results come out tomorrow. Although I'm happy that the lead guys were at least in my sights this time. The past 2 races I didn't have a chance in hell of catching them...this time though, I was only 20 yards behind them. Still a ways back, but shit, at least I could see them crossing the finish line on the last straightaway. Damn this shit is addicting and fun.

madturtle - thanks for the post-race beer. Beers are on me at the next one (which for me will be in 2 weeks).

EDIT: results are out. yes, 3rd.

[Pedro]

Are you going to be all man and race the SS at Whiskey town?

[Tyrone Shoelaces]

Are you going to be all man and race the SS at Whiskey town?

Planning on it, but I really have no choice. You?

I have two bikes...a SS, and a 45lb DH monster. For my first 8-hour event, I'll take the lesser of these two evils which in this case is definitely the SS :D

Have you ever ridden Whiskeytown? I haven't and am curious what the course is like. I think I read something like 10 miles and approx 1,000 ft of climbing, but that's about all I know.

[Pedro]

Planning on it, but I really have no choice. You?

I have two bikes...a SS, and a 45lb DH monster. For my first 8-hour event, I'll take the lesser of these two evils which in this case is definitely the SS :D

Have you ever ridden Whiskeytown? I haven't and am curious what the course is like. I think I read something like 10 miles and approx 1,000 ft of climbing, but that's about all I know.

I haven't quite decided Yet. I have no problem Sitting on the SS for 8 hours, but I know I can go faster with gears.

Edit: and i havent ridden whiskeytown.

[Chaka]

tyrone- congrats on another strong prairie city showing! Did I read correctly you are going for an 8 hour solo. nice.

[Tyrone Shoelaces]

Thanks and yes... Going to sign up for the Whiskeytown 9 to 5 in early October (October 6th?). You should do it!