Winding Trails is one of least technically demanding races but one of the most difficult in terms of aerobic effort. Imagine a 1.5hr cross race and you have Winding Trails. You need huge top end to stay glued to the front of the race in expert 40-49. This crew is know for having depth and being highly competitive; consistently posting some of the fastest expert times. The course was changed slightly and flowed really well. The weather was also fantastic. There were lots of high speed banked turns with a mix of open gear grinding double track. This is a pure big ring course. 20 miles of MTB racing in just over 80 minutes. Ouch!
On the line were some really great MTB racers. Stu Jenson, Jeff Molongoski, Ken Welch and Mike Rowell. Stu took the hole shot and lead for the first 7-8 minutes of racing and five of us established a very high speed break. Drafting was very effective on this course. When we hit the open fire road Mike Rowell launched an attack that was brutal. We all hung on for dear life. We quickly hit traffic as the group was just blowing by other age group racers. No one was slipping off the back. When we hit the backside of the course I decided to attack on a small climb to see if it would sort things out. It worked and the group was now two. Jeff Molongoski and I started working together trying to break the elastic. It worked until the last lap when Mike Rowell recovered and reeled us back. Mike got a small gap which he was able to keep. Jeff Molongoski and I started to position for the finish and slowed down a bit. It was going to be a two-up sprint to the line. Jeff got me by a wheel and I got third.
The new Fuji Team Issue Carbon Hardtail was incredible during it's maiden race. Light, stiff, and fast. I cannot wait to do a few more MTB races and represent Team Fuji Fueled by Clif Bar in the dirt.
Results for Expert Men 40-49 years old
1st Mike Rowell
2nd Jeff Molongoski
3rd Mark Gunsalus Team FUJI f/b Clif Bar
4th Ken Welch
5th Stuart Jensen
6th Paul Kolb
7th Esteban Rodriguez
8th John Nobile
9th Brian McInnis JRA Cycles (excellent FUJI and SE bikes dealer in Medford, MA)
10th DaveBarr
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Sturbridge Road Race - OUCH! by Mark McC
The Sturbridge RR (which started in Warren, MA) proved to be another good day for the team. Mike Norton put together one of the best road courses we have used in years, one that reminded me of the District Road Race when I was a junior back in 1987.
From the start Frankie was very active and was off the front with a few riders for nearly the entire first 15 mile lap. Coming into the major climb for the first time (at race pace) Roger Aspholm attacked very impressively, like the race was over in 300 meters. No one could follow him on his attack.
A chase group formed of about 10 riders and eventually Frankie and his group were absorbed by Roger and then the chase group. About 1/2 way up the climb Roger went again and this time Mark G. followed and Frankie too. I stayed in the chase group as it tried to get organized. Jon Bold, Billy Y. and a few others were working hard to bring the trio back but the gap was growing slightly as the top of the climb was approaching. I jumped the chase group and bridged to the lead group and as I made contact Frankie went to the front for about 400 meters with his head buried and his legs plowing over a huge gear to really grow the gap to the chasers. From there it was 4 against the rest. Mark G., Frankie, Myself, and Roger were moving fast and the chase group was absorbed by the fast rolling field on the descent. The next lap was savage!
Roger was definately the strongest in the break but with 3 teammates against 1 it was a big task for him to do win on his own. Roger would be a good teammate in 2009...perhaps he would like to race with us next year. I am sure that he would enjoy the fact that the FUJI SL-1 is about 15lbs built up (that is the XL frame for me and Frankie).
We had Mark G. sitting on the entire way with the hopes that he would have the legs to pull off a win. That plan didn't come together as we had hoped and with Frankie and I both cramping I thought for sure Roger was going to win.
The final climb up to the finish Roger attacked at the base and immediately dropped Frankie and Mark G. I was thinking that I was going to be next but Roger's pace eased off just as I was about to start cramping again. I sat on with the hopes that Mark G. or Frankie would some how make it back up to Roger and I. They didn't...but fortunately for us I had enough legs left to get by Roger once the road flattened out with 150 meters to go.
Master's 35+ racing is HARD! Roger is stronger than any of the riders we have raced against all season and will win his share of races this year.
Tobi did his share of jumping around in the pack and still had a nice result at the end finishing 9th.
I am proud of the way Mark G. and Tobi are adapting to life on Team FUJI F/B Clif Bar. Frankie and I are working hard at showing them the ropes of true team work, racing together with a unified vision, and executing throughout an entire race while learning new hand signals, voice prompts, etc. that will make our lives more efficient in races. Soon enough we will have our top secret climbing weapon, aka Dale Stephanos, in the mix and we will be 5 riders instead of 4.
Tobi's top secret tip of the week: Use Record Cream on your arms when the temp is right where arm warmers are too much but there is enough of a chill that makes waiting at the start uncomfortable.
Results for Sturbridge Road Race - April 26, 2008
Mark McC 1st Team FUJI f/b Clif Bar
Roger Aspbalm 2nd Westwood Velo- Trade Manage Racing
Frank McC 3rd Team FUJI f/b Clif Bar
Mark G. 4th Team FUJI f/b Clif Bar
Billy Y. 5th NBX/APEX Technology
Dan S. 6th JW Dundee's/Home Performance
Fabio P. 7th New England Masters Elite
Max L. 8th Targetraining/Fastar
Tobi S. 9th Team FUJI f/b Clif Bar
Matthew K 10th Millwork One Racing/Weebike.com
From the start Frankie was very active and was off the front with a few riders for nearly the entire first 15 mile lap. Coming into the major climb for the first time (at race pace) Roger Aspholm attacked very impressively, like the race was over in 300 meters. No one could follow him on his attack.
A chase group formed of about 10 riders and eventually Frankie and his group were absorbed by Roger and then the chase group. About 1/2 way up the climb Roger went again and this time Mark G. followed and Frankie too. I stayed in the chase group as it tried to get organized. Jon Bold, Billy Y. and a few others were working hard to bring the trio back but the gap was growing slightly as the top of the climb was approaching. I jumped the chase group and bridged to the lead group and as I made contact Frankie went to the front for about 400 meters with his head buried and his legs plowing over a huge gear to really grow the gap to the chasers. From there it was 4 against the rest. Mark G., Frankie, Myself, and Roger were moving fast and the chase group was absorbed by the fast rolling field on the descent. The next lap was savage!
Roger was definately the strongest in the break but with 3 teammates against 1 it was a big task for him to do win on his own. Roger would be a good teammate in 2009...perhaps he would like to race with us next year. I am sure that he would enjoy the fact that the FUJI SL-1 is about 15lbs built up (that is the XL frame for me and Frankie).
We had Mark G. sitting on the entire way with the hopes that he would have the legs to pull off a win. That plan didn't come together as we had hoped and with Frankie and I both cramping I thought for sure Roger was going to win.
The final climb up to the finish Roger attacked at the base and immediately dropped Frankie and Mark G. I was thinking that I was going to be next but Roger's pace eased off just as I was about to start cramping again. I sat on with the hopes that Mark G. or Frankie would some how make it back up to Roger and I. They didn't...but fortunately for us I had enough legs left to get by Roger once the road flattened out with 150 meters to go.
Master's 35+ racing is HARD! Roger is stronger than any of the riders we have raced against all season and will win his share of races this year.
Tobi did his share of jumping around in the pack and still had a nice result at the end finishing 9th.
I am proud of the way Mark G. and Tobi are adapting to life on Team FUJI F/B Clif Bar. Frankie and I are working hard at showing them the ropes of true team work, racing together with a unified vision, and executing throughout an entire race while learning new hand signals, voice prompts, etc. that will make our lives more efficient in races. Soon enough we will have our top secret climbing weapon, aka Dale Stephanos, in the mix and we will be 5 riders instead of 4.
Tobi's top secret tip of the week: Use Record Cream on your arms when the temp is right where arm warmers are too much but there is enough of a chill that makes waiting at the start uncomfortable.
Results for Sturbridge Road Race - April 26, 2008
Mark McC 1st Team FUJI f/b Clif Bar
Roger Aspbalm 2nd Westwood Velo- Trade Manage Racing
Frank McC 3rd Team FUJI f/b Clif Bar
Mark G. 4th Team FUJI f/b Clif Bar
Billy Y. 5th NBX/APEX Technology
Dan S. 6th JW Dundee's/Home Performance
Fabio P. 7th New England Masters Elite
Max L. 8th Targetraining/Fastar
Tobi S. 9th Team FUJI f/b Clif Bar
Matthew K 10th Millwork One Racing/Weebike.com
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Wheels and Tires In Depth - by Tobi Schultze
The perfect combination –
Our 2008 FUJI SL-1 team bikes came equipped with the new Mavic R-SYS wheel sets. Challenge Tires is sponsoring Team FUJI fueled by Clif Bar supplying the team with training and race tires.
I removed the OEM tires and mounted a pair of new Challenge Criterium open tubulars onto the carbon spoke wheels.
The combination is perfect.
Some detail on the tires:
1. History
· Challenge tires were born from the Italian tire company Clement.
· In 2002, Pirelli - owner of the brand – decided to exit the bicycle tire market. Brewo – an Italian trading company and sole agent for Clement – along with the Thai engineers at Pirelli’s manufacturing plant, acquired the factory and equipment. Challenge is the result of these efforts and explains many of the similarities to the former Clement product.
2. Manufacturing
· Challenge tires are handmade, both open tubular and tubular.
· The tread section is vulcanized by machine and is then glued to the casing by hand. This is done with the casing mounted on a rim and fully inflated.
· This feature allows the tread to be in a “neutral state” when inflated.
· The result is a tire that has a supple casing, unhardened by vulcanizing, resulting in better ride characteristics.
3. Higher TPI
· As a general rule, the higher the threads per inch, the more supple the casing is. A supple casing allows a tire to better conform to terrain, roll over debris and road imperfections.
· Gara Open Tubular– 240 TPI, 240 grams, 100 – 145 PSI
· Criterium Open Tubular – 300 TPI, 210 grams, 115 – 145 PSI
· Vulcano Tubular – 220 TPI, 290 grams, 100 – 130 PSI
· Criterium Tubular – 300 TPI, 260 grams, 115 – 200 PSI
4. Latex
· Challenge applies a coat of latex to the tire sidewall for protection. Latex inner tubes are also used in the Criterium tubular tires. This allows for better air retention and increased elasticity.
5. Challenge & Racing
· Challenge brand tires have won world championships in Cyclocross and are used by the following teams:
Ø Rock Racing
Ø Team FUJI fueled by Clif Bar (Sponsored by ItalCycle.)
Ø Richard Sachs
Ø Ultralink
The Challenge Criterium tires definitely have a hand made look and feel to them. The sidewalls have some texture and the fine tread is reminiscent of the pattern found on top of the line tubulars. They mount well, even the first time, with a nice snug fit with just a hint of tread weave that settles in and is not perceptible once on the bike. I also like that there is no noticeable wax or silicone coating on them, they are ready to race right out of the box. No F1 style scrubbing of tires required prior to your first start on them.
I like all the Mavic wheels that I have ridden and look back with good memories of having 32 spoke Mavic rims built with butted spokes, brass nipples, and tubulars. The ride quality was excellent and the durability exceptional (look at recent Paris Roubaix set ups). However the weight when compared to what is available now in clincher set ups and extra effort to mount and glue the tires pushed a lot of people including myself to clinchers.
The R-SYS/Criterium wheel and tire combination reminds me of a nice riding tubular on a box section rim. The difference is how much lighter, even in clincher form, and how amazingly stiff they are when climbing and accelerating. It appears to be the best of both worlds, truly lighter, and absolutely stiffer while maintaining a ride quality previously only found on sew ups.
I have trained, commuted, and raced on the Mavic R-SYS/Challenge Criterium combination for several weeks with smooth, fast, efficient results. No flats, minimal wear, and solid performance even in the wet.
I did have an opportunity to learn and execute the spoke replacement sequence on the front wheel of the R-SYS after I was hit at slow speeds during a pre ride parking lot bump with another rider. The front wheel of the other bike hit two of the carbon spokes damaging them. The wheel stayed true and was ride able even with two opposing spokes loosing full tension. The process of replacing them is easy with the tools supplied. The axle is removed with a 5mm allen key, a circular aluminum ring is removed, and the spoke is unthreaded at the rim and slides out of the hub. The new spoke inserted tension applied, ring pushed in place, axle re-inserted, and no truing was required.
I look forward to racing on them as the season progresses to see how the wheels hold up and how the tires wear. For your training/commuting wheels try the Challenge Gara. They are a sweet riding training tire that absolutely could be raced on with the same supple feel of the Criterium in a slightly heavier and less expensive version.
Our 2008 FUJI SL-1 team bikes came equipped with the new Mavic R-SYS wheel sets. Challenge Tires is sponsoring Team FUJI fueled by Clif Bar supplying the team with training and race tires.
I removed the OEM tires and mounted a pair of new Challenge Criterium open tubulars onto the carbon spoke wheels.
The combination is perfect.
Some detail on the tires:
1. History
· Challenge tires were born from the Italian tire company Clement.
· In 2002, Pirelli - owner of the brand – decided to exit the bicycle tire market. Brewo – an Italian trading company and sole agent for Clement – along with the Thai engineers at Pirelli’s manufacturing plant, acquired the factory and equipment. Challenge is the result of these efforts and explains many of the similarities to the former Clement product.
2. Manufacturing
· Challenge tires are handmade, both open tubular and tubular.
· The tread section is vulcanized by machine and is then glued to the casing by hand. This is done with the casing mounted on a rim and fully inflated.
· This feature allows the tread to be in a “neutral state” when inflated.
· The result is a tire that has a supple casing, unhardened by vulcanizing, resulting in better ride characteristics.
3. Higher TPI
· As a general rule, the higher the threads per inch, the more supple the casing is. A supple casing allows a tire to better conform to terrain, roll over debris and road imperfections.
· Gara Open Tubular– 240 TPI, 240 grams, 100 – 145 PSI
· Criterium Open Tubular – 300 TPI, 210 grams, 115 – 145 PSI
· Vulcano Tubular – 220 TPI, 290 grams, 100 – 130 PSI
· Criterium Tubular – 300 TPI, 260 grams, 115 – 200 PSI
4. Latex
· Challenge applies a coat of latex to the tire sidewall for protection. Latex inner tubes are also used in the Criterium tubular tires. This allows for better air retention and increased elasticity.
5. Challenge & Racing
· Challenge brand tires have won world championships in Cyclocross and are used by the following teams:
Ø Rock Racing
Ø Team FUJI fueled by Clif Bar (Sponsored by ItalCycle.)
Ø Richard Sachs
Ø Ultralink
The Challenge Criterium tires definitely have a hand made look and feel to them. The sidewalls have some texture and the fine tread is reminiscent of the pattern found on top of the line tubulars. They mount well, even the first time, with a nice snug fit with just a hint of tread weave that settles in and is not perceptible once on the bike. I also like that there is no noticeable wax or silicone coating on them, they are ready to race right out of the box. No F1 style scrubbing of tires required prior to your first start on them.
I like all the Mavic wheels that I have ridden and look back with good memories of having 32 spoke Mavic rims built with butted spokes, brass nipples, and tubulars. The ride quality was excellent and the durability exceptional (look at recent Paris Roubaix set ups). However the weight when compared to what is available now in clincher set ups and extra effort to mount and glue the tires pushed a lot of people including myself to clinchers.
The R-SYS/Criterium wheel and tire combination reminds me of a nice riding tubular on a box section rim. The difference is how much lighter, even in clincher form, and how amazingly stiff they are when climbing and accelerating. It appears to be the best of both worlds, truly lighter, and absolutely stiffer while maintaining a ride quality previously only found on sew ups.
I have trained, commuted, and raced on the Mavic R-SYS/Challenge Criterium combination for several weeks with smooth, fast, efficient results. No flats, minimal wear, and solid performance even in the wet.
I did have an opportunity to learn and execute the spoke replacement sequence on the front wheel of the R-SYS after I was hit at slow speeds during a pre ride parking lot bump with another rider. The front wheel of the other bike hit two of the carbon spokes damaging them. The wheel stayed true and was ride able even with two opposing spokes loosing full tension. The process of replacing them is easy with the tools supplied. The axle is removed with a 5mm allen key, a circular aluminum ring is removed, and the spoke is unthreaded at the rim and slides out of the hub. The new spoke inserted tension applied, ring pushed in place, axle re-inserted, and no truing was required.
I look forward to racing on them as the season progresses to see how the wheels hold up and how the tires wear. For your training/commuting wheels try the Challenge Gara. They are a sweet riding training tire that absolutely could be raced on with the same supple feel of the Criterium in a slightly heavier and less expensive version.
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Marblehead RR - from Tobi Schultze
Marblehead is a New England tradition that officially starts each new racing season. The 2008 edition featured perfect weather with cool temps, minimal wind, and bright sunshine. Even the race course, which is on the island, had freshly paved surfaces for fast smooth racing. Geoff Hamilton does a great job organizing and holding the race each year with a solid group of CCB volunteers to help marshal the course. Every intersection was covered for safe worry free racing and CCB had solid presence in the race itself, great club, great race, thank you.
The race was the first opportunity for all members of Team FUJI fueled by Clif Bar to compete together. We agreed to meet in the morning to go over race strategy so that we had a clear plan depending on how the race played out and ultimately how we were going to control the finish should the race stay together. The first of the two races was the Masters 35+ with a full field. As always it is nice to see familiar faces and personalities again, many with new kits and shiney new bikes.
The masters race started relatively calm with a few attacks that were covered well by the team. It became obvious that it would stay together and with 2 of the 11 laps to go we started forming our finishing line up. Mark Gunsalus did a terrific job of keeping the pace high prior to the last hairpin turn and beyond up to the final rise where Frankie took over and gently increased the speed and power to the point that it was all I could do to stay on his wheel. He created a significant gap that allowed the two of us to cross the finish line 1st and 2nd with Mark taking the field sprint for a Team FUJI fueled by Clif Bar podium sweep.
The longer and faster P/1/2/3 race also came back together after several attempts to get away failed. Mark G again was present at the end to help Frank move up to be ready to support Mark for the finish. The pair of McCormack's were clearly being marked and the speed and depth of the field made it a challenge to repeat the timing of the earlier race. Frank again laid down a "Pro" lead out that was just short of getting Mark to were he ultimately needed to be and finished 4th.
An excellent start to the season, the FUJI SL-1 bikes performed flawlessly with the new Mavis R-SYS wheels wrapped in Challenge rubber rolled super sweet with a ride quality and rigidity that typically are not found at the same time. (The team will be giving reviews and impressions in detail as the season progresses on all of our top notch equipment as well as feed back on the various Clif Bar products that fuel us.)
This coming weekend has a training race scheduled at Charge Pond in the Myles Standish State Forest. The following weekend is the Chris Hinds Memorial Criterium at Ninnigret Park in RI. Updates will follow, stay tuned.
Charge Pond Week 2 - from Mark Gunsalus
Charge Pond 'A' Race - Saturday, March 22, 2008
Last weeks Charge Pond 'A' race was cancelled due to weather. The weather this week was dry, sunny and a little brisk with temps in the 30's. Mark, Frankie and I were on the line for "Team FUJI Fueled by Clif Bar". The race started right off with action and the field was super fast filled with fit racers. During the early laps I bridged to a Corner Cycle attack and managed to make a break of five. The break was tough for a while as the split was a little ragged. Although we kept good speed, I knew we were burning some matches early. We had at least one causality and shortly thereafter Mark and Frankie joined the break with a few other riders. It was great to have some team mates join in and the additional recovery was nice. The break was now eight strong and much more efficient and getting faster. Our whole team was now in the split. We were making great time and with only a few laps to go spotted the main field. The eight of us were quickly back in the group. With two laps to go things ramped up. Jonny Bold went off the front and with "one to go" he was caught by the field. On the back side of the course, during the bell lap, I went to the front and did some hard tempo to give Frankie and Mark a good run for the sprint. Frankie gave the lead-out and Mark took the win for Team FUJI. It was a great first day of racing with the new team. The FUJI SL-1 is a dream ride! The year is off to a great start. Can't wait until the next one.
Last weeks Charge Pond 'A' race was cancelled due to weather. The weather this week was dry, sunny and a little brisk with temps in the 30's. Mark, Frankie and I were on the line for "Team FUJI Fueled by Clif Bar". The race started right off with action and the field was super fast filled with fit racers. During the early laps I bridged to a Corner Cycle attack and managed to make a break of five. The break was tough for a while as the split was a little ragged. Although we kept good speed, I knew we were burning some matches early. We had at least one causality and shortly thereafter Mark and Frankie joined the break with a few other riders. It was great to have some team mates join in and the additional recovery was nice. The break was now eight strong and much more efficient and getting faster. Our whole team was now in the split. We were making great time and with only a few laps to go spotted the main field. The eight of us were quickly back in the group. With two laps to go things ramped up. Jonny Bold went off the front and with "one to go" he was caught by the field. On the back side of the course, during the bell lap, I went to the front and did some hard tempo to give Frankie and Mark a good run for the sprint. Frankie gave the lead-out and Mark took the win for Team FUJI. It was a great first day of racing with the new team. The FUJI SL-1 is a dream ride! The year is off to a great start. Can't wait until the next one.
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