We're #1
Johnstone, Brian H.
Thanks to all my skating dudes (and Jane) for your support and encouragement.
b
wa2...@aol.com
Wanted to share the good news that I placed first overall in the advanced division at Chicago today. About 50 in the division. Came in 10 seconds ahead of second place. I took off on the last hill before the backside loop, followed by one other skater. We held the lead together until I pulled away at the last rise before coming back down and skated solo to the finish. Thanks to all my skating dudes (and Jane) for your support and encouragement. b -- -- http://groups.google.com/group/paceline-skate/ Our photo: http://linchengxiu.spaces.live.com/photos/ --- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Paceline Skate" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to paceline-skat...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
Johnstone, Brian H.
Tom Gospel
Lincheng Xiu
Johnstone, Brian H.
The course was about the same—no worse, no better. Potholes on the frontage road were pretty well marked. At one really rough patch between the hills, the paceline moved to the other lane without problems each time. Tar snakes on Lakeside were manageable, especially in the morning before it warmed up.
Here’s my additional race report:
Regarding the advanced group- don’t know if I should be worried or proud, but I was definitely one of the most experienced skaters in that group—from a racing mentality perspective. I had to be very vocal and urge the guys on or direct them to rotate out. There were two kids (14 and 17) that were very strong and- unfortunately for them- I abused them quite a bit to my advantage J. At one time, when 3 or 4 of us had opened up a good sized gap over the chase pack on the last lap, barking out, “we only have 4 miles left to go, which is nothing!” Got them to pull me to the turn before the hill up to Lakeside then put the hammer down. Was fun being the abuser rather the abused for a change J. Although, I did pull a lot—probably about 6 or 7 pulls- most of them long. I had to in order to keep the pace up. My strategy going in was to blow up Rainbo (especially Cale) to avoid having them wheel suck the whole race before mounting a sprint at the end, which is what happened last year. I had planned on attacking hard on the hills coming back on lap 2. However, because I had to do so much pulling, I didn’t want to chance blowing up so I waited, which worried me during the race. I guess, in the end, the fast overall pace was effective enough (finish time was only 1 minute slower than the pro 50+ men). If you look at the splits, you can see on the third lap that the lead pack was reduced to about 10… then 6, then 3, then 1. Even had the presence of mind to keep looking back beginning at about 1 mile to go to make sure no one was closing. Was able to let off the gas with about 300 m left and coasted in. learned my lesson last year in Duluth about not being aware enough of who’s coming up from behind, which cost me a first place in my age division.
Regarding the health of the sport: the advanced group was about the same size as last year. Probably less rec skaters, which was nice for racing without obstructions, but not good for bringing skaters up into competitive divisions. Weather was ideal so can’t blame it on that. Course was no worse than previous years. Pro Men 30-39 only had 2 skaters! 40-49 <10. Was glad to see the young’uns in the advanced group, but 2 is not enough.
Was talking to Peter (race organizer) and he says the only reason they can continue to support inline races is because they have 1200+ sign up for the running events on Saturday evening. We’re lucky also that he is also a skater and supports the sport.
I’ve been thinking for some time that a closed course (oval track or –better yet—Trexlertown style) would bring a lot more interest to the sport. A closed course would make it safer than streets or trails. A multiuse banked or flat track near Major Taylor veledrome in the field south of the skate park would be an ideal place. Could also incorporate an outside segment with right turns and a slight hill. This seems like a good fit and good location, which may be received favorably by Marian, given their strong commitment to cycling. They recently built a BMX course there and may be looking for other uses for the land. Other location would be Grand Park in Westfield. The key is getting kids and their parents interested, which Lincheng has been working on for over a year. H has about 10 kids in his class and the parents are committed.
What do you think? Doable? Anybody out there with the right connections to Marian and potential funding sources?
b
Thomas Stergar, II
Ken Hart is the MTV guy. I think he is still in the paceline group, but Lin would need to confirm.
The other place that would be unreal is the Indiana Law Enforcement Training Academy. Link is below. Be sure to view it in Google Earth. It's just west of the entrance to Hummel Park where we raced before. Not sure about how long it is but Hummel was less than a mile, so I suspect close to 1.5 miles.
https://www.google.com/maps/place/Indiana+Law+Enforcement+Academy/@39.6844667,-86.4061252,584m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m2!3m1!1s0x0:0x24125d71a3aa71f5
wa2...@aol.com
Sent from AOL Mobile Mail
Johnstone, Brian H.
Not primarily looking for a race venue- although could be an option. More looking for a safe training site.
wa2...@aol.com
wa2...@aol.com
Tom Gospel
B – just let me know when you want a tour of my “southern” route through carmel. I think we’ve skated some if it previously. Couple of good hills. Mostly subdivisions with wide streets. I’ve been skating in there for years.
TG
Click here to report this email as spam.
This message has been scanned for malware by SurfControl plc. www.surfcontrol.com
wa2...@aol.com
Tom Gospel
Over and over and over and over…..
Johnstone, Brian H.
Appreciate the inputs TASII, TG and CR, but I’m wondering if something bigger is possible: namely, generating enough interest, support and funding for building a mixed use facility that will accommodate bikers and skaters and ? for training and, maybe, an occasional race. Trexlertown is really the model facility. The primary intent is to support growth of these sports by providing a safe and instructive training facility.
b
Johnstone, Brian H.
There are 2 hills in Crown Hill that can (and do) accomplish the same goal.
Johnstone, Brian H.
Heading out for B-Rip recovery ride. Catch you later
Johnstone, Brian H.
To be clear on what I mean by trexlertown, check out this link. Check out the map showing the “Bob Rodale Cycling and Fitness Park”