Friday, 15 March 2013

Starting the 2013 Season

The time has finally come for me put my preseason training to the test. This Sunday marks my return to bike racing. Looking back, I haven't raced in far too long. I missed the opening races of 2013 due to work, in fact my last road race was Barry's Roubaix in April of 2012! Definitely need to focus on attending more races this year.

I finally committed to joining a cycling team this year. I'm looking forward to representing Daryl-Evans Racing this year at road and cyclocross races.

I initially learned of Daryl-Evans Racing reading the exploits of Joshua Weiss and their efforts in hosting cyclocross races at the South Surrey Bike Park, including the 2012 Canadian Cyclocross Championship. I've also met some of the other team members through Twitter and Strava.

I was attracted to the team due to the local nature of the events they host and their mission to build a Master's road and cyclocross program, plus their jersey looks pretty cool.



When you join a cycling team, you need a new bike right?

Well even if you don't, the minimum number of bikes one must own is three, I managed to find a great deal on this 2012 Opus Crescendo at Fort Langley Cyclery.

I knew that if I was going to buy a new bike, it would have to be full carbon, with at least an Ultegra groupset. I figured anything less wouldn't be enough of an upgrade over my current bike. I had looked at many bikes, a lot of them seemed to be white. Which was something I wanted to avoid, white is definitely a little harder to keep looking clean. The Crescendo fit all those requirements plus it matched my Easton wheels quite nicely.

As expected the Crescendo feels lightning fast, and is a very comfortable ride. However, as they say "It never gets easier, you just go faster."

Hopefully it helps me go a little bit faster.

Monday, 11 March 2013

Preview - 2013 Spring Series #4 - Bradner

On Sunday March 17, 2013 cyclists from around the lower mainland and beyond will descend on the Bradner-Mt. Lehman area to compete in the fourth race of the Escape Velocity Spring Series.

Although I'm pretty familiar with the area I decided to do a small pre-ride to get a feel for the course.

Bradner RR - Course Map and Elevation
My family drove me out so we could fill up on cheap Aldergrove gas. After filling up and a snack they came to collect me. I was only able to complete two full laps before they came to pick me up.


A few things I noted:

  • Abundant rolling terrain
  • Uphill exits on three corners
  • Fast corner from McTavish to Satchell slopes slightly away from the apex
  • Fresh pavement from McTavish to Ross

The uphill drag along Bradner Road from 58th to McTavish is likely to be the decisive section. Aside from a sprint finish, I think it may be possible for a winning move to be launched coming out of the Nathan Creek dip on the final lap. Although this certainly would be expected.

My lap times on the recon ride were pretty slow, well off the times recorded during previous races. Of course riding solo can be much slower than in a group during a race. The power output that Strava estimates is closer to the previous races than my lap times. Honestly, I don't know if this means I'm looking good or not. I guess we'll find out Sunday. 

I'm looking forward to having some fun and getting my racing season started. Seeing the results of my preseason training is also going to be something to look forward to.