Spring Classics Weekend Roundup

Spring.

In case you missed it, I posted up a short report about our ride on the Clarence-Rockland Classic route on Saturday. On Sunday, many of us reconvened in Almonte to ride the Roubaix course, formally knows as the Ottawa Valley Paris Roubaix Cyclosportif. I met up with David, Bernard, Rod, Jean-Christophe at Euro Sports just before 9am to ride out to Almonte for 11. The 50k ride was windy, so we all got pretty worked en route to rendezvous with the rest...at least I was working hard. Green bastards joining the ride were Rob, Neil, and Jim, and Tricia, though not a bastard, was also present and ready to unleash some serious early season fitness. Another gaggle of riders, including Jay, Imad, and Peter Conn, to name but a few, were ready to roll.

Clarence-Rockland mud, of the concrete dust variety.

I'd heard from Ian and Timothy Austen that the route was pretty dicey in the woods on Saturday. Rolling up to the first wooded sector, the dirt roads were in excellent shape. However, as expected, the coniferous tree cover in the woods translated into hardpacked snow/ice cover through much of the double track. Though my knobbed tires were certainly a bit slow on smooth pavement, they shone in these woods, as I got through clean and carrying good speed. However, those on slicks had a lot of trouble with the ice, which is to be expected. No crashes, though, so all was well. 

Stan's Raven in 35c. Tubeless rear, latex front...argh! Both rolled well.

Almonte's gentler, kinder mud.

The second sector, which follows the first by only about 500m, was a little softer and sloppier. Nevertheless, it was rideable at good speed with treaded tires. Jim made short work of it on his hot carbon 29er! 

The proto Truffle Pig will see a short spring classics season, then rock out on dirt roads and trails full time. So far, its been stellar everywhere I've taken it.

From the second sector to the third flowed many kilometers. Many commented on the fine condition of the dirt roads. Most were hardpacked and fast rolling. There were indeed some wet spots that produced a good bit of spray, but overall, the roads were great. Heading into the switchback doubletrack sector, Dave Bilenky rode ahead to scout it out, and found that there was too much snow up on the plateau to be worth slogging through. The climb was fine, being hardpacked snow mostly, but up top was exposed to the sun more, and too deep and soft. Bypassing that sector, we headed onward toward the final woods, which fall about 3k from the finish. 


After waiting for Imad to search in vain for a dislodged bottle while the rest carried on, Rob, Neil and I headed into the final wooded sector together. Full on trail, this sector is my favourite; its fun. With complete confidence in my tires, I attacked full bore, and managed to get through with only a dab of a foot. Conditions here were varied more than any other sector on the route, ranging from packed dirt to deep mud, soft snow, packed ice, puddles, and just about everything in between. Some of the narrower tires ahead had punched through snow, and I could tell from the scarcity of tracks that many had walked through most of the trail. This sector is always forces a final selection in the race, which is why I find it so exciting!

Classic.

So, with the rain that's coming down now, and will come down, along with the sun that will follow, I'm personally confident that all, if not almost all the snow on the route will be clear come April 16th. I suspect there will still be a fair bit of wetness, but hey, its spring classics season! Whatever the weather delivers, I'm sure it'll be an exciting day. I can honestly say that even if I had no interest in riding hard, I'd be more than keen to ride the route. Even in the brown and grey of early spring, its a beautiful ride.

A final offering: 2011 Tour of Flanders final 40k.

Cape Epic: Stage 7

Riders descend towards Grabouw during the final stage

Photo: © Greg Beadle/Cape Epic/SPORTZPICS (cyclingnews)

After riding out to Almonte, then riding the Roubaix course hard, I'm tired, so I'll hold off reporting on that until tomorrow, and just convey the info about Dave's final stage of the Cape Epic for now. I don't have much to say about today's stage, because, frankly, I don't have time to read up on it, but at just under four hours, I suspect it was no ride in the park. Dave and Brett managed to secure 16th overall in the Masters category, just about 9 minutes off 15th, which is no small feat. And Dave is indeed the top placing Canadian. Finishing this race alone is a massive achievement; I am proud of Dave for taking on the challenge and riding strong start to finish. Chapeau. Hopefully Dave will have enough energy to write a few words about his experience once he's back home. 


Here's the spiel: 


It's the same every year - the last day of the Absa Cape Epic might be short but it is never easy. Old Viljoens Pass and Nuweberg reminded the remaining 1 064 riders that it wasn't over just yet. Dr Evil had warned riders of a final few surprises before a traditional finish at Lourensford Wine Estate. There they were reunited with their loved ones - a life's task accomplished and an experience they'll never forget. This year's route took riders through some of the most breathtaking scenery thanks to Cape Nature Conservation.


David Stachon achieved the following results:

Stage Time	:	3:43.49,2
Stage Position	:	37. in Masters category and 148. in general classification
Overall Time	:	38:26.11,3
Overall Position	:	16. in Masters category and in 87. general classification

Tales from the road

Hello folks in TT blogger land...alas I have been remiss all winter in posting to the blog. Matt has been doing triple duty keeping the blog fires burning while his home life is expanding. I had started doing a Winterlude Tri race report ...but that never got completed with too much work and life stuff getting in the way. Point form deets: Very fun The sunrise (which I almost never see...unless I am just going to bed) was spectacular...I can understand why triathletes appreciate those early mornings...but a few times a year is enough for me ! Skate was not as hard as I thought - borrowed long clip-on blades, managed to stay with the lead pack and avoided a couple of falls in front of me. Entered the ski in about 15th...left the transition in about 5th but took a while trying to get my pole straps on while skiing and lost some places. Finished the ski about 10th - some real hard short uphill grunts - especially the second loop with all the others on the course. Had to climb past some essentially classic-ing on my skate skis. The run was short which was good for me as I was spent....lost some time and paces in the second transition. Ended up in 15th overall (I think 6th masters) just behind some Ottawa elite types such as Fortin, Woodford and Dev Paul. Fun event - I loved it.....Neil..next year - get your running legs on ! So I've been in South Carolina for a week now...the weather has been ...um... less than desirable for the first week - but made the most of it with some good mtb rides and only 2 road rides totaling less than 200 km. First week is just to loosen up the legs and get them used to the bike again as I do not spin in the winter and commuting on the winter beater just does not really do anything for cycling fitness. (I did one Computrainer race and my avg watts was down about 25 to 209.....sucky)! First day here was a great 4 hr easy pace fun mountain bike on the Foothils trail near Georgia. Next day was an ungodly early (10 am) road ride up to Whitewater falls in NC....it was cold and misty up there even tho the weather was supposed to be clearer and warmer. Was riding with a old dude who shredded me up the hills....I was cursing his need for early morning starts....unless one is doing an 8 hr ride there is zero need to start before noon...and it warms up significantly after noon...my kind of timing !! Third day was a sleep in and a solo mountain bike at Issaqueena about 20 minutes from Ben's house. Awesome trails, was a bit wet but drains really nicely...like Albion with a bit more twists, turns and roots...no real rocks to speak of. Thursday was a huge sleep in (til 2), went for a road ride about 5 pm - was only planning a 1.5 hr spin but it became sunny and beautiful with the Georgia mountains to the west and the NC mtns to the north I stayed out exploring some delightful paved road and even some fun zippy scenic gravel road....awesome ! Friday was nice but did not get out til late - a long drive with Ben and Scott to Dupont state park. A short (2+hr) but fun ride complete with VERY COLD slippery river crossing.....Mike got wetter than planned on the second cross back... : - ( Today a new crowd arrives including Tanya and a bunch of her friends....(Alex should also be at Table Rock with the Wheelers). Great bunch of people and did a 3+ hr ride at Issaqueena. I am now feeling the winter rust come off my legs - and while I am still not in the shape I was last year at this time, and still waaaay too heavy....I'm looking forward to some FANTASTIC road rides this week including Caesar's Head, Blue Ridge Parkway and the tri-state loop. Will probably only mtn bike 1 or 2 more times....depends. Weather this week is supposed to be mostly warm and sunny (in the 20's) so just perfect for high mtn rides up at 5600 ft where it is much cooler. Oh ya - and a friend (competitor?) of Rob's is staying here too....Yan.....He was asking about you. That's it from South Carolina today.....looks like you guys are enjoying good weather rides up in O-town. Maybe be out for the CR classic if I get back in time...if not - see you at Almonte !

Cape Epic : Stage 6

It's why they call it Cape "Epic"

Photo: © Nick Muzik / SPORTZPICS (cyclingnews)

Before getting to Dave's exploits down south, l'll provide a quick run down of today's ride on the Clarence-Rockland Classic route. A group of about ten of us assembled at Walmart this morning, and headed out to ride the 86 or so kilometer loop. I'd not ridden it before, as last year I was racing Battenkill on the weekend of the race, as I will be this year. However, I was interested in the ride after hearing tales of rough gravel and high winds from last year's racers. 


Today I was testing my Stan's Raven 35c cyclocross tires on my Stan's Alpha/Chris King wheels I build last weekend. I'll do a separate post on the tubeless road experience after I've had a bit more time on the tires, but let me just say the Ravens are not easy to air up. The folks at the Cyclery put up with my mess and compressor noise Friday night for about an hour, and I only went home with one aired up. This morning I hit a gas station, where the compressor would likely deliver more air, faster. It did, but the front still wouldn't go. I returned home, made breakfast for the family, put a Challenge latex cross tube in (for testing purposes), and was out the door. 


While I was on high volume 35s, other were on anything from 34c cross tubulars, to 25c tubeless, 28c tubed, and 34c cross clinchers. I quickly decided I was happy with my tires. Most of the route is rough, be it gravel or beaten pavement, so the high volume was a boon for certain. I did not feel beaten after the loop, and the tires did not seem to suck much on the smooth pavement. Unfortunately, Neil, on his 25c tubeless broke a spoke and wound up with a wild wobble. Hard to say if the tire size was to blame. Winds were high, at times allowing us to sail, but mostly providing much resistance. Very Belgian. Very spring classics. 


So, despite what appears to be a tame course on the map is in fact pretty technical. Many rough spots will slow riders who take poor lines, wet spots will suck wheels, and winds will force selections. This race will require vigilance and smarts. There are a couple short climbs shortly after the start that will lead to selections. Positioning is key, and it will be worth it to push hard to maintain contact; the wind will make it hard to bridge gaps. The final climb, which is descended on the way out, will feel long for those who are beaten, but short for those who have conserved energy well. The strongest riders will certainly make their moves here and break off those who are at their limit. From there its a relatively short straight to a right turn that leads to a flat and descent into the final flat to the line. Good luck!


Ok, so now for Dave's progress. Looks like he and Brett did in fact manage to claw their way back to 15th in Masters; nicely done guys! Sunday's final stage will be 79k, and hopefully, a sweet finish to the week's racing. Here's the spiel:



In the penultimate stage competitors were wary; the route profile and the total ascent revealed how they would be tested right to the end of the challenge on this brutal Oak Valley loop. Again, the riders headed over Groenlandberg, for the second time in two days, this time following the 2010 route in reverse. After crossing the R43 came a tough sandy climb, nicknamed "The Beeatch". A short section on Highlands Road was a relief before more loose and partially sandy climbing - which was rewarded with a dramatic view over the Indian Ocean, the Botriver mouth and Kleinmond. One last climb led participants through another Cape Nature area featuring some rare fynbos. Shortly after riders got to enjoy the flowing single tracks of Lebanon, before they dipped under the N2 for more fun single track through Thandi and back home to Oak Valley - a great way to finish a strenuous day in the saddle.


David Stachon achieved the following results:

Stage Time	:	6:48.00,8
Stage Position	:	19. in Masters category and 102. in general classification
Overall Time	:	34:42.22,1
Overall Position	:	15. in Masters category and in 84. general classification

Cape Epic: Stage 5

Leading Masters team begin the descent down Groenlandberg

Photo: © Sven Martin / SPORTZPICS (cyclingnews)

Man, sounds like a hard day today. Here's hoping Dave and Brett bounce back and work their way back to the top 15. Again, good coverage on cyclingnews.

The spiel: 

It was a real classic Absa Cape Epic day out, the longest stage in years. With fast open roads, marked by 3 obstacles along the way, riders were advised to save their strength and cooperate with other teams to form larger groups, to take turns at the front to lighten the load. The first climb of the day was a shock to the system, not only from the gradient but also the track's surface. In parts, the climb was rideable, barely, and only the fittest and best bike handlers were able to make it up without dabbing a foot. As with everything, what goes up must come down, and those with full suspension bikes were grateful for their weapon of choice. More open roads helped get some kilometres under the belt before the radio mast came into view. Down the other side of this deceptive climb was a fast chute into farmlands and waiting for riders was a set of rolling hills that deadened the legs of even the most hardened campaigner. At the 100km mark, riders reached the foot of the exquisite Groenlandberg, the grand old legend who invited the Absa Cape Epic back in 2011 thanks to Cape Nature Conservation. The 15% gradient on the concrete path should have been paced conservatively, with the remainder of the climb taking most riders well over an hour to complete. The north-facing slope made for a challenging ascent but the rocky downhill sections led to the famed Oak Valley singletrack to make it all worth it.


David Stachon achieved the following results:

Stage Time	:	6:41.17,8
Stage Position	:	21. in Masters category and 98. in general classification
Overall Time	:	27:54.21,3
Overall Position	:	18. in Masters category and in 85. general classification

Spring classics preparation this weekend: Clarence-Roackland Saturday and Almonte Roubaix Sunday. First time on tubeless Stan's Raven 35c cyclocross tires, woohoo. Will report back on conditions.