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Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Monday, May 3, 2010
WORS #1 - Tyler's Race Report
It's crazy how fast things move. It doesn't seem all too long ago I was in Arizona putting on base miles thinking of the first race and now the first race is in the books. I'm so excited to have the first one in and more importantly have it in with good results. Races like Iola make everyday of training well worth the effort.
The unique thing about WORS races is the start time. Comp and Pro racing doesn't start until 1:30 giving me plenty of time for relaxation and warm up. Although hard to dial in the diet for an afternoon race I have to say I enjoy the later start as it allows me to chill in the morning with my coffee and gives me time to get my gear together at the race site. After watching the Sport class start 2 hours of ahead of us it definitely prepared me for the my race and I was getting anxious to get the season underway.
I pulled up to the start line with Tyler Jenema and there was no doubt in my mind we were the best on the line. I was confident in the training we had in our legs and even more confident in the drive we had to complete our first race with a good result. Iola starts on a slight uphill and turns a corner to a red line uphill. Its unique start to the race because you can't win the race on the hill but a poor start can take you out of the running immediately. I jumped on the pedals and got cut off into about 10th position coming up the hill. Tyler J. typically sets a good pace in the beginning and he was running 2nd up the hill so I when I saw this it was my goal to be wheel on wheel with him. I slowly but steadily hammered the hill and picked off 1 by 1. Coming down the first decent, which a fast roll down into the Iola ski jump bowl, I was running about 6th. I was OK with this position and calm because I knew we had two climbs before the single track and flat section. I tapped into my strength, punchy hills, and picked my way into 3rd and took over 2nd on the next decent. I had caught Tyler J. on the next hill right before the flat and as any good ally would do he held up a split second for me to get on. At this time we had already created a small gap and we had no intentions of giving the 3rd place guy a chance to latch on.
The first lap went by fast and I knew were created a gap from the next group. It felt easy to create this gap with Tyler J. being so smooth on the single track. This was the first time I felt the difference of having a 29er. Following his smooth riding seemed effortless at times on the 29er, it just kept rolling. We entered the single track on the 2nd lap and were still moving at a good clip and our goal was no longer just to win but to crush the competition, this kept our tempo high and we pulled out another blazing lap.
I followed Tyler's wheel for all 4 laps as there was no reason to ruin the flow we had going. With there being so much single track draft wasn't much of a factor. Being first into the single track held the advantage, you're able to pick a line and ride your pace. On the 2nd and 3rd lap our support crew had giving us race info that we had over a minute lead and that we were looking good. It didn't matter if we had a 10 minute lead we were not letting up. With each lap the single track became more fun and we got smoother.
The finish sends you through a wavy single track section of pine trees and pops you out to about 25 or so yards to the finish. Tyler J. popped out first and I gave a good effort to come around but there was just not enough room. We pulled the Tyler two step and had a UP 1-2 finish. Regardless of the distance to the finish Tyler J. looked smooth and flawless. I felt no shame coming in right behind him. I know most of the hard core competitors, which I consider myself one, are questioning "how are you OK with 2nd?" It's not so much that I'm OK that I finished 2nd, trust me it hurts, but if I do finish 2nd it's just makes it more acceptable when it's to a great friend. I was very happy with my effort and was positive about how I felt for it being May. We did all 4 laps in 21 minutes a lap. We beat the 3rd place competitor by over 3 minutes and the 4th place by 4 minutes. Better yet it's a good sign that the strength and endurance are in line.
Full Race Results
I can't end without thanking my wife for her morale support, my parents for not missing a beat and Tyler Jenema for being an awesome training partner and friend. I also want to thank all my sponsors. The thanks will continue throughout the year as I'm so appreciative of all I have around me.
The unique thing about WORS races is the start time. Comp and Pro racing doesn't start until 1:30 giving me plenty of time for relaxation and warm up. Although hard to dial in the diet for an afternoon race I have to say I enjoy the later start as it allows me to chill in the morning with my coffee and gives me time to get my gear together at the race site. After watching the Sport class start 2 hours of ahead of us it definitely prepared me for the my race and I was getting anxious to get the season underway.
I pulled up to the start line with Tyler Jenema and there was no doubt in my mind we were the best on the line. I was confident in the training we had in our legs and even more confident in the drive we had to complete our first race with a good result. Iola starts on a slight uphill and turns a corner to a red line uphill. Its unique start to the race because you can't win the race on the hill but a poor start can take you out of the running immediately. I jumped on the pedals and got cut off into about 10th position coming up the hill. Tyler J. typically sets a good pace in the beginning and he was running 2nd up the hill so I when I saw this it was my goal to be wheel on wheel with him. I slowly but steadily hammered the hill and picked off 1 by 1. Coming down the first decent, which a fast roll down into the Iola ski jump bowl, I was running about 6th. I was OK with this position and calm because I knew we had two climbs before the single track and flat section. I tapped into my strength, punchy hills, and picked my way into 3rd and took over 2nd on the next decent. I had caught Tyler J. on the next hill right before the flat and as any good ally would do he held up a split second for me to get on. At this time we had already created a small gap and we had no intentions of giving the 3rd place guy a chance to latch on.
The first lap went by fast and I knew were created a gap from the next group. It felt easy to create this gap with Tyler J. being so smooth on the single track. This was the first time I felt the difference of having a 29er. Following his smooth riding seemed effortless at times on the 29er, it just kept rolling. We entered the single track on the 2nd lap and were still moving at a good clip and our goal was no longer just to win but to crush the competition, this kept our tempo high and we pulled out another blazing lap.
I followed Tyler's wheel for all 4 laps as there was no reason to ruin the flow we had going. With there being so much single track draft wasn't much of a factor. Being first into the single track held the advantage, you're able to pick a line and ride your pace. On the 2nd and 3rd lap our support crew had giving us race info that we had over a minute lead and that we were looking good. It didn't matter if we had a 10 minute lead we were not letting up. With each lap the single track became more fun and we got smoother.
The finish sends you through a wavy single track section of pine trees and pops you out to about 25 or so yards to the finish. Tyler J. popped out first and I gave a good effort to come around but there was just not enough room. We pulled the Tyler two step and had a UP 1-2 finish. Regardless of the distance to the finish Tyler J. looked smooth and flawless. I felt no shame coming in right behind him. I know most of the hard core competitors, which I consider myself one, are questioning "how are you OK with 2nd?" It's not so much that I'm OK that I finished 2nd, trust me it hurts, but if I do finish 2nd it's just makes it more acceptable when it's to a great friend. I was very happy with my effort and was positive about how I felt for it being May. We did all 4 laps in 21 minutes a lap. We beat the 3rd place competitor by over 3 minutes and the 4th place by 4 minutes. Better yet it's a good sign that the strength and endurance are in line.
Full Race Results
I can't end without thanking my wife for her morale support, my parents for not missing a beat and Tyler Jenema for being an awesome training partner and friend. I also want to thank all my sponsors. The thanks will continue throughout the year as I'm so appreciative of all I have around me.
Age Group Podium
Monday, April 26, 2010
This bike is FLY......SUPERFLY!
Gary Fisher Superfly, both the Superfly and Superfly 100, has become the overwhelming choice of the Culvers Racing Team. In attempt to become masters of the dirt Culvers Racing interviewed each and every bike company over the last year looking for that bike to meet the speed of each rider. Companies from the old school Diamond back to the new school Gary Fisher. It was a tough choice as every bike company through deals our way begging the team to represent their company. In the end it came down to Schwinn and Gary Fisher with Gary Fisher taking the crown and Schwinn running a very close 2nd. Mr. Fisher himself was the deciding factor when he showed up to his best selling bike shop, QuickStop, and treated us all to our own Gary Fisher company review. After learning the details of the company and how they have created an edge in the very competitive 29er bike market, it was an easy choice for us. It was clear to see that Gary Fisher dominates 29er technology and has created the fastest machine in the world, The SUPERFLY.
The Superfly has been in huge demand this year to the point that Gary Fisher ran out of the Superfly in March and are not planning on producing any more for the year 2010. With this news the Superfly was a hot commodity and any bike shop that had one on the floor or on back order had a rare gem. Lucky for us we had QuickStop bike shop as a premier sponsor of Culvers Racing. "QuickStop Bike Shop holds the last 3 Superfly 100's in the world and has access to the only Superfly hardtail, of any model year.", says Jeff from Gary Fisher. "Because the relationship of Gary Fisher and QuickStop we were able to supply these high end athletes the last available Superfly's and we are proud to be able to do that."
Gary Fisher/Culvers Racing Line Up
- Tim Palomaki - Superfly 100
- Glenn Lerlie - Superfly 100
- Ron Williams - Superfly 100
- Tyler Gauthier - Superfly
Monday, April 19, 2010
Ronde van Skandia Race Report
It was a classic day for a classic race. The wind was howling at a steady 25 mph and gusting well over 30 mph and the planned roads were rough, wet, and dirty. Tom Mahaney had set up what was sure to be a true April Classic.
The team entered the Ronde to give the legs an early season test and analyze areas that would need work for the upcoming races. We wanted to be aggressive and be happy with the effort rather than worrying about placing. After the 25 mi or so roll out the race started abruptly and we had noticed we missed the start throwing out our early plan of sending me (Tyler) on an early attack. Two ACE riders shot off the front and started the breakaway. Realizing this quick I wanted to stick to the plan so I went to the front immediately and threw an attack in hopes to gap to the ACE riders. It didn't take me long to realize I had 2 ACE guys tagged on me like I was the donkey and they were the pin. I was pulling them to the front and I realized this would not be such a good plan especially if I reached the 2 out front as it would of been 4 ACE riders vs. me. I settled back in for 30 seconds and attacked again trying to ride away alone, another failed attempt. I even tried a 3rd time with no avail. We now noticed ACE was ready and it was going to be a tough day.
In a short version recap, Ron, Carp, Glen, Justin, and I were in the first chase group when we realized that one of the breakaways had a flat, it was quickly answered by an attack from a Houghton rider and followed by Matt Culligan. We now had 3 riders up the road. The chase group broke into two leaving it at about 10 guys. Nor long after Culligan rejoined the group and not far after that the Houghton rider joined up also when he came to a turn in the road and didn't know where to go. Come to find out at the end the 3rd rider in the break took a wrong turn so the chase group was now the lead group. Coming up to Spoily Road Grant attacked and the tempo was increased all the way to the top. At the top the group shrunk down to 7 guys, 3 ACE (Wes, Matt, Grant), 2 Culvers (Tyler and Ron), 1 SISU (Jesse), and unattached Houghton rider. At the top of Spoily, although gaps were created, all guys regrouped. At this point I took my chance at a flyer and attacked. I was able to create a gap and stayed way for about 30 min until I hit 94 and a dead 30 mph head wind. I realized fast it was near impossible to manage the wind by myself and dropped back.
The final stretch was brutal as the 7 of us fought to keep 14-15 mph. Ron jumped to the front of the group and rode tempo trying to thin the group and was able to cut it down to 6. Not knowing exactly where the finish was Ron and I had no choice but to be aggressive and aggressive we were. We threw countless attacks countering each other each time. The smart riding of ACE never let us get too much room and they all failed pretty quickly. With each attack failing and not knowing where the finish was we figured we would wait for an ACE attack and follow it home. Culligan did just that and I jumped second wheel followed by Grant and then Ron. Culligan had great legs and I could not match his acceleration. At the last second Grant rolled around giving ACE a 1-2 finish and I came in 3rd with Ron rolling in 4th.
We had nothing to be ashamed about as Ron and I were super aggressive all day and attacking at every opportunity showing positive early season form. ACE rode a smart race and Culligan deserved the win with the legs he had. Glen and Justin rolled in shortly after followed by Danny and Glen. Tim still in early season form rolled in at an easy pace in order to save fitness. All in all Culvers had a great day and we have a lot of information to work with to make us each better individually and as a team.
The team entered the Ronde to give the legs an early season test and analyze areas that would need work for the upcoming races. We wanted to be aggressive and be happy with the effort rather than worrying about placing. After the 25 mi or so roll out the race started abruptly and we had noticed we missed the start throwing out our early plan of sending me (Tyler) on an early attack. Two ACE riders shot off the front and started the breakaway. Realizing this quick I wanted to stick to the plan so I went to the front immediately and threw an attack in hopes to gap to the ACE riders. It didn't take me long to realize I had 2 ACE guys tagged on me like I was the donkey and they were the pin. I was pulling them to the front and I realized this would not be such a good plan especially if I reached the 2 out front as it would of been 4 ACE riders vs. me. I settled back in for 30 seconds and attacked again trying to ride away alone, another failed attempt. I even tried a 3rd time with no avail. We now noticed ACE was ready and it was going to be a tough day.
In a short version recap, Ron, Carp, Glen, Justin, and I were in the first chase group when we realized that one of the breakaways had a flat, it was quickly answered by an attack from a Houghton rider and followed by Matt Culligan. We now had 3 riders up the road. The chase group broke into two leaving it at about 10 guys. Nor long after Culligan rejoined the group and not far after that the Houghton rider joined up also when he came to a turn in the road and didn't know where to go. Come to find out at the end the 3rd rider in the break took a wrong turn so the chase group was now the lead group. Coming up to Spoily Road Grant attacked and the tempo was increased all the way to the top. At the top the group shrunk down to 7 guys, 3 ACE (Wes, Matt, Grant), 2 Culvers (Tyler and Ron), 1 SISU (Jesse), and unattached Houghton rider. At the top of Spoily, although gaps were created, all guys regrouped. At this point I took my chance at a flyer and attacked. I was able to create a gap and stayed way for about 30 min until I hit 94 and a dead 30 mph head wind. I realized fast it was near impossible to manage the wind by myself and dropped back.
The final stretch was brutal as the 7 of us fought to keep 14-15 mph. Ron jumped to the front of the group and rode tempo trying to thin the group and was able to cut it down to 6. Not knowing exactly where the finish was Ron and I had no choice but to be aggressive and aggressive we were. We threw countless attacks countering each other each time. The smart riding of ACE never let us get too much room and they all failed pretty quickly. With each attack failing and not knowing where the finish was we figured we would wait for an ACE attack and follow it home. Culligan did just that and I jumped second wheel followed by Grant and then Ron. Culligan had great legs and I could not match his acceleration. At the last second Grant rolled around giving ACE a 1-2 finish and I came in 3rd with Ron rolling in 4th.
We had nothing to be ashamed about as Ron and I were super aggressive all day and attacking at every opportunity showing positive early season form. ACE rode a smart race and Culligan deserved the win with the legs he had. Glen and Justin rolled in shortly after followed by Danny and Glen. Tim still in early season form rolled in at an easy pace in order to save fitness. All in all Culvers had a great day and we have a lot of information to work with to make us each better individually and as a team.
Friday, April 9, 2010
Race Roster Announced for Ronde Van Skandia
PRESS RELEASE
Culvers Racing has officially announced their roster for the U.P. season opener and the U.P.'s only classic, Ronde Van Skandia.
Culvers Racing
Culvers Racing has officially announced their roster for the U.P. season opener and the U.P.'s only classic, Ronde Van Skandia.
Culvers Racing
- Tyler Gauthier
- Tim Palomaki
- Tom Carpenter
- Danny Hill
- Glenn Lerlie
- Justin Weber
- Ron Williams
The race is Saturday, April 17th starting at 10 a.m. from the Cycling Haus in Harvey.
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Saturday, April 3, 2010
24 hour of 9 mile CANCELED
For those of you that have not heard 2 different promoters have dissapointingly canceled 24 hour of 9 mile. I know, I know I (Tyler) am as dissapointed as you. After a unexpected sickness last year and not being able to contribute to my team I was ready for revenge. Last years team of myself, Tom, Danny, and Glen managed a 3rd place finish with only 3 riders for over 12 hours as the rest of the teams ran 4 strong. Needless to say this left a bitter taste in our mouths and we were excited to get back to 9 mile.
This video will better help explain our dissapointment.
This video will better help explain our dissapointment.
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