Time Trial Track Chicago

2012 Mid America Time Trial Series: Indoor Series, Rules, Gerlach Update

2012-02-01T11:44:00.013-06:00

The 2012 MATTS Series is on! The first event of the 2012 season took place on January 22nd. Mark Swartzendruber and Dan Verner ended up in a virtual tie for the top spot with Verner beating Druber out by a few hundredths of a second (14:19.13, 14:19.24) . In other words, the fastest time of the day was decided by splitting atoms. This would be about right as Fermilab is just down the road. The consensus was that Verner used an aero wheel while Druber used a boxed rim. I do not know if this is true? This is a blog, so I am not accountable to the journalistic standards set forth by the professional media out there. However, as a good politician once said, "I do try to utilize best journalist practices when made available to tell my side of the story." For those of you interested in the ABD indoor #1 results, they can be found at: www.abdcycling.com

Hold up on that car wash ladies and gentleman! (This was the line Jackie Gleeson used when confronting a few juvenile delinquents stripping Junior's car in the epic 70's classic: Smokey and the Bandit). ABD has three more "man verses machine" indoor races to go before the series is decided at the John Fraser Memorial outdoor event in April. JFM is a total game changer for those racers having difficulty transitioning from the security of the "no drag factor" on the Compu Trainer to unpredictability the outdoor elements present. The elements can be really tricky during springtime racing because riders never know which weather they are going to get: sunny and balmy or windy and cold. Throw in a little rain or snow flurries into the mix and things can really get interesting in a hurry. JFM is a great race, put on a by a great club with excellent turnout year after year. I look forward to this event each year as the kick off to outdoor racing in the area.

As many of you know, I coordinate the MATTS series. Each year, I work with race directors and riders to come up with best practice to improve our series. This season, we changed our rules to make the series more competitive and to attract more racers to the series. I am working on a MATTS specific website that should be up before the outdoor season, and MATTS color flyers will go out to all bicycle shops in the month of February. You will be happy to know that we also added the 4-person TTT to the MATTS schedule as well as stealing Bartow away from Tour of Illinois Wisconsin to make it a MATTS event in 2012!

In 2012, a rider's best 10 races will be used to calculate overall awards. Many of our racers have families. That being said, things for our athletes come up during the season, and he or she may not be able to make a race. Thus, to promote competition and not penalize our customers for having to attend a family event or work on a race day, MATTS went with the "10 Best" rule this season.

There have also been changes made to age and ability categories for 2012. To attract a broader customer base, MATTS is going with age categories in five year increments, and ability categories: Open 1,2,3 and Cat 4/5 for men and women. Racers will not be able to race down in age and must race in his or her ability category. Racers competing in team events will be awarded 15 points each for entering these racers. Team events will be scored on a combined age bases with an Open Category and Mixed Category included in the mix. MATTS made a change to the team rules to give racers more choice in finding a partner for these events. The last change was to the points. In 2012, points will be awarded as follows: 25 for first place, 22 for second place, and 20 for third place. Fourth place on down will be pointed in one point increments 19, 18, 17.... Medals will be awarded 5 places deep for all categories. The revised 2012 rules will be posted on the ABR website in February: http://www.ambikerace.com/forms.htm

Changing gears for a minute: Charles Gerlach Update: As you know, Charles Gerlach is my teammate and friend. He is doing a lot better after his accident. Physically, he looks great. He is slowly progressing each day. If he is not back racing his bicycle by the end of 2012, I am sure he will be making a comeback in 2013. He is pushing some decent wattage in his basement for a guy who cheated death just a few months back. He is very grateful for all the support the cycling community has given him since his accident. He has won just about every race he has entered. This is a bit of a marathon road race for him. When he is ready, he will attack the field, and win this race as well. We are all rooting for you Charles!

Lastly, I will do my best in 2012 to keep up with my blog. I will have a link to this blog on the MATTS website, and / or have a blog within the MATTS site. I hope to keep this blog going with help from one of my teammates. I wish you all a happy and safe 2012 cycling season. Please wear your helmets, especially in the city. It is crazy out there.

Be Safe,

DP

Scarletfire 2-Person TTT Recap 5/8!

2011-05-16T19:24:00.010-05:00

Scarletfire Racing’s 2-person TTT marked the fourth stage on the Mid America Time Trial Series outdoor tour. While it was Mother’s Day, the race still produced a great turnout. I heard one racer say “I do not care what day it is. If there is a race, I am there!” Yah, that is what you ex-wife said. Anyways, back to the story. The weather was awesome, the roads were mostly smooth, and Mark Swartzendruber and Co. did a stellar job putting on another excellent MATTS event.

As my crew and I pulled into the parking lot for this race, we saw a guy sporting a Cubs hat and aviator sunglasses. Hey, who is that dude, I thought? Oh, it was Mark Swartzendruber of course. He traded in his spandex for race director duties for the day. In fact, most of Scarletfire Racing’s squad traded in their racing kits for the day to help out in the corners

Garden Prairie has gone from a touch and go pavement operation of the past to a time trial with some very nice, smooth roads. This year's race featured new pavement over 1/2 half of the course, with good older pavement and a 1/4 mile section that needed some patch work. Riders faced heavy head and crosswinds on the way out to the turnaround with smooth sailing on the way home (speeds reaching close to 40 miles per hour in some sections). A small section of patched potholes just before the bridge on the way to the finish, and it was a wrap.

Charles Gerlach and Jeff Otto (Lamb Little Racing) rode the best time of the day, followed by Fabio “the Legend” Orlandi and Brian Harris (PYOC /Scarletfire Racing). Rob Jungles and Curtis Bice (ABD) rounded the men’s podium with a 52:14.

On the women’s side, Kelly Richter and Leigh Thompson (Vision Quest) rode a stellar 55:10 to take the women’s TTT title. Shirley Crocker and Arietta Clauss (Brazen Dropouts /Mad City) rode a 56:56 for second place. Candy Chintis and Francine Haas (Abertos) rode a 1:01.14 for third place honors.

Other notable teams who rode excellent times on this day were: Mike Heagney and John Angelatos (Vision Quest), Russ Kuryk and Jason Knaff (Iron Cycles /Burham Racing), Ryan Fay and Jeremy Anderson (XxX), Jerzy Trzeciak and Stanley Trzeciak (PLUS), Alain Villeneuve and Edward Gradient (Well Fit Elite III), Mark Serafin and Doug Peterson (Lamb Little Racing), Tom Kalstrup and Nels Hackl (PYOC/RRB), Darin Steiner and Don Lowe (Team Mack), Bob Burke and Ziggy Demel (PACT Dish-Network), Bob Burke and Terry Martin (PACT Dish-Network / Team IE), Richard Kreutzfeldt and Dave Goetzinger (PACT Dish-Network / Big Ring Flyers), Max Hall and Gina Johnson (Village-Verdigris), Kyle Mindick and Ben O’Malley (XxX), and Elise Kikis and Wendy Gaddey (Albertos).

Thanks goes out to Scarletfire Racing team members Mark Swartzendruber, Michael Zellmann, Chris Mosora, Tom Doughty, Brian Harris, and Ian Lochridge (with help from Stacy Applewick (ABD)) for putting on another great MATTS event.

Lastly, there have been some whispers in the peleton of a new team forming in the Chicago cycling ranks. From what I hear, Jerzy Trzeciak, his brother Stanley Trzeciak, and fomer pro cyclist Krys Wiatr are starting a new team called PLUS made up of Polish, American riders. The team’s philosophy is racing competitively while having fun without drama or politics. I wish them success with their new endeavor.

For those of you who are looking for a time trial this weekend, you are in luck. This Barstow 20k is a bit of a haul and well worth the drive. This is the flatest 20k course in the Tri-State area. The flyer and on-line registration went up last week. The race is a ROTY, TOI/W event. Race start is 9:00 a.m.

Registration is available on-line at:
http://www.getmeregistered.com/

You can view the race flyer at:
http://www.ambikerace.com/2011/flyers/Barstow2011flyer.pdf

That’s a wrap-DP

Single Bong 20k Results Recap 5/1!

2011-05-13T16:41:00.014-05:00

O.K Chicago area time trial freaks, the wait is finally over. In this addition of Time Trial Track Chicago, I will be reporting on the Bong 20k. The Single Bong was held on May 1st with a great turnout. The weather was crisp, and the winds again were the star attraction of the show with gusts out of the Northwest at 20-30 miles per hour.

The usual suspects and teams showed up in Kansasville for stage number 3 on the Mid-America Time Trial Series outdoor season. Jeff Otto (Lamb Little Racing) posted the two fastest two times of the day. His first time of 25:24 was stellar enough. Jeff then went out in heavy winds and posted the second fastest time of the day with a 25:46! Take that to the bank Time Trial Track faithful! Not to be undone or underestimated, Mark Swartzendrubber (Scarletfire Racing), who is slowly reaving up his jet engine program of his own, posted the third fastest time of the day with a time of 25:56. Mr. Consistency, Charles Gerlach (Lamb Little Racing) was 4^th with a time of 26:18. Rounding the podium was new up and comer to the elite TT ranks, Reed Oliff (Lamb Little Racing) with a time of 26:21.

On the Ladies side, Leigh Thompson (Vision Quest) was the winner with a 29:26. Shirley Crocker (Brazen Dropouts) was second with a 31:36, and Wendy Gaddey (Albertos) was third with a time of 32:30.

Other riders posting excellent times at Bong were: Curtis Bice (ABD), Brian Harris (Scarletfire Racing), Andrew Toftoy (Nature Factor-Finer Finish), Joe Berenyi (PSIMET), Robert Burke (PACT), Jerzy Trzeciak (PLUS), Mike Wolfgram (Gear Grinder), Kevin Stephens (Project 5), Dan Norbeck (Vision Quest), Don Lowe (Team Mack), Doug Peterson (Lamb Little Racing), Richard Adamczyk (Midwest Masters), Marek Serafin (Lamb Little Racing), Micahel Redlich Jr. (ABD), Angela Rochester (Albertos), Marie Couris (Albertos), Elise Kikis (Albertos), Glenda Sunberg (Fitness Pursuit), Diane Roanhaus (Midwest Masters), Ann Mattson (Freeport Bicycle Co.), Lynn Rivier (Albertos), and Pat Beam (ABD).

In the Team Competition, on the men’s side, Lamb Little Racing (by category) took the most podiums, followed by Vision Quest, Scarletfire Racing, and PACT-Dish-Network. On the women’s side, Albertos was the class of the field followed by Vision Quest, and Fitness Pursuit.

Thanks goes out to Carl Wilkins and his niece, Gina for hosting another stellar event. I would be remiss not to thank Bob Lundberg, the timer on the day, for not screwing up the 30 second starts. Bob, you made it look easy! Last but not least, the series could not run like a well oiled machine without the services of Bill Cassidy at the timer's table. Results and report for Scarletfire 2-Person TTT will be up shortly. The next MATTS outdoor event will be held in Harvard on 6/11. Information on the Harvard 33.3K can be viewed at:

http://www.ambikerace.com/2011/flyers/Harvard_TT_Flyer_2011v2.pdf

Online registration is available for this event at: http://www.truesport.com/

See you at the next race!

MATTS Outdoor Stage #2 Cherry Valley 30k Recap 4/17

2011-04-25T14:22:00.005-05:00

Stage #2 of the MATTS outdoor season brought us to Cherry Valley, Illinois for the Big Ring Flyers, Freeport Bicycle Club 30k. The conditions were again interesting to say the least with 40 degree temps and winds out of the Northwest clocking at upwards of 20+ mph. Oh, and throw in a few unexpected trains coming through, and you have an early season time trial!

Nowhere to run nowhere to hide, riders faced fierce side winds for the majority of the race. At the finish line, Ziggy Demel’s demeanor said it all. In a slightly disoriented state, Demel, of PACT-Dish Network said, “These are the worst conditions I have ever experienced!” Others came over the finish line using adjectives like heinous, tough, crazy, and ridiculous to describe their day.

While some let the conditions meld into their psyches’, others had different plans. The usual suspects JonathanToftoy (Synergy), Chris Mosora (Scarletfire Racing), Reed “Speed” Oliff (Lamb Little Racing), Dan Norbeck (Vision Quest), Andrew Toftoy (Nature Factor-Fitness Finish), and Brian Harris (Scarletfire Racing)where the podium finishers on the men’s side. Shirley Crocker (Freeport Bicycle Club), Mimi Fagan (Big Ring Flyers), Diane Roanhaus (Team RVO), and Ann Mattson (Freeport Bicycle Club) rounded the podium on the women’s side.

Some other desperadoes that the 20 something racing crowd would not want to play with or risk shattered egos on this day were guys like Bob Burke and James Host of PACT-Dish Network who are just incredibility tenacious racers. Throw in the mix of “The Legend,” Fabio Orlandi (PYOC), “The Man from Crystal Lake”, Dan Madsen (ABD), and the former king of the series, Ken Roanhaus (Midwest Masters), and you’ve got some serious horsepower on your hands! If I were the former player caught betting on baseball, I would have these guys on my betting sheets everyday of the week!

Other racers turning in good times on this day were: Jerry Trzeciak (Polish Mafia Racing), MikeWolfgram (Gear Grinder), Dan Dotson (W2 Racing / Freeport BC), Mike Redlich Jr. (ABD), Michael Norton (JVC), Gene Nozicka (Alberto’s), Richard Kreutzfeldt (PACT-Dish Network), Jack Patterson (Midwest Masters), Marek Serafin (Lamb Little Racing), Ellen Daroga (Big Ring Flyers), Don Lowe (Team Mack), Karen Drennan (Team Kenda), Ziggy Demel (PACT-Dish Network), Doug Peterson (Lamb Little Racing), Pat Beam (ABD), and Rich Vichotka (Midwest Masters).

Thanks goes out to Rick Green, Big Ring Flyers, and the Freeport Cycling Club for putting on this great event! Rick and his team did an excellent job! The race has received a lot of positive compliments!

MATTS Outdoor Stage #3 takes us to the legendary Bong course. For those of you who do not know, in the 1950’s this area was slated for a U.S. Air Force base named after local World War II Ace Richard I. Bong. The base was partially built before it was deemed obsolete and abandoned to make way for the recreation area it is today and of course the best time trailing roads in the area. See you 5/1! Please check out this site for more information: http://www.ambikerace.com/2011/flyers/Bongs_TT's_Flyer_2011v2.pdf

Mid America Time Trial Series Prologue aka JFM 4/10 Recap!

2011-04-15T13:38:00.006-05:00

After braving another brutal Chicago winter locked into our trainers, the 2011 time trial season began last Sunday with the kick off the John Fraser Memorial Time Trial. In Chicagoland, we call spring the duel between winter and summer. The kicker is that on some days not even the Vegas odds makers can make any sense of our weather. To the delight of the athletes participating in Sunday’s event, the temperatures were in the 80’s with sunny skies. The thermals kicked up the winds, and some with discs thought they had signed on for a Lake Michigan sailing expedition. Get this; some even claimed their discs were creating negative drag.

Anyways, back to the race. Riders fought wind, terrain, and a few choice turnarounds to complete the Mid America Time Trial Series Prologue. On the men's side, Jeff Otto (Lamb Little Racing) scorched the course with a 19:48. Ryan Freund (ABD) and Bryce Meade (ABD) were second and third respectively, just breaking the 20 minute mark. On the women’s side, the wickedly, fast Stacey Appelwick (ABD) turned in the fastest women’s time of the day with a 22:07, followed by Jennifer Harrison (unattached), and Ann Matteson (Freeport Bicycle Co.) to round the podium.

Other interesting developments on this day were Charles Gerlach (Lamb Little Racing) and James Host (PACT) taking home dual titles in the 30+, 40+, 50+ and 55+. You would think these two desperadoes won the Grand Prize Game on Bozo Show or something. Both men each walked away with two brand new top of the line indoor trainers for their efforts. Charles asked me to help him take one of these trainers to his car. When I went to put it in my car, he said, “Not your car, over here, my car!” Well, I tried anyway. In the 30+, an anomaly of sorts also occurred with Lamb Little Racing capturing the top four places (Otto, Gerlach, Oliff, Peterson).

Other series regulars turning in fast times on this day were: Curtis Bice (ABD), Jack Arnold (North Branch), Joe Berenyi (PSIMET), Reed Oliff (Lamb Little Racing), Bob Burke (PACT), Brian Harris (Scarlet Fire / Verizon), Mark Serafin (Lamb Little Racing), Dan Madsen (ABD), John Westergaard (Magnetrol), Jerry Trzeciak (Polish Gangsta Cycling), Stan Trzeciak (Polish Gangsta Cycling), Rob Jungles (ABD), Andrew Tschampa (PACT), Ziggy Demel (PACT), Richard Kruetzfelt, (PACT), Don Lowe (Team Mack), Richard Adamczyk (Midwest Masters), Mimi Fagan (Big Ring Flyers), and Patricia Beam (ABD).

It is too bad that we do not have a team award for the best overall team in MATTS. Right now, it looks like Lamb Little, PACT, ABD and Scarletfire / Verizon Racing are posting some impressive times and taking many of the top spots in the series. Well, being that I am the MATTS Coordinator, this may be something I may have to look into for a possible surprise award at the end of the season. For those of you who do not know, besides handing out trophies, we will be raffling a Leader TT frame at the 2011 awards banquet.

Lastly, I hope to be more consistent in my reporting this season. My teammate, Mark Serafin, was really upset that I neglected my blog last summer. He said he is going to keep me honest this season. With the physique and cunning of a juice loan collector, what else was I suppose to say to him? "Mark, I will do my best to keep my blog updated for 2011. Please don’t break my knees!"

I wish everyone a fun and safe season. My condolences go out to Mike Jones (PACT) who has just had some plain bad luck with city traffic. Just when we thought he was back, another 3,000 pound projectile (aka an automobile) took him out again. Heal up Mike. We all miss you at the races!

Next Race: Cherry Valley 30K Sunday April 17th. See this link for race details:
http://www.ambikerace.com/2011/flyers/cherryvalleyTT.html

2010 Mid America Time Trial Series Standings 7/7!

2010-07-07T16:24:00.009-05:00

Turn the heat up! With only five time trials left this season, point’s battles are tightening up, and series titles are on the line. It will be a drag race down the stretch with many categories being decided at the MATTS finale in Garden Prairie at the end of the 2010 season.

The 2010 season has seen some new riders rise to the top of the heap. Specifically, Charles Gerlach (Lamb Little Racing) and Bob Burke (Pact Dish Network) come to mind. These two desperados have been tearing up the pavement and the field all year long with Charles winning most of the races and Bob finishing consistently on men's overall podium each week. Heads up young whipper snappers, these two gentlemen are Master's and Grand Master's riders. If you think you can beat these two cats in a strength contest at your local fair, be my guest. 2-1 odds says these guys ring the bell first.

On the ladies side of things, Debbie Dust (Pact Dish Network) has been the gold standard of the women's division turning anything she touches into gold this season. Her offseason diet of serious training has paid her huge dividends this season being crowned the women's overall winner in all but one race she has entered this season. The most improved rider in the woman's division is Stacey Appelwick (Bouledogue Tout Noir). Stacey's times have improved exponentially this season, and she will be a force to reckon with for seasons to come.

I would be remiss if I did not mention Mike Jones (Pact Dish Network) and Brian Harris (Scarletfire / Verizon Racing), who are two of the very finest and fastest riders in our series. Both riders were injured badly in separate incidents over the spring. Brain was hurt in a criterium crash, while Mike was involved in a traffic incident involving a car while riding his bicycle. The rumor from rummormill.com is that Brian is back on his bike, and Mike is slowly healing up. As a true testament to one of the classiest and fastest guys on the circuit, Mike is still in contention to win both the Cat 1/2 and 50+ categories even after missing four races! We are not dealing with some sort of mamby, pampy personality here. This dude is tough, and I would not be at all surprised if Mike is not back on his bike racing this season!

As we look on to the last 5 time trials of the year, Reed Oliff (Lamb Little Racing) has a good chance of winning the overall Cat 1/2 men's title, with his teammate Doug Peterson (Lamb Little Racing) looking to win his third and final men's Cat 3 title before moving out of the category next season. "The Polish Jet" aka Mark Serafin (Pact Dish Network), coming off of two years of back injuries, is having a spectacular outdoor season. If Peterson misses a race down the stretch, the Cat 3 title could go down to the last race in mid-September. Stay tuned for further details. James Flechsig (Athletes by Design) looks to be in total control of the men's Cat 4 category, while Debbie Dust (Pact Dish Network) has all but wrapped up the women’s open division. If Stacey Appelwick ( Bouledogue Tout Noir) does not miss a race, she will have the women’s cat 4 title in her grasp.

On the Men’s Master's side, Charles "Gerlacher" Gerlach (Lamb Little Racing) has taken total control of the men's 30+ and 40+ categories, while Bob Marshall (Athletes by Design) is closing in on his first 50+ title. The men's 55+ category is a barn burner with Richard Kreutzfeldt (Pact Dish Network) winning the category by a mere three points with Dan "Danimal" Madsen (Athletes by Design) in high speed pursuit. If Dan were to win again this year, this would be his third MATTS title in four years! Bob Burke (Pact Dish Network) has the men’s 60+ category wired, and he is in the running with Charles Gerlach for the most improved rider of the year. Rich Vichotka (Midwest Masters) is leading the men’s 65+ charge while Peter Alexander (Midwest Masters) and Edward Wang (Unattached) are leading the men's 70+ and 75+ categories respectively. Ray Putman (Midwest Masters) is in a league of his own winning the men's 80+ category. On the recumbent side of things, former National Cyclocross Champ, Tyger Johnson (Cars R Us) is leading this division.

On the Women’s Master's side of things, Connie Inks (Unattached) has a firm hold on the women's 40+ division while Marilyn Powell (Athletes by Design) is dominating the master's 50+ division. Nancy Beck (Midwest Masters) is on her way to another 60+ title while Pat Beam (Athletes by Design) has the women's 70+ title locked up. Pat was elected into the Senior Olympics Hall of Fame this past June! This is an awesome accomplishment for one of the finest and kindest athletes in our series. Way to go Pat! Until next time.... That's a wrap. See you in Herscher, Illinois for the Wolfgang Fietag Memorial 2-Person Time Trial on July 11th . Check out www.ambikerace.com under the calendar section for further details.

Champ Pain 40k Flicker Photos Click Here!

2010-05-20T15:40:00.008-05:00

If you competed in the Cham Pain 40K over the weekend, check out your photo! Four hundred and fifty three (453) photos were taken in all. Click on the link below to see your pictures. Photo left: Peter Allen, XXx Athletico competing in men's 30+

http://www.flickr.com/photos/ragfield/4612809818/in/set-72157624072940738/

Cham Pain 40K Recap 5/16

2010-05-17T19:08:00.009-05:00

Welcome to Tolono, Illinois, a slice of life in the middle of nowhere with one gas station, a café, flat, nicely paved roads, and non-existent traffic. One would think this would be an ideal place to hold the first 40k time trial of the season. “Hold up on that carwash gentleman!,” Jackie Gleason a.k.a. Sherriff Buford T. Justice exclaimed to the young hoodlums stripping his son Junior’s car on the side of the road in the 1977 epic Smokey and the Bandit. In other words, everything was perfect except for the weather. There were a handful of riders who rode excellent times, but I suspect that these times would have been much faster had the spring weather cooperated just a tenny bit more.

The weather at the start of the race was in the low 60’s with winds out of the West. During the race, the winds picked up, riders experienced a steady, soaking rain, and the temperatures dropped into the low 50's. Are we cookie cutting, or are we time trialing, I heard one say? For the third week in a row, racers faced inclimate weather with a strong tailwind going out to the turnaround followed by a coarse headwind to the finishline.

Also, for the second time in just a few short weeks, Charles “Gerlacher” Gerlach, racing for upstart Lamb Little Racing, posted the fastest time of the day ripping the Tolono pavement in a whopping 54:09. PACT-Dish Network racers took the second and third spots respectively. Mike Jones smoked the course in 54:44 followed by Bob Burke (showing more than a few, young whipper snappers how its done) rolling a 55:59. Brian Harris (Scarletfire / Verizon Racing), slowly showing his form of a year ago, posted the fourth fastest time of the day riding a 56:25. Peter Allen (XXx Athletico), showcasing a new aero rig this season, made it a race finishing fifth and in the money riding a 57:25.

On the ladies side, Debbie Dust (PACT-Dish Network) was easy money as she yet again posted the fastest women’s time of the day with a 1:01:11. Tara Flaig (Unattached) rode a stellar 1:12:05 for second place honors. MATTS tour regular, the ageless Marilyn Powell (ABD) rounded out the women’s overall podium hammering the course in a 1:18:01 for third place honors.

Other riders who produced fast times on this day were former U.S. Cyclocross Champion, Tyger Johnson, (Cars R Us) 56:24*; Michael Redlich (ABD) 34:43**, Graham Clark (ABD) 39:13**, David Orion (Endure-IT) 57:35, Mark “the Polish Jet” Serafin (PACT-Dish Network)59:24, Richard Adamczyk (Midwest Masters) 59:34, Scott Dahman (Wild Card Racing) 101:04, David Goetzinger (Rock River Oil) 1:01:55, Richard Vichotka (Midwest Masters) 1:14:05, Edward Wang (Unattached) 1:12:09, and Patricia Beam (ABD)1:25:54.

Next Sunday takes us to Barstow, Illinois for the fastest and flattest 20k TT in the Midwest put on by DICE /QCBC. This is a ROTY point’s race. MATTS points will not be awarded for this race. On-line registration is available. Check the ABR website for race results for the current race. Links to the ABR website as well as the flyer for the Barstow 20k, and online registration are listed below.

http://ambikerace.com/
http://www.ambikerace.com/2010/flyers/2010_Barstow_TT_Flyer_-_Rev_2%5B1%5D.pdf
https://secure.getmeregistered.com/get_information.php?event_id=3298

Picture is of Charles Gerlach (Lamb Little Racing) overall winner of the Cham Pain 40k. Other pictures show the Wild Card Racing logo and the crazy weather Tolono experienced on 5/16. Look at the flag for reference.
* Fairing Vehicle
** Junior 20K

Scarletfire Verizon 2-Person Recap 5/6

2010-05-11T16:40:00.009-05:00

I did a little checking on the internet today to find out just exactly what the term "Scarletfire" means. There were phrases like “bright colored flame” and “rich iridescent tones.” I like the last one: “Stir it up.” Stir it up was exactly what the weather did at the inaugural Scarletfire / Verizon Racing 2-person time trial in Garden Prairie, Illinois this past Saturday. The conditions at the Bong 20k time trial two weeks prior were baby food alongside of what GP had in store for the MATTS faithful on this day. The weather was in the crisp, low 50’s with patchy rain, cloudy skies, and did I mention wind? There was plenty of it!

Teams took advantage of the tailwinds on the way out to the turnaround. However, the trek back to the finish was a whole other story. I heard so many stories of good riders saying they could not wait to get to the finish line with three miles to go. The winds were so strong on the finishing stretch that teams where riding sideways to keep their aero rigs upright. Many riders compared this race to Leland-Kermesse minus the gravel.

Dave Polin and Jeff Otto (WDT/ Allvoi) rode the fastest time of the day annihilating the course and the competition in a stellar 52:07, followed by Jason Smith and Kurt Spoerle (Zipp Factory Team) 54:11. Kyle Mindick and Nick Lauterbach (XXx Athletico) rode a 55:00 even for third place honors. On the ladies side, Kristin Wrede and Christine Anderson (Unattached) lit up the course riding a 105:00, narrowly nipping Francine Haas and Wendy Gaddey (Alberto's) who rode a stellar 105:08 for second place honors. Third place belonged to Pascale Petro and Ginger Sides who rode a 1:10:03 respectively.

Other Teams having good rides on this day were Gary Painter and Frances Manfred (Fort Wayne Outfitters), Brian Harris and Chris Mosora (Scarletfire / Verizon Racing), Heidi Sarna and Eileen Neville (XXx Athletico), Wayne Simon and Bob Karlow (Verdigris), Michael Jones and James Host (PACT Dish Network), Richard Kreutzfelt and Dan Madsen (PACT/ABD), Clara Smart and Ann Luckow (Northwestern University Cycling Team), Robert Burke and Ziggy Demel (PACT Dish Network), Curtis Bice and James Snedden (ABD), Angela Rochester and Nancy Heyman (Alberto's), Reed Oliff and Charles Gerlach (Lamb Little Racing), Gerald Beam and Ray Putman (Turin), Marilyn Powell and Mimi Fagen (ABD), Sal Troia and Dave Thomson (Mad City Velo), Al Stern and Vitor Alcazar (Velo Club Roubaix / Colavita Chicagoland), Pat Beam and Nancy Iglinski (ABD), Brian Karlow and Vince Boyer (Redline Racing), and Robert Herbert and Edward Wang (Midwest Masters).

The race was not without it’s interesting moments. An irate driver upset with racers riding on both sides of the road decided to take it upon himself to run over the turnaround cone, drag it under his car onto U.S. Route 20, and shred it into a thousand tiny pieces. This indiscretion made it hard for both the turnaround marshal and on the riders who saw no bright orange cone at the turnaround portion of the course. On another occasion, a lady driving a blue Chevy Cavalier told the finishing officials that she had a CDL license and she could not legally by law pass other vehicles in no passing zones and neither should riders (I guess she did not know this race was permitted, and I never knew that one needed a CDL license to drive a compact Chevy). Finally, it appears that some farm equipment or a scofflaw took or took out some of the turning arrows in the middle of the course. These are things that no promoter could foresee, and as a new promoter to the series Scarletfire Racing gets a "10" for doing an excellent job putting on a great event in inclimate weather. Thanks to Mark Swartzendruber, Mike Zellmann, Brian Harris, Chris Mosora, and the rest of the Verizon Team for putting on this great event!

Next week takes us to Champaign country for the Cham Pain 40k in Tolono, Illinois put on by Wild Card Racing. The results for the 2-person time trial are posted on the ABR website located in the "News" section. A copy of the link to the Cham Pain 40k along with a link to the ABR website are listed below. On-line registration for Cham Pain ends 5/14.

http://www.ambikerace.com/2010/flyers/40KttRGB2champaignMATTS2010.pd

http://www.ambikerace.com/

The Scarletfire / Verizon Time Trial 2-Person TTT is on Saturday May 8th!

2010-05-06T11:55:00.002-05:00

Just an FYI to everyone... The Scarletfire / Verizon 2-person TT will be held on Saturday May 8th! I repeat, the Scarletfire / Verizon 2-person TTT will be held on Saturday May 8th!! I want to put this out there as some riders are under the impression that the race will be held Sunday. I can understand this as all MATTS TT's have been held on Sunday's this season. See you MATTS faithful for some great racing this Saturday, and thanks to the Scarletfire / Verizon Racing Team for putting this event on.
-DP

Single Bong 20K Recap 4/25

2010-04-27T23:18:00.025-05:00

Sometimes you have to know when to hold ‘em and know when to fold ‘em… well at least those were the words I heard in a country song while heading up to the Bong 20K TT this past weekend. Some riders decided to gamble with me and make the trip to Kanasville to tempt fate and weather the storm. Other riders took a more laxidasical approach in favor of a hot cup of coco in front of a picturesque fire in the comfort of their own homes.

As time trialists, we are a bit of an odd bunch in that to excel in this cycling discipline we must have a good relationship with Pain. We cannot just go on the Dr. Phil Show and obtain the latest and greatest psychological remedy because we have a dysfunctional relationship with Pain. Staying home because of adverse weather is not in our nature, and the Bong 20k brought plenty of it. The race featured damp, cold 50 degree weather with a nice tailwind going out to the second turn. Following the second turn, riders met a slight crosswind that slowly turned into a swirling headwind on the finishing stretch. This monstrosity of a wind brought some riders to the brink on the finishing stretch.

This week featured some new, regular faces to hit the leader board this season. Charles “Gerlacher” Gerlach (Lamb Little Racing) took top honors on the men’s side of the competition torching the course in 26:55, nipping Kevin Pomasl (Team Wisconsin MC2) for second place with a time of 26:58. Curtis Bice (ABD), finally broke his own “twenty-eight minute curse”, completing the podium with a time of 27:08. On the ladies side, Debbie Dust (PACT-Dish Network) yet again took first place honors, ripping the course in 28:56. Leigh Thompson (Vision Quest) was second, riding a 29:54. Arrietta Clauss (Mad City) completed the women’s overall podium with a time of 30:17.

Other MATTS riders turning in excellent times on this day were: Bob Burke (PACT-Dish Network), Dan Madsen (ABD), Daniel Norbeck (Vision Quest), Brain Harris (Scarletfire/Verizon Racing), Peter Allen (XXX Athletico), Francine Hass (Alberto’s), Reed Oliff (Lamb Little Racing), Mike Jones (PACT-Dish Network), Kevin Stephens (Project 5 Racing), Vitor Alexandre (Coltivita-Chicagoland), James Flechsig (ABD), Richard Adamczyk (Midwest Masters), Tristen Petsch-Horvarth (Team Mack), David Goetzinger (Rock River Oil), Gene Nozicka (Alberto’s), Stephen Miwa (South Chicago Wheelmen), Marilyn Powell (ABD), Pat Beam (ABD), and Peter Alexander (Midwest Masters).

Race results and pictures of this event have been posted on the ABR website. Thanks goes out to Greg Bond for taking excellent photos of this event. The next race on the MATTS schedule takes riders to Garden Prairie, Illinois for the Scarletfire / Verizon 2-person 40k on May 8th. On-line registration is available for this event. Links to Bong 20k results, pictures, and Scarletfire / Verizon 2-person TT race information are listed below. Happy Training!

http://www.ambikerace.com/2010/resuts/Single%20Bong%20TT%20results%204-25-10.pdf

http://www.ambikerace.com/2010/resuts/2010singlebong20kttphotos.htm

http://www.ambikerace.com/2010/flyers/Verizon2_person_TTT2010.pdf

http://www.truesport.com/register/events/2010/abrtt01/index.html

Note: Photo top is of Doug Peterson (Lamb Little Racing) and Vitor Alexandre (Coltivita-Chicagoland) racing back and forth for position. Photo was taken by Greg Bond. Photo center left is of Bob Marshall (ABD) warming up for his race.

Cherry Valley 30k TT Recap, PACT Dish Network Team Highlighted 4/18

2010-04-19T16:52:00.036-05:00

Get out the shock therapy pads. No, we aren't talking about Sigmund Freud here. We are talking about the Cherry Valley 30K TT that took place this past weekend! Why shock therapy, you ask? Well, riders in the MATTS series went from fighting a 10 pound monkey a week prior to fighting an 18 pound gorilla this past weekend.

Cherry Valley is a fairly challenging, early season course with a choice mix of hills, flats, winds, and rough terrain. Riders put it into supersonic cruise in the tailwind on the way out to the turn around and met the wall of pain on the way back to the finish line.

On this day, the usual suspects ripped the course. However, the real story of this season has been the entire PACT-Dish Network Team. Debbie Dust has come out of the box completely on fire this year mixing it up with some of the best time trialists in the area. Her off-season diet of serious winter training has paid her huge dividends in the power band department. She rode an impressive 45:48 over 30K this past weekend besting the second fastest woman by over three minutes. Then, there is the formidable Bob Burke. We knew this cat could ride fast last year, but wow, this dude has found some serious inspiration this season rocking Cherry Valley in 43:13. Betting on Mike Jones was easy money at any horse racing track. He turned in a finishing time of 42:43 for the second fastest men's time of the day. Former 2009 Man vs. Machine Champ, Dan Verner, showed he could whip the indoor machine and race on the outdoor machine with the best of them, riding a 44:25. Mark Serafin aka “The Polish Jet”, coming off of two years of setbacks due to back surgery, rode an impressive 44:32, placing third in the Cat 3 ranks. Other notable PACT-Dish Network riders who turned in excellent times at Cherry Valley were James Host (44:32), Mariusz Klus, and (46:31), Richard Kreutzfeldt (46:32).

The next race in the Mid America Time Trial Series is the” half baked”, Bong 20k which will be held on Sunday April 25 in Kanasville, Wisconsin. Riders can pre-register for this race on-line. Registration and race information are contained in the links listed below:

http://www.truesport.com/register/events/2010/abrtt03/index.html

http://www.ambikerace.com/2010/flyers/Bong_Flyer_2010v2.pdf

Please note that if you are looking for a partner for the 2-person Scarletfire Racing / Verizon Time Trial held on May 8th, please contact Bob Lundberg at abrlund@aol.com Cherry Valley 30k results will be posted on http://www.ambikerace.com when they are made available.

Note: Picture (top) Debbie Dust (PACT-Dish Network) winner of the Cherry Valley 30K Women's Open Division. Picture (middle right) Ziggy Demel (PACT-Dish Network).

John Fraser Memorial Recap 4/11

2010-04-13T12:20:00.025-05:00

This past Sunday, racers flocked to the 9th annual John Fraser Memorial Time Trial. As the wind blows, so John Fraser goes. This race very well could be the best mini Paris Roubaix time trial in the Midwest. The weather is always a factor, and after a winter freeze, the roads have their fair share of obstacles as well. On this day, 13-15 mph headwinds punished riders on their outward excursion. Tailwinds on the home stretch made for drag strip like conditions as riders pushed their way to the finishline.

This Wild West affair featured some the most feared and revered gunslingers in these parts. There was Bryce Mead (Texas Roadhouse) and Charles Gerlach (Lamb Little Racing), Jeff Otto (RVCC), and Mark Swartzendrubber (Scarletfire Racing), Debbie Dust (PACT) and Leigh Thompson (Vision Quest), Jim Host (PACT) and Dan Madsen (ABD), Chris Misora (Scarletfire Racing) and Dave Polin (WDT), Pat Beam (ABD) and Robert Beck (Midwest Masters), and the list goes on.

In the end, the last men standing were Jeff Otto (20:10), Bryce Mead (20:14), and Mark Swartzendrubber (20:33). On the ladies side, Debbie Dust (22:40), had the best hand, followed by Leigh Thompson (22:42), and Connie Inks (23:38), who made it a heck of a gun fight.

The JFM rock and chip affair also decided the 2010 ABD Time Trial Series overall champions. Winners in each category received a Cyclops Trainer. Wow, not too shabby for first prize. Congratulations goes out to all the riders who participated in the series. The best of the best are as follows: Cat 1/2 Tomaz Boba (WDT); Cat 3 Curtis Bice (ABD); Cat 4 Joe Bernyi (PSI Net); AM30+ Mark Swartzendrubber (Scarletfire Racing); AM40+ Charles Gerlach (Lamb Little Racing); AM50+ Michael Jones (PACT); AM55+ Dan Madsen (ABD); AM60+ Richard Adamczyk (Midwest Masters); AM65+ Lawrence Huey (Unattached); AM70+ Peter Alexander (Midwest Masters); AM75+ Gerald Beam (Turin); AWO Jessie Prinner (ABD); AW4 Stacey Appelwick (Bouledogue Tout Nior); AW40+ Connie Inks (Unattached); AW50+ Ann Matteson (Freeport Bicycle Co.); AW60+ Nancy Beck (Midwest Masters); AW70+ Pat Beam (ABD).

This 2010 JFM also marked the first time the Mid America Time Trial Series ran a live race feed via the internet from the results table. Athletes at the event and family and friends logged onto the internet could access finish times in real time. This also allowed for any timing disputes to be handled and corrected at the race event exponentially. A big thanks goes out to Gina Wilkins for designing the timing program and to Mike Ebert (ABD) for providing the live internet feed via Verizon Wireless.

The next (MATTS) race on the docket is the Cherry Valley 30k presented by Rock River Oil and the Freeport Bicycling Company on 4/18. Last year, it rained cats and dogs at this event. This year, we are praying for great weather! On-line registration is now open for this event. For further race and on-line registration details, please follow the links below:
http://www.ambikerace.com/2010/flyers/Cherry_Valley_Flyer_2010v2.pdf
https://secure.getmeregistered.com/index.php

Lastly, if anyone needs a partner for the Scarletfire / Verizon 2-person TT coming up May 8th, please let me know. MATTS regular Rich Kryszak, a member of the South ChicagoWheelmen, is looking for a partner in the 50+ category for this race.

Note: Picture is of Charles Gerlach of Lamb Little Racing who won the overall 40+ title in the 2010 ABD Time Trial Series. Photo was taken by Bill Cassidy, ABR Official

ABD Indoor Time Trial #3 Recap

2010-03-24T11:15:00.020-05:00

On Saturday March 20th, the Chicagoland, indoor time trial faithful took to Winfield Middle School for the final battle in the Man VS. Machine saga. With prevailing winds and snow falling outside, riders would not be deterred from racing on this day. After all, they were racing inside. ABD Cycling saved the best racing for last treating riders to a 9K uphill climb. The term “splitting paper” would describe the men’s competition on this day. A whopping 14 seconds separated the top three finishers on the men's overall podium. Ryan Freund (ABD) pushed the button on the competition, taming the course in a stellar 14:09 for first place honors. Not backing down to any ole gun fight or a Howitzer for that matter, indoor time trial behemoths Charles Gerlach (Lamb Little Racing) 14:16, and Mark Swartzendrubber (Verizon Wireless) 14:23, made it a heck of battle placing second and third respectively. On the ladies side, the cream rose to the top with Jessica Prinner (ABD) annihilating the hill in 15:56, followed by local women’s standout Kristen Meshberg (Flatlandia) 16:20, for second, and new up and comer Stacey Appelwick (Bouledogue Tout Noir) 16:26, for third. Other MATTS notables turning in good times on this day were: Peter Allen (XXX Athletico), Rob Jungles (ABD), Curtis Bice (ABD), Mike Jones (PACT), Dan Verner (PACT), Jim Rose (Village Cycle Sport), Richard Kryszak (South Side Wheelmen), Jayson Torres (Lamb Little Racing), Patricia Beam (ABD), and Peter Alexander (Midwest Masters).

After three indoor events, overall times have been calculated for all riders in each category. With many riders separated by mere seconds, scores will be settled on the road John Fraser Memorial style! For those of you who do not follow time trials, the John Fraser Memorial is the first outdoor time trial of the season this side of the Mississippi. In year's past, “the Fraser” has been as unpredictable as the spring weather that comes with it. Racers have been treated to temps as low as the mid 20’s to highs in the upper 70’s. Three years back, a wind gust blew a rider using a rear disc off the road. Last year, the race was postponed and moved to a later date due to projected high winds. Who will tame this ole rattle snake this year is anyone’s guess. Ted Binion’s Vegas odds makers have the race playing out this way…Mark Swartzendrubber (2-1); Charles Gerlach (5-1); Mike Jones (20-1), and Dan Verner (30-1). On the ladies side: Jessie Prinner (2-1); Stacy Appelwick (5-2); Kimberly Galdini (20-1), and Kristen Meshberg (30-1).

Another indoor season is in the books, and this means for many of us lots of hours in the saddle outside. Say good bye to the indoor trainer! Hallelujah! For those of you who have been invited to the ABD Invitational this weekend, good luck! They are handing out some nice giveaways at this event. Otherwise, see you at the John Fraser on April 11th! For further details on the John Fraser Memorial Time Trial see: http://abdcycling.com/ In order to keep the John Fraser in Maple Park for years to come, please be polite to our guest, and follow parking rules and good etiquette. Happy Training!

Vision Quest Indoor Time Trial Recap

2010-03-08T15:42:00.006-06:00

This past Saturday the man verses CompuTrainer Wild West Show found itself smack dab in the middle of Highland Park, Illinois for the Vision Quest Tour De France Indoor TT. This episode stared the likes of Robbie Ventura and his Vision Quest Squad. Notable MATTS riders who made guest appearances where Charles Gerlach (Lamb Little Racing); Dan Verner (PACT); Mike Jones (PACT); Dan Madsen (ABD); Stacy Applewick (Bouledogue Tout Noir); Bob Marshall (ABD); Pat Beam (ABD); and Gerald Beam (Turin). Cameo appearances were made by Brian Akers (Lamb Little Racing) and Debbie Dust (PACT) who took in the action from the sidelines.

Once racers got saddled up and calibrated, they were treated to an extreme uphill start followed by more terrain, speed, and gear changes than a super crit on a hot Sunday afternoon. The racing was brisk, and the atmosphere was fun. Charles Gerlach (Lamb Little Racing), rode the longest distance over the 30 minute Tour De France Stage with a stellar 12.3 miles followed by Dan Verner (PACT), riding 12.2 miles, with Michael Jones (PACT), rounding off the men’s podium riding a distance of 11.9 miles. On the women’s side, Stacy Appelwick (Bouledogue Tout Noir), ripped the course riding 10.7 miles, followed by Erin Finnegan riding 10.3 miles, and Kim Brokhof completing the women’s podium riding 10.02 miles over 30 minutes.

A big thanks goes out to Robbie Ventura and his Vision Quest Team for putting on a such great, well run event. For this author, the Vision Quest time trial was the toughest indoor challenge to date. The next time trial in the Mid America Time Trial Series brings us back to where it all started: another burner in Winfield, Illinois on March 20th. This time, the machine will challenge riders to a 9k hill climb. See you at the next event. Happy training.

-DP

ABD Indoor #2 Hilly Course Results

2010-02-24T18:22:00.007-06:00

The February installment of the ABD Time Trial Series was another rock'em sock'em fest of man verses computers on a rolling, hilly terrain 10k course. On this day, congratulations goes out to Stacey Appelwick. This was her first overall win in a time trial beating the likes of a very talented Jessie Prinner. Will Novak did what he does best as he took the top spot on the men's podium yet again. Meanwhile, Charles Gerlach continued to solidify himself as a legitimate contender for the men's series overall title, while Mark Swartzendrubber cracked the podium for the first time this season nipping Dan Verner for third by a mere 5 seconds.

The racing got so crazy at times that I heard from race control that some rider dropped a chain in the middle of their battle against the machine. I have no idea how one would drop a chain in the middle of an indoor race, but who am I to say? I also heard the usual complaints about calibration. The bottomline is that we may never get the man verses computer saga fully figured out. This is why in the end, the series is usually settled on the road!

The ABD series has been such a breath of fresh air this winter as we cannot quite get a break from the other machines that reek havoc in our lives called snow blowers. Therefore, it is always nice to see the likes of Pat and Jerry Beam, and a lot of the master's riders that really make the ABD races competitive yet fun, social events.

The next race in the ABD series takes us to Winfield Middle School once again. On March 20th, racers will be treated to a 9k hill climb challenge. Check out www.abdcycling.com for details. The next MATTS event will be held on 3/6 at Vision Quest in Highland Park. Racers will be racing the 2008 Cholet Tour De France 29k course. Racers have 30 minutes to see how far they fair. See you in Highland Park in two weeks for the second to last episode of "Man Verses Machine" before all heck breaks loose as we cannot take another day of snow...all bets will be off as things get dicey and fueds are settled rock and chip style!
-DP

ABD Indoor TT #2 this Weekend 2/21!

2010-02-16T15:03:00.008-06:00

Sparks will be flying and rubber will be burning at this weekend’s second installment of the ABD Indoor Time Trial Series. This time, participants will be challenged by a 10k rolling hills course. The last race saw Will Novak scorch the flat course in a time of 13:57 besting “2009 Indoor Champion,” Dan Verner, by seven seconds. On the ladies side, the competition was fast and furious as well with Kristen Mesberg (16:01) and Jessie Prinner (16:10) leading all women on the flat 10K course.

Will another Compu-trainer malfunction again keep Mark Swartzendrubber from securing another top three overall podium finish? Will Charles Gerlach and Christain Waterstraat show they belong in the class with the indoor behemoths? Will Leigh Thompson or Debbie Dust make cameo appearances? It is anyone’s guess. If you are going raging mad riding your indoor trainer in the doldrums of your basement or the cold has you down, come on out to Winfield this weekend and check out an indoor time trial.

The next race in the series (Race #3) is a 9k hill climb. Here is the breakdown for this race: 1k flat, 1k @ 2% grade, 1k @ -2% grade, 1k flat, 1k @ 1%, 1k @ 2%, 1k @ 3%, 2k @ 4%. For more information visit: http://www.abdcycling.com

Vision Quest 2008 Cholet Tour de France Indoor 29k TT course is the next race on the docket. For more information on this race visit: http://www.visionquestcoaching.com This race is part of MATTS which is giving out $5000 in cash and prizes this year. Check out www.ambikerace.com for full series details.

Vision Quest Indoor Time Trial Tour de France Style 3/6

2010-02-05T11:50:00.005-06:00

O.K. all you Tour de France want tow bees....here is your chance to race on a time trial course that the tour pros use right here in Chicago. Well sort of. Riders will be racing on the "infamous 2008 Tour de France Stage 4 time trial course in Cholet" at the Vision Quest Coaching Highland Park Headquarters using a Computrainer setup.

At 29k long, this will be a unique challenge for cyclists and triathletes alike to break up the winter training season. The event is part of the Mid America Time Trial Series (MATTS). Visit the VQ website for registration and event information at: http://www.visionquestcoaching.com/general.php?id=1325

MATTS 2010 IS ON!!!

2010-02-03T15:46:00.008-06:00

Hi everyone. The editor of this blog has been gone a while. Found a new girlfriend at the end of the season, and well this is my excuse. Some may call it lame or otherwise. I think I can handle the abuse! The phrase is "I think." At any rate, I have taken on the Mid America Time Trial Series Coordinator Position.

We have roughly 17 races on the schedule this season which is just plain awesome! Robbie Ventura and his Vision Quest Squad are putting on a 30k simulated Tour de France time trial on March 6th. Bryce Meade, pro racer (Jelly Belly) is putting on a new 23K race near the Iowa /Illinois Border in Coleta, Illinois on June 5th. (This course will most probably be the toughest on the circuit this season with many hill climbs involved.) Mark Swartzendruber, a time trialing legend in these parts, will also be involved in putting on two races. His Verizon Wireless Cycling Team will be putting on a 2-person 39k TT in Garden Prairie on May 8th. Mark will also be involved in putting on a 40K in downstate Champaign the following weekend (May 16th) with Wild Card Cycling. Please visit http://www.ambikerace.com/2010/flyers/2010%20Mid%20America%20Time%20Trial%20Series.pdf for a full copy of the MATTS 2010 racing schedule.

The Midwest Time Trial Series has been going strong for over 25 years. Thanks goes out to the many sponsors, teams, race promoters, and race officals that make the series successful year after year. Our sponsors on board for the 2010 season are Profile Design, Sram, and Park Tool USA. Teams hosting races this year are Athletes by Design, Verizon Wireless, Vision Quest, Rock Valley, Oil, Wild Card Cycling, Tempo Velo, Apache, Midwest Masters, DICE Training, Windy City Wheelmen, and Verdigris Racing.

The series is still actively pursuing a title sponsor for the upcoming 2010 season to help pay for printing costs associated with flyers that go out to bicycle shops and help with either merchandise or money to pool for overall rider awards.

Since I took on this role so late in the season, I want to grow the rider participation in the series over the next few years. I want to do this by adding sponsorships and adding swag like wheelsets, groupos, etc. to our overall end of the year prize lists.

I am open to any and all suggestions to improve the series. Any changes must be made at WIL meetings. Any rider wanting to make a suggestion or change should attend these meetings.

Lastly, I will be doing an upcoming article on the ABD Indoor Time Trial Series. Mark Swartzendruber and Dan Verner are going head to head in this series as usual. However, there is a new Sheriff in town, and his name is Will Nowak (Unattached) who turned in the best time in the first installment of the ABD Series held on January 24th. He turned in a time of 13:57 over the 10K flat course besting series notables Drubber and Verner. The next indoor TT is on February 21st. It is a rolling 10k course. Will an apparent computrainer malfunction ruin Drubber's day again, or will Verner and Drubber square off like Man Verses Food eating a 10 pound Philli Steak with Cheese. May the best man win. That's a wrap -DP

Hump Day Upcoming Events Calendar

2009-08-05T18:00:00.002-05:00

Upcoming Time Trial Event Race Calendar

8/8 Wisconsin State Time Trial Championships
http://www.usacycling.org/events/getflyer.php?permit=2009-1588

8/9 Double Bong 40K TT
http://www.ambikerace.com/2009/Flyers/Double_Bong_Flyer_2009v6.pdf
8/23 Drubber’s 40K TT Challenge
http://www.usacycling.org/events/getflyer.php?permit=2009-2073

9/5 Illinois State Time Trial Championships

http://www.usacycling.org/events/getflyer.php?permit=2009-2222

Upcoming Track Events Race Calendar
8/6 USCF Illinois Scratch Race Champ, & Delanghe

http://www.usacycling.org/events/getflyer.php?permit=2009-2181

8/8 USCF Track National Championships
http://www.usacycling.org/events/getflyer.php?permit=2009-1760

8/8 & 8/9 ABR Track Nationals
http://www.ambikerace.com/2009/Flyers/ABR_2009_Track_Nationalsv1.pdf
8/10 Illinois State Velo Kilo & 500m Championship
http://www.usacycling.org/events/getflyer.php?permit=2009-2199
8/13 Illinois State Velodrome Points Race Championship
http://www.usacycling.org/events/getflyer.php?permit=2009-1964

8/20 Illinois State Velo Womans Scratch Race Champ & E. Nekr http://www.usacycling.org/events/getflyer.php?permit=2009-2180
8/24 Illinois State Velo Sprint & Team Sprint Championship
http://www.usacycling.org/events/getflyer.php?permit=2009-2200

8/31 Illinois State Velodrome Pursuit & TT Championship
http://www.usacycling.org/events/getflyer.php?permit=2009-2205
9/5 WDT Allvoi Cup #3
http://www.usacycling.org/events/getflyer.php?permit=2009-691

MATTS Bryce Master 20K TT Results and Recap 8/1

2009-08-05T14:22:00.011-05:00

Brian Akers, WDT Allvoi pumping the pedals in Harvard Saturday

Harvard, Illinois was the site of the Bryce Master 20k TT this past Saturday. For those of you keeping score, this was the 15th installment in the MATTS racing series. The usual suspects showed up to wrangle with fast, flat country roads and agonizing headwinds to post some of the fastest 20K times of the year. Going out, riders fought 25-30 mile per headwinds only to be rewarded by pushing the 54-11 (riding at speeds in excess of 30+ miles per hour) on the return trip home.

Jeff Otto (unattached) rode the fastest time of the day rolling the course in 24:52. Christian Giego (Brones RVCC) was second with a 26:21; and Mr. Brian Harris (PYOC), one of the most consistent and fastest riders on the MATTS circuit blistered the course for the third fastest men's time with a 26:26. Other notables on the men's side were Mike Jones (PACT) 26:53; Reed Oliff (unattached) 27:02; Jim Kombol (Vision Quest) 27:56; Derric Ungaro (WDT Allvoi) 26:57; Brain Akers (WDT Allvoi) 27:15; Curtis Bice (ABD) 27:16; Peter Allen (XxX) 27:19; Charles Gerlach (unattached) 26:50; Morgan Wiswall (Wheel & Sprocket) 27:15; Michael Stevens (Team Mack) 26:54; Charlie Thalheimer (Verdigris) 28:32; Dan Madsen (ABD) 27:40; Robert Burke (PACT) 28:35; Ken Rounhaus (Team RVO) 28:42; Gene Nozicka (Albertos) 30:46; Gary McGovern (Midwest Masters) 36:21; Bob Herbert (Midwest Masters) 36:25 Robert Burns (Team Mack) 31:18; and rounding out the field, 80 year old Ray Putman (Midwest Masters) with a 38:37.

On the ladies side, none other than Debbie Dust (PACT) rode the fastest women's time of the day with a 28:52. Diane Roanhaus (Team RVO) was second, blazing the course in a time of 30:37. Agnieszka Motyka (ABD) took home the bronze with a time of 31:17. Other notables on the woman's side were Shawn Uemura (Northbanch) 32:18; Bizzy Vega (unattached) 33:48; Rose Nguyen (unattached) 36:19; Gladys Aguirre (Kenosha Racing BC) 36;31; Joy Houser (ABD) 37:54; Christy Hoff (Midwest Masters) 38:28; Melissa Andrews (unattached) 38:34; Dena Kneisl (unattached) 38:38; Nancy Beck (Midwest Masters) 43:25; and Audrey Fleshing (unattached) 43:57. Please go to http://www.ambikerace/ for full results.

Congratulations to everyone who participated in Harvard this past weekend. Coming up this Sunday 8/9 is the Double Bong 40K TT in Kanasville, Wisconsin. Please go to http://www.ambikerace/ for race details. If you are curious to know why this course is named Double Bong, well... I am sorry to inform you that it is not what you may be thinking. The race is actually held near the Richard Bong State Recreation Area in Kenosha County. Richard Bong was the highest scoring air ace in World War II, and the area that is now a State Park was to be commissioned as the Bong U.S. Airforce Base which never materialized. Anyway, just a tidbit of information. Sorry to disappoint any of you who thought otherwise. See you at the races!

MATTS Sub Hour 40K Club-Updated 8/4

2009-08-05T14:20:00.002-05:00

Mark Swartzendruber (Verizon)
Chris Mosora (Verizon)*
Mike Jones (PACT)
Brian Harris (PYOC)
Brian Akers (WDT/Allvoi)
Curtis Bice (ABD)
Peter Allen (XxX)
Ron Matteson (Freeport Bicycles)
Jim Uemura (Unattached)
Daniel Madsen (ABD)
David Irion (Endure It)
Daniel Dodson (North Branch)
Rob Jungels (ABD)
James Sneddon (ABD)
Kieth Vogel (Unattached)
Dan Norbeck (Vision Quest)
Peter Allen (XXX)
Luke Taggart (Wild Card Racing)
Doug Peterson (WDT/ Allvoi)
Eric Gauthier (Multisport Madness)
Thomas Altemus (RVO)
Ken Roanhaus (RVO)
Darin Steiner (RVO)
Loch Miwa (Flatlandia)
Michael Stodden (North Branch)
Debbie Dust (PACT)
* Denotes ridden on a single speed

WDT Allvoi Cup #2 Pursuit Series Results

2009-07-22T14:50:00.058-05:00

Last Saturday, the track junkies from the Chicago area made their way to the Ed Rudolph Velodrome, in Northbrook, IL, named one of the top 10 best velodromes in the United States by America's Best and Top Ten Online, for the WDT Allvoi Cup #2. Voytek Glinkowski, the race promoter for this event, is shooting to make the WDT Allvoi Cup the premiere summer track racing series in the Midwest. From the looks of things, Mr. Voytek is well on his way of doing just that!

For those of you who have never ridden on the track, it is like NASCAR on bicycles. Once you try the track, you will never go back. The newest addition to the cup, featured the flying 200 and sprint competition that did not disappoint. The flying 200 is a tactical sprinting competition whereby two sprinters try to out duel each other for the win. Sometimes riders bring their bicycles to a complete stop (track stand) forcing the other rider to take the lead. The lead rider is at a disadvantage because the trailing rider can save energy in the draft and slingshot around for the win at the finish. The race featured two of the very best elite master's track sprinters in the Midwest: John Fraley (VBC) and Matt Fox (Hayes) who went 1-2 in this event. Jason Garner (Garner) and Kevin Perez (Turin) sprinting power houses in their own right, made things interesting finishing third and fourth respectively. Video of this event can be viewed at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BYZzSJkiHqY

Next up was men's and women's scratch racing. Scratch racing is similar to criteriums in that competitors are assigned a certain number of laps to be completed. The rider who completes the assigned number of laps first, wins the race. The men's 1/2 race was won by Robert Springer (Wheel & Sproket) followed by Jason Garner (Garner) for second and Chris Mosora (Verizon) for third. In the men's Cat 3/4/5/ race, Matt Moran (XxX) was first followed closely by teammate David Moyer (XxX) for second. Kaleb Koch (IS CORP), a junior from Gleview, made it a race rounding out the podium for third place. The women's open race was won by none other than Francine Haas (Albertos). Angela Rogester (Albertos) was second. Molly Godlewski (Cuttin Crew) showed excellent form finishing third place on the podium.

Next on the docket was the individual pursuit competition. These races are timed events similar to time trials on the road. However, unlike the the time trial on the road, the pursuit races cover much shorter distances generating much higher speeds. In the men's cat 1/2 3,000m pursuit , Alex Pavlov (Vision Quest) rode an amazing 3.35.67 for first place honors, followed by Chris Mosora 3.37.89 for second. Robert Springer (Wheel & Sprocket) was third with a 3.41.74. The Cat 3/4/5/ 3,000m pursuit went down to the wire with David Moyer (XxX) beating Jeff Michaels (WDT Allvoi) by 18 one hundredths of a second. David rode a 3.40.63 for first, while Jeff rolled a 3.40.82 for second. Al Urbanski (Cuttin Crew) rounded off the podium in third with a 3.52.59. In the men's 1,000m pursuit cat 1/2 race, Jason Garner (Garner) won the event with a time of 1.10.12 npping Alex Pavlov 1:10:64 for second. Matt Fox (Hayes) rode an impressive 1.11.27 for third place honors. The men's 3/4/5 1,000m pursuit race saw Jeff Michaels win with a 1.11.83 followed by Jeff Perkins (Cuttin Crew) 1:13:80 for second. David Moyer (XxX) turned in a time of 1.14.17 for third.

The women's open 2000m pursuit, saw Molly Godlewski (Cuttin Crew) win with a time of 3.00.46 followed by teammate Chritina Peck (Cuttin Crew) with a time of 3.04.97 for second. Stacy Appelwick (Endure It) rolled a 3.07.68 for third place honors. The women's 500m pursuit was won by prennial track powerhouse Francine Haas (Albertos) in a time of 42.50. Molly Godlewski (Cuttin Crew) was a close second with a 43.09. Stacy Appelwick (Endure It) took third place honors with a time of 47.26. Nice job ladies!

WDT Allvoi Cup #2 ended the day with the men's and women's 4,000m and 3000m team pursuits. Four riders make up a team. The team that completes the race in the fastest time wins. Pavlov's Dogs (Pavlov, Mosora, Fox, Springer) ran away in the men's competition with a time of 4.52.21. Second was Team Garner (Garner, Whiteman, Cooper) entering a team of just three riders pulling an impressive time of 5.10.01. PACT (Verner, Tschampa, Panveno, Fraley) rolled a 5.17.90 for third.

On the ladies side, the top two teams in the 3000m team pursuit were separated by a mere two seconds. Alberto's Chick Train (Haas, Raymo, Koch), true to their name, won the competition with a 4.25.19 followed by Team Alberto's (Appelwick, Rogester, Haymann, Arntzen) 4.27.95 for second. Team Likety Split (Runge, Godlewski, Peck) pulled a 5.08.41 taking third.

Congratulations to all athletes who competed in WDT Allvoi Cup #2. Please visit http://www.allvoicup.com/ for a complete listing of results. A special shout out and thanks goes out toVoytek Glinkowski who organized a great event, Tony Ruffolo for his mechanical expertise, and Bill Cassidy for videotaping the event. The last installment in the WDT Allvoi Cup Series will be September 5th. See you in September for another great event!

Cordova 40k TT Results and Recap

2009-07-20T13:37:00.002-05:00

On Sunday July 19th, many of the TT Chicagoland faithful made the three hour trek to the tiny little town of Cordova, Ilinois along the Illinois-Iowa border to make some noise at the 7th Annual Dr. Craig C. Schultz Memorial 40k. This was somewhat of a tricky town to get to as Route 84 is well camouflaged amongst the city streets in Port Byron, Illinois. This caused many of us to miss this turn as we traveled to and from the race. I am confident that Port Bryon does this intentionally so outsiders will get lost and buy fresh bread from the little old lady on the corner. There really was a fresh bread stand in town. Not sure about the old lady, but it just makes for good story telling.

OK, back to the race. The weather was a bit on the cool side with temperatures hovering in the mid 60's by start time. A solid Westerly wind (as evidence of an American flag blowing near the start) was also cooking up some antics of its own.

There were three riders who broke the old course record of 54:20. One of these riders was none other than Aurora local Chris Mosora (Verizon) who rode a 54:15 for the third fastest men's time of the day on a single speed, fixed gear bike! Talk about fast, this guy looked like he was riding a motorcycle! Way to go Chris! Debbie Dust (PACT) 102:09 rode the second fastest women's time of the day followed by none other than Diane Roanhaus (RVO) 103:53 who finished third on the women's podium. Awesome job ladies!

Other notables from the area were Brian Harris (PYOC) 54:26; Mike Jones (PACT) 55:13; Brian Akers (WDT) 56:48; Peter Allen (XxX) 56:51; Dan Madsen (ABD) 57:04; David Irion (Endure It) 57:40; Ron Madsen (Freeport Bicycles) 58:53; Ken Roanhaus (RVO) 59:08; James Snedden (ABD) 59:08; Loch Miwa (Flatlandia) 59:09; Doug Peterson (WDT) 59:53; Don Lowe (Mack) 1:00:00; Rob Jungles (ABD) 1:00:13; Bob Marshall (ABD) 1:01:52; Stephen Miwa (South Chicago Wheelmen) 1:07:35; Nancy Haymann (Albertos) 108:37; Marilyn Powell (ABD) 1:11:39; and rounding out the best in the area was Stacy Appelwick (Endure It) with a 1:14:14. Great job to all the riders who made the journey. Complete results will be posted on www.dicetraining.com and www.ambikerace.com

A special thanks goes out to the race promoter Donnie Miller (DICE) and the folks in Cordova who allowed us to use their Park and Township Civic Center to stage the race. Donnie is unique in that he knows many racers by first name, and he really goes the extra mile to put on a first class event each year! Thank you!

Next up.... Allvoi Cup #2 pursuit results and sub hour club additions.

Druber's 40K Time Trial Challenge 8/23!

2009-07-20T09:57:00.000-05:00

Beat this guy??

Beat Mark Schwartzendruber in a time trial you say? Well, here is your chance! On August 23rd, Mark and his Scarlet Fire Racing Team will be putting on "The Drubber 40K Challenge " sponsored by Verizon Wireless in downstate, Tolono, Illinois. Ride and race on the roads that Druber uses as his training grounds. Anyone beating Drubber's time wins $50.00 bucks in cold hard cash!

The race also features a "Naked" time trial category. This category is really not for the faint of heart. It refers to doing a time trial on a stripped down, standard road racing machine. Maximum rim depth is 40mm and a minimum of 28 spokes per wheel will be allowed. Riders signing up for this category must wear standard helmets. No "shark fins" or aero bars will be allowed. Any male going under 59 minutes in this category gets $50.00. Any female besting 1:04:00 gets $50. Prize money will be payed out in each category. See the race flyer links below for further details :
http://www.illinoiscycling.org/ www.truesport.com/register/pdf/drubertt.pdf

On-line registration has opened and closes August 20 12:00 a.m. on http://www.truesport.com/ Mail in registration is also available. See flyer for details. Start times will be e-mailed to all riders who provide a valid e-mail address on August 21st. Race registration opens 7:30 a.m. sharp the day of the race. The race location is 1035 County Road 600 N, Tolono, IL 61880.

Come on everyone from Chicagoland, lets go down and show some support for this race!! This is a very unique race, and Mark is a very cool guy. Mark is not only one of the fastest elite masters riders in the country, but he is also very involved in the cycling community and writes a great column each month on the happenings in cycling at http://www.trueport.com/. See you all there August 23rd for the showdown at the O.K. Corral in Tolono, Illinois. Should be a good one!

Coming Tuesday-Cordova 40TT Race Results and Recap!

Allvoi Cup and Cordova 40K This Weekend!!

2009-07-15T13:13:00.000-05:00

This Saturday, Allvoi Cup #2 will be held at the Ed Rudolph Velodrome in Northbrook. The series features the 3,000 meter and 1 kilo individual pursuits as well as a 4,ooo meter 4 person team pursuit. There is also men's and women's scratch racing. Allvoi Cup #2 has also added sprint racing to the venue featuring the flying 200. Race entry is $25.00. Registration opens at 8:00 a.m. Please visit http://www.allvoicup.com/ for further details.

Sunday, the 7th Annual Dr. Craig C. Schultz Memorial 40K TT will be held in Cordova, Illinois. This is the 14th installment in the Midwest Time Trial Series (Man, has the season flown by). This is a very fast, mostly flat course with excellent pavement. If you are shooting to break the hour mark for 40K, this is the course for you! Making the three hour journey from Chicago to this race will not disappoint. Pre-registered is $20.00. Day of the race entry is $25.00. Please see the link to the race flyer below for further details. Registration opens at 7:45 a.m.

http://dicecycling.com/uploads/2009_40K_TT_Cordova_Flyer.pdf

Hump Day Video Links Courtesy of Bill Cassidy

2009-07-15T10:31:00.000-05:00

Below are YouTube video links for time trial and track events covering the 2008 and 2009 cycling seasons. Bill Cassidy was nice enough to allow Time Trial Track to display these links.

Bill was a former (WORS) mountain bike and track racer who incurred an injury in 2004 which forced him to stop racing conventional bicycles. He still races recumbent bicycles on the track on Wednesday nights in Kenosha. To stay involved and to give back to the sport he loves, Bill became an ABR official, and he also takes video and photos of different cycling events around the area. If you would like a hard copy of any of the clips below, please contact Bill at cassidywvelodrome@yahoo.com We need more people like Bill in our cycling community. Thanks Bill!

2009 VQ Indoor TT#2 -January 4th
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dvrkKioLJhA

2009 Cherry Valley TT -April19th
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EmEqp7O-zXE

2009 Northbrook Velodrome Opening Night -May14th
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mD-MNGucbDY

2009 Bong 30K May 31st
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_duvMJew1SE

2009 Norhtbrook Velodrome Keirin Racing - June 18th
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hudstxtTL_0

Motor Pacing at Kenosha - Wednesday Night Master Track - From 2008
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q8CfbApv3c4

2008 ABR Season Highlights
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uVm3JTIA5p8

Wolfgang Freitag Memorial 2-P 50K TT 7/12

2009-07-14T14:56:00.000-05:00

Bob Marshall and Rob Jungles (ABD)
"Putting it down" in the 2-Person TT

The Wolfgang Freitag Memorial two person TT was the 13th race on the MATTS 2009 schedule and racers could not ask for better weather. Highs in the low 80's and manageable winds made for a great day of racing. Thanks goes out to Bob Beck and his wife Nancy, along with the community of Herscher, Illinois for putting on a well organized, stellar event! This year, the county was going to do road construction on part of the course; however, the people of Herscher had other plans. They lobbied the county to wait an additional week to allow the race to go on.

The race featured a visit from two local pros, Reid Mumford (Kelly Benefits) and Bryce Meade (Jelly Belly). These guys blistered the course in 1:03:23 for the fastest time of the day. The fastest elite amateur men's time of the day was turned in by none other than the usual suspects in this category, "The Doctor of Speed", Mike Jones (PACT) and "The Man with a the Motor", Josh Mallan (PACT) who ripped the course in 1:08:12. Brian Harris (PYOC) and Ted Westerhiede (PACT) were a close second turning in a "raw" time of 1:08:30. Dave Polin (WDT) and Reed Oliff (WDT) were third dispensing the course in a time of 1:09:09.

On the ladies side, Ginger Sides (Project 5) and Pascale Petro (Project 5) turned in a great time of 1:22:04 to take the overall crown in the women's elite division. Angela Koch (Vision Quest) and Lee Elise (Vision Quest) were second turning in an excellent time of 1:24:36. Mayilyn Powell (ABD) and Kathy Cobert (MMCT) were third covering the course in 1:25:06.

Other notables were Frank Sondag (Vision Quest) and Clemens Kyllmann (Vision Quest) 1:09:31; Derric Ungaro (WDT) and Doug Peterson (WDT) 1:10:20; Brian Akers (WDT) and James Snedden (ABD) 1:10:46; Dan Norbert (Vision Quest) and Stan Watkins (Vision Quest) 1:10:46; Don Lowe (Mack) and Niel Thomas (Mack) 1:11:27; Dan Madsen (ABD) and Bob Burke (PACT) 1:13:00; Bob Burns (Mack) and Gene Nozicka (Albertos) 1:19:11; Bob Beck (MMCT) and Peter Alexander (MMCT) 1:28:41; Mia Aigotti (Vision Quest) and Kim Schubeck (Vision Quest) 1:25:07; and Pat Beam (RVO) and Kay Childress (RVO) 1:39:07. These results reflect a snapshot of times across all ability levels and age categories. Complete results can be viewed at http://midwestmasters.com/

Again, a big thanks goes out to Bob and Nancy Beck, the Herscher's boys' football team who where the set up and clean up crew for the event, Peter Sides for taking pictures of the event, and all the people of Herscher who make this race possible each and every year. Thank you!

The next MATTS event is the Doctor Craig Schultz Memorial 40K on July 17th in Cordova, Illinois. See http://ambikerace.com/ under the calendar heading for race details. This is mostly a flat, fast course, and produces some of the fastest 40K times on the circuit. If you are wanting to try your hand at making the sub hour club for 40K this season, this is your course. See you there!

James Host & Tom Doughty Win National Title!

2009-07-03T00:08:00.001-05:00

Tom Doughty (Amgen Giant Masters) and James Host (PACT) won the U.S. Master's title in the tadem 99-110 time trial event held July 1st in Louisville, Kentucky. The event was scored based on the sum of ages of both riders. According to my sources, James Host, a past World's silver medalist on the track, has painstakenly attempted to win this event over the past few years with different partners and even purchasing a lighter tandem. This year, he hit paydirt with a fast bike and the added horsepower of Mr. Doughty. Nice work guys!

Simon, Doughty, Dust, Medal at Nationals!

2009-07-02T11:21:00.000-05:00

This past Wednesday, nine riders from the area competed in the U.S. Master's Nationals Time Trial Championships held in Louisville, Kentucky. The course was a 26 kilometer killer which saw riders climbing right out the start house and throughout the course. Wayne Simon (Verdigris) of Lake Barrington posted the fastest time of all Chicagolanders with a time of 31:46. This was good enough to place Wayne third on the podium in the 50-54 age division. Tom Doughty (Amgen Giant Masters) a former Olympian residing in Aurora took silver in the 55-59 age division with a time of a 31:58. Debbie Dust (PACT) of Chicago scorched the course in 35:22 for silver in the women's 35-39 division.

Other notables were Leaha Thompson (Vision Quest) 4th (W40-45); Mark Schwatzendrubber (Verizon) 8th (M 45-49); Robert Brokaw (Team Mack) 17th (45-49); Stathy Touloumis (Albertos) 26th (35-39); Reed Oliff (WDT/Allvoi) 29th (45-49); and Brian Akers (WDT/Allvoi) 33rd (40-44). Congratulations to all athletes who participated in this week's events. You showed the rest of the country just how awesome Chicago bicycle racing truly is!!

2009 MATTS SERIES 40K SUB HOUR CLUB!

2009-07-02T00:17:00.000-05:00

Mark Swartzendruber (Verizon)
Mike Jones (PACT)
Brian Harris (PYOC)
Brian Akers (WDT/Allvoi)
Curtis Bice (ABD)
Ron Matteson (Freeport Bicycle)

Jim Uemura (Unattached)

Daniel Madsen (ABD)

Daniel Dodson (North Branch)
Rob Jungels (ABD)
James Sneddon (ABD)

Kieth Vogel (Unattached)

Dan Norbeck (Vision Quest)

Peter Allen (XXX)

Luke Taggart (Wild Card Racing)

Doug Peterson (WDT/ Allvoi)

Eric Gauthier (Multisport Madness)

Thomas Altemus (RVO)
Ken Roanhaus (RVO)

Darin Steiner (RVO)
Loch Miwa (Flatlandia)

Michael Stodden (North Branch)

Debbie Dust (PACT)

WHITEWATER RACE DAYS JULY 4-5

2009-06-29T10:46:00.000-05:00

The University of Wisconsin at Whitewater is putting on two USCF races back to back over the 4th of July weekend. On Saturday July 4th, they are putting on a Road Race, and on Sunday July 5th, they are putting on a 20K Time Trial. There is prize money given away both days for each category. Prize money will be given out three deep for the 20K TT race! Merchandise will be given out to top the three juniors in each category. Entry fees for the road race or time trial are $25 dollars each day. $20 for juniors. See http://www.usacycling.org/events/getflyer.php?permit=2009-1569 for further details.

MATTS TT SERIES RACE #12 PAW PAW

2009-06-27T16:09:00.000-05:00

Time Trialing Paw Paw Style!!!

Paw Paw, Illinois is situated roughly 30 miles from nowhere, a small farming community where one parks his tractor across from the only restaurant in town for a quick breakfast before mowing the back 40. Paw Paw was also the site of race #12 on the MATTS calendar. Team Apache, out of Lagrange, puts this race on every year, and it should be noted that they do a stellar job of running a first class event.

The race featured some challenging rollers, good pavement, and of course lots of wind. Do we ever get a break from the wind in the Midwest? Riders needed to watch it so they did not overcook it in the headwinds on the way out, but on the way back all bets were off. With the wind at their backs, it was total hammertime to the finish!

The usual suspects showed up to this 40K race operation. Notably Mark "the Boss" Schwartzendrubber, "Velogoddess", Debbie Dust, "Speedfreak", Dr. Michael Jones, and newcomer to the nitrous ranks this season, "Mr. Akers", Brian Akers.

Mark Schwartzendrubber (Verizon) lit up the course with a time of 52 and change followed by an impressive 54 minute TT by Micheal Jones (PACT). Brian Harris (PYOC) was third with a 54:44. Brian Akers (WDT Allvoi) was forth with a time of 55:16. Curtis Bice (ABD) was fifth with a 55:21.

On the ladies side, Debbie Dust (PACT) (her last name says it all) took first place honors with a time of 59:44 followed by women's masters rider extraordinaire, Diane Roanhaus (RVO) 1:03:00. Christine Palmquist (Training Bible) was third with a 107:15. Nancy Haymen (Albertos) turned in a great time of 1:09:00 for forth, and a newcomer to the competitve cycling ranks, Kim Galdini (ABD) was fifth with a 1:11:00. It should be noted that Kim rode a stock bike without aerobars or aero wheels.

Master's nationals is coming up this week in Louisville, Kentucky, pronounced Lou-ah-vol by the locals. For those going down from the area, safe travels, and best of luck to you all as you give it your all in an effort to bring back some choice hardware to Chicago!

The next MATTS event is July 12th, "Wolfgang Fietag Memorial 2-Person TT" in Hersher, Illinois. Check out http://ambikerace.com/ for race details.