Manchester Road Race Reflections

Today’s Manchester Road Race was fabulous. I’ll be sore tomorrow, as will many others. Still, most of us will feel good as a result of getting outside on Thanksgiving morning to be with thousands of runners and walkers. The vibe was awesome, the weather was just right, and the results were pleasant. Despite not having the best preparation, I ran 27:02 (26:59 chip time) and finished well. The number that stuck out for me was my 188 average heart rate. For me, that is up there. I haven’t seen high numbers like that in a few years, especially now that I’m well into my 30’s.

There were many other notable performances. I briefly scanned the results, and saw a lot of familiar names. Fellow Bolton residents, Ned and Dani Kennedy had excellent races. Ned was third in the Men’s 50-59 age group. Dani was sixth in the Women’s 50-59 age group. Kathy Manizza, also of Bolton, was fifth in the Women’s 50-59 division. Michael Stoker of South Windsor, who is only 12, was second in the under 13 age group with a wicked fast time of 29:39. Yolanda Flamino, formerly of Ellington, was second in the Women’s 30-39 age group. Ray Prest of Ellington, a long time Shenipisit Strider, was first in the 70-79 division. These age group results are just a handful of examples of fabulous running performances by locals.

Fox 61 and the Hartford Courant have good race coverage.

Dick Beardsley & the Duel in the Sun

Dick Beardsley was the honorary chairperson of this year’s Manchester Road Race. He is  a hall of fame runner and is the third fastest US marathoner of all time. Beardsley is a motivational speaker. His running career ended with injuries and depression, but his brief career was stellar. He is famously known for the incredible 1982 Boston Marathon when he placed second to Alberto Salazar in one of the greatest running races of all time. The Duel in the Sun, as it is known was run on a surprisingly hot April day in Massachusetts.

He and Salazar traded blows for 26.2 miles, with the final salvos coming on Commonwealth Avenue and Boylston Street. Salazar out-kicked Beardsley and neither of them have been the same since. Both dug so deep and pushed so far beyond their limits, that many of their subsequent physical and mental challenges are attributed to the damage done during that race.

The Duel in the Sun was chronicled in a book, and you can watch the stirring video on You Tube. The finish is amazing, so if you have to fast forward, watch the final three minutes.

Salazar found top form again, but Beardsley never regained that fitness level. He went on to suffer from a series of life challenges, including substance abuse, before turning his life around and returning to running. His story is a nice one and it was great to have him in Manchester this week. He spoke to several groups about his running career and his life.

2009 Manchester Road Race

Today, I finished an experiment that started 11 months ago. They say that getting rest the night before a big race is less important than getting rest two nights before the race. Well, I was tired after getting home late on Tuesday, so I figured I would make up for it by going to bed early on Wednesday. Well, the plan didn’t work out. You see, 11 months ago +/_ we conceived a little girl, who was born nine weeks ago. And, after giving us a good stretch of pretty restful nights, she decided to keep us up most of last night with a nasty little cough. Don’t worry, she should be fine. I gave it a go on adrenaline today and it wasn’t all bad.

Today was the 73rd annual Manchester Road Race in Manchester, Connecticut. What an event! The running conditions were perfect. It was cool and a bit damp, but no precipitation fell. The weather was so good that I think a record number of runners started the event. They announced more than 13,000 before we set out on the 4.748 mile course. The traffic and runner congestion felt like it was a big number year. There were rumors that they ran out of race numbers yesterday. If so, that would be something.

Debbie and I ran along with several other members of the family. We even had a walking clan. We were part of the 13,000 strong field. I’ve now done more than 15 of these in a row, and I don’t intend to stop. Debbie met her objective of breaking 35:00 and retaining her “Under 35 Minute Card” for next year. It is important to get a seeding card if you have any intention of running fast. If you get stuck in the crowd, you can’t move. She said that being three minutes slower than her normal time resulted in a lot more runners around her. This was her slowest Manchester yet, but she didn’t have a precedent for running two months after a birth. Her comeback has been a bit slower with this second child. Nevertheless, she gave her all and this is another step towards regaining her fitness.

Athletically, I have had a good year, so there is nothing to complain about. However, I like goals and I have kept a goal for many years: break 27:00 at Manchester. My personal best is 27:18, and that was set 10 years ago in 1999. I ran 27:34 last year, which is respectable. It is very hard to keep fitness in late November. This year, with juggling two kids, work, and the rest of life’s challenges; I shouldn’t have been so hard on myself. Still, I knew coming into the race that I might have a good one in me. Even with a bad night of sleep before the race…

Well, I came up short, but not by much. Unless there is some miracle, my time will be 27:02. That is what my GPS says, and that is what I saw on the clock when I crossed the finish line. I started right up front, so my “chip time” can’t be more than a second faster. Regardless, it is the official time that matters. The cruel part of this is that I’m replaying in my mind where I could have gained three seconds. It is by far, my fastest time, but there is some competitive force within me that prevents me from taking satisfaction in that. I think I’m nuts. If I had broken 27 (finally), I probably would set a new goal. That is what I do.

I lost it in the fourth mile. I was with a good group that included my friend, Brett Stoeffler. He had caught me after three miles and I knew that if I stuck with him, I would reach my goal. He has a history of breaking 27, and he is in good form. Of course, staying with him is easier said than done. He is a famously fast finisher and he also runs a very steady pace. I beat him on trails a few times this year, but I’ve never beaten him on the road. I went out hard, knowing that making up time early was my only shot. My first two miles were fast. I even ran the downhill on Porter Street quicker than ever.

Unfortunately, I couldn’t hold Brett’s pace and I dropped back. When I reached Main St., I knew I still had a remote chance because I had kept him in sight. However, I saw the clock from way back. When it read 26:44, I judged the gap and just ran as hard as I could. As the seconds ticked up, I realized I wasn’t going to make it. There was no way to make up the distance and that is that. The GPS says my heart rate maxed at the finish with a 197 beats. I haven’t seen it that high in a while and I’m happy to know that I was able to kick it into another gear.

When the final results are in, I’ll post again. The overall men’s and women’s winners were Haron Lagat of Kenya, and Alemtsehay Misganaw of Ethiopia.

I am still smiling! Goal setting is an imperfect science and the elusive goals are the best ones. They keep you focused, modest, and working hard. I’m already looking forward to next year. Maybe I will train a bit more in the future. Of course, “maybe’s” and “almost’s” can haunt you.

Race Results

Manchester Community College & Marketing

Yesterday was about education. After hearing T. Boone Pickens speak at Goodwin College in the late afternoon, I returned to work for another hour. Then, it was off to Manchester Community College for night school. I participated on a panel of local business leaders that was convened by my friend, Steve Nelson, for his 200 level Marketing course at MCC.

It had been a few years since I set foot on the MCC campus, but like Goodwin, there is a stunning new building. This classroom wasn’t like the basement-windowless-cinderblock one that I occupied for my Shakespeare course at Boston College during the summer of 1994. This classroom was unreal, with a soaring ceiling, glass on three sides, comfy couches, and art work. It was hard to believe that I was at a community college. Both Goodwin, which is private, and MCC are proof that there is massive demand for affordable schools that are close to home and work. They both cater to “non-traditional” students, which is everyone except the typical 17-22 year old who dreams of a four-year education.

The panel was a lot of fun. This is the second time in a month that I have spoken to a group of students at a Connecticut college. My co-panelists were Amy Bergquist, a Hartford based real estate agent, Dagmar Rapp, a marketing manager from Hewlett-Packard, and Ernie Rutt, the owner of Augie & Ray’s Drive In.

Bergquist’s earlier career was spent in operations at Pratt & Whitney Aircraft and Anderson Consulting. She expressed her excitement for her current career and highlighted her entrepreneurial ambitions. She may eventuall have her own agency. She loves being a sole-proprietor. Rapp has worked in large companies and HP is one of the largest. She does field marketing and shared some of her tactics for building HP’s brand in the local area. Rutt took over from his father, the founder of their restaurant, and has worked hands on in the business all his career. Augie and Ray’s was founded in East Hartford in 1946, the same year that Horst Engineering was founded and is now in its fourth generation.

Rutt was coming off an amazing day where he hosted T. Boone Pickens for lunch. He was still wearing his special Auge & Ray’s golf shirt made in Oklahoma State colors to honor Pickens.  Yesterday, in advance of the visit, they named one of their most popular sandwiches after Pickens. They don’t have a website, but you can’t buy the public relations that they got when Congressman John Larson brought the Pickens entourage to his favorite lunch spot with the media in tow. Thinking about that kind of photo-op gives me the chills. Nice marketing indeed.

So, the four of us took questions from a moderator, recounted our stories, and then took questions from the students. It was a long day, but it ended nicely, sharing our passion for business.

T. Boone Pickens Stars at Goodwin College

 Yesterday, my Horst Engineering colleague, Art Roti, joined me and a host of other folks to hear T. Boone Pickens speak at Goodwin College. Pickens was in town as a guest of US Representative John Larson. Congressman Larson, and Goodwin College President, Mark Scheinberg, hosted Pickens during his brief visit to East Hartford, Connecticut. It was a big day for Goodwin and a big day for East Hartford.

Many local business leaders and politicians attended the pre-event reception at Goodwin’s amazing riverfront complex. The 6th floor room offers great views of Hartford and the Connecticut River. Packed in were a bunch of people with interests in the energy economy, renewable energy, and the environment. Pickens made billions of dollars as an oil industry entrepreneur. He is a geologist by trade and loves to talk about our country’s natural resources.

 

Tired with the status quo, he has put $62,000,000 of his own money into the Pickens Plan. This plan is his effort to move energy policy forward. At the forum, Pickens was full of energy and well spoken regarding our country’s energy issues. He is passionate about his number one objective: reducing the United States’ dependence on foreign oil. Foremost, this is a security issue for Pickens. The efficiency, environmental impact, and economic growth objectives are laudable, but he is most concerned about the fact that we buy much of our oil from countries that don’t like us.

He referred to Venezuela’s President, Hugo Chavez, as a “cluck.” Pickens went on to say that the credibility of the United States has suffered. We are 4% of the world population and we consume 25% of the oil. He pointed out that we are “paying for both sides of these wars” and that over the past 40 years, our increased consumption of foreign oil has resulted in the largest transfer of wealth in the history of mankind.

 

He spent much of the time discussing transportation fuel, one of his favorite topics. His plan calls for the conversion of our heavy trucking industry from diesel fuel to natural gas. He pointed out that our country has abundant natural gas reserves and that we have not pursued the technology. Pickens said that one 18 wheeler is equivalent to 320 cars. Trucks consume a lot of fuel. He says that he has talked to the truckers and that they would get on board with a plan to upgrade the fleet to natural gas. He dismissed questions about natural gas infrastructure and said that it was doable.

 His natural gas for heavy trucks platform is a compliment to Al Gore’s batteries for light vehicles platform. He even said, “I’m with Al,” when talking about batteries. They do seem like an odd couple, considering Pickens’ Oklahoma/Texas oil industry roots. Congressman John Larson has put a bill before Congress (H.R. 1835) that would implement parts of the plan that Pickens is advocating. Larson referred to Pickens as his only “consultant.”

I went to www.pickensplan.com and signed up for the e-mail list. I’m interested in learning more about his personal history. He said that he has pumped millions into this campaign because it is his “mission.” He was too young to serve in World War II, and he had a young family during Korea. He said that this is how he felt, “This is your mission–step up to the plate.”

The visit was a coup for Scheinberg, Goodwin, and East Hartford. Congressman Larson took Pickens to lunch at his favorite local restaurant, Augie & Ray’s Drive In. The Augie & Ray’s staff had custom shirts made with the company logo and Oklahoma State colors. They were very proud to host Pickens.

As the forum wound down, Pickens remarked that he had to get back to Dallas for a dinner meeting. He was primed to hop back on his jet and carry his message elsewhere. Pickens warned the crowd not to think that energy is going to get cheap. Electricity, natural gas, coal, oil, and renewables are all going to require a major commitment on the part of every person. Consumption is as important as supply. Clearly, we need to do things differently. Art Roti and I got a chuckle when Pickens said in reference to the transportation challenges that we face, and the prospect of running out of oil, ”The other option is everybody is going to get on a bicycle…I don’t think that is going to happen.” We looked at each other and both thought, bikes, why not?

Know Your Pace Race

Today, we did a race where finishing first meant nothing and guessing right meant everything. What kind of event was it? Well, it is called the Know Your Pace Race, and it is the only other race permitted on the famous 4.748 mile long Manchester Road Race course. Hosted by the Silk City Striders running club, the race is to see who can run closest to their estimated finishing time. Whether you run fast or slow, you have the same chance to win. Watches, iPods, and GPS’s are banned. You have to right down your estimated finishing time on your race application and then go out and run.

The winner was our friend, John Collins, Jr., who ran :06 faster than his estimate of 32:32. The real race is on Thanksgiving Day, so unless you were racing for one of the coveted seeding cards, you were taking it easy today and just trying to run your pace. John scored some nice home-baked brownies. All of the winner’s took home-baked goods. Barbara Dell was second at :07 seconds off, and Manny Madalena was third at :08 off. Full results here.

Debbie and I ran with the kids. Since our Chariot CX-2 hasn’t arrived yet, we were forced to use two jog strollers. We ran together and we were way off in our estimate. We thought we would run 53:00 and we were more than 11:00 minutes faster than that. Oh well! Our guess put us third from last, which is kind of funny. Fortunately, the rest of the races we run favor the fleet of feet!

An even 100 people ran the course today. There were dozens of other folks out “training” in advance of Turkey Day. 100 runners heading up Highland Street, adorned in reflective orange vests (for safety on a busy Saturday morning) was a cool site. On Thursday, there will be more than 10,000 runners on the course…but no cars.

2009 New England Grand Tree Trail Running Series

The final New England Grand Tree Trail Running Series standings were calculated and posted this week on the Western Massachusetts Athletic Club website. 2100 runners ran at least one Grand Tree race and 75 runners completed the series by finishing a minimum of six races. Ben Nephew was the men’s champ once again, with a 99.85% average. He beat out Brian Rusiecki by only 0.02%. That is pretty close!

Debbie Livingston’s streak of six titles was snapped this year. The timing of her pregnancy was different from 2006 when she won the series by accumulating enough races early in her term and then again after the birth of our son. This year, she only finished four series races during her pregnancy and hasn’t raced since the birth of our daughter in September. Of course, that shouldn’t take away from the awesome season that this year’s winner, Amy Lane, had. She did 12 races and had a 80.92% average. Lisa Doucett was a distant second place for women. If Amy races the series in 2010, and if Debbie makes a successful comeback, then they should give each other some solid competition.

The Stonehead award goes to the runners who have the most total points. Stanislav Trufanov, who ran 15 races, and Michelle Roy, who ran 17 races, took those titles. Thomas Parker ran 19 of the 22 races, which was the most of any runner. I completed seven races and finished 10th in the series with 86.19% average. I raced at a much higher level than ever before. I only had two bad races. Greylock was slow, but it was the day after the Pat Griskus Olympic Distance Triathlon. My other dog was Wapack, which was painful because it was my first race back after Ironman Lake Placid and a three-month layoff from trail running. I hurt my ankle in that race and I’m still nursing the injury. I had a blast at my other five races: Northern Nipmuck, Seven Sisters, Nipmuck Trail Marathon, Breakneck, and Monroe/Dunbar Brook.

Debbie and I plan to tackle the Grand Tree again in 2010.

Inside Business Report with Fred Thompson

Several weeks ago, I started getting messages on my work voicemail from Inside Business Report with Fred Thompson. They chased me hard. The person calling said it was important and that they wanted to feature Horst Engineering on their television show. It has become an instinct to instantly Google anything that I’m not familiar with. I typed the name of the show into the search field and tracked down their lame website.

I knew it was a scam from the get go. The host is Fred Thompson, but at the time, the site hadn’t been updated with fresh news in a month. I’m not sure whose pockets are getting lined with the income, but it was a weak pitch. Since I’m curious about these things, I phoned the “assistant to the producer.” He never gave more than his first name. He insisted that I set up a meeting with the producer to discuss Horst Engineering’s segment. So, I went along with it and set up a phone call.

The producer dialed me at the scheduled time and I listened to him go on and on about the value of the show and how many people watched it. I inquired how he found Horst Engineering. He told me that their “research analysts” tracked us down. He mentioned something about featuring manufacturing and that our story would be great for the show. So, knowing how much research they did to find us, I asked him what kind of manufacturing we did. He avoided the question and went on again about manufacturing in general. I cut him off at the knees by inquiring about their lousy website. He made some excuse about not updating it. So, knowing that this TV show was interested more in our money than our story, I asked him how much they were charging for Horst Engineering to be on the segment. He didn’t flinch. He said, “$19,000.” I simply said, please remove us from your calling list.

The funny part about the story is that the “assistant to the producer” must have mixed up his files. He called again this week, as if we had never spoken before. This time, I think he got the message.

Catching up with the Appalachian Mountain Club in Boston

The Appalachian Mountain Club is cranking. We recently closed on the purchase of 29,500 additional acres of land in Maine’s 100-mile Wilderness Region. This came at the end of a successful $45MM campaign to support the larger Maine Woods Initiative. Known as the Roach Ponds tract, this land abuts the 37,000 acre Katahdin Iron Works property that we already own, and extends our reach in a region that was already threatened by land development.

The vision that AMC’s leaders had more than five years ago has come to fruition much faster than anyone expected. Debbie and I got a nice update on the club’s growth when we attended a Board of Advisors meeting earlier this week in Boston. The progress with MWI has been remarkable and our club is now positioned to take advantage of our land conservation efforts. Our system of Maine Sporting Camps will expand again in 2010 with the addition of the Gorman Chairback Camps. Debbie and I haven’t been to the KIW property since our last trip to Little Lyford Pond Camps nearly six years ago. Acquiring LLPC was the first step that AMC took towards establishing our major presence in Maine.

Our trip to Boston was a quick one. Since our BOA meeting was at the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston, I dressed like a banker. The Fed was an interesting place to have a meeting, but as you would expect, the conference facilities were top-notch. It was somewhat ironic that we were in a city skyscraper discussing the expansion of our wilderness land holdings. AMC recently revised its mission. We are the oldest recreation and conservation organization in the country, with more than 100,000 members. With the global environment facing such challenges, AMC is uniquely positioned to make a difference and it is cool to be part of that process.

Business Wisdom You Can’t Buy

Earlier this week, I had the pleasure of attending a small breakfast education event that had a big impact. Our group of business leaders got to hear from three Connecticut retail industry leaders: Jack Mitchell of Mitchells/Richards/Marshs, Suzanne Zarilli of Wish List, and Roxanne Coady of RJ Julia Independent Booksellers. All three lead businesses that were among the first businesses to feel the economic downturn. In the case of Mitchells/Richards/Marshs and Wish List, they sell high-end fashions (one really high-end and one casual high-end) and are based in the southwestern part of Connecticut. They were both affected by the financial industry collapse because their clients were right at the epicenter. Fairfield County is a bedroom community for many Wall Street employees. As for RJ Julia, they were already in a tough market before the collapse. As one of the last remaining successful independent book stores, they are faced with fierce competition from both larger chain store rivals and the Internet. They have managed to succeed despite difficult circumstances. The key is that they focus on their niche and execute.

I though Manufacturing was a tough market to be in, but when you hear war stories from retailers, you realize that all business is tough. Their challenges are different from ours, but no less significant. All three CEO’s spoke eloquently about their businesses. You can’t help but be motivated when you hear success stories from small business leaders. I always come away from these events with fresh ideas and a new perspective. Jack Mitchell was funny and interesting. His “heart and head” approach to management isn’t rocket science, but it is a simple mantra that you can repeat. In addition to being one of the second generation leaders of his family’s business, he is a best-selling author. Jack wrote Hug Your Customers and Hug Your People. Both books share his theme of leading with kindness.

I often seek out the counsel of business leaders like these three. At Horst Engineering, we do this within our industry on many fronts. We exchange ideas about technology, lean enterprise, and business development. Earlier this month, two peer companies allowed us to tour their plants and see some awesome manufacturing equipment. Sharing best practices is a sure way to advance your own objectives. When you gather the ideas that others have to offer, you form your own approach. In business, as in sport, you have to learn from the best if you aspire to be the best.

CFPA Trails Dinner

I’m just getting around to posting about the Connecticut Forest & Park Association Trails Dinner. Last week, we joined our CFPA friends at this annual event. A few years ago, we were presenters at the dinner. We gave our Long Trail End-to-End Hike slide show. This year, we were just attendees, but attendees with a cause. We were there to celebrate the great work that CFPA’s Trails Committee and Trail Managers have done on the Blue Blazed Hiking Trail System.

Connecticut has the best trail system in the country, with more than 825 miles of rugged walking routes. The Trail Managers maintain these trails all year-long, and the dinner recognizes their achievements. Hikers and trail runners would have nowhere to go if it wasn’t for trail maintainers. They deserve the recognition that they get.

Cycle-Smart International Cyclocross, Day 2

I’m so glad to not have mud everywhere. The past two cross races have left me with grit in my teeth and my gears. Yesterday and today (especially today) were a different story. Today felt like summer. It was actually dusty on the course! Day 2 of the Cycle-Smart International Cyclocross was spectacular. The weather conditions in Northampton, Massachusetts couldn’t have been better. I wore a skinsuit for the second day in a row and it was noticeably warmer. The temperature rose to the high-60’s (F) and people were lounging around in shorts thanks to the brilliant sunshine and clear blue skies.

Cyclocross is supposed to be cold, windy, and wet, but no one was complaining today. Once again, I did the 35+ race with teammates Wade Summers and Matt Domnarski. Wade had a fine ride to lead our little group. Matt and I finished close together, but a ways back in the pack. Matt was the victim of a couple of crashes, including one where his tire rolled off the rim. He fought back and caught me on the last lap. I felt a little better today, but was still slow. I neglected to put my heart rate monitor on, so I didn’t get any HR data to compare with yesterday. The top three were a little different. Roger Aspholm took first. Matt Kraus was second and Kevin Hines took third. Yesterday’s winner, Jonny Bold, was fourth.

Unlike yesterday, when we left early to explore Northampton, we stayed to watch the elite races. I got to break out my camera and take some photos. The women’s race was very entertaining with Mary McConneloug taking her second win in a row. Laura Van Gilder was second and Natasha Elliot was third. Mary opened an early gap and was able to hold it by riding all of the toughest obstacles, including the sand pit and the uphill. It was impressive to watch these top women tackle the course. A fair number of spectators stayed to watch, but cyclocross isn’t like the old days when everyone who raced earlier in the day would stay to go nuts for the elites.

The men’s race started out wildly for the second day in a row. There was another crash in the opening 50 meters of the race (on the pavement) that eliminated several top riders from contention. Adam Craig, a top-level mountain biker, was one of the big names that lost time to the crash. It was a shame to see such a big pileup of guys that should know how to handle their bikes. At least one rider was taken away in an ambulance. A touch of a wheel or a rub of the bars is all it takes to go down when you are packed in tight. These guys are so aggressive and they let it all hang out in an effort to get that hole shot. I know that most of these guys are young, but wait till they settle down and have kids…they will probably mellow out.

Jamey Driscoll won today after taking second yesterday. He was followed by Nicholas Weighall and Derrick St. John. Today’s race was faster because there was one less run up and the course was drier. That made the gaps closer, though Driscoll was never really challenged. The speed at which these top guys ride is truly amazing. Their power and form is really top-notch, which is the combination required to excel at cyclocross.

The elite races were fun, but I think the most entertaining event was the kids race. They had a dedicated course set up so that the little guys could challenge themselves at cross. Our guys are a bit too young, but we thoroughly enjoyed watching the other little cyclists attack the cross course.

Look Park was glorious again. Our family took the time to explore the various playgrounds and the zoo. Chanced are that the rain and mud will be back next weekend, but for a day, it dry, sunny, and fabulous.

Day 2 Race Results

NoHo

After today’s race, we went to downtown Northampton for some lunch and shopping.

I finally got to eat at Bela Vegetarian Restaurant. We are mostly in NoHo on Sunday’s when they are closed. Today, we had lunch there and enjoyed the vegetarian fare. NoHo was hopping thanks to the abundant sunshine and mild temperature.

After lunch, we made a short walking loop of the downtown, stopping to peruse the clearance items at The Mountain Goat, a nice independent outdoor retailer. We also went to Thornes Marketplace and to a new toy store in town. It was a nice afternoon with the family. We had a new experience on the way home. We got to visit a rest stop/scenic overlook that we always drive by, but never stop at. It isn’t too scenic from the southbound side of Interstate 91, but the light was nice. Having a seven week old baby forces you to stop in the oddest of places…

Cycle-Smart International Cyclocross, Day 1

Today was day one of the two-day Cycle-Smart International Cyclocross at Look Park in Northampton, Massachusetts. Like The West Hill Shop Cyclocross last week, this is one of New England’s longest running cross races. It is a true classic. The race originated on the University of Massachusetts Amherst campus in 1990 and moved to Look Park several years ago. Adam Myerson has been the Race Director since the beginning. He is one of New England’s most passionate cyclists and is quite the character. This course is one of the fastest on the circuit and my race today was no different.

I did the 35+ race again, and it was a large field of about 85 riders. I finished towards the back, but that is fine. I just can’t keep up with these guys anymore. Cross has gotten wicked fast and this isn’t my kind of course anyway. The race started like a criterium and then turned into a time trial. I had several teammates in the field. Matt Domnarski led us with the best team finish. Wade Summers was next, then Gary Aspnes, me, and Craig Kennedy. Paul Nyberg did the 45+ race. As for the top three in the 35+ race, the podium spots went to three of the best masters riders in our region. Jonny Bold took the top spot. Kevin Hines was second and Matt Kraus was third.

Cross is great because you end up having a race within the race and competing against the guys around you. You don’t have to be up front to have fun. One thing I don’t like is guys in 60th place that ride as if the victory is on the line. There isn’t any reason to throw elbows when you are so far back, but some riders are compelled to behave like the sport is roller derby. The other thing that is pointless is sprinting for the finish when you are so far back. I finished unscathed, but there was a big wreck behind me that required the ambulance crew’s presence. Not good.

Since the Cycle-Smart cross is part of the Verge New England Championship Cyclocross Series, we are racing again tomorrow. The Verge races are all double race weekends. The seven events (14 races) in the series are some of the most well attended races in the country. They attract the fastest racers from the Northeast. So, look for another report filed from Northampton tomorrow.

Day 1 Race Results

West Hill Shop (Putney) Cyclocross

Yesterday’s West Hill Shop Cyclocross Race was my 9th race on the classic Putney course. They have held the race 19 times, so the simple math says that I have missed 10 of them. After taking 2008 off from cyclocross, I’m happy to be back at it, even if it is just for fun. The Putney, Vermont race is one that I didn’t want to miss. It isn’t as large as it used to be and it doesn’t attract as many elite riders (because of competition from races outside of New England), but it still has the best vibe.

The course is laid out around the bike shop, and through the surrounding woods and fields. The course has a classic run up and classic descent. The tight turns make for a fun and challenging loop. Plus, it is in Putney, VT. What could be better? It was a ho hum race for me. I just don’t have the speed for cross right now. I haven’t trained and I’m a bit worn out from the long season. Putney was my 31st race of the year, and with more cyclocross races, the Manchester Road Race, Santa’s Run, Scrooge Scramble and maybe another running race, I’ll be close to 40 by year-end.

My body is sort of telling me to wind it down, but I’m doing cross just for fun. Manchester’s Thanksgiving Day Road Race is my last big objective, but it really isn’t an objective at all. I run it every year and haven’t trained for it in a long time.

With cyclocross, there is no pressure to perform, though when the starter yells, “Go,” I give it my all. I had two teammates in the race yesterday. Matt Domnarski, my shadow from last week, rode much stronger yesterday on the more technical West Hill Shop course. He was 13th in our field. Paul Nyberg was in the Masters 45+ race, but that didn’t stop him from starting a minute back with his field, and then catching me by the end of the race to finish at the same time.

The owners of the West Hill Shop have done a nice job at upgrading the place while maintaining the charm of the classic store. The shop was packed with cool bike and ski items. If you are ever headed north on Interstate 91, take the time to stop at Exit 4. The shop is right off the exit ramp. You won’t regret the experience.