3/19/08
I'm heading back home to the midwest after a 3 week work trip to Denver, CO. At first I was looking forward to training at altitude, but then I got there ... I felt like a smoker! After a few days of riding by myself in the mountains, I called on our long lost ABD teammate, Zach Watson to see if he'd take me out on the local training ride. We hooked up with the Saturday group ride in Boulder and I was thinking 'I'm in in good shape, this is going to be fun.' Boy was I wrong. I never thought that I would ever say I hate riding on flat roads ... but when you throw the flat roads a mile above sea level when you're used to training at about 200 ft. elevation it really changes things. And then we went uphill. It wasn't the climbing that hurt me the most. It was being dropped by the women and being passed by the guy 4X my weight ... and then chasing the group for 30 minutes to catch back up to the group as they stopped for a break. Four and a half hours later we ended up back at Zach's house and I was a mess. It literally feels like you're breathing through a stir-straw out here.
I just have to thank Zach for helping me find some really awesome places to ride. He and his wife, Erin (who used to race with Julie back in the day), were awesome to hang out with.
Sunday. Race day. There was a criterium the very next day in City Park, CO (suburb of Denver). Criteriums = right up my ally, right? A 60 minute crit ... no problem, right? Apparently I didn't learn my lesson the day before because this was the best and the worst race of the year so far. It was a 1 mile loop in the shape of a triangle with three (yes 3) roundabouts. There were about 80 riders and a lot of them were pros. From the gun I made good position in the front of the race. I missed the first 6-man breakaway but a lap after the break got away I bridged across with Jonathan Clark and Henk Vogels from Toyota United. I tried to sit at the back of the breakaway and catch my breath, but after 4-5 laps I couldn't recover and got dropped from the group.
I stopped pedaling to recover and tacked onto the 3-man chase group that included Pete Lopinto, Tyler Hamilton, and another guy I didn't know. A couple laps later we made it to the breakaway ... so now I'm back in the lead group (go figure). Again, sitting at the back of the break I tried to recover and 4-5 laps later I got dropped again.
I went back to the field and I sat at the back of the pack for about 10 minutes, wanting to quit the whole time I was back there. I just couldn't recover without getting the oxygen I needed. While I was at the back another chase group got away ... now there were about 16-17 guys off the front and the race only paid 3 places deep. So then I thought 'there's no money left for the field, I might as well race hard and get a workout ... if I get dropped, I get dropped.' So I attacked again with about 10 minutes to go and formed a 3-man chase group. About a lap later there was a big crash in the pack (behind me) and the officials pulled what was left of the field. My 3-man chase group picked up a few of the guys that were dropped from the other chase group and I just kept pulling really hard, taking really long pulls. With two laps to go I decided I didn't want to risk anything with no money on the line with all of the roundabouts on the course. So I went ahead and pulled out early.
All in all, it was a good race. It shows that I have good form; I just can't breathe at altitude. I would have liked to see how this race would have finish had it been at sea level.
I'm now on my way back home to St. Louis. I'm looking forward to team training camp and the Hillsboro Roubaix. I'm very excited to be with racing with the guys for the first time together this year. I have to wish Alex and Ebert good luck out in San Dimas while we're racing in Hillsboro.
Until next time,
Josh
3/20/2008
Kenosha Crit #2: The White Brothers Go Two for Two
In the days' main event, ABD/GEARGRINDER team members Rob and Ryan White joined Rob Jungels and Jeff Schroetlin for a sufferfest that saw Schroetlin, Rob White and Ryan White drive the winning break. In the finale Rob White soloed to the win on the final lap with Ryan taking second and Schroetlin coming across for 5th.
Jeff Schroetlin decided that one race wouldn't be enough of a workout last Sunday, so he also jumped in the Masters 30+ and took second.
Jeff Schroetlin decided that one race wouldn't be enough of a workout last Sunday, so he also jumped in the Masters 30+ and took second.
3/13/2008
White Brothers go 1-2 at Kenosha Crit #1
Rob and Ryan White took first and second at the first Kenosha Criterium last weekend, held in frigid conditions. The pair traded attacks until Rob escaped, only to be joined by Ryan a few laps later.
3/07/2008
Meyers Report: 2nd and 3rd on the Weekend
Last Saturday marked the return of the annual (for as long as I can remember) Depauw collegiate race weekend—I was excited. The road race has been a blast in the past, and this weekend was looking to be no different. Our official of the day made note of the fact that the previous race had been boring, and he had nearly fallen asleep in the chase vehicle. He said that since he had shortened the race for us, we should ride extra fast, and that our race should be more “interesting”. The field must have taken his words to heart as we started fast and more or less kept it that way. Attacks were made in the first lap, but none stuck. Midway through the second lap, a big group of 12 formed, and the field was nearly at its breaking point. I attacked out of this group and three of us rolled away: Erik Bean (UW Madison), Erik Loberg (UW Milwaukee) and myself. We hammered and hammered. Loberg forgot to eat, and suffered at the doorstep of Mr. and Mrs. Bonk. Bean and I trudged on. As we got to the final lap, I came under the impression that we had something like a minute plus on the field. This was wrong. All of a sudden, Bean says “We have about 30 seconds on them I think”. I turned around to see the bunch closing in. I grunt “GO GO GO GO GO.” Bean and I put it into overdrive. With about 1 mile to go, I have no choice but to go at it alone. With the field hot on my tail, I punch it as hard as I could. Leg cramp be damned. I’m going to win this race with only one functioning leg if I have to.
A moment of bliss comes. I think I’m going to make it! I was wrong. Cross eyed, I see a blurred double image of Derek Laan (Purdue) screaming past me 10 feet in front of the line and raise his arms in victory. Second place. Dangit.
Brett Stewart (Also of ABD/GG fame) rides for Indiana. He was one of the nine Indiana University riders bringing the break back. An unfortunate crash took him out of the bunch sprint. Fortunately, I won’t have to ride against him this summer.
Sunday was a Crit. Warm weather greeted us. Wind too. This was going to be fun—as a 170 lb rolleur, I find flat, windy, power courses to be tailor made for me. 2nd lap or so I follow an attack by a Milwaukee rider. We work together for a few laps, but in a turn I ended up dropping him. I spent a couple laps off solo until a chase group of 5 caught up. We continued at a high pace. At one point I attacked for a prime, and dropped a couple people. It was now just four. Shortly thereafter, it became three. I was starting to cramp, badly. I told my two compatriots that I was not going to sprint. All of a sudden, it’s back to four riders. I had thought we had dropped one guy, but he really just flatted and took a free lap. I was OK with sitting on and not sprinting for 3rd, but didn’t feel that way about 4th. With the little legs I had left, and 3ish laps to go, I guttered it out in an attempt to pop at least one guy. Luckily I did. When the sprint came, I flicked off and watched the fireworks go off. I coasted it in for third, with quads in knots.
A moment of bliss comes. I think I’m going to make it! I was wrong. Cross eyed, I see a blurred double image of Derek Laan (Purdue) screaming past me 10 feet in front of the line and raise his arms in victory. Second place. Dangit.
Brett Stewart (Also of ABD/GG fame) rides for Indiana. He was one of the nine Indiana University riders bringing the break back. An unfortunate crash took him out of the bunch sprint. Fortunately, I won’t have to ride against him this summer.
Sunday was a Crit. Warm weather greeted us. Wind too. This was going to be fun—as a 170 lb rolleur, I find flat, windy, power courses to be tailor made for me. 2nd lap or so I follow an attack by a Milwaukee rider. We work together for a few laps, but in a turn I ended up dropping him. I spent a couple laps off solo until a chase group of 5 caught up. We continued at a high pace. At one point I attacked for a prime, and dropped a couple people. It was now just four. Shortly thereafter, it became three. I was starting to cramp, badly. I told my two compatriots that I was not going to sprint. All of a sudden, it’s back to four riders. I had thought we had dropped one guy, but he really just flatted and took a free lap. I was OK with sitting on and not sprinting for 3rd, but didn’t feel that way about 4th. With the little legs I had left, and 3ish laps to go, I guttered it out in an attempt to pop at least one guy. Luckily I did. When the sprint came, I flicked off and watched the fireworks go off. I coasted it in for third, with quads in knots.
12/03/2007
ABD/Gear Grinder announce 2008 Pro Development Team
ABD Cycling, based in the Chicago suburbs, and Gear Grinder Cycling, based in Milwaukee are partnering to sponsor a Midwest-based Pro Development Team in 2008. The team will compete in the region's biggest events and target select NRC races with the goal of reclaiming the top spot for an amateur team in the NRC rankings.
The 2008 ABD/Gear Grinder PDT jersey, designed by Dave Hornung at Graphic Center.
The ABD Team, part of the 200 member ABD Cycle Club, finished as the number one amateur team in the NRC rankings two years ago and 10 riders have come out of ABD's Elite squads to move to the professional ranks or the US National team.
Gear Grinder Cycling is the new name of PCW Cycling, one of Wisconsin’s largest cycling organizations, created by cyclists Paul Weaver and Rob Boldt ten years ago to promote all facets of cycling, with an emphasis on mountain biking, road bike, triathlons and cyclocross racing. Nearly 130 athletes strong, PCW has developed and supported top riders such as Megan Monroe (Spot Bikes), Travis Woodruff (Momentum Endurance), Tristan Schouten (Trek VW), Brian Matter (Gear Grinder Cycling), Brian Schaning (Timex Triathlon) and Chad Melis (Spot Bikes).
“Sponsoring and promoting competitive and recreational teams and events enables people of all fitness levels to satisfy their desire for competition, fitness and fun,” says Gear Grinder Cycling team leader Paul Weaver. “ABD is of that same belief, and together we can create greater awareness of the benefits the sport of cycling offers.”
Cyclists Pat Peery and Dan Mahlik join Weaver and Boldt to extend the Gear Grinder brand, launching in early 2008 a line of cycling-inspired apparel for consumers’ active lifestyles.
“Cycling is more than a way to stay fit or a means to get to a destination, it’s a feeling that just envelops you…the inspiration for the Gear Grinder brand comes from that bicycling culture,” says Weaver.
Equally important to supporting the club and keeping the team competitive, the Gear Grinder brand extension will donate to organizations that utilize the bicycle to inspire and educate our youth, provide opportunities for underprivileged children, protect the environment and promote health and wellness.
Says Weaver, “ABD shares in Gear Grinder’s philosophy that we each have a responsibility to give back more than we take out. Both teams are focused and goal-oriented so our combined effort will not only develop stronger riders but benefit those in our communities as well.
"Gear Grinder's philosophy of giving back to the cycling community is the perfect extension of ABD goal to make the sport of cycling fun and accessible for all riders", said ABD president Mike Farrell.
Gear Grinder's support insures the team's continued success and extends to adding two strong riders to the roster. The White twins, Rob and Ryan, both bring horsepower and a strong finishing kick to complement team sprinter Josh Carter, who in 2007 took ABD's first Superweek win and a silver medal at the US National Criterium Championship. The team has also added John Meyers from the Turin squad, who at 21 is now the youngest rider on the team. "John reminds me a lot of former ABD'ers Reid Mumford(KBS/MEdifast) and Bryce Mead(Jelly Belly), and not just because he's a foot taller than me!", says team manager Mike Ebert, "The really exciting thing is that he's still so young."
Qdoba Mexican Grill is another new sponsor to the program. "Qdoba is the perfect sponsor for a team that is always on the road and needs quick, healthy food choices," adds Ebert. With 44 locations already in Illinois and Wisconsin the team will never need to look far for refueling.
In 2008 the team will ride LeMond Triomphe Ultimate frames outfitted with Bontrager wheels and components and rolling on Serfas tires. Serfas Optics will also provide eyewear and other returning sponsors include PowerBar, Emergen-C and Voler Team apparel. The team will train on CycleOps PowerTaps under the coaching of Julie Carter.
ABD/Gear Grinder Pro Development Team roster:
Josh Carter Fairview Heights, IL
Mike Ebert Glendale, CA
Rob Jungels Elmhurst, IL
John Meyers Barrington, IL
Jeff Schroetlin Decatur, IL
Alex Sharon Wheaton, IL
Brett Stewart Munster, IN
Rob White Brown Deer, WI
Ryan White Lomira, WI
Gear Grinder Cycling is the new name of PCW Cycling, one of Wisconsin’s largest cycling organizations, created by cyclists Paul Weaver and Rob Boldt ten years ago to promote all facets of cycling, with an emphasis on mountain biking, road bike, triathlons and cyclocross racing. Nearly 130 athletes strong, PCW has developed and supported top riders such as Megan Monroe (Spot Bikes), Travis Woodruff (Momentum Endurance), Tristan Schouten (Trek VW), Brian Matter (Gear Grinder Cycling), Brian Schaning (Timex Triathlon) and Chad Melis (Spot Bikes).
“Sponsoring and promoting competitive and recreational teams and events enables people of all fitness levels to satisfy their desire for competition, fitness and fun,” says Gear Grinder Cycling team leader Paul Weaver. “ABD is of that same belief, and together we can create greater awareness of the benefits the sport of cycling offers.”
Cyclists Pat Peery and Dan Mahlik join Weaver and Boldt to extend the Gear Grinder brand, launching in early 2008 a line of cycling-inspired apparel for consumers’ active lifestyles.
“Cycling is more than a way to stay fit or a means to get to a destination, it’s a feeling that just envelops you…the inspiration for the Gear Grinder brand comes from that bicycling culture,” says Weaver.
Equally important to supporting the club and keeping the team competitive, the Gear Grinder brand extension will donate to organizations that utilize the bicycle to inspire and educate our youth, provide opportunities for underprivileged children, protect the environment and promote health and wellness.
Says Weaver, “ABD shares in Gear Grinder’s philosophy that we each have a responsibility to give back more than we take out. Both teams are focused and goal-oriented so our combined effort will not only develop stronger riders but benefit those in our communities as well.
"Gear Grinder's philosophy of giving back to the cycling community is the perfect extension of ABD goal to make the sport of cycling fun and accessible for all riders", said ABD president Mike Farrell.
Gear Grinder's support insures the team's continued success and extends to adding two strong riders to the roster. The White twins, Rob and Ryan, both bring horsepower and a strong finishing kick to complement team sprinter Josh Carter, who in 2007 took ABD's first Superweek win and a silver medal at the US National Criterium Championship. The team has also added John Meyers from the Turin squad, who at 21 is now the youngest rider on the team. "John reminds me a lot of former ABD'ers Reid Mumford(KBS/MEdifast) and Bryce Mead(Jelly Belly), and not just because he's a foot taller than me!", says team manager Mike Ebert, "The really exciting thing is that he's still so young."
Qdoba Mexican Grill is another new sponsor to the program. "Qdoba is the perfect sponsor for a team that is always on the road and needs quick, healthy food choices," adds Ebert. With 44 locations already in Illinois and Wisconsin the team will never need to look far for refueling.
In 2008 the team will ride LeMond Triomphe Ultimate frames outfitted with Bontrager wheels and components and rolling on Serfas tires. Serfas Optics will also provide eyewear and other returning sponsors include PowerBar, Emergen-C and Voler Team apparel. The team will train on CycleOps PowerTaps under the coaching of Julie Carter.
ABD/Gear Grinder Pro Development Team roster:
Josh Carter Fairview Heights, IL
Mike Ebert Glendale, CA
Rob Jungels Elmhurst, IL
John Meyers Barrington, IL
Jeff Schroetlin Decatur, IL
Alex Sharon Wheaton, IL
Brett Stewart Munster, IN
Rob White Brown Deer, WI
Ryan White Lomira, WI
Team Coach: Julie Carter
Team Manager: Mike Ebert
ABD/Gear Grinder riders stop by Prairie Path Cycles' Batavia location to pick up their 2008 LeMond Victoires. From left to right: Brett Stewart, Rob White, Josh Carter, John Meyers, Ryan White and Rob Jungels. (Not pictured: Alex Sharon, Jeff Schroetlin and Mike Ebert)
Team Manager: Mike Ebert
ABD/Gear Grinder riders stop by Prairie Path Cycles' Batavia location to pick up their 2008 LeMond Victoires. From left to right: Brett Stewart, Rob White, Josh Carter, John Meyers, Ryan White and Rob Jungels. (Not pictured: Alex Sharon, Jeff Schroetlin and Mike Ebert)
The 2008 ABD/Gear Grinder PDT jersey, designed by Dave Hornung at Graphic Center.
8/20/2007
Carter Takes Second At US Elite National Championships
ABD's Josh Carter once again proved himself as one of the country's top amateur riders with a solid 2nd place at the U.S. Elite National Criterium Championships in Downers Grove.Carter rode tough in a 2-hour crashfest to sprint to within a half-wheel of the win. Unfortunately, a tangle with veteran Steve Tilford in the final turns slowed Carter down just enough that Dan Halloway was able to get by him for the win.
Carter was smart to never drift further back than 15th place in the race, and rode in the top 10 the entire last 5 laps.
Photo courtesy of Luke Seemann/ChicagoBikeRacing.com
8/15/2007
ABD Places 3rd at Elk Grove Criterium
ABD rider Josh Carter sprinted to third in the Elite Men's race at the 2nd Annual Tour of Elk Grove on August 11th.
The windy conditions on the "L" shaped course with two, 180 degree turns proved too much for any breakaways of the day as team members Carter, Jeff Schroetlin and Mike Ebert all took their chances off the front. At one point Carter and three other riders gained 15 seconds almost instantly, but were reeled in after one of many $500 primes caused severe infighting amongst the members of the break.
In the final lap the field spread across the road leading into the first 180 degree turn and both Carter and Schroetlin found themselves boxed in against the curb. Fortunately, the group strung out again after the acceleration out of the turn and the two made it to the front, but now with almost a mile and half to go! Schroetlin once again proved himself as the team's leadout man, taking a one kilometer pull to keep Josh out of trouble before the field finally jumped with 400 meters to go. Carter's third place was within a wheel of race winner Graham Howard and second place Marco Aledia.
The windy conditions on the "L" shaped course with two, 180 degree turns proved too much for any breakaways of the day as team members Carter, Jeff Schroetlin and Mike Ebert all took their chances off the front. At one point Carter and three other riders gained 15 seconds almost instantly, but were reeled in after one of many $500 primes caused severe infighting amongst the members of the break.
In the final lap the field spread across the road leading into the first 180 degree turn and both Carter and Schroetlin found themselves boxed in against the curb. Fortunately, the group strung out again after the acceleration out of the turn and the two made it to the front, but now with almost a mile and half to go! Schroetlin once again proved himself as the team's leadout man, taking a one kilometer pull to keep Josh out of trouble before the field finally jumped with 400 meters to go. Carter's third place was within a wheel of race winner Graham Howard and second place Marco Aledia.
7/23/2007
Carter and Schroetlin Continue Superweek Success
ABD Elite Team riders Josh Carter and Jeff Schroetlin continued the squad's success at Superweek this weekend hot on the heels of Carter's win at Bensenville last Sunday.
In Saturday's Carl Zach Challenge in Waukesha, Wisconsin, Schroetlin maneuvered himself into the winning break of seven riders late in the race and then attacked with just two laps remaining to isolate himself and one other rider. "I attacked just after a $100 prime and immediately the Rock guy [Rock Racing Pro Sergio Hernandez] and I had about 15 seconds," explained Schroetlin. Unfortunately, his shot at the win slipped away when he skipped his tire through a turn with enough force to unseat his tire. "I wanted to keep all the momentum I could so was pedaling through every turn when I caught one [a pedal] and jumped the tire." Schroetlin rode his hobbled machine as best he could to the line and his gap was big enough that he almost held on for a podium spot, only to be passed in the final meters and eventually finishing 4th.
On Sunday it was teammate Carter's turn to make the break, and with just 12 laps remaining in the 100 kilometer criterium he bridged across to the two leaders with a group of five other riders. The final eight escapees included Navigators pro Viktor Rapinski, Colavita rider Adam Bergman, 2004 Olympic gold Medalist Peter Dawson, New Zealander Josh England and fellow amateurs Tom Holladay, Marco Rios and Chicago rider John Meyers. In the final lap Bergman took the flyer to force the sprinters to chase and the move paid off as he stayed away for the win. Carter just missed second place in a very tight finish with Josh England that saw the pair neck and neck the last 150 meters.
With seven races remaining in the series the team is very excited about the upcoming events, especially Saturday night's Downer Avenue stage.
7/03/2007
ABD Men Sweep the Winfield Weekend
Topping the sweep of the podium in 2006 would be a tough task, but the 2007 Elite Men's squad tackled it with aplomb as the squad took home the win in both Saturday's Twilight Criterium as well as Sunday's ABR National Championship.
The man of the weekend is certainly Jeff Schroetlin, who powered away to a solo victory on Saturday night and then spent the majority of Sunday's off the front- which allowed teammate Josh Carter to stay safely tucked away in the field. When Schroetlin was caught on the final lap of the race Carter went to work, taking the long, downhill sprint. Carter also won the field sprint for second on Saturday night.
The man of the weekend is certainly Jeff Schroetlin, who powered away to a solo victory on Saturday night and then spent the majority of Sunday's off the front- which allowed teammate Josh Carter to stay safely tucked away in the field. When Schroetlin was caught on the final lap of the race Carter went to work, taking the long, downhill sprint. Carter also won the field sprint for second on Saturday night.
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