Cruzbike Chicks learn a few racing tips

[connie]

The excitement was mounting as five fearless Chicks gathered for their pre-race pep talk. “Now Chicks,” announced Otto Walter (our chief and designated tugboat) “let’s share some tips for racing smarter and faster.” Emily Royer spoke up first. “Draft like a wheel sucker.” Maria Parker added, “low gear, high cadence on climbs.” Connie Swinson timidly raised her hand, “Close your eyes and pedal like crazy?” Ken Holzhausen suggested “Take breaks on the downhills and supertuck when you can.” Otto was nodding his head as he said, “Yes, all good ideas. And if you feel yourself falling behind, pretend there’s a ferocious bear chasing you. That will get the adrenaline pumping.”

After briefly reviewing our goals for this week’s outing, we took our place in the lineup and waited for the gate to drop. This week’s goal was no different than every other week. Pass Coyotes and Roadrunners; don’t let the Gorillaz pass us; goal time of 41 minutes or less. Confidently we shot out of the gate like kids chasing an ice cream truck. We were drafting expertly. Our legs were spinning like it was Hanukkah and we were a bunch of dreidels. We hit the Titan’s Grove KOM early in the race. It was time to put the new racing tips to work. Ken was falling behind a bit when all of a sudden he shot through the paceline and kept going. “That’s perfect Ken!” Otto called out to a still flying SuperKen. “You look just like you’re being chased by a bear.” “I am!” he shouted. At that point the Chicks spotted the speedy bear and flew past Ken.

We managed to make it up the second KOM together and used Chick tip #4 as we flew down the hill pretty darn fast. All 5 Chicks crossed the finish line in 39:11 minutes (and less). We successfully passed our Herd friends the Roadrunners and Coyotes — but not without a bit of a struggle. Once again we managed to elude capture by the Gorillaz. Never an easy task.

Okay who’s ready to race again? All five Chicks raised their hands high. We’ll be back next week and maybe we’ll pick up a few more tips. I think I’ll look for that ice cream truck!

 

[CruzLike]

From the fifth seat.

We took off fast. For the first 7 minutes my average watts were deep into the red. As we went through the hills leading up to the Titans Grove Rev KOM. I was thinking this is too fast. I just didn't want to be the one to say it. We crested the KOM together. Got a little respite going down the back side. On the road, there is a long distance between Titans Grove and Zwift KOM near downtown, the time flashed by, and up the hill we went. After a long stint of 3+ w/kg I popped. I hoisted the white flag. The other 4 had gapped me and I was spent. The only problem is, they would not accept the flag. I got back up on the pedals and caught up with Otto. We were soon with the others. The final 3 miles was a steady trial of hanging with the group.

The group passed 4 teams. That is a good night at TT'ing. After the race I looked at the results. We were the second team in. It felt like it.

As we cooled down Connie was fanning the flames for next week. She asked others if they were riding next week. They were all eager to ride again. I felt like I just had a baby. Wait, hear me out before you get on your "men talking about women's things" bandwagon. I was wiped out. It was too soon to be talking about another of what I just did.

In the moment, keeping up with this group is tough. It is a long fast ride. As I reflect, I have friends and help me do the exercise I enjoy the most. What could be better than that? I'm in next week.

 

[trplay]

@CruzLike

LOL: “Hoisted the white flag… and it was promptly confiscated by the group.”
That right there tells you everything you need to know about this team.

Deep in the red for 7 minutes, casually cresting Titans Grove like nothing happened, popped after a totally reasonable 3+ w/kg stint, then somehow getting dragged back into the fold against your will. That’s not popping — that’s an unauthorized break attempt. Otto didn’t reel you back in; the group just collectively decided, “Nope, they just want to cook you a little more.”

Passing four teams and rolling in second while half the squad is seeing stars? Classic Chicks efficiency. I know you guys were in full overdrive when you flew by us Coyotes! I wish I could explain to those reluctant to try how these teams make it so much fun you don’t even notice the workout part.

“I felt like I just had a baby” may be the most accurate post-TTT description ever recorded. Exhausted, traumatized, swearing never again… and then somehow agreeing to do it again next week.

Rest up. Hydrate. Hide the white flag.
The Chicks clearly don’t recognize surrender.