Treading carefully

[DavidCH]

Well I got a surprise today, the Mrs didn't quite approve of my idea in participating in the local hooligan cycling race at the weekend. It's very tough and last years winners seemed to have super human strength. She was in fear. "Basically... If your in it to win it then I won't be very happy as we will receive lots of enemies. "

I watched it last year... There was a group of four riders two minutes ahead of everyone else. There average was 47kph for a 72km race. I find it difficult to believe that a DF could go so fast.


There was a police escort with two motor bikes blaring their sirens 50m in front of the first pack of riders. It looked amazing.

So perhaps it's good to rock the boat in a different neighborhood.

 

[CruzLike]

Looking forward to a ride report.

Go get them David.

 

[Apollo]

David, where are you located? Curious how you can receive enmity by simply participating in a race if you follow all the rules and don't offend anyone. What kind of racing is it?

If you want to race then race! As long as no one gets hurt it's all in good fun. Best of luck and definitely a ride report!

 

[DavidCH]

I had a big argument this morning so I am feeling like channeling the anger

 

[DavidCH]

Ok. Another bit of crazy prep just before a race. The headrest has gone into the workshop for a 5cm reduction in size. It's as they say... Size matters... It's how you use it.

I will be trying out the new tubeless front deep rim that got replaced with a 23mm schwalbe pro one , aka the @ratz. This was a learning at Sebring... But still not quite sure how the rolling resistance of a 23mm pro one can beat a 25mm pro one. I guess it's something to do with the cda that makes the V more slipstreamed.

The big daisy cutter q ring has gone back on the crank as I think it helps the reduction of lactate acid thus upping my performance of the day even if I don't have quite the selection of all the gears.

(I still haven't checked the rules to see if they will let me race... I don't want to get there and get rejected)

 

[trplay]

When is this race?

 

[DavidCH]

Sunday in the back yard of Cartagena. It's called "The Trophy of the Golden Tuna" should be good if it could be elected by a golden bike shaped like a tuna .

It's usually a crazy affair.

The headrest should be finished on Saturday. So it's a finger in the air. The race starts at 10:30.

"Trofeo de atún de Oro".

 

[DavidCH]

A question about handlebars and wind tunnels. It makes some sense to have the handlebar closer to the body as the air is being rushed over the body so there would be less forward resistance so if you have bull horns... Why not have them shaped like Scottish highland cattle horns so that when you turn them they have enough angled clearance not to hit the body and the ends of the horns are far enough out to extend your arms. Being practical it would just be a case of moving the boom in and feet out and adding bar end extensions. Is there good reason to this idea?

 

[LarryOz]

There average was 47kph for a 72km race. I find it difficult to believe that a DF could go so fast.

Oh yeah - DF's can go that fast, especially when sharing the load.
Top level DF TT riders can hold 56kph (35mph) for an hour on their own.
Of course that is the crazy 450-500 watts dudes!
During a recent 20-minute FTP test here I was able to hold nearly a 30mph speed, and I think on a good day (maybe with bulls chasing me) I may be able to come close to holding it for any hour.
You are really strong David - go for it and shake it up - make sure you wife takes some good pictures of you!

 

[bladderhead]

I think my speed is about half Larry's, and I do not blame the fact that he has a Vendetta and I have a Silvio.

If a bull chased me it would be a good day for the bull.

 

[DavidCH]

Ok ... Things haven't gone as planned for me. Basically I am too sloppy with my scheduling. If I am going to race I need to mark the registration down at least 2 weeks before the race with my bike configuration fixed.

I am nervous as hell and haven't got peace of mind. The bike shop haven't prepared my wheels and they said it would be ready yesterday.

The headrest has been cut down but not glued. So still things to do.

There also seems to be different accounts of start time by crap publicity.

So as you can see as usual things are up in the air.

This headrest must feel somewhat different. How many miles should I give it before racing? 0 miles perhaps

 

[CruzLike]

Ok David, you have us all in suspense.

Did you ride in the race? Did you spectate?

 

[DavidCH]

It absolutely piddled it down. I didn't race. I did take some good pictures though.




The riders towards the back of the peloton were covered head to toe in thick road muck. It was an ugly day. There were just DF riders - UCI regs.

 

[LarryOz]

Great pics - I think you made the right choice on this one!

 

[CruzLike]

Ditto that.
Jacket weather and rain is a tough day on a bike.

 

[Apollo]

Looks like it was a terrible day for a race. Good decision.

 

[bladderhead]

Horrible day for ride. Worse if you are on a 'bent, because the rain blows in your face. All those wet roads would make me scared of skidding. A good day to be banned by the UCI.