Team Velo Wrench Cycling: June 2013

Random Photos by Ryan Bates

Here are a few random shots taken by one of our sponsors Ryan Bates of Ryan Bates Photography. www.ryanbatesphotography.com

Also please check out the first of several photo shoots with Ryan:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151646234926940.1073741827.89835246939&type=1

Tri for Real, Rancho Secco Ca - June 2nd 2013

Charissa & Ryan Odom have been flying the TRI flag for Team Velo Wrench this season & they have been rocking it! Both raced hard to second place in their divisions @ the TBF Tri for Real. Keep up the great work you too!!

Race report by Charissa Odom

Hello!

Ryan and I had a fantastic time yesterday racing the TBF TRI for Real at Rancho Secco. It was my first Olympic distance course, and I LOVED it. Ryan and I both took 2nd place in our categories. Ryan was 20th overall!

The water is just warm enough at Rancho Secco. I wore my wetsuit, but I've swam here before without and was fine. Though I was passed by a few swimmers in the wave that started after me, I didn't lose heart. I had a feeling I was one of the last of my age group out of the water, but you never really know! For me, I still have to keep focused on a steady stroke and breathing, not so much on speed yet. I'd love to cut my swim time way back!

This is my first race on my new TT bike. I am so thankful for VINNY for how well this went. Not only was the bike tuned up perfectly, but it fit me very well! Vinny spent 3 hours on Friday afternoon making adjustments for me. First I was up in the trainer to get the fit. Then he'd send me out for a trial, I'd tell him what was happening, and he'd make expert changes. It's amazing how important a few mm can be on that bike! Thanks, Vinny, for helping find just the right saddle and saddle fit!

By this point in the day, it was HOT. The run has no shade cover at all, but plenty of aid stations. I could see the little white tents ahead and kept thinking about the cool water that they'd have. TBF always has a great group of volunteers! So, I was trucking along at my pace and feeling strong enough. Then, I was passed by a woman who might have been in my age group (her markings had worn off). I considered pacing off of her, but decided to keep with my steady run. Here is where planning and pacing comes in--she was heaving on the side of the trail five minutes down the line and I trotted right by her. I had planned to pick up my pace for the last mile, but the heat was a bit too intense. So I could only sprint the last 3 tenths of a mile, but I passed a few folks right at the end (none in my age group).

I am looking forward to the next TBF race coming up in July. Ryan and I are going to do the TRI for Real series and see how much we can improve our times!

Cheers,

Charissa

Charissa 2nd Place!!

Fear the Beard! Ryan second place!!

Dunlap TT, Davis CA - June 1st 2013

Leslie had a great ride at the Dunlap TT, she rode to a second place in Women's Cat 3! Way to go Leslie!!

Race Report by Leslie Creed

     I am liking TT more and more...

     Of course I was the first of the Cat 3 and 4 women out on course...gotta love being everyone's carrot. My goal was to just not get caught...and I did NOT for a change. I managed a 2nd place in a field of 4 with a finishing time of 45:15...14 seconds off first with 3rd 45 seconds behind me...I am not going to complain. The course had its challenges between passing the double yellow to get around farming equipment and then the awful wind on Midway and Runge Rd. Kristen did a great job running the event and eventually I will have my own TT equipment to practice the discipline on a regular basis.

     Thanks Vince for loaning me the Focus TT bike and Kristen for the helmet...they both made a big difference in my race and placing!

-Les

Rockhopper Classic, Lagoon Valley CA - May 26th, 2013

Team Velo Wrench had a great Rockhopper. Kristen got 3rd in the Open Women division in the Super D. Amy won the 19-39 Women Cat 3 XC. Kurtis got top 10 in Cat 1Mens 19-29 in the XC and 6th in Super D. Danny placed just barely outside top 10, in 11th his divison in the XC. On a sad note...Kristen found no Mud all day.

Race Report by Daniel Sullivan

I have to agree with Amy, the start was a bit confusing. I finally figured out that it was all Men's cat 3 starting at the same time. It was a bit crowded at the start until we started up the hill to the water towers then it thinned out some. I made it safely to the bottom of the hill after a close call with the rider in front of me. Unfortunately I dropped my chain going up the single track on the NE side. That cost me a couple of places then it did it again going up the W side single track and I got passed up again then one more time a little later...I finally figured out I could no longer use my lowest gear. The rest of
the race I was playing catch-up...it was pretty motivating. Unfortunately it wasn't enough because I ended up in 11th place in my cat. But overall it was a load of fun and thanks to Vinny and Brandy and every one from the team who showed up, I had a blast.

Race Report by Amy Rondoni

The start was a bit confusing as to whether we were starting with the juniors or not, but none the less, it was a start. The course was in prime shape and everyone was jamming. I was trying to coach an opponent down hamburger hill, but when she started saying, "I can't do this", I knew I had to make my way around her and book out. I have put down better runs on this course just free riding compared to race day. Race day was more mental than physical for me. I never
felt strong and wanted to quit from the very get go, but knew that wasn't an option.

What kept me going? The age 40+ beginner women who are my inspiration.

There were many times out there that I questioned, "Why am I killing myself?" I realized it's a simple answer. Because I can!!!
All in all it was a great day for racing. The event staff was great, and
post race festivities were well done. The high light was watching Nate pull raffle numbers in his Team Velo Wrench jersey amongst all of Ray's cycle peeps.
Thanks for the support and the opportunity to race. Congrats to all the other riders who were out there mashin it up!!! -Amy