9 replies to this topic

[mikebobelak]

Here is my Garmin info from yesterday: http://connect.garmi...ivity/199530038
In fact all of my rides/races are public if your so inclined: mbobelak
Strava: Mike Bobelak Sr.

As far as what I did or didn't do, have done, or other...
I've ridden on average 430-500 miles a month from Feb- today(mostly 1 hour lunch rides, TNW's, Wed eve road ride)
I am still a "Clydesdale" (202-5)
I suck at climbing (see ^), so I have been working on that.(alot)
I raced BMX at a "Expert " level from '84-'92, thats where the "flow" and downhill "speed" comes from. raced a few MTB races in the early 90's ,( back when a ridged fork was the only fork, and 50psi in a Smoke/Dart was the shiznit ), then walked away for 15+ years( married, got fat, kids, real job....)  



AS far as yesterday, Larry blew the whistle and I went into "Dirt Crit "/ BMX mode, and hammered  . Honestly I didn't want  to be in front on lap 1( I'd go too hard and pop) ,thankfully Brett came around me and we rode at a good pace up Love- GP, we chatted a bit (both hoping to use this race to get a upgrade), we worked together  thru" traffic", and  our mixed skills kept each other "in check" .  Lap 3 Brett dropped me on the climb, I recovered across GP, and got a clean run on R/C and pulled him back. On the double track I passed (not sure if Brett was "done" or let me by?)  used Jay as my "rabbit " to charge the finish.  


Big Thanks to:
Everyone talking while racing, and allowing clean passing . (Sorry, Jackie for the "fly by" pass)

Edited by mikebobelak, 15 July 2012 - 01:48 PM.

[tankrider]

With this being my first MTB race, I found the racers, atmosphere and culture fantastic. I will be racing more MTB whenever I get a chance - Cat 2 of course.

Thank you to Struckman, Polk Audio, PFoodman and everyone else for giving us a race to enjoy.

Cheers,
Patrick Kirkes

[Brett]

Mike awesome racing with you yesterday! I was cooked when you came past on the double track. At that point it was just roll in for 2nd. I used up all my energy for a sprint on upper portion of Love and RC  Looking at Strava data shows that our times on each section of trail were pretty good

[McGrub]

 tankrider, on 15 July 2012 - 05:23 PM, said:

With this being my first MTB race, I found the racers, atmosphere and culture fantastic. I will be racing more MTB whenever I get a chance - Cat 2 of course.

Thank you to Struckman, Polk Audio, PFoodman and everyone else for giving us a race to enjoy.

Cheers,
Patrick Kirkes

Patrick,
You were great out there and it was good to have you in the race to keep the pressure on. Even though you were "off the front", I kept working to see if I could catch a glimpse of you around a corner at some point. Alas, you were too strong for that.  Hope to see you at many future races and rides!
Doug McDonald

[mikebobelak]

For the record : I have won one race ( road , CX , or MTB)
I have advance from 5 - to Cat 3 road with starts,top 5's and one podium(3rd).
Advanced 4to 3 on starts, and doing well in the "B's" in CX.  
Raced the A's in Dirt Crits the last 2 years and just cracked the top 15 this year. I finished 2,3 at Crankworks the last 2 years ( age)  and now :

The following request to change your Mountain category has been approved and processed by USA Cycling:
mikebobelak - 2012-07-15 11:04
Member: Michael Bobelak
License: Cross Country Racer
Request to change category from Cat 2 to Cat 1

[tankrider]

Congrats Mike on getting to CAT 1 MTB !!!

[Brett]

I want to put mine in but since Saturday was my 1st real XC race not sure what to send in. Do CX results count towards anything? (I wouldn't think so but not sure)

[mjs]

No to the CX, but you should still feel shame for getting beat by someone 50+ pounds north of you...   And you trounced the field also, but no one mentions the second place guy...  If you want to cat up, explain to Larry Martin your pedigree on the bike, and then stress that you were with Mike the whole race who just received an upgrade.  That should take care of it.

Matt

[Brett]

Thanks Matt, no shame of getting beat by Mike though. Dude was flying and he can descend like a friggin mad man.

[mikebobelak]

You can email or call Larry , his info is on the contact page. Matt is correct about CX , but including road, Cx rankings will help establish a fitness/ skill level.