CFT Cycling Team Tuesday Night Ride

The gales of November returned for our May weekly ride and they were straight out of the West, proving to be a formidable opponent for 20 riders. But, thanks to Cary, with input from Rick and Mark, they provided an excellent training moment as we headed South. After a demonstration at Barnes road, we learned the fine art of an efficient echelon in three separate groups. Some of it was pretty and at times ugly, but the concept was embedded into all. We need to continue to hone these techniques and skills in the coming weeks so that we all ride more efficiently.

As for the scoring, the suggested change by Cary was welcomed by all. Our two team concept will stay intact, but each rider can only score once for the night. In a duplicate win for one rider, the scoring will default to the second rider across the line. This worked out well with six different riders taking sprints. The scoring for the night ended up 16 white and 5 black.(someone double check this)
Totals to date are:
white 43
black 27
eots 6

Frankenmuth
"there are a thousand stories in the Naked City".... great movie... there were also many stories from a Frankenmuth weekend. If you want the cold hard numbers, the results are posted on the MBRA site. If you want the rest of the story, here is some of it. First off, I knew nothing about the goings on of the Dog Bowl, now I do and I am still traumatized. As for the racing, 15 CFT riders made the journey with many fine showings. In the cat 5's Tanner had his inaugural RR experience. Thanks to a course marshall snafu, I am sure it did not turn out as planned, but he has the bug now. Joe Kennedy had a good showing in the 5's, Bryan Waldman and Kevin Gamper had superb showings crossing the line in 1st and 4th place, only to be told otherwise, (see aforementioned comment about the course marshall snafu). Both took the disappointing news in stride. In the 4's, Craig Newell and John Gracely had nice showings and both finished in the points in what proved to be a very fast field finish. Also in the 4's Brad Neagos suffered through a mechanical issue at the start and watched from the sidelines. But, as one passer buyer stated to Wade as he saw the issue unfold, "your rider handled the situation with class". Nice thing to hear about a teammate. In the 45m's, Mustapha and Mike Williams (good to see Mike racing) finished in the field as did Mark in the 55's. In the 35 masters the ZACADOWA train (my new acronym for wade, doug, zack and cary, get used to it) was a major factor in the race. Although each of them said separately they were a little disappointed in not getting Cary to the line first, the ground work is laid for the future. In talking with Cary he said it was an "awesome sight" seeing 4 black CFT jerseys come to the front of the field with 1 mile to go and take control of the finish. End result 3rd place for Cary and a superb effort for the team.

Hope to see all at West Branch, until then, later.

WMSR summary by Brad Neagos

West Michigan Stage Race was a great weekend of weather and of racing. The mystery man John Gracely put CFT on the center stage of the Midwest racing scene with his performances. John had an impressive victory in the crit coming from about 15 riders back to take 1^st place and win the field sprint. He followed this up with another 1^st place finish in the road race. John finished 8^th overall in cat 4. Craig Newell also had a strong performance this weekend finishing 5^th overall in cat 4, and dominating all 3 events. In the time trial department Dave Joos put in a strong effort taking 2^nd in 55 plus category, For the other 3 CFT riders, John Draminski, Joe Kennedy and Brad Neagos, WMSR proved to be a great learning experience and will certainly help as our racing careers start to take form.

Lots to write about. First the summary of last nights ride. The weather keeps on getting better and better and our stretch of rainless Tuesdays continues on. 26 riders last night, of which one of them was Dave Jessup, showing no ill effects from last weeks mishap. Also on the ride was an out of towner from the Fort Wayne Outfitters race team. Of course I cannot remember his name, but that is to be expected.
As for the scoring, by executive decision, with no objections, last nights scoring has been ruled a "bye" week. I think we are all in agreement that we are accomplishing all we want to accomplish with the scoring and the two team concept. We are learning tactics, team riding and enhancing our finishing efforts. But, we think we can make it better. Currently the brain trusts are huddled in a darkened cave and pondering some variations. We will have a conclusion by next Monday and will then unveil it to the masses.

WMSR results.

A solid weekend of racing for the CFT participants, here are the results for the 4/5

Overall Results

5. Craig Newell
8. John Gracely
26. Brad Neagos
56. John Draminski
61. Joe Kennedy

75 man field started the race

John Gracely won both the Crit and the Road Race.

The week before had some outstanding results also.

Greg Hughes took 5th in his age group at the 6 hours of Stoney Creek

and

John Wlodarczak (TNR regular, racing for Einstien Bagels) took first in his age group in the 12 hour race.

Well done.

thats all for now. See follow up entry with Brad Neagos' weekend summary.

this week will work the same as last.

Annis Rd.     6
Blackman Rd. 1
Kinneville Rd.    2
Catholic Church 4 DOUBLE POINTS,, TOTAL OF 8
Potter Rd.    5
MCL        3

see you at 6pm