Balderdash: March 5, 2010

By Daniel McMahon

And so all the winter training, if you did such a thing, and all the work and effort and prep for a good racing season will be tested tomorrow and Sunday. Let the games begin.

Yes, this weekend a new road season starts for local roadies, and there are a good number of races in the area, at least four, so get your big ass off the warm cushy couch and out into the 40-degree morning air.

I’m doing Branchbrook masters 35+ over in Jersey. Normally I’d do the 4 race, but, one, I’m old enough, 38, and, two, there is no money offered in the Cat. 4 race, just “merchandise,” and I like money. I’m old fashioned, and if you pay money to race and you place, you should get money, more than you started with, ideally.

One would hope riding among the masters riders would be, um, less sketchy than riding with 4s and 5s, especially the first weekend of racing.

And, three, it’s a later start by an hour, enough time to have my coffee relaxingly and hit the head proper.

Never raced at Branchbrook, but I’ve heard tell by some that it’s pancake flat and has just one bump with a tight turn and that the road gets pretty narrow at parts. Sounds like fun, no?

Last time I checked there were 43 bicycle enthusiasts registered for the race that I’m doing, and healthy size fields for the others.

In the 1-2-3 race there are 36 riders so far. Edwin Bull, founder/owner of Van Dessel, is signed up. In-ter-est-ing. He’s a strong rider. He told me recently he’s looking to go a little better than the 12th he got at last year’s Grant’s Tomb, so he is using this to hone his speed and skills, as all GT podium hopefuls should, I imagine.

At least we have the same bike, which I’m eager not to crash.

Probably there are more riders this year because Floyd got canceled, again. Anyone rich? Get Floyd some drainage.

PATH train goes from WTC, then ride from Newark station to park. Then go nuts.

Sunday I’m doing my first ever race in Central Park, the first of the New York City Spring Bicycle Racing Series.

Have no idea what to expect, but I’ve heard tell that breaks don’t normally work at the 110 hill, that later the rollers make for better escape routes. If you can muster the courage.

I regret my new wheels won’t be ready yet, but at least I’ll have an excuse if I ride like crap this weekend.

Do feel free to send us in your stellar race photos, videos, reports, and prizes.

Whatever you do, have fun. And if you’re not racing, feel bad about it at least.