Junior Bike Racer

A Quick California Update

2008-08-13T11:24:00.003-04:00

Sorry for the lack of updates, but we had no internet access at the team house for a whole week! Finally we are up and running. Here is the down and dirty on the road events:
Time Trial: I was a bundle of nerves and just plain blew up. Up the first climb I started hyperventilating and pulled just after the first climb.
Criterium: I got to the front at the start and managed to stay there for the whole race. The field got whittled down to about 30 guys down from 58. The final lap was crazy fast and at the 300 meter card I decided to let it go. John Funk was at the other side and nipped me at the line. After the officials looked at the film I got the bronze medal.

Road Race: HOT AND DRY AND HILLY. Perfect conditions for the road race. The field stayed together for the first lap and then the attacks came non stop. James Anderson's team mate Alexy almost got away for a solo win but was brought back. Up the last climb to the finish I faded a little and finished a few seconds behind the peloton. The winner of this race was a guy I was lucky to meet at Red River Gorge this year. Scott Mcleary is the new National Road Champion. CONGRATS TO SCOTT !!

Today was the first track event, the 500 meter time trial. Lots of surprises. I took a solid 8th place finish with a time of 39.525 seconds. Tomorrow is the 4000 meter scratch race.

Check back tomorrow.

Ride On

Drew

California Bound!!!

2008-08-05T03:32:00.002-04:00

Uggghhh. It is 3:30am on Tues morning. In about ten minutes we'll be headed to the airport. Be sure to check out the Akron Beacon Journal tomorrow. They sent out a reporter and a photographer to our house for a story. The bikes are all packed and I am PSYCHED. We are taking the laptop so stay tuned for lots of pics and daily updates. RIDE ON !!
Drew

Secret Weapon.....Unveiled

2008-07-19T20:03:00.003-04:00

As most of you know, I hate racing in the heat. A couple of weeks ago my dad found this picture of the Garmin Chipotle guys wearing these funky looking vests. They are called cooling vests made by a company called Arctic Heat. They are amazing! You just go through your normal warmup wearing it and when you get to the line you feel great. Not that draining feeling in the heat. I've used it for three races and won all three. This is going to be perfect for California! Check out their website at http://www.arcticheatusa.com/. It's cool to be cool!
Ride On,
Drew

Training and Racing Updates.....and the Secret Weapon for Natonals

2008-07-15T22:16:00.002-04:00

Training for the big show in California is going well. Mondays consist of sleeping until noon, eating and maybe mowing the lawn. Tuesdays have been time trial days. We found a 2 mile stretch of brand new pavement up near the sod farms in Hartville. I'll ride it a couple of times on my own and then motorpace it a couple of times. Wednesday is still the big hill day in Tuscarawas County. We've been doing a 23 mile loop with 1200 feet of climbing. Thurs is another day of sleeping in and hanging out. Friday has been a real easy long spinning day. Usually doing a race on Sat or Sun.

Last Thursday I raced in The Chapel Series B Race. It was a nice size field of 25 or 30. The course is really technical. A BIG Thank You to Mike Gorman for helping me ride the fastest lines. It really paid off and at the final sprint, I got the win. In addition to the win I also got $50. That is going into the iphone fund!

This weekend is Troy on Saturday and the Ohio State Crit Championships on Sunday in Miamisburg. I think James Anderson is coming down for the Troy race.

In case you didn't know, I hate racing in the heat. This is not a good thing considering the temps in CA have been in the high 90's. But I now have a secret weapon for the heat. This weapon will be revealed here on my blog on Friday. You won't want to miss it!!

Ride On'

Drew

Race 'Til You Puke

2008-07-01T07:59:00.002-04:00

Today was the Tour of Grandview down by Columbus. This is one big race because of the crazy prize money. The junior field paid $250! It was very hot and humid even at our start time of 8:30am. The junior field was fairly small (7 riders) but almost everyone was 16, 17, or 18. A big kudos to Erick Madis for hanging tough in a much older field. A group of five stayed together for the entire race. In that group was Cory St. Clair, Sam Murdock, myself, and a rider from Anthem and Team Dayton. At the bell lap Sam and Cory put the hammer down for the last sprint up the hill. I managed 2nd place in the sprint. After the race I started throwing in up in someone's lawn. Later I learned that Cory was also throwing up. What the heck, we raced together, we may as well throw up together. The day's winnings were $50!! Thanks for reading!

Ride On,
Drew

PS, Remind me not to eat any more spinach quiche for breakfast on race morning!

State Time Trial Championships...... 1st Place!

2008-06-25T12:45:00.003-04:00

Ooops....a little late with results. What can you write about a time trial? The starter says Go, and you just ride your brains out until the end. Not very exciting. Don't get me wrong, it is very painful.
I improved my time over last year by about a minute and a half. Not too bad for only a 9.6 mile loop. Average speed was 23.41 mph. I felt a little bit off today for some reason, but seemed to recover from the effort fairly quickly. I'm taking Monday off with a light spin on Tues and the big hill ride on Wed.
A nice job to everyone especially Robert Sroka who rode to a very solid 2nd in the 13-14 cat.
And lets not forget Tony Marut who rocked the cat 3 field with a 4th place finish!

Ride On,
Drew

PS. Congrats to Russ who rode away from the field in Jens Voight fashion for his first win during the GOBA Crit!!!

Training for Nationals

2008-06-21T17:24:00.002-04:00

The road course for nationals this year looks like a very hilly 23 mile loop in Southern California. After some research on the internet, my dad found a 22 mile loop that is very close in the total amount of climbing. I've been riding this course every Wed afternoon in the heat of the day. The weather in Orange County has been 100 degrees plus for the last week. During the ride I've been getting used to pouring a couple of bottles over my head and testing different drinks.

After doing this post I'm headed out to the garage to get the Cervelo ready for the State TT tomorrow. My start time is 8:06 am. What this means is we have to leave at 4:30 in the morning!!!! Stay tuned for TT results tomorrow.

Tour of the Red River Gorge Update

2008-06-16T22:32:00.004-04:00

At the last minute we decided to head down to Stanton KY for the Red River Stage Race. As usual we rolled into town about 11:30 pm on Friday night.

The first stage was a 10.6 mile time trial. While I was on my way to the start house when I had a small shifting problem but Mitch was quick to fix it. Thanks Mitch!! The kids to watch this weekend were Scott McClary from Morris Trucking and a rider from Mesa Cyles named Jonathan Schilling.At the end of the time trial I was in first place.

The second stage was a 20 minute crit. We got the group down to about 5 people and I took the sprint. Two stages down and two victories. The One Call Now performance of the day goes to Michelle Morris. Michelle crashed, got up, and then WON the crit!! Hannah Mossman also won the first two stages, and Andrew McAllister rode very strong. Former teammate Erick Maddis rode very strong too.

Sunday was the final stage that was fairly hilly 17 mile loop. Scott McClary hit a plank in the road and crashed so Schilling and I rode into town for the finish with a couple of riders from Red Zone. I wound up the sprint legs again and got my bike up to 36 mph for the win and another leaders jersey! A big shout out to my mom for taking me solo this weekend because dad had to work.

Next weekends racing adventure takes us to the State Time Trial Championship!

Ride On,

Drew

Can-Am U19 Stage Race........VICTORY!!!

2008-05-18T22:47:00.004-04:00

We pulled into Newton, NJ on Friday night around midnight so it was straight to bed.

Stage 1 Sunrise Mountain Uphill Time Trial: We got to registration early but I didn't get a chance to ride the course. I left the start house at 9:57am. About one mile into the course the grade wasn't to bad so I decided to really open it up. Bad move. The grade started to get pretty steep and I went a little too hard and too early. The grouped us together at the top and sent us back down. We got the car packed and headed to this huge baseball complex for the crit.

Stage 2 Skylands Crit: As soon as we parked the car they had the time trial results posted. I finished in 3rd place and had 20 GC points. Not too bad for not knowing the course. Everybody at the line knew this was going to be a fast crit. Thomas Wrona from Pinehurst NC, Calan Farley, and me tried to get away a couple of times but it always came back together. With one lap to go the main field was down to about 14 riders. At the bell I bolted off the front of the group into a very strong headwind on the back straight. Into the final turn I took a quick glance back and had a very small gap. Shifted into the 52x14 and sprinted in for the win! At the end of the first two stages Thomas Wrona and I were tied for 1st place with 45 GC points each.

Stage 3 Sussex Circuit Race: Sunday morning was the race for all the marbles! The field of 21 riders lined up at 10:30 am. Thomas and I were marked men. All one of us had to do was stand up and EVERYBODY would try to take off. With 5 laps to go they rang the bell for a GC point prime. 1st place in the sprint got 3 points, 2nd place got 2 points, and 3rd place got one point. I really needed the points because of the tie. Thomas and I got a gap for the sprint and I got him by a bike length. Because Thomas got the 2 points, I HAD to win the event in order to win the overall. With 2 laps to go I thought I'd take a 2 lap flyer. That didn't work out as planned. At the bell lap I tried to bring my legs back and get set up for a fast and furious finish. At 300 meters to go I led things out. 52x16 to 52x15 and finally to 52x14 and ramped it up to about 35mph I took it by 2 bike lengths. The last two days have probably been some of my best racing ever. Racing this weekend was like a mini nationals with the quality of the field. If you are a junior racer, you really need to consider going to this race. Easy ride tomorrow to flush out the legs.

Ride On,
Drew

Can-Am Here We Come!

2008-05-15T22:01:00.002-04:00

The car is packed and ready to go. We should be pulling out of town right after school and will be in New Jersey by 11:30 pm. I haven't gotten my start time yet for the time trial but they go by age group anyhow.

This is going to be a very tough field. Curtis White (Natl Road Champ and Natl Crit Champ), Anthony Skorchod (Natl Track Champ) and Aaron House (2nd at 'Cross Natz) will all be there. Our field is at 21 riders.

Day one is a 4.7 mile UPHILL time trial in the morning and the crit in the afternoon. Sunday morning is the road race. Stay tuned for photos and results!

Ride On,
Drew

Happy Mother's Day

2008-05-11T17:39:00.002-04:00

Happy Mom's Day to my mom who keeps me on the road! Here's just a sample of the stuff she does................

1. Drives me to races

2. Makes sure my team kit is clean

3. Remembers my racing license

4. Pays for lots of gas and hotel rooms

5. Cooks killer meals

6. Always says I had a great race, even if I didn't

THANKS MOM, I LOVE YOU

Drew

RATL #3

2008-05-04T08:34:00.002-04:00

I decided again to do the Cat 4 race in order to get some upgrade points. At the starting line is was raining pretty steady. Decided to drop the knee warmers and rain jacket. It was a decent sized field even with the weather. I rode at or near the front for the entire race. A few attacks but none were successful. On the last lap the pace really picked up. Up the hill at the finish I managed a 2nd place finish. Today was my highest place Cat 4 finish. I probably won't be racing RATL next week because I got picked for the long jump,4x2 relay and the 400 meter run at the Federal League Track Championships.

All of my training for the next two weeks are directed towards the Can-Am U23 Stage Race.

Stay tuned.

Ride On,

Drew

I Hit a Chicken!

2008-05-02T22:35:00.002-04:00

Last night I rode with the Stark Velo guys out towards farm country. I was on Rick Parr's wheel as we came around a corner and there were two chickens in the road. Chicken #1 went to the side of the road, but Chicken #2 ended up between my bottom bracket and the rear wheel. Luckily there was no crash and I even think the chicken was ok. In case you're wondering, yes there were feathers everywhere!

Stay tuned for the RATL report tomorrow!

Ride On,

Drew

I'm a Slacker Blogger!!

2008-04-30T21:32:00.002-04:00

Sorry it's been two weeks since my last update. It's been pretty busy around here. I guess I'll start back on the 13th of April at the Kruse Victory Criterium in Auburn IN. It was another cold day with a wicked hail,sleet, snow mixture. In the junior race I raced up in the 15-16 category. This one came down to a drag race for the last 200 meters and I came from behind for the win. After 30 minutes of warming up I lined up for the Cat 4 race. The race started out really slow, probably due to the weather, but then picked up after a few laps. Two guys got off the front and stayed away. In the field sprint I ended up in 7th place. Not too bad for doing two races.

Fast forward to Race at the Lake on April 19th. This morning I decided to do the Cat 4 race instead of racing the junior event. The officials only picked the top 6 finishers but I think I was close to 8th to 12th. Pretty uneventful race.

April 27 Spring Valley Road Race: One Call Now was the sponsor of this race so we took the long drive towards Dayton. The junior field was pretty small so at the gun I dropped the hammer and made a time trial out of it. It was a rolling course with beautiful road conditions. I got a 6 minute gap over second place and got the win.

Next up is RATL on May 3. I'll be racing Ratl on the 10th and then it is on to The Can-Am U19 Stage Race in New Jersey. This is going to be a great race with a big field with big talent. This is supposed to be one of the biggest junior only stage races in the US !!!!!

Ride On
Drew

Tyson's Corner Circuit Race

2008-04-07T11:54:00.002-04:00

This morning was cold and pouring down rain as I lined up against a stacked field of 15-18 year olds. There were guys from as far as Florida. This race started fast and just kept getting faster. I made the first break with the two who would go on to take first and second. I started doing the yo-yo thing at the back and started to drift back to the next group. In the end I finished 16th out of 30.

I got about a 10 minute break to thaw out and dry off before the 13-14 race started. My big problem with this race was a kid named Chris Baranowski from Philadelphia. I've raced with him on the track and he has a wicked sprint. Luckily I was able to gap him on the last lap so it didn't come down to a sprint. It was my first win with Project Velo/One Call Now !

Next weeks racing adventure takes us to another LAJORS race in Auburn IN. Stay tuned.

Ride On

Drew

I'M NOW A 13 YEAR OLD CAT 2 !!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-04-01T13:55:00.002-04:00

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog today, but please remember today is April 1st!

Ride On
Drew

The New Team Kit

2008-03-30T19:28:00.002-04:00

The box of stuff came the other day. New Tifosi shades, Kenda tires and tubes, Headsweats skull cap and podium cap, cycling hat, new Bell Sweep R helmet, armwarmers, socks, and four waterbottles. Coming soon are some new bibs, skinsuit. more jersey, and a long sleeve cyclocross skinsuit.

A good training week ended on Sunday with a 27 mile Level III-IV with Mike Gorman. A couple of hard hill intervals are on tap this week to get ready for Tysons.

Congrats to James Anderson for a solid 7th place ride in the "C" field.

Ride On,

Drew

Hill Repeats....Ugghh!..... Happy Easter

2008-03-23T18:00:00.004-04:00

Today we went near the aiport where we have a one mile loop. Half of the loop is uphill while the other half is downhill. We ride the uphill section pretty quick and then recover on the downhill side. This is a great workout to get ready for the course at Tysons Corners.

I should be getting my new team kit this week. Stay tuned for photos!

Ride On

Drew

Project Velo/One Call Now is My New Team!

2008-03-19T19:59:00.005-04:00

Before I get started on talking about my new team, I need to give a HUGE thank you to Tony Smith and Pista Elite. Tony was a big help in getting my cycling career off the ground. If it hadn't been for him, I would have never learned to race on the velodrome or have the opportunity to learn all i learned from him. I can't believe I've raced for Pista Elite for three years. Tony and the Pista guys, thank you for everything. I'll see you at the races!

Now I guess I need to say thank you to Mitch and April for the chance to go to the next level.

I hope I can add something to this great group. Riders like Allen, Michelle, and Hannah are pretty far up the ladder. It's going to be a great season and I' ready to turn up the heat.

The new 2008 team kits are on the way so I'll post some photos when they get here. We'll be stylin'!

Next race is the Tysons Corner Circuit Race in Alexandria VA. Stay tuned!

HUGE ANNOUNCEMENT ON WED MARCH 19!!!

2008-03-17T16:22:00.002-04:00

Stay tuned for a major announcement on Wed March 19th. Yes, this will be a big one, and exciting too. For a small hint see the links section and try to figure it out!

Road Season Opens in 17 Days!

2008-02-14T10:10:00.002-05:00

Let the games begin. I'll be headed down to Columbus on March 2 for the Arnold Challenge. The course looks very flat and fast. The prize list for this event is insane for the 1's and 2's. My fitness should be ok. I've been playing basketball at the Y and playing in a dodgeball league in addition to riding. Mom and Dad keep making reference to a Powertap wheel, so hopefully I'll be posting some pics. Of course it's linked to my grades!

Ride On,
Drew

And the number one reason to be a Pro 'Cross Racer is...

2008-01-26T14:36:00.000-05:00

Another Winter Training Ride

2008-01-13T19:31:00.001-05:00

Me, Dad and Dale Seeds got in a low intensity Level I-II training ride today. The weather was supposed turn into a rain snow mix so we got an early start. On the way back it just started to sprinkle. The timing couldn't have been better.

Ride On

Drew

Trainers Suck

2008-01-06T10:25:00.000-05:00

Let it be known that I hate indoor trainers of all kinds. I'd rather ride outside any day. Today was a beautiful 30 degrees with 20 mph wind. At least the sun was out!

Ride On,

Drew

Somedays you get the bear...........

2007-12-18T10:09:00.000-05:00

and somedays the bear gets you. Well the bear got me at nationals. And he got me good! We got into KC late Wed nite and checked into the Great Wolf Lodge. Thurs morning we headed over to the course and watched Brent rip into the B race for a 4th place finish. Nice way to start the weekend. It was icy and hard in the morning but turned into deep mud by early afternoon.

I practiced the long off camber section and the dreaded ditch for almost an hour, looking for the good lines. Things were looking good and I felt great.

We woke up race day morning and the course was entirely frozen over with huge ruts. I took one practice lap to check my tire pressure. After a recon lap I went into the warm-up tent to ride the trainer for about 45 minutes.

At call-ups I was the first one called to the line. I took my spot. At the gun I had a little trouble finding my pedal, but by the first turn off the pavement I was sitting in 3rd. Right after the turn I went into the tape and dropped the chain. I could not free it up so I started running to the pit. It was a long run. After a bike exchange I was flying and trying to catch back up. Dad said he thought I was back into 6th or 7th. On the final lap I was still catching people, but on the final time through the ditch I got caught in a rut and taco'd the front wheel. Oh great....more running. I ran the last portion of the course and through the finish line for 13th place.

Brent Evans gave me some great advice after the race. Think of three things you did well, think of three things I could have improved on and then let it go. Thanks Brent!

I had two great opportunities to quit today, but instead opted to go for a run both times. After all that happened I'll take the 13th place because I gave it everything I had. Am I coming back next year? I can answer that in two words.......GAME ON!!

Thanks to everyone for all the support. And a big congrats to Julie for a killer 3rd place. Also congrats to Hannah and Michelle from Project Velo for 2 silver medals.

Its time to take a couple of weeks off the bike but stay tuned for training updates

Over and out

Drew

Flat Tire, Dropped Chain, and Stuck Car

2007-12-10T11:25:00.000-05:00

Epic conditions prevailed today at the Lake Effect Series Finale. Today we had it all; mud, snow, rain, and cold. Congrats to everyone who raced today, and most of all to the Lake Effect gang for a great series!

At the line today in the "B" event , it was the usual suspects. Tony, Nate, Cameron, Gary, Jason and me. The start was a little hectic in the field due to the conditions. By the first set of barriers, Tony and I had a nice gap (check out the synchronized dismount video). We rode together for the next two laps. Then on lap four I dropped my chain. After a quick repair it was time to chase. After a minute or two of chasing I noticed I had a flat. At the end of the race today I got fourth and finished the series in fourth place too! After the race, Mom proceeded to get the car stuck in the mud. Luckily the property owner had a tractor! Thanks for the tow!

It's going to be a couple of day of rest before the big event on Friday. Stay tuned for the full report on Kansas City!

Thanks for reading,

Drew

Something To Think About For Sunday's Race

2007-12-05T12:11:00.000-05:00

I got an email today from Chris Mayhew and John Verheul who are coaches for the Clif Bar Develpment Cyclocross Team. This was a observation that John made at the USGP Cyclocross last week in Portland. It should apply the Boughton Farms race this Sunday.

"Limiting frustration is part of racing too, you can't ever start blaming the course and being a victim, you've got to think positively and look for solutions to problems and ways to do better." Ride On !

Boughton Mud Festival #1

2007-12-02T21:45:00.000-05:00

Today was a Drew Bercaw signature day. Cold and way more mud than last week. I was surprised to see Chris Mayhew in the parking lot today. He coaches with John Verheul from the Clif Bar Development Team and has been helping me out with my training. I had a long warmup on the trainer with two jackets on, so I was real warm and ready to go at the line. It was a good sized "B" field today. Cameron blasted off the line and it looked like I was going to be chasing him all day. I hooked up with Chris out in the middle of the field. We rolled around with a group of five for about two laps. The group consisted of me, Chris Mayhew, Tony Marut, Cameron Jackson, and Mike Jernigan. With two to go Chris and I got a little gap and it grew from there. In the last 500 yards Chris made a small mistake and I went around and held on for my first "B" race victory!

Erick and Robert had a good duel going with Robert leading for a good portion of the race. But Erick prevailed in the end. Nice racing to both of you guys.

We only stayed for a couple of laps for the "A" race because I needed to get warm and dry. It looks like Shawn was the guy to beat today. Nice.

ONLY 12 MORE DAYS TILL NATIONALS!!!!!!!!!!!! BRING IT ON !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

See everybody next week

Drew

Happy Holidays to All

2007-12-01T21:36:00.000-05:00

We've been Elf'd!! See us in action. Click here. You will love the new holiday team kit!
Happy Holidays from junior riders - Tony, Drew, Erick, and Russ. Sorry Robert, I couldn't find a picture.

Broadview Hts #2 Mud, Sweat, and Gears

2007-11-27T13:53:00.000-05:00

This was a great race! I wish all 'cross races were like this one. Cold, lots of mud, mixed in with a little snow made for a beautiful day. I've been working on my starts all season and got another good one today. Me and Tony took off and we both felt good. But then Tony got a flat and had to chase. And chase he did. Nice job! Erick and Robert slogged to 1st and 2nd. Another nice job. Let's all hope for more of the same next week in Copley!

Bike Authority Broadview Heights CX Race

2007-11-19T09:26:00.000-05:00

This was the first 'cross race of the season that actually had real 'cross weather. It was cool. It was muddy. And I had fun. I had a great start today (check out the video). I has hanging out in 5th or 6th place for the first half and started to bonk a little bit. I got my second wind and ended up in 10th at the end of the day. This was my highest placing in the series so far. After todays result I should move up a little in the standings. I hope racing in the Mens "B" races helps me out for nationals.

Bil Marut and the crew put together a killer course today. Those guys put in a lot of work. Thanks!

Congrats go out to Tony Marut who had a great second place ride. Of course Erick Madis and Robert Sroka went 1 and 2 in the Junior field. Nice job guys. My friends Dick Grella and Dale Seeds went 9 and 10 today in the "C" field. In the "A" field, Shawn Adams rocked everybody, while Paul Martin and Ernie Marenchin took 2nd and 3rd. It was a great day for racing.

Today was also a great day for another reason. On the way home we stopped to see Erick's dad after his accident. He has 3 STEEL RODS IN HIS LEGS ! Edson is really upbeat and doing great for what happened to him. Rock on Edson!

Stay tuned for more racing action from Broadview Hts next weekend.

GET WELL SOON EDSON!!!

2007-11-03T13:26:00.000-04:00

Most of you know my friend and teamate Erick Madis. His dad is a pilot for FedEx. On Tues he was involved in a bad accident while loading his bags into a van to go to the hotel. In the accident his legs were crushed. If you see Erick, give him some encouragement. We all hope his dad will be home soon and back on his bike. Erick is signed up for 'Cross Nationals so if he feels up to it he may be going with us. I hope he goes! Thanks for keeping Edson in your prayers.

Drew

The GREEN MONSTER Flyover

2007-10-29T11:09:00.000-04:00

USGP Louisville Results

2007-10-29T10:50:00.000-04:00

This was one of my best races this year! Our group (10-14) started about one minute behind the 15-16 group and after about 3/4 of the first lap I was about 4th in the 15-16 group! But then disaster struck. Going up the steps of the flyover I managed to bend my brake and the front wheel locked up. I had to walk down the flyover and started running to the pit. My dad caught up to me and had me disconnect the brake. I remounted and just started cranking again. I was able to catch the back of the 15-16 group. I got to meet Ben Turner from the Clif Bar Development Team today. Those guys rock!! Stay tuned for Orrville results next week.

Drew

Louisville Here We Come!!!!

2007-10-27T12:46:00.000-04:00

Stay tuned for some major 'cross action from the US Grand Prix Series in Louisville Ky. We decided last night to make the drive down tonite. The juniors go off at 9:15 am Sunday morning. There are going to be some big guns in the junior field . Some of the guys from the Clif Bar Development Team will be on the line as well. The course has 6 sand pits which will be good for me. It also rained the last few days which will help me too. You have to check out the "flyover" . This will be a new experience . Stop back to my blog on Monday to see how I did!

Drew

Orrville Cyclocross #2 ( The Birthday 'Cross Race)

2007-10-23T10:43:00.000-04:00

The good news....it was my birthday. Age 13 to be exact. The bad news....I had a terrible race. My dad said I just looked flat. My legs just wouldn't go any faster. I still managed to finish 12th in the "B" race. Tony Marut (it was his 16th birthday) finished a strong 3rd in the "B" race. I hope Tony goes to nationals. And of course Erick Madis walked away with the Junior win! Nice job Erick. And lets not forget about "Flyin' Ryan" who place in the top Juniors too! The weather is supposed to get nasty soon (YEAHHHH!!!). I love racing in crummy weather. I got a very cool set of Dugast tires for my b-day and I can't wait to use them in the mud. Let's hope training goes well so I can redeem myself in Orrville next week. See you soon!

Drew

Bike Authority Fairport Harbor Cyclocross

2007-10-15T17:34:00.001-04:00

It is already October 15th and every cx race I've done has been in a skinsuit. No leg warmers, no arm warmers, no knee warmers, no anything! Not even any mud. Today was another 70 degree day. The "B" field had about 30 riders today. I had a decent start and rode between 4th and 7th place for most of the race. The big climb started to take it's toll and I rolled in for 10th place. My fitness is coming around for nationals. It's still early and there is a lot of racing left. Next week I'll be racing at Orrville. Don't miss this race because it is the big Happy Birthday Cyclocross Race. Me, Tony Marut, and Brett Evans all have the same b-day on October 21st. Be sure to come out for some cake! See you next week!

Drew

Ridley.... The Cyclocross Wonder Dog

2007-10-09T14:59:00.000-04:00

If you're doing the Ohio 'cross circuit this fall be on the lookout for Ridley, the Cyclocross Wonder Dog. He's only about 12 months old and not very well behaved so he is always on his leash. He is very friendly so give him a pat on the head if you see him. He can be spotted carrying his cx horn and a cowbell on his collar.

John Bryan Cyclocross.....Mission Accomplished

2007-10-07T21:11:00.000-04:00

I had a hard time waking up this morning, but finally managed to crawl out of my loft. Today at the race everything worked out perfect. I was hydrated, had a good warm up, and had a great start. The plan was for me to get to the first corner before Jarrett and make him chase. I held on to a 20 second gap for the first lap and the it began to grow. Then I focused on Adam and finished about 35 seconds behind him. Erick finished 4th (I think). I was very happy with my racing today and am looking forward to the UCI race in Cincinnati. See you later!

Drew

Stark County Cross Country Meet

2007-09-29T11:21:00.000-04:00

No bike race today, instead it was the county xc meet. I had a PR today of 12:40 but I guess the course was a little short. Hey, I'll take it. I think I finished 37th overall. Of course the girls destroyed everybody. The middle school girls ROCK ! Stay tuned next week because I'll be reporting from the John Bryan Cyclocross Race in Yellow Springs. One of the best things about this race is the coffee from The Yurt Of Pain. My big goal for this race can be summed up in two words.......Jarret Frauhiger! That's it for now, but please stop back.

Drew

2007-09-24T07:00:00.000-04:00

2007-09-23T22:15:00.000-04:00

Bike Authority Kirtland Park Cyclocross Race

2007-09-23T20:10:00.000-04:00

It was a great day today and everything went pretty much as planned. I started really fast and rode the first two laps full tilt and then finished the 45 minutes. I'll have to check the Lake

Effect website for results later. My teammate, Erick Madis rode really strong today. I hope he and I are on the podium in Kansa City! It will be a busy week for me because I have a cross country meet on Tuesday and Saturday. Thats it for now, but check back later!

2007-09-22T23:02:00.000-04:00

Let the Bike Authority 'Cross Series Begin!

2007-09-22T14:16:00.000-04:00

Well, tomorrow is the first race of the 2007 Bike Authority Cyclocross Series and I am psyched!I'll be racing the Men's B races tomorrow (and the whole series for that matter). It should be really cool racing with Tony Marut again. I guess I had to move up because of my overall placing last year but thats cool with me. I need to race for 45 minutes anyhow to get ready for nationals. Stay tuned tomorrow for results and photos.