by Chris Geiser

…and so the glove was dropped on the George Washington Bridge. Not a cycling glove mind you. A gauntlet. As in the “gauntlet has been dropped”, old school. The challenge has been issued, and both the chase, and the speculation, are already on. Now in it’s ninth year, there has never been a sub-four-hour finish (gun time), in a GFNY Championship NYC race. With elite racers coming from all over the world to try their hand at one of the world’s most brilliantly cruel courses, the phrase “four and change” has become de rigueur on the GFNY podium in Fort Lee. And so now it is officially on.

Reference table of the past winners of GFNY Championship NYC and the winning times. While these racers have gotten close, there is yet to be a racer who has broken the four hour mark.

On April 16, 2019 at 3:57 AM — a poll was published on social media:

The challenge laid out on Facebook — an overwhelming “NO” vote as of April 24. Your humble servant here was among the “NO” votes.

The early days of the poll revealed an overwhelming “No” response to the question posed. But what of the reason for the question. Clicking through, a video revealed that GFNY is offering a $10,000 prize for anyone that can finish the race in under 4:00:00 (meaning 3:59:59 is the first qualifying time), and that this rider must be the overall winner of the race. With the four hour mark within 15 minutes in 2015, and an average time of 4:24:16 over the past four races, why the overwhelming no? Is it because twenty-four minutes is an absolute eternity in cycling? Is it the course? The time of year? Why would the four-hour mark elude us for so long?

Where were the experts in all of this? 62 comments revealed a combination of racing gallows humor, and some pretty strong opinions from race handicappers all over the globe, but with only a few opinions from racers that thought that they could top the mark. With my sense of Gonzo journalism absolutely piqued, I just had to know more about what would go into making this work. But where to start?

Starting at the Source

Understanding the challenge was as easy as asking the team that put the challenge forth. So I went to Uli Fluhme, CEO of GFNY and laid it on the line — what’s the inspiration? And why now, I asked. “I think it’s pretty straight forward if you have the talent at the start” he said, “if you have a few guys not playing tactics too early.” Hmm, elusive, he tests me with his riddles and cryptic advice. I started to translate this into something that would help my bookie’s brain parse it into a prediction. So, the right racer, not taking the course for granted, and not playing games with each other, may have a chance of staying away and doing something very special. If you have ridden the GFNY course, you know, go too hard, too early, and you will ruin your chances when the hard work begins. Playing cat and mouse on the way to Bear, will force you to burn matches that may cost you. But hey — like I said, I am speculating here, and I am doing it as a 52-year-old amateur with aspirations for a finishing time that the winners of this race generally associate with their third plate of post-massage pasta.

Meet the Experts

Really unpacking what this would take would mean talking to people that have the best shot at making it a reality. I was lucky enough to be able to get in touch with a who’s who of GFNY accomplishments in the realm of finishing fast, to see what it would look like to make it all work. Let’s meet the experts:

The riders interviewed for this article and their accomplishments.

I would say that this group is pretty well qualified to talk about the time range. Wouldn’t you?

Let’s Unpack

To be an elite bike racer you must be something of an optimist. You must know what it takes to dig deep and turn yourself inside out to achieve a result. When I had first heard that this challenge was happening, all I could think of was watching one of the pro teams leaving the gate on a team time trial, nine riders pedaling as if they were one, establishing a pace, rotating with discipline, and crossing the line (those who didn’t crack under the pressure of the strongest rider), as a group achieving a time that no one of them could achieve on their own. Racing against the clock — the motivation of it. Racing as a team — the tactic. But what of the others on the course? Simple. There is absolutely nothing to be done about the performance of another team in a team time trial. It’s out of your control. But on the GFNY course — the other racers are there. Testing you. Prodding you. Working with and against you at the same time. Battling the climbs and the elements at pretty much the same time as you. So many things play a role, and there is no silver bullet to solving the problem.

For those very same optimists, I asked, what made them think that it could be done. For each rider, the response seemed to be yes, except for one outright no. (that rider talked himself into it later). One response was that “anything was possible” — IF — you had all the right conditions. “With the right combination of riders weather conditions” I was told by Bill Ash “I don’t even think it would be that big a feat”. But how hard is it to get that right combination.

Ricardo Pichetta was less optimistic about that combination. “I think it is not possible, at least in our amateur category, where there are no real teams able to manage the race for at least 70% of the duration.” This was an interesting thought — 70% of the duration (70 miles, and most of the tough climbs), to Pichetta, means a group that is organized and making the same hard effort. He continued “…with mates completely at the service of your captain, they can keep a higher pace, a constant pace, for a longer time, and then try to get to the goal, but, without a team, organized that way, I see it as very difficult.” Picking at the scabs of Pichetta’s doubts, he was clear that this race doesn’t unfold as he described. “In the year in which I raced (GFNY in NYC — 2017), in the last 50 km there are about 20 athletes, most of them singles, and everyone tries to save as much as possible for the final kilometers. The race is slowed down due to fatigue, to the difficulty of the final part of the course, to individual tactics, and the desire to win.” Puts a little bit of a damper on the optimism. But it qualifies Gabriel Corredor’s opinions about the individuality of the efforts along the way. According to Corredor “OK the biggest obstacles are the rivals! You can try to work together, four guys, or something similar, but someone will always catch the wheel, some work, some don’t and not everyone burns the same gas, and that can hurt your chances to complete the course in the necessary time.”

Providing an outsider view, someone who hasn’t yet raced the GFNY NYC Championship course, Matthias Van Aken compared the effort required to similar race course profiles he has done in Europe, where he has had the success of breaking four hours. “it will be my first time in GFNY New York, so I don’t know the course that well. I never rode on the roads before. I can tell you that I always ride by feeling, I never make a plan. If someone attacks early, I will need to follow or it can be over. So waiting till a certain point will not be a good idea. If I at least have a good sprint and attack on one of the last climbs — it is possible.”

Getting the Combination

Having an organized team was developing into a theme. To break four the approach would have to be thought out and everyone would have to know their role. According to Pichetta “If I had a team at my side of at least five or six athletes, I would try to involve them in some of the important stages of the race. Having them there in the initial part, so that I could stay calm and save energy, and then, in the final kilometers of the race, increase the pace to make as many selections as possible, and try to attack, obviously uphill where I have more chances.” So attacking the climbs. Working to your strengths. Letting the team get you there so that your energy is focused to exactly the portions of the course where you can create an advantage. But the climbs are the climbs are the climbs, and you are either a climber, or you are not.

Bill Ash, was conflicted about burning matches on the climbs to gain the advantage. “It’s a long race with a lot of climbing that doesn’t lend well to recovery. The climbs that come after Bear don’t have long high-speed descents. They’re short. Meaning, how fast you go up and over the top is more important than the speed you carry going down the other side. The back side of the route really requires a hard even steady effort. Torch yourself on anyone of those steep pitches after conquering Bear and you won’t stand a chance.”

With that said — Pichetta has yet to test what it would be like on the climbs without a team. “Unfortunately I have always raced alone in NY, without teammates, let’s say that past experience has served me to be able to identify athletes who could be my allies of the day etc., if I had a team certainly, I would clearly raise the rhythm from the ascent of Bear Mountain to the rest in returning to the finish line.”

Van Aken is predicting his own pain in the upcoming race, but it will not lessen his intent to break four, and without a team will be relying on his conditioning to be his differentiator. “In New York I will be by myself, no teammates, nobody that will help me during the race. I don’t have mountains close to my house so I can’t train for the hilly part, but I have done this in the past as well during stage races, so I know I can climb hills without specific trainings. The only factor that I can control is my physical condition.”

Team or no team, at the end of the day, it’s all about one rider crossing the finish line in under four hours. The ability of that rider to handle the climbs is paramount. Ash felt that how to handle the climbs is an essential part of the strategy. “This is probably the biggest thing. This would be relatively benign feat had you not had a big climb (roughly 10km and 500m) right at the halfway point (Bear Mountain). For instance, if rather than going up and down Bear, that 2000 or so feet of elevation were spread across the first half of the course and 50 people could make it to the finish together — then it would be no problem. However, when you have terrain that makes the race so selective, that the front group shrinks to maybe 20–30 people with that much distance left to go, then that takes a lot of the inertia out of the group. You can’t really say you are going to slow down on Bear to get a bigger group over the top. And there are few people who could sustain that effort and then still be good for 50 miles solo. So, I think it will take a pretty selfless group of 10–20 riders to make it work.”

I think there is a name for a selfless group. Team?

Out of Our Control

It’s important to understand the team dynamic, and how using your energy in a focused way would be key contributors. But let’s remember — these are the things that are within the racer’s control. Anyone who raced GFNY in 2013 or has done a turn at second or third wheel, absorbing the spray of the wheel they are drafting knows that the weather can have an impact. And while it is probably the biggest in-competition factor that is out of your control, is it the only one?

Pichetta looks to the weather as a huge influencer on the ability to break 4 but also points to how the weather suits particular riders. “Surely the weather is a determining factor in the duration of the race, the rain would make the roads more difficult and the pace would be less, wind would help in increasing the pace of the race or facilitate progress, and certainly the athletes. There are athletes more suitable or less suitable for certain weather conditions.”

Ash agrees and adds even more weight to the weather as a factor but recognizes that the strength of an organized group is essential. “To be able to achieve something like this the weather conditions are everything. You could ride along at 500 watts for four hours and get nowhere if you’re getting blasted with wind the whole time. If you have a focused, coordinated group that’s determined to keep the pace high then that’s good. Lots of early attacks could turn the race negative unless it’s a big group that slips off the front. I think if enough people are motivated and the bunch rides the first half fast enough, then a small group could hang on and stick it to the end.” No doubt inspiring a showdown on the final stretch to the GFNY finish line festival.
With a little more pragmatism and continuing to pound physical condition and riding by feel, Van Aken was more worried about the mechanical perils, but recognized how the weather plays in his conditioning. “First of all, a flat tire! If that happens it will be very difficult to get back in the first group. And then the weather, cold and rainy weather is something I don’t like at all, the warmer the better for me! I am not scared about other riders; I just believe in my own strength.”

Not a Single Luxury

Stopping in this effort is tantamount to saying “I give up”. For most racers, it’s not inconceivable that you would stop to refill a bottle, take on more nutrition, or work out a leg cramp quickly before remounting and continuing on. (In some very wild cases, it is rumored that the entire Gavia Cycling team stopped for a coffee in the middle of a race in Italy once — but I wouldn’t know a thing about that). But this, this is different. This is a race for so much. A course record, the top step on the podium, and a cash prize of $10,000. COME ON!

There are none of the luxuries that you would find in watching the riders of the Tour or Giro take on water from the team car, or have a willing group of soigneurs on the side of the road holding musette bags full of food. There is no race radio. If you flat, or drop a chain, you break it — you bought it. You will need to see the gap to know how far it is. If you can’t see it, guess what, it’s too far. How will the riders contend with being full gas for the duration of the race?

“The support of a car or motorcycle gives you peace of mind in case of punctures and certainly of hydration and nutrition. Without that, we need to plan. The day starting early in the morning is not very hot, and I’m not a big drinker, this helps all participants. All the more so in the head of the race where we do not stop at the aid station…” says Pichetta “…for me, 4 mini sandwiches with jam and 2 isotonic SIS gels in the most nervous phases of the race, then counting on having 2 bottles of natural water and a drink that replaces solid food, in the decisive race stages.” Those five GFNY jersey pockets will certainly come in handy.

Ash feels that there will be better luck being at the front with not needing to stop (outside of mechanicals). “My first GFNY in 2017 I spent a lot of time by myself off the front, and due to the amazing volunteers was able to get hand ups pretty easily. If it’s a mild day two big bottles is not ideal but could get you through it. However, if it’s anything like the last two years *fire emoji*.” His optimism continued in his ability to find the right soigneur. “My girlfriend is also under the impression that this should be something that is easy to do and will pay for her engagement ring — so maybe she might be willing to stand out on the side of the road with a musette bag or something.” Hmmm, maybe those five jersey pockets are a better bet.

Making the Big Move

Every race has one. It’s memorable, for the winners and the losers alike. That moment that will be looked back on as the race-changer. The moment of “I should have”, or the moment of “I sure am glad I did”. So how do these racers know when it’s time. Crossing in under four is one thing, but if you are going to do it, you will only bring home the bacon if you do it first. So how do you keep Mr. Wheelsucker from stealing your coin, and your podium spot? “The last 15 km, I have 70% in my favor…” says Pichetta, “…ascents, not too demanding but after the long day can be decisive. If I had a team and then in the final kilometers with one or two team mates, I would raise the pace in the last 15 km, in the last climbs, and I would try to attack about 4km from the arrival. This is where I had attacked when I won the race in 2017.”

Van Aken was more about feel, as he had been with much of the topic. “I don’t know how hard the climbs will be, so I will be racing by my feeling, if I feel good it’s possible I will try something on the last hills or I will wait until the final sprint.” Assuming that he is in a pack of contenders at the final kite. “My biggest goal is to have a good race, with a nice result and who knows in less than 4 hours.”

For Ash, the move is simply to “dive bomb the last corner to get to the front of the pasta line” if that isn’t worth $10,000 after breaking four hours — I don’t know what is. But hey, if that’s the move, he might consider a different strategy for that engagement ring.

The Takeaways

Well if I had to sum it up, the secrets seem to be a good team or organized group. Great weather (working on it), managing the climbs, keeping on top of your nutrition, and finding the right spot to make your move. Wow — it’s kind of like the advice for having anyone’s best GFNY, only faster! I will admit that when I first saw the poll, I was a hard “NO”. I didn’t think it could be done. The outright cruel brilliance of the course, I felt, was prohibitive enough to stop anyone daring enough to try. Reading this back to myself, I know, now, that someone will do it. So here goes my prediction. The winning time at GFNY Championship NYC 2019 — will be 3:52:10. I reached out to every contender that I could find to ask the questions, and while I found truth and wisdom in the words of those who replied, I found something more in the silence of those who didn’t. The race is on, and there are some who would rather not share their strategy or their goal. They will no doubt reveal themselves, that third Sunday in May — right around 10:52:10 AM Eastern Time.

Our Second Italian Job Commences in Tuscany…

by Chris Geiser

Like many sequels, some cast members return, some sadly will be unable to join us. We will meet new friends that we are know are coming from all over the USA, see friends we have met as part of GFNY from Italy, Portugal, Puerto Rico, and Belgium, and no doubt, continue to make new friends as we did in the first Italian Job.
As a diversion to the packing I should be doing, I am here penning the first in the series about what will, no doubt, prove to be another epic GFNY Italia adventure. (Not to worry, I have a REALLY GOOD checklist — https://gfny.com/checklist.pdf ). Some of the group have arrived in Rome already, and some of us travel this evening, some over the weekend. Doing all or part of the camp leading up to the race.

Tom’s morning espresso in Rome. Luis, Jenny, Aleksandra, and Kathleen ready for departure in Newark.

Montepulciano, in the heart of Tuscany, will be the home of the fifth edition of GFNY Italia. Less than a 3 hour drive, Northeast of Rome, we will gather with riders from 36 countries. From the USA, we will be coming from all over the country, Northeast, South, Southwest, and West, converging on Rome over the next 24–36 hours, to start the Saturday afternoon caravan North to Toscana. This is where the Wolf and his Gruppo Sportivo — GFNY Italia, await to guide us on a week long camp leading up to an epic race through vineyards, and over the fabled strade bianche, or white roads of Tuscany.

The anticipation will make it feel like a long drive — but it won’t be.

Percorso Unico (One Course)

Along the rolling and “postcard” view of the roads of Tuscany part of the GFNY Italia course.

Pursuing, as always, the purest possible format in the tradition of Italian granfondo, as is the mission of GFNY, the 2019 GFNY Italia will be a Percorso Unico — one course. While racing season has already gotten underway in Italy, many from outside the area are only now #ridingintoform. With that in mind, the course has been designed to combine the challenges of steep and rolling climbs, three strade bianche (white roads) sectors, and a course length that will place the ratio of climbing to distance at a very tight ratio. WOW — what does that mean? Basically, that while the course is shorter than, say the GFNY NYC Championship course, there is almost as much climbing. “This course is amazing! Most of the roads are very smooth, and the white roads, are not super technical, so you can roll very fast” say Mirko D.P. the GFNY Italia ambassador, and leader of the GS-GFNY Italia ambassador team. “The scenery, though, it feels like a postcard all the time. But listen, there is a lot of climbing, there is not very much flat on the course. It’s climbing and descending. A challenging, but amazing course.”

The course length itself, while not super-long, is the perfect length for those that are just ramping up their racing season, and those of us who have been dealing with what has seemed to be an endless Winter here in the United States, the perfect length course. For those that have already been racing in Italy, and all over Europe, it provides them the chance to go “a tutta” or “all out” from the start and try to form groups to get away from the pack.

The GS-GFNY Italia (Mirko D.P. on the right) “It feels like a postcard all the time”

Keeping it Real, and Short…(to start)

While I had traveled for cycling trips before the first Italian Job in at the 2017 GFNY Italia, that was the race that drove home what a life-changing experience traveling for cycling is. While the cast changes a little bit for the sequel, the story remains the same — new friends, cycling challenges, new experiences, and amazing places. What more could anyone want.

And so without getting too gushy, maybe I will leave you with some photos. I will be taking a long an SLR, a GoPro, and of course my phone to provide lots of photo and video along the way. If you are unable to join us, I hope you will follow along. If you follow along, I hope it will inspire you to get a bike box, pack your bike, and get on a plane to see the world, and race one of 20 GFNY races all over the globe!

We will be missing #Toto, Professori Michele, Don Vito, but making new friends as we go.

Until tomorrow night in Toscana — CIAO!

by Chris Geiser

It would have to be a wormhole. But wormholes are rare. From the minute I learned that GFNY would be reaching across the U.S.A. into the heart of New Mexico, I knew a recon mission would be a requirement. But there would have to be a wormhole…

The best map I could think of to describe it, was the jump-cut map from the movie Repo Man — which starts in Los Alamos — just like Mike! You’ll see!

…and there it was. Boise on Friday, Seattle on Monday. I would have to either stay in Seattle for the weekend, fly all the way home to New York, OR figure out a short hop to Albuquerque to check in on the GFNY Santa Fe route, and see it for myself.

Let’s get one thing straight — we will always advocate for the bringing along of bicycles on trips like this, but the situation I had created left me with several stitched together trips, three airlines, three completely separate itineraries, and very little time to get out to ride. In retrospect I keep kicking myself. But I digress.

I had been teasing the idea to the organizer of the race Mike McCalla. Mike was a pro mountain bike and road racer, and for several years the organizer of the Santa Fe Century. An event that he inherited, Mike created the competitive aspect by introducing chip-timing for interested participants that wanted more than just a century ride. Mike was into having me come out, figuring out some time to drive or ride the course (we drove, please see paragraph 3), and to talk about his life in cycling, bringing GFNY to Santa Fe, and the history and beauty of this spectacular place.

And so, I played it fast and loose with the wormhole, worrying about making the connection in Seattle to get on that flight to ABQ so that I could make the drive to Santa Fe. Until I was sitting on the plane to Albuquerque I barely believed that I would make it. So, I had the entire flight to get hotels and rental cars booked, and off I went.

Beautiful mountain views immediately. The chilies were everywhere — even on the lamp posts!

The logistics were easy — and that’s notable. It’s notable if you are thinking about making the trip. Wherever you are coming from, once in Albuquerque, you are only an hour and fifteen from Santa Fe. Once in Santa Fe, everything is in reach. The art, the architecture, the food, and of course — the cycling.

After a restful night about a 10-minute drive from where I would meet Mike, I grabbed a cup of hotel coffee and set out to Mellow Velo, near the center of Santa Fe so that we could explore the course. It was 8 AM and Mike was waiting for me when I got there. We loaded into one car, hit the espresso shop next door, and got out on our way.

Mike behind the wheel. We quickly rolled through Downtown Santa Fe, and out onto the course.

In just a few minutes we were making our way through Santa Fe, with Mike starting to fill me in on his background, and how he inherited the century ride that he had been organizing over the last few years. Mike is a self-proclaimed “Los Alamos nerd”, with a graduate degree in music, a deep understanding of cycling science, and an encyclopedic knowledge of New Mexico history, customs, and lore. I would learn more about New Mexico today, than I had ever known. But as I heard us chuckling about on the interview recording “it doesn’t really come up that much in New York.” Until now.

The first GFNY in the U.S.A. outside of New York City, the inaugural GFNY Santa Fe, will take on an 81-mile course, with about 7,500 feet of climbing. (130km and 2,300 meters). A challenging course, with a summit finish, at the top of the Santa Fe Ski Basin, just outside of town. As we rolled forward, Mike pointed out some points of interest that included the right turn that would go up to the final climb on the right, the Governor’s mansion on the left, and the first drag of the race up ahead.

“It’s not not really steep enough to be any real selection, but everyone will definitely feel it.” We were rolling now, away from town, and heading on the out of the “out and back” that would encompass the long course. For the short course, Mike’s feeling was that while shorter, it would be no less challenging. “The medio will have 3,300 feet of climbing and will be pretty challenging, as it will be steady, steady work — and you will need to keep working to get through it.”

So as we continued to roll, we started to hit some narrower roads, and some twists and turns. As we went, Mike described the history of each area, and by mile 5 of the course, Mike was rolling us onto Highway 599. “This is not a road we would normally bike on, but it was a great way to make the route, and an easier thing for law enforcement to control on race day. This will be a fast and slightly downhill stretch for 10–12 miles. You can sit in here, and go really fast without putting out a lot of energy.”

Thinking about going fast made me wonder — who was this course made for? Climbers? All-rounders? Roleurs? What would the winning time be?

“To be a winner on this course, you are looking at four hours. And that is fast! A five hour time on this course is absolutely respectable. But the course will reward patience. You can’t go too early and hope to survive the rest of the way. Chances are you will be pulled back during the climbing.”

As we progressed onto Route 14, the juniper forests were pointed out, “very typical landscape and vegetation for New Mexico. You have to get on it here for 30 seconds at a time, but it’s not to taxing here. You sit on the front for a while, and it can become pretty taxing pretty quickly.”

Some slight uphills, but you don’t want to get caught out alone or spend too long on the front out here. Note the smooth road.

On through La Cienega, a small town that runs through the river basin took us to the lowest elevation on the course. (La Cienega literally translates to “the swamp”). With a start at 7,000 feet in Santa Fe, we began to talk a little about the realities of the altitude. With the Santa Fe Ski Basin finish at 10,000 feet, I wondered if acclamation to the altitude would be an issue. “You don’t want to be up here too long”, (before the race), Mike noted, “if you are traveling time zones and getting your body sync’d up, maybe get here a little early. But if you can’t get here until Friday or Saturday, your not losing much physiologically. If you are just here the day before though, you will have some water weight that won’t help you.” Mike agreed, get here Thursday, hydrate, and all will be well.

We got onto some new stretches of road, one with a long and deceptive climb that will be one of the places that you will be rewarded for your patience.

“Realistically with the summit finish the people that are going to win are climbers. But you have to be a climber that is smart and stays out of the wind. A strong, strong, all rounder can do well too. A climber might be a bit punished by the time they get there. If they didn’t do a good job conserving, if they stayed out in the wind a little too much, a climber that wasn’t aero enough in their position. They’re not going to win either. It’s a strong and patient racers race.”

As we made our way through the town of Las Campanas, Mike pointed out where one of the feed stations will be, but it was notable that there were rollers that would be tough to hold a wheel on. While they didn’t present a chance for a clean breakaway, they definitely presented a challenge in staying with a group, and balancing the work of the rollers, with the work of staying with the group. As we kept moving through some of the scenic vistas, Mike noted that New Mexico really deserved the title of “Big Sky” country, more so than Montana. “In Montana the mountain basins and ranges are closer together. We have really big views here, more so than where the mountains are closer together.” As he described this phenomenon, he pointed out that in the spot we were rolling through, we could see all the way through to Colorado.

We turned into a small town, and into a “warm up climb”. Mike noted that, “if there are people with good legs left, and people are getting antsy and waiting all day for the climb, I wouldn’t be surprised if someone lets it rip here — however — if that happens, I wouldn’t panic because the climb that comes right after this is much longer, and much more important. Any gap that forms here is really not that important.”

Scenes from the last selection for the Medio route, and for the last one before the big one on the long route.

It was notable that the weather should not be a factor. With the early start time, and overall speed of the course, most riders should be finished or close to it, by the time any summer heat builds up. On top of that, with the final ascent to 10,300 feet over 15 miles on the final climb to the Santa Fe Ski Basin, the temperature should be quite reasonable. We were about to hit the climb, and it was almost time for lunch. With the great conversation that we were having, and the two hands required to type, take video, and a few still photos, it was easy to ignore the burrito I had grabbed at the espresso shop earlier.

“At this point , you need to be thinking about what is my 90 minute to 2 hour pace, and be patient. No need to go anaerobic here, but you can get close to it. Don’t worry about what anyone else is doing, and stay in a group if you can.

Finally, we were back past the Governor’s mansion and on to the climb. We would pass the famous 10,000 Waves spa a few miles up, and would continue to twist and turn, until we came to the steeper bits. The climb definitely kicks up for a bit, to 8–10%, and for a lengthy stretch. This is where the patience will pay off, and where the final selections will happen. This will be a test for any cyclist, to see how they can challenge themselves over a 15 mile stretch to the sky.

The top of the big climb to the Santa Fe Ski Basin. From this point, it’s a slight dip down, and a rise to the top. And the finish line. RIders can then have a relaxed descent to the finish line festival.

When we are at the top, we can see all the way out. “This is the highest paved road in New Mexico, and one of the top 10–15 paved roads in the country.” From here, riders will have a relaxed descent into the finish line festival. Knowing that they have leveraged their seasonal fitness in race to the sky in New Mexico!

But there is more — so much more — about the Santa Fe recon mission. A giant green chili on a burger, a discussion about cycling and racing with Mike, and a tour of the Canyon Road art gallery scene — please stay tuned!

Find out more at www.gfny.com

Pardon me, Conductor, does this train stop in Drop City?

by Chris Geiser

It was as beautiful a Festivus morn, as I can remember since Seinfeld brought everyone outside of the Costanza household the notion of Festivus back in the innocent days of 1998. Sunny, crisp, I was running late, an still only on my first cup of coffee. Let’s just set that as the theme. Being in a rush. Off the back from the very beginning. Not to be a spoiler, but to be a spoiler, and let you know how it ends. If you follow me on Strava, you already know that I didn’t hang on. But it was Festivus, and not even a trip to Drop City could run the perfect holiday!

Ready for A Train action

Finally arriving at Strictly with 10 minutes to spare, I made the mistake of ordering a cup of coffee. I didn’t even have time for it to cool down before the safety talk had begun, and I had a Facebook Live feed going of Frank’s safety speech. Before I realized how close to the edge that I was, Frank announced that the A group was ready to go:

Where are you heading Thomas?

Up 9W, State Line, Oak Tree, Rail Trail, Kings Highway, Clausland, Rockland Lake…

…and that’s all I got. It would have to do. They were pulling out. I shut down the camera, and threw out the coffee (this was a prize winning cup of coffee by the way — and it physically hurt me to throw it out), and jumped on the SK. I was on the chase already. WIth the group reeled in, by the first mini-hill, and with an unrelenting pace, I was in zone 3 by Pallisades Avenue. 2 kilometers in.

Warm up: Check.

First lifeline — Pallisades Avenue. This is not going well.

Out on to 9W I did my best to stay along. The pros were out today. I could hear the voices from the GFNY podcast echoing that the most experienced riders, don’t feel the need to go off the front and prove themselves. They just tempo out with the ride leader, calm, cool, like they have done this before. This was how it was working today. It was an organized and orderly paceline up 9W. I was yo-yo-ing already. Maybe it was my Saturday ride, maybe it was jet-lag, maybe it’s just that I am not that guy yet. I kept pressing but I could definitely feel it slipping away. After East Clinton, Thomas rode back. He had been turning to check that the group was complete all the way up, but he seemed concerned about me hanging on.

I don’t think I have it today Thomas — please go ahead — I have burned too many matches just holding on.

He advised me on the wind, the right positioning. This would have of course worked to bring along any cyclist who was capable of holding that speed that day. I was not that guy.
Too many matches. I said it again.

You are doing well, you have 100 matches! You can do it!

Great. That will be 2 matches per mile. I will need every one of them. I kept pressing but as the road ticked up slightly toward Kiku, I couldn’t hold the back. Stopped at a light at Pallisades, I could see, but I could not contact the group. As I hit Kiku, they disappeared over the edge, on their way to State Line. They were up and over out of my site. As I got to the bottom of State Line I thought I saw them but I could not be sure. The clock on solo miles was now running. I decided to take the B group route. As I turned left on Oak Tree I realized it was way to cold to wait for the B group. We had left a few minutes ahead, and it would likely be 10–15 minutes of freezing to wait for them, so I pressed on.

Identity — I am an A rider, I ride the A route. I may not hold the group, but I went out on the A route and will return on the A route.

Process — keep pedaling — keep going at the pace that you would hope that you could hold .

Outcome — we shall see.

Over State Line to Bradely. I was chasing back on.

As I hammered through the Rail Trail, I wondered if I was course cutting or if the group had stuck to the plan. Only one way to find out. I emerged from the trail and saw a bike turning on Kings Highway. Not with the group. As I overtook him he held my wheel and made a point of letting me know my chain needed to be oiled. Thanks for that. I took him to the foot of Bradley, and began to climb as he veered off to continue straight. I was winning. Whether I stayed with the group or not, this was the ass-kicking I wanted, the ass-kicking I needed. I started to find a rhythm on Bradley as I made the turn to keep going toward Tweed. As I passed Schuyler my legs hurt from the effort the day before. Glad I wasn’t going that way today. Hmmm…maybe don’t get too happy.

As I rolled up Bradley, halfway up — there they were coming down. A Festivus Miracle that I was able to catch them post climb. Do I keep going, or do I turn and go with them? To think it through, I remembered that I signed up for the group ride, not the ride alone with your principles ride. I turned, and chased on. Lifeline number 2 (although this was a climb cut). As we meandered toward Rockland Lake, and through Nyack, I thanked everyone for regrouping.

Dude you were suffering before the climb….

This was not untrue. I was. And I was continuing to pay the fiddler in trying to hang on. After making it over Toga and down to Rockland Lake with the group, Ari pointed out that I may have had a second wind. We shall see, Ari, we shall see.

Out Lake Road, and over to 303. A beautiful chase over the reservoir — and it was a chase — to Ridge Road. Lifeline number three as Thomas waited to recollect the group at the left turn after the reservoir. We made our way back into Old Tappan and I had to chase several times to keep up.

It was going to be a tough close to the day. But as Peter pointed out — it was an unbelievably beautiful day to be out on a bike. He was absolutely right.

The day itself was a Festivus miracle.

That didn’t mean my own bag of miracles would not run out. As we found our way back to Oak Tree, and climbed the steep kicker from Piermont Road, I struggled to maintain contact. As the group got to 9W a wave of relief came over me. I knew the route home. I would be dropped on the climb. But I knew my way home. But somehow, someway — they crossed 9W and kept going. I was stopped by the light. It was time to solo home.

The road back to Strictly

Too many lifelines. Too many chases. But somehow I was proud of the ride. I couldn’t figure out where and how they had gone. They were not there when I got back. Within 10 minutes or so they had arrived. I could barely move. I missed a few miles and had some catching up to do, and as this is Friday night, it’s almost time to try again on Sunday. Hoping for a New Year’s miracle!

The gang back at Strictly

by Chris Geiser

And so the A-Train beckoned in the first GFNY Group Ride of the GFNY training season. The Fall is mostly behind us, and Winter is upon us. If you had read the last bit about how you only get better when you do things like test yourself on the A-Train, you are probably wondering — did you do it? Did it happen?

 

The usual pre group ride hijinx, brought to you by your friendly neighborhood Gruppo Sportivo members, Erin one of our new riders, and your humble narrator.

December 2, 2018

It happened. Sort of. Ish. It’s complicated. Well, maybe not complicated, but it was wet. With the best of intentions, of putting in my 46 miles, 3 hours, and 2,402 feet required in the commitment I made to myself for the week, I set out to meet the gang at Strictly. I won’t sugar coat it, it was wet. But as my friend Doug told me over the summer, when I offered that we just get on the trainer to avoid the rain “what are you going to do at GFNY Deutschland? You gonna tell them that you don’t ride in the rain, and that if they could pull a trainer up for you, under a tent, you would be happy to complete a workout that merits a finisher medal?”. Maybe Doug wasn’t as verbose as all that. Probably he wasn’t. He wasn’t. But that was his point. And I could hear his point echoing in the hollow chamber underneath my helmet, as we prepared to get on the road.

With Frank Lee leading the A group from Gruppo Sportivo today, I sallied forth and reported for duty. “It will be a tight two-rider pace line once we pass state line. If we are up for it, we can continue to Clausland Mountain Road and do some climbing, and then make our way back. Let’s see how it goes.”

Waiver signed, safety talk attended, and plan in mind, we rolled up Hudson Terrace. Frank was kind enough to lead out, and so we had a nice group of Killer B’s all the way through to State Line. Along the way we splintered into two smaller groups, but I hung with the front until we hit the top of State Line. Along the way, my automated hydration station of the guy in front of me’s fenders spraying water in Ari, and my faces, we didn’t need to drink. Thinking we should bottle that moving forward and sell it as “Pure 9W” — the kids from those hoity-toity bike clubs in the city will pay top dollar for it! As I continued to hydrate, I decided to ease back a little so that I could check my brakes, and so I fell off the back of the group, ever so slightly.

The thing about carbon clinchers (especially the ones that you may be fooled into thinking are tubulars for 48 hours), is that they are a really fast and comfy ride, and wet conditions do not slow them down.

But — here’s the thing. If you want to stop them in the pouring rain — you’ll want to plan ahead.

Having rejoined the group, and phobias about stopping aside, I pulled into State Line with the front group, hoping that we would decide to call off descending, on account of something completely reasonable like “I have a flight later today, let’s just get back, so I can clean my bike before I go….yeah that’s it”… and so we agreed. Since everyone’s clothing items were all 10–20 pounds heavier, we would opt for a savage burn back toward Fort Lee, instead of a continued slog to Piermont and points North.

The two lead groups at the top of State Line. My wipers and defogger were out of commission.

The thing about being the guy who takes the photo, is that while everyone is pulling out, you are putting your phone back in its water-proof hermit cave. That’s a whole 30–60 seconds, depending on how wet your gloves are, how much you try to rush getting your gloves off, and how important it is to you that you have your shit together before you follow.

And so the chase was on! But stop! Let’s set some Metrics for how we will measure tales from the A Train each week:

Distance stayed with the group (prior to being dropped): The number of miles/kilometers I stayed with the group before being dropped and finishing on my own.

Distance ridden solo: How long was the “ride of shame” back to the barn after being dropped. Also expressed as the “A Train Completion Quotient (for instance a 70 mile ride that I was dropped in mile 50, would have an ATCQ of 71%)

Number of Lifelines Used: The number of times I would have been dropped but re-established contact with the group, as they regrouped at the top of a climb, or were stopped/slowed by some traffic condition.

Number of Chases: The number of times that I had to chase down the group, in motion, to maintain contact. This is what we would refer to as a lagging indicator — in more ways than one! This is a reflection of how many times I fell behind and had to spend energy chasing back on. The higher the number of chases, the lower the ATCQ — I guarantee it.

Editor’s note: I am a little bit of a data nut, but more than that, this gives the oddsmakers the KPI’s they need to make reading MacGeiser’s articles more interesting. If you know what I mean. Not that I encourage that kind of behavior.

And so, with the group off and running, it was time to chase back on. But what I didn’t realize was that I was now chasing over the 3 remaining horseman of the fabled Four Horsemen of 9W (with the first being State Line). Our Second Horseman is a real beast, and for my money the worst of the four. Your elation from climbing State Line, which I did not have, combined with the little downhill that leads into it, which I was chasing on, mislead you to thinking it is just a gentle undulation. But I knew the secret, of how to get past this, and started to dip into my toolbox to start catching back on. And it was on.

By Kiku, and the end of the Horsemen, we had just the downhill, full gas, stretches of 9W back to Fort Lee, and so the speed was starting to pour on. I had reconnected with the group, and Ari and I were now working together to maintain. Until of course, Ari took his usual turn and E. Clinton. Wallace and Eddy started to move out ahead, and so it was real work to catch back on to Frank and maintain the pace. With a little pressing I was able to hang in, but as I looked at my Garmin, I realized that my heart rate was bouncing all over the place. Or was it. I slowed to watch it realizing, that, I felt fine. I had slowed just enough to realize that not only was I not watching my heart rate, (was watching my wattage), but that I had lost contact again, and was now chasing again.

With a lifeline at Hillside, I was able to make it back with the group. Success, I guess, except I am not sure we are counting that as an official A Group ride — but in the end it sure felt like one. Scorecard:

December 2, 2018 A Train Scorecard

Distance Stayed with the Group: 21 Miles

Distance Ridden Solo: 0 Miles

Number of Chases: 3

Lifelines Used: 1

ATCQ: 100%

This was a relatively small test, but it was able to shine a light on where I was. The next week would be harder. And through the miracle of the wayback machine — here we are!

December 9, 2018

The rain gone, the road clear, and the sun out — this was a day to ride! It was cold, but not unbearable. With the right layers/preparation, it was downright pleasant. We had a bigger A Train today with some return players from the previous week, in Wallace, Eddy, Ari, and we would go farther and do a little more climbing. Thomas Han was back on board, and he and Frank would alternate as pilot and co-pilot of the group to take us out at a steady pace. It would be 9W, State Line, Oak Tree, Rail Trail, Convent, and climb.

Preparing for the cold! Photo Credit: Frank Lee

There would be no stops, with the exception of the regroup, and we would go back via Nyack, Piermont, and finally 9W past the market and up State Line. We kept a brisk but moderate pace through the State Line descent, and got caught at the light on Oak Tree. There would be two red lights, this one and the one at Piermont Road that split the group, but we regrouped each time, and headed through the rail trail.

Hanging in, but yo-yo’ing ever so slightly, through the convent area, we made the turn toward Greenbush and I was preparing myself for the steep start up Clausland. As we approached the right turn, I geared down to get ready and began to spin a too high cadence in a too easy gear. As we slowed for the stop sign, we got waved straight through by Thomas, and my first chase was on.
Bugger! We were heading for Bradley/Tweed and so I was geared down and needed to chase to the foot of the climb. Heading up Bradley the group strung out. As I kept pace with Ari, I saw Eddy disappearing. “Eddy is either one hell of a climber, or he doesn’t know about Tweed yet”. As it turns out it was a little of both. But now Ari was away, and I was bringing up the rear. By Tweed I should have been officially dropped. Staring an almost exactly 50% ATCQ right in the face. But as I got over the top of Tweed, they were waiting. A regroup at the top had provided me my first lifeline, and the climb would be my first chase.

As we descended into Nyack, past the college we were all congnizant of the 14% grade and the icy runoff that was coating the road. Carefully down, and then up the slight drag to the college, I was off the back again, and chasing. Saved at the red light near 287. Chase 2. Lifeline 2. I was dreading the humiliation of being dropped on State Line and doing the ride of shame across the Four Horsemen. We TT’d through Piermont, through the slalom, up Valentine and back on to 9W. Suddenly, I was not off the back but keeping better pace.

Certainly not with the climbers, but I was holding my own with the group, and up I went. I had decided that 70RPM was my magic number for today. As State Line started to ramp, I had it over 70 and it started to slow. My right hand began clicking. Up and to the left. Up and to the left. Up and to the left, up and to the left. Until I was finally out of gears, but luckily almost out of State Line. Then using the same method on the Second Horseman I was able to maintain my cadence all the way through without giving up every gear and staying relatively mid cassette. My legs howled a bit. But it was short-lived, and I was soon back to giving what I had on three and four, I was over, and heading for the Kiku mile marker. Today would not be a Four Horsemen PR day, but it was enough. I was mid-pack as the front riders were waiting at Kiku, and so I rolled on, knowing it would be an every rider for themselves TT back to Strictly.

Wallace and Eddy were gone. You know the thing with hanging in a group, is that your focus needs to be lazer sharp. Snooz even a little, and you start to lose the wheel. Lose the wheel you lose a few feet at a time. You need to know pickup and make moves, to chase, to yo-yo. Focus is a thing. The group’s apparent lack of sympathy for your lack of focus, is actually only your lack of focus. They don’t have any sympathy because they don’t realize you’re not focused. Mostly because they are focused on the wheel in front of them, and worrying about whether you are focused on them falls to the way side.

I was yo-yo’ing again, and was officially off the back again, when Lifeline 3 kicked in. I caught the group at East Clinton, and hung in the rest of the way. As we pulled away from the light at Hillside, Thomas thought I was bucking to lead. He pushed me out in front, and gave me my 45 seconds of glory on the front of the pack. We passed the C Group on their return, but somehow I hardly noticed as I was trying to keep pace with Frank and Thomas. They were moderately pacing back trying to bring the group back together.

#theseguys — Don Vito with Thomas on the return leg! PHOTO CREDIT: FRANK LEE

Pulling into Strictly with Thomas and Frank sealed the deal. Even though it was later officially termed a “moderate pace” I hung in with the A Train for one more week.

December 2, 2018 A Train Scorecard

Distance Stayed with the Group: 39.73Miles

Distance Ridden Solo: 0 Miles

Number of Chases: 3

Lifelines Used: 3

ATCQ: 100%

The A Train (Left), and the GFNY Post Ride Hijinx (PHOTO CREDITS: FRANK LEE)

by Chris Geiser

TIPS AND TRICKS FOR TRAVEL, AND TACKLING STRADE BIANCHE

The hilled cities of Toscana — we are expecting a lot of ups and downs through the course, and an authentic Italian experience both off and on the bike.

Needless to say my last trip to Toscana was a little different than what I am expecting this coming March. While I was a cycling hobbyist, once, twice a month, and a century or two per year, my pea-brain had not yet managed to connect my growing appreciation for cycling, with my journey to the Italian countryside.

Just months before, as I had been sidelined with a double-achilles injury (it’s always injuries with me isn’t it), I spent my time on the couch watching the Cervelo Test Team bring Carlos Sastre to the podium in the 100 year celebration of the Giro d’Italia. It’s notable, not for what those guys achieved, not because it was the Giro in its 100th year, but because here I was in Italy, without making the connection for a single moment. Lost on me. Oh the humanity!

It was a wonderful trip, in spite of my mental gaffe in not connecting the dots. But it was limited. Limited by where we could go in a car. Where we could find parking. What monumental (not that kind), thing were we seeing today. What “must see” thing was happening, what were we doing to make sure that we saw the right postcard locations, found a place to eat, rushed through a meal, and got out to see the next thing before it closed or got dark. Limited by a perception of what an authentic Italian experience would, should, or could be.

We just don’t roll like that anymore. It’s not that I would turn down an opportunity to revisit Galleria degli Uffizi again, or see any of the wonderful things that we saw, but further travel, and combining that further travel with cycling have “woke” (did I say it right, kids?) me to what an authentic experience is. To meet the people, enjoy local food, to stop for an amazing coffee in the middle of a race, and ride the roads that professionals, amateurs, novices, farmers, and local citizens ride. To see a place as the locals see it. To ride the roads, instead of watching them from the couch.

Man — what a self-infatuated smarty pants! What do I know anyway — but don’t take my word for it! Let’s ask a Pro!

If you don’t trust my opinion, would you trust the opinion of the overall winner of the 2018 Ovo Energy Women’s Tour? Does the number 72 mean anything to you — as in 72 U.S. National titles? The winner of the 2017 Trofeo Alfredo Binda-Comune di Cittiglio? The winner of the 2017 Women’s Tour of Flanders? The current women’s USA National Road Racing champion? You would right?

Well, you’re in luck, because I was in luck, and had the unbelievable opportunity to speak with the champion Coryn Rivera about her experiences in Italy, at the Strade Bianche, and about her overall feelings about Toscana.

72 National Titles — Coryn Rivera lends us her expertise on race preparation, racing in Italy, and her love of travel.

Coryn Rivera is an accomplished professional cyclist that has been racing since her first kids race growing up in California. After growing into being able to ride the tandem with her father in century rides (her father was once a downhill mountain bike racer — for your cool Dad file), she entered a kids race and won. With a year between events, after the second one, she yearned to feel the joy of competing more than once per year, and so her career began. Learning to race, and trying just about everything on two wheels — cross, road, MTB, everything but BMX, if it was competitive cycling, she was up for it, and was able to turn it into what is a stellar career in progress. With more to do, Coryn enjoys seeing new places, and being able to race in those places. With a gratitude for what she is able to do, she approaches each race with recon, technical planning, and knowing where and when to use her energy. It was a pleasure to learn about how Coryn’s experiences relate to those of a traveling cyclist, that loves to see and experience new places, compete, and enjoy the process. Coryn is currently ranked the number 5 woman cyclist in the World, by the UCI.

So much of what we publish here — is about combining cycling with travel. Seeing new places, meeting new people, riding/racing, understanding new cultures. How has this changed your cycling perspective? Is it something that drives you and your goals?

Absolutely, it’s cool to have this great opportunity, and I am thankful to be able to do what I do. Most of the time it’s busy and, all business, but when I get the chance to take things in, I grab it with both hands. The world is a cool place, and I love to see new things. When there are some races that I haven’t done, I like to get to those. For instance, I have never been to Australia or New Zealand, that could be a cool race — the Tour Down Under. I would love to do that. I did the tour of Norway this year, and that was cool. I know there are some races in Luxembourg that I have never done, but I am lucky to have experienced most of Europe, that I have been to and raced in.

Hitting the climbs in full stride!

You have spent some time in Italy, and in Toscana, and had success there. How do you feel about the area, and cycling in the area? What stands out for you?

I really love it, that’s probably one of the first places I visited as a junior, we stayed in a house in Lucca. We rode to Pisa, Monte Serra — the riding there is really beautiful, and it’s funny how the cars and the bikes know each other. It’s a kind of organized chaos, how the cars and bikes get along. I am a huge fan of the local food and wine there. The gelato, the coffee, the food, and some of my favorite wine is from Toscana. And I know I am not the only one, there are a few other pros that live there, and I am lucky to have experienced it.

The strade bianche — or white roads — of Tuscany, these sectors, will be featured on GFNY Italia.

The GFNY Italia, in 2019 will cover some of the same types of “white roads” as ridden in the Monument Strade Bianche. Needless to say, there is a lot of excitement around it. You have been doing Monuments as they have come available to the Women’s Peloton. With your huge win in Flanders, how do you develop a strategy for the types of challenges you see in Europe?

Growing up I raced all the disciplines except bmx. I raced, road, cyclocross, track, and MTB. Looking back it plays a huge role in how I read a race and the road in front of me. I have been mountain biking this off season, and some track as well. All of them make me a better rider and are tools that I use to make myself better. To prepare for Monuments, it’s really specific, you really have to study the course. Cycling isn’t mainstream for Americans, but in Europe, it’s like American football, and they know all the roads. Recon is the most important thing you can do for big races and classics.

How are they different from what you have seen here in the USA, and in Canada? Will you continue to focus on the Monuments?

Absolutely — those races really suit me. I have an eye for detail, whether it be cobbles or gravel, and I kind of thrive on those kind of challenges, and the team and i know how to position ourselves for those types of challenges. Those are definitely the things that I really like .

Preparation and recon are key, according to Coryn, “I am really aware of the details”

With particular attention to Strade Bianche, how do you prepare for the “white roads”? From a technical perspective, how is your preparation different than say, cobbles (as in Flanders), or high climbs, like you would see in the USA Pro Challenge on more “standard roads”? Does your cross background play a role in how you prepare, mentally, physically, technically?

Again, recon is definitely important. Knowing which sections are which, and being mentally prepared to be in the front of the group at the right times. Some you come into straight and they are short and flat. Then you get to hard left turns and climbs, and you have to invest some energy to get to the front, if you get there in the back, there is less opportunity to get around and out in front. If you are further back it has an accordion effect. So invest some energy to be in the right position. It’s hard to prepare for racing the gravel because it constantly changes. After 100 people, cobbles are the same, with gravel, there are usually one or two good lines, and you can only see those lines from the front. So if you are 100 people back maybe those lines are gone. If you put in that energy in you can stay relaxed and have less stress.

So many cyclists are tech/gear nerds (myself included), are you a gear nerd? Tell us about how you like to setup?

I am a little, I am pretty in tune with my machine. I check everything before I start a race, I know what tire pressure, I can tell when something is different, like a longer stem. I am really aware of those details. I run a 36 all year, and like the lighter gears for options, like an 11/30 and 11/32 for some of the steeper races. I definitely love my sprint shifters. I use those more than the shifters itself, because i can reach those from the tops and from the drops. Those are my key tech nerdy things.

Technically speaking for strade bianche — what is your setup like?

It’s funny, riding on strade bianche is different, with cobbles you can go lower pressure, but with gravel you can’t do that because you want it to bite a little bit. I keep the pressure in between what you would run for cobbles and the regular road. Less bumps more loose pavement, and not too much washboard. Not too low tire pressure. For me the weather was a big deal. And gearing wise, some of those climbs on the pro race course are crazy steep, and there is no turning back if you don’t have the right gears. 36 inner chainring and a 32 on the cassette. I like to spin, so I use that ratio a lot in the Classics. For me, having a bit extra helps me save my legs for later. I run a 36 all year. With Sunweb electronic, when I was with United Healthcare it was mechanical. I have never had a problem with electronic. Once I had the rear mech lock up on a weird shift, but it was a one-time thing.

The pro race has a much higher ratio of strade bianche to paved road than the GFNY Italia course, so my plan will be to run at normal tire pressure between 105 PSI and 115 PSI. As Coryn says, we are looking for that “bite” into the strade bianche, while also looking to make sure we have little rolling resistance on the paved roads that make up the majority of the course.

Continental Granx Prix 4 Season — while not a GFNY sponsor — it is in my personal opinion the best all around tire out there.

What will be key here for GFNY riders, I think, is having the right tires. If you have been listening to the GFNY podcasts, you have heard about the success on any surface using Continental Grand Prix 4 Season. This is the tire that I have chosen for quite some time, and have ridden in every race except for one. I have had only two flat tires in all the GFNY races and other races that I have done, and one of those two was the time I raced without the Contientals. Lesson learned. My De Rosa SK Pininfarina will be setup with the Continental Grand Prix 4 Season, at a 25 width. That is the standard tire I use for all occasions. However, I will likely leave my Campagnolo Bora Ultra 50 wheels at home in favor of something lower profile, without a carbon braking surface (likely Campagnolo Scirocco). As we continue to train, and think about the race ahead, I will provide more details right here about how folks are setting up and what everyone’s expectations are.

The white roads (strade bianche) and rolling hills of Tuscany — if you are not excited about this — please check your pulse.

Hey — this is pretty exciting. To get a pro scouting report, to hear a little more about the joy of Toscana from a pro. With March fast approaching, and the #GFNYFallSeason behind us for 2018, it’s time to start planning for the camp and race in Toscana. Houses are being rented, and rooms already filled. Airline tickets, van rentals, are complete. While we train we plan, and we have the advice of a pro on our side as we get ready. To say that this trip to Toscana will be different than 2009 would be an understatement. Prepare for authentic Italy, authentic Toscana, authentic white roads, Vino Nobile, and the call of Montepulciano.

Stay tuned for the next Sector! Ciao!

With gratitude to Ms. Coryn Rivera, for her generosity, time, and great insights. To Lidia and Uli Fluhme for their vision, as well as their insight and guidance in preparing Sector 1, and to Mirko DP for answering my ridiculous questions at all hours of the evening!

by Chris Geiser

So you get home from the West Coast, and you are still up. And why not?! It’s not even 10PM your time and you are raring to go. There is a nice post-plane dinner in the fridge (thanks Chaz!), and the Hulu Seinfeld loop is going. You start backing through this weeks email and you find this one:

“The Group Rides Are On!”

Oh right! It’s December on Saturday and so it is now on. #GFNY2019TrainingSeason #BeReady2019. Be ready meaning two things

1. Be ready for GFNY Italia in March
2. Be ready for GFNY NYC Championship in May

And now for the sudden recall. Before everything went black in April, you vowed on your last group ride that “next week I am out with the damn A’s! If I get dropped, I get dropped! That’s how you learn to get faster!”So you reach out on the airplane wifi, to a friendly voice on the other end that knows of such things as riding A Trains, and yay, even driving A Trains, and you repeat those magic words!

The friendly voice of the A Train!

And the good advice is returned almost immediately. Positivity, encouragement, tactical intuition. “Hey buddy, this is how you do it! Welcome aboard”

And so on Sunday we will know — how long can I hold the A Train! Tune in Sunday night to find out how it went!

by Chris Geiser

So now it’s after the race, and as I said — more after the race. So where to start, where to start. Let’s start with Thursday. It was a Wednesday flight back from Boise, a fairly full work day, pack the bikes, pick up #Toto, fast pizza, Christine’s play at Stevens, wash the clothes, re-pack the sled and then the 3AM wake up call to catch the 6AM flight to Atlanta. I would say it was a full 24 hours. Making the 7AM group ride on Saturday morning would be a challenge.

#Totos bike is ready to go, both bikes make a sweet perch for Midnight as he contemplates what it means to “Be a Pro for a Day!”

The alarm went off, and the both the drip coffee maker and espresso pot were in motion. I had summoned #Toto to the rock, where he stayed with us for a fast out to Newark in the wee hours of the morning. It would be Newark to Atlanta, Atlanta to Cozumel. The 6AM flight from Newark to Atlanta, was by design to make sure there was enough time at Hartsfield, for the bikes and our baggage to make it from one side of that gigundo airport to the other. If you haven’t traveled through Atlanta, Chicago, Minneapolis, Dallas, or Houston, know before you go — that you want to make sure that you allow enough connection time for both you and the baggage handlers to make it to your next flight. Especially if there is only one flight to your final destination per day. If your bag or bike miss a connection, it will likely be on the next flight, but that may mean the next day.

I dropped #Toto and our stuff, and moved on to the short-term lot to leave the whale behind with the cold. Within about 7 minutes, #Toto and I were approaching the Delta counter as educated travelers that knew what was next.

We knew and understood what Delta would want in exchange for transporting our bikes and we were ready for it. That didn’t mean we wouldn’t try to sweet talk our way out of it, but what the hell, can’t blame us for trying.

Nice try #Toto “I think I read on the Delta website that if I am a kind-hearted Canadian, that my bike goes free? I bet you can’t see that bit from our computer there eh?”

And we are off!

We can save a bit of time with the understanding that the flight from Newark to Atlanta was uneventful. We landed at Hartsfield, found a breakfast burrito, and some *ahem* coffee *ahem* and got on to the gate. Via the airline app we followed our bags from the plane to actually watching them being loaded onto the plane for Cozumel. In the boarding area we were lucky enough to meet 4 or 5 other GFNY races, and talk about their expecations for Sunday, tell them about the GFNY race in NYC, and have a few laughs. And we were off again, and this time on our way to Mexico for real. #Toto has been going to Mexico annualy for the last 30 years, so, as we traveled, he regailed me with tales of great food, and friendly people, where and how to find the Oxxo in every neighborhood. He was teeming with excitement to get back to one of his favorite places, and I was excited to be seeing someplace I had never been. We were both excited to know we would be meeting Tom on the other side when he arrived later that afternoon.

A pleasant surprise as I scanned my boarding pass. Starting off on the right foot. Our bikes being loaded for Cozumel, and the shoreline as we landed. A Led Zeppelin style arival on a rockstar plane, as #Toto disembarks. It was here that we realized, we were both a little overdressed for the sun and sand!

The airport was all GFNY! Cyclists from all over coming into this beautiful island to be part of the #GFNYFallSeason. #Toto and Jouqin our guide and van concierge. #PoolGFNY our backyard for the next three days!

We quickly settled into our Villa, right on the race course I might add, and got busy setting up rooms, and figuring out where the Oxxo was. For anyone that saw our silly Facebook “Live from the Oxxo” you know that it’s the staple convenience store on the Island. They were everywhere, and there was one close by. #Toto had promised me that Mexica Fritos were better than American Fritos, and I was determined to make him prove it. So we set off to get provisions prior to Tom’s arrival. Tom had a slightly more complicated set of logistics coming from the desert of California, but about 2 hours after our arrival, there he was, and we were celebrating as if we were back at Villa Lina in Terracina, or back at Gavia in Englewood Cliffs, or out on 9W, or whereever it was that the three of us had spent so much time, cycling, chatting, enjoying all the good fortune that cycling had brought us in our lives. We got our collective act together and made our way through town to find a great food joint, a local place just outside of the more touristy areas, we tried the local specials, and really started to get a feel for how special Cozumel was. It was time to walk it off through the main town square and down to the water. This was part of the miracle of Cozumel — everything was close to us, we walked pretty much everywhere that we didn’t bike. And all throughout spotted other racers soaking in the atmosphere.

It didn’t take long for us to meet other racers, that were in from all over Mexico, parts of the states, you name it. They were there in the center of town posing with the giant GFNY letters, and basking in the glory of the race atmosphere, with the knowledge that the work would soon be upon them, and us. To reach the finish line, would not be trivial, and it was the only thing that would make the trip complete.

A fantastic local meal. We stopped for a nightcap. When I asked for an orange soda, the bartender replied, “yes, I will get you one, I am sorry, are you sick?”

With dinner and the evening’s entertainment in the bag, we rallied back to the Villa and got our bikes assembled. The boys could see the wear and tear of the late nights, early mornings, and multiple flights that week catching up with me.

Group ride at 7AM tomorrow. Starts at the Interncontinental. Guess we need to leave a 6ish?

Dude — you aren’t making that group ride — there’s no way! You’re a mess!

This circular argument went on for a bit as I was nodding off in the middle of pleading my case. Finally it was up to bed. Little known — or in some circles widely known — fact about your humble narrator, is that I am terrified of living things that are smaller than me. With the exception of rodents, which I don’t seem to have a problem with, anything else sends me into a psychological tailspin. I had asked #Toto if he would be kind enough to do a Secret Service type sweep of my room to make sure there were no scorpions. I kid you not — I am absolutely, positively that unhinged. #Toto reassured me — he was correct of course — that this was not my weekend to encounter a scorpion. I am not sure seeing one would have stopped me from sleeping anyway.

It’s ALIVE!

The cry echoed from the bottome of the stairs as I descended them at the crack of 9:30. Most of the roosters in the neighborhood had moved on from crowing to their lunch, and the group ride — over. Missed it! In review with several people at the expo, it was great ride with huge turnout, but I have failed you in that I can tell you absolutely bugger all about it as I wasn’t there. And so we chowed a little on the local groceries, got ready, and got out for a ride. We found our way past the expo, and went in short search for #thehardestworkingmaninshowbiz — Maciej! He was out on the route, so we wouldn’t see him until the next day at the finish. The hash tag says it all. We headed out on the route, and worked on developing our rhythm through the first part of the course, and out to where the turn for the King of the Headwinds sector of the race was, where we found a place called Rasta’s. It looked like a great place to have a coke, and maybe lunch. And so food was on. Shrimp tacos, a coke, some fritas and we were back on the road. Feeling the heat, and knowing what it would feel like during the race. We headed back toward the expo and packet pickup.

Lunch at Rasta’s. Erik our host let us know that his whole family would be racing tomorrow. He was at the turn on Sunday cheering — like everyone else in Cozumel it seemed.

After touring the expo, packet pickup and a brief meet and greet with Shaun, we were back to the Villa. Ari Dee was going to meet us for a pre-race dinner. Pacho’s backyard. From what we could tell, the Cracker Barrel of Mexico on the outside, we entered through a gift-shop, and were lead into a grand room with an indoor/outdoor grotto. Iguana’s making their way through the palms just outside, we were seated and ready to eat. With contemplation of the race, there were mulitple cries for “aroz” (rice) — the carb in the mythical carb loading. And if it didn’t work so what — it tasted good and we were on vacation. But the meal was unbelievable. Time for the walk back, last prep, write the Lessons of the Fall, and then off to bed. We had a race in the morning.

Me, Tom, Ari, #Toto — the pre-race training table. Notice the bring your own GFNY bottle policy in effect to stay hydrated. Some of us still had scars and burnmarks from the California desert just two weeks before.

Race Day!

We were ready for our last race of 2018. The GFNY 3x. Finishing tomorrow would be the capper on an unbelievable fall. Finishing well would be almost too much to ask. We had discussed over and over the strategy of the negative split. The atmosphere in the starting corrals was electric. Drones overhead photographing the racers, bike envy left and right, people from all over the world gathered to race. We were numbered in the 1300’s so it would take a few minutes for us to roll. With the long route being in with the medio route, it became evident quickly that we could use the size of the field to create our speed without redlining our efforts. We were determined to be disciplined. 5–7 minute pulls. No one pull-hogging, lest we have to drag the hog to the finish line with his tail between his legs, hearing the oft uttered “aww crap, I went out way too hard”. There would be none of that today. We would need every ounce in the noon-day sun to finish strong.

And so we rode. And we stuck to the plan. We used the force of the field to help us through, while watching elites roll past us on the left, we navigated from group to group, minding our own pulls and staying a tight band of three making our own way when we had to. We had a strategy, and we were staying disciplined. In the wind we were careful to make sure that the random movement of the field didn’t disrupt our echelon. Tom and #Toto figured out a perfect formation, but as the wind started to shift, we had to shift back into a straight pace line. We rolled right through all the aid stations without stopping and headed straight back to the mid point of the course. We continued to use every group we could to ensure that we were working at the right level. As we hit the start line/mid point we were all out of water, and so after the line we would hit the first aid station, as there would be no water or aid until after the KOW.

Our stop was fast and efficient. Choking down a little bit of food, and hitting the WC as quickly as possible, we were on our way. Discipline. It was a thing today. I heard #Toto on my wheel — three minutes Chris, and I will pull on — I acknowledged with a thumbs up on my right hand and we made the big right turn onto the road that would take us back to the KOW. There was no car traffic here, and the traffic throughout the race, was under strict control. It hits me now, that I didn’t think about a car, pretty much the whole day while we were racing. We were just racing. With the medio folks now left behind at the finish line, the spaces had opened up, and we were now completely under our own power. Discipline. Shifts. Surf the draft.

At the time that I drifted back, and looked to take the third spot in our line. There was a group of “blind dates”, 6 long, now benefiting from the Gavia power that was moving us at a nice clip. They wouldn’t let me back in, and so I drifted to the back of the line, with the intention that — if they work, they can stay, if they don’t we are going to have to get rid of them. They were too big a group to have freeloading, especially with the wind coming up. As I drifted back, I looked at the last in line and said with a circling motion of my finger “trabajo junta”. This was my Google translate version of “everybody works”. He nodded as if to say I got it! The group was now having issues keeping consistent pace behind Tom and #Toto. There was a lot of coasing, and a lot of quick pedaling to get back on. With the road clear, I rode up the left side, and tried to cut back in. They weren’t having it. Meanwhile, #Toto was complete on his pull, and as the big diesel engine that is Tom, started to turn on the front, #Toto started to slip off the back. I dropped back and #Toto and I reconnected with the group.

It was time to put a stop to this. BASTA! I rode up to Tom and gave him the news on how things were shaking out behind him. He slowed, and we pulled off to regroup.

Let’s get our group back together and finish with these guys.

I made the motion with my finger again.

Trabajo junta! Trabajo junta! Everybody works, LET’S GO! You work, or you’re gone!

The ringleader of the group looked at me and laughed.

So, you’re the boss eh? I can’t chase? I can’t chase.

I think he meant he couldn’t pull. Either way, he was telling us that he wasn’t going to be doing any work, and that we should do what we wanted.

Ciao, ciao, ragazzi — we will see you later.

We slowed, and dropped back, and regrouped with #Toto. We were under our own power again and pulling back along the right of the group we just dropped. They were starting to struggle, and we motored by them quickly. They naturally, saw the new opportunity and jumped back on. As #Toto went forward for his pull, I went with him on the opposite side.

I got it Mac, it’s ok!

I was just holding Tom’s spot so that these guys wouldn’t shut us out again. #Toto understood, and quickly set in to pulling us up, toward the KOW sector, shortly before I took over, and we kept motoring through the wind. We were now headlong into the late morning headwind, and we had dropped our new friends for good.

The tactics were frenetic in trying to keep things together through the KOW. With fits and starts, we got the group to the next aid station intact. We broke for water and tried to get back out quickly. Now moving quickly not only meant the pace of the race, but also meant not boiling in the heat. The longer we stood still, the hotter it got. By the time we left the aid station, I was 80% through the bottle I had just refilled. We had 40KM to go.

It was now down to Tom and I doing a hard push to the finish line. We took shifts of two to three minutes each, and kept passing racers as we made a determined push to get to the line. We were worried about #Toto, but somehow knew he had waived us on. He was not far behind as we found out, and did a solid race! Through the streets of Cozumel, with kids and families on every corner, cowbells, noisemakers, jumping up and down waving yelling. It was unbelievable.

As my heart rate went to the limit, the last 30KM would now be a test of how hard could I push. How much would I allow myself to suffer. When would I fade. HEY STOP THAT — YOU WILL ONLY FADE IF YOU THINK YOU WILL FADE — SO KNOCK IT OFF!

We kept hammering. With 10KM to go, Tom put hand on my back, as if to tell me, how well I was doing, how great it was to be out here together. Without a word, I understood. Wee were careful not to overcook the turns as we wound though the city, past the Villa, around past the airport and the bigger hotels, and back toward the finish line. With the 5KM markers in site, I heard from Tom that he was getting some cramping. This was the last race of 2018. I took off. I pushed as hard as I could, as hard as I had left into the final five kilometers. I kept thinking that this was the kind of suffering that defines the race. It defines your character in the race. It’s what you will think about when you decide if you have let yourself down, or if you have left it all out there. I went into the final turn like a man posessed. Determined to cross the finish with the same vitality as I had in the first lap. I stood up as I made the final left, and drove my power through the roof as I did a sprint for the finish, as if Sagan or Cavendish was right beside me with their elbows out, I pushed hard and screamed as I crossed the people-lined finishing area and stopped my computer. 4:59 moving. I had beaten five hours moving. I didn’t think this was possible.

As I crossed, I drifted and spun my legs, and then looped back to try to find the finish area. It was obvious when you were soft pedaling, but I couldn’t see it as I was going however fast I was going as I finished. There was Tom. He was right behind me. We went and got our finisher medals and a coke, parked our bikes and waited for #Toto. He was not long after and the gang was all together. There were more cokes, tacos, and a trip to Oxxo before we went #PoolGFNY before dinner.

If you read the Lessons of the Fall, you know that we have been building up to this. The #GFNYFallSeason, #PoolGFNY, #SurfGFNY, #ridingintoform, the three timer, the double — double — it’s been an amazing progression of training, racing, and always having a reason to keep going. Keep training, keep building, and being in love with the process. Looking forward to 2019, I go into the “base miles season” with more strength and confidence than I have ever had. Like a snowball effect, building into the next race, the next travel adventure, the next medal, the next finish, and in between, the training that makes all of it worth while. The process and planning that provides for a finish line smile. The difference in a finish, and a great finish!

And speaking of great finishes. I was guaranteed and end-to-end, show. #Spettacolo from touch-down to take off. With the 3x medals and all of the finish line ceremonies, we were unable to connect with the right people at the finish area for our 3x medals, and the #PoolGFNY was waiting. When we saw Shaun at Senor Frog’s for the recovery party that night — he told us — you are not leaving this Island without those medals — text me when you are on the way to the airport.

The Airport 3x medal ceremony! The finishing touch on an awesome weekend of racing and race festivities!

The unbelievable, unsinkable, confident steps of a person that set out to do something, paid the price along the way, and had two cups of coffee and a three timer medal to show for it.

With our sights now turned on GFNY Italia and Toscana in 2019, those basemiles will be more meaningful, the goal will no longer be focused on a finishing time. No longer focused on the result itself. The goal will be putting in the preparation required to be pleased with the result no matter where and how it is. To continue to to be in love with the process.

With Gratitude! Grazie a tutti — 2018! #GFNYFallSeason #PoolGFNY #SurfGFNY #GFNYDoubleDouble #GFNYEuropeanDouble #LetsKeepRacing #GFNY2019Season #BeReady #BeAProForADay

Next Up: The Second Italian Job Begins — Special interviews, strade bianche and more!

The 2018 Cast — Gratitude

Alicia, Christine, and Ginny Geiser, (as well as Marvin, Midsy, and Moonie)

Mom, Dad, Trish, Fran, Paul, Joe, Tom, Tat, et al

Vito Valentini

Tim and Rebecca

Uli, Lidia, Mirko, Shaun, Ana, Kenny, and Maciej the hardest working man in show biz

Tom, Nancy, #Toto, Aleksandra, Adrienne, Mike C., Jack Foster, Frank, Nairo, Paul, Benny, David Henick, Michael Lyach, Michael B, Ari, Clarence

The Broleurs, Andy, Steve #ParisRoubaix

Noel, Luis from Puerto Rico #PiriPiri

Lisa, Bob, Bill

The Lewis’ at Fusion

Mechanic Matthieu in Malaucene

David H. in Melbourne

Cicli De Rosa

If I have forgotten anyone, I am very sorry, but rather than accepting my apology, please accept my gratitude!