Chris Clark gets top results in Hotter 'n'Hell

After a miserable night Thursday with little to no sleep and much queasiness, I realized I was not going to be able to do the work thing Friday so I figured why not ride 9.5 hrs to a 100 mile race for the weekend?

We loaded up at Mockler Beverages into Patrick Mockler's RV around 5 AM. Me, Greg, Big Chris, Rupert, CG, Frank, Joey, took off with Patrick at the wheel on what can be described as nothing short of adventure. After a long hard day of riding in luxury, we arrived in Burkburnett at our accommodations, a minor league ball dorm complete with a rec room beyond compare, and all of the amenities of home for about half the price of a cheap hotel room. After unpacking, we headed over to the check-in site to peruse the 1,000s of square feet of vendors and watch the P/1/2 Crit.

Bikes were everywhere! with over 10,000 riders, this is easily the biggest cycling event I've attended. The atmosphere was electric with everyone from the hardcore racers to the weekend recreation riders with their kids bathing themselves in everything bike. After getting our numbers and checking out all the amazing bikes and merchandise, we grabbed a spot near the start/finish line of the crit in time to watch the end of the women's race. The winner had at least a minute on the field. It wasn't even close. The men's race was much more exciting with constant attacks and counter attacks that seemed like they might stick, but never did. The final sprint was entertaining because the announcer and balloon arch were at the 100m mark, sooo, when the rider in front raised his hands, 3 other guys were able to beat him for the real finish. Poor guy didn't even realize he lost until he came back around!

The day of the race:

We headed over before dawn to be there in plenty of time for the 6:50 start time. Better to race early than in the heat of the day. At the start I realized that the new cyclometer I installed around 10:30 the night before was on km (inexcusable not to check it) so I was doing lots of calculating to figure out where the neutral feed zones were try and have an idea of speed. Turned out, none of that mattered after my magnet got wonky and worked when it felt like it.

Anyway, started mid-pack and felt comfortable. I'll take other riders' word on the pace, they claimed we jumped up to 30mph pretty quickly, but with nothing but flat ground in a pack of 80 riders, it felt like coasting most of the time. Started looking to move up and see the front around mi 25 when my front tire starts hissing. A flat! As I coasted back to the wheel truck I began to get worried that my race was over. I watched the peleton march off into the distance as I waited for the driver to SLOWLY (at least it felt like it) find my wheel so I could change it. Truck takes off at full speed, so no help there, but I can still see the pack and I've been working on my TT anyway--I might be able to catch them. 5 miles later I latch on right before the first neutral feed. Woohoo! Didn't take a bottle as I was trying to catch my breath. RULE #1: Always take a bottle when offered at a neutral feed!

My legs appreciated the work and felt strong after a couple of easy miles, but we still had 70 to go I and I was pretty toasted, so I hung out at the back, surges weren't too bad and the "hills" slowed the pack down to a crawl. Sad, really. The next neutral feed at mile 60 I was sure to take a bottle. I had to slow down and get over, which was really bad because the pack opened it up and I had to work with 2 other guys to bridge the gap. Legs didn't like that. After a salt pill, my legs quit complaining but I knew I had to start rationing my remaining water and take it easy to finish without dehydrating or cramping.
Other riders tried, but none could get a break on this field. Too flat and too many eager unattached riders ready to chase them down, unlike in the 1/2 race where the lead 3 finished with 2 min on the field.

Mile 90 brought two full lanes and a shoulder for the peleton to stretch out. Unfortunately, with tired riders mixing it up wheels get overlapped and a crash took out a bank of mailboxes to my right. Everyone was alright, but it demonstrated how tired and careless everyone was getting. Worried about surviving late attacks without locking up, I played it extra safe and recognized the jump for the finish too late as we entered the city up a steep overpass into a mini-crit finish. Came across the line in 58th place 30 seconds behind the leader after 4hr 30min. Not a bad day considering I haven't ridden a full century since March.

CG and Rupert were waiting for me after the finish having ridden the 25 miler. Joey came in next under 5hrs with Chris, Patrick, and Greg making it in just over 6. Frank completed his 100 miles in about 8.5 hours, which is understandable given his 50lbs of camera equipment and two extra changes of clothes. Don't ask.

Overall the trip was a great experience that I'd recommend to anyone. I made several great friends and had a blast. To team Whataburger 7112, you guys rock!

Results of everyone from Louisiana who raced at today's Hotter'n'Hell road races in Wichita Falls, Texas.


JUNIOR OPEN (100 kilometers)

Elliot Moore (Monroe), 4th, 2:50:59 (21.8 mph avg.)


CAT. 5's (100 kilometers)

Brantley Stephens (Shreveport), 16th, 2:42:19 (22.9 mph avg.)
Seth Thomas (Shreveport), 53rd, 2:43:15 (22.8 mph avg.)


CAT. 4's (100 miles)

Christopher Clark (Baton Rouge), 58th, 4:33:24 (21.9 mph avg.)
Brady Harbrake (Baton Rouge), 61st, 4:33:29 (21.9 mph avg.)
Michael Lyons (Lake Charles), 80th, 5:36:16 (17.8 mph avg.)


Pro-CAT. 1-2's (100 miles)
Russ Walker (Shreveport), 3rd, 4:09:45 (24.0 mph avg.)


All res! ults can be found at:
http://www.cadencesportsonline.com/pdf/74_divisions.pdf

BMX makes its long-awaited Olympic debut

BEIJING (AP)-The theme from "Rocky" and AC/DC's "Thunderstruck" blared from speakers as Chinese cheerleaders and breakdancers gyrated along. Outside, plenty of people without tickets tried desperately to talk their way in, just to be part of it all. The stands were filled with fans, cheering for every jump, gasping with every crash.

The BMX world had never seen this before. The sport finally had reached the Olympics.

And for those who had never seen it, American racers Mike Day and Kyle Bennett showed exactly what BMX is about.

Day put on a display of dominance, winning the time trial and each of his three quarterfinal heats to cruise into the semifinals. Bennett moved on as well, but paid a huge price, dislocating his left shoulder after a nasty wreck in his final heat.

Welcome to BMX, where anything can happen.

"We're all excited to be here," Day said. "It's a huge step

BMX makes its long-awaited Olympic debut
By TIM REYNOLDS, AP Sports Writer Aug 20, 3:16 am EDT

Cervélo Fork Voluntary Recall

True Temper Sports Wolf SL Fork Voluntary Recall


Cervélo has identified a potential safety issue involving the Wolf SL fork. This fork is designed and manufactured by True Temper Sports of Memphis, Tennessee, using a blade shape supplied by Cervélo. All other aspects of the structural design, development and manufacture were done by True Temper Sports.

Under certain conditions, the fork steerer can crack and eventually break during normal use, which may cause the rider to lose control, fall and suffer potentially serious injuries. To date, there have been reports of injuries in the field resulting in minor abrasions and one broken wrist.

Though the fork passes US and international standards, this particular problem was not uncovered during those standard tests and the fork only showed this weakness in the field, typically after being damaged. After much work, we did develop a new test protocol that was able to replicate the same failure mode as seen in the field. If the fork steerer is damaged by impact (eg. by a crash, a fall from a roof rack, or another impact) then the damage may progress very quickly during use to complete separation.

We have seen that incidence of failure on this fork is higher than on other forks, and there is a potential for injury upon failure. True Temper Sports feels that the fork meets the industry standards and that the fork is therefore acceptable and no further action is required. Cervélo does not share this opinion and therefore, is proceeding with a recall of the True Temper designed and manufactured Wolf SL forks ourselves. True Temper Sports has declined to participate.

In order to conduct a recall one must be able to demonstrate that any replacement product does not display the same failure mode. We have demonstrated to the authorities that the forks we will use as a replacement - the 3T Funda Pro and the Easton EC90 SLX - pass all standard industry tests as well as the new Cervélo test that the True Temper Wolf SL fork fails.

We have obviously discontinued all use of the True Temper Wolf SL carbon bicycle fork. However, please note that this does not affect the Wolf CL and Wolf TT in any way, as both have a completely different structural design (and have passed the new Cervélo test protocol).

Although it is not usual for a third party to recall a product manufactured by another company, we feel it is a necessary step to take care of our customer, and we will proceed with the full recall at no cost to the dealer or consumer.

Tonight is The Big Night BMX IN THE OLYMPIC'S

BMX Racing Schedule

(Televised on NBCTV--Times Listed are PDT)

Tuesday, August 19th
8:00-9:00pm, Primetime, Live ET/CT Men's BMX

Wednesday, August 20th
12:30-2:00am Men's BMX Cycling Quarterfinals
2:00-5:00am Men's BMX Cycling, Primetime Replay
8:00-10:00pm, Primetime, Live ET/CT Mens and Womens BMX Finals

Thursday, August 21st
2:00-5:00am Mens and Womens BMX Cycling Finals, Primetime Replay

Hopefully, NBC will air all or most of the BMX racing.

Kirk Carbo gets 3rd.!

Scott,
Here's the Story,

This was my first season to race. I developed tendonitis in my knee after the Rouge Roubaix, so I didn't enter any races until the Lambra USCF Criteium Championships in New Orleans on July 20th. It was my first crit and my goal for the race, as stated by my race director/wife, was not to crash. It was a very technical course and more difficult than any time trial I had done. My wife congratulated me at the end of the crit, all smiles. She told me she was very proud of me. When I asked how I placed, she sort and winced and said, "I think you were last".

Next on the schedule was the LaVuelta De Acadian Stage Race in Lafayette. After my experience in New Orleans, I talked racing tactics with Scott and Chris at Pedal Play, my training partner Jerry Simone and anyone else I could find. Basically stay close to the front and everything will be fine.

The thirty two mile road race was Saturday morning on a sixteen mile loop with long straight stretches of road. We started out with Ed Novak's NOBC team doing most of the work. There was another team from Texas, but they didn't do much. The pace was slow most of the way until the final sprint. I latched onto one of the NOBC guys on the outside of the pack, trying to avoid the mounting congestion in the middle, as we approached the final sprint. As we started to accelerate, I saw a problem developing in the middle of the pack. I said to myself, time to get out of here. As I accelerated past everyone on the left side I heard a crash. I looked up with about a hundred meters to go and I was in third place.

The time trial was that same afternoon at 4pm. The course was 3.75 miles straight out into a hot headwind. I got 4th in the time trial. I was 2nd in the GC at the end of the day with my weakest event, the crit, coming up on Sunday morning.

The crit course was much easier than the course in New Orleans. I stayed about mid pack most of the race and led out the last lap for NOBC stretching the field. They caught me at the last turn before the sprint. Ed Novak was very appreciative for the lead out, since he won the crit. You're welcome Ed. I finished 10th in the crit picking up enough points to finish 4th in the GC.

I received a 3rd place medal for the road race finish. So I finally got to "bring home the chrome" as my running buddies used to say. Thanks to Scott and Chris at Pedal Play for keeping the bike up and the racing tips.

Kirk Carbo
Lobos Services/Mining Media
Ph: 225-363-6271
Fax: 225-612-6392
www.lobosservices.com

Melissa Buhl newly crowned 4X World Champion

Melissa Buhl newly crowned 4X World Champion

Melissa Buhl just keeps on winning. Racing both Women's DH and 4-Cross (4X) on Saturday in Val di Sole, Italy. Melissa won the 4X Rainbow jersey over 2 Czech Republic riders with speed and daring. Click here to watch Melissa.

Caroline Buchanan, our 17-year-old Australian phenom also placed 5th in the 4X at the World's by winning the consolation race with an awesome jump over the double-double section. No doubt she will be Melissa's heir-apparent in the next few years. Click here to watch Caroline.

For the complete story, please visit VeloNews.com

photo Rob Jones

Look Pedal Recall

Dear Valued LOOK Customers:

On Tuesday, August 5th, LOOK issued a recall announcement for all LOOK KEO chromoly axle models manufactured prior to January 2006. The axle could potentially crack and break, posing a fall hazard. NOTE: The recall does not include Carbon Ti, HM Ti or other LOOK pedals.

Please visit the QBP.com dealer site and see the Recall Notices page for more information, including a printable notice to post in your store. For further inquiries, call LOOK at 1-866-430-5665 or email KeoUpgrade@lookcycle-usa.com. You can also visit http://KeoUpgrade@lookcycle-usa.com/keoupgrade/index.html

Congratulations and thanks to Kathryn Sheely for her letter to the editor,
published in today's Advocate:
http://www.2theadvocate.com/opinion/26225904.html