THE INSIDE LINE

Flat racing

fischerericj@gmail.com (Eric Fischer) — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 04:22:00 +0000

After getting taken out from behind in a crash at Snelling the previous weekend, I decided to rethink my racing callender. Why am I doing flat road races with 100+ riders? They are very dangerous in the early season and often end in a field sprint.

Instead of heading down to Merco for the TTT, Crit, and RR, I decided to use that time to get in some good training. I spent the weekend doing a small group ride, a tough HOP workout and a nice tempo ride up Mt Diablo, a total of 11 hours. I came away with some good training, confidence, but unfortunately, also a minor cold/sore throat.

I was pretty stunned to see that a break got away at the Merco Road Race, and Ben Jacques Maynes won.

What a coincidence, last year, I was in an early break with Ben and his twin brother Andy...too bad that one didn't stick!

Next race will be Madera Stage Race this weekend...and San Dimas Stage Race the following weekend. So much pain to come!

East Coast-in

fischerericj@gmail.com (Eric Fischer) — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 05:19:00 +0000

I just booked a flight to my first non-west coast bike race! Im headed to Upstate New York /Vermont/Pennsylvania for 2 weeks of bike racing. Chris Johnson and I are doing a couple races in PA as well as the Tour of the Battenkill(April 10th)...steep climbs, rough roads and covered bridges! And a Cat 2 field that I am hoping to be competitive in. I hope this could yield a few points on my way to a Cat 1 upgrade.

Last year, the Pro race was won by one of my favorite riders Scott Nydam. Its such a tough race, with a stacked field, and to win it solo off the front is so impressive. Unfortunately he has had to take a break due to medical issues.

Chileno Valley Grass Hopper

fischerericj@gmail.com (Eric Fischer) — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 08:12:00 +0000

I had an awesome time up in Occidental for the Chileno Valley Grass Hopper "training ride" (race)
I hope to make it out to a couple others if they fit into my racing schedule. You cant tell from this photo, but over 200 people came out for this!

Central Valley Weekend

fischerericj@gmail.com (Eric Fischer) — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 18:46:00 +0000

I spent the weekend out in the Central Valley doing some early season road races for training. I stayed with my old Safeway teammate Jonathan who lives in Fresno, a central location for both Cantua Creek and Pine Flat road races--My second and third road races of the season, and after a relatively tame Cherry Pie Crit last week, I was excited to test my fitness.

This year, training has been very different for me. I am doing much more endurance riding(4-6hrs) and less intervals like last year. I have noticed that my top end is not quite developed yet, but I feel super comfortable on my bike, and have a ton of base miles to build off of.

Cantua Creek is a mostly flat, out and back, road race in Coalinga. On the first of 3 laps, the Yahoo! guys took control of the race and launched consistant attacks until one stuck with 4 of their riders....and nobody else. Needless to say, they had the 100% of the strongest guys....and 12 riders (57% of the field)
It made for some pretty negative racing as they would block every attack, and at one point, stretched their remaining riders shoulder-to-shoulder across the road....With 4 guys up the road, they could have 2 attacking the field and still 6 sitting in....
On the small climb of the second lap, I decided that it would be more fun(and better training) to get off the front. Chico Corsa was setting a good tempo on the "climb" but I came over the top in a full sprint to get a gap. I drilled it as hard as I could to the turn around, and could see that a couple Yahoo riders were chasing, with the field stretched out chasing them. On the decent, It was 3 yahoos, and I. They would not pull through, so I stayed on the front and set a good tempo. At one point I had a nice gap, but slowly got reeled in. Im sure it looked pretty ridiculous, with me pulling 3 purple guys around.
The front 4 stayed away to win in TTT formation.

Pine Flat is more my kind of race. The same 12 Yahoo's were in the race, but they raced more positive. After the first out and back section(which was full of attacking) they put 6 guys pulling on the front until we got to the flat orchard area. Then the attacking resumed. After getting in some good moves, I missed the one that stuck, 2 Yahoos and Sean Rosenthal(Zteam). They never got a huge gap, which made for a lot of attacking in the field. As we got to the climb, we were going pretty steady, and brought back a cracked Zteam. Phil Mooney(Y!) took the opportunity to attack and I was right on his wheel. When he settled in again, I hit it over the top of him, but brought another 2 Yahoos with me. I kept the pace, but they attacked off my wheel, and I couldn't follow. At this point, I just laughed. There were just too many of them...

I ended up 9th, but it was an excellent weekend of training.

Next race will be Snelling Road Race.

New 2010 BMC kits

fischerericj@gmail.com (Eric Fischer) — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 08:47:00 +0000

Last fall after hearing that Ballan, Hincapie and Evans had signed with the BMC team I was ecstatic! Partly because I knew they were good riders(Ballan being my favorite cyclist) and mostly, because I knew that they would each have personalized jerseys... Ex-world Champ, US Champ, and Current World Champ. I have the utmost respect for the designers at both ASSOS, and BMC. And I really admire their "Industrial" style...I had high expectations.

But then the ultra chic Swiss company ASSOS, was replaced by Hincapie clothing, my heart was broken, things were not going to be the same. I knew the team wouldn't be quite the same, but I didnt expect this.

Their bikes don't even really match the kits either!

After hearing my friends complaining as well, I decided to give the BMC kits the "Euro" treatment. I turned all the red into white.....I toned down the "digi" effect on the chest, but left everything else the same.

Maybe they will be able to change mid-season like Cervelo did when they went from all black to all white for the Tour de France....
Alas, nothing will beat the 2008 BMC/ASSOS kits.

Buona fortuna nel 2010 Ballan!

OPERATION TAN LINES 2010: no leg warmers

fischerericj@gmail.com (Eric Fischer) — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 05:08:00 +0000

Yesterday was the first day without legwarmers since September! A strange feeling, the wind ~~in my hair~~ on my skin, and the sun's rays beating down. This year I have hopes of rivaling the tan lines of Lindsay Myers, but it will take some hard work. Tan Lines are very important to cyclists, earning rule number 5 on OREC: The Official Rules of the Euro Cyclist.

5. A prominent line where one’s kit ends and where one’s deep tan begins is essential to one's image. Artificial tanning is BANNED. The tan shall reflect the level of training commitment.

From THE INSIDE LINE

It was a strangely warm(almost sunny) day here in the East Bay, that has been fraught with rain for the last couple weeks . Consecutive days of rain are always frustrating. A "State of Emergency" if your trying to become a pro cyclist. I rode a couple days on the trainer, took a couple days off, and braved the slick roads and cool temps a few days.

2010 Race Calender to come!

Good ride-better views

fischerericj@gmail.com (Eric Fischer) — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 19:09:00 +0000

Had a really fun/long ride last week with my teammates last week. We started near Golden Gate Park and rode south to Half Moon Bay, then up my favorite climb, Tunitas Creek. Then back through the bike paths at Crystal Springs....really fun ride with great climbing and INCREDIBLE views along the coast.

Chris has some great pics
http://stopandspin.blogspot.com/2010/01/half-moon-bay.html

Specialized Shiv.....Tandem?!?!?

fischerericj@gmail.com (Eric Fischer) — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 01:40:00 +0000

My friend at Specialized showed me photos of a new project bike....a Tandem Time Trial bike...

most ridiculous bike I have ever seen, but I totally dig prototype projects like this....
- shaft drive between driver and stoker
- Magura hydraulic disc brakes F+R (how is this even possible?)
- 75+cm front reach?!?

On a ride with Jeff Louder

fischerericj@gmail.com (Eric Fischer) — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 16:13:00 +0000

I have always been in awe of the BMC team (c'mon, they're sponsored by Assos!) and was a bit shocked that Jeff Louder showed up to our training ride in Marin. I had a chance to talk with him a bit, and he is excited to be riding the Giro this year. Look out for him and Cadel! Photo by Chad on bike path parallel Sir Frances Drake.

Inspiration to ride the TT bike

fischerericj@gmail.com (Eric Fischer) — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 09:11:00 +0000

Tour de Suisse

Cancellara hits all the corners perfectly and

is able to pedal through everything--even the

road furniture at :40

How euro can you be?

fischerericj@gmail.com (Eric Fischer) — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 07:25:00 +0000

First ride with the Above Category crew out of Mill Valley-a perspective team for me in 2010.
We did one of the most relaxed, beautiful rides out along the Headlands.
Video and recap by Chris Johnson

2 Bridge Ride

fischerericj@gmail.com (Eric Fischer) — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 07:44:00 +0000

Benicia + Vallejo Bridges This is a ride I've done before, but instead of riding through Benicia, Greg showed us how to get to Mt. Herman road, which once you get to, is much more scenic. It passes a reservoir and rolls along towards Vallejo. To change up the ride a bit more, we climbed Crockett blvd up to Cummings Skyway, a nice steep short climb that often gets overlooked. We also hit Bear Creek Rd, which I somehow haven't ridden since the Berkeley Hills road race.

Total Ride - 87miles - 7000' climbing - 0 espresso shots

Next advancement in road bikes?

fischerericj@gmail.com (Eric Fischer) — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 17:16:00 +0000

Every year, carbon road bikes evolve....sometimes dramatically, sometimes fueled solely by marketing. The goal of building racing bikes has always been weight, down to every gram! Eddy Merckx even drilled out his chainrings back in the 60's. However, in the last 20 years of carbon fiber development, bikes have changed a lot. Ride quality, shape, and performance can be 'tuned'. Nobody would have ever thought that we could have frames as low as 747g(Guru Photon). But recently things have changed. The manufacturers race to have the lightest frames has calmed, the UCI has not budged in lowered the weight limit, (of 6.8 kg) and racers end up having to strap weights to their bikes to make the limit.

So if they cant get lighter, then they will make them faster in other ways, like stiffness or aerodynamics. Well, it turns out aerodynamics has much more to do with the riders position than minor frame shape tweaks.
So they turned to stiffness.
Integrated seat posts were the hot item of 2007. They were supposed to reduce any movement causef by the rider rocking on the saddle, and keep the pedal stroke more efficient. But they turned out to be better to look at, than ride. The the ISP bikes are notorious for the harsh ride, severe inconvenience in fitting, re-sale, and shipping.

The trend of BB30 (oversize thread-less bottom bracket standard) is really nothing new...kids have been hammering bearings directly into their BMX frames for years, and Cannondale and Klein have been using the concept for a while as well. But in the last couple years, manufactures have really grasped the full potential, making super sized downtubes to bond with the bottom bracket, as well as beefed up chainstays. The wider 30mm crank spindle, lack of threaded interface, and oversized frame tubes have improved stiffness significantly.

Somewhat related to the BB30 convention is the oversized/tapered headtube. A larger downtube makes a better connection with the larger headtube. The larger headtube requires a larger fork, and bearings--up to 1.5 inches. All increasing stiffness.

So the industry has been driven by stiffness to obtain maximum power transfer, so what is the next step?

This got me thinking.....

Mountain bikes have benefited from through axle forks (over 9mm quick release) like this FOX 15mm version. The front wheel transfers loads in many different directions. The through axle is amazingly stiff interface compared to the QR. So much so, that I wonder how it would perform for a road bike???

If every wednesday ride is EPIC-then when do epic rides stop being epic

fischerericj@gmail.com (Eric Fischer) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 06:08:00 +0000

Wednesday mornings we have been doing small group rides out of the East Bay. But today we expanded our horizons, to the peninsula. We started in San Bruno and headed south, doing Old La Honda, Haskins, Stage and Tunitas climbs, totaling 95 miles...but thats not really what made it epic...exploring roads and jumping fences(Andy ripping his shorts wide open) railing descents(like skyline) beautiful coastal views, and even an enormous chicken sandwich (from the Pescadero Market). We always are having fun exploring, and our EPIC rides will never loose their luster.

Andy with his ass hanging out during a flat fix.

Greg and I waiting for Andy to fix his flat at Crystal Springs Reservoir

New site!

fischerericj@gmail.com (Eric Fischer) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 05:10:00 +0000

Heya!
I've now got my own site at www.ridetheinsideline.com
make sure you change your bookmark...I know EVERYONE has me bookmarked:)

Palomares ride

fischerericj@gmail.com (Eric Fischer) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 03:37:00 +0000

Went out today for an EPIC ride...one that even the Bike Snob would be impressed by. Headed out with Andy from La Farine (pastry stop#1) to meet up with the infamous White brothers in Lafayette. As we cruised along Slyline, Andy and I were astounded to come across another cyclist taking a poop on the side of the road...while his friend, holding his bike watched....gross!!(incident #1)

We met up with Russ(who is just coming back from a shattered collor bone) and Greg(comming off a broken FORK yesterday! riding his TT bike today) and set off for Sonol. Andy had found a road on google maps to explore just off Calaveras, and talked us into checking it out. Welch Creek was a nicely paved single lane that was the STEEPEST road I have ever ridden, with sections at 20%, I was begging for a Cripple Crank...It ended at a group of houses on a ridge, but had a nice view.

Lungs burning!

We then backtracked to Sonol, had lunch, and then continued west on 84. Its a highway, but has a nice shoulder on it...for about 500 feet...the rest of the time your riding the white line with 60mph traffic to the left. We got buzzed by Prius, and later a dumptruck that came within centimeters of cleaning us off the road...(incident #2+3)

Palomares was a good climb and turned us out in Castro Valley where we parted ways with the White Bros, and continued our death march through the hood. A stop in Montclair for an double espresso, and we somehow made it back to Albany...
Great ride-106mi-6.5hrs-8k ft climbing

Radio Shack

fischerericj@gmail.com (Eric Fischer) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 14:52:00 +0000

I have had a great "off-season" and been filling my free time recently with some creative projects, doing some drawing, making messenger bags, and some graphic design...in fact, I just printed my 2010 Thug Shack t-shirt featuring the old Astana crew(minus Contador of course) Lance Armstrong, Levi Leipheimer, Chris Horner, Gert Steegmans, and Johan Bruyneel.

monday morning in the rain

fischerericj@gmail.com (Eric Fischer) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 14:24:00 +0000

Last week I took some photos with Michael Mejia as a sequence, and then I laced them together...looks really cool, but unfortunately it was wet, and I couldn't really rail the corner...but that is the plan for the next sequence...

“I don’t deserve this. I do everything right in the fucking sport and I don’t deserve this shit,” Evans told VeloNews at the Sierra Nevada summit.

fischerericj@gmail.com (Eric Fischer) — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 16:14:00 +0000

So its been a while since I last posted...many things have changed in fact...Cadel Evens is now World Champion, but not after whining like a baby that he deserves more. Robert Gesink crashed in the Vuelta(also in the TdF)and was unable to improve on last years placing. Obama called Kanye West a Jackass. Chris King introduced a new road hub. And I took a 3 week break from my bike...yep 3 weeks, and now I feel ready to train through the winter...and then hit the early season races hard.
Me at Interbike in Las Vegas with Damon last month.

Just riding along...

fischerericj@gmail.com (Eric Fischer) — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 06:57:00 +0000

I was just riding along, 58 minutes into the SF Giro, hanging out in the middle...then BANG!!! the buildings ricochet the deafening sound of a pinch flat. I rolled to a stop while everyone whizzed by on both sides and I walked off the course. I flatted on a coffin sized pothole right in the middle of the start/finish straightaway...end of the race and of the season. My front tire got a normal "snake bite" pinch flat, but my rear tire exploded off the rim. The tube shot out, and somehow wrapped around the cassette- into the freehub body, and around the derailleur...the bike wouldn't even move!

That race concluded my 2009 Season. In perspective, the season went well. I got a lot of racing experience, especially stage races like Mt. Hood where we raced with NRC level pros and I even launched my own attack. I learned so much this year, especially how to ride as an effective team, and about playing the right cards. Like when I dropped out of the break at Madera. I learned the most from my teammate Dan Martin who would break races down and would explain all the tactics.

I will always remember this year for all the flat tires....from back to back flats at Valley of the Sun, to Copperopolis, Winters, and now the SF Giro. Next year I'm trying different tires.

When I look at my goals from the beginning of the season, Im disappointed that I didnt do better at Cascade or San Dimas, or Pescadero, and I also didnt get my Cat 1 upgrade. But if it had been a perfect season, then why would I race again next year?!?! This way I have something to think about on those long, cold, winter training rides! I will train hard and come back stronger next year, and win some races! Im aiming to ride the TT bike a lot, and also do more climbing to get ready for next year.

I have enjoyed a safe and healthy season, and really look forward to next year...but only after a few weeks off the bike...

so whats been happening?

fischerericj@gmail.com (Eric Fischer) — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 04:22:00 +0000

Winters Road Race
2 flat tires and no water...plus 100 deg heat pretty much sums it up.

Vacaville Crit
Another hot race, but a breeze kept it manageable. I had horrible starting position, but managed to move up using the hill and the technical corners, but then while shifting, my chain slipped off and I smacked my knee on the bars. I kept it upright, but ended up all the way at the back. Finished the race(unlike more than half the field) and rolled in 30th with a swollen knee.

Challenge Challenge(only 2 laps-but still 6500' of climbing)
3:30 "Wake up"
4am Leave Albany
Drive in random directions
6am Realize we are lost
6:30 Wake up Yuri and try to explain where we are
7am back on track to the race
7:30 pay $3 race entry for District Champion(SWEET!)
8:20 Ride really fast
11am Drop Anchor(cramping 10 miles from finish line on 11% grade)
11:30 Finish 9th
Drive Home

The SF Giro tomorrow may be my last race, feeling burned out. I really want to destroy this race, get in the late break, take the win with a last lap solo attack. We'll see how that works out...

Riding under the influence of espresso

fischerericj@gmail.com (Eric Fischer) — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 07:00:00 +0000

I remember being a bit burned out and frustrated after a not so brilliant San Dimas stage race, but now, at the tail end of the season I'm in a different mood. It now takes the incentive of coffee or pastries just to get me out of bed, and more extreme measures to get me on my bike. New Oakley Jawbones, State Champ socks, Swiss stop brake pads, and even a new headset-top-cap just to get me on my bike. The season is almost over and just a handful of races left on the calendar. Many suit me well, like Challenge Road Race and the SF Giro, but they will require my top form and concentration.
I am at the lightest weight of the season at 154lbs and my power is not far off from where it was at Cascade, so all I need to do is ride out this "wave of burnout" and race some good races.

On another note, My friend Chris Lyman from Napa has finished up a phenomenal season, winning the Masters National TT, and multiple other TTs in the area. This week he competed in Masters World Championships in Austria, and placed 2nd in his age group! He averaged over 30mph! He has been really focusing on time trialing and even had a wind tunnel fitting earlier this year, and it has really paid off! Congrats Chris!

"Smoke expected to linger"

fischerericj@gmail.com (Eric Fischer) — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 06:56:00 +0000

The Lockheed fire is burning only a couple miles from the University Road Race course in Santa Cruz, and is still only 80% contained. With the race this Sunday, and smoke in the air, it could get canceled? It is a very unique race, and I really hope to do well there, so it would suck if its smokey.
However, I am racing a pancake flat road race tomorrow in San Ardo...time for some gutter riding!

SAFEWAY State Champ Jersey

fischerericj@gmail.com (Eric Fischer) — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 20:59:00 +0000

Pactimo has put together a really cool State Champ jersey for me(even has my name on the collar!)....sounds like 5 weeks till delivery, so I wont be able to wear it this year, but definitely looking forward to it.

Just 10 races left!

fischerericj@gmail.com (Eric Fischer) — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 03:43:00 +0000

Still in search of some points towards my Cat 1 upgrade. This is also the time of year that Pro teams are building their team for 2010. So, good results are crucial at this point.

After a disappointing ride at Patterson pass I was a little burned out...a feeling I can vividly remember happening to me previously at the end of the season. But lately have been feeling pretty good, and had a good training ride today. I did a 3 hour road ride with some tough climbing intervals, followed by 1 hour on the TT bike with 2x10' intervals(Greg Lemond style). After already a hard ride, it was tough keeping the focus and the power where it needed to be, but I got through it!

Hope to finish of the season strong-