Riders survive epic Homewood Cycle & Fitness BBL 1/16 Red Bike Coffee was at the start with hot coffee before the ride, and the weather started out decent with overcast skies and temps in the upper 40s – but by the time the action heated up the temps plummeted and a hardy crew finished a BBL to go down in the record books. Big props go to Faris at Homewood Cycle & Fitness for hosting the ride and welcoming us into the shop for a post-ride meal catered by Zoe’s and paid for by Darryl (Thanks!!!) Recap | Points

13 riders contested the Cat 5 / Women attack zone. I believe the placings were:
1st – Brad McGibboney
2nd – John Adams
3rd – Jennifer Schuble
4th – ?
5th – ?

The rain had picked up pretty good by the start of the Camp Winnie attack zone. Darryl made an initial move closely followed by Jim Brock and me. Then Stuart Lamp came to the front and drilled it hard and eventually got away on his own with Adam Goldwebber. The two of them worked up a pretty good gap, but it started to come down as we came into the final stretch. Then Mike Lackey put in a hard attack followed closely by Ed from Velocity Pro Cycles and Sammy Flores they quickly closed down the gap and Sammy counter attacked – but the remnants of the chasing peloton were close behind and it all came back together at the end with the following order:
1st – Pat Allison
2nd – Terry Duran
3rd – Darryl Seelhorst
4th – Brian Toone
5th – Jacob Tubbs
6th – Mike Lackey

After regrouping at the Vandiver store and rolling out, the general consensus was that it was too cold and everyone was too spread out to contest the Vandiver KOM. But we had enough of a group back together for the cemetery hill attack zone. Terry Duran got things started, but Will Hibberts and Mike Lackey were able to reel him back in. Then it was a pretty fast pace with people rotating all the way into the climb when Wes Douglas put in a strong attack. Terry jumped to close it down and Will Hibberts finished it off as we came close to the line. I came around Will to start the sprint with Pat on my wheel. Pat was just able to come around me at the line to take an elusive sweep of the attack zones. I was 2nd with Terry, Will and Wes behind us.

Hopefully next week’s weather will cooperate with us!

Riders survive epic Homewood Cycle & Fitness BBL 1/16 Red Bike Coffee was at the start with hot coffee before the ride, and the weather started out decent with overcast skies and temps in the upper 40s – but by the time the action heated up the temps plummeted and a hardy crew finished a BBL to go down in the record books. Big props go to Faris at Homewood Cycle & Fitness for hosting the ride and welcoming us into the shop for a post-ride meal catered by Zoe’s and paid for by Darryl (Thanks!!!) Recap | Points

Update from Faris at Homewood Cycle & Fitness for this Saturday 1/16 We have demo road bikes available! If you are a potential buyer and are interested in riding a demo Cervelo S1, S2, RS or a Trek Madone, or a Gary Fisher Cronus (road bike)….let me know. We will be more than happy to set one up for you. Please send me your name, size, height, and phone number to faris@cahabacycles.com. See yall Saturday! Raffle Prizes: Trek hats, Bontrager RXL tires, Gary Fisher hats, Bontrager cycling caps, Cervelo jerseys, socks, and more! – Faris Malki, Cahaba Cycles/Homewood Cycles, faris@cahabacycles.com

Update! Homewood Cycles clothing drive BBL this Saturday The clothing drive BBL is ON for this Saturday leaving from behind HOMEWOOD CYCLES. Please bring any clothes you would like to donate to the start of the ride. Please email me if you have any questions. Thanks!!!

1/2 Coldest BBL ever Surely this was the coldest BBL ever with the thermometer just barely making it back up to the freezing point. Some brave hearty souls endured the cold and were rewarded with points galore! I’ve posted a ride recap and updated the points. Please email me with any mistakes or let me know if anything is missing. Thanks!!!

1/2 This week’s ride details updated I have updated the ride details below, but they are tentative – please check with Darryl, Terry, or Brian before the start of the ride for the finalized details.

12/26 Points posted I posted the points a few days ago for this, but forgot to update the main page. Check out the points available here, and as always please email me with any mistakes or let me know if anything is missing. Thanks!!!

12/26 Yes, we are riding! The tentative ride details are posted below. The points may or may not count depending on how many people make it out to the ride. Please arrive early and pay attention to last minute instructions from Darryl who will be leading the ride solo as Terry and I are both still out of town.

12/19 Finally, some points! We had a great turnout for our first ride where the weather held off for us to count the points! Please look through the points available here, and let me know if there are any mistakes. Please email me with any mistakes or anything that is missing. Thanks!!!

12/19 This week’s ride details posted below. We are going to stick with the same route, the same attack zones, and hopefully this week the weather will cooperate and we’ll be able to finally tally up some points!!!

12/12 Rain, rain go away! With a significant threat of heavy rain and generally miserable conditions, we had to cancel the ride again this past week. The forecast for this week’s ride is 20% rain, so let’s hope it holds off and we can finally kick off the points!

12/6 Brrrrr – 25 riders survive cold BBL. Our postponed BBL went off without a hitch other than it being colder than Saturday at the start. Temps and the speed warmed up as we practiced the attack zones. Check out the full ride recap. I have included the points that people would have earned, but the points didn’t actually count because of the last minute schedule change. This week’s ride will use the SAME route and SAME attack zones, but this time the points will actually count!

12/3 Points system explained. I have posted an explanation of the new points system for this year. Check it out! We’ll also have a brief tutorial before our snowy ride on Saturday!

12/1 Points kick-off this Saturday! The first few weeks have flown by, and now it’s time for the first ride with attack zones. We are trying two new things this year: separate women/cat 5/non-cat attack zones and a new handicapped point system.

11/28 BBL Kelly Creek Cook Springs Ride Recap. Wow – what a great turnout today. The points kick-off is coming up next week. Details and a description of our revised points system will be posted soon. In the meantime, read the ride recap (w/ pics courtesy of Jacob Tubbs) from today’s ride.

11/26 BBL goes high-tech. You can now download a GPX file of the route compatible with the Garmin Edge 705 (and possibly other GPS devices) to give you turn-by-turn directions on your GPS unit during the ride. Check out the map and instructions at the bottom of the Upcoming Ride section below.

11/23 Danny Feldman from LHLM has laid down some serious cash for the overall BBL prize money. Thank you Danny!!! Check out the link to his website in the list of sponsors below. And be sure to thank and do business with these sponsors who help make our winter training series possible.

The weather outside was cold – but the action was HOT with multiple attack zones and KOM points at the top of Vandiver. We had a small, hearty group of riders battling for the points. Here’s how it all played out:

AZ #1 – the cat 5 / women AZ only had four people sprinting it out for points. I was too far back to see exactly who placed where – but here is my best guess: 1st – amy gravlee, 2nd – mike reeves, 3rd – katherine herring, 4th – tony robbins

AZ #2 – we extended the normal sterrett attack zone, by starting as soon as we crossed the bridge into shelby county on hwy 43 and then finishing at the normal spot. Darryl (Tria team 1) started things off with a strong attack, covered by Mike Lackey (Tria team 2). Jimmy Prentice, Joseph Greenway, and Talty Shannon from Red Mountain Wheelmen worked hard and brought the early break back at which point Wes Douglas (Tria team 2) and Jacob Tubbs (Tria team 1) counter attacked and got a good 20+ second gap. Again, Red Mountain Wheelmen got to the front and brought it back. Darryl attacked HARD at the base of the kicker hill to start the sprint. Wes and Jacob were quickly swallowed up at this point with me (Tria team 2) and Sammy (Tria team 1) riding Darryl’s wheel. As soon as Darryl let off the gas, I attacked hoping to hold it to the line, but Sammy came around me like a freight train taking 1st with me in 2nd, Darryl holding on for 3rd, Wes holding on for 4th, and Terry coming in for 5th place. [edit – actually it was Will Hibberts chasing down that first break even with an out of true wheel from a broken spoke!]

KOM – Jacob animated things early with Joseph bridging up to him. The two of them extended their lead to maybe 10 seconds, but were swallowed up on the steep bottom slopes of the Vandiver climb. I then went to the front and set a hard tempo with only Wes and Darryl able to follow. I set the pace all the way up the climb. Darryl ended up edging me for the points at the top with Wes coming in 3rd and Sammy and Mike behind for 4th and 5th.

AZ #3 – Terry launched an early move with Mike bridging up to him. Jacob, Joseph, and Wes also bridged up. Behind in the group, Timo Stark set the pace keeping us rolling and within striking distance of the front group. Mike and Wes attacked and counter attacked Terry but he was able to respond to each move and eventually took the sprint solo with Mike and Wes coming in behind. As the front five whittled down to four, I set a hard tempo at the base of the hill with Darryl and Sammy following. Then after I got a short breather behind them, I attacked hard to attempt to bridge catching Jacob – but Joseph stayed just ahead for 4th with me coming in 5th.

Quick ride recap from Darryl –

We had about 45 folks out. Darryl attacked and attacked and attacked and once more before getting nipped at the line for the Camp Winnie AZ – but then preceded to win the next two AZ’s. The inaugural KOM points were taken by Darryl, Gavin, Will, Adam, and Wes.

Comment from the web master –

Congrats guys, but I will be back in town this week and plan to take all the KOM points from here on out 😉

Excellent turnout even with the cold weather. Everybody was ready for some points finally. The Cat 5/Women attack zone was FAST from the start. In the end it was John Adams (Alabama Masters) making it first to the TNT fireworks entrance, followed closely by Robert ?, Jennifer Schulbe (USA Cycling), Amy Gravlee (Kenda), and Martin Miller (?). The Sterrett attack zone saw Darryl Seelhorst (Tria Cycling) and Warren St. John (NY Velocity) work together to attack early and hold it all the way to the finish – although Pat Allison (Myogenesis) and Sammy Flores (Tria Cycling) just caught Warren at the line with me (Brian Toone, Tria Cycling) inches behind for 5th place.

I wasn’t in the second attack zone, but Jacob wrote up a great report for it:

Lennie attacked on the first hill, and Wes jumped to him. They came back at the top of the first hill and everybody kinda sat
up. Morgan then drilled it hard and lifted the pace. Nearly at the top of the 2nd hill Pat attacked and Lennie chased. West Point guy went
after him and Darryl followed. Darryl caught them and Len came over Pat for 2nd. I swung out of the line on the downhill to start the
sprint. Sammy wound it up and I hopped his wheel and came past him. We were coming fast but I think Pat held us off with a throw at the line.
If so, Pat 3rd, me (Jacob) 4th, Sam 5th, Brock 6th.

Thanks Amy for updating me with the women’s result – I’ve updated the points spreadsheet.

The December 12th ride was canceled due to crazy cold, wet weather. Points kick-off postponed until next week.

Our postponed BBL went off without a hitch other than it being colder than Saturday at the start. 25 riders braved the cold and made it out to the start. Temps and the speed warmed up as we practiced the attack zones. Here are the attack zone recaps:

AZ 1 – Cat 5 / Women At the bottom of cemetery hill, Terry blew the whistle to signal the start, and immediately John (Jim’s nephew) ramped up the pace and kept it high with everyone else in tow. Amy Gravlee made her move shortly after crossing the Cahaba River bridge. She got a good gap, but John responded taking Tony with him to pass Amy just before the line. Catherine held on strong to finish fourth. And Jason who had come off the pace just a little on the last climb was able to hold on for fifth. Great job everyone!!! SAMPLE POINTS ONLY. THESE POINTS DON’T ACTUALLY COUNT!!! John – 5 points towards overall men Tony – 4 points towards overall men Amy – 3 points towards overall women Catherine – 2 points towards overall women Jason – 1 point towards overall men

AZ 2 – Everybody As soon we turned left onto Hwy 55, Darryl launched out on the offensive. With Team Tria split up into two sub-teams, I led the chase. Terry counter attacked and Wes covered it. This set the tone for the rest of the attack zone with attack / counter attack all the way to the short steep hill when the group was all back together. Wes led us up the hill, then led out the sprint. Terry grabbed his wheel, and I was on his. In the end, even though I was inching up right beside him Terry held me off to take the AZ. SAMPLE POINTS ONLY. THESE POINTS DON’T ACTUALLY COUNT!!! Terry (Cat 1) – 5 points + 0 hbp (handicapped bonus point) towards overall men Brian (Cat 1) – 4 points + 0 hbp towards overall men Darryl (Cat 2) – 3 points + 1 hbp towards overall men Wes (Cat 2) – 2 points + 1 hbp towards overall men Kevin (Cat 3) – 1 points + 2 hbp towards overall men Amy (Cat 3) – 5 points + 2 hbp (handicapped bonus point) towards overall women Catherine (Cat 4) – 4 points + 3 hbp towards overall women

AZ 3 – Everybody, designated as a sprinter’s finish Kevin animated this last one taking off on a solo attack as soon as we started. Tony brought him back before Darryl launched an attack. I covered it and then things settled down as I led into the hill after the Cahaba River bridge. Wes launched a strong attack. Terry pulled out to cover him with me on Terry’s wheel and Darryl and Jacob just behind me. As soon as Wes pulled off, I hit it hard with 250 meters to go to come around Terry, but Darryl and Jacob were able to scoot by at the finish with Darryl edging out Jacob to take the AZ. SAMPLE POINTS ONLY. THESE POINTS DON’T ACTUALLY COUNT!!! Darryl (Cat 2) – 5 points + 1 hbp (handicapped bonus point) towards overall men and sprint Jacob (Cat 3) – 4 points + 2 hbp towards overall men and sprint Brian (Cat 1) – 3 points + 0 hbp towards overall men and sprint Terry (Cat 1) – 2 points + 0 hbp towards overall men and sprint Wes (Cat 2) – 1 point + 1 hbp towards overall men and sprint Catherine (Cat 4) – 5 points + 3 hbp (handicapped bonus point) towards overall women Amy (Cat 3) – 4 points + 2 hbp towards overall women

Awesome ride today folks. We experimented with a new 65 mile route today heading all the way out Kelly Creek to Cook Springs and back in the usual way with the climb up Vandiver. Great turnout with at least 75 riders making it out to the ride. The only hiccup was an uncooperative country store and a cracked frame. Jacob Tubbs road on ahead after the nature break to get pictures of the group as we passed by. Check ’em out!

Hey BBL! I was sad to miss another week, but here it is only Monday and I am already looking forward to this coming Saturday’s ride! Terry led the way home this week, and here is his recap:

The second BBL of the season kicked off with beautiful weather and a super turnout! Fifty-four riders came out for a day of endurance BBL training. The group saw a moderate pace out of around 18.5 mph with everyone tightly tucked in to a two abreast group. We rolled the traditional route in style out 78 right on Winnataska with all in tack. After turning right off Winna we had encountered minor casualties as we made our way to Sterrett. Everyone stopped enjoyed some snacks, good weather and good conversation. After the stop and once we began the climb on 25 we started with everyone in single file formation. At some point a group of 20-30 riders had separated itself from the remaining riders of which were spread across the mountain. I for one had lost contact with that front group. From this point on I can only comment from what was said about the remaining ride. It seems that after the big climb on 25 that the pace intensified and was quite aggressive at times with riders going off the front. That seemed to be the momentum till the end of the ride with cemetery hill being a full out attack zone!

So here are my comments: I take full responsibility for the ride and place no blame on anyone or group of individuals for the periods of intensity. I am responsible for controlling the pace and failed to do so by making the decision to stay behind with my wife Monika. The periods of high pace, was not the intent of this ride unless there are designated attack zones mentioned prior to the start of the ride. Again my apologies if anyone was upset with the ride this past Sat, better control will be present in future BBL rides.

IMPORTANT: If anyone has any comments, concerns or complaints please address those directly to me DO NOT SEND OUT SEPARATE messages, I will address all! tduran@scottusa.com

I agree wholeheartedly with Terry. While I am excited that there are people ready to ride hard and go for it in the attack zones, we have to restrain that excitement until the official attack zones. We will have our first official attack zones on December 5 using the new handicapped point system to give everyone a better shot at getting points. OUTSIDE of those attack zones we have to keep the pace steady so that newer riders can keep up AND so that faster/fitter riders aren’t bored/frustrated. Keep in mind the following goals that Terry, Darryl, and I have discussed extensively over the past couple years and that Terry summarized in an email last night:

Fundamentals and purpose of the BBL:

1. Safety first and foremost
2. Fun and fitness
3. The intent is a structured winter training medium for riders who compete (Racers cat 5 – pro) not specific to just road.

Structured training ride:

1. The ride is an endurance pace averaging 18-20 mph with multiple hard efforts (attack zones) Attack zones will have much higher avg speed!
2. The riders will briefly regroup at the end of designated attack zones
3. There will be at least one store stop unless announced prior to the start that there will not be any stops.

Notes:

• While any and all are welcome to join the ride those who are not familiar or have never competed may or may not be able to keep pace therefore those that can not keep pace, it is up to them to be responsible for knowing that route as well as having all necessary items to in able them to get back to the point where they started.
• In some cases the ride may or may not totally regroup it depends if a particular rider or riders can or cannot maintain the average speed during an ATTACK ZONE or OUTSIDE an attack zone.
• THIS RIDE IS NOT INTENDED TO BE A CASUAL GROUP RIDE. IT IS A STRUCTURED WINTER TRAINING RIDE FOR THOSE WHO COMPETE.

I was out of town this week, but Darryl sent in the ride recap below:

What a great way to start off our series. Perfect weather! Thanks so much to Birmingham Bicycle Company (BBC) and Scott USA for stepping up as our first sponsors for the series with some great SCHWAG and food.

We started with approximately 55 rides and finished with about 40 as various riders peeled off during different parts of the ride. We averaged around 19 mph for the ride. There were at least 10 riders missing because of the Cyclocross race Saturday night, so we are really happy with the start. We want to break 100 at some point of the year so keep spreading the word. Also on our website you can write comments about the ride, feel free..be nice:).

The food from Wendy at Dish’n It Out was a great way to replenish my lost carbs. We did a good job with that large of a group in double pace lines to help us continue to be safe and keep us rolling a constant effort. Remember the goal over the next few weeks is solid pace lining with no gaps in riders and solid consistent pace on all flats, uphills and downhills.

We still have a few riders accelerating on the hills and a few not pedaling through the downhills, but overall it was a much smoother start for this year’s BBL season.

This weekend’s ride will be led by Terry Duran, and it will be starting from the Irondale Starbucks but the ride will be missing several Tria rides. Our gracious sponsor Dan Taylor of Infinity Med-I-Spa has set us up a Fall mini camp at Lake Martin for us…NICE! With Brian planning several big rides I’m sure it will be like a death march.

Rest assured that I and the rest of the Tria team will be back next week!