BJL Coaching Racer Recap--May 15 to May 31

Photo by: Poughquag Pops

May was indeed a busy month for the rassers!  Everyone continued to train hard and recover harder and their performances are evidence of their diligence.

This report begins on May 15.  You say May 15 is a Friday, though.  True, indeed, but it was also the date of the 4TH CCNS KERMIS P/B CCAP in Hartford, CT.  This is another unique crit race around Rentschler Stadium, and one that Paul L. didn't want to miss.  Check it out here.  Despite getting stuck in traffic and almost missing the start, Paul finished in the top third of the Cat 3 Field which included 70+ starters.  

On May 16, Kevin E. would buckle up the aero helmet again and line up for the Upper Freehold Time Trial.  This is a another great circuit course with some challenging turns and a few ups and downs.  Kevin cut through the wind and finished up 11th in the Cat 4/5 Men.  Again, his consistency has paid off in that after this event, he is now in the top 10 for the Cup with 6 races left on the calendar.  Frank S. also competed in the TT, but unfortunately missed a turn where a marshal had left their post for some reason.  He found his way back on course, and despite the 2 miles extra, was able to still come in faster than a few of his competitors.

The New Jersey State Mountain Bike Race would return to the wilds of Jungle Habitat in West Milford again this year.  Team Town Cycle organized this event on Sunday, May 17, and a nice group of BJL Coaching Athletes got their tech on for this fun event, which was also H2H Race #3.  Greg S. had his best placing of the year so far, taking 4th, just 50 seconds off the podium, in Cat 1 Masters Men 50+.  Brooke W. jumped up on the last step of the podium in Cat 1 Master Women 40+.  For the Cat 2s, Chris C. battled with a late race flat, but still took the VICTORY in Junior Men 15-18.  Rod M. scooped up some more points for the overall with a 9th place in Master Men 50+.  And Stef M. had as solid race over the rough course coming in 4th in Master Women 40+.

Many of the mountain bike racers would be resting and training on the next weekend, but Memorial Day brings some big crit racing to New Jersey.  Paul L. decided on Bound Brook on Sunday and the Grand Daddy of the crit races, Somerville on Monday.  His goal on Sunday was to get his legs moving and primed for Monday, and he did just that.  He finished with the main field in this fairly technical event.  On Monday, Paul was riding great in this national calendar event, when a reality of crit racing showed up...crash.  He was taken out with over half the race to go.  Unfortunately, his saddle broke, among other things on his bike, and couldn't take advantage of the free lap and get back in.  FORTUNATELY, Paul himself escaped rather unscathed and would live to fight another day, and he certainly did.  (Spoiler alert:  Paul WON the next race he entered in early June--update coming!)

The final weekend of May saw the local mountain bikers head north to Tymor Park for H2H Race #4.  A few of the BJL Coaching Athletes made their way up to LaGrangeville, NY, for this fun and challenging course.  Stef M. would have a good showing in her last race before shoulder surgery, scoring a 2nd place finish in Cat 2 Women 40+.  Rod M. scooped up a handful of points in 11th in a DEEP Cat 2 Master Men 50+.  And Chris C. kept up his winning ways, taking the victory in Cat 2 Men 15-18, and also posting the fastest Cat 2 time out of EVERYONE!

The temperatures and the racing has been heating up and the fun continued through June.

Until then,
Coach Brian

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