Seth Haskell (Cat 3) Starting the Season out Strong: Podium Finish at Charge Pond

Seth Haskell (Cat 3) raced charge pond this past weekend ang got the first podium finish for the 2010 season for the team.  The wind and cold did not stop him from laying down the hurt on the others in the field finishing strong and taking 3^rd. 

Great Job Seth.

Race report Provided by: Seth Haskell (Cat 3)

I like to think that when the temperature drops below that comfort zone I have established, or someone suggests a ride on one of the back roads of Maine, I adopt the same attitude that the Belgian "hardmen" of the pro ranks have, and head out for the adventure, laughing at the road conditions and weather.

That's what I like to THINK...but in reality, it's not always the case.....

On Saturday the 27th, I found myself huddled in my Pontiac Vibe with the heat on full power, desperately yanking on another pair of socks in a futile attempt to keep my toes warm, then frantically applying embrocation to spots I believe they recommend right on the tube to avoid. Under my breath I swore at the winds for winding so hard, at the sun for sunning so weak, and a bit at myself for deciding to race in Plymouth, Mass, rather than further south. At this point, I would have driven an addition 5 hours to get another 5 degrees on the thermometer. Before I pull on my gloves, I check my new HTC droid's weather AP one last time, hoping for a new number.

28 degrees, 10:10 am. Lineup for the B race is called.

At least, I think to myself, everyone is cold, and not just me.

Cold races mean if you are up front, taking a pull, you are not only loosing fuel, but edging closer to hypothermia faster than those behind you. At some point, however, instinct kicks in, or desperation, and the thought process of "alright, let's get this over with" forces you out front. Of course, Charge Pond Training Races are timed at an hour, so no matter how fast you go, you are out there for an hour. Extreme exposure to below freezing temperatures can cloud the though process too, I believe...

The format of the race is a tight circuit, so close to a criterium, that one might morph the words together and come up with a circuiterium, or something clever..there was no climbs to speak of, a few little rollers that helped sort the pack out as the race progressed, and a fast fun downhill left turn leading into the last 200 meters that tested your skills to time your sprint without hitting your inside pedal on the ground. The road is closed to traffic, and the pavement is nice. A few potholes here and there, but all easily visible and avoidable. The field was a modest 15 - 20, great group of riders and excellent organization by the officials. Great spot, great people, great race. Cold weather.