Philly Phlyer Weekend

Carnegie Mellon University was represented by four racers at the Philly Phlyer collegiate race weekend. Ben, Dan, Travis and Chris loaded up their bikes and drove out to Travis's house in NJ Friday afternoon.

Saturday morning came early, and after munching on some bagels and fruit salad, the guys headed for Fairmount Park near downtown Philadelphia. The race has been held here for at least the past 2 years (the longest any of the guys has been in the club), so they knew the routine.

The only race for Saturday was a road race, consisting of a 6-mile loop featuring a long flat riverside drag, a gradual climb about half way through, and a short punchy climb right before the finishing circuit. Travis and Chris were first to go, both racing in the Men's D Division 2 field, which would do 2 laps. The pair looked good during the first lap, staying with the front group. By the time the 2nd lap came around the field had splintered and they came home in mid-pack. This was Travis's first race as a D racer.

Next was Ben in the Men's C race. The two divisions were combined, making for a 71-man field, all of whom would do 3 laps of the circuit.  After a very animated race, Ben emerged in good position after the final hill, shot off the front and sprinted for the line. Not known for his sprinting ability, he was caught at the line and finished 2nd by a wheel-length. Still, this was one of his best results ever.

Dan was next to contest the Men's B race (his first). The Men's B field did 4 laps, but did not seem as animated as the C field.  Dan held on for a solid pack finish.

The four guys spent the rest of the day eating, resting and catching up on some homework (and watching movies).  Sunday morning meant the first Team Time Trial of the year for the club.  All four of the guys lined up in the Men's B TTT and headed out for a rainy 8 miles of pain!  After a very akward start and a little yelling, it came together.  Slowly, Chris and Travis peeled off leaving Ben and Dan to finish the race (time goes by 2nd wheel).  Dan ended up pulling Ben around the course and the two finished a respectable 7th out of 12 teams in Men's B.

Finally... "The" Philly Phlyer.  A oval-like crit around Fairmont Park.  It was still raining during the Men's D race.  Chris and Travis again held their ground and finished mid-pack.  By Ben's race, it looked like the rain would stop and the sun would come out... and it did... right after he finished at the back of the pack.  Dan had the best crit of the group.  He sat on like a good crit racer and at the final lap gave it a go and pulled off the front.  We watched him cruise the back stretch, but then when the pack rounded the final corner he had fallen backwards.  Still, he finished strong and survived to fight another day!

Next race will be a local race, Mingo Creek, on Sunday.  The next collegiate race will be the Penn State Conference Championships first week of May.