Uncharacteristically beautiful weather welcomed racers at the 2015 ALS Road Race Series in Perry, KS. The event was co-sponsored by the Lanterne Rouge Racing Team and by Big D Cycling.
The first event in the series was cancelled due to the typical weather associated with this race series, but it was nothing but mild temperatures and blue skies for the final two events in the series.
Many of our new 2015 team members competed at this event, showing good promise for the season. Lisa Doane showed true grit by completing the first race in the series, which included four arduous climbs to the finish.
Jay Raupp placed third in the series in his age group (the very competitive 60+ age group), with this being the first time he has been on a competitive cycling team. Donavon Hottman and Bill Wells showed good early season form, placing second and third, respectively, in the 65+ age group.
Jay Raupp, with Roger Harrison, accepting his bronze medal!
Cody Jones, new to the team and competitive cycling, won the first race in the series in Category 5. His strong showing in the second race of the series sealed his first place finish overall in Category 5.
Cody Jones showed almost too much enthusiasm with his first place finish, almost getting nipped at the line!
Another highlight in the series was Greg Vaught earning his first road win in Masters 50+. Vaught was close in points with another competitor in his category going into the final race in the series. He needed a victory to be certain of securing first overall in the series. He would not be denied. On the final hill climb, he went off road, utilizing his cyclocross skills, to get by his competitors and break away for his first win, securing his first place overall in the series, as well.
Greg Vaught practices putting his hands up in victory on training rides, but he did not have any energy left as he approached the finish line! One of the drawbacks of getting old …
Joe Kleidosty placed fourth in the first Category 3/4 race of the series, so he needed to have another higher placement in the last race to ensure a podium finish for the series. The field increased for the final race, so another strong showing would not be easy. With an extra lap for the final race, seven hill climbs were required. Kleidosty was certainly glad he allowed himself to go cross-eyed during the training ride to Bartlett Lake at the team training camp in Scottsdale, AZ, in February. Cross-eyed he went as he crossed the line for his first road win in 2015 ~ it’s good to go into the pain cave whilst training. The win also secured first overall in Cat 3/4 for the series.
Kleidosty approaching the finish line, with a “Slow” sign in the foreground – is this some type of subliminal message??
Nigel Vaught continued his winning ways, getting first in his age group for the series. Once again, Nigel benefited by having the junior race fees sponsored by our title sponsor, Keen Wealth Advisors.
In addition to all of these podium finishes, the race series also had a King of the Mountain competition. Michael Fiola, Greg Vaught, Donavon Hottman, Nigel Vaught, Cody Jones and Chip Zimmer all won a KOM t-shirt for winning the KOM competition in their respective category or age group!
Joe Rehm, new to our team, competed in his first competitive road race at this event in Category 5. Unfortunately, on the final climb, another racer tangled up with Shane Jones, causing Rehm to crash and shatter his helmet. He received a pretty nasty concussion, as a result. Rehm lives in Wyandotte County and showed he is Dotte Tough, getting back on his bike and finishing the race! He is still recovering, but is looking forward to his next event. Rehm has a nasty addiction with buying and selling bikes, recently purchasing a time trial bike that he plans to keep for a while. I think you’ll be seeing him at the time trials this season ~ less chance of getting tangled up with other cyclists!
People have witnessed him fly over cyclocross obstacles with the grace of an impala (The impala are known for their significant leaping ability, reaching heights up to 3 m (9.8 ft).
Aldeguer has a power-to-weight ratio that is pushing into the World Class category, per Bicycling magazine, utilizing compression socks to increase oxygen delivery and minimize muscle fatigue in his powerful legs. Reference*: http://www.bicycling.com/training-nutrition/training-fitness/trainingpeaks-power-profiles-cyclists
He has even been known to whisper to birds in his neighborhood, whilst wearing Angry Birds pajamas, a bird whisperer of sorts.
Tim Herre, the one not in pajamas, placed 3rd in Cat 3 at the Missouri State Cyclocross Championships. Paul Aldeguer, displaying Angry Bird pajamas.
On December 13, Aldeguer put his power on display for all to see in Parkville, MO, at the Missouri State Cyclocross Championships. He decided to double up races. After placing 3rd in the Masters 45+ category, he competed in the Cat 3 race. Halfway into the first lap, he snapped his carbon handlebar whilst transferring power into his pedals. He crashed, but still managed to place a respectable 15th in that race (with broken bars). Even more impressive, he also grabbed a dollar handup from a guy with a fishing pole (with broken bars).
Legendary, but always modest, Paul Aldeguer is one of the many reasons why Big D Cycling is the best team in Kansas!
Aldeguer thanks Chamois Butt’r for its sponsorship of Big D Cycling, allowing him to comfortably compete in two races on the same day.
Big D Cycling and our good friend Roger Harrison put on the last race of the KBCXR series, Veterans Cycle Cross, on November 9, 2014, on the pristine grounds of the V.A. Hospital in Leavenworth, Kansas. A combination of the great weather and the “Tent City” created a very festive mood among the 137 registered racers and fans alike. A number of riders commented that the “vibe” was the best of the year for the area’s races.
Being the KBCXR series finale and worth 1.5x points, there was some extra incentive for the racers. The recent dry weather took a little bite from the course, making it a very fast track. There were even some grumblings referring to the course as a “superhighway” before the race. Once the racers competed on the course, they felt like there was a good rhythm to the Leavenworth course and were overwhelmingly positive.
Master’s Races
The old guys started off the festivities. In the 40+ field, Paul “Sox” Aldeguer persevered through a racing incident in the first turn to finish in third place. This caps off a very strong KBCXR series season with an impressive second place in the strong Master’s 40+ category. Paul has been a strong cross rider for a number of years, but he took a serious jump to the pointy end of the 40+ field this season.
The older guys (50+) took off 15 to 20 seconds behind the old guys. This field contained the powerhouse contingent of Greg “Sly” Vaught, Paul “Fanch” Fancher, Chip “CZ” Zimmer and Jim “Clev” Clevenger. Clev was leading the KBCXR series by a slim margin. It was easy; he just had to win the race to win the KBCXR series. Whether if it was his lack of mental toughness or his lack of ability, he was once again defeated by his friendly nemesis, Steve Songer of 360 Racing. Clev and Fanch forced their way through most of the 40+ field for a second place and third place finish, respectively. Sly showed that he is finally healing up from a rib injury, finishing a solid 6th place. CZ, battling fatigue from a brutal international business trip, finished 9th. The oldest rider to exist on this planet, Frank “Q” Quinlan, had a mechanical and unfortunately did not finish in the 65+ field.
Women’s Cat. 4 Race
Amy VanNieuwenhuyse continued to progress on her cyclocross journey with a solid 3rd place finish in Leavenworth. Her strong engine combined with her increasing comfort with this style of racing also earned her a 3rd place in KBCXR series. We are proud of you Amy!
Cat. 4 Race
The highlight of the day for Big D Cycling was the men’s category 4 race, featuring our own Leo “Metro” Simbaqueva, Stephen “Whales” Whalen and Steve “Hands” VanNieuwenhuyse. “Hands” used his devastatingly fast start, honed at Big D’s weekly practice, to distance his rivals from the beginning.
Steve VanNieuwenhuyse off to a fast start, never giving up first place. It must have been the extra hour of preparation, since Steve forgot about the time change!
Earlier in the season, Hands had trouble maintaining his race position through the entirety of the race. He obviously has learned much in his maiden season as he kept the pressure on lap after lap until his competitors were pummeled into submission. Normally a calm and subdued character, Hands could barely contain his joy of his first cycling victory, seemingly bouncing all over the race venue. General consensus is that it may be his first victory but not his last.
The battle of two other Big D heroes was not quite epic, but fun to watch nonetheless. Whales got off to a quick start, gapping Leo. Some fans were wondering if Leo was applying some last minute hair products and cologne, which delayed his start because he looked and smelled…marvelous! Whales applied early race power, sensing weakness (possibly blood in the water?) with his amazingly groomed teammate/rival. The early race gap was 10 seconds. Was it enough? Leo picked up the pace and plowed through the back half of the field. Whales probably sensed, if not smelled, Leo coming. The pressure and effort was evident on his face as he strained to hold his gap. Leo was gaining 3 – 4 seconds a lap and then made the pass! No one, other than the combatants themselves, will know if words of encouragement or profanity were exchanged between the two but, either way, surely respect was earned and shared. Leo “Metro” Simbaqueva continued to add to his lead until the finish, proving that superior grooming and tenacious riding are not mutually exclusive.
Category 3 Race
Often the category 3 is a separate race, but at Veterans Cycle Cross the field was category 1/2/3. This meant that our own Tim Herre was playing with the big boys. He did not disappoint! Tim used his trademark power, not to mention his brand new, out-of-the-box Giro shoes with camo graphics. It needs to be mentioned that Tim is the Imelda Marcos of cycling. He must have a room in his house simply devoted to his collection of cycling shoes, and most are very vibrant in color. In some circles, this has earned him the nickname of “Shoes”.
Hey Tim Herre, those sure are pretty socks to match the shoes!
Tim and his shoes set a relentless pace that earned him an impressive 8th place in the field and first place in the category 3 field. Shoes ended up in second place in the KBCXR for the Cat. 3. The day’s effort moved him up a spot, and he was only 2.5 points off of first place. Tim served notice to the Big Boys that he will be a force to contend with.
Mountain Bike Only Race
Although the Mountain Bike category may not have had the intensity of some of the other races, it did not lack in entertainment value. Seven racers toed the start line ~ Greg “Sly” Vaught, two junior racers, two masters racers, a Whale and a Bat Chick. That is not a typo. There was a fully grown man/woman in the Whale Spout Car Wash mascot costume and a woman in a Bat Girl costume.
Sly avoided near catastrophe as one of the juniors cut him off and rubbed some paint during the starting sprint. He gathered himself to take the lead that he would never relinquish early in the first lap. He had to work a little harder than he wanted to, but finally put away one of the pesky youngsters. Sly looked strong, being his second race of the day.
Greg Vaught had to see a chiropractor after lifting his mountain bike over this obstacle.
Apparently, the whale costume was not constructed with cyclocross in mind. Bat Chick had to scream instructions to The Whale. Actually, screaming might not adequately relay what she was doing…she was “SCREAMING” instructions to the visually challenged whale.
Bat Chick barking orders to the androgynous Whale.
The comedic value was high through the entire race, including a near racing incident when The Whale, with the help from Bat Chick, tried to put a fin on Sly as he lapped them.
As race officials were looking to question The Whale about the incident, he/she quietly retreated to the Big D Cycling trailer never to be seen again. Who was in the outfit? When will The Whale race again? Is it a he or a she?
The androgynous Whale doing calisthenics prior to the mountain bike race.
Single Speed Race
Nick Comiskey has recently been given the nickname of the “Comet”, but his profession cries out for such nicknames as “Pastor of Disaster”, “Minister of Pain” or “Preacher Creature” with the tag line of “Religion is his profession but dealing out pain is his hobby” or “Crushing souls on Saturday but saving souls on Sunday.” This season he has just simply outclassed the category 4 field. New to cross this season, Nick hopped on the bike and was instantly quick. He has the talent, desire and a wicked competitive streak that lies beneath the nice guy exterior.
At the Veterans Cycle Cross single speed race, he definitely opened the eyes of some of the area’s top riders. This was his first single speed race, maybe even his first time on single speed bike. He bridged up to a three-man pack of category 1 riders on the second lap. First they spit out Joe Fox, and then dispensed of Britton Kusiak. Damn dude, those are some serious scalps! He was running a solid second and was assured of a podium finish when a mechanical knocked him back to 4th place. Congrats Comet!
Tim “Shoes” Herre took a 7th place in the single speed event. A fine showing, especially considering he raced two races the night before and it was his second race of the day. Shoes and the Comet will be a forceful tandem in the category 3 field, possibly even the category 1/2 field next season. You have been warned!!!
Thanks Roger!
Bike racing can’t exist without race promoters like Roger Harrison and racing teams like Big D Cycling putting on the races. The cyclocross riders salute all those who volunteered! For those that are cross-curious, it is a very welcoming scene with most everyone helpful and supportive. Come out and enjoy our great sport…”Cyclocross: Where The Whale doesn’t even bite!”
Special thanks to Randy Braley for the photos in this article.
A glorious day produced a very good start to the “real” season at the Buffalo Bill CX in Leavenworth, KS on September 21 for Big D Cycling sponsored by Keen Wealth Advisors with 6 podium finishers! The course favored those who could climb and didn’t mind letting it go on the downhills, as this course either went up or went down. Not a technically demanding course but it certainly challenged the rider physically.
Amy VanNieuwenhuyse simply rocked in her maiden cross race! A scant three weeks ago she wore a “scared face” to our first practice. On Sunday, she not only completed her first cross race, she did it with a very impressive 2nd place. She looked controlled and kept the power to the pedals. Who knows what she can accomplish with some real cyclocross tires (this is a not so subtle hint to her husband/mechanic)?
Steve VanNieuwenhuyse, known to the Big D Crossers as “Hands” for habit of placing his hands on other riders in tight quarters, rode to a solid 5th place in a Cat. 5 field that included two riders that should be Cat. 3’s if not Cat. 2’s. Steve has been a super quick learner. His superior handling skills, tidy barrier work and his aggressive style will have him placing well in the 40+ category starting this weekend.
Tim Herre must have been super excited about the start of the season because he raced twice! In the single-speed battle, he placed very impressive 2nd place and followed it up with a 6th in the Cat.3’s after recently upgrading. Congrats Tim your fitness is paying dividends!
LP negotiates the barriers in his trademark style
And the old dudes represented Big D Cycling and Keen Wealth Advisors in solid fashion! Lead by youngster Paul “Sox” Aldegeur with a 2nd in the 40+ field. His road fitness certainly was on display on Sunday! The 50+ field had three Greenback riders with Jim Clevenger in 2nd, Greg “Sly” Vaught in 6th and Chip “CZ” Zimmer in 9th. Sly suffered with a shifting problem, but stayed tough. CZ had a strong showing after suffering from a battle with an Achilles problem for a year. Like Hands, he has been a quick learner with strong overall fitness and solid handling skills.
Bill Jennings and Frank “Q” Quinlan our 65+ studs, pocketed 2nd and 3rd places respectively. Q did a solid job but needed some different gearing to better negotiate the hills of Leavenworth. These two super-masters are looking to have a great CX season.
Special thanks as always to Roger Harrison of Lanterne Rouge for providing the photo for this post. See more images from Buffalo Bill ‘Cross here.
The 2014 KBAR competition was filled with highs and lows for the Big D Cycling team. The good definitely outweighed the bad, though, with the Men’s Master team securing first place in the 2014 KBAT competition.
Masters Men participants at the Cathedral Criterium races – participation at this final KBAR weekend secured the KBAT title for Big D Cycling.
Prior to the start of the KBAR series, Jim Clevenger took a serious spill at one of the Spring Fling criterium races in Lawrence. Bill Smith was able to capture first place in his category in that race series, while Jim was subsequently able to work his way back to good form to contribute to the KBAT competition efforts ~ an example of the good outweighing the bad.
Dan Ruettimann crashed near the finish of the Salina Road Race in May, along with Greg Vaught, but they were both able to get back on their bikes (Dan with a broken ankle) to finish the race, earning Keen Wealth points for the team. Big D Cycling came close to capturing the 2014 Keen Wealth Cup with a solid 2nd place finish, less than 200 points out of 1st place.
Nigel Vaught and Peter Whalen participated in several road race events in 2014, showing good promise in the Juniors division. Nigel earned 1st place in his Juniors Male 9-14 KBAR category and developed well as a racer throughout the season. It will be exciting to see how our junior racers progress over the years.
Another exciting thing to watch was the great teamwork on display in the Masters Men 65+ category. Donavon Hottman and Bill Wells worked well with Frank Quinlan in the last several races to help Quinlan secure 3rd place in his respective KBAR category. Bill Mason showed great strength and resolve in competing at the Walnut Time Trial in June, as well ~ he is a true inspiration to our team in 2014.
Donavon Hottman, Frank Quinlan and Bill Wells fill the Masters Men 65+ podium at the Cathedral Criterium races.
We were sorry to see Josie Measures skip across the pond back to England, but it was a pleasure to watch Amy VanNieuwenhuyse progress as a competitive cyclist, where she secured 2nd place in the Masters Women 40-49 category.
We also saw Paul Fancher complete his first full Dirty Kanza, whilst Tim Herre kicked up enough dust to improve his time handily from his 2013 accomplishment.
In all, we had eight racers podium in the 2014 KBAR Competition: Nigel Vaught, 1st place – Juniors Male 9-14; Amy VanNieuwenhuyse, 2nd place – Masters Women 40-49; Roberta Dierks, 3rd place – Masters Women 60+; Joe Kleidosty, 2nd place – Masters Men 40-49; Jim Clevenger, 2nd place – Masters Men 50-59; Greg Vaught, 3rd place – Masters Men 50-59; Donavon Hottman, 2nd place – Masters Men 65+; and Frank Quinlan, 3rd place – Masters Men 65+. In many instances, it took team efforts to secure these results, showing the great breadth of talent we have in Big D Cycling.
Alas, autumn is here, as temperatures will continue to drop and leaves will start to change colors and fall to the ground ~ cyclocross season is here! Stay tuned for occasional posts to detail Big D Cycling’s cyclocross exploits, led by Jim Clevenger.
Many thanks to our title sponsor Keen Wealth Advisors. They are not only a generous sponsor to our team, but they are also instrumental in keeping Juniors race fees low, encouraging more young racers to experience different cycling disciplines.
Thanks to Dan Ruettimann Photography for the group photo taken during the Cathedral Criterium races (above) and for also taking pictures of our team at various events throughout the season.
Official Website of the Big D Cycling Team Presented by Keen Wealth Advisors
