THE MONSTER AMONG US

By John McKee

All of you that are 60+ must remember the movies from the 50s and that genre science fiction. There were so many movies like "The Creature from the Black Lagoon", "The Beast from 20,000 Fathoms", etc. At the Cyclo Vets Omnium on April 3rd thru the 5th the riders could venture in 3 different discplines. Time trialing, road racing, and the criterium. Riders could do any of the 3 or all of them in an overall competition. In the first 2 races(time trialing and road racing) there is a man that is so much better than the rest of us that he is literally a "monster" among the rest of the competitors. Kenny Fuller is the current World Champion in the time trial and the National Champion in the road race in 60+. What chance do the rest of us racers have against that. Not much at all.
The 3 different types of races play to different strengths of the cyclists. Most racers excel at one or two of these races. It would be unusual that someone would be outstanding at all three although there are exceptions.

San Diego Cyclo-Vets Omnium
Margaret Nolan Time Trial Challenge

Lets talk about each day separately. The first day of the Cyclo Vets Omnium was Friday, April 3rd, 2009. The Cyclo Vets had almost exclusive use of Fiesta Island in San Diego for the morning only so the racing had to start at first light. Sunrise was 6:25 am and the first rider went off at 6:15 am. What I thought was kind of interesting is the oldest riders went off first. I would have thought you would want to send off the youngest masters racers in less than ideal conditions. There were 2 racers over 80 years old. One is a member of Paramount Racing. Link Lindquist couldn't answer a simple question on the Cyclo Vets application like what is your club/team. His competitor had the edge on Link because he was able to answer that question. After that though it was all Link Lindquist. He was a "monster" in 80+ and destroyed his rival by almost 5 minutes in the TT. A time of 25 + or 19.18 mph. Not bad I say!
In 75+ competition Dick Wagner of the host team won with a time of 23:58(20.53 mph). 70+ comp saw Louis Brooks also of the Cyclo Vets win with 22:25(21.95). 65+ was won by Richard Haase in 20:59(23:45 mph). Richard beat Vic Copeland by less than 1 second and Robert Llamas by 2. Close!
The SCNCA has recognized the 60+ category as worthy of the popular SCNCA points competition. The Omnium would rate at 2.0 for the overall competition. In 60+ action there were 13 competitors in the TT. The 60s often out number the 55s but not at the time trial. There were half as many 60s. The 55s smoked all other masters cats including the popular 45+. From what you have read so far it would come as no surprise that Kenny Fuller won this cat with ease. Riders went off in 30 second increments and Kenny was passing riders like lines in a road. Kenny's time was 18:32(26.55 mph). Kenny would have also won the 55+ cat by over 30 seconds. What can you say but that's what you would expect from the World Champion.
The second place finisher Paul Springer got off to a rocky start because of a bad hold but came on strong for a good showing. The podium was rounded out by William Langstaff in his specialty event. The complete list of competitors was:

San Diego Cyclo-Vets Omnium
April 3, 2009
RESULT: Margaret Nolan Time Trial Challenge
Men 60+

Average Speed of Winner 26.55 MPH
Pl Bib Name Team Time Behind
1 810 Fuller, Kenny Simple Green 18:32.69 @ 0.00
2 806 Springer, Paul Citrus Valley Velo 19:17.43 @ 44.74
3 811 langstaff, william Cycles Veloce 19:44.60 @ 1:11.91
4 808 Steele, Bruce Southbay Wheelmen 19:46.26 @ 1:13.57
5 801 Rubcic, John UCCyclery/JWFlooring 20:16.42 @ 1:43.73
6 804 McKee, John Paramount Racing 20:38.87 @ 2:06.18
7 812 Weaver, Ben San Diego Cyclo-Vets 20:41.84 @ 2:09.15
8 822 Maciel, Benjamin Health Net /Citrus Valley Velo 20:46.63 @ 2:13.94
9 809 Ring, James Acqua Al 2/SDBC 22:32.33 @ 3:59.64
10 807 Gomez, Vicente Simple Green 22:44.78 @ 4:12.09
11 803 FORTE, DOMENICK PAA/REMAX 22:54.30 @ 4:21.61
12 813 Kimper, Donald Aqua al 2 SDBC 23:14.56 @ 4:41.87
13 805 Springer, Roger San Diego Cyclo Vets 24:06.20 @ 5:33.51

A few last notes about the time trial. It was very challenging getting ready in complete darkness. Getting the bike and yourself ready was very difficult. Again I think that the YOUNGEST RIDERS SHOULD GO FIRST. They can see better and would more likely have to get to a job vs the more senior racers. You can't say the younger fields are larger anymore with the 55s having the largest field of them all!

San Diego Cyclo-Vets Omnium
The Golden Acorn Road Race

The weather was going to be a major factor in the road race which was on the difficult Boulevard course. The popular Buckman Springs course can't be used any more because of local disfavor.
The 60+ field and all the older categories were to go off at 8 am. Driving to the course saw temperatures as low as 31 degrees. At the casino parking lot which was the staging area the temp rose to 41 degrees but there was a pretty good wind and the wind chill factor would come into play. When the race decended toward the Mexican border the temp would surely fall.
Everyone was dressed as warm as possible and went off a little after 8 am. The 60s and the 65s were to do 2 laps while the older cats would do just one which was enough in these conditions. I believe the course is 22.5 miles and gains 2000 ft. per lap. The 65+ cat was the SCNCA championship. The race took off from the casino parking lot and the first hill out on the course and I was struggling and couldn't figure out what was wrong. Was it me or my bike. When the older guys started streaming by me I knew it couldn't be right. Lol. I stopped and figured out that I had put the rear wheel in incorrectly and didn't tighten the skewer down enough and had wheel rub. I struggled with the wheel and decided to bag it and ride back to the start.
This year unlike prior years saw the race break up on the first lap with riders going solo or riding in small groups. Kenny Fuller broke free and decided to tt it to the finish and I doubt few figured he couldn't do it. Of course he was able to finish 3 minutes free of the next finisher. Peter Kerklaan racing on a Candian license was second. Peter was on the podium at Redlands and had another fine finish. Seems like when you a new racer in 60+ that you should have to pay your dues before you start to podium but Peter says no way. His ability is real although he didn't do the TT or criterium so the road race must be his strong suit. James Morehouse another unknown racer placed 3rd. Boulevard is a climbers course for sure unlike Buckman Springs which had a moderate amount of climbing and a flat finish. The 65+ winner and SCNCA champ was Cyclo Vets own Gary DeVoss. The 70+ winner was Kurt Steiner who was racing unattached.
75+ winner was Cyclo Vets own Dick Wagner. Paramount's Link Lindquist smoked the 80+ field.
Complete 60+ results were:

San Diego Cyclo-Vets Omnium
April 4, 2009
The Golden Acorn Road Race
Men 60+

Average Speed of Winner 19.72 MPH
Pl Bib Name Team Time Behind
1 810 Fuller, Kenny Simple Green 2:16:57 @ 0
2 817 Kerklaan, Peter South Delta Riders 2:19:57 @ 3:00
3 819 Morehouse, James McGhie's High Rollers 2:20:02 @ 3:05
4 818 louis villiot, jean capools racing 2:20:06 @ 3:09
5 822 Maciel, Benjamin Health Net /Citrus Valley Velo 2:20:21 @ 3:24
6 801 Rubcic, John UCCyclery/JWFlooring 2:24:21 @ 7:24
7 806 Springer, Paul Citrus Valley Velo 2:26:44 @ 9:47
8 808 Steele, Bruce SBW 2:26:46 @ 9:49
9 816 Crystal, Mike CA Pools Racing 2:34:06 @ 17:09
10 805 Springer, Roger San Diego Cyclo Vets 2:39:59 @ 23:02
11 813 Kimper, Donald Aqua al 2 SDBC 2:41:28 @ 24:31
12 821 Stephens, Loren Edge Racing 2:43:55 @ 26:58
13 811 langstaff, william Cycles Veloce 2:44:08 @ 27:11
14 820 Richards, Dennis San Diego Cyclo-Vets 2:46:47 @ 29:50
15 809 Ring, James Acqua Al 2/SDBC 2:47:07 @ 30:10
16 807 Gomez, Vicente Simple Green 2:50:46 @ 33:49
17 803 FORTE, DOMENICK PAA/REMAX 2:59:02 @ 42:05

San Diego Cyclo-Vets Omnium
The Huennekens Criterium

The 60+ and older cats were to start at 7 am on Sunday April 5th and race for 35 minutes. The temperatures in Mira Mesa were mild and there was no wind. Good conditions for a race. The course itself was pretty rough and the bike took a little pounding rolling around it. The 65+ cat was again the SCNCA championship. The race started off with Kenny Fuller rocketing out along the outside. John Rubcic pre race plan was to mark Kenny. John took off after Kenny and everyone else that could followed. The line up was single file and this proved to be decisive later on. Kenny pulled the plug when he saw he was pulling everyone around the course. Kenny kept attacking the field and John (Rocket Boy) was right on him. The single file thing proved decisive as the 6th person in the line up gave out. He had a tough day in the road race the prior day and hurting. 5 riders pulled away and I waited just a bit too long to make a move around and couldn't come across the gap. The 5 riders were Kenny, Rocket Boy, Paul Springer, Bruce Steele and Ben Macial. Top riders but they couldn't get themselves to work together and myself and other riders were able to pull them back. Minor primes were available and a few $25 primes. Kenny attacked again on a prime lap and John Rubcic, his shadow went with him. They came to the line and I heard there was some door closing but John squeezed through for the prime and the 2 of them escaped. There was enough fire power to bring them back but the field was disorganized. I made a play at the twosome and got with 40 to 50 meters before I decided to share the wealth but no one else was able or willing to close them out. The laps to go were going down quickly and I don't think anyone wanted to expend too much energy.
Kenny Fuller was taking most of the pulls and didn't have to sweat the outcome to win the overall title. John Rubcic sprinted to the line in a serious mode while Kenny rode across in second place in the criterium upright with his hands up(Picture inserted at the start of the write up). John is one of the best criterium racers in the country and I know that from experience. The remainder of the field was together except for the older riders. They were all over the course. Link was getting lapped quite often but he is 82 so we cut him some lack. While Kenny and John were nearing the finish line the peleton was heating up on the back stretch. Roger Springer of the Cyclo Vets decided to lead out the group. 3rd place was up for grabs but most important was the 65+ SCNCA Championship. Coming around the corner Mario Seri and Bruce Steele were leading with myself and Paul Springer close behind. Gary DeVoss was on the inside keeping his eye on Mario. Gary and Mario were 65+. Rounding the corner Mario hestitated and stopped pedaling for a moment and threw me way off. I should have gone around him to his left but stayed behind looking to cherry pick at the end. Loren Stephens went way wide and had a clear unobstructed lane. Loren took it to the line for 3rd place. Mario recovered and made it to the line in 1st for 65 + with Gary not far behind. Bruce Steele was the next 60+ rider with Springer and myself close but Paul had the edge at the end. The complete results were:

San Diego Cyclo-Vets Omnium
April 5, 2009
The Huennekens Criterium
Men 60+
40.37 Km/H
Average Speed of Winner 25.09 MPH
Pl Bib Name Team Time Behind
1 801 Rubcic, John UCCyclery/JWFlooring 33:29 @ 0
2 810 Fuller, Kenny Simple Green 33:31 @ 2
3 821 Stephens, Loren Edge Racing 33:44 @ 15
4 808 Steele, Bruce Southbay Wheelmen " "
5 806 Springer, Paul Citrus Valley Velo " "
6 804 McKee, John Paramount Racing " "
7 813 Kimper, Donald Aqua al 2 SDBC " "
8 822 Maciel, Benjamin Health Net /Citrus Valley Velo " "
9 812 Weaver, Ben San Diego Cyclo-Vets " "
10 803 FORTE, DOMENICK PAA/REMAX " "
11 807 Gomez, Vicente Simple Green " "
12 816 Crystal, Mike CA Pools Racing " "
13 809 Ring, James Acqua Al 2/SDBC " "
14 805 Springer, Roger San Diego Cyclo Vets 33:49 @ 20
15 820 Richards, Dennis San Diego Cyclo-Vets 35:22 @ 1:53
16 823 O'Conner, Michael @1 LAP

The Cyclo Vets put on another great event. Nice going! The overall winner of the 60+ omnium was Kenny Fuller with John Rubcic overtaking Paul Springer for 2nd. Paul finished 3rd overall.
Nice job by these 3 fine riders. Kudos to riders that did ALL THREE DAYS! Winning and placing is great but to be able to race at this level at this age is remarkable.The complete overall results in 60+ were:

San Diego Cyclo-Vets Omnium
April 3-5, 2009
Overall Omnium Points - Men 60+

PL NUMBER NAME---TEAM--TT RR CRIT SP1 SP2 TOT
1 810 Fuller, Kenny Simple Green 26 30 23 0 0 79
2 801 Rubcic, John UCCyclery/JWFlooring 15 16 27 0 0 58
3 806 Springer, Paul Citrus Valley Velo 22 14 15 0 0 51
4 808 Steele, Bruce Southbay Wheelmen 17 13 17 0 0 47
5 822 Maciel, Benjamin Health Net /Citrus V 9 18 11 0 0 38
6 821 Stephens, Loren Edge Racing 0 9 20 0 0 29
7 811 langstaff, william Cycles Veloce 19 8 0 0 0 27
8 813 Kimper, Donald Aqua al 2 SDBC 5 10 12 0 0 27
9 817 Kerklaan, Peter South Delta Riders 0 26 0 0 0 26
10 804 McKee, John Paramount Racing 13 0 13 0 0 26
11 819 Morehouse, James McGhie's High Roller 0 23 0 0 0 23
12 812 Weaver, Ben San Diego Cyclo-Vets 11 0 10 0 0 21
13 818 louis villiot, jean capools racing 0 20 0 0 0 20
14 809 Ring, James Acqua Al 2/SDBC 8 6 6 0 0 20
15 807 Gomez, Vicente Simple Green 7 5 8 0 0 20
16 805 Springer, Roger San Diego Cyclo Vets 4 11 5 0 0 20
17 816 Crystal, Mike CA Pools Racing 0 12 7 0 0 19
18 803 FORTE, DOMENICK PAA/REMAX 6 4 9 0 0 19
19 820 Richards, Dennis San Diego Cyclo-Vets 0 7 4 0 0 11
20 823 O'Conner, Michael 0 0 3 0 0 3