The Radavist

Well, I was right. Dan is indeed working on the Red Hook Crit prize bike. This is, as he puts it, his most ostentatious work bike he’s ever ridden. So how did Dan win? Aside from the obvious, there was a nasty wreck in the opening lap. This wreck split the pack into two groups and Dave Trimble, the organizer of Red Hook Crit shared these thoughts with me:

“The starting grid…

The first lap of the 2011 Red Hook Criterium had a crash that split the field. Who caused the crash is up to debate on the internet but regardless I’m not surprised it happened. 85 riders fighting for a narrow roadway WILL crash. Disappointment and debate has risen out of this. The riders stuck behind the split all seem to agree that they should have been in front of the crash. WHY ME? they ask. What’s wrong with the format that caused ME to be stuck behind the race splitting crash. Jealously for the front row is easily brushed off because those guys earned spots by racing and placing in past Red Hook Crits. What has been suggested is a system to grid the second and third row. Flying qualifying laps? qualifying heat races? A qualifying race series? An application proving your worth? Smaller field?… None of these would solve the problem. There still has to be a third, fourth, and fifth row. A jumble of riders is still going to barrel into the first few corners and crash. There is nothing to prevent that.

In reality the system in place is the most fair. There’s a reason the second row was full of seasoned cyclocross and alleycat racers. They weren’t given those spots so how did they end up there? They knew from experience that the rush to get in line is half the battle in a race like this. Look at Alfred’s flying cyclocross running start. He didn’t get a call up. He isn’t asking for qualifiers. He lined up early and busted his balls to get ahead of the rift raft. Austin won the first lap prime starting on the second row. He didn’t have a call up. Hell I even saw a certain 5th place finisher sneak his way onto the front row. High level Cat 1’s and pro level track riders seem to imply they are immune to this selection and should be given a chance to show off their strong individual fitness and be awarded an advantageous starting spot.

In reality the scramble to the open grid spots is part of the race. No system can change that. My advice is to get a good warm up. Get to the front during the neutral lap. As soon as call ups are over with sprint to the open spots. If you are left in the back be ready to move up. Place in the top ten and get a call up at the next race.”

Consider this the epilogue for the Red Hook Crit 4. Thanks Dave!

Photo by Brian Vernor

Vernor’s been a busy man traveling around the country and I hear that now he’s in Austin. Before he rolled into the Lone Star state, he was in NYC at the Red Hook Crit 4 where he captured some amazing photographs. I really love Dan‘s PRO pain face! Check out more at Brian’s blog and his Flickr!

Photos by Nick Damiano

Nick Damiano’s coverage of the Red Hook Crit 4 is by far the most comprehensive to date. Check out his Tumblr, Urban Lookbook for page after page of pre-race, race and podium photos.

Photo by Takuya Sakamoto

Tak really captured the frigid and fast evening that was the Red Hook Crit 4. For some reason, black and white photos just fit this event. Check out more at New York Bike Dreams!

Photos via Cycling Captured

Anthony from Cycling Captured has some of the most extensive (and maybe best?) coverage up of the Red Hook Crit 4. Head over to check the rest out! I wish there were still cobbles at this year’s race. Might have made for some nasty wrecks!

Photo by Donal Rey

Big ups to Dan Chabanov for taking the Red Hook Crit for two years in a row. Neil Bezdek got 2nd and Al Barouh took third. From the looks of this photo on the Affinity blog, it was close at the finish! When’s an out-of-towner gonna finish in the top 3? My guess is never. Not as long as these powerhorses keep racing. 85 people showed up and over 250 spectators to watch these three battle it out. Thanks to Donal Rey for the photo!

Dan, enjoy that bike. I’m sure it’ll become your new work bike.

Photo by Takuya Sakamoto

As per a new city ordinance, the Red Hook Crit had to be moved to a new location. Say goodbye to the chicane that made the race hazardous to the pack and say hello to a well-lit, water-front raceway overlooking Manhattan. Man, those photos are going to look awesome!

Check out the new course here.

Photo by Ed Glazar

Ed Glazar, of Bike NYC the Book, shot some beautiful photos for the Red Hook Criterium. Included in the set are a few showing the trophy-fabrication process and the window display at EMS in SoHo. Check the full Flickr set out here!

Don’t forget, the Red Hook Crit is this Saturday!

Rider Registration: 133 Imlay St, Red Hook Brooklyn
Registration from 9:30pm-10:30pm
Mandatory Rider Meeting: 10:30pm
Map & Directions

Photo by Dave Trimble

With the Red Hook Crit mere days away, Cinelli has a list of potential victors up on their True Stories blog. Who’s gonna win? You know who I’m rooting for! Just kidding. I’m not telling you guys who my picks are!

This is awesome. Cinelli Italy made a limited-edition Vigorelli for the winner of the 2011 Red Hook Crit. It’s got a special commemorative RHC paint job and will go to the fastest man, or woman there. Check out more at Cinelli’s Facebook.

Since the average NY’r has never even been to Red Hook, Dave Trimble organized a group ride to the Red Hook Crit. Details are on the flier and at the Red Hook Crit site. Bummed I can’t make it out this year. It’s always a blast!

With the 4th annual Red Hook Crit approaching, the torrent of prizes have started to arrive at Dave Trimble’s office. He just received these very special prize helmets from Giro today. Each Atmos helmet has Red Hook Crit insignia, a glow in the dark map of Brooklyn and Campione del Mondo stripes on the crest. Pretty solid prizes for the top 5 racers!

Check out more photos below.

The Red Hook Crit is nigh and to ramp up to the race, Dave put up a pretty rad poster. This is all you need to get you there (will and strength not pictured). To help remember the pain you’ll endure, Dave teamed up with Gage & DeSoto to produce some tees. Check those out below.

Get your bikes ready NYC!

2011 Red Hook Criterium to be powered by Eastern Mountain Sports

Trimble Racing is proud to announce Eastern Mountain Sports as the presenting sponsor of the 4th annual Red Hook Criterium to be held on March 26th, 2011. “Each year has seen the race double the number of participants, spectators, and media coverage. The partnership with Eastern Mountain Sports will allow the race to continue growing while retaining the original atmosphere and appeal of the Red Hook Criterium,” says organizer David Trimble. This unsanctioned bicycle race is held on a short technical circuit in Red Hook, Brooklyn and has attracted semi-professional ‘roadies’, bike messengers, and urban cyclists. As in the past, track bikes are mandatory for all riders. The first person to cross the finish line at the completion of 20 laps will take home the famed cobblestone trophy. “This race is fast, dangerous and requires an equal combination of strength, bike handling skills, and bravery,” says Trimble.

Keeping with race tradition, the after party will immediately follow the race where the top finishers will be showered with champagne, prizes, and cash. “Eastern Mountain Sports is fully committed to supporting cycling every chance we get, so how can we say “no” to a race that starts at 11PM and showcases athletes racing track bikes over cobblestoned streets” says Eastern Mountain Sports Executive Vice President Ted Manning, “Coupled with our amplified focus on New York City this year, Red Hook Crit gives us a chance to not only openly support cycling, but to be a part of a unique New York-based event.”
Eastern Mountain Sports is at the top of a deep sponsor list that includes Cinelli,
La Colombe, Vici Velo, Brooklyn Brewery, Giro, 9th Street Cycles, Gage + Desoto, Teamscreen, Rapha, and Roo Design.

The race is held at night and starts at 11:00 pm sharp. More information at
www.redhookcrit.com

Here’s the first video from the 2010 Red Hook Crit Milano. Looks like a solid turnout. I even recognize some of my friend’s pedal stokes.

This photo of Al at the Red Hook Crit proves that sometimes you can get really cool shots from a LOMO. Solid!

Via Milano Fixed

Photo via Milano Fixed’s Flickr

It’s so awesome seeing your homies racing in Milano amongst other European riders. Solid photo from Milano Fixed of the Red Hook Crit Milano.

Photo by Francesco Rachello

Keeping with the nature of the Red Hook Crit, David Trimble wanted to find a secluded circuit in Milano for his race. Something with hair-pin turns that would be a challenge for racers at night. One of these turns promised excellent photographs, as evident in Francesco Rachello’s photos. Catching the riders leaning into a turn with such looks of concentration on their faces is priceless. Check the rest out here. I wish they were higher-res!