Season Opener at the Abandoned Airfield ✈️
Tuesday night racing at Floyd Bennet Field is back and the To Be Determined squad came out in full force. This race series has been through a roller coaster of emotions this year, and if you want to catch up on the dedication it took to maintain these special nights, we recommend reading our recent article on Preserving A 30-Year Legacy of Brooklyn Bike Racing at FBF and considering a donation to the GoFundMe page.
This evening was nothing short of perfect for the squad as beautiful weather for the season opener was a prelude to the team taking home three wins: Leah in the W1/2/3, Baker in the M3/4, and Emily in the W4.
Baker’s Race Report: 1st Place Men’s 3/4
The stoke was high as 5pm hit in the West Village. I entered my last meeting and watched as the clock ran over our allotted time. I hit the chat with “sorry, running late for my next one” and proceeded to search for an e-bike. I pedaled frantically over the Williamsburg Bridge, only to be met with a loud POP as my Citi bike tire deflated (luckily this was on the descent and I rode that rim all the way to Willy B). I managed to make it home, where Ben was waiting for me at my front door. I frantically slapped on my skin suit and we embarked on our journey to the season opener at Floyd Bennet Field.
Check-in at the race was a chaotic affair, scrambling to pin on our numbers while the women’s race was in full swing. 6 minutes ’till lights out. The scene was giving grungy DIY road race with a flare of fierce competition. Despite the laid-back atmosphere, the field looked legit and I geared up for my first FBF outing. I spotted Rod and Alex, who were busy with some last-minute tinkering as race organizer Tom called the racers to the line.
Photos by Steph Mangan
The sun was setting, creating an unreal ambiance. As the pedals started turning, I repeated Alex’s advice of practicing patience. My goal was to stick close to him, follow trustworthy wheels, and let breaks be. As the race progressed, the field thinned due to flats and mechanicals of all shapes and sorts. Once I got used to constant gravel getting kicked up into my 100%’s, I started getting the hang of FBF. Alex continued his race craft and I don’t think Rod left the front of the peloton for three laps. We witnessed some breakaway attempts, but Alex emphasized our pre-race goal...stay calm. Soon enough all break attempts were reeled back in due to the outrageous headwinds.
Navigating the race required skillful handling, with plenty of elbow bumping and sliding in between riders. These techniques would not come into play until the last couple of laps as we sat at the back watching everything unfold.
Photos by Steph Mangan
With two laps to go, Alex skillfully weaved his way to the front third and I struggled to keep up as everyone’s nerves began to increase. We were creeping closer to the final lap, and my two fellow teammates in maroon were far out of sight. I managed to creep up on the right-hand side as I let other antsy riders carry me to the top of the pack. I spotted Alex’s jersey on the far left and activated my cross-handling skills as we entered the final corner. Coming out of the corner, Alex, shocked to see me on his wheel, unleashed his sprint. Riders surged around us but he was holding a heroic effort. As I noticed his pace decrease and riders starting to swarm I put my chin to the stem, swung my saddle back and forth, and gave it everything I could muster for the next 100 meters.
I tilted my eyes up and noticed a rider neck and neck with my wheel. I gave my bike a wild throw and hoped my tire crossed the line before his. No celebratory finish as I was genuinely unsure who got it. Alex and Rod rode up eager for an update, I thought had a feeling I got it... We reviewed the photo finish and sure enough, my tire was slightly ahead.
The team celebrations were impeccable as Leah won her field and Emily won the pink jersey in hers. Energy is high headed into the next Tuesday night and we’ll see you out on the abandoned airfield.
Photos by Steph
