So my office decided it would be a good idea to work Saturday, rather than Monday (Christmas eve, for all you under a rock somewhere). Not to sure how I feel about that one. That just postpones skiing a day, looks like its gonna be a Sunday, Monday, and maybe even Tuesday ski weekend.
Hope everyone has a amazing Christmas. Catch you on the Flip Side!!!
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Thursday, December 13, 2007
In the Spirit of Giving.............
I was reading one of my favorite blogs (Bike Snob NYC) earlier today, which reminded me that its the season of giving. One of the gift Ideas was Smart Bikini Color. My personal favorite is the Passion Plum, I think it would totally rock with our VC kits.
All this fun reminded me of this little gem I had so nicely stuffed in a shoe box waiting for the perfect occasion.
Forget the Harden the F-Up bracelets, these bad boys are gonna be hot this year. I'm personally going to sport a cougar, which is guaranteed to make ya fast!
Next up is a necessity for those long road trips, or ski excursions with your wife, or girlfriend. Come on, its winter time, and all that opening and closing of the windows kills your cars gas mileage.
So next time she lets a little toot loose, give a little spray of this stuff and your good to go.
Merry Christmas!
All this fun reminded me of this little gem I had so nicely stuffed in a shoe box waiting for the perfect occasion.
Forget the Harden the F-Up bracelets, these bad boys are gonna be hot this year. I'm personally going to sport a cougar, which is guaranteed to make ya fast!
Next up is a necessity for those long road trips, or ski excursions with your wife, or girlfriend. Come on, its winter time, and all that opening and closing of the windows kills your cars gas mileage.
So next time she lets a little toot loose, give a little spray of this stuff and your good to go.
Merry Christmas!
DOPERS SUCK!
MAYBE MLB WILL DO WHAT CYCLING HAS BEEN ATTEMPTING TO DO FOR YEARS, AND CLEAN THIS MESS UP.........
Roger Clemens is a pitcher who, from 1984 to 2007, played for four teams in
Major League Baseball, the Boston Red Sox (13 seasons), Toronto Blue Jays (2 seasons), New York Yankees (6 seasons), and Houston Astros (3 seasons). He has won more than 350 games, seven Cy Young Awards, and was the American League Most Valuable Player in 1986. He was named to All-Star teams eleven times.
Roger Clemens Drugs of Choice: Steroids, HGH, and Testosterone
This clown makes Floyd Landis look like a Saint
SO MUCH FOR THE INNOCENCE OF OUR NATIONAL PASTIME!
MAYBE ITS TIME WE STOP PAYING THESE PEOPLE MILLIONS OF DOLLARS AND RECOGNIZE THEM FOR WHAT THEY REALLY ARE........
DOPERS!
See the Mitchell Report
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
POW, What a Weekend..........
That's right kids, all those who have been patiently waiting, hoping and praying for a measurable snowfall in the mountains finally got their wishes and prayers answered... and then some this weekend. Most Front Range resorts were reporting 30+ inches of the white gold, once everything was said and done. All it took was a little patients, and the jet stream to position itself correctly and blam-o a big fluffy snow turd fell right in our laps. It appears that things working out well for everyone that washed their cars, did a snow dance, or sacrificed an article of summer clothing to the snow gods, and apparently the good mojo is continuing with additional accumulation today, and a favorable forecast for later this week. I personally was a bit nervous last Thursday, being that I had purchased snow tires for my car. Most often a move like that would alter the moods of the snow gods and their gifts would be granted else where. This time we were lucky and with a purchase of multiple car washes, plans for an outdoor bike ride on Sunday, and a diminishing windshield washer fluid reserve, the purchase of the snow tires seemed to have been canceled out.
Being that I was absent from work on Friday to go through some routine vehicle maintenance, I will neither confirm nor deny that there was in fact 9" of new snow on top of 7" of accumulation from Thursday at A-Basin, or that there were powder stashes well in excess of 2 feet scattered through out the new terrain that the ski patrol could barely open fast enough from all the said snow accumulation. However, I can confirm that there was an additional 9" of snow on Saturday morning at A-Basin, and that the first runs of the year off the west wall, in fresh un-tracked pow was possibly some of the best skiing I have been privy to in years.
I addition to all my fun in the fluff, I was witness to Cyn's loss of Colorado Powder Virginity. Having lost my pow virginity some 10 years ago, I forgot what it was like to come from a part of the planet where snow is hard as rock (quite possibly bullet proof even), and a powder day would be considered merely a trace of snow by Colorado standards. It was indeed entertaining at times watching Cyn navigate the vast seas of fluffy white stuff linking her first turns, but the ear to ear smile once she began to get the hang of the turning technique was priceless. I have a feeling she will catch on quite fast, and will be blasting the drifts and dropping the chutes with me in no time. In fact her first drop into the cliff faces at A-Basin was quite impressive navigating knee to waist deep snow on a 45-50+ degree pitch is never easy, and this little rocket made it look effortless.
Finally, remember kids, if you fall try not to land with your feet above your head (up hill), you will quickly find out what it is like to be a turtle on its back, your legs will make 3' post holes in 3.5' of snow (if you are of midget stature like myself), and losing a ski in 2+ feet of powder can be permanent(at least till summer).
ciao.......
Being that I was absent from work on Friday to go through some routine vehicle maintenance, I will neither confirm nor deny that there was in fact 9" of new snow on top of 7" of accumulation from Thursday at A-Basin, or that there were powder stashes well in excess of 2 feet scattered through out the new terrain that the ski patrol could barely open fast enough from all the said snow accumulation. However, I can confirm that there was an additional 9" of snow on Saturday morning at A-Basin, and that the first runs of the year off the west wall, in fresh un-tracked pow was possibly some of the best skiing I have been privy to in years.
I addition to all my fun in the fluff, I was witness to Cyn's loss of Colorado Powder Virginity. Having lost my pow virginity some 10 years ago, I forgot what it was like to come from a part of the planet where snow is hard as rock (quite possibly bullet proof even), and a powder day would be considered merely a trace of snow by Colorado standards. It was indeed entertaining at times watching Cyn navigate the vast seas of fluffy white stuff linking her first turns, but the ear to ear smile once she began to get the hang of the turning technique was priceless. I have a feeling she will catch on quite fast, and will be blasting the drifts and dropping the chutes with me in no time. In fact her first drop into the cliff faces at A-Basin was quite impressive navigating knee to waist deep snow on a 45-50+ degree pitch is never easy, and this little rocket made it look effortless.
Finally, remember kids, if you fall try not to land with your feet above your head (up hill), you will quickly find out what it is like to be a turtle on its back, your legs will make 3' post holes in 3.5' of snow (if you are of midget stature like myself), and losing a ski in 2+ feet of powder can be permanent(at least till summer).
ciao.......
Monday, December 10, 2007
Wohoo!
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Tuesday, December 04, 2007
I Smell Your..........Clutch?
After an awesome day of skiing at A-Basin on Saturday, we embarked on a slippery journey home. The plan was to go back the way we came, which entailed going over Loveland Pass. My car kindly objected to that notion from the onset in the form of blocking both east and west bound lanes of traffic on US 6. Rather than fight gravity and become the casualty of an on coming fire truck running code, I decided to work with mother nature, and the laws of physics and go west to Dillion (actually spelled Dillon for you Future Crit organizers). Upon entering the snowy abyss called the I-70 corridor, it was soon determined that the travel time from Dillion/Silverthorn to the Eisenhower Tunnel would be a lengthy 45 min. from the thoughtful CDOT travel time boards, mind you this is 30 minutes longer than the normal travel time. The group (Cyn, me, and the committee in my head) consensus was that 45 minutes was not so bad, and rather than wait out the traffic in said Dillion we opted to get in line to the tunnel. The 8 mile journey up the 5-6% grade to one of the finest civil engineering spectacles know to Colorado was best categorized as arduous (mentally at least). The saving grace was that my co pilot is a bit loopy, and made the adventure quite humorous at times. Once we ran out of daylight the adventure turned extremely icy, and more cars became casualties to the grade and snow pack. It became the survival of those who could keep momentum. To stop would have meant a piggy back on the bed of a tow truck for the jetta. After 7.5 miles, an extremely overheated clutch, a venti Soy Latte, 23 freezouts (due to malodorous emanations), and 1 extremely close call with a white F150 the tunnel was in sight. The last 1/2 mile to the tunnel was the wildest ride I have had in the snow on 4 wheels in a long time. Finally, a 1/2 mile, at 5-10 mph, and a whole lot of "you can dooooooooo it...........all night!", stuck car dodge, slip sliding, and we were over the hump. Just under 2 hours for a drive that would typically take 15 minutes. Good Times!!!!
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Last Year~For Sure; This Year~Not So Much!
The Serious Roadie:
Even the serious roadie takes some time every year to relax. He's no longer worrying about the season that's just passed, and he's not yet preparing for next season. He's just having fun. As it happens, this period of relaxation was last Thursday, from 12:00 to 4:30, and if you're a roadie worth your embrocations then you're well into training for next year's meaningless park races. At this time of year The Serious Roadie can be seen riding alone, or he can be seen riding with other identically-clad cyclists in tight formations designed to discourage any sort of autonomy or enjoyment. The Serious Roadie has temporarily downgraded from his $2,000 carbon race wheels to his $1,200 aluminum training wheels. He's also got either a Power Tap or an SRM, he's watching his watts more carefully than a security guard at a lightbulb factory, and he is under strict instructions from a highly-paid coach that he is not to ride hard lest he inadvertently compromise his chances for a top-20 finish in a Tuesday night Cat 4 training race, or, worse yet, enjoy himself. And if his spirit is not yet broken completely, or if he doesn't quite trust himself, he might even be riding a pair of Power Cranks, the cycling equivalent of a Victorian anti-masturbation device.
This hit too close to home then check out more from the Bike Snob NYC, there's some funny shizzle there!
Even the serious roadie takes some time every year to relax. He's no longer worrying about the season that's just passed, and he's not yet preparing for next season. He's just having fun. As it happens, this period of relaxation was last Thursday, from 12:00 to 4:30, and if you're a roadie worth your embrocations then you're well into training for next year's meaningless park races. At this time of year The Serious Roadie can be seen riding alone, or he can be seen riding with other identically-clad cyclists in tight formations designed to discourage any sort of autonomy or enjoyment. The Serious Roadie has temporarily downgraded from his $2,000 carbon race wheels to his $1,200 aluminum training wheels. He's also got either a Power Tap or an SRM, he's watching his watts more carefully than a security guard at a lightbulb factory, and he is under strict instructions from a highly-paid coach that he is not to ride hard lest he inadvertently compromise his chances for a top-20 finish in a Tuesday night Cat 4 training race, or, worse yet, enjoy himself. And if his spirit is not yet broken completely, or if he doesn't quite trust himself, he might even be riding a pair of Power Cranks, the cycling equivalent of a Victorian anti-masturbation device.
This hit too close to home then check out more from the Bike Snob NYC, there's some funny shizzle there!
Colorado Ski Safety Act
33-44-109. Duties of skiers - penalties.
(1) Each skier solely has the responsibility for knowing the range of his own ability to negotiate any ski slope or trail and to ski within the limits of such ability. Each skier expressly accepts and assumes the risk of and all legal responsibility for any injury to person or property resulting from any of the inherent dangers and risks of skiing; except that a skier is not precluded under this article from suing another skier for any injury to person or property resulting from such other skier's acts or omissions. Notwithstanding any provision of law or statute to the contrary, the risk of a skier/skier collision is neither an inherent risk nor a risk assumed by a skier in an action by one skier against another.
(2) Each skier has the duty to maintain control of his speed and course at all times when skiing and to maintain a proper lookout so as to be able to avoid other skiers and objects. However, the primary duty shall be on the person skiing downhill to avoid collision with any person or objects below him.
(3) No skier shall ski on a ski slope or trail that has been posted as "Closed" pursuant to section 33-44-107 (2) (e) and (4).
(4) Each skier shall stay clear of snow-grooming equipment, all vehicles, lift towers, signs, and any other equipment on the ski slopes and trails.
(5) Each skier has the duty to heed all posted information and other warnings and to refrain from acting in a manner which may cause or contribute to the injury of the skier or others. Each skier shall be presumed to have seen and understood all information posted in accordance with this article near base area lifts, on the passenger tramways, and on such ski slopes or trails as he is skiing. Under conditions of decreased visibility, the duty is on the skier to locate and ascertain the meaning of all signs posted in accordance with sections 33-44-106 and 33-44-107.
(6) Each ski or snowboard used by a skier while skiing shall be equipped with a strap or other device capable of stopping the ski or snowboard should the ski or snowboard become unattached from the skier. This requirement shall not apply to cross country skis.
(7) No skier shall cross the uphill track of a J-bar, T-bar, platter pull, or rope tow except at locations designated by the operator; nor shall a skier place any object in such an uphill track. (8) Before beginning to ski from a stationary position or before entering a ski slope or trail from the side, the skier shall have the duty of avoiding moving skiers already on the ski slope or trail.
(9) No person shall move uphill on any passenger tramway or use any ski slope or trail while such person's ability to do so is impaired by the consumption of alcohol or by the use of any controlled substance, as defined in section 12-22-303 (7), C.R.S., or other drug or while such person is under the influence of alcohol or any controlled substance, as defined in section 12-22-303 (7), C.R.S., or other drug.
(10) No skier involved in a collision with another skier or person in which an injury results shall leave the vicinity of the collision before giving his or her name and current address to an employee of the ski area operator or a member of the ski patrol, except for the purpose of securing aid for a person injured in the collision; in which event the person so leaving the scene of the collision shall give his or her name and current address as required by this subsection (10) after securing such aid.
(11) No person shall knowingly enter upon public or private lands from an adjoining ski area when such land has been closed by its owner and so posted by the owner or by the ski area operator pursuant to section 33-44-107 (6).
(12) Any person who violates any of the provisions of subsection (3), (9), (10), or (11) of this section is guilty of a class 2 petty offense and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars.
No where in here dose it say after a boarder/skier crashes into your wife or girlfriend, can you threaten to pierce his heart with your ski pole, or kick his/her ass. This is the stuff I honestly dont understand.
(1) Each skier solely has the responsibility for knowing the range of his own ability to negotiate any ski slope or trail and to ski within the limits of such ability. Each skier expressly accepts and assumes the risk of and all legal responsibility for any injury to person or property resulting from any of the inherent dangers and risks of skiing; except that a skier is not precluded under this article from suing another skier for any injury to person or property resulting from such other skier's acts or omissions. Notwithstanding any provision of law or statute to the contrary, the risk of a skier/skier collision is neither an inherent risk nor a risk assumed by a skier in an action by one skier against another.
(2) Each skier has the duty to maintain control of his speed and course at all times when skiing and to maintain a proper lookout so as to be able to avoid other skiers and objects. However, the primary duty shall be on the person skiing downhill to avoid collision with any person or objects below him.
(3) No skier shall ski on a ski slope or trail that has been posted as "Closed" pursuant to section 33-44-107 (2) (e) and (4).
(4) Each skier shall stay clear of snow-grooming equipment, all vehicles, lift towers, signs, and any other equipment on the ski slopes and trails.
(5) Each skier has the duty to heed all posted information and other warnings and to refrain from acting in a manner which may cause or contribute to the injury of the skier or others. Each skier shall be presumed to have seen and understood all information posted in accordance with this article near base area lifts, on the passenger tramways, and on such ski slopes or trails as he is skiing. Under conditions of decreased visibility, the duty is on the skier to locate and ascertain the meaning of all signs posted in accordance with sections 33-44-106 and 33-44-107.
(6) Each ski or snowboard used by a skier while skiing shall be equipped with a strap or other device capable of stopping the ski or snowboard should the ski or snowboard become unattached from the skier. This requirement shall not apply to cross country skis.
(7) No skier shall cross the uphill track of a J-bar, T-bar, platter pull, or rope tow except at locations designated by the operator; nor shall a skier place any object in such an uphill track. (8) Before beginning to ski from a stationary position or before entering a ski slope or trail from the side, the skier shall have the duty of avoiding moving skiers already on the ski slope or trail.
(9) No person shall move uphill on any passenger tramway or use any ski slope or trail while such person's ability to do so is impaired by the consumption of alcohol or by the use of any controlled substance, as defined in section 12-22-303 (7), C.R.S., or other drug or while such person is under the influence of alcohol or any controlled substance, as defined in section 12-22-303 (7), C.R.S., or other drug.
(10) No skier involved in a collision with another skier or person in which an injury results shall leave the vicinity of the collision before giving his or her name and current address to an employee of the ski area operator or a member of the ski patrol, except for the purpose of securing aid for a person injured in the collision; in which event the person so leaving the scene of the collision shall give his or her name and current address as required by this subsection (10) after securing such aid.
(11) No person shall knowingly enter upon public or private lands from an adjoining ski area when such land has been closed by its owner and so posted by the owner or by the ski area operator pursuant to section 33-44-107 (6).
(12) Any person who violates any of the provisions of subsection (3), (9), (10), or (11) of this section is guilty of a class 2 petty offense and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars.
No where in here dose it say after a boarder/skier crashes into your wife or girlfriend, can you threaten to pierce his heart with your ski pole, or kick his/her ass. This is the stuff I honestly dont understand.
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Time for a Snow Dance!?!?!
"Weather Synopsis
Snow accumulations by midday Wednesday: Steamboat zone about 10", Cameron Pass 6-8", Berthoud Pass 3-5", Loveland Pass 2-5", Breckenridge area 7-9", Vail Pass area about 10", Aspen area about 6", Gunnison zone less than an inch.
Skies are drying quickly this afternoon. Clouds will hang out over the peaks through the night. Upper level flow turns zonal on Thursday. Warmer air moves in. Several short waves move through, keeping scattered clouds over the mountains. The Steamboat Zone and northern Front Range may be able to squeeze a few flakes out of one of the waves Thursday afternoon.
We are still on track for a weekend storm. A closed low off Baja will merge with a trough off the coast. That creates strong southwesterly flow over Colorado, and sweeps a storm into Colorado Friday afternoon. If it pans out, snow will spread statewide through Saturday night. Plan a mountain bike ride or schedule a BBQ for the weekend, wash your car, please do anything to encourage it to snow."
Gotta love the dudes at the CAIC !
Snow accumulations by midday Wednesday: Steamboat zone about 10", Cameron Pass 6-8", Berthoud Pass 3-5", Loveland Pass 2-5", Breckenridge area 7-9", Vail Pass area about 10", Aspen area about 6", Gunnison zone less than an inch.
Skies are drying quickly this afternoon. Clouds will hang out over the peaks through the night. Upper level flow turns zonal on Thursday. Warmer air moves in. Several short waves move through, keeping scattered clouds over the mountains. The Steamboat Zone and northern Front Range may be able to squeeze a few flakes out of one of the waves Thursday afternoon.
We are still on track for a weekend storm. A closed low off Baja will merge with a trough off the coast. That creates strong southwesterly flow over Colorado, and sweeps a storm into Colorado Friday afternoon. If it pans out, snow will spread statewide through Saturday night. Plan a mountain bike ride or schedule a BBQ for the weekend, wash your car, please do anything to encourage it to snow."
Gotta love the dudes at the CAIC !
36 .......its the Magic Numbah!
36 hours till 36-hours of Keystone kicks off............
This place is gonna rock all night long, lifts turn continuously for 36 hours of boards, bands, and babes, so bring it bro!
The snow today tickled my tummy, I cant wait to make some turns this weekend. We's heading up at some point this weekend, so anyone interested in rock'n out with us gimme a hollah!
This place is gonna rock all night long, lifts turn continuously for 36 hours of boards, bands, and babes, so bring it bro!
The snow today tickled my tummy, I cant wait to make some turns this weekend. We's heading up at some point this weekend, so anyone interested in rock'n out with us gimme a hollah!
Friday, November 23, 2007
mmmmmmmmmmm Turkey
If this dude (bKendall) were a chick I'd seriously consider marrying him, or her, or um ok that's kinda awkward. Regardless, bro can cook! We landed at the Kendall pad at around 2:30 in the afternoon, post ski adventure, and grubbed like you wouldn't believe. Good times, great peeps, what more could you ask for........... Thanks guys!!!!
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
This'll make you FAST!!!!
Thank god this day only happens once a year, otherwise I'd be not so little. I hope to gain only 10-15 lbs from our said thanksgiving dinner with friends.
Hope everyone has a very nice Thanksgiving!!
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Ol friend where have you been?
Someone recently introduced me to an old passion of mine. Ah, its been a long time, and I have missed you! The fire is going again, where will this journey lead?
Friday, November 09, 2007
Wednesday, November 07, 2007
Friends
So, Ive been off the radar as of late. Things are great, life is amazing, and I haven't run the bus off the road in a little while, that's prolly because I'm not driving it right now. I have been busy cleaning up some items from a past life, enjoying old friendships, and new ones. The bike life has been evaluated, recognized, and put into perspective. The shift is real, im looking forward to enjoying new experience, experiencing old passions, and learning what new things life has to offer. Happiness is truly a journey................ October 6th marked a new chapter in this journey, and wow what a ride it has been so far. I have to thank all of you that have done so much for me through out this and all of my journeys, you know who you are, and I truly appreciate you and all that you have done.
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
2 Days
I have been crazy, loco, mad, whack'd, insane in the membrane as of late. I know why....... its due to anticipation, day dreams, memories of 3 days spent. I never thought 3 weeks would go so fast, and now I'm faced with just 2-Days.
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Look'n fo lub in all da wong pwaces
Renee my coach has me work'n on my beach muscles now, so I think Im about ready to start dating again. I thought I'd put the following things that describe me in my profile:Outgoing, active, athletic, cyclist, steady job, healthy lifestyle, clean apartment, clean car, loves family and friends.
Translation: No life, purple tight wearing, enginenerd, with a Trex body, who's gotta be gay.
If your gay, sorry, didnt mean to offend you , and Im really not gay, even thought it may appear that way.
Monday, October 22, 2007
SOX ROCK, ROCKS DONT!
Sorry fellow Colorado Dudes, and Dudettes, I was born and raised a BOSOX fan. Growing up in Massachusetts fanhood a requirement to get your learners permit to drive, there are even questions on the written part of the test regarding Sox history. If you get those questions correct you dont have to take the driving test.....they just give you your licence.
Thanks for the logo Renee , a fellow New Englander.Monday, October 15, 2007
Saturday, October 13, 2007
Do you know you?
Being true to yourself, finally knowing yourself, and what you truly enjoy, not having to compromise you for anything, and being appreciated for being you. Isn't that what we all want, and desire. The me has always been there, I just haven't been true to it for a long time. Its freeing to be ourselves, and to be at peace with it.
Friday, October 12, 2007
The Power of a Smile!
How much do you smile? What brings a smile to your face? Do you smile when you pass some one on the street? When you're at the store?
Smiles make an impression on people. You never know when your smile can turn some one's day around. Don't hold them back, who are we to deny someone the opportunity experience that good feeling too.
Do you know what makes you smile, what makes you happy? Do you know the feeling of happiness, that feeling you don't want to let go of? If your missing it, you will feel it again, just let yourself, don't deny it. Do you really know what gets you to that happy place? Its always there, we just get off track some times. Try to remember, happieness is a journey, not a destination.
Smiles make an impression on people. You never know when your smile can turn some one's day around. Don't hold them back, who are we to deny someone the opportunity experience that good feeling too.
Do you know what makes you smile, what makes you happy? Do you know the feeling of happiness, that feeling you don't want to let go of? If your missing it, you will feel it again, just let yourself, don't deny it. Do you really know what gets you to that happy place? Its always there, we just get off track some times. Try to remember, happieness is a journey, not a destination.
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Ive been Mental, and here's the proof.
Don't say it, I already know.............so I'm a slow learner! Its amazing how life stress can effect physical performance. At the end of the season stress levels were through the roof, and my power levels were suffering, and I'm sure it was in part due to these stresses. I could hardly produce a ride with a NP of over 200 watts. A little rest, and a lot of positive energy, and I'm plugging rides with NP of 217 watts over 3.5 hours, and last nights solo effort with a NP of 222 watts over 1.5 hours. Please take note that a major shift has taken place in my life. Things are good, and there is an abundance of positive energy flowing freely in, through, and around my life. As long as I stay out of my own way things will continue on this way. Amazing, what could it be? I think I know what might be a part of this puzzle. Life is such an amazing journey, every experience has been for a reason, I may not know what the reasons are, but they are what have brought me to this point. More will be revealed, I'm sure of that. Happiness is such a incredible journey.
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Walk'n 3" above the ground.
You know its good when its in everything around you, you cant get it out of your mind, and you walk around all day with a smile on your face......................
Tuesday, October 09, 2007
Monday, October 08, 2007
Life....
When life seems bad, its still pretty damn good. But, when life is good, its lights out knock your sox of good..........
Right now life is Gooooood!
Right now life is Gooooood!
Monday, September 24, 2007
Dopers Suck!
I borrowed this from VeloNews:
Friday's Foaming Rant: O'Grady weighs in on 'the decision'
By Patrick O'GradyEditor at large
Filed: September 21, 2007
Friday's Foaming Rant: O'Grady weighs in on 'the decision'
By Patrick O'GradyEditor at large
Filed: September 21, 2007
Priceless!
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Rest Day!
I needed a rest day from my week of the bike. So yesterday I decided to let my body heal from the punishment I have been putting it through off of the bike. I have not been this sore since September last year, when I went through the same total body shock! I cannot wait till Saturday, when I will be getting back to what my body knows, and is happiest with.........Make'n Circles!
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Running?
So, in an effort to fill my new found spare time, I decided to take a little trot yesterday. I went to this place down the street from my humble abode, where the trails are nice, smooth, and soft. I remembered from my experiences last year that this would probably make me sore. When have I ever listened or payed attention to past experiences. I fully knew the risk, and proceeded to take 2 laps around this beautiful, scenic, 2.5 mile loop. Mind you I went very slow attempting not to repeat the agony caused by the constant pounding of one foot after the other on this beautiful trail. Ah, the sunset, the cool breeze, the wildlife, very enjoyable, I could have continued for hours. That was yesterday..........Today, OUCH!!!!! Damn that shit hurt! I can barely walk.
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
What No Bike?
So 07 is in the books. Man, what a fun year. I finished the season with a 6th at the Parker Crit.......Mission Acomplished. I was hoping to finish the season with some points, and I've been flirting with the elusive top 6 for the last couple of races. Finally the last race of the year, I was able to sneak a point! Holy wow, I was able to meet all my goals for the year. Now its on to Transition........Hmm, first order of business, NO BIKE FOR A WEEK! Well almost a week, Saturday I am doing a Big Ass Mountain Ride Part II. So, NO BIKE UNTIL SATURDAY! So I let the air out of my tires, and brought my pumps to work. Yeah, take that see who's smart here!, as much as my bike is taunting me, Im not going to give in.
So Monday was day one with no bike. I was planning of going to Yoga at the gym, but my work schedule, and empty fridge prevented me from making the class on time. I opted to do some upper body weights. Now I remember the pain from last year when I started lifting after the season was over. So I went extremely light with the weights, and did some high reps. OUCH! Damn my shit is sore today!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Amazing, racing bikes all summer and Im totally out of shape. And again, the dudes a the gym were laughing at the little guy with the girly weights, or maybe it was my purple tights.
So Monday was day one with no bike. I was planning of going to Yoga at the gym, but my work schedule, and empty fridge prevented me from making the class on time. I opted to do some upper body weights. Now I remember the pain from last year when I started lifting after the season was over. So I went extremely light with the weights, and did some high reps. OUCH! Damn my shit is sore today!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Amazing, racing bikes all summer and Im totally out of shape. And again, the dudes a the gym were laughing at the little guy with the girly weights, or maybe it was my purple tights.
Friday, September 14, 2007
GO FIGURE
I've had a Cat 4 girls sprint all year, and ironically last night I think I may have upgraded to a Cat 3 girls sprint. Recorded my highest power of the year in the 20 sec, High Speed Sprints I was doing. It wasn't a fluke either, I almost repeated that power in the last sprint. Watch out Girls! HA.
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Time for Transition
Yep, its here , the last work out of the year. We'll not that any of my workouts have been much of workouts lately, but I think I'll give it one last effort tonight, and do em all.......hmmmm
Next up, Parker Criterium.....Last road event of the year. Wow, where did this season go? I can still remember riding out to Carter Lake with the guys, and freeeeeezing my ars off, like it was yesterday. And those Stazio Training Crits.....oh good times! We'll what a season its been, I think one of the highlights of my season was sharing a bed with Kenny at Dead Dog. Buddy, you gotta shave your back if you wanna spoon again. HAhahaha! Oooooo, I gots a feeling next year is gonna be fun! But first, I think there are some fun, long, coffee shop tour, sprint for the town limit sign, laugh your ass off rides in my future. Hey, anyone wanna ride bikes? I got no more intervals, i got no more intervals, i got no more intervals.........at least for now.
Next up, Parker Criterium.....Last road event of the year. Wow, where did this season go? I can still remember riding out to Carter Lake with the guys, and freeeeeezing my ars off, like it was yesterday. And those Stazio Training Crits.....oh good times! We'll what a season its been, I think one of the highlights of my season was sharing a bed with Kenny at Dead Dog. Buddy, you gotta shave your back if you wanna spoon again. HAhahaha! Oooooo, I gots a feeling next year is gonna be fun! But first, I think there are some fun, long, coffee shop tour, sprint for the town limit sign, laugh your ass off rides in my future. Hey, anyone wanna ride bikes? I got no more intervals, i got no more intervals, i got no more intervals.........at least for now.
Friday, August 31, 2007
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
TV TIME?
Its a race!
....and Im winning!
In the big leagues, team directors will send riders off the front at the start of a race with no ambition of winning the race. The sole purpose is to get their sponsors TV Time.
At the Copper Mountain Criterium, I was getting my sponsor some TV time, unfortunately there was no TV, and it appears I didn't get very far off the front, and the only person that told me to do it was the little voice in my head. I could have sworn I was wearing a race radio, because he kept saying, YOU CAN DO IT. That little director often gets me in trouble when I listen to him.
Monday, August 27, 2007
I LOVE FREE STUFF!
I received a free lap in Sundays Niwot Criterium, unfortunately it was not exactly free. The price was one pair of bike shorts, a nice hip pointer, and a gouge in my right elbow.
About 15 minutes into the SM3's race the heavens opened up on us, but i'll get to that.
After a nice talk with my coach regarding my recent racing strategies, err I thing the term that was used was "stupid racing", I was making a serious effort to play smarter than in the last couple of races and maintaining position from 2nd to 5th wheel, rather than pulling the field around. This was a very technical course with 7 corners, two of which were greater than 90 degrees. I found out quickly that any position beyond 5th was too much work coming out of the corners so I decided make the effort and stay at the front, where it was still fast, but a much smoother and even pace. Sprinting 7 times a lap out of the corners is absolutely no fun, and can lead to brain damage due to lack of oxygen, and lactic acid buildup, and I can not afford to lose any more brain cells as you all might know. So, there we were, making circles, the pace was high, but not hold your puke back high, and all of a sudden the sky opened up. The first couple laps were a little interesting. Going from dry pavement one second to soaked asphalt the next required some creative cornering. In other words, hold on we going for a ride. Wheels slide even when you are cautious, manhole covers are like ice, even the striping on the pavement is slicker than @#$%. This combination with a pack of guys that are not afraid to take chance is a recipe for disaster. But, I was extremely surprised when the group throttled the racing back to reasonably fast, with brief periods of cautious. Well, that is until about 4 laps into the down pour when through the 2nd corner I lost traction in my front wheel. I had taken the same line through that corner the previous 3 laps with only a slight slip on the first just after the rain started. I had even backed it off more than the previous laps, as it was getting very slick. After sliding to a stop, I picked up the pieces, counted my fingers and toes, and checked for broken bones. Nope, nothing broken, shorts are shredded on the right hip, and the road rash isnt too bad. Hmm, elbow, ahh, there's a problem, a dime size hole spewing the red stuff, not so bad Ive had worse as a kid. The corner marshal held my bike I slipped the chain back on and I spun through the gears, and all was fine. I was standing there bleeding, sore, and pissed, thinking "man I was having a great ride". Then all of a sudden out of nowhere I had a moment of clarity, ok, lets not sugar coat it, I pulled my head out of my ass. I had to get back to the start, I had a free lap to use. I jumped on my bike and rode the gutter edge of the course backwards to the start, just hoping I would make it back in time to not go down a lap. The whole way back to the start, I was thinking, Im still in this thing. I got to the start finish, rolling by the Cheif Referee, showing my blood soaked elbow, and with no questions he just pointed to the pit area, and gave a encouraging "get to the pit". The guy in the pit asked if the bike was OK, we spun the gears again, and I was good to go. A quick clip in and a push when the lead moto passed and I was back in business. SWEEEEEET, right back where I was before I went down. RACE ON!
Now, the guys in the front hadnt changed, what had changed was that I had crashed, and I think they smelled, or could see blood. The next couple of laps there were quite a few attacks at the front where I was sitting, and it was quite an effort to maintain position. Another thing that had changed was the field, we were a 10 man break, wayyyy off the front of the main field. Apparently there were 7 crashes during the rain, which had now stopped and the field had been shredded. I had no idea we had pulled off like that, until during one lap I heard the announcer shout "this field has been blown to pieces". Well, cool, and next lap what do you know, as we hit the front straight towards the figure 8 portion of the course, where you can see the back straight, there was the main part of the field, a whole 1/2 a lap down. The pace however didnt let down, there were a number of attacks in our break, but it held together. With 3 laps to go I found myself in the familiar position of pulling the break. So I attempted to ease back and allow a couple guys by, but the guys in the break had other ideas, and jumped me. I lost 8 positions, and with 2 laps to go on this type of course, that was too much. The last 2 laps were super fast, and there was absolutely no where, or break in the pace to make up my lost ground. I ended up 8th in the sprint. Damn, but hey I finally broke the top ten in the 3's, and again I learned a lot about racing. Man life is good, my ars is sore, but life is good.
I received a free lap in Sundays Niwot Criterium, unfortunately it was not exactly free. The price was one pair of bike shorts, a nice hip pointer, and a gouge in my right elbow.
About 15 minutes into the SM3's race the heavens opened up on us, but i'll get to that.
After a nice talk with my coach regarding my recent racing strategies, err I thing the term that was used was "stupid racing", I was making a serious effort to play smarter than in the last couple of races and maintaining position from 2nd to 5th wheel, rather than pulling the field around. This was a very technical course with 7 corners, two of which were greater than 90 degrees. I found out quickly that any position beyond 5th was too much work coming out of the corners so I decided make the effort and stay at the front, where it was still fast, but a much smoother and even pace. Sprinting 7 times a lap out of the corners is absolutely no fun, and can lead to brain damage due to lack of oxygen, and lactic acid buildup, and I can not afford to lose any more brain cells as you all might know. So, there we were, making circles, the pace was high, but not hold your puke back high, and all of a sudden the sky opened up. The first couple laps were a little interesting. Going from dry pavement one second to soaked asphalt the next required some creative cornering. In other words, hold on we going for a ride. Wheels slide even when you are cautious, manhole covers are like ice, even the striping on the pavement is slicker than @#$%. This combination with a pack of guys that are not afraid to take chance is a recipe for disaster. But, I was extremely surprised when the group throttled the racing back to reasonably fast, with brief periods of cautious. Well, that is until about 4 laps into the down pour when through the 2nd corner I lost traction in my front wheel. I had taken the same line through that corner the previous 3 laps with only a slight slip on the first just after the rain started. I had even backed it off more than the previous laps, as it was getting very slick. After sliding to a stop, I picked up the pieces, counted my fingers and toes, and checked for broken bones. Nope, nothing broken, shorts are shredded on the right hip, and the road rash isnt too bad. Hmm, elbow, ahh, there's a problem, a dime size hole spewing the red stuff, not so bad Ive had worse as a kid. The corner marshal held my bike I slipped the chain back on and I spun through the gears, and all was fine. I was standing there bleeding, sore, and pissed, thinking "man I was having a great ride". Then all of a sudden out of nowhere I had a moment of clarity, ok, lets not sugar coat it, I pulled my head out of my ass. I had to get back to the start, I had a free lap to use. I jumped on my bike and rode the gutter edge of the course backwards to the start, just hoping I would make it back in time to not go down a lap. The whole way back to the start, I was thinking, Im still in this thing. I got to the start finish, rolling by the Cheif Referee, showing my blood soaked elbow, and with no questions he just pointed to the pit area, and gave a encouraging "get to the pit". The guy in the pit asked if the bike was OK, we spun the gears again, and I was good to go. A quick clip in and a push when the lead moto passed and I was back in business. SWEEEEEET, right back where I was before I went down. RACE ON!
Now, the guys in the front hadnt changed, what had changed was that I had crashed, and I think they smelled, or could see blood. The next couple of laps there were quite a few attacks at the front where I was sitting, and it was quite an effort to maintain position. Another thing that had changed was the field, we were a 10 man break, wayyyy off the front of the main field. Apparently there were 7 crashes during the rain, which had now stopped and the field had been shredded. I had no idea we had pulled off like that, until during one lap I heard the announcer shout "this field has been blown to pieces". Well, cool, and next lap what do you know, as we hit the front straight towards the figure 8 portion of the course, where you can see the back straight, there was the main part of the field, a whole 1/2 a lap down. The pace however didnt let down, there were a number of attacks in our break, but it held together. With 3 laps to go I found myself in the familiar position of pulling the break. So I attempted to ease back and allow a couple guys by, but the guys in the break had other ideas, and jumped me. I lost 8 positions, and with 2 laps to go on this type of course, that was too much. The last 2 laps were super fast, and there was absolutely no where, or break in the pace to make up my lost ground. I ended up 8th in the sprint. Damn, but hey I finally broke the top ten in the 3's, and again I learned a lot about racing. Man life is good, my ars is sore, but life is good.
Sunday, August 19, 2007
To Attack, or Not to Attack, that is the Question.
Dillon Crit, I spent the race, attacking, and covering breaks. I went into the final turns 5th wheel, to get squeezed by an "Inside Guy" that took me to the outside curb. One tap of the brakes and from 5th to 11th. That's racing.
So today was the Copper Mtn Crit, this was probably one of the best courses I have raced ever. Power climb, through 10' wide Pave up the Village, the heart of Copper Village, and a screaming 11T descent. Again, I probably spent too much time at the front. I lauched a couple of attacks, and tried to bridge to a little break, then saved the rest of the bullets. With just over 2 laps to go, my team mate Jared pulled through at the front I hopped his wheel and rode him to the base of the climb, where I pulled through and started drilling it. I was hoping to keep it strung out to the finish, so the big guys didnt have the chance to wined it up from behind, unfortunately I died with about 2/3's of a lap to go. That turned out to be a little to far from the finish for JRAD. Hey we went big, its better than not trying. I'd much rather make a race of it than sit around for a sprint finish. Now we know, and next time we attack the field just a little later. I'm still learning what my limits are, and that was a great test today.
By the way, you know you got great teammates when a guy gives you his prime for throwing it on the line. OOOO man this is just starting to get fun. I cant wait till next weekend!
Dillon Crit, I spent the race, attacking, and covering breaks. I went into the final turns 5th wheel, to get squeezed by an "Inside Guy" that took me to the outside curb. One tap of the brakes and from 5th to 11th. That's racing.
So today was the Copper Mtn Crit, this was probably one of the best courses I have raced ever. Power climb, through 10' wide Pave up the Village, the heart of Copper Village, and a screaming 11T descent. Again, I probably spent too much time at the front. I lauched a couple of attacks, and tried to bridge to a little break, then saved the rest of the bullets. With just over 2 laps to go, my team mate Jared pulled through at the front I hopped his wheel and rode him to the base of the climb, where I pulled through and started drilling it. I was hoping to keep it strung out to the finish, so the big guys didnt have the chance to wined it up from behind, unfortunately I died with about 2/3's of a lap to go. That turned out to be a little to far from the finish for JRAD. Hey we went big, its better than not trying. I'd much rather make a race of it than sit around for a sprint finish. Now we know, and next time we attack the field just a little later. I'm still learning what my limits are, and that was a great test today.
By the way, you know you got great teammates when a guy gives you his prime for throwing it on the line. OOOO man this is just starting to get fun. I cant wait till next weekend!
Wednesday, August 08, 2007
Shuffling the Deck
I guess I just needed a change. Is it the right thing to do, is it to soon, is it to late, should I, shouldn't I, why am I really doing this, is it a mistake, should I have done it sooner, should I do it later? I HATE CHANGE. Its some scary stuff. The unknown, and the future is something we have absolutely no control over and I hate not having control over something. Hey, I work on the control thing daily, and I know I don't have control over almost everything, but its still scary stuff. I can just take care of my end and the rest will fall into place the way it is supposed to, like it or not.
Whats the change? Nothing big, I just changed coaches................but, my gut tells me there are some bigger changes around the corner.
I guess I just needed a change. Is it the right thing to do, is it to soon, is it to late, should I, shouldn't I, why am I really doing this, is it a mistake, should I have done it sooner, should I do it later? I HATE CHANGE. Its some scary stuff. The unknown, and the future is something we have absolutely no control over and I hate not having control over something. Hey, I work on the control thing daily, and I know I don't have control over almost everything, but its still scary stuff. I can just take care of my end and the rest will fall into place the way it is supposed to, like it or not.
Whats the change? Nothing big, I just changed coaches................but, my gut tells me there are some bigger changes around the corner.
Monday, August 06, 2007
Mentally Screwing Myself
I feel so used and dirty. I swear if I can figure out how to stay out of my own way, I might be dangerous on the bike someday. This weekend it was back to racing after a little break, and man it was fun again. Saturday, I rolled the Fed Center Circut Race, nice technical course, with a gradual climb on the back side. I felt descent, but didn't quite have the race snap in the legs. It was a good day getting back into things. Sunday was the Bannock St. Criterium, I had never raced this course, and everyone I talked to said it was a blast. Well, man it was a blast, 8turn figure 8 crit in down town Denver. It took a couple of laps to warm up, then the legs felt really good, spent the day sitting in the top 10, unfortunately 5 guys got off the front right from the gun, we reeled in 3, but the other two managed to get out of sight, game over when that happens. There was absolutely no cooperation going on in the field. At one point there was a break of 4 guys that got off the front, a team had a guy in the break, and was blocking for them. I managed to get around the rolling roadblock, and bridge up to the break. That pissed off the guys blocking for their team mate, and decided to chase me down and in doing so towed the field up to the break. Why do you chase down a single rider bridging up to a break, and in essence chase down your own guy? I attempted a leadout for Lance, for a Tokyo Joes prime, but he got nipped at the line. I managed a 2up prime later in the race. With four laps to go It seemed like a good time go get the pace up so there wouldn't be a mass sprint for 3rd (there were still 2 guys off the front and they weren't going to be caught). I towed the field around for 3/4's of a lap, and no one would pull through. So frustrated I sat up, and sat up hard. However by doing so I decreased my pace enough that about 30 guys rolled around me to the left. Why did I do that? I could have been sitting very nicely for the finish, instead I had to work my way back up into position the final 3 laps, and with 3 to go the guys weren't exactly going to slow down for me. I managed to work my way up to 19th for the finish. A lot of work during the race to mentally blow it in the end. I guess I needed to do that so I wouldn't make that mistake in the future. Looks like there are more lessons to be learned, cool.
I feel so used and dirty. I swear if I can figure out how to stay out of my own way, I might be dangerous on the bike someday. This weekend it was back to racing after a little break, and man it was fun again. Saturday, I rolled the Fed Center Circut Race, nice technical course, with a gradual climb on the back side. I felt descent, but didn't quite have the race snap in the legs. It was a good day getting back into things. Sunday was the Bannock St. Criterium, I had never raced this course, and everyone I talked to said it was a blast. Well, man it was a blast, 8turn figure 8 crit in down town Denver. It took a couple of laps to warm up, then the legs felt really good, spent the day sitting in the top 10, unfortunately 5 guys got off the front right from the gun, we reeled in 3, but the other two managed to get out of sight, game over when that happens. There was absolutely no cooperation going on in the field. At one point there was a break of 4 guys that got off the front, a team had a guy in the break, and was blocking for them. I managed to get around the rolling roadblock, and bridge up to the break. That pissed off the guys blocking for their team mate, and decided to chase me down and in doing so towed the field up to the break. Why do you chase down a single rider bridging up to a break, and in essence chase down your own guy? I attempted a leadout for Lance, for a Tokyo Joes prime, but he got nipped at the line. I managed a 2up prime later in the race. With four laps to go It seemed like a good time go get the pace up so there wouldn't be a mass sprint for 3rd (there were still 2 guys off the front and they weren't going to be caught). I towed the field around for 3/4's of a lap, and no one would pull through. So frustrated I sat up, and sat up hard. However by doing so I decreased my pace enough that about 30 guys rolled around me to the left. Why did I do that? I could have been sitting very nicely for the finish, instead I had to work my way back up into position the final 3 laps, and with 3 to go the guys weren't exactly going to slow down for me. I managed to work my way up to 19th for the finish. A lot of work during the race to mentally blow it in the end. I guess I needed to do that so I wouldn't make that mistake in the future. Looks like there are more lessons to be learned, cool.
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
CRASHES happen.
Crashes happen, its part of racing, and going hard. If you ride smart and are aware of whats going on around you, they are often avoidable. However poor judgement will put you into a situation with possibility of negative outcome. This was the case last night when I found my self sitting mid pack in a local training ride. I had decided to go out and get an hour in on the bike, by sitting in, on this ride which takes place on a 2.5 mile circuit. This ride has been fairly safe all year with only a couple minor incidents, usually solo crashes due to operator error. Last night was different. Over the last couple of weeks more and more people have been showing up for the ride, bringing out some people who need to work on their bike handling skills, and overall fitness. Sometimes when people are riding at there limit and their judgement is out the window which may have been case last night. It was extremely windy, and riding in the wind means working harder. As the peloton turned into the cross wind last night, the guys not in the eschelon began to get thrown into the gutter, someone panicked and which caused the group to swerve to the right, into the wind. I was on the right side of the group attempting to bring forth a second eschelon when the group swerve occurred. Someone went down to the left of us and the guy directly in front of me completely locked up his brakes. I rode directly into him and down I went. Luckily I came out of it with very very minor road rash on my elbow, and a nice baseball sized hip pointer, but no rash there. Amazing! My bike ended up with a bent derailleur hanger, and two out of true wheels. My helmet has a nice ding in the top. Its ironic that just the previous lap I had thought to my self, that I shouldn't be so far back in the pack. I never ride back there for just that reason. Initially, after the crash I was pretty pissed, but I kept my cool, just rode off, and headed back home.
Now that I have cooled down and the soreness has set in, I can reflect on what happened. I made one critical error. I was in the wrong place. I never ride in the rear with the gear because I know that's where the majority of these types of events occur. I was lazy, and my poor judgement put me in a precarious position. I cannot blame anyone else but myself for my crash.
The guys that went down causing the swerve, and resultant pile up were just out there trying to get better at doing what they love to do, and that's race bikes. This stuff happens no worries.
Skin and bones heal, bikes can be fixed, and most importantly no one died. So, it was a good day. See you out there Thursday.
Crashes happen, its part of racing, and going hard. If you ride smart and are aware of whats going on around you, they are often avoidable. However poor judgement will put you into a situation with possibility of negative outcome. This was the case last night when I found my self sitting mid pack in a local training ride. I had decided to go out and get an hour in on the bike, by sitting in, on this ride which takes place on a 2.5 mile circuit. This ride has been fairly safe all year with only a couple minor incidents, usually solo crashes due to operator error. Last night was different. Over the last couple of weeks more and more people have been showing up for the ride, bringing out some people who need to work on their bike handling skills, and overall fitness. Sometimes when people are riding at there limit and their judgement is out the window which may have been case last night. It was extremely windy, and riding in the wind means working harder. As the peloton turned into the cross wind last night, the guys not in the eschelon began to get thrown into the gutter, someone panicked and which caused the group to swerve to the right, into the wind. I was on the right side of the group attempting to bring forth a second eschelon when the group swerve occurred. Someone went down to the left of us and the guy directly in front of me completely locked up his brakes. I rode directly into him and down I went. Luckily I came out of it with very very minor road rash on my elbow, and a nice baseball sized hip pointer, but no rash there. Amazing! My bike ended up with a bent derailleur hanger, and two out of true wheels. My helmet has a nice ding in the top. Its ironic that just the previous lap I had thought to my self, that I shouldn't be so far back in the pack. I never ride back there for just that reason. Initially, after the crash I was pretty pissed, but I kept my cool, just rode off, and headed back home.
Now that I have cooled down and the soreness has set in, I can reflect on what happened. I made one critical error. I was in the wrong place. I never ride in the rear with the gear because I know that's where the majority of these types of events occur. I was lazy, and my poor judgement put me in a precarious position. I cannot blame anyone else but myself for my crash.
The guys that went down causing the swerve, and resultant pile up were just out there trying to get better at doing what they love to do, and that's race bikes. This stuff happens no worries.
Skin and bones heal, bikes can be fixed, and most importantly no one died. So, it was a good day. See you out there Thursday.
Monday, July 23, 2007
Friday, July 13, 2007
American Cycling Association in Turmoil?
Last night Jon Tarkington resigned from the Executive Committee of the ACA.
Today this website surfaced: http://acawatchdog.com/, on Teton Fourm
http://www.tetoncycling.com/forum/display_message.asp?mid=27198
It makes for some very interesting reading. I am new to racing in Colorado, but
it seems like there is something wrong here, I dont know what it is but thats just what my gut tells me. I dont know much about the history of the ACA the BRAC and the USCF, but being a paying member of both the ACA and USCF I know I would like some answers.
Last night Jon Tarkington resigned from the Executive Committee of the ACA.
Today this website surfaced: http://acawatchdog.com/, on Teton Fourm
http://www.tetoncycling.com/forum/display_message.asp?mid=27198
It makes for some very interesting reading. I am new to racing in Colorado, but
it seems like there is something wrong here, I dont know what it is but thats just what my gut tells me. I dont know much about the history of the ACA the BRAC and the USCF, but being a paying member of both the ACA and USCF I know I would like some answers.
Thursday, July 05, 2007
~Balance~ This is a term I don't know well.
Noun
Singular balance
Plural countable and uncountable; balances
balance (countable and uncountable; plural balances)
1A pair of scales.
2(uncountable) Equilibrium in movement.
3(uncountable) Support for both viewpoints, 4substances etc or neither; neutrality.
A list accounting for the debits on one side, and for the credits on the other.
Singular balance
Plural countable and uncountable; balances
balance (countable and uncountable; plural balances)
1A pair of scales.
2(uncountable) Equilibrium in movement.
3(uncountable) Support for both viewpoints, 4substances etc or neither; neutrality.
A list accounting for the debits on one side, and for the credits on the other.
Typically I am either totally on or totally off. Cycling is addictive, its like a drug. If you allow it to get a hold of you, it can run your life, own you, cause you to focus all of your attention to it.
So here is a test that is often used to help diagnose alcoholism:
The CAGE Test One of the oldest and most popular screening tools for alcohol abuse is the CAGE test, which is a short, four-question test that diagnoses alcohol problems over a lifetime.
C - Have you ever felt you should cut down on your drinking?
A- Have people annoyed you by criticizing your drinking?
G - Have you ever felt bad or guilty about your drinking?
E - Eye opener: Have you ever had a drink first thing in the morning to steady your nerves or to get rid of a hangover?
Because denial usually accompanies alcohol abuse problems, the CAGE test, like most alcohol screening tests, asks questions about problems associated with drinking rather than the amount of alcohol consumed. Two "yes" answers to the CAGE test indicates problems with alcohol.
Now if we replace Drinking with Cycling where do I stand.
C - Have you ever felt you should cut down on your cycling? - YES
A- Have people annoyed you by criticizing your cycling? - YES
G - Have you ever felt bad or guilty about your cycling? - YES
E - Eye opener: Have you ever had a recovery ride first thing in the morning to steady your nerves or to get rid of soreness? - YES
I could have answered no to all of these, but then I wouldn't be honest with you or myself when I said there isn't a problem.
So now what? Identify what is truly important? Get back to doing this for fun? Its time for a reality check.
Some my say, oh your burnt out, or you've cracked. We'll I'm not sure that's the case. I have a good live, and cycling is definitely a part of it, but how big of a part of it does it have to be? Is it starting to run my life? Am I making poor decisions in other areas of life when I focus all of my energy towards cycling? These are some of the questions I have been asking myself these past couple of days.
Conciousness, and Awareness are two key aspects of being.
Wednesday, July 04, 2007
Tuesday, July 03, 2007
Friday, June 29, 2007
RACE FUEL
Just after the second climb in last weekends Dead Dog Road Race, this dude pulls out this bag of gummy worms. I almost blew my water through my nose, I thought that was one of the funniest things Ive seen in the middle of a brutal race. Ive used sharkies which are similar in texture, but far from the worm in nutritional value. What do you use as race fuel?
PowerIntervals
Goal: To increase power output during short intense efforts. How to do it: This workout can be performed on an indoor trainer because of the controlled environment allowing for a better comparison from one session to another. It can also be performed on a relatively flat section of road. The gearing should be moderate, but pedal cadence must be high (110 or higher). Take one minute to build up to the desired training zone, then maintain this intensity for the remaining interval. It will be during the last two minutes of each interval that will develop your maximum aerobic capacity. If you have to, shift into a lighter gear to maintain the cadence, but don't let the intensity of the interval drop. With a high cadence, your heart rate will remain extremely high and you will train your body's ability to deliver oxygen to the muscles. Recovery between intervals is easy spinning. If you are training with power, the prescribed range might be large. The goal of the workout is to produce the highest average power you can for the interval set. Power average might vary depending on length and number of intervals. Among the athletes who use this interval session are Lance Armstrong and George Hincapie. Since the addition of this workout to Lance and George's training programs, CTS has seen them further develop their extraordinary ability to attack on steep hills late in races when everyone else is gasping for air. ~Taken from CTS Performance Manual - Cycling Appendix.~
Now I dont know about all that goop about Lance and George, but I do know those suckers HURT like a MOFO. For all you non CTS peeps out there these are aka VO2MAX plus some. I was scheduled for a brick of these leg pleasers on Wednesday and Thursday. Wed's block consisted of 7x3min with 3min recoveries, and Thurs's consisted of 7x2min with 2min recoveries. Nothing like holding the puke back for 3mins I must say. These are the hardest intervals I do all year, and they pop up on the ol training schedule every once and a while. Every time they do I spend the day dreading the minute I am to hop on the bike and start them. I swear I go totally mental. (worse than usual that is) I know they work, and are an integral part of training, but they just hurt so bad. I did a couple bricks of these just before the season started in March and came out of the gate flying (which was the plan). So I sucked it up and propped the ol bike up on the trainer in the garage and set out on the road of happy destiny. Yep, trainer session in June, wow I must be totally insane, but this is the most consistent way to train with this type of interval. I had some crazy looks from the people in my complex who walked by the open garage with the El Loco on the bike inside, sweating like a fool. I think the best part of these are the periods of mild body tremors during the last 10seconds of the interval where you power begins to drop, and you are using every ounce of energy you have to keep it up. Good times, now that's why I race bikes.
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
I Got Girl'd
Besides the race, there was another contest going on this weekend.
"Who Provides the Worst Draft" World Championships
(who's the shortest)
The reigning women's world champ had enough of beating up on the girls, and decided to test her skills in men's category, where I had currently reigned. As you can see it was close, but I ended up second.
And no, the purple shoes didn't help. Renee's just to tough. Looks like it might be time to retire them from action. (BTW I stole the pick from Renee's blog)
Monday, June 25, 2007
~Dead Dog Stage Race~
First off, props to Marty my teammate who finished 10th in GC at the Stage Race. Way to go buddy.
Day 1, 86 Mile RR with 7000+ feet of climbing. First off, what the hell was I thinking........No seriously, sane people dont do this for fun. The temps were high 80's to mid 90's the entire race. The race started in Albany Wy, and descended to a little valley before the town of Centennial. Once we hit Centennial the race went vertical. I managed to stick with the lead group for 3/4's of the 1st climb, which is an improvement from the last mountain RR. Once we hit the first feed zone, it was all over though. Off the back, so I settled into a rhythm and the 2nd group began to form. The group hung together through the descent, and back up the climb. A couple of guys attacked the group and no one was motivated to chase. The third feed zone was located back at the top of the major climb in the race, and from there it was a screaming descent back to Centennial, and from there some long painful rollers and a short but brutal climb back up to Albany to the Finish. Our group ended up catching the guys that attacked on the mountain, and promptly spit them out the back. On the final climb up Albany we were down to 6 guys including myself. The pace picked up towards the finish, the members of the group were sitting 22nd through 27 th place in the race. Then 200m from the finish this Kid, attacked. I briefly thought about telling him how much of a wanker I though he was after the race, but hey he's a kid and probably doesn't know any better. It is a race, and he was still racing, that stuff happens all the time. I think what bugged me most is the little dude was just sitting on our wheels, and skipping pulls in the wind on the strech back up to Albany. Attacking the gruppetto in my opinion is just lame. Enough of that. Sorry that bothered me a little and just had to vent.
We had a nice team dinner at a local restaurant after the race, and got some serious rest.
It looks like I'm still about 10-15 mins off the pace of the lead climbers in the 3's. I can see some more climbing repeats in my future.
Next day Crit, and TT..............
First off, props to Marty my teammate who finished 10th in GC at the Stage Race. Way to go buddy.
Day 1, 86 Mile RR with 7000+ feet of climbing. First off, what the hell was I thinking........No seriously, sane people dont do this for fun. The temps were high 80's to mid 90's the entire race. The race started in Albany Wy, and descended to a little valley before the town of Centennial. Once we hit Centennial the race went vertical. I managed to stick with the lead group for 3/4's of the 1st climb, which is an improvement from the last mountain RR. Once we hit the first feed zone, it was all over though. Off the back, so I settled into a rhythm and the 2nd group began to form. The group hung together through the descent, and back up the climb. A couple of guys attacked the group and no one was motivated to chase. The third feed zone was located back at the top of the major climb in the race, and from there it was a screaming descent back to Centennial, and from there some long painful rollers and a short but brutal climb back up to Albany to the Finish. Our group ended up catching the guys that attacked on the mountain, and promptly spit them out the back. On the final climb up Albany we were down to 6 guys including myself. The pace picked up towards the finish, the members of the group were sitting 22nd through 27 th place in the race. Then 200m from the finish this Kid, attacked. I briefly thought about telling him how much of a wanker I though he was after the race, but hey he's a kid and probably doesn't know any better. It is a race, and he was still racing, that stuff happens all the time. I think what bugged me most is the little dude was just sitting on our wheels, and skipping pulls in the wind on the strech back up to Albany. Attacking the gruppetto in my opinion is just lame. Enough of that. Sorry that bothered me a little and just had to vent.
We had a nice team dinner at a local restaurant after the race, and got some serious rest.
It looks like I'm still about 10-15 mins off the pace of the lead climbers in the 3's. I can see some more climbing repeats in my future.
Next day Crit, and TT..............
Friday, June 22, 2007
Got Power?
I'm not sure yet, I just started training with a power meter for the first time this week, thanks to Killa B. I did a field test (aka, the 8 min Carmichael Puke Test 2x) on Tuesday, to set my power zones. The results were interesting, and are the first data set with many to follow. I have been training with heart rate and perceived effort for the past year, and this is just another tool to use to refine my efforts. It will be fun to see where this takes things.
I have heard different sides of the training with power story. You have the old school guys saying perceived effort is all you need, and the other side swearing by the meters. Regardless of what you are using, you still have to go out each day and do the work.
Having the data from training, and racing will be nice in tracking progress. I'll let you know how it goes.
One thing I have learned thus far is my power to weight ratio (W/kg)at LT has gone up. Last year in May it was measured at 2.6 at LT in the lab and by field test. I estimated it to be at 4.6 at LT from the field test results this week, which yielded an estimated threshold power of 275 W. Now I know this might be slightly off as the estimate from the field test is difficult to compare to lab work, but it is the best indication of progress I have thus far. I'll be doing a 20 min TT effort soon to see how those numbers look. Later this summer I have a session down at Carmichael for the lab LT test also. Ahhh, the numbers game starts.
I'm not sure yet, I just started training with a power meter for the first time this week, thanks to Killa B. I did a field test (aka, the 8 min Carmichael Puke Test 2x) on Tuesday, to set my power zones. The results were interesting, and are the first data set with many to follow. I have been training with heart rate and perceived effort for the past year, and this is just another tool to use to refine my efforts. It will be fun to see where this takes things.
I have heard different sides of the training with power story. You have the old school guys saying perceived effort is all you need, and the other side swearing by the meters. Regardless of what you are using, you still have to go out each day and do the work.
Having the data from training, and racing will be nice in tracking progress. I'll let you know how it goes.
One thing I have learned thus far is my power to weight ratio (W/kg)at LT has gone up. Last year in May it was measured at 2.6 at LT in the lab and by field test. I estimated it to be at 4.6 at LT from the field test results this week, which yielded an estimated threshold power of 275 W. Now I know this might be slightly off as the estimate from the field test is difficult to compare to lab work, but it is the best indication of progress I have thus far. I'll be doing a 20 min TT effort soon to see how those numbers look. Later this summer I have a session down at Carmichael for the lab LT test also. Ahhh, the numbers game starts.
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
HUGO
80 Mile RR in gods country. Flat, to slightly down hill, with major wind.
The plan, get Chris on the podium. The players, myself, Chris, and Chris. This could get confusing but, after 18 miles it got real simple. Plans out the window, Chris flatted, and Chris dropped back in an attempt to tow him back on the back. The only problem, all shit hit the fan once the race turned west. At this point I was solo and planned to conserve as much energy as possible, while covering breaks. Things got fast in a hurry after an hour of soft peddling and pee breaks. I found myself at the front with a group of 10 trading pulls, apparently we had opened a gap on the field which only lasted about 15 mins. Our little break didnt last, there wasnt any real motivation to make the thing stick, and the remainder of the peleton was moving to keep us in check. We just eased back and break over. Turns out it was enough to shread 40-50 or so off the back. So the group was now about 35 guys, and we were moving at a descent clip. The accelerations were manageable, but the real test would be the mileage. Being Straight outa the FO's where we called 65 mi's a RR, 80 mi would be a test of my fitness level. We hit the north leg of the route, and had a sweet tailwind. Man we set sail, that sucker was strung out for the entire 20 miles. I held my position hovering around 5th wheel, working but not too much, faking pulls, as I had no team mates in the group for backup. Then at mile 14 it happened. One of the only uphill stretches on the whole course, I found myself starting to drift back a bit, I began to pick up pace to regain my position, and a dude from the right decided to drastically change lines. The result was the o'l buzz saw of his quick release on my wheel. I didnt go down, and quickly opened my front break to release the tension. The wheel was badly out of true, and in an attempt to stay with the group on a bum wheel I popped. I dropped back to get a wheel from the wheel truck, and the first wheel he gave me fell apart in my hand. The dude gave me a second, but at this point its Race over. I rolled back to the finish and finished 6 minutes of the pace of the group, and 10 mins off the winner. Thats racing. I'll tell you what though, I came away with some good indications of where my fitness is, and things are gonna get fun. This years goal has already been achieved, and the rest of the season is for next year. As for the Chris's, total bumber, but Dead Dog is in the Sights, and I have a feeling that's gonna be a different story. We gonna have a Full VC Team in the House.
80 Mile RR in gods country. Flat, to slightly down hill, with major wind.
The plan, get Chris on the podium. The players, myself, Chris, and Chris. This could get confusing but, after 18 miles it got real simple. Plans out the window, Chris flatted, and Chris dropped back in an attempt to tow him back on the back. The only problem, all shit hit the fan once the race turned west. At this point I was solo and planned to conserve as much energy as possible, while covering breaks. Things got fast in a hurry after an hour of soft peddling and pee breaks. I found myself at the front with a group of 10 trading pulls, apparently we had opened a gap on the field which only lasted about 15 mins. Our little break didnt last, there wasnt any real motivation to make the thing stick, and the remainder of the peleton was moving to keep us in check. We just eased back and break over. Turns out it was enough to shread 40-50 or so off the back. So the group was now about 35 guys, and we were moving at a descent clip. The accelerations were manageable, but the real test would be the mileage. Being Straight outa the FO's where we called 65 mi's a RR, 80 mi would be a test of my fitness level. We hit the north leg of the route, and had a sweet tailwind. Man we set sail, that sucker was strung out for the entire 20 miles. I held my position hovering around 5th wheel, working but not too much, faking pulls, as I had no team mates in the group for backup. Then at mile 14 it happened. One of the only uphill stretches on the whole course, I found myself starting to drift back a bit, I began to pick up pace to regain my position, and a dude from the right decided to drastically change lines. The result was the o'l buzz saw of his quick release on my wheel. I didnt go down, and quickly opened my front break to release the tension. The wheel was badly out of true, and in an attempt to stay with the group on a bum wheel I popped. I dropped back to get a wheel from the wheel truck, and the first wheel he gave me fell apart in my hand. The dude gave me a second, but at this point its Race over. I rolled back to the finish and finished 6 minutes of the pace of the group, and 10 mins off the winner. Thats racing. I'll tell you what though, I came away with some good indications of where my fitness is, and things are gonna get fun. This years goal has already been achieved, and the rest of the season is for next year. As for the Chris's, total bumber, but Dead Dog is in the Sights, and I have a feeling that's gonna be a different story. We gonna have a Full VC Team in the House.
This is gonna be fun.
Long time no blog, well after the visit from the family, I went straight back into flog thy self on the bike mode.
AKA super top secret training. With some back to back big weeks and at the height of my training block came the Colorado Cycling Festival Road Race. This is a road race that should have been well suited for me, however there were other plans apparently. The race was a 56 mi with some descent climbing. The race started at Hughs Statium in Fort Collins, went up Rist Canyon, around Horsetooth Res, and back to the stadium. Rist Canyon is a nice little 12 mile jaunt up mountain with the last mile pegged well over 12%. Horsetooth had some "Rollers", which were shorter leg breakers than Rist, but hurt just as bad.
I hit the line just straight up tired. My goal, stay with the climbers as long as possible, and finish. I'd never raced with the 3's in a mountain RR so there was the potential to come away from the race with some good indications of where my fitness is, and needs to be. Well, it was made very clear from the start of the climb, that this was going to be a struggle. I managed to hang with the lead group for about 2/3's of the climb, then the bod said enough. I dropped back and just missed the chase group over the top. Its amazing how a 50 gap can grow on a descent when you are solo, and are trying to catch a group. A small group of about 8 of su formed and we the second chase group, dangling about a minute behind the "real chasers". At this point it was just set cruise and head on back. Our little group shrank until there were only 3, but we managed to keep a strong tempo going. Two miles from home, my legs said " all stop!", wow that hurt, I endured spasms I had never seen or felt before. At this point I was in "just get back" mode. A teammate caught, and towed my sorry butt back to the line. Thanks Lance, I owe you a lead out BRO!. And to my surprise I only finished 8 min off the winner. No complaints here, you see last year at this point in the season I was 20 mins off the leaders in the 4's. I think there's been a little improvement with a year of training and racing. A little rest, and lets see what happens.
Long time no blog, well after the visit from the family, I went straight back into flog thy self on the bike mode.
AKA super top secret training. With some back to back big weeks and at the height of my training block came the Colorado Cycling Festival Road Race. This is a road race that should have been well suited for me, however there were other plans apparently. The race was a 56 mi with some descent climbing. The race started at Hughs Statium in Fort Collins, went up Rist Canyon, around Horsetooth Res, and back to the stadium. Rist Canyon is a nice little 12 mile jaunt up mountain with the last mile pegged well over 12%. Horsetooth had some "Rollers", which were shorter leg breakers than Rist, but hurt just as bad.
I hit the line just straight up tired. My goal, stay with the climbers as long as possible, and finish. I'd never raced with the 3's in a mountain RR so there was the potential to come away from the race with some good indications of where my fitness is, and needs to be. Well, it was made very clear from the start of the climb, that this was going to be a struggle. I managed to hang with the lead group for about 2/3's of the climb, then the bod said enough. I dropped back and just missed the chase group over the top. Its amazing how a 50 gap can grow on a descent when you are solo, and are trying to catch a group. A small group of about 8 of su formed and we the second chase group, dangling about a minute behind the "real chasers". At this point it was just set cruise and head on back. Our little group shrank until there were only 3, but we managed to keep a strong tempo going. Two miles from home, my legs said " all stop!", wow that hurt, I endured spasms I had never seen or felt before. At this point I was in "just get back" mode. A teammate caught, and towed my sorry butt back to the line. Thanks Lance, I owe you a lead out BRO!. And to my surprise I only finished 8 min off the winner. No complaints here, you see last year at this point in the season I was 20 mins off the leaders in the 4's. I think there's been a little improvement with a year of training and racing. A little rest, and lets see what happens.
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Weekend In the Hills
You couldn't beat the weather this holiday weekend. I was able to get 13 hours in on the bike, two rides up north in Boulder, and one in the southern hills near Conifer, and Evergreen. In summary, we gots: Cool peeps, warm weather, big climbs, loose dirt, ghost flats, dropped chains, snow capped mountains, screaming descents, junior gears, dollar restrooms, well pumps, aerotuckers, sassy gf's, bouncing water bottles, 36 slog, headwind, tailwind, cross-tail-head-where the hell's that wind coming from, forgotten helmets, noodles, buritos, southern sun, door dings, ding dong ditches, little sisters got a boyfriend and some sore ass legs to boot! I wouldn't trade it for the world.
You couldn't beat the weather this holiday weekend. I was able to get 13 hours in on the bike, two rides up north in Boulder, and one in the southern hills near Conifer, and Evergreen. In summary, we gots: Cool peeps, warm weather, big climbs, loose dirt, ghost flats, dropped chains, snow capped mountains, screaming descents, junior gears, dollar restrooms, well pumps, aerotuckers, sassy gf's, bouncing water bottles, 36 slog, headwind, tailwind, cross-tail-head-where the hell's that wind coming from, forgotten helmets, noodles, buritos, southern sun, door dings, ding dong ditches, little sisters got a boyfriend and some sore ass legs to boot! I wouldn't trade it for the world.
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
~REST~
–noun
1.the refreshing quiet or repose of sleep: a good night's rest.
2.refreshing ease or inactivity after exertion or labor: to allow an hour for rest.
3.relief or freedom, esp. from anything that wearies, troubles, or disturbs.
4.a period or interval of inactivity, repose, solitude, or tranquillity: to go away for a rest.
5.mental or spiritual calm; tranquillity.
6.the repose of death: eternal rest.
7.cessation or absence of motion: to bring a machine to rest.
These, with the exception of #6 all describe my past week. Much needed, and deserved?, maybe. My parents have been in town and their visit has allowed me to get away from the bike for a couple of days. At first I was a little nervous about spending time off the bike, as I was concerned I might lose some fitness I have gained in the last couple of months. But I'll tell you what, spending time away has totally rekindled the flame. (sounds like I'm in some sort of relationship there) I am totally stoked that I had the opportunity to spend time with my family, and now that they have
–noun
1.the refreshing quiet or repose of sleep: a good night's rest.
2.refreshing ease or inactivity after exertion or labor: to allow an hour for rest.
3.relief or freedom, esp. from anything that wearies, troubles, or disturbs.
4.a period or interval of inactivity, repose, solitude, or tranquillity: to go away for a rest.
5.mental or spiritual calm; tranquillity.
6.the repose of death: eternal rest.
7.cessation or absence of motion: to bring a machine to rest.
These, with the exception of #6 all describe my past week. Much needed, and deserved?, maybe. My parents have been in town and their visit has allowed me to get away from the bike for a couple of days. At first I was a little nervous about spending time off the bike, as I was concerned I might lose some fitness I have gained in the last couple of months. But I'll tell you what, spending time away has totally rekindled the flame. (sounds like I'm in some sort of relationship there) I am totally stoked that I had the opportunity to spend time with my family, and now that they have
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Wheels of Thunder.................
I kept it on the down low until it was official, and at 10 PM on Friday night I received the email from Yvonne tagged "Temporary Licence". So its for real now. I'm tagging along with the SM3's. First off I have to just say that all the grief that the ACA gets is absolute nonsense. This lady received my upgrade request on Friday and had it turned around later that night. Now that's dedication, these people have lives and sometimes we take what they do for us, and our sport for granted. I know I have been guilty of that for sure!
Well all the pressure of getting the upgrade is off now, so the plan was to go into the Wheels of Thunder Circut/Crit and just hang on. This was my 5th race in 8 days so there where no expectations, and honestly I just wanted to get through it without getting popped. There were 7 VC dudes lined up at the start, Jared, Casey, Marty, Lance, Brent, Jimmy (one of those super fast 45+Master guys) and myself. We were Scheduled for 20 laps on a 2 mile circut. The race pace I found wasn't all that fast, so I moved to the front, and tried to hold position, typically in the top 6-10, to avoid the dreaded accordion effect, and resultant sprints out of every turn. I did get caught in the swarm a couple of times, and just got out into the wind on the outside and moved back up into my position. Casey was active during the race he tried to work a couple breaks, and I tried to get some blocking going for him with Ertz, but nothing was gonna stick, it was too windy, and didn't seem like people were all that motivated. I tried to bridge a 3man break at one point and felt a match start to light, so being my first 3s race and anticipating that the pace would eventually pick up I decided not to waste any energy. In fact after all the racing in the past week there wasn't much of that to spare anyways. With 3 to go I gelled up and moved up into position, I didn't want to wait until the last lap to get on the front, as that is prime real estate, and everyone I'm sure was going to be digging for those top six spots going into the final lap.
This turned out to be for the best, as there was a big pileup on the last lap going through the chicane (s-turns). Casey and Brent moved up also, and it was shaping up to be a lead out for B at the sprint. Casey was hauling, Brent was following, and I was riding just outside his wheel on the right to make sure he didnt get boxed in from the wide side. In hind sight it may have been a better plan to get up and help Casey with the lead out. Next time, I'm sure our teamwork will improve as we race together more. So there we were sitting 3rd 4th and 5th wheel going into the downhill sprint to the finish. As we rolled through the sweeping left to the straight away, the pace picked up, and the full out sprint was on. I had absolutely no legs to sprint, and thats no good on a drag strip like that, Brent rolled a 5th, Casey 10th, I cruised in in 16th, Marty 18th, Lance 21st, and unfortunately Jared got caught behind the crash, and rolled in without a scratch, but had some white knuckles going on. All in all a very nice day for VC in my books. I placed way above my expectations, and had an absolute blast out there with the rest of the guys. Looking forward to some good teamwork in the up coming races, and learning how to ride with these guys.
Now there has been some talk after the race regarding the pace, the crash, and who or what was responsible. I cant spend any of my energy on that, so I am just going to leave that to the others who can. I'm just grateful to be able to race my bike, and that those IC3 guys put on such a good race, with some good eats afterwards. And above all, no one was seriously injured. Scrapes and bones will heal, broken carbon can be replaced. This is all a part of the sport we choose to participate in. See you at the RACES!!!!
I kept it on the down low until it was official, and at 10 PM on Friday night I received the email from Yvonne tagged "Temporary Licence". So its for real now. I'm tagging along with the SM3's. First off I have to just say that all the grief that the ACA gets is absolute nonsense. This lady received my upgrade request on Friday and had it turned around later that night. Now that's dedication, these people have lives and sometimes we take what they do for us, and our sport for granted. I know I have been guilty of that for sure!
Well all the pressure of getting the upgrade is off now, so the plan was to go into the Wheels of Thunder Circut/Crit and just hang on. This was my 5th race in 8 days so there where no expectations, and honestly I just wanted to get through it without getting popped. There were 7 VC dudes lined up at the start, Jared, Casey, Marty, Lance, Brent, Jimmy (one of those super fast 45+Master guys) and myself. We were Scheduled for 20 laps on a 2 mile circut. The race pace I found wasn't all that fast, so I moved to the front, and tried to hold position, typically in the top 6-10, to avoid the dreaded accordion effect, and resultant sprints out of every turn. I did get caught in the swarm a couple of times, and just got out into the wind on the outside and moved back up into my position. Casey was active during the race he tried to work a couple breaks, and I tried to get some blocking going for him with Ertz, but nothing was gonna stick, it was too windy, and didn't seem like people were all that motivated. I tried to bridge a 3man break at one point and felt a match start to light, so being my first 3s race and anticipating that the pace would eventually pick up I decided not to waste any energy. In fact after all the racing in the past week there wasn't much of that to spare anyways. With 3 to go I gelled up and moved up into position, I didn't want to wait until the last lap to get on the front, as that is prime real estate, and everyone I'm sure was going to be digging for those top six spots going into the final lap.
This turned out to be for the best, as there was a big pileup on the last lap going through the chicane (s-turns). Casey and Brent moved up also, and it was shaping up to be a lead out for B at the sprint. Casey was hauling, Brent was following, and I was riding just outside his wheel on the right to make sure he didnt get boxed in from the wide side. In hind sight it may have been a better plan to get up and help Casey with the lead out. Next time, I'm sure our teamwork will improve as we race together more. So there we were sitting 3rd 4th and 5th wheel going into the downhill sprint to the finish. As we rolled through the sweeping left to the straight away, the pace picked up, and the full out sprint was on. I had absolutely no legs to sprint, and thats no good on a drag strip like that, Brent rolled a 5th, Casey 10th, I cruised in in 16th, Marty 18th, Lance 21st, and unfortunately Jared got caught behind the crash, and rolled in without a scratch, but had some white knuckles going on. All in all a very nice day for VC in my books. I placed way above my expectations, and had an absolute blast out there with the rest of the guys. Looking forward to some good teamwork in the up coming races, and learning how to ride with these guys.
Now there has been some talk after the race regarding the pace, the crash, and who or what was responsible. I cant spend any of my energy on that, so I am just going to leave that to the others who can. I'm just grateful to be able to race my bike, and that those IC3 guys put on such a good race, with some good eats afterwards. And above all, no one was seriously injured. Scrapes and bones will heal, broken carbon can be replaced. This is all a part of the sport we choose to participate in. See you at the RACES!!!!
Friday, May 11, 2007
Ok guys, its been a while since I posted, and quite a bit has gone on since. So where to start? Ok, cool stuff, I have been in touch with a couple of long lost friends via myspace. Now I know that MS gets a bad rap, but I have to tell you its a great way to find friends from High School, and College. My parents are going to be out to visit next week, and its been about a year since I've seen them so that's going to be very nice. Now on to bikes.
April was a tough month, after a quick start to the season in March and some good results, the results went down the tube with some not so smart racing and some heavy duty training time. The intent was to come out of the gate hot, and get some quick results, but when they start to go bye bye, you can start to question things.
The training in April consisted of a lot of days in the mountains doing climbing repeats, along with some long days in the saddle. Throw in a couple of races on the weekends, and I was pretty spent. All of this was in prep for the Tour of the Gila in Silver City, New Mexico. www.tourofthegila.com For the Cat IV's its a 3-day stage race with a 62 Mile road race, with 4600 Ft of climbing on day 1, a downtown criterium on day 2, and the Gila Monster, a 72 mile road race, with 6000 ft of climbing on day 3. I ended up finishing 13th overall for the 3-days, about 3 minutes off of the winner. Now this is a huge improvement over last year. In most climbing races I finished about 20 minutes back from the leaders.
The stay in Silver City was something special. Last minute, I found myself with no one to share hotel costs with, so I contacted the housing coordinator with the race with the hope of finding a host family to stay with. Now this was extremely last minute, so I had no expectations. Within 2-days I had housing, WOW! The family I stayed with was absolutely amazing. These people let me into there house to stay for a couple of days with no worries what so ever. I actually had the house to myself for one night. That says a lot about people. And the Towns people of Silver City were another surprise. Every time we went out riding, or around town with the bikes on the top of the car, we would get the thumbs up, or a "good luck". You want to talk about some positive energy!!!! I was asked to sign an autograph for one fellow, and Im just a Cat IV starting out in racing. Needless to say the entire trip was incredible. If I could, I would register for next years race yesterday!
So, Im back in Denver now, and after this weekends race I will be taking it easy while my parents are in town. This works out great since I've have had 5 races in 8 days, and I'm about due for a little rest.
~Later!
April was a tough month, after a quick start to the season in March and some good results, the results went down the tube with some not so smart racing and some heavy duty training time. The intent was to come out of the gate hot, and get some quick results, but when they start to go bye bye, you can start to question things.
The training in April consisted of a lot of days in the mountains doing climbing repeats, along with some long days in the saddle. Throw in a couple of races on the weekends, and I was pretty spent. All of this was in prep for the Tour of the Gila in Silver City, New Mexico. www.tourofthegila.com For the Cat IV's its a 3-day stage race with a 62 Mile road race, with 4600 Ft of climbing on day 1, a downtown criterium on day 2, and the Gila Monster, a 72 mile road race, with 6000 ft of climbing on day 3. I ended up finishing 13th overall for the 3-days, about 3 minutes off of the winner. Now this is a huge improvement over last year. In most climbing races I finished about 20 minutes back from the leaders.
The stay in Silver City was something special. Last minute, I found myself with no one to share hotel costs with, so I contacted the housing coordinator with the race with the hope of finding a host family to stay with. Now this was extremely last minute, so I had no expectations. Within 2-days I had housing, WOW! The family I stayed with was absolutely amazing. These people let me into there house to stay for a couple of days with no worries what so ever. I actually had the house to myself for one night. That says a lot about people. And the Towns people of Silver City were another surprise. Every time we went out riding, or around town with the bikes on the top of the car, we would get the thumbs up, or a "good luck". You want to talk about some positive energy!!!! I was asked to sign an autograph for one fellow, and Im just a Cat IV starting out in racing. Needless to say the entire trip was incredible. If I could, I would register for next years race yesterday!
So, Im back in Denver now, and after this weekends race I will be taking it easy while my parents are in town. This works out great since I've have had 5 races in 8 days, and I'm about due for a little rest.
~Later!
Monday, March 26, 2007
March 24 Cateye RR - Finished: 25th
I got a shot of humility this weekend. 40 Degrees, and constant heavy rain, a good ol New England soaking. To sum up the race in short it goes something like this:
No warm up= OFF THE BACK, and a little soreness to boot.
Colin my teammate however rocked an 11th place in the muck earning him the VC Mud Wrestling Champions Belt.
All in all not quite the results I hoped for, but the race itself was an absolute blast.
Here are some pic's:
I got a shot of humility this weekend. 40 Degrees, and constant heavy rain, a good ol New England soaking. To sum up the race in short it goes something like this:
No warm up= OFF THE BACK, and a little soreness to boot.
Colin my teammate however rocked an 11th place in the muck earning him the VC Mud Wrestling Champions Belt.
All in all not quite the results I hoped for, but the race itself was an absolute blast.
Here are some pic's:
This mud is a lot of work!!!
I did finally get it going, but it was a little to late.
All smiles before the race.
I'll tell you one thing I take more from of the "bad" results than the "good" results. Its all just experience, and this race went down just the way it was supposed to have, that is for certain.
March 11th, DU Crit 8th, 2nd race of the double dip weekend.
March 18th, Boulder Beer-CU Circut Race 3rd
Best result of the year, course worked for me, lots of climbing. I started a break after the 1st lap, 8 guys chased and the break stuck for the entire race. We had a little help in the peleton with some blocking from HART, their rider finished 1st, I was able to snag a 3rd in the sprint.
March 18th, Boulder Beer-CU Circut Race 3rd
Best result of the year, course worked for me, lots of climbing. I started a break after the 1st lap, 8 guys chased and the break stuck for the entire race. We had a little help in the peleton with some blocking from HART, their rider finished 1st, I was able to snag a 3rd in the sprint.
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
March 11, Season Opener
Double dipped today, a term being thrown around describing racing 2-races in a day. For Me being a SM4 it is a rarity to have the opportunity to get in 2 races in one day, so I had to take full advantage of this.
Race 1-Stazio (training race).
Stazio is a local training race in Boulder, put on by Denver Boulder Couriers, Chris G, a big race promoter in the region, and the Mens Open can attract some big names if they are in the area. Tyler Hamilton was warned by the UCI for hitting these races while his license was under suspension. Lately the Tour of California boys have been in town so the Open has been a drag race.
Luckily for me, I get to hang with peeps my speed, in the SM4's (the guys just getting into racing). We had a 60 person field to start. The course is a rectangular loop around an industrial park, with 2 real corners, a short power climb just after the 1st corner, and a long, long flat drag strip finish stretch. Race Time 40 min.
The race started with a mellow 1st lap, everyone easing into it, but after that it was on, with a flurry of attacks on and after the hill. I took a couple of runs at the field after the hill on the downhill stretch, to open things up a bit. After the fancy pants riding settled down, the remainder of the race was pretty uneventful. I spent more time trying to avoid the bomb craters in the road at the top of the hill, those potholes made for a rough ride a times. We finally hit 5 laps to go, and the fun began. Speed picked up, and a couple of people tried to get off the front. One dude from Team Einsteins soloed 3 laps, we let him dangle out there just in reach and reeled him in with 2 laps to go. Last lap and it was on, full steam ahead leaving just enough for the sprint at the finish. The stretch to the finish is about 300-400m by best guess, and its a drag race, straight and wide. Going into the final sweeping turn before to the finish I was about 8th wheel or so. The drag race was on and I pulled out the 11th spot. Not so bad for a 130 lb midget against these big strong sprinters.
Race 2-DU, at Investco Field
To be Continued......
Double dipped today, a term being thrown around describing racing 2-races in a day. For Me being a SM4 it is a rarity to have the opportunity to get in 2 races in one day, so I had to take full advantage of this.
Race 1-Stazio (training race).
Stazio is a local training race in Boulder, put on by Denver Boulder Couriers, Chris G, a big race promoter in the region, and the Mens Open can attract some big names if they are in the area. Tyler Hamilton was warned by the UCI for hitting these races while his license was under suspension. Lately the Tour of California boys have been in town so the Open has been a drag race.
Luckily for me, I get to hang with peeps my speed, in the SM4's (the guys just getting into racing). We had a 60 person field to start. The course is a rectangular loop around an industrial park, with 2 real corners, a short power climb just after the 1st corner, and a long, long flat drag strip finish stretch. Race Time 40 min.
The race started with a mellow 1st lap, everyone easing into it, but after that it was on, with a flurry of attacks on and after the hill. I took a couple of runs at the field after the hill on the downhill stretch, to open things up a bit. After the fancy pants riding settled down, the remainder of the race was pretty uneventful. I spent more time trying to avoid the bomb craters in the road at the top of the hill, those potholes made for a rough ride a times. We finally hit 5 laps to go, and the fun began. Speed picked up, and a couple of people tried to get off the front. One dude from Team Einsteins soloed 3 laps, we let him dangle out there just in reach and reeled him in with 2 laps to go. Last lap and it was on, full steam ahead leaving just enough for the sprint at the finish. The stretch to the finish is about 300-400m by best guess, and its a drag race, straight and wide. Going into the final sweeping turn before to the finish I was about 8th wheel or so. The drag race was on and I pulled out the 11th spot. Not so bad for a 130 lb midget against these big strong sprinters.
Race 2-DU, at Investco Field
To be Continued......
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