Breakthrough ride

Every one in a while, I feel like I am doing something right in this bike race game. I will admit that year after year, I have done the same thing: start hard putting some miles in early October, and keep pushing hard until I burn out.

This season, between getting sick and some snow, I have ended up building more of a base and not pushing hard through the winter. I have been smarter this year by looking ahead much futher than April or May, hoping to avoid the summer burnout I always seem to have.

This morning, I had the best road ride I have had in years. Pushed hard for over three hours until I decided to back off a bit, ate and drank smartly out on the ride, and had an average speed that I would have been proud of in the late spring, not in February. The additional base combined with some trainer time has done me well. Next Saturday, I get to test myself against some strong regional racers in Leesburgh, VA and I am looking forward to it. It will not be my first expert race as I had that experience last Fall, but it will be my first geared expert bike race and I am looking forward to it. I know I still have a lot of work to do, a lot of weight to lose, and a lot of things to learn, but I am ready for the challenge.

Train wreck, or not

I am totally intrigued by this comeback story. I do find it hard to believe that everyone loved Lance when he came back, but have nothing but hatred for this guy. The comments are killer.

http://velonews.competitor.com/2011/02/news/alexi-grewal%e2%80%99s-big-comeback-gets-underway_161334



I was not around in cycling in 1984 (other than BMX racing), nor do I know much of Alexi other than what was in Velonews a few years ago, but if he can come back and be competitive in the pro ranks at 50, that is impressive. I guess I like the underdog stories.

*Picture courtesy of Velonews.

Racing and snow, yes snow

Trying to put together a season is fun, deciding what races should be attended and balancing non-bike related commitments is always fun. I will say that the first weekend in May seems to offer many choices, but the only option is here:

http://www.bikereg.com/events/register.asp?eventid=12705

All you New Englanders (like CB2 and Monty) are welcome to sleep in my camper that weekend. 2 beds, 1 fridge, etc. 2 days of racing on one of the best courses on the region, plus a run if you are into that sort of thing.

Snow sucks

So in recent events, we had 70 degree temps on Friday and six inches of snow this morning. How is that for weather variation? HATE the snow. Spring cannot get here soon enough for me.

Rode on dirt yesterday

Super windy on Saturday combined with 27 degree temps meant I got to ride some dirt for an hour on Sunday at 6:30AM Sadly, several folks rode the same dirt trails on Saturday when it was not 27 degrees and the place is ultra lumpy rutted frozen. I spun back home and traded the MTB for the road bike.

I will say the trails that were not ridden (super secret location) were excellent. Frozen solid, not rutty and very fast.


It is a shame the Saturday wankers could not wait one more day . . . .