Year End Updates

Finally, after getting sick 3 times in the last four weeks, I went to the doctor, where I was prescribed 2 weeks of antibiotics. The whole family is on a similar program, because we have all been sick a lot. Turns out we all have sinus infections. Every time I got sick, I had the tell-tale signs but I have been trying to avoid all of the side effects of the antibiotics, unsuccessfully it seems. Mostly avoided them because I would recover quickly and the infection signs would go away. I am glad to be on them now as I could not shake the last cold and things were going downhill fast.

Looking forward to 2010, I placed my chips down for the Baker’s Dozen. In a moment of “delusions of grandeur”, I registered for the Cat 1 race, instead of trying to go back and repeat with a top sport finish. I could switch races, but that would cost an additional $15, so I think I will just tough this one out. Since my training has been derailed by snow, rain, and being sick, this will literally just be a ride in the park for me. The distances have been lowered from last year too, because a 28 mile race in January is too much! I do love the trails there on the farm though and cannot stay away. The promoter is running a 4 race series there, so I may be back for more of the same.

Christmas was good for everyone in my family. Isabella was very excited about all of her presents. I think she was most excited about the puzzles she received. She likes the toys, but really enjoys working out problems in her head, so she loves every puzzle she gets to build. On the two days following Christmas, the first thing she said to me was “Can we play puzzles Daddy?” We did.

Hopefully I can get out and ride soon, but I am not going to push it and end up sicker. Sadly our trails are perfect now that they are frozen, but more snow and rain are on the way, so this condition may be short lived. Bummer, but for now, I better stick to the trainer and weights.

Winter Wonderland, or how the deep snow allows me to do what I need to do to get ready for 2010!

Our area got hit big time with snow! Depending upon who you ask, there is anywhere from 12 to 20 inches of the white fluffy stuff. Riding outside on the road may take a few days as temps will be cold for quite some time. Riding off road will be next to impossible, as the trails are very covered and again, the temps will be cold for quite some time. Last year, after a large snow, I rode the same trail over and over in Middle run, about a mile out and back. It allowed me to get some outdoor riding in while others were stuck on their trainers. The section included a climb, so it was a really good training effect and I used it for about a week until the snow started to melt. I pretty much kept it to myself, but it was better than being on the trainer. I am not so sure I am as motivated yet this season, but there is a nice trail network closeby (Redd park) and I could ski or hike there first to push the snow down, then ride the MTB. It is actually a better option than the trail in Middle Run as it is a loop option, about a mile in length - - perfect short track training loop actually. Any takers to help mash it down?

I have taken a different approach with my off-season training from last year. I did not do any running this year, while I ran last year for about six weeks. It provided a good aerobic base and helped keep the extra winter weight off. I was going to continue to not run, but based on our recent weather, I am going to go ahead and do some running for the next month or so. It may be the only chance for outside activity in the near future, although I did see Euro Camp Bound Jeff Bahnson out riding his MTB yesterday.

I also wanted to do a regimented weight lifting program for 2010 and failed there too with only periodic and non structured weight training a few times and not in a regular pattern! Luckily, there is still some time and once again, the weather outside has provided an excellent opportunity to do some weight work. Last night, in addition to other lifts, I did dumbbell squats to failure and my legs locked up big time on the last set, just like they do when I am off the back on a group ride and trying my best to get back to the pack, so I think doing some weight work will help me for the racing season. I worried about being able to get upstairs after the last set, but in time the legs loosened up.

I registered for my first race of 2010 over the weekend, the Snotcycle at the end of January. I went back and forth quite a bit trying to decide if I would race this again, but it was a lot of fun last year and I would be sorry if I did not do it. The course is a good match for my riding style and it is a lot of fun. Perhaps this year there will be no snow on the course and it will be even faster than it was in 2009. I do know I need to take a different approach with hydration, because my bottle was frozen after one lap last year and I was really thirsty! In addition, there is a crit training series scheduled for an area not that far from me and I am looking forward to taking part in a few of these events. I have done training crits in the past, but had to drive for 90 minutes to get to them (T-Town). No info posted yet other than “Wilmington Training Crit Series”, but I keep checking back.

So to sum up, slow rides in the snow once I get the trail cleared, running, weights, and the first race of the season is five weeks away! Time to get moving.

More base, some weights, lots of road, little bit of trainer, and no MTB riding. Another cold set in Thursday, so I missed the best chance I had to ride my MTB this AM when the trails were frozen. Too warm tomorrow for trails, but hopefully the rain holds off for a bit and I can ride on the roads instead of the trainer. I actually have been enjoying my road bike. A lot.

Have to go do some more planning for 2010 . . . .and ride my trainer : (

Laying down a base

Riding has been challenging lately at best, considering all of the rain, but it has not been impossible. Sunday's have been extra good for riding and the last three had me on the bike for 3+hours each, along with riding during the week almost every day. Just this week, the trail rides have been replaced with road rides. Kinda scary, but I actually like riding the road bike a lot. Just need to take the time to clean the dirt and grime from the drivetrain, most of this grime approaching a year of tenure on the chain and cogs.

I am looking forward to the 2010 racing season. Some decisions to make, some easy, some not so easy, but all in all it should be a good season.

Take a minute to go check out Delaware's favorite junior national champ in action here and feel free to drop a dollar or two in the bucket while you are there if you find it appropriate: www.dccofd.org/jeffbahnson.htm

Alternative Funding Methods?

It costs a lot of money to send a Jr to Europe to race. Here is Lauri supporting her son's Euro trip. Source: www.cyclingnews.com

The Road to Glory starts now

Thinking a lot about 2010 and where I want to be in racing. There are still some final decisions to be made, and they all be challenging. Between fighting a cold and the constant rain all every day, riding outside has been a challenge.

Rode my first long ride yesterday in a long time, a 3.5 hour tour of Fair Hill starting and ending from home. Had great company for the ride, but it seems like we went up almost every hill in the place, minus the long down and up lead-in to Skip a trail. Good times.

I will begin to lay out a plan for next year, but the mext two months looks a lot like this: Long slow rides with a little intensity once per week!

Oh yeah, go check this out www.dccofd.org/jeffbahnson.htm and drop a few coins in the bucket for ol' Jeb.

Rest in Peace Susan. WIN!

I am very sad to have read this post today. I have followed these folks lives for over a year now and FC has been very open about a lot of things. Elden is a very stong man and my heart goes out to him and his family. I am so sorry.

I will be racing in my Fat Cyclist jersey on Sunday. Other than contributing to team fatty and his livestrong effort (perhaps I should have joined the team for Philly?), but other than contributing, there is nothing I can do, but I can and will the jersey Sunday in honor of Susan.

Go hug your wife/husband/child(ren)/dad/mom/brother/sister/dog/cat/neighbor. Enjoy the each day and embrace it. Each is truly a gift and you never know if will get the same gift tomorrow. Make each one count.

www.fatcyclist.com