I leave today for North Carolina. I hope to get some really good training time between Thursday and next week. If I can get 3 or 4 days of hard riding in I'll feel really good about the race. I think the altitude and the opportunity for some REAL climbs will do me a lot of good.
Anyway, I don't know how consistent my updates will be...like I've been consistently updating the blog lately, yeah right. I have set up an audioblogger account, so my plan is to phone in my reports from Sugar Mtn.
That's it for now. I've gotta get some sleep, I have a long travel day tomorrow. *Yawn.
Wednesday, May 31, 2006
Saturday, May 27, 2006
America on the podium...finally!
Jeremy Horgan-KobelskiFriday, May 26, 2006
I love it when a plan comes together
As of Sunday I'll have two weeks till the Sugar Mtn race. I should be down to my goal weight of 185lbs by June 1st, and my training is coming along well. It could probably be a bit better, but all things considered I'm fairly happy with my progress. I'll have some days of training at altitude prior to the race which will be very welcomed, and it'll give me a chance to do a few real climbing workouts.
I'm really obsessing over my climbing, as I feel that this race will be won or lost on the climb/s. If you're not in the position you want to be by the time the course descends you are SOL...barring someone wadding it up, or you being close enough for a sprint win.
USA Cycling has unveiled yet another incentive program. It's great that they are doing some things to help American riders compete in the international arena, but I'm wondering why they haven't done this sooner. It appears to me that in the past they've put more resources into the junior development program/s. Don't get me wrong, I'm all for doing all we can to groom the next generation of American cyclists... but why focus so much of your limited resources on the next generation of cyclists, when there are established riders (pros) who could benefit greatly from the total backing of USA Cycling. Just look at our pros who try their best to compete on equal footing at the World Cup events. It's like the old saying, "a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush."
We invented the sport of mtn biking, and there's no reason why our athletes can't be more of a force at the World Cups. Good solid support is a necessary ingredient for their success.
I'm really obsessing over my climbing, as I feel that this race will be won or lost on the climb/s. If you're not in the position you want to be by the time the course descends you are SOL...barring someone wadding it up, or you being close enough for a sprint win.
USA Cycling has unveiled yet another incentive program. It's great that they are doing some things to help American riders compete in the international arena, but I'm wondering why they haven't done this sooner. It appears to me that in the past they've put more resources into the junior development program/s. Don't get me wrong, I'm all for doing all we can to groom the next generation of American cyclists... but why focus so much of your limited resources on the next generation of cyclists, when there are established riders (pros) who could benefit greatly from the total backing of USA Cycling. Just look at our pros who try their best to compete on equal footing at the World Cup events. It's like the old saying, "a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush."
We invented the sport of mtn biking, and there's no reason why our athletes can't be more of a force at the World Cups. Good solid support is a necessary ingredient for their success.
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
2 1/2 weeks to go
The countdown to my first 'A' race of the season has begun. Only 2 and a half weeks away. Despite some lackluster (read- assy) training days as of late, I feel like I'm on the right track with my fitness. One thing I'm gonna do is, on the week of the race, I'm going to try chocolate milk as a recovery drink. Down a glass after my workouts...I want to make sure that my legs are fully recovered, and ready for the intensity I'm gonna be throwing at them during the race.
Today I was hoping to get some type of high intensity training in (sprints, threshold intervals, etc), but my legs had other plans. I think I was just tired. I stayed up late last night finishing up a work related project, then I had to get up early this morning. I've been going in slow motion all day.
Hopefully tomorrow won't be as putrid as today was.
Today I was hoping to get some type of high intensity training in (sprints, threshold intervals, etc), but my legs had other plans. I think I was just tired. I stayed up late last night finishing up a work related project, then I had to get up early this morning. I've been going in slow motion all day.
Hopefully tomorrow won't be as putrid as today was.
Tuesday, May 23, 2006
Not happenin'
It's a new day, and a new week of training. Went out with the intention of doing sone descending intervals 75/60/45/30 sec, meant to help develop your ability to produce power at lactate and anaerobic levels. The workout called for making an explosive out-of-the-saddle jump, and then settle into a 110-120rpm cadence, the whole time trying to increase speed during the interval. I think I was out of the saddle for too long, at around 45 seconds into the first interval my legs called it quits. I'll try these another day, and go for fewer revolutions while I'm out of the saddle...see if I fare any better.
If that wasn't enough, on the way back the wind kicked my ass. I guess it's a good way to simulate hill climbs. Not that it helps me deal with the wind any better. Let's face it, there's no way to paint a rosey picture out of a damned headwind. It's evil, EVIL I tells ya!
If that wasn't enough, on the way back the wind kicked my ass. I guess it's a good way to simulate hill climbs. Not that it helps me deal with the wind any better. Let's face it, there's no way to paint a rosey picture out of a damned headwind. It's evil, EVIL I tells ya!
Saturday, May 20, 2006
Makin' my play
I think I smell a ProTour team contract coming. Mr Riis, Mr. Bruyneel? I hereby submit my resume.
That's just my average. Ohh, and that's MPH, baby!
Now, allow me to be the first one to call bullsh*t. I don't know how my HR monitor screwed up that data, but it did. The only thing I can think of is that the sensor was a little too close to the magnet. It even had the mileage all wrong. Technology...can't live without it, and can't make it work.
Besides those goofy figures, the ride was a good one. Did some Tempo work and high speed sprints. Between those workouts and the wind, I was cooked at the end. All that was left to do was stick a fork in me. I'm gonna sleep well tonight.
That's just my average. Ohh, and that's MPH, baby!Now, allow me to be the first one to call bullsh*t. I don't know how my HR monitor screwed up that data, but it did. The only thing I can think of is that the sensor was a little too close to the magnet. It even had the mileage all wrong. Technology...can't live without it, and can't make it work.
Besides those goofy figures, the ride was a good one. Did some Tempo work and high speed sprints. Between those workouts and the wind, I was cooked at the end. All that was left to do was stick a fork in me. I'm gonna sleep well tonight.
Checking in
I took a day off the bike yesterday, as I just wasn't feeling frisky enough for a training ride. I've learned to listen to my body on these occasions. If I ignore the message and ride anyway I end up riding like, "a small child,"...to coin an Adam Craig phrase.
On the road racing front, stage 13 of the Giro just wrapped up. Ivan Basso has the race in the bag. Barring a serious crash or illness there's no way he'll be beat. He has 3:27 on second place, and he's over 5 minutes ahead of the rest of the field. In racing that is a HUGE margin. Seeing his performance here, I am definitely giving Basso the nod for the Tour de France win.
Back to the homefront...
My bar tape grips worked well on their maiden voyage the other afternoon. I'm inclined to say that I might have made them a little too thin. I had good control of the bike, and decent cushioning, so I'll hold off further judgement until I've logged some more miles on them.
I'll be back to the training this afternoon. Trying to decide what will be on the menu; Tempo, hill accelerations, sprints, V02 max thresholds. Decisions, decisions.
On the road racing front, stage 13 of the Giro just wrapped up. Ivan Basso has the race in the bag. Barring a serious crash or illness there's no way he'll be beat. He has 3:27 on second place, and he's over 5 minutes ahead of the rest of the field. In racing that is a HUGE margin. Seeing his performance here, I am definitely giving Basso the nod for the Tour de France win.
Back to the homefront...
My bar tape grips worked well on their maiden voyage the other afternoon. I'm inclined to say that I might have made them a little too thin. I had good control of the bike, and decent cushioning, so I'll hold off further judgement until I've logged some more miles on them.
I'll be back to the training this afternoon. Trying to decide what will be on the menu; Tempo, hill accelerations, sprints, V02 max thresholds. Decisions, decisions.
Thursday, May 18, 2006
Workin' it
Yesterday, I actually managed to get 2hrs of saddle time in. Even managed to throw in some Power Intervals. What are the chances of that, huh? I'm really pleased with the way my training is going. I'll be ready for Sugar Mtn...or at least as ready as I can be.
Since this race will involve more climbing than I've ever done, I'm doing all I can to minimize the disadvantage I am at since I live at sea level. I'm trying to take a little weight off my bike, it's not gonna be a lot, but every little bit helps.
My first alteration was my grips. I was using ODI lock ons, and while they're super comfy grips, they are on the portly side. I went the bar tape route and I'm pleased with how they turned out. This evening I'll be trying them for the first time.
Next up, are some exception series Maxxis Crossmarks. I have the UST version, and I'll lose some grams switching to the exception style. These will be race tires only though. As soon as the race is over, the USTs will be going back on the bike.
Between the grips and the tires, I'll be dropping a pound off the bike. Like I said, it's not a lot, but I'll take what I can get. Fortunately, the biggest weight savings I'll get is also at the most important place to get it from, and that's at the wheels. The whole physics, rotating weight thing.
Since this race will involve more climbing than I've ever done, I'm doing all I can to minimize the disadvantage I am at since I live at sea level. I'm trying to take a little weight off my bike, it's not gonna be a lot, but every little bit helps.
My first alteration was my grips. I was using ODI lock ons, and while they're super comfy grips, they are on the portly side. I went the bar tape route and I'm pleased with how they turned out. This evening I'll be trying them for the first time.
Next up, are some exception series Maxxis Crossmarks. I have the UST version, and I'll lose some grams switching to the exception style. These will be race tires only though. As soon as the race is over, the USTs will be going back on the bike.
Between the grips and the tires, I'll be dropping a pound off the bike. Like I said, it's not a lot, but I'll take what I can get. Fortunately, the biggest weight savings I'll get is also at the most important place to get it from, and that's at the wheels. The whole physics, rotating weight thing.
Tuesday, May 16, 2006
Not in the cards
It's official. I've pulled the plug on any attempt to attend the US Nat'l MTB Championships in Sonoma. There are just too many obstacles at this time, with cost being the biggest factor. This was all kind of last minute anyway, so I'm not broken up about it.
With the racing goals I have for this season, I'll be qualified for next year's championships, and I'll be planning it earlier on.
In the meantime, I'm gonna do a race or two in that time frame somewhere in the region...somewhere not as costly. Maybe one of the remaining SERC races or something.
With the racing goals I have for this season, I'll be qualified for next year's championships, and I'll be planning it earlier on.
In the meantime, I'm gonna do a race or two in that time frame somewhere in the region...somewhere not as costly. Maybe one of the remaining SERC races or something.
Pleased
A Tempo workout was on tap for today, and it ended up being more intense than I initially expected. Part of the workout calls for keeping the cadence low, in the 70-75rpm range. On the way out that was easy as I was battling a nasty headwind. On the way back I just didn't have a high enough gear to keep in the 70-ish range. I was turning my biggest gear and I was still hitting mid to upper 90 rpms. I wish that was my enormous talent shining through, but a lovely tailwind was no doubt helping me along...so much so that I averaged 23mph on the way back. Very nice.
I'm pleased with the first ride of the week.
I'm pleased with the first ride of the week.
Monday, May 15, 2006
Race news
This past weekend had quite a bit of racing.
First off, the first European stop of the World Cup Series took place in Madrid, Spain. With some new rules, it sounds like the race was even more intense than usual. The usual suspects won the day. When are we gonna get an American atop the podium in one of those European World Cups?
Next up, was a different kind of race...the Kokopelli Trail Race. It's a 142 mile unsupported, unofficial race. Unofficial, in that there are no prizes awarded, other than the satisfaction of having finished it. This is an event for true enduro freaks. This is the 6th year it has run. There were 56 starters and 23 finishers. The dude who won, and set a course record in the process, did it on a single speed! Holy Crap!
It sounds like everyone enjoyed themselves, or at least most of them.
But can you believe it...there was actually some cheating going on! What kind of retard cheats in a race with no prizes or national recognition?
In the road racing front, the 9th stage of the Giro d'Italia wrapped yesterday. Ivan Basso is in the lead right now, and unless something major happens, I think he's gonna take the 'W'. Basso's looking fit this year, Landis is having an awesome season...I think we're gonna see an exciting Tour de France.
First off, the first European stop of the World Cup Series took place in Madrid, Spain. With some new rules, it sounds like the race was even more intense than usual. The usual suspects won the day. When are we gonna get an American atop the podium in one of those European World Cups?
Next up, was a different kind of race...the Kokopelli Trail Race. It's a 142 mile unsupported, unofficial race. Unofficial, in that there are no prizes awarded, other than the satisfaction of having finished it. This is an event for true enduro freaks. This is the 6th year it has run. There were 56 starters and 23 finishers. The dude who won, and set a course record in the process, did it on a single speed! Holy Crap!
It sounds like everyone enjoyed themselves, or at least most of them.
But can you believe it...there was actually some cheating going on! What kind of retard cheats in a race with no prizes or national recognition?
In the road racing front, the 9th stage of the Giro d'Italia wrapped yesterday. Ivan Basso is in the lead right now, and unless something major happens, I think he's gonna take the 'W'. Basso's looking fit this year, Landis is having an awesome season...I think we're gonna see an exciting Tour de France.
Race news
This past weekend had quite a bit of racing.
First off, the first European stop of the World Cup Series took place in Madrid, Spain. With some new rules, it sounds like the race was even more intense than usual. The usual suspects won the day. When are we gonna get an American atop the podium in one of those European World Cups?
Next up, was a different kind of race...the Kokopelli Trail Race. It's a 142 mile unsupported, unofficial race. Unofficial, in that there are no prizes awarded, other than the satisfaction of having finished it. This is an event for true enduro freaks. This is the 6th year it has run. There were 56 starters and 23 finishers. The dude who won, and set a course record in the process, did it on a single speed! Holy Crap!
It sounds like everyone enjoyed themselves, or at least most of them.
But can you believe it...there was actually some cheating going on! What kind of retard cheats in a race with no prizes or national recognition?
In the road racing front, the 9th stage of the Giro d'Italia wrapped yesterday. Ivan Basso is in the lead right now, and unless something major happens, I think he's gonna take the 'W'. Basso's looking fit this year, Landis is having an awesome season...I think we're gonna see an exciting Tour de France.
First off, the first European stop of the World Cup Series took place in Madrid, Spain. With some new rules, it sounds like the race was even more intense than usual. The usual suspects won the day. When are we gonna get an American atop the podium in one of those European World Cups?
Next up, was a different kind of race...the Kokopelli Trail Race. It's a 142 mile unsupported, unofficial race. Unofficial, in that there are no prizes awarded, other than the satisfaction of having finished it. This is an event for true enduro freaks. This is the 6th year it has run. There were 56 starters and 23 finishers. The dude who won, and set a course record in the process, did it on a single speed! Holy Crap!
It sounds like everyone enjoyed themselves, or at least most of them.
But can you believe it...there was actually some cheating going on! What kind of retard cheats in a race with no prizes or national recognition?
In the road racing front, the 9th stage of the Giro d'Italia wrapped yesterday. Ivan Basso is in the lead right now, and unless something major happens, I think he's gonna take the 'W'. Basso's looking fit this year, Landis is having an awesome season...I think we're gonna see an exciting Tour de France.
Sunday, May 14, 2006
Time is flyin'
I can't believe that it's just under a month till my first 'A' race of the season. I don't know what it is, but the last few months have flown by. It seems like just last week I was doing my first race of the season, and it's been over a month ago.
Sugar Mtn is gonna be a super challenging race for me, and call me crazy, but I'm kinda looking forward to it. I might change my tune halfway thru the race, but for right now I'm excited.
My training has been going well, with one exception...I haven't been getting in as many hours as I'd like. I've got to buckle down over these last few weeks. Yesterday I did some sprints and some hill acceleration intervals. It wasn't a long ride, but it was a quality one. I'll take quality in a pinch. If I can get some good quantity with quality intervals then I'll be very pleased with my form leading into the race. This coming week I'll be stepping up both intensity and volume.
Sugar Mtn is gonna be a super challenging race for me, and call me crazy, but I'm kinda looking forward to it. I might change my tune halfway thru the race, but for right now I'm excited.
My training has been going well, with one exception...I haven't been getting in as many hours as I'd like. I've got to buckle down over these last few weeks. Yesterday I did some sprints and some hill acceleration intervals. It wasn't a long ride, but it was a quality one. I'll take quality in a pinch. If I can get some good quantity with quality intervals then I'll be very pleased with my form leading into the race. This coming week I'll be stepping up both intensity and volume.
Friday, May 12, 2006
Second thoughts
I finally got an email from USA Cycling, announcing the new venue for the relocated National Championships. Sonoma, California's Infineon Raceway will be hosting the race. In an interesting twist, they've moved the race up one weekend, to July 13-16. That was originally the date of the fifth stop of the NMBS, which was to be held at Sonoma, but because of scheduling conflicts, USA Cycling pulled the NMBS race/s that were to be held at Sonoma and replaced it with the championships.
Since learning of my eligibility to race at the Nat'l Championships I've been intending to go. In the days prior to the announcement of the relocation I had a feeling that Sonoma was to be the location, due to the National Series race the weekend before. Once it became official, that's when I started looking into costs...and damn, it's gonna be a costly trip. Sonoma is right there in wine country, which is probably the most expensive part of the state. Geez!
Rough estimates are in the $1300-$1500 range right now. It's enough to make me have second thoughts about going. I have enough faith in my abilities to be able to ride well, and at least have a shot at winning, but if I have a flat or a mechanical (which is always a possibility in a race) then that's all she wrote. In a short race like what I'd be doing, a flat or a mechanical is a KO for all intents and purposes. It would tick me off to pay out all that money to get to the race, then get the dreaded DNF from some bike related issue.
Over the next couple of days I've got some serious thinking to do. Decisions, decisions.
On the training front, the last two days I got some good saddle time in, but it came at a price. We've been having some serious wind lately, and fighting it left my legs pretty thrashed. The wind was really kicking up today, and the legs just weren't feelin' the love, so an impromptu day off. I'll be back at it tomorrow.
Since learning of my eligibility to race at the Nat'l Championships I've been intending to go. In the days prior to the announcement of the relocation I had a feeling that Sonoma was to be the location, due to the National Series race the weekend before. Once it became official, that's when I started looking into costs...and damn, it's gonna be a costly trip. Sonoma is right there in wine country, which is probably the most expensive part of the state. Geez!
Rough estimates are in the $1300-$1500 range right now. It's enough to make me have second thoughts about going. I have enough faith in my abilities to be able to ride well, and at least have a shot at winning, but if I have a flat or a mechanical (which is always a possibility in a race) then that's all she wrote. In a short race like what I'd be doing, a flat or a mechanical is a KO for all intents and purposes. It would tick me off to pay out all that money to get to the race, then get the dreaded DNF from some bike related issue.
Over the next couple of days I've got some serious thinking to do. Decisions, decisions.
On the training front, the last two days I got some good saddle time in, but it came at a price. We've been having some serious wind lately, and fighting it left my legs pretty thrashed. The wind was really kicking up today, and the legs just weren't feelin' the love, so an impromptu day off. I'll be back at it tomorrow.
Sunday, May 07, 2006
Utopian world?
Am I seeing the world thru rose colored glasses, or am I trying to create my own Utopian world? Nahhh. Why do I bring this up? My commentary on raceclean has captured some attention, even if it is a tiny bit of attention.
But maybe it's time to expound on my position. So, here we go...
Exactly what does the finer points of the corporate world have to do with racing and cyclist doping? Nothing that I can tell. So CSC owned/owns Dyncorp...big whoop. No matter what you think of a company like Dyncorp, it has zero to do with cycling and doping.
On the subject of doping. As I've stated before, I am firmly against doping. That said, I believe in someone being innocent until proven guilty. Making accusations, and/or passing on information passed on from others doesn't help anyone. I for one would rather err on the side of caution than be party to ruining someone's life/career.
I've said my piece on this.
But maybe it's time to expound on my position. So, here we go...
Exactly what does the finer points of the corporate world have to do with racing and cyclist doping? Nothing that I can tell. So CSC owned/owns Dyncorp...big whoop. No matter what you think of a company like Dyncorp, it has zero to do with cycling and doping.
On the subject of doping. As I've stated before, I am firmly against doping. That said, I believe in someone being innocent until proven guilty. Making accusations, and/or passing on information passed on from others doesn't help anyone. I for one would rather err on the side of caution than be party to ruining someone's life/career.
I've said my piece on this.
Lazy spring Sunday
Some potential nasty weather kept me off the bike this morning, so I decided to take in a movie. As is par for the course, it didn't actually rain, it just looked like it. Ohh well, what can you do? I went to see Tom Cruise's latest offering, Mission Impossible 3, which was pretty darn good...almost as good as the first one. Very enjoyable!
On the racing front, the first NORBA event of the season is in the bag. The XC event sounds like it was an action packed one. The K-Bomb pulled out the win in both the XC and the STXC, narrowly beating Jeremy-Horgan-Kobelski.
Shonny Vanlandingham took the womens XC event.
Props to all the pros, racing at that level can't be easy. I can't wait to watch it first hand next month in Sugar Mtn.
On the racing front, the first NORBA event of the season is in the bag. The XC event sounds like it was an action packed one. The K-Bomb pulled out the win in both the XC and the STXC, narrowly beating Jeremy-Horgan-Kobelski.
Shonny Vanlandingham took the womens XC event.
Props to all the pros, racing at that level can't be easy. I can't wait to watch it first hand next month in Sugar Mtn.
Saturday, May 06, 2006
The lowdown
I got an email from Sugar Mtn. I asked some questions about the course, specifically course length and number of laps. Here's what I found out; The course is 6.5 miles (approximately) and we'll be doing 1 lap.
There's some good and bad to this news...
The Good:
Considering the climbing that we'll be doing, 1 lap will probably be more than enough.
With 1lap I don't have to worry about any feed zone issues. One bottle will do just fine.
The Bad:
Doing only 1 lap means I'll have to keep the intensity super high and work damned hard to keep towards the front, because 6.5 miles will go by fast. I won't have a second lap to keep picking off competitors. There will definitely be some serious strategy needed for this race.
There's some good and bad to this news...
The Good:
Considering the climbing that we'll be doing, 1 lap will probably be more than enough.
With 1lap I don't have to worry about any feed zone issues. One bottle will do just fine.
The Bad:
Doing only 1 lap means I'll have to keep the intensity super high and work damned hard to keep towards the front, because 6.5 miles will go by fast. I won't have a second lap to keep picking off competitors. There will definitely be some serious strategy needed for this race.
Friday, May 05, 2006
Gettin' with the program
Got a late start today, and logged in an hour of saddle time. I did make good use of the time though. I did some high speed sprints. I was planning on doing some Power Intervals, but yesterday zapped the life out of my legs.
How my legs felt today
(Editorial note: That is not a real person, I'm not that twisted. It's from the movie "Lifeforce".)
Despite the lifeless legs, the sprints went well. After two intense days of riding I'm tossing around whether I should take tomorrow off or not. I guess I'll just see how the legs feel in the morning.
The course map has been posted for the Sugar Mtn race, and yow! that has the potential to be an ass kicker...at least for this flatlander. Sugar Mtn boasts 1200 vertical feet, the most in NC. It looks like the XC course utilizes most, if not all of that 1200ft. I guess I started on climbing workouts not a moment too soon. At this stage, I don't know how long the course is, or how many laps we'll be doing. They're supposed to have over 20 miles of double and singletrack, and from what I can tell the race course uses quite a bit of it, like in the 8-10mile range.
I just realized that the last few pics I've posted have been from movies. Time to move on to more original content. Been too lazy to carry my camera with me on my rides, but I better start carrying it again...I've got standards to maintain. A reputation to uphold. Ya know?
How my legs felt today(Editorial note: That is not a real person, I'm not that twisted. It's from the movie "Lifeforce".)
Despite the lifeless legs, the sprints went well. After two intense days of riding I'm tossing around whether I should take tomorrow off or not. I guess I'll just see how the legs feel in the morning.
The course map has been posted for the Sugar Mtn race, and yow! that has the potential to be an ass kicker...at least for this flatlander. Sugar Mtn boasts 1200 vertical feet, the most in NC. It looks like the XC course utilizes most, if not all of that 1200ft. I guess I started on climbing workouts not a moment too soon. At this stage, I don't know how long the course is, or how many laps we'll be doing. They're supposed to have over 20 miles of double and singletrack, and from what I can tell the race course uses quite a bit of it, like in the 8-10mile range.
I just realized that the last few pics I've posted have been from movies. Time to move on to more original content. Been too lazy to carry my camera with me on my rides, but I better start carrying it again...I've got standards to maintain. A reputation to uphold. Ya know?
Thursday, May 04, 2006
A pretty decent day
Today was a good day, it made up for yesterday's %#@&ed up day. I wanted to get 2hrs in, but that didn't happen. I only got 1hr in, but I'm not complaining. That was a packed 1hr of training. I'm not sure if my climbing workout is gonna do any good or not, but it sure is intense.
In other news, I finally got around to putting some money down on a new road bike. Hopefully I'll be able to get it outta hock before too long.
Finally, good luck to everyone that is competing in the first stop on the NORBA Nationals...Fontana, Ca. aKa Fontucky.
In other news, I finally got around to putting some money down on a new road bike. Hopefully I'll be able to get it outta hock before too long.
Finally, good luck to everyone that is competing in the first stop on the NORBA Nationals...Fontana, Ca. aKa Fontucky.
Wednesday, May 03, 2006
When you least expect it
There are people in the world who have the life philosophy that about the time everything is going well for you, that's when life sneaks up and bitch slaps you.
I am not one that normally subscribes to such a bleak life outlook, but today I did encounter one of those moments. I was jazzed about today's ride. The plan called for 2hrs, and I was actually looking forward to racking up some mad miles as well as trying out my homebrewed climbing workout. To top it off, the legs were feeling really snappy...so all the ingredients for a good day of training were there.
At every hill I would accelerate my cadence and try and keep a good speed to the top. I was feeling strong, and I was recovering fast. I was in the zone. I approached one of our few steep grades and once again worked at keeping as high a pace up the climb as possible. This particular hill was my first real test. It's one of the longer/steeper climbs available to me, so how well I could A)attack it, and B) recover afterwards, would tell volumes about how I need to refine/continue my climbing based training. I got to the top, and while my HR had snuck up to above 180, it started coming back down fast, even though I was still maintaining a 95 or so rpm cadence.
By this point I was really enjoying my time out on the bike. I come to the first stop sign, and I'm ready to push on for the balance of my 2hrs and then...
This is when I got ambushed, cold-cocked, bushwhacked. It occurred to me that the rear end (the bike's, not mine) seemed unusually squirrely. I look down, and to my displeasure, I see my back tire is going flat. Dammit to hell!
So much for my 2hr ride. I begrudgingly turn around to head for the car. Since I'd topped up the air in my tires prior to leaving the car I figured I'd be able to make it home. NOT! I got maybe 200 or 300 yards and the tire was getting more and more soft. I'm sure questions of carrying a spare tube and/or air are sure to come up, but let's just say that for numerous reasons those options were not available to me.
A good samaritan stops and gives me access to a couple of C02 cartridges to get my tire inflated. Still thinking that my tube should be capable of holding SOME air, I mistakenly think that this inflation will get me home. Unfortunately it only gets me about 3-3.5 miles closer to home. I try getting my weight off the rear tire by standing up and pedaling...that works for a few minutes. The inevitable finally happens and the tire goes totally flat. I'm looking at the prospect of a 5 mile walk. Yippee. Thank God a couple of Army guys took pity on me and gave me a lift back to my car.
Lesson learned. I won't be such an easy mark next time.
Tomorrow I'll try it again.
I am not one that normally subscribes to such a bleak life outlook, but today I did encounter one of those moments. I was jazzed about today's ride. The plan called for 2hrs, and I was actually looking forward to racking up some mad miles as well as trying out my homebrewed climbing workout. To top it off, the legs were feeling really snappy...so all the ingredients for a good day of training were there.
At every hill I would accelerate my cadence and try and keep a good speed to the top. I was feeling strong, and I was recovering fast. I was in the zone. I approached one of our few steep grades and once again worked at keeping as high a pace up the climb as possible. This particular hill was my first real test. It's one of the longer/steeper climbs available to me, so how well I could A)attack it, and B) recover afterwards, would tell volumes about how I need to refine/continue my climbing based training. I got to the top, and while my HR had snuck up to above 180, it started coming back down fast, even though I was still maintaining a 95 or so rpm cadence.
By this point I was really enjoying my time out on the bike. I come to the first stop sign, and I'm ready to push on for the balance of my 2hrs and then...
This is when I got ambushed, cold-cocked, bushwhacked. It occurred to me that the rear end (the bike's, not mine) seemed unusually squirrely. I look down, and to my displeasure, I see my back tire is going flat. Dammit to hell!
So much for my 2hr ride. I begrudgingly turn around to head for the car. Since I'd topped up the air in my tires prior to leaving the car I figured I'd be able to make it home. NOT! I got maybe 200 or 300 yards and the tire was getting more and more soft. I'm sure questions of carrying a spare tube and/or air are sure to come up, but let's just say that for numerous reasons those options were not available to me.
A good samaritan stops and gives me access to a couple of C02 cartridges to get my tire inflated. Still thinking that my tube should be capable of holding SOME air, I mistakenly think that this inflation will get me home. Unfortunately it only gets me about 3-3.5 miles closer to home. I try getting my weight off the rear tire by standing up and pedaling...that works for a few minutes. The inevitable finally happens and the tire goes totally flat. I'm looking at the prospect of a 5 mile walk. Yippee. Thank God a couple of Army guys took pity on me and gave me a lift back to my car.
Lesson learned. I won't be such an easy mark next time.
Tomorrow I'll try it again.
Tuesday, May 02, 2006
Here's an idea
For anyone who's read this blog for any length of time knows, I'm not in a part of the country that is blessed, or cursed depending on your point of view, with much elevation change. I've not been able to put a decent climbing workout together since I started training.
I had something of an epiphany, and I've come up with my own way to add climbing workouts into my training. This will by no means be as good as having a nice long climb to do intervals on, but it's all I got. My plan is to attack on every climb, be it on the road or out on the trails. The moment the road or trail goes up, I'm gonna kick it into high gear and make it my goal to get to the top of the climb as fast as I can. Why am I doing this now? I've been thinking about the upcoming NORBA race in Sugar Mtn, and to a lesser extent, the Nat'l Championships, and both of those races will have more elevation gain than I've ever done in a race...and I will win or lose those races on the climbs. I think it goes without saying that I don't really want to lose, so I'm doin' what I can to work on building my climbing ability. I think I'm already pretty decent at climbing, but if I can put the hurt on my fellow competitors and at the same time survive the climbing assaults then I'll be putting myself in a much better position as the finish line nears.
I had something of an epiphany, and I've come up with my own way to add climbing workouts into my training. This will by no means be as good as having a nice long climb to do intervals on, but it's all I got. My plan is to attack on every climb, be it on the road or out on the trails. The moment the road or trail goes up, I'm gonna kick it into high gear and make it my goal to get to the top of the climb as fast as I can. Why am I doing this now? I've been thinking about the upcoming NORBA race in Sugar Mtn, and to a lesser extent, the Nat'l Championships, and both of those races will have more elevation gain than I've ever done in a race...and I will win or lose those races on the climbs. I think it goes without saying that I don't really want to lose, so I'm doin' what I can to work on building my climbing ability. I think I'm already pretty decent at climbing, but if I can put the hurt on my fellow competitors and at the same time survive the climbing assaults then I'll be putting myself in a much better position as the finish line nears.
And the plot thickens...
As I noted before, I'm seriously considering attending the US MTB Nat'l Championships in July. There's a wrinkle in the narrative though. I got the following email from USA Cycling...
Angel Fire, NM
Sonoma, Ca
Vail, Co
Durango, Co
For the time being though, we wait.
Colorado Springs, Colo. (May 2, 2006) - Due to massive snowfall on Mammoth Mountain this winter, USA Cycling will be relocating its 2006 Mountain Bike National Championships scheduled for July 20-23.As I understand it, there are several possibilities for the replacement venue:
After a record 664 inches of snow fell this season, Mammoth Mountain has reported a base depth of nearly 20 feet as of May 1 - a figure that ultimately put the resort's ability to host a national championship-caliber event in jeopardy.
"Looking at our snowpack today, I can confidently say we are unable to host a mountain bike event to the quality we are all accustomed to,"commented Bill Cockroft, senior vice president of operations at Mammoth Mountain. "It was a difficult decision, but ultimately we believe we owe it to the mountain bike community to make sure the event continues at the level and standards expected by USA Cycling."
USA Cycling is currently negotiating with several venues to replace Mammoth Mountain and a decision is expected to be announced shortly. We will send out an announcement email when a venue is finalized.
The dates of the 2006 USA Cycling Mountain Bike National Championships will remain unchanged.
Angel Fire, NM
Sonoma, Ca
Vail, Co
Durango, Co
For the time being though, we wait.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
