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Sunday, December 20, 2009

Tis the Season

Here is a link to my housemate Travis’ blog post on cyclingnews.com. He’s been killing it on the cross bike all season and he’s in Belgium at the Euro camp right now. It’s nice to be living with someone else that’s hungry and focused but still knows how to enjoy life. Good things.

I’m off to Chapel Hill tomorrow to hang out with some friends before flying out to Chicago for Christmas. It seems like I just left but at the same time it feels like forever since I’ve seen them. It also seems too early to be nostalgic but I guess that’s how it goes after you spend 5 years somewhere and make so many lasting memories. It should be the perfect break before coming back and getting into race mode 100%.

Quote of the week, “…five hours of training up in the mountains by myself isn't that different from sitting in an alley doing crack.”
-Chad Gerlach

Friday, December 11, 2009

This Post Isn't About Anything

This past weekend brought the last cross race of the season. It was a nice way to go out. I had a good start, crashed a couple times, then came from behind and won. Definitely not the pro race but it was fun which was the reason I did cross in the first place. I’ll have to take it a little more serious next year if I want to be competitive in the pro races but I’ll save that for later, much later.

With cross officially over it’s time to switch gears and get back to the road. Check out the team Web site for next year. Where else can you have your name put on a pro team’s jersey? Constant innovation, that’s how we roll. The Web site is still in the early stages so keep an eye on it. There are not really any new revelations otherwise.

I’ve lost some of the initial fascination with Pandora.com but it’s still pretty sweet. Especially if you take some time to tweak the stations a little bit with the thumbs up/down. We’re definitely rocking it at the shop as well.

On that note, I did get the job I mentioned in the last post. It’s turning out to be a really sweet gig and I’m enjoying it so far. Check us out on Facebook.com, be sure to become a fan of Recycled Outdoor Gear. The rock wall should be good to go in a week or so and the coffee bar should be in sometime in January, good things. Between the coffee bar at the shop and the Jittery Joe’s sponsorship, I’m going to be running hot next year, real hot.

Wow, this post took way to long as a direct result of Jersey Shore. If you don’t know what I’m talking about, I envy you. It’s terrible but I can’t stop watching it. Read a book meatheads.

Monday, November 23, 2009

This is a snack attack and it's happening!!!

I’m happy to report things have been happening the last couple weeks. On the cross side, I had a couple solid rides in Charlotte with an 11th and a 4th. Then I finally got a decent start the next weekend in Southern Pines and ended up winning after riding the entire race with only my teammate and coach Zach Lail. We talked on the last lap and he thought it was better for the series overall standings for me to win so I rode across the line first but we both deserve credit for the win. I also took advantage of some flat tires in the Tuesday night race in Charlotte and came away with another small win. The last couple days were spent at the North Carolina Grand Prix in Hendersonville. Being a UCI race, the CX 2 and 3 fields were combined so there was much more firepower than I’m used to at cross races. I sucked pretty hardcore on Saturday and was told I finished 30th. Sunday turned out to be fairly epic with temperatures in the mid 40’s, steady rain most of the day and a thrashed course from the previous races. Another mediocre start was followed by some surprising speed and I was able to splash my way back up to 11th. It was good fun though. Big thanks to the guys in the pits and everyone that yelled and/or heckled, you make riding in 40 degree mud enjoyable. An amazing night with the crew in Asheville also made the trip well worth it. One more cross race to go and it’s back to training for hopefully a big season on the road next year.

I just finalized the road situation as I will be riding for Mountain Khakis fueled by Jittery Joe’s as an amateur. It’s going to be pretty amazing wearing the jersey, even as an amateur. I think wearing the kit without pro status makes me even more motivated to prove I deserve it, to myself and everyone else. In any case, I’m excited to be a part of such an incredible program and am really looking forward to next year.

Now for a reality check, I don’t want to jinx it but I am being offered a job. I have a meeting tomorrow to work out the details but I think it will be a good situation. I’ll be keeping it part time to maintain the focus on training and racing with hopes of a good year on the road. More on that as it develops.

In other news unrelated to cycling, I finally jumped onboard the Pandora bandwagon. It’s amazing. Especially for me since my music selection always reflects what mood I’m in. With Pandora, it keeps playing songs with the same feel but you get a variety of artists and I rarely find myself hitting the skip button. You’ll undoubtedly hear songs you love but haven’t made their way to your iTunes and it might just make your day.

I’m also going to reinvigorate my social media efforts. So look for a Facebook facelift as well as more regular updates there and more consistent blog posts. Twitter is going to have to wait. My life is not that interesting right now and if you feel the need to see pictures and comments on what I’m eating, where I’m at and generally what I’m doing at every moment, get a life of your own. When I consistently have a constructive reason to Twitter I will most certainly do so, but that time is not now.

P.S. I just read the last post and I would like to apologize. That was weak, na, it was lame. I promise to do better.

Thursday, November 5, 2009

Cross Continues

So last weekend was spent slogging through the mud until my rear derailleur decided it really wanted to be in two pieces. Day done, at least I got to spend the weekend in the mountains and enjoy a Black Cat burrito as is always necessary when in Boone.
After a practice race in Charlotte on Tuesday and another good cross ride with the Mock Orange boys on Wednesday I’m starting to get the feel of riding in the dirt. The key word there is starting since I’m nowhere near proficient yet but I think it will help my handling skills on the road as well which never hurts.
The move to Winston is more or less complete. I’m kickin’ it with Joe and T-Nasty for the moment, which is awesome. The Winston crew is really fun. Combine that with the change in scenery and you have an amazing place to live and train. It was definitely the right move. Good life decision, I’m pumped.
I would put up some pictures from last weekend but I decided it was a little self-centered to keep putting up pictures of myself so if you want to see them check out the Facebook page.
Now it’s time to do a little work on the man cave. Get ready, it’s gonna be huge.

Monday, October 26, 2009

Facelift




As you can see, I made a couple changes since the road season is more than officially over and cross has begun. I’m pumped since the new kits are my favorite color scheme ever! It is also my first experience with Giordana clothing and I’m really impressed. It’s quality stuff. I’m also digging the new Ridley Crossbow. I’m probably not the man to do an all out review of a cross bike since I spent most of the time creeping through the woods, hauling ass on the straits and generally praying I didn’t spend any more time on my ass but I can tell you it looks sweet and seems to get the job done with much more panache than myself. If that’s not good enough for you come by the Mock Orange tent at the next race and ride or race on one of the demo bikes.

As for the races themselves, it was a frustrating but overall positive weekend. Due to a little license misunderstanding I ended up doing the CX4 race on Saturday. I swear, it wasn’t my fault but to all the people giving me shit before the start about doing the 4 race, I told you not to worry. Almost 90 guys lined up and luckily I muscled my way onto the front row. On the line it started to rain. Awesome, I’ve never ridden a bike in the mud before in my life, much less in a cross race. The first time I’d ever ridden’ a cross bike was Wednesday. Even so, I knew I was going to catch all kinds of hell if I didn’t win. The whistle blows and I can’t get clipped in, nice. First corner, crash, I avoid it; second corner, crash, I avoid it. Now there’s like six guys ahead of me. I cautiously get around all but one guy who is going fairly fast so I sit on his wheel for a while. Only a couple laps in and I can’t even see third place. The guy I’m with is slowing down and I know he’s about to blow, hard. I decided to wait till that happened, pin it, and wax everybody. It was a great plan till he crashed and I crashed avoiding him. I was riding tubeless wheels and the front tire burped letting all the air out. No sweat though, I’m right at the pits. I’ll just pull in, grab a wheel off the spare bike and rock out. Too bad everybody was busy drinking and didn’t put the spare bike in the pit. So I walk over to the tent, grab a wheel and get some practice in. Not a big deal, if I had raced at 11:00 I probably would have done the same thing and I should have made sure the bike made it to the pits anyway. Oh well, live and learn. It’s cross, I’m not going to get upset about it and my teammates are too awesome to be mad at. If it wasn’t for them I wouldn’t have had a spare bike anyway.
With my first race done I was looking forward redeeming myself on day two. I got the license issue worked out and did the CX3 race. The course was awful for me. I don’t want to think about how many turns there were. My tactic was to use my fitness to haul ass on the fast sections and be cautious through the technical parts so I didn’t crash. It was a good plan except there were really only a few places I could open up the throttle. After pre-riding the course I made the mistake of hitting the bathroom right before the start and was the last one to line up out of 39 starters. The race starts and the first time into the woods it just stops. I ended up running the first wooded section since guys were going so slow. Thirty seconds into the race and I can’t even see the leaders anymore, just a never ending line of guys in front of me. At this point I’m like ok, I can’t do anything about it now except go as fast as I can and see what happens. So I focus on finding good lines and pushing the fine line between going fast and crashing. The whole race I’m passing people. I don’t know what position I’m in and it really doesn’t matter. I was going as fast as I could go without taking any big risks. With one lap to go I can see Joe in front of me and he finished third the day before so I figure I’m up there somewhere. I end up 7th which wasn’t too bad considering I started at the very back and it was a terrible course for me.

With the racing done it was time for a beer, a brat and some heckling. A luxury not often experienced during road season. I’m super pumped to be riding for Mock Orange. It’s an awesome group of guys that ride hard and have fun. It’s a nice break from the road since I’m trying not to put any pressure on myself and not sweating the little stuff. I’m saving that energy for the road. Next weekend in Boone, NC should be a good time and I’ll be looking for a podium finish.

Hopefully I’ll have some news for the next year’s road team soon. If everything comes off as planned it’s going to be an awesome situation but it’s not 100% yet so I’ll hold my tongue. It also looks like I’m moving to Winston this week which will be a nice change of pace and much needed change of scenery. Hopefully I’ll find some more pictures from the races to put up as well.

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Hello Old Friend

So it’s been forever since my last post but a break was much needed, from everything. Now that I’m mentally recharged it’s time to do work. The road season officially ended and I’d have to say I’m ok with how things went. I made a ton of progress across the board and I’m ready to do the same thing again next year. Right now I’m trying to focus on the fast approaching cross season. Training is back full force and it feels good to get back on the bike. I think I’m on track to give cross a full go so I’m excited about the first race.

I’ll leave the road team situation for next year to a different post. Things are constantly changing so anything I would say could change at this point. Instead of constantly updating I’m just going to wait till it’s set in stone and fill you in.

My rant for the day is the fact that it finally happened. I’ve been beaten by somebody that was definitely on drugs. Mitch Comardo won the French Broad Road Race and it was just released that he tested positive for a whole slew of crap. He didn’t steal any money from me that weekend. If you remember my post from that race it was probably the worst weekend I’ve had all year. The prize money wasn’t anything to write home about anyway, that’s not what got to me. It was the fact that he took away somebody’s opportunity to ride across the finish line and throw his hands up in the air. That’s why we all race bikes. It’s that feeling we get when we come out on top. It’s what we think about when we’re freezing on a five hour ride in January. If you’re not Mark Cavendish it’s a feeling that you rarely get to experience. Then he tries to spew some crap about how he’s taking full responsibility, not contesting the results and accepting his punishment like that negates what he did. Admitting you did something wrong doesn’t make it right…jackass. Have fun not racing bikes for two years. I’m out.

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Cowboy Up






It’s been a long week. The past nine days brought eight races and the last big week of the year for me on the road. It started with the WNC Grand Prix in Black Mountain, NC. I loathe driving to the mountains and doing flat crits. Luckily there was a short, steep hill right after a 180 degree turn that made the course tough. I felt a lot better than I did at French Broad but still not 100 percent. Stomach cramps ended my shot at winning the 2/3 race with about three laps to go. I held on for 10th, last money spot. My $10 check was not what I wanted but it’s been so long since I’ve won anything it was a step in the right direction. I also started the Pro 1/2 race but I didn’t have that hill in my legs anymore.

I knew after a couple days of rest I would be on track for the Giordana Crossroads Classic. It was going to be another step up. With Presbyterian and Hanes Park over the weekend big guns come early to tune up and get ready. Lining up with some of the best pros in the country was a new and gratifying experience. Crossroads are the only races I’ve done every year since I started riding bikes. I’ve done the 4/5 races, the 3’s and now the Pro 1/2. As I sat there on the line it made me realize how far I’ve come. From getting dropped in the 4/5 races to battling it out against some of the best riders in the country, it’s been a long a journey that’s only just begun. Crossroads were also the first real Pro races I ever watched in real life. I vividly remember standing at the finish line as Davide Frattini from Colavita won in Salisbury and this year as I lined up and looked over at the Colavita guys it all came rushing back. I’ve been so focused on the future and trying to make it as a bike racer I hadn’t ever really thought about how far I’ve come already. As the road season winds down for the year it was good for me to look back as I head into another off season in preparation for taking another step up next year.

Lining up was real philosophic but after the race started it was all business. I don’t know what our average speed was but I don’t think I want to, it was fast. I felt ok, when I was sitting in it was just below my red zone and I was more or less comfortable. Moving up was a different story. There’s plenty of room to move up because it’s usually single file. However, there’s a reason it’s single file. It takes serious effort to move up and there was only so much gas in the tank. I finished 35th the first day and looked to improve throughout the week. I finished the next two days but was unable to improve the result. I didn’t finish Friday or Saturday for various reasons but tried not to come down on myself too hard. I really wanted a result in the 2/3 race on Sunday and rode hard but the cards just didn’t fall right. I ended up 15th after having the door shut on me in the sprint and hitting my brakes. It sucks but it’s also good motivation. Knowing that I’m so close to results gives me something to think about during the long hours of training that are sure to come this off season.

Now it’s back to the real world. Still don’t know where I’m going to be living a month from now, or where I’ll be working. I just know I’ll be riding bikes. I will be racing cyclocross for Mock Orange Bikes which I’m super pumped about. My teammates are all awesome and I’m looking forward to bangin’ bars in the dirt, more on that to come. Here are some links to more pictures from crossroads. This week reaffirmed that the Kane is an awesome race bike. I don’t want to count up how many corners and accelerations there were this week but the Kane took them all in stride.

http://www.cyclingphotos.ca/gallery/9196016_Tw7tL/1/613823762_hspBF/Medium
http://www.cyclingphotos.ca/gallery/9177601_ZSjEc/1/612469820_SNZsT/Medium

Saturday, July 25, 2009

Busy Busy Busy







I finally found some pictures from Fitchburg so there you go. The last few weeks have been crazy. I followed up a couple solid performances at the Piedmont Triad Omnium with the worst ride of the year at the French Broad Classic. I don't know what was up, I just didn't feel myself. But that's bike racing. It's time to move on and look at the last big push, the Crossroads Classic. Hopefully I can hold on to some form and finish off the road season on a good note. There are a couple more road races after Crossroads but I think it's about time to check out and take a little break before my cyclocross debut. I move out of the house here in Chapel Hill tomorrow. What comes next is a big question mark. Things are starting to shape up for next season but there are still some big decisions to be made. Like where I'm going to live. I'll keep you posted as I figure things out. Ok, so I should probably start packing.

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

Stage Racin' Recap

During the past few weeks there have been plenty of things to write about but not enough time. Here’s a relatively brief recap. After finishing Ohio with a somewhat disappointing 19th place overall and a best stage finish of 13th (I think) it was back to Chapel Hill for a week of making dolla bills before heading to the beach for the bro’s wedding, congratulations again guys. The next day it was off to Massachusetts for the 50th Annual Fitchburg Longsjo Classic.

It was the same crew as Ohio sans my teammate Daniel who broke the ball of his shoulder in a crash there. However, Tim took up the slack and decided to race his bike. Five guys crammed into Le Motel 6, it was going to be a fun race. It’s amazing how close you get to people after spending virtually every minute with them for two weeks. Our trips basically consist of laughing so hard you cry punctuated by racing bikes. I think we’ve found a good balance with this group of guys. We have a great time but when the kit goes on it’s all business. The race always comes first and everyone is surprisingly professional.

Fitchburg didn’t start off great and I was fairly disappointed with my time trial performance. I didn’t expect to win by any means. It was the first time trial I’ve done all year and I don’t specifically train for it. I also don’t have a TT bike. It was clip on bars, a TT helmet and off to the start gate. Sixty-eighth was not what I was looking for but I had to put it behind me and focus on the three days ahead. The circuit race was really fast. I felt ok and Shawn was ready to get me to the front for the finish but with 10 guys up the road I told him to save it for the road race. I just finished in the group which was surprisingly small by that point. I moved up eight spots in GC. The next day was eight laps and 87 miles mainly decided by the feed zone climb. It was probably the hardest race I’ve done all year. Shawn (who finished 10th overall in Ohio) and Tim were dropped the first time up the climb. It was going to be a long day. I tried to stay in good position and avoid getting gapped off. I was able to finish at the back of the front group in 33rd place. How tough was it? I moved up 30 spots in GC just from finishing in the group. It was one of those mental battles that stick with you. I hate to admit it but I was actually fairly pleased with my ride, even though it was for 33rd. I could go on and on about how bad it hurt and how deep I had to dig and how I’m the man for not giving up but that’s just bike racing and you’ve heard it all before. Not to mention the fact that it just doesn’t come as badass when it was all for 33rd place. The crit was surprisingly easy compared to the other days. I sat back and let the race unfold. With the GC leaders only separated by 2 seconds it was going to be aggressive. In the final 8 or so laps there were massive attacks by the guy in second place looking for those few precious seconds. With three to go I knew he was tired so I threw out an attack but he wanted those bonus seconds on the line and wouldn’t let me go. I was stuck behind a massive slow up with one to go and couldn’t find space to get back to the front. The legs felt great, I just couldn’t get a clear shot to use them. I finished somewhere in the field. Somehow I still moved up two spots on GC to finish 28th. Not great but not bad considering I moved up 40 spots after the time trial. Results have eluded me once again but the steady progression continues and hopefully the stage racing in my legs will pay off before the season is over.

Now it’s back to the hill and back to the real world. The last month has flown by, time to recoup and prepare for the final push of the season. It’s also back to the French press, finally, and my old routine. Panera you’re awesome, but enough is enough. Hopefully I can find some pictures from Fitchburg and put them up soon along with other random happenings I forgot to mention.

Friday, June 19, 2009

Like A Boss

So take us through a normal day for you:
Wake up.
Like a boss.
Eat mad food.
Like a boss.
Work on my bike.
Like a boss.
Go to the race.
Like a boss.
Sing along to Taylor Swift with four other guys on the way to the race.
Like a boss.
Flirt with the girl in the café so I can use the bathroom without buying anything and end up using the bathroom and getting a free cookie.
Like a boss.
Get dropped on the KOH along with three fourths of the field.
Like a boss.
Chase back on through the “caravan.”
Like a boss.
Hard ass crit.
Like a boss.
First place finisher not in the break.
Like a boss.
Eat more food.
Like a boss.
Pass out.
Like a boss.

Saturday, June 13, 2009

Ohio Looms

It’s been a long and exhausting week and the next one is going to be the same but for a different reason. The next eight days hold seven days and 415 miles of racing. Tomorrow is the NC State Road Race Championships and Monday it’s off to the Tour of Ohio.

I’m looking forward to the trip for several reasons. First of all, what could be better than racing bikes for a week? Yeah, racing bikes for three weeks would be better but such is life. Second, just getting out of Chapel Hill and riding somewhere else is going to be awesome. I love Chapel Hill but having trained here for almost four years now it’s getting a little old. The same roads day in and day out take a toll on you mentally. Third, I love traveling. Ever since I was a kid I’ve loved striking out in search of new wonders. You never know when you’re going to stumble upon some new treasure. Whether it’s the best culinary creation you’ve ever imagined or simply amazing scenery passing by the window traveling is always a welcome adventure. Fourth, I get to stay with some old friends that have been gracious enough to offer us their house for the week. I don’t know if people realize how much that means to poor cyclists but not having to pay for a hotel for a week is often the difference between going to a race and not. To everyone who has ever, or will ever offer a cyclist host housing, enormous thanks.

One more rent check, decision time is fast approaching. I’m ready for new surroundings but where to go, where to go. Time will tell, but for now it’s time to ride hard, race smart and enjoy the moment.

Friday, June 5, 2009

OUCH presented by my job

So I had this grand plan for a positive, uplifting post about the race last weekend. I was going to talk about how it was the smartest race I’ve ridden and about how I soloed up to a move with Ben King (Trek-Livestrong), attacked out of that group as it was getting brought back only to look back and see that I was then off the front with Johny Sundt (Kelly Benefit Strategies). And then about how I soloed up to Johny, Ben and one other guy on the last lap only to have Johny blow up when I was five meters away and the others accelerated (they were caught just before the line anyway). But instead, there was another incident this week that really made me think.

I was at work the other day and caught a nail in the thigh. When I say caught, I don’t mean glanced or scratched. I mean this nail went into the muscle in my quad. When this happened, most people would have been worried about the pain or the risk of infection. But as I sat there pressing a cloth against it, trying to stop the bleeding, all I could think about was how it was going to impact cycling. Would it take me off the bike? For how long? With my two biggest goals of the year approaching this was not good.

It turned out to be not incredibly serious, so far. I was back on the bike the next day, albeit in slightly more pain than usual. However, it really made me sit back and take notice. I think of everything in terms of how it relates to cycling. From the food I eat to the hours I work, I plan it all around the bike. There is no way I could be happy doing anything other than what I’m doing right now. I work hard for little pay, it’s a constant struggle, both mentally and physically. But each weekend I get to go race my bike and there’s never a doubt in my mind that it’s worth it. Will I still have the same mindset in ten years? I doubt it, but right now I’m living in the moment going full gas and not looking back. Who would have thought having a nail puncture your leg could be so philosophical?

Ohio is only a little over a week away. Get syked!

Friday, May 29, 2009

Ridin' the Bull, Feelin' the Flow

I guess I’m starting to be negligent with posts but there’s just not much going on. There’s lots of training and working, all boring. State crit champs were last weekend and it was yet again a better race for me. I don’t want to jinx it but I’ve continued the trend of having a better race every single weekend. I finished one spot out of the money in eleventh after a group of five lapped the field. I hate to knock my teammates but when I’m behind blocking and we have two guys in the lead group of ten and that lead group splits in half you need to be in the front, especially when it’s so obvious that the group is going to lap the field. If you don’t have the legs you don’t have the legs and that’s ok, but I didn’t hear any of that. That tells me you just messed up, which is not so ok. I felt great at the finish but my cassette came loose with four or five to go and I was left praying my bike didn’t fall apart. So I was more or less happy with my ride.

The form is definitely coming around in time for Ohio and Fitchburg. I’m working out the logistics of those trips now and it looks like we’re going to put together a composite team for Ohio and have a couple guest riders for Fitchburg. Both trips should be crazy fun and hopefully I can sneak away with some results.

I sent out a rent check the other day, one more to go. Over the last five years I’ve moved nine times so you’d think I would be used to it by now, and I am. This time, however, I don’t know what I’m going to do next. Previously it was always school or summer or something of that nature. Now it’s the real world. It’s exciting because I can basically do whatever I want. There’s nobody telling me to do this or that and I’m not restricted by school. It isn’t always so great on the nerves but I’m happy to be racing my bike and as long as I keep doing that nothing else matters so much. I can assure you that whatever my next move is it will reflect bike racing being the priority.

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

The Rise Continues

Last weekend brought another good race. The result wasn’t so hot but I was aggressive early and tried to make something happen again in the closing laps. Nothing quite came together but my efforts were not wasted since it allowed my teammates to sit back and have a free ride. They both came through and finished in the money. The fitness is still on the rise and I feel like every race I’ve done has been better than the last. I’m constantly learning the new game and the team is starting to ride better together.

I’m trying to keep the boring race news to a minimum. The other positive of the week was getting the new ride. Yes, finally, it’s here. A big thanks to Jonathan Kane for spending his entire Friday afternoon helping me put it together in time for the weekend. Initial reactions are good. It’s super stiff and still manages to soak up the road. With the current set up it’s pure race. I’ll try to get some pictures the weekend since everything is finally together. I also had a pro moment as I was gluing up the tubulars. I haven’t ridden them yet though. So this weekend I’ll be rolling deep. State crit champs are on tap but it’s time for a road race already. A trip to some hills is also in order.

Wait, one more thing. The latest press release from Team Mountain Khakis is out. You can see it here. I’ll have to admit, it’s pretty cool going to a site that’s been on my favorites list for a couple years and seeing something I wrote. Not that it’s really an amazing achievement, but it feels good. Now back to resting. I leave you with a quote.

“Now remember, things look bad and it looks like you're not gonna make it, then you gotta get mean. I mean plumb, mad-dog mean. 'Cause if you lose your head and you give up then you neither live nor win. That's just the way it is.”
-The Outlaw Josey Wales

Monday, May 11, 2009

My Mind Is Racing

As I sit here enjoying a coffee and watching the rain come in, the world around me remains unusually serene. However, my mind is moving at a different pace.

I am approaching a time when I need to start making decisions about what’s next. My lease here in Chapel Hill ends after July and I need to start thinking about what’s next. The problem lies in the fact that I don’t know what my riding situation is going to be next season. That largely depends on how I ride in months of June and July. I am going to several big races then and I need to get some results if I want to take another step up. So I’m in a situation where I can’t really make any solid decisions. I need to focus on riding well and getting some results. Then I can reassess my situation and go from there. In the meantime, all I can do is go over multiple scenarios in my head, over and over. The only thing I know for sure is that I want to keep racing my bike and trying to make the dream of being pro a reality. I harbor no illusions of winning everything for the rest of the season and signing a huge contract for next year. I know it’s not going to come easy. I’m going to have to continue to struggle on with that one goal in mind and the decisions I make need to reflect that commitment. As I buckle up the shoes once again I cannot help but imagine where I’ll be doing the very same thing next year. What team will it be for? Will I be in the U.S.? For now I can’t dwell on those things. I can only give 110% and have faith that it will get me where I want to go.

Giving 110% has not been a problem. At the beginning of the year I wondered how I would feel at this point in the season. Would the struggles of working to pay bills, training and racing take their toll on my motivation to continue? Would that early season hunger for success begin to fade? I can say with certainty that it has not. I’m more motivated than ever to continue to fight. It hasn’t been easy. Sometimes it seems like I never get a break. After working and training all week I spend the weekend in the car traveling to and from races. Then I wake up on Monday and it starts over. Somehow quitting never enters my mind. When I do wake up on Monday all I can think about is the next race and what I need to do to become a better bike racer. It’s a consuming lifestyle, but one that I love and hope to continue.

Sunday, May 3, 2009

Catch Up

It’s been a while. The past couple weeks have been good. A few more races are in the bag and I’m pleased with the progression. The fitness is still coming along nicely and there’s no evidence of it slowing down. I’m putting up good numbers in training and I’m racing better and better every weekend. I’m starting to get really excited about June and July. There’s going to be a lot of travel and racing and it’s going to be the culmination of all the hard work this year.

The team is finally cranking things up and we’re starting to get into the flow. Hopefully we can gel quickly and start getting results. I’ve also just heard that the new bike frame should be in my hands this week so we can start looking the part as well.

I guess the big revelation since my last post occurred Friday night at the pro race in Spartanburg. It was part of the USA Crits Speedweek Series so most of the big teams had squads there. My teammate and I decided to do the Category 2/3 race in an effort to get a result instead of just trying to finish the pro race but we stayed and watched the heavy hitters slug it out. The entire time I was watching there was only one emotion, and it was the desire to be out there racing. It was one of those moments that reminds me what I’m working for and reassures me that I made the right decision to put the career on hold to pursue such a lofty goal. I wanted to be out there so bad, it was killing me. The speed, the power, the suffering, the sacrifice it took for those guys to get to where they are. Bike racing is such an amazing and beautiful thing. Magnifique.

And oh yes, don’t worry, the new French Press arrived.

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

My Heart is in Pieces


I felt like it was time for another post, but what about? The Theo Bos incident, over done already. How annoying twitter is quickly becoming, too many negative waves. Where my new frame is, enough is enough. How training is going, too serious and boring.

The story of the week is instead my shattered heart, or rather my shattered French press because they one in the same. The sound of that horrendous moment will haunt my dreams forever. I imagine the last few days of my life have been a lot like drifting endlessly in a lifeboat on the open ocean. There is nothing that can quench my desire for that sweet nectar. The first rule of survival, keep a cool head. I immediately ordered a new one and every time I come home my eyes lock on the doorstep. Ahh, it will be here soon and such I glorious moment I can only imagine. Ok, maybe I exaggerate. Nah, this is for serious.

I did get a lift a minute ago when I checked the weather. It’s full on shorts time and it’s going to be hard not to ride all day long. I’m also syked about tomorrow. I get to have one of my ideal days. No work equals key breakfast, coffee (maybe tomorrow’s the day it arrives), cycling videos, loud music and hard riding. Then I get to chill and recover, a nap perhaps. Man, I wish there was a way I could do that every day. Wait, isn’t that called a professional cyclist?

Saturday, April 18, 2009

It Hurts When I Ride Hard

So it’s been a while. Sorry for the white noise but my computer went haywire this week and it took some doing to get it fixed. Anyway, I’m sitting here in Charleston, SC icing my back and drinking a decaf Americana in the hotel room and thought it was a good time for a post.
The back is not so hot. I pulled something or pinched a nerve last weekend and could barely stand up on Monday. I was able to ride and it got better every day but the races today were just too much. Carrying tile up a flight of stairs all week probably didn’t help either but it did pay some bills and those are the breaks right now. Thirty minutes into the pro-am my back was screaming and the remaining 45 minutes were not looking too appealing. I suffered through it before it finally called no more with just two corners left. I was a bit heartbroken since my legs felt great today. The new workouts Zach has me doing are already paying off. If this is me after a week and half with Zack I can’t wait to see the results in a couple months. Say, at Fitchburg maybe? I went from getting dropped in 20 minutes at Rock Hill to being in the top 15 with two laps to go today and still having legs, just no back. It was a similar field to Rock Hill with some very legit riders so I was happy with my ride. I also started the 2/3 race but I was a spent force and didn’t feel like pushing the back any more than I had to so I pulled out after about 15 minutes.
Gear Review: My taint and new Fizik Arione CX saddle are becoming quick friends. My iAero says I gained 100 ft. in elevation while riding in circles today. My headset is so loose it rattles around. Not so fun cornering at 30 mph. Where is my new bike for real? Oh, and all my new Defeet socks are way too hot.
Random hotel boredom rendered this gem, match.com on HGH, our world is awesome. On the music front, this week’s theme was decidedly country. The Zac Brown Band- Whatever It Is, Dwight Yoakam- Close Up the Honky Tonks, Dwight Yoakam and Allison Krauss- If I Were A Carpenter, Taylor Swift- White Horse (I’m half German, half Scots-Irish and one sixth 15-year-old girl)
Well, the Americana is almost gone. I think The Office and then sleep. Ciao.

Sunday, April 12, 2009

The Busiest “Off” Week Ever

With no races this weekend I had been looking forward to an easy week. However, my life had other plans. Monday was spent working and then fixing my computer and getting my iAero operational which took until about 11:00pm. And oh, the iAero was no where near operational. Tuesday was more of the same with work and trying to figure out the iAero. Wednesday was spent at a teammate’s house building a fence prior to picking up my mom and little brother at the airport. They’re in town for a little visit and it’s always nice to have them around.

With no work on Thursday and Friday I was looking forward to some good riding and getting the ball rolling with my new coach, Zach Lail. I was also super pumped since my brothers were going backpacking at Stone Mountain and needed someone to drive a car to their pick-up point. I was really looking forward to going uphill and spending some time clearing my head. I always seem to have these very contemplative moments while climbing by myself and it is much needed right now. However, I had mad problems with the iAero and the day’s main goal was fitness testing to get some baseline data for Zach. Thus the sacrifices for cycling glory continue. Instead of spending the day railing it up mountains on a beautiful day I was throwing stuff around my apartment with unending frustration. I finally got it working, more or less, and had to settle for another ride around Chapel Hill. Luckily I was cross eyed most of the time due to the testing and didn’t really know where I was at.

Friday and Saturday brought more hard rides. My training is going to shift significantly with Zach. Time on the bike has decreased while intensity has done the opposite. When you look at the time I’m spending on the bike you think “Ahhh, that’s nothing.” Then you see the actual workout and after only three days I can already tell you that these workouts are draining. I’m really anxious to see the results. Side note, if you ever hear me say “bro” it means I’m really tired and need sleep. Also, look for my guest contributions on the Presicion Cycle Coach blog.

Team News: My frame size is in! Now it just needs to be painted, come on Jack Kane I know you can do it. I think we are going to have to reassess the goals of the team for the year. We are down to three guys right now. Two of which have combined to race a grand total of five or so times. We’re looking for someone else to fill a slot but it’s really late in the game right now, and who wants to ride for a team that doesn’t race? I hope the other guys decide to step it up soon, it’s time.

Random News: I finally watched Sixteen Candles, quality. I’ll actually not be in the car traveling from a race today so I can watch the Paris-Roubaix coverage. My heart wants George to win, but it seems improbable. My mind says who cares, it’s Roubaix, and it’s going to be epic regardless. I can’t stop listening to Old Crow Medicine Show and I think I’m starting to like Euro dance music too much while I’m on the bike.

Monday, April 6, 2009

Steep Learning Curve

The new game has officially started. Last weekend in Rock Hill, SC was a rude awakening. It was my first race as a Cat 2 rider and any illusions I had about my level of fitness were quickly ripped out of my body via my legs.

Rock Hill is about as tough as it gets for a smaller local race. Mountain Khakis and DLP had full squads. There were also a couple Kenda and Team Type 1 riders thrown in for good measure. In addition to the roughly 15 pro riders there were also several top level regional amateur teams fielding full squads. The final tally was around 85 guys on the line. Saturday was the downtown crit on a technical course. I was still feeling the birthday celebration from Thursday but wasn’t putting pressure on myself so I was relaxed. Lining up was a bit of a rush. I had finally made it to the main event and was rolling up beside some guys that are strait up legit bike racers. The gun went off and the fun ended there. I was gaped off in almost every corner for the first three or four laps. After that I started driving my bike better but by that point I had been at the back and guys were getting popped. I constantly found myself having to close gaps which was not good. Closing a gap in a 3 race is nothing. I never thought twice about it. I knew I could close anything but then again I wasn’t having to accelerate up to 30 mph out of every corner. In short, it was fast. After about 20 minutes a guy made a desperate move to stay on and about took my front wheel out in the process. Then he blew and left another gap, my day was done. The real kick in the pants was the fact that the entire time I was dying a thousand deaths and getting dropped, Hekman was off the front by himself. It’s just another level.

After spending the night with the Mountain Khakis guys at some excellent host housing I was hoping for a better result on Sunday. I still wasn’t putting too much pressure on myself and decided to just race as hard as I could and whatever that was it was. I felt like most of the garbage from Thursday was flushed out of my system the previous day so I was ready to ride. I got a good spot on the line and wanted to stay near the front in case there were any big splits in the field. I wasn’t looking for a small break but if 20 or so guys rolled away I wanted to be in it. We started slow as everyone got warmed up. It was the calm before the storm. After 10 or 15 minutes the clouds were starting to look ominous. A Mountain Khakis rider rolls past, closely followed by a DLP rider, then Jet Fuel, Global Bike. Then, all at once, BOOM, the shit hit the fan. One guy went and it was on, it was just never ending attacks from then on. There was this constant reshuffling of the deck as guys went, were brought back, countered, and so on. I stayed near the front most of that time and if 20 guys had gone I had a good chance of being there. Ten guys eventually got away and it was game over. The pack chilled until we hit the hills on the last lap and things warmed up again. Nothing crazy but we weren’t exactly chatting on the hills either. The last ten miles were insane but incredibly fun. I didn’t have a computer on but I swear we averaged at least 30 mph for that entire stretch. Everyone was attacking, chasing, fighting for position. There is definitely going to be a learning curve to this part of the race at this level but I felt good and was enjoying the fight. I stayed in decent position most of the time and felt like I still had some legs for the field sprint. However, I was too far back and rolled in around 30 something. It was a little redemption from the previous day and very educational. So I was able to end on a fairly positive note.

Another positive from last week was that I started working with Zach Lail of Precision Cycle Coach. I’m really excited to be working with Zach and I think his experience is going to be immensely helpful. More updates on that as it progresses. The bad news of the week was hearing that another one of my teammates had to withdraw from ITS-Kane. That means the already small squad of five is down to three, two of which apparently don’t race bikes much. Hopefully we can pick up another guy and everyone will start racing consistently. The other bad news is that my frame size isn’t in yet. It’s supposedly being expedited from Taiwan but who knows. So the new componentry and the iAero are going on the current ride for now. The next post will probably be an update on how that’s going. Now it’s time for more much needed rest. Adios.

Monday, March 30, 2009

Culmination

I should probably be excited about last weekend but I’m just too exhausted. It was the first time I’ve ever been on the podium back to back days with second on Saturday and third on Sunday. It also gave me more than enough points to finally upgrade to Cat 2.

On Saturday the rain came, just like I wanted. I stayed active and at the front the whole race. Nothing seemed to be able to get away and looked to be settin up my favorite thing in the world, a Cat 3/4 group sprint in the rain. There was a late attack with 1 lap to go and the guy on the front of the group chasing him down crashed, taking out four or five guys behind him. I was able to avoid it but the kid off the front was gone and second was the best I could do. It still gave me the last couple upgrade points and lifted a huge weight off my shoulders.

Sunday was a bit different with warm and sunny conditions, it was going to be fast and I wanted to win in my new ITS-Kane kit. Again, I stayed at the front and covered anything dangerous. Early on I bridged up to a move and we were off. The seven of us lapped the field and the game began. I covered an attack with three to go but we were brought back and I got in position for the sprint. With two turns left there was a move on the right by a guy that was in the move being led out by a strong teammate. I jumped on the wheel and we were off. Into the second to last turn somebody flew across the road and my only options were to check up or hit the curb. So he knocked me off the wheel of the guy who eventually won. I still managed third but was not happy. The guy made a dangerous move and screwed me. He never even got the wheel I was on. He knocked me off it, but never had a chance for the win and I did. I was so close to ending my Cat 3 career on a high note but it was not meant to be.

I also did the pro-am on Sunday. I was feeling the previous race and hadn’t eaten enough so I suffered most of the time. With about six laps to go there was a huge split in the field and I was behind it, so was my only teammate left. I didn’t feel like I had anything for the finish so I hit the front and closed the gap for my teammate. Right after I caught the front group Rich Harper attacked and it was game over. I felt good about still being able to help out my teammate in the end and I think with fresh legs I could have been a factor in the race. Hopefully it was a sign for things to come.

Other high notes for the weekend included getting my iAero power meter and learning that I should have my new Kane bike very soon, maybe not in time for next weekend but for sure(please don’t jinx it) by the next races after that. I also won enough money to cover all three entry fees and travel, so that was crucial. Last weekend was a culmination of so many things. The upgrade points, the new team clothing, the power meter, the bike and to top it off my birthday is Thursday. So yeah, it’s a good week.

Now that I’ve met my goal of upgrading it feels like I’ve just climbed a mountain but am now staring at a much bigger one right in front me. It might sound hard to conquer a challenge only to be immediately faced with another, much harder one. However, I couldn’t be more excited. I’m playing a whole new game on another level and can’t wait to step up to the plate. It’s time to get nasty.

Monday, March 23, 2009

Dancing for Rain

As I sit here evaluating last weekend I feel ok about it. I didn’t come away with a result and that is not ok, but compared to last weekend I certainly can’t complain. Both days were somewhat hilly, not quite enough to suite me but better than flat for sure. My legs felt good despite all the hard training leading into the weekend. I think the new tune-up ride is a keeper. I didn’t want to let the same thing happen this weekend so I was aggressive early both days. However, the field was much deeper and I could only get away by myself. Any type of group was immediately chased down and neither course was conducive to an early solo move. So I stayed calm and alert at the front for most of the race both days which came down to a group finishes (or what was left of it). Saturday I can blame no one but myself. I was there in the end and felt great. I was fresh and ready to uncork my sprint. However, in the mad shuffle for position I forgot when the road opened up and was totally screwed. As soon as it happened I was kicking myself. I felt so good but was helpless. Sunday was a little different story with an uphill finish I was looking forward to. Most of the race went the same as Saturday. I attacked a couple times and followed anything dangerous but nothing formulated until I got into a group of three with three laps to go and a small gap opened up. We didn’t keep the pace up long enough though and were quickly reeled in. For the finish I was a little further back than I would have liked but not in horrible position. Out of the final bend I pinned the throttle and poured my heart into my legs. I started flying by people and was starting to believe in a top finish when I see some guy soft pedaling up the side of the road. Obviously he was not in our race but was in the road. The guy in front of me had to come left to avoid him and he closed the door on me. My free line to the front was gone and I had to tap my brakes in an uphill finish. I managed to stay somewhere around tenth or so but again, had the legs and didn’t get the result. I felt good both days and also felt like I read the races well tactically. So I feel good about it but even hungrier for that result. Thanks again to Pat and Jamie and the Mountain Khakis crew for a place to stay. Hopefully I can return the favor.
Next weekend brings two crits in Greenville, NC and the forecast looks like rain again. I’m actually hoping it rains though (hence the title of this post). I want redemption from Columbia and this could be it. Gunning for the last couple upgrade points in nasty weather could lead to an epic battle, a fitting way to end my Cat 3 career.
Tommeke let me down in Sanremo but damn Cavendish is fast. My mind picked Boonen but my heart picked Cavendish and honestly I thought he could do it. I let the critics affect my decision too much.
So for now it's back to work and training. I'll leave you with the quote of the weekend, ciao.
"Keep it hard so the fatties aren't there in the end." -Yelled with frustration from Scott in the closing laps on Sunday.

Friday, March 20, 2009

Comin' In Hot

This week has been extremely busy but good. I did way more intensity on the bike this week but I think I might have been short changing myself before. I feel like my body can take that volume of intensity now and I can really benefit from it. The legs were a little slow to get going today but after some hard efforts they loosened up. I also ramped up the intensity on the tune-up ride today so it will be interesting to see how the legs respond to the changes at the races this weekend. It occurred to me that I always raced better the second day so I might not have been coming into the weekend hot enough. Hopefully the more intense tune-up will rectify that. I’m also staying with the Mountain Khakis guys again and looking to redeem myself after last weekend. So, as always, the motivation is there. Will the legs be?
I didn’t have time to change the music on my mp3 player but I’m making some cd’s for the car. The wagon doesn’t have a tape deck for me to connect the mp3 player through and I haven’t used cd’s in about five years so I’m just getting something to rock out to on the way to the races this weekend. Here is a sample of what’s getting burned.
MGMT- Electric Feel
The Asteroids Galaxy Tour- Around the Bend
Kings of Leon- Use Somebody
Rise Against- The Dirt Whispered, Audience of One
Say Anything- Alive With the Glory of Love; Wow, I Can Get Sexual Too
Katy Perry- Hot ‘N Cold
Franz Ferdinand- Ulysses
Think positive waves for the last couple upgrade points and a new bike, both of which are overdo. Also a big weekend across the pond. La Primavera, three-hundred kilometers of awesome. My Sanremo pick is Boonen, he wants it.

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

A New Leaf

If you're looking for a report from last weekend's races you won't find it here. I've relived it enough times already and it's time to hit the reset button of sorts. It was awful, the worst weekend of the year. At least Cat 3's lack some grit and I was still able to get a couple upgrade points and win enough money to pay for the trip. I do want to thank Tom, the race promoter, and Team Mountain Khakis for hooking me up with a place to crash. It's always good hanging out with those guys. Every time I'm around them I learn so much and I definitely think those lessons will pay off. That saved an otherwise devastating weekend.
Today was a good day of training and I'm already looking forward to next weekend. I'm putting last weekend behind me and moving on. I'm also switching up the training plan a little so we'll see how that turns out.
Work is good. Hours for the next few weeks should be plentiful and today I was reminded why carpentry is paying the bills right now. Tomorrow is going to be an awesome day and there are two group rides. That means quit time comes early and the potential for five hours on the bike opens up, not possible with a nine-to-five.
Now I need to put some new music on the MP3 player. I'm working on some new playlists for my workouts. I'll post whatever I come up with and something more interesting to read later, until then.

Thursday, March 12, 2009

Ahh the life, kind of

This week has been a somewhat pleasant diversion from the norm. Having worked a grand total of four hours there was plenty of time to relax and enjoy the beautiful weather. With temps in the 70’s it was hard to not be outside all day and I took full advantage of the gap in work. Tuesday and Wednesday yielded three rides filled with some long hours. It was nice to spend some time in shorts on the bike; it won’t be long before the tan is back in full force. I tried not to dwell on the fact that I wasn’t making any money and just enjoy the break. My days were filled with sweet potato waffles, coffee, cycling videos and riding. I also got to break in my sweet new Specialized S-Works kicks, so awesome. So it was a good week, the legs feel good and my mind is refreshed.

I was looking forward to traveling to the races this weekend with some teammates but due to the impending weather it looks like I’m flying solo again. I almost thought about throwing in the towel since I’m getting tired of spending 10 hours driving by myself each weekend and it’s taking its toll on my bank account, but I’m a bike racer. If it meant 20 hours in the car to race in 50 degree rain I would try to find a way to get there. You can’t win if you don’t show up and toe the line. Luckily I have a free place to stay in Charlotte so I’m not sleeping in the car yet. I guess I’ll just turn the frustration into motivation and unleash it on the bike. If I’m sacrificing all this to race you can be damn sure I’m gonna throw down. So this weekend it’s on like Donkey Kong.

On a lighter note, the speakers have been pumping out a lot of Rise Against and Kings of Leon for the pre-ride and a lot of Old Crow Medicine Show in the evenings. I tend to find new music and completely wear it out in a couple weeks so I’ll try to keep current trends posted.

Monday, March 9, 2009

Hills, Wind, Sun and Pain

This weekend was the last of the Greenville training series races. The fields were fairly large again and the weather was amazing. With clear skies and temps in the 70’s I was ready to ride my bike. Saturday’s course suited me well and I as anxious for a result there. It is not often I get to do a race with a hill hard enough to be decisive, but this was my chance. I felt good on the climb during the early laps and bided my time. I attacked before the climb with 1 lap to go but everybody was scared to use any energy other than on the climb. The break I initiated was caught before the climb and it was full gas up the hill. I was feeling my attack a bit but put my head down and went up the climb as hard as I could. When I came across the top there were six or seven leaders about 8 seconds in front of me. I got in the first chase group of eight guys, most of which seemed content to race for eighth or whatever. I was there to race for the win, so I struck out on my own but couldn’t quite close the gap which had grown significantly from the eight seconds on the hill. I hit the bottom of the climb on my own thinking I would at least stay away from the group I was in but about half way up I cracked, hard. My 13th place wasn’t what I was looking for but I played my cards, rode hard and raced for the win so I didn’t come down on myself too hard.

Sunday can be summed up by flat, crazy windy, no corners, no teammates, no result.

So the weekend didn’t yield any upgrade points, just a solid couple days of hard racing that I believe will pay dividends in the weeks to come. Now it’s time to train and focus on next weekend’s crits in Columbia. With work a little light, the first three days of the week are 100% focused on the bike. Maybe it’s just what I need to get my mind and my legs ready. It’s time to make this upgrade happen.

I could go on but the sun is shining and the air is warm, it’s time to spin the legs out and clear the mind for the week to come.

Finally, team camp pictures




As promised, here are a couple pictures from ITS-Kane team camp at Topsail Island and our trip to Jack Kane's shop in Jacksonville, NC. I can't wait to get on one of the new frames, it should only be a week or two. The power meter is also forthcoming, it's going to be a good coupld of weeks.

Monday, March 2, 2009

Sweet potato waffles and snow

Last weekend was great, aside from the weather. Luckily, I had built in a rest period so I wasn't flipping out not being able to ride two days in a row. I was able to relax and enjoy the time I spent with Team Mountain Khakis in Winston. It was easy to enjoy it with sweet potato waffles and the most amazing coffee machine I've ever used. Ahhh, the life.

It was great meeting all the guys I didn't know and catching up with a few I did. Team Mountain Khakis is a rarity here in America. They are fully committed to pairing older experienced racers with younger ones in an effort to help them reach their full potential as pros. Not many other programs have that as their main goal and it is a very interesting dynamic to be around. Aside from knowing how to ride bikes really fast, they are a genuinely good group of guys and fun to be around. I'm extremely excited about spending some time with the team this coming year and learning as much as I can from them. I started my PR work with the team this weekend via some interviews with several of the riders. Each rider seemed to have their own interesting story, especially the older riders who also had a wealth of knowledge to share. Look for some of those interviews on the team's Web site http://teammountainkhakis.com/ in the near future.

For now, I'm listening to rise against and catching up on some much needed work while I'm snowed in. The job situation improved slightly as I learned the gap isn't going to be quite so long ,but it is still not going to be easy on the bank account. Me thinks there is just going to be a week or two of intense training in the near future and lots of penny pinching. Hopefully the next few weekends of racing will yield some prize money to help out. As a side note, I know plain text is getting boring. I promise I'm working on getting more pictures, it's tough not having a camera.

Saturday, February 28, 2009

No Pressure


After starting the day making waffles, perfecting my French press technique and watching it rain. I ran across this picture from Molly Cameron’s flick’r site from his trip to Belgium. Being under 150lbs., I generally shrugged off racing in Belgium as not fitting my body type. Maybe I should just gain some weight.

With bad weather and the same course, again, I decided to forgo the pleasure of a third race at Donaldson Center. Instead, I'll be going to the Team Mountain Khakis launch in Winston-Salem, NC. I'm really looking forward to meeting all the guys and getting a jump start on the work I'll be doing for the team this year. It should be a great way to spend the weekend and relax a bit before the last big push for the final upgrade points.

This week has been up and down. The training has been going great. The weather wasn't so bad and I was able to take full advantage of it since I'm not racing this weekend. My form is rising rapidly and I'm already much stronger than ever before. Maybe the antibiotics were killing me more than I thought. I also found out that I can get my hands on a power meter that I can afford, supposedly. With my eyes firmly set on making it to the next level, I don't want to leave anything to chance. I want to do everything possible to maximize my performance legally and get results, 100% clean, and training with power is a part of that.

The down side of the week was learning that there is going to be about a three week gap in my job. It has worked out great so far. It was the perfect balance I was looking for between a 9 to 5 and part time job. I made enough to live off of but was still able to train like I needed to. However, we were not able to lock in a job until early April so it looks like I'm out of work for a while, in that job. I'm pondering possibilities but regardless, I think it's going to be a tight month. Luckily, all my bike stuff is paid for so it's a matter of paying rent and bills, and oh yeah, eating. I honestly don't yet know how I'm going to do it. I've talked the talk, now it's time to walk the walk. I think this is going to be the first month that really tests my commitment. I've looked up to guys that had trouble finding gas money and entry fees and became bike racers the hard way. No national team or big pro contract out of the gate, they fought for their spot in the pro peloton and EARNED it the hard way. Fighting tooth and nail week in and week out. I've dreamt about it, now can I live it? Man, I'm getting so jacked up just talking about it I've got to get on the trainer before heading to Winston.

Next up, details on the weekend with the pros.

Monday, February 23, 2009

Do stars and stripes make my butt look big?


Last weekend was spent at the Greenville Training Series races in South Carolina. It was my first weekend off antibiotics and I wasn't so sure how the form was. I hadn't felt good the previous week but upgrade points were needed so it was off to SC. A big thanks goes out to my cousin Will for letting me crash on his couch in Charlotte, NC. The training series seems to rising in popularity. The fields were huge. Next to The Fitchburg Longsjo Classic, they were the largest fields I've ever been in and it's only February!

I was traveling by myself which makes the trip fairly expensive. That, combined with the need for upgrade points and the disappointment last weekend meant I had the game face on. However, the game face would not last long. Upon arrival Saturday morning I was riffling through my bag getting clothing sorted out for the day and I couldn't find a jersey. The team clothing still isn't in yet so I thought I had thrown in a plain jersey but evidently I was mistaken. Then the panic set in. I couldn't find anyone with a spare jersey until I spotted the BMW-Bianci cars in the distance. (They are basically the women's counterpart to ITS-Kane, both run by the Capital Cycling Club) Next thing I know I'm cramming into a women's team national champion skinsuit. It was the only thing they could come up with that fit. Thanks Evie, you came through strong. Serves me right for screwing up and I couldn't help but laugh along with everyone else. Is it wrong that a women's skinsuit fit me like a glove?

I don't know if it was trying to compensate for the emasculating skinsuit or what but it was one of the best races I've ever ridden. I had good sensations in the legs and was able to maneuver through the 80 whatever rider field with ease. Mentally and tactically I was golden. Even when things seemed bleak, I kept my head in the game, didn't give up and did what I needed to. I felt stronger mentally than ever before. Mainly due to late crashes, the result was not good but I left feeling positive about how I had ridden.

Sunday was a different story. The wind was ripping the course and set things up for a day of attrition. I knew what was going to happen in the wind, crashes and splits in the field so I was in every single move off the front. Nothing was going to get away without me in it. I said I was going to make a break happen and I did. After attacking multiple time, five of us opened up a large gap and held it for most of the race. Then we were caught by a what was left of the field, less than 20 guys. I couldn't believe we were caught but I kept my head in the game and stayed attentive. That group stayed together to the line and I managed fourth in the sprint after being off the front in the wind for most of the race. I was not content with fourth but felt I did the right thing getting into the early move and I still beat a lot of guys that were fresher than me in the sprint. It is also not a course, especially in those conditions, that suits me at all. Flat and windy is not my style. So I came away with positive vibes, confidence that my form was coming around and most importantly some upgrade points.

The weekend was marked by lots of emotions. The drive down on Saturday was enlightening. As I cruised along I-85 rocking out to race mixes and savoring the heavenly nectar that is coffee, I was reminded why I chose to pursue cycling. I love everything about it. I love the feeling of driving to a race while contemplating the battle of legs, minds and wills that would inevitably be accompanied by pain and suffering. I love the camaraderie between teammates and fellow racers. I love the travel and the never ending stream of challenges. I love the sacrifice and the dedication. I love the elation of success and the motivation of defeat. I love cycling.

Sunday, February 15, 2009

The Fire Inside

This weekend was nothing short of atrocious. I'm finding it hard to put my emotions into words. I was looking forward to getting back to racing at the Wolfpack Cycling Classic but it was not meant to be. The road race on Saturday started off well. I was aggressive and stayed at the front, following attacks and throwing some in myself. I felt good. I kept telling myself before the start that I was going to do everything in my power to make a break happen and I was sticking to my plan. Then I attacked and was off the front alone. The road was a little wet and up comes a corner of fresh, uneven tar. Thigh meets road, but I get up immediately and chase back on. Everything seems OK except for some road rash but the adrenaline was pumping so no worries. Next up, I follow an attack and my chain slips. I almost ate it but kept it on two wheels. After that, every time I stood up to put power down the same thing happened. It sucked, I felt good but was helpless. Today was even worse. I used a different wheel and cassette and thought I had the bike dialed in. But when I was warming up I cranked up the power and it happened again, day over. There was nothing to do except sit in the car with a towel over my head and try not to lose it. As it turns out, my entire drive train was so worn the chain was slipping over the cogs in the cassette. I was putting it off till my new bike arrived but I had to bite the bullet and replace everything(thus, part time job at a bike shop totally paid off).
As I write this, I'm still fighting off explicative hours afterwords. I still need a few upgrade points and the pressure is on to get them before the first team race. I'm on a Cat 2 team, this upgrade needs to happen soon. However, next weekend will be a different story. I have the bike worked out and the events of this weekend have uncontrollably motivated me. It's like someone hooked up nitrous to my engine. All I can think about is how hard I'm going to ride, it's going to be guns blazing for sure. I'm not remodeling houses for some profound reason. I'm doing it because I want to be a professional cyclist and it allows me to train and race like I need to. Results are not going to just happen, I need to make them happen. It's time to effing step it up. No half measures, one goal, one mission.

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Team Camp

Team camp last weekend was great. It seems like forever since I've been to the beach but it was nice to be back. I'm really more of a mountain man but I will take riding anywhere other than Chapel Hill right now. The same old roads are getting to me and the fact that I rode in shorts helped matters immensely. Hanging out with the new teammates was good as well. Everyone seemed to gel so I think it's going to be a great year. I'm looking forward to traveling to races with the guys almost as much as racing, almost. Everyone was also going well and seemed to be where they wanted at this time of year from a fitness standpoint.
We also went to Jack Kane's bike shop in Jacksonville, NC. I'll have to say it was impressive. It was by far the cleanest shop I've ever been to. Even the mechanic area was spotless and he also had leather couches stacked around a big screen playing cycling videos. It's definitely worth stopping by if you're ever in the area. We also met Jack himself. He's a very personable guy and really knows his business. After meeting him I have complete confidence in our bikes and am glad to be riding with his name on my jersey. I also got a look at one of the new team frames. It's gong to be a really flash ride. Stay tuned for a full (and completely unbiased) review of the bike as soon as I get it, hopefully within a month.
In short, it was a relaxing weekend with some great training and a good bonding experience. Now it is back to the grind. Work, training, eat, sleep, repeat. I also learned I am going to be doing some PR work for Team Mountain Khakis this year. I'm really stoked to have the opportunity to work with such a great group of guys and put my degree to use. I think it's going to be a great experience and hopefully I can help the team make a positive impact in the sport.
I'll put up some pics from team camp as soon as I get them. Until then, ciao.

Monday, February 2, 2009

Waffles, Coffee and Racing

I'm a bit tired from the weekend of great riding. Speedway races kicked things off on Saturday. Not my preferred venue and due to tactical issues, 5th in the B race was the best result I could manage. Things definitely could have been better but they also could have been worse. A couple more upgrade points was nice so I didn't walk away empty handed. Sunday was brutal but tons of fun. I'll take any hard ride that has hills in it, no matter how big or small. After it was said and done, I had about 7.5 hours in the legs, along with a lot of lactic acid at times. It feels good to get back in the swing of racing again and I'm content with where I'm at physically, so things are good. I'm extremely motivated to get the last few upgrade points so I can get down to business with my ITS-Kane teammates and I'm looking forward to the long, hard season.

I'm also looking forward to the ITS-Kane team camp next weekend. The weather is looking good, if we can get some 4-6 hour rides in shorts it will be perfect. I'll keep my fingers crossed. Pictures will certainly accompany the team camp post so stay tuned.

Nutritionally it was a very international weekend. I hoped to obtain some extra push from European influences, French roast coffee, Belgian waffles, pasta. The trifecta of fare from cycling crazy countries must not work on speedway races. I'll try again for the first weekend of REAL races.

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Shaping Up

So things are coming together. Our first team meeting was Monday and everything went well. All the guys seem to be on the same page and focused on racing their bikes. I'll be glad when all of the equipment is sorted out so I can focus on racing it and not buying it but it's a necessary evil. We also have a team camp coming up in a couple weeks which is really exciting. I'm looking forward to taking time off work to ride my bike and getting to know all of my teammates better. It is going to be at Topsail Island, NC, so I'm hoping for warm weather and sunshine, even if it is February.
Racing starts this weekend and I've got that old feeling again. Apprehensive is a proper way to describe it. I'm excited about racing but the first race is always a test. Hopefully all the hard work over the winter will pay off. Being my fourth year racing I've come to know my body and I know my form is on track. I've had some solid rides the past week and the legs are starting to come around. I was fortunate enough to get a spot on a Cat 2 team even though I am still a 3 so there is definitely pressure to get results early and upgrade. And oh yes, the fact that I put the career on hold to race bikes adds another dimension, no pressure.
My next post will probably be after the first race of the season, finally!!!

Thursday, January 15, 2009

Exhaustion




So it's been a while since my last post. What can I say, I'm tired. This was the last week of the training block it was sucking the life out of me. My saddle issue is on the return so it's time to start antibiotics in order to hopefully fix it for good. Thirty days of antibiotics sucks but it's better than time off the bike and at least it's not a crucial time during the season. Thanks to my new and expensive health insurance, the antibiotics were free. I'm counting change to make sure I can cover bike parts so every little bit helps.

Due to the saddle issue, complete exhaustion and bad weather, I started my rest week a couple days early. Then it's time to start some real intensity in preparation for the beginning of the season. I can't wait to get back to racing and get into a rhythm with my new teammates. Our first team meeting is this weekend and it will be nice to finally get an idea of what the schedule is going to be like. Then I can start building my training plan around key periods in order to maximize the use of hopefully good form. I'm thinking a big July is going to be in the cards but we'll see.
Check out the new kits and team bikes! I was pleasantly surprised with the designs. They're cool and unique but retain a traditional feel. Cycling is my life and I put a lot of effort into how I look on the bike. I probably care about it a bit too much, but pro style is part of my love for cycling. Now we're definitely going to look the part, we just have to back it up.

Up next, rest and details from the team meeting.