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.

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.