The Ballad of a Sub-Par Cat III Bike Racer

Across the Pond and Back Again

2010-07-27T21:06:00.005-05:00

Free publicity, Ron. You better pay me for this!

I hope you enjoyed the myriad of pictures from my rampage across France. No, it wasn't a rampage, but I sure had a blast. I was sent off by Devin and Marc Gowler with a 4hr fest of pain on Memorial Day. I suffered. I suffered. I suffered. Got to France, stayed with the host family, and had a merry time embracing the culture. A bunch of sight-seeing and football watching, but not too much riding. I managed a ride for 1.5hrs on a 1974 Mercier (6 speed!). I totally owned my penpal, Sylvain. Yes, I managed to (inadvertently) drop a French teenager on my bike. I know, I know. Clearly, I was on top form! I will gladly give anyone who is interested a pain-stakingly detailed account of my trip. Just ask! The shop guys could probably retell it just as good as I could. Got back to 'Murica and got right back to work. The shop has been quite busy, combine that with the Webster Crit and you're in for some chaos. I did just fine for not having ridden in three weeks and hung in a hot 3/4s race with a couple of pathetic efforts. I was content. I've worked and rode since then and had a brief sickness scare. I raced tonight at Carondelet Park, not sure what would happen. I felt pretty good and even was up at the front for a bit. I tried to bridge Devin to the leaders. I gave him a little respite but I quickly faded. I finished the race and grabbed a sno cone on the way home. Had I not, I would have died. I'm happy to know I've still got some form and am looking forward to 'cross. The new bike should arrive next week!

The Shit Has Hit the Fan

2010-04-28T17:57:00.002-05:00

Well, that's debatable, but it makes for a good title. Unfortunately, I haven't been racing too much as of late. However, I still have been riding quite a bit. I raced one TNW and was in great form. I bailed on the Delmarvelous Crit. I certainly didn't want to race in the rain again. However, I managed to get in a truly epic fixed gear ride in the rain. It was much more marvelous than racing. I was just starting to really ramp up the training when I got sick on Monday. Ugh. Ugh. Ugh. Haha. I have felt pretty shitty and don't see myself riding until Friday, which is most unfortunate. Hey, at least I have an excuse for my sub-par finishes!!! Well, as my Frenchie friends would say, "C'est la vie." That reminds me, only one more month until my séjour in the village of Lucé with my pen pal, Sylvain. He and his family have no idea what they are getting themselves into!

The Great FoPoCocoPopo Bicycle Race

2010-03-29T00:44:00.007-05:00

As I woke up this morning at a very early 9am (note: that's one of the benefits of being a III, late start times) and looked out my window, I told myself that there was no way in hell I would be racing. I read the paper and ate some poptarts (aren't I just so healthy!). I still reasoned that I wouldn't race. Somehow, I talked myself into going down to Forest Park to race. I arrived and saw Chris Miller. We registered and watched the Green Machine ride in the IV's. Good job, gents. Rock and Bill finished very strong, while Robert and Bryan had some bad luck. I then promptly hid in my car with the heat on full blast for the next twenty minutes. I finally got ready and warmed up, only to find that the weather somehow had gotten worse.

I found Chris again, and we soon found out that there would only be three of us in the race. Mark Gowler was our third man. One teammate said he was coming and then bailed. Yes, Dave Smith, I'm calling you out! We decided we'd work for Mark whenever he attacked. The race got under way with a very crisp pace. The course wasn't really that bad, minus the heavy rain at times. I ran 100~psi and barely had any problems, save a little slippage in turn one. About 10 mins in, Mark attacks. I went to the front and tried to take control. Nothing came of the move and the field joined back together. At about 25 mins in, Mark launches a sick counter attack on the finishing stretch. Chris and I immediately see it and simultaneously move to the front and got down to business. It was really, really cool to see the both of us react so quickly. We were at the front for a good lap or two and made sure nothing happened. We chased down a couple of chasers but ultimately let someone bridge. We were very satisfied---Mark had gotten himself into what would become the winning break, and Chris and I made sure he had some distance on the field to do his thing. Bottom line, Mark Gowler is an all-around monster when it comes to bicycle racing. Needless to say, I was pretty gassed after my "effort". Chris had some asthma/breathing issues, so he had to bail on the race. I managed to hang in the "man field" and held my own. There was one close call, when I was pushed into the curb by some Dogfish guy--not cool! However, I'm sure I've done that my share of times. I gave up in the sprint. I coasted in. I was happy. Mark was in the break. I learned that Mark had gotten fourth! Certainly a great way to debut with the Hub. At least in my experience, things don't end up working out the way you had planned in a bike race. It's always nice when things go very well. Today was one of those days. Carry on, world.

The team together (sort of)

Proof that I was at the front of a bike race!

A pretty bad-ass picture of Chris.

Of course, photo creds to Dennis Fickenger

It's the most wonderful time of the year--SPRING!

2010-03-08T20:27:00.002-06:00

Well, it seems as if it's about time for my monthly update. Much has happened since I last wrote. We Are the World II debuted---awful. I wasted tons of time watching the Olympics, living vicariously through a bunch of skiiers--decent. I rode my bicycle quite a bit--even better.

I abandoned all hopes of riding the trainer. It was pitiful; I resorted to riding the stationary bike at the YMCA (please don't disown me, cycling community). Finally, I said fuck it and decided that I would ride outside. I have frozen my ass off, but the weather looks like it is turning the corner. I've been riding for about an hour and a half everyday during the week and then whenever else I can. Rode for three hours last Sunday and got in four yesterday, so everything seems to be going well. Looks like I will debut at the FoPoCroCoPoPo Crit at the end of the month. Shit...Tuesday Night Crits start next week. Who knows, but for once, I've got a good feeling about this season.

Changing Things Up

2010-01-30T12:21:00.002-06:00

So, If you haven't already figured it out, I left Mesa and enlisted with the good folks at the Hub Bicycle Company. The Hub will have a really good III's team and will look to do some damage this year. I leave Mesa on the best of terms, realizing that the Hub seems like the best fit for me. Having fun is my top priority in racing. The gents on the Hub have a lot of fun racing, so I'm very excited about what this season holds.

Presently, I'm fighting off the tail-end of a nasty stomach virus. It took me out of commission for about five days. Rode a couple times this week on the rollers and went to the gym. Hopefully, I'll ride long tomorrow.

Yo, watch me bunnyhop this!

2009-12-12T19:33:00.005-06:00

Crap, I haven't written on this thing in awhile. Racing Scence:St. Vincent's CX. That was so fucking awesome. What a spectacular course. However, not suitable for a 44t. Yeah, me stupid. I sucked bad. I have since gotten a 42t. I have been riding off and on. Went down to Georgia and protested. School has really screwed me over recently and so has work. Worked all last weekend=no riding. Research paper=no riding. Finally, got on break. Kicked off the Christmas season with Concordia CX. I loved the mud! Raced in the Bs and did relatively well. After that CXMas. 'Twas quite fun. Rode with Loran and Chris and crashed while attempting to show off my mad bunnyhopping skills---yes, I fell hard.

A couple of weeks ago, I officially started my campaign for greatness in 2010. Yes, I walked down into my basement--excuse me--the pain cave and mounted the rollers, watching some old James Bond flicks. I have since ridden the rollers quite a bit and have been getting jacked at the gym. I went spinning once and, dear God, I suffered. I don't think I've ridden outside in over two and a half weeks. I'm a whimp when it comes to the cold. Still have some loose ends to tie up in preparation for the season. One thing is for sure: I'm sure as hell not doing Froze Toes. I hate that race.

Lazy Ass

2009-11-09T22:06:00.002-06:00

Rode Tuesday on the Hub Night Ride: tons of fun, great group of people. I'm going to try to make both of the weekly night rides. Unfortunately, Tuesday was the only day I rode last week. Two hours on the fixie wasn't too shabby, but I need more saddle time, lots more. Hopefully, I will ride a bunch this week. Didn't race on Sunday, as I had worked Friday Night and all day Saturday until midnight Sunday (I know: lame excuse for all you full-time adults out there). I did find out that I will be going to France for two weeks in June as part of a student homestay program, so that is pretty cool. Only downside-looks like the wheels will have to wait a bit. Anyways, I reckon France beats out some new Mavics. Definitely going to race this Sunday, should be fun, fun, fun...Au revoir.

Werewolves of Creve Coeur Park (cue music)

2009-11-01T21:39:00.003-06:00

I made time in my incredibly busy social schedule (sarcasm) to race CX on Halloween. Unlike other racers, I opted to wear a costume. A trip to the Halloween shop last Saturday solidified my idea. I purchased a $3 moustache. Combine that with my vintage 2000 Mesa Cycles turquoise skin suit and a pair of primal tattoo armwarmers that I have owned for years, and you get none other than Matt James. Granted, Matt doesn't have that many 'tats. I also added several of my own creations to the costume: "I love Lizz" and "Turn that smile upside down." Most importantly, this costume got me a primo starting spot. I thought the costume went over well. All the Big Shark people seemed to like it. Anyways, I acted more negative than usual and had a blast racing. Started at the front with the single speed dudes....Dan Miller is a heck of a racer (he lapped me by a lot). Course was awesome really suited me well. Rode the first two laps hard and then took a spill on the third lap. That threw me out of the lead. Picked up the bike and ran. Straightened the handle bars on the asphalt (see, matt james does his own repairs). I reckon that I lost two spots. However, I easily reeled in the gentleman in the aero helmet in front of me. One other gent escaped me. I pursued for several laps while yelling numerous negative catch-phrases. I knew he was gone though. As with my chances of victory, my moustache also was slipping. I ditched it and chucked it at one of the shark costumes. The riders had just what I lacked--technical skills. I imagine that I still would have lost to him had I not fallen.

Powered through the course, knowing that I pretty much had second place solidified. The dismount section was pretty dicey, as was one mud-section. That was awesome. I can't even begin to think what that would have been like in the A's. I crossed the line with a very comfortable lead and basked in the glory of a podium in the C race. I still want to win one of the races, but I'm thinking it's time to move up to the B's. Input appreciated. Pictures to follow.

Matt James: I thoroughly enjoyed over-exaggerating your complex character.

Faust Park

2009-10-19T18:51:00.006-05:00

Am I done yet!?!?

I have someting positive to say for once on this blog! Yes, I did my very first Bubba on Sunday. Would have liked to race Saturday but had other shit going on. I have actually been training really hard for CX so it was nice to see it pay off. I finally mastered the dismount (knock on wood)! I did the C race and lined up front row with about fifty other racers(holy shit). I lined up next to the Ghissallo Goons. Right from the whistle, they floored it. I matched them no problem; a group of five of us, Tom on a 29er, Geoff Birch, Jeff Kloha(?), and Devlin, rode off the front and had a pretty decent gap going into the "single track". Digression: man, that course was looonnng. However, the barrier section was great b/c of the low speed. Back to racing: Tom pulled for a bit and then the Ghissallo boys had a hissey fit about him not pulling. I took some pretty hard pulls and stayed in the mix. On the steep rise, Devlin dropped his chain, throwing him off the back. We then dropped Geoff Birch, but we let him catch back on (bad move). Tom and I touched wheels in the technical section (not my fault), and I went down. I hammered on the road section and caught back on. All went well for the next couple laps. I then took a turn a little to hard and fell down. That was that. The Ghissallo boys rode off into the sunset, as I saw my race end there. I held third, making sure no one caught one, finishing the race, completely oblivious to all lap counters. No one rang the bell until I was almost on the pavement heading towards the woods.

Damn, that was hard. I was really happy, all things considered. Don't want to play "what if", but I felt like I could have done really well. I'll get a win one of these days. Definitely nice to start off with a podium finish, though.

I love the fall.

2009-10-04T22:17:00.007-05:00

Damnit, I love the fall. I don't know if it's the cool weather, the crisp air, or the changing leaves. Enough romance. I'm really getting hooked on this whole CX thing. I've gone to the Fopo Cyclo Coco Popo Practices the past two weeks and have had a blast. Granted, I totally suck, but I'm improving. Looking forward to the first Bubba on the 17th.
What a great weekend to be outside. By some act of God, I had Friday off. Rode over to Blackburn for a little CX workout and then took a buddy over to Castlewood for a birthday hike. I know, I'm a cheap bastard. New carbon (hopefully) wheels don't pay for themselves. Hey, we did go to Chipotle. Unfortunately, I worked all day Saturday=no riding. However, the highlight of my weekend was seeing these drunk people go crazy after my boss had to confiscate their liquor that they smuggled into the wedding. Word to the wise: don't come to a wedding reception smashed and then expect to drink from your very own bottle of booze. Anyway, they were already baked like a batch of burnt cookies. Rode the fixie this afternoon for about two hours. Damn, it was nice out. To boot, almost every motorist who passed me was incredibly courteous. Odd. The fall weather does that to some people. Carry on.

For your viewing pleasure.

Missing Skin: Reward. Lost in Hermann

2009-09-19T23:41:00.002-05:00

Hermann was a lot more than I expected--in a good way. I pre-rode the course and felt pretty confident going into the 35min race. The front row starting spot was nice, too. The race went very well for the first two laps or so. My dismounts and remounts were great. That was until the stair climb on lap 2. As I was dismounting, my left foot got caught in the pedal. Beginner's mistake I guess. I went down relatively hard and scraped my ass up quite a bit. I took another guy down with me, my sincere apologies. I remounted, noting that my handlebars were crooked, but kept racing until the next lap when I entered the pit (stupid). I got the bars centered and took off-only probelm is that I'm essentially dead last in the race now. I chase back and pick off a few guys, practicing my form in the mean time. I finished, and quite honestly, could care less about the result. I'm definitely hooked now and look forward to cross season. My fitness felt quite good, despite my lackluster training. I'll train to race and race to train (thank you, fletcher). In the mean time, I'll be sure and practice some more.

Ray Charles

2009-09-15T22:47:00.003-05:00

Saturday...my first cx race (ever!!! not a good idea?). I anticipate sucking big time in the darkness, but that will make it all the better. I'm going to use the race to gauge my fitness and to plan my training accordingly. My bike is finally actually totatally finished. I got refit with my new FSA seatpost and added some decals to the frame. I'll put in some solid efforts Wednesday and Thursday and go from there. I've got CX on my mind...

Oh, Hi.

2009-09-05T23:41:00.003-05:00

"I'll buy your Quickstep hoodie for $10 American."-Me
"No, it's worth more than that."-Thomas Vedel Kvist
Approaching Quickstep DS.
"I bet he'll give it to you if you bring him a girl with large tits."

Sunshine Daydream

2009-08-25T19:09:00.006-05:00

One might expect an update on my trip to the darkside--running. Well, my "loyal" readers, as expected, I succumbed to the temptation. Day 2 of practice: I pull my hamstring. I haven't run in almost three weeks and still am not able to. (insert sarcasm) Oh yeah! No, I didn't do it on purpose. Consequently, I gave up on all hopes of running the 5000m. Sitting around at practice left me feeling bored and unproductive. I don't see myself being able to run somewhat competitively in the near future.

Why waste my time managing a clip board? Some of those XC runners have some big egos. "Bro, I ran five miles in 32.04.94 not 32.05-get your act together." I was told by one runner that at least "bike racing would be easier than running." I promptly laughed and walked (actually sort of limped) away. Sorry kids, you're not all going to be the next Steve Prefontaine; so stop thinking that! SHOCKINGLY, I am dedicating all "free" time hereafter to cyclocross. After riding around the southwest area of Fopo more times than I care to disclose (I could ride but couldnt leave the park at some practices [screw that, I rode to Mesa and killed time]), I realized that cx seemed like way too much fun to pass up. My technique is terrible but my morale has never been higher! I am actually going to race a ton and hopefully will do one or two major races like Jinglecross or something. Anyway, focusing on cross frees up my schedule so that I can log some more work hours (I NEED NEW WHEELS!!!!) and go to Farm Aid, Neil Young here I come!

Out in the World

2009-08-10T11:55:00.002-05:00

Well, I officially started practicing today for XC. Running is not all that bad, and I seem to have fit in a comfortable rhythm. My pushup count was lacking but that's not too suprising. Who needs upper body strength. Last week, I got back from what could best be described as one of the greatest three weeks of my life. California was such a blast. Breath-taking views, incredible hikes, insane climbs, and absolutelty incredible single track. That's right, I did the Downieville Downhill of the famed Downieville Classic. That stuff is incredible!!! I never thought I was capable of such things on the bike. I had a pretty flexible work schedule, so I did some amazing road rides as well. Nothing beats six mile climbs @ 10-15%. Back to reality----

My CX bike is near completion, so I'll post some pics in the next day or so--I'm really excited! Hopefully, I start practicing with it soon. That's it.

C'est la Vie

2009-07-01T23:57:00.002-05:00

I arrived at the Webster venue before the first race, eager to help out Ron Clipp. He dispatched me to control some sort of parking lot....basically I got a walkie talkie. Oh yeah. I basically just sat in a lawn chair under a tent and chilled for three hours. Awesome. Plus, the ICCC people had snocones--schweet. Christopher and I warmed up on Laclede Station to prepare to race the 3/4s. Unfortunately, we missed the team meeting. Too bad....Well, our race had a huge field and started off....with a crash 20m in. It took a bit, but we all managed to get back to the front/mid pack. The legs felt pretty good, so all was well. Essentially, a lot of wheels touched and there were quite a few near misses, until turn three with about 5 to go. Huge pileup. I ride around the police barricade and past someone who crashed and bridge back to the field with a group of 10. That hurt. About three to go, Karl, Martin, Jonathan, Christopher, and I get together, hoping to set up Martin for the sprint. Jonathan gives him a killer leadout, only to encounter a massive wreck on the small rise. People go down left an right. Christopher and I somehow avoid it and spin to the finish. That's racing. Not the greatest day, but I finish rubberside down.

Save a couple of TNW, it looks as if Webster was my last real road race of the year. Granted, I'll still be riding a lot--in the mountains, oh yeah! I signed up (rater foolishly) to run cross country. We'll see how that goes, but I need to start running. At the very least, it's great practice for run ups in cross! Yes, I bought Martin's old frame and am currently building it up with a mix of nine speed d/a. I'm really excited for cx and have already registered for hermann under the lights, so I have some motivation. I foresee myself doing a lot more cx than xc.

This year, racing wise, was an excellent transition from the 4s to the 3s. I relished every moment I raced and learned an immense amount about what it takes to be a truly successful bike racer. I feel that I built an excellent foundation for next year, and I expect good things next year, along with some pretty big changes to my racing. Bring on the Cross!!!!

Rather, Murdered

2009-06-24T23:50:00.002-05:00

Man, Winghaven had all the right ingredients for an awesome day. I had a kick-ass cheering squad, including the recently baptized into American culture, Ben Bright, my cousin's SO from Manchester, UK, who sported an awesome USA wife beater complements of me. I had a chalk drawing on the final climb (pictures to follow) and even got a "junior" call up at the start of the 2/3.
I thought I was prepared, but as usual I suck at pre-race routines (see rest of blog for whines/evidence). Never fear, I didn't dissapoint my pre-race prophecy. I sucked and I sucked big time. Sure, I have plenty of excuses, as usual, and to be honest, some of the might be legit. I'll save you from reading about all my mistakes and shit. Bottom line, the race was crazy--crazy fast and just plain trippy. I was totally spinning out my gears on the flat before the finish line. For the first couple laps I feel good, then I get overheated and chilly. Martin pours water on me, but it doesnt do much good. Lap five comes around and at the round about, I decide to pull the plug and I spin to the finish. However, I did sign an autograph for a kid after the race. I felt so damn pro.

Hoping to regain my dignity, I did the Hub Ride tonite and felt pretty good all things considered, so I should be fine for this weekend at Webster, aka the World Championships. Ron Clipp never fails to disappoint at what is definitely my favorite crit on the schedule, granted I'm a local boy. I'm going to try to pull a few tricks out of my sleeve to pull off something special for my beloved city of Glendale, nestled on the border of Webster and Kirkwood.

Final shout out to big Ben himself for giving me a great feed on my final parade around Suburbia.

Murder

2009-06-22T20:33:00.001-05:00

Ass Kicking

2009-06-19T14:35:00.001-05:00

I'm gonna get my ass kicked this weekend, for sure. Winghaven will be an experience; I hope I keep my dignity. I am riding on some 404s so that should be pretty fun. Come out and watch me suffer.

I love the 12 cog!

2009-06-04T10:12:00.002-05:00

This past Tuesday, I pulled out the Shimano "race" wheels to use in the crit. Unfortunately, the intellectuals at Shimano decided not to create a junior cassette that will fit on my hub. Damn them. I illegally raced in a 12-27, but no rollout! Man, I'm badass (sarcasm). Anyways, I did really well, starting at the front and staying at the front for the first couple laps. I survived the race and even did well in the sprint (12-15?). However, I came up with a shit list during the race. I already memorized the numbers of people who have attempted to crash me out.
1. Southside-I thought he was still a 4? damn him. Too many times he has almost crashed me out.
2. Someone on Trek-Midwest Almost took me down 3 times in the last crit.
I avoid these people at all cost; especially in turn 2. Sorry if you were behind me when I was near them; I was cautious to say the least.

Time to Get Focused

2009-05-31T18:39:00.002-05:00

After what can be best described as a hellish week of finals, I'm free of all scholarly activity for the summer! Schweeet! Now I can really start to focus on training and ramping up the intensity. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to ride as much as I have wanted to lately. However, I think I've ridden enough to maintain my fitness. Two weeks until Ste. Gen, so I should be able to build up some decent "form" for that. In addition, I have implemented a super secret awesome kick ass training manuever--going to the mountains for not one, not two, but three weeks in July. My uncle lives in the Sierra Nevadas outside of Tahoe, so I am going to train up there while working a bit and enjoying life. Hell Yeah! It's time to ride.

I want to race, damnit!

2009-05-24T11:06:00.001-05:00

When is wedding season going to be over? Working till 1am on Saturday nights is not good for racing.

Some Much Needed Rest

2009-05-14T23:01:00.002-05:00

I've been riding quite a bit lately. I felt really great on the Hub Ride last week, going as far as attacking on Conway, oh yeah. Hey, Heine wasn't there, somebody had to do it. I meant to race on Saturday, I really did, but didn't feel to swell that morning. Good God, I need to race more. It is becoming crunch time at school, so I've been bogged down with an innumerable amount of ridiculous projects. Consequently, I figured I'd tie in rest week into the good ole' Joe Earsom training plan. Since I coach myself (I use that term very loosely), I can do those types of things. I did ride Wednesday to school (car-free day, huzzah!). Commuting is not my forte, but I enjoyed the ride. Complete with a stop at the shop for some water/harassment from Richard, a fashion expert in his own right. He criticized my lack of "matchingness". Go figure. Well, I'll start training again after I pick up the Tarmac from the newly-broken in Corporate giant bike store. They're so corporate, the even have them Iphones. I plan on Racing!! Velo in the Valley. Yes, I made a commitment to race.
New long term goal: finish the Winghaven 2/3 race.

Well, that wasn't so Delmarvelous after all.

2009-04-26T17:40:00.005-05:00

Well, I decided to pull out the horrendously tacky 90s Mesa Skinsuit for what proved to be a difficult day of racing in the Cat IIIs. I went to bed really, really late the night before the race and had to coax myself into racing. It was really, really hot and I felt crappy, but I actually did ok. I finished with the group and even moved somewhere near the front once. Today, I opted to volunteer, scoring a sweet t-shirt. My training is starting to pick up and I can see the results, making me even more motivated to ride harder/smarter. In other news, I managed to finish my first "A" race this year.

Quote of the weekend: Dennis Fickinger (sarcastically) "Joe, the more I see of you, the more I'm impressed of your many talents."

Runner Up: Devin: "That's so Eighties" (my skinsuit)

Oh, Sylvain...

2009-04-12T22:48:00.004-05:00

Way to go Sylvain Chavanel. 2009 is his year.

+100 bonus points to the first person who catches the reference.

Send Lawyers, Guns, and Money

2009-04-08T22:19:00.002-05:00

Based on previous experiences, I elected not to do Hillsboro. I can report that it was a wise decision, as everyone I talked to seemed to have a great time suffering. Call my wimpy, but I did not want to expose myself to 66 miles of sheer pain. I stayed at home, riding through Forest Park and experiencing the wrath of incredibly inept drivers. Dear God, some people don't know how to drive in general. Take your SUVS to the megamall and stay out of the city! However, I had a great time riding past all the cars, staring at the awestruck drivers, who were obviously jealous of my machine (oh yeah, right). The Park was a combination of Prom, weddings, and nonsense. Go get your pictures taken somewhere else, people! If you do go to the Grand Basin, don't block up the whole road so you and your besties can get one great shot to up your facebook tags. Rant over.

I headed down to Tilles on Sunday to spectate and harass people I know. People asked me why I didn't race. I had too much shit to do that day. However, I managed to ride in the juniors pace car. Allen from Gateway Cycling let me, a complete stranger, in. Well, at least I had fun.

Yesterday, I did my first "A" race. I wasn't ready for it and, as usual, didn't prepare very well at all. I lasted about thirty minutes, but all things considered I was okay with that. Afterward, I felt like crap. Once again, I need to act at least somewhat intelligent before racing. Tonight was the Hub Ride smackdown. I was eager to regain my ego after last night's flop. Thankfully, I regained my confidence. I felt really good, staying at the front end of the ride for most of the hammerfest efforts. The Gateway guys came and put down the pain, sending us up Conway at a ridiculous speed. I rode amongst most of the "heads of state" (the good threes on the ride) during the ride, so needless to say, I was quite pleased.

I'll race next Tuesday--goal is to stay in for 40 mins.

Fopo Crit

2009-03-16T16:17:00.003-05:00

Yesterday, I raced for the first time as a three. After coaxing myself into upgrading, I decided that I do my first race at Forest Park. I was somewhat concerned as to how well I would perform, but I figured it would be a good gauge of fitness. We lined up for 55 +5, which seemed like a long time. I tailgunned it most of the race and felt comfortable in the draft, coasting and such. I chatted it up with some folks and met Shawnerr for the first time. In the end, I finished somewhere in mid-pack, which I was very happy with. I now know that my training is up to speed, so I should fare somewhat well this season, hopefully (key word). All and all, I am very content with how I have ridden thus far this year.

Staying Classy

2009-03-10T21:24:00.002-05:00

Well, Froze Toes was a disaster of epic proportioms. I cramped up and such (definately some stupidity on my part). Well, at least I got some nice paceline work in.

I've been riding quite a bit lately and have really enjoyed it. It's nice going out in armwarmers for a couple hours after school. Yet, this week's weather looks quite shitty. I rode on Saturday with Marijnn for five-ish hours. We drove each other into the ground. It was pretty comical. I nabbed him in the final sprint after he attacked on a hill and whooped me. The added bonus was the stop at Trader Joes, I love that place.

I meant to race this evening but the weather scared me away. I may race Sunday, but I'm not too sure. Good bye, world.

2009

2009-01-16T14:33:00.003-06:00

I'm pretty excited for the upcoming season. I've been training alot under Chris Yenkey and am hoping to see some good results. My base mileage keeps increasing! I really dont want to race Froze Toes, but I probably will.

In other news, I finally bought a new road bike. Yeah, it was definately time to do so. I am no longer in the world of aluminum and 9-speed STI, rather I get to enjoy Ultegra SL. So far, I've really enjoyed its performance. Shimano's wheels also turned out to perform a lot better than I thought they would. Those hubs are awesome. Taking the advice of Martin and the guys at the shop, I ordered a Selle San Marco Concor. What an amazing saddle. Although I may never be able to have
children after riding it...(thanks Matt, haha).