Long overdue update

So where has yours truly been as of late and why have I not updated your most favorite blog? It’s because I have been traveling abroad to find a complete and competent cycling camp that understands what it takes to win. I am currently in Aukland New Zealand at the Depeche Cycling camp( http://tr.nelson.co.nz/training_for_cycling.htm ) . This camp consists of many lectures and classroom hours as well as a huge amount of riding. Since I have been here I have logged an average of 85 miles per day- talk about base miles!

I have recently decided to change my focus for the upcoming season. Instead of training for races against the same old same old road racing crowd of Ohio, I am going to focus more on my MTB skills. I am no stranger to the MTB scene, I have been a multiple time qualifier for the NORBA nationals and have had my share of success in races in Ohio, West Virginia and Michingan. I plan to race the Ohio MTB series as training for larger more meaningful races. Honestly, short of a couple of the top guys in Ohio, there really is nothing to prove here any longer. Come on, when the biggest thing these guys have to brag about is a “sponsorship” deal from some company that offers discounts to anyone who asks for one, that isn’t saying much.

Anyhow, that’s all for now… Look for some pictures of training camp in the near future.

My other talent

In addition to being an incredibly gifted cyclist I am also a bit of a poet. I love to vist open mic nights here in Ohio and share my feelings with others , most of whom are less fortunate and less gifted than I. If you are feeling down after a poor cycling performance, I suggest you try writing a poem, it will help you feel better. I usually write poetry about cycling or bikes because they are huge part of my life and without them I would have nothing but my good looks.

And remember, not all poems need to follow the standard forms (Sonnet, Villanelle, etc.) that are out there, just write from the heart and write what you feel and let your audience decide what it means.

What's in my ears now

I’m listening to a wonderful album that was released after Johnny Cash died, called My Mother's Hymn Book. He quite literally took his mother’s old hymnbook and sat with his guitar and sang his favorites. I would highly recommend this intimate set of songs, including In the Garden, which my sister played at my grandmother’s funeral. I love the Man in Black.

coaching services- NOT

Many have asked me about coaching them and I really thought about it, but decided that I don't have time to share with others now. Besides, why would I want to help others get faster?

That's just dumb.

Cross Race Recap 12/09

The race report for my last Ohio cross is summed up by saying "Cold and Fast". A big group lined up in the 123, A race. The conditions were cold with temps hovering around freezing, and the conditions sloppy and as expected. The course was a 2ish mile loop with wide sweeping corners, fast descents, very long road sections, and 1 run up. The gun went off and we launched into the oblivion. I sat back about 4th for the first 30 seconds then decided to make my way to the front, we hit the first set of barriers doing 25mph, I jumped off to run and by the time I made it past the 3rd barrier I was 1st. It became very clear to me that I owned the dismounts! I raced off on and set the pace with the others following my lead through a long sustained climb, a very long road section, and then the run up that I rocked on. At the end of the first lap I was smokin' it, but tried to save some energy up, by the 3rd lap I thought we were almost done only to discover that the lap cards read 2 to go, that was not a good feeling but oh well. When I approached lap 4 of 5 I knew my best bet was to try to make big gaps whenever I could by sprinting and attacking any chance I could get. Every lap I pounded as hard as I could, even though it felt like someone had put a belt around my chest and cinched it up tight, my legs felt like that same person had poured lead into my femoral arteries- I love this sport. By the end I had finished and had ridden to my limits for the day, so I feel good about that.

The race was fast without big climbs, not my cup of tea. It was so fast that I did each lap in about 12 min. 5 laps averaging pretty high miles per hour I've been on road rides that seemed slower.

Next time I think I will try to race the B race first just to help even the playing field for the others in attendance.

What-a Race!

I am still recovering today and will post a full recap of Sunday's CX race soon.

Here's a teaser on how it went-I might have to leave OHIO to get some real competition!

Race weekend

I am going to test my fitness this weekend at the local CycloCross race. I wish they had an Elite or Pro field, oh well, the A race will have to do.

I doubt I could win the Elite race but the challenge and pace setting from others is great for my training.

I am looking forward to Spring and racing the road races in and around Columbus and all over Ohio as well as the moutain bike OMBC series and the Michigan series. This should be my best year yet.