Yeah it's really starting to settle in now.
Got a race recap from Lalla last night and with the Tour Down Under about to start I'm really getting the itch.
The training has been progressing, I've been out skiing a few times but I'm sooooo looking forward to May 17th so I can start my season on the dirt. I'm guessing that the Cat 2's (previously Comp) will be pretty tough with the existing pool of riders plus all the roadies making appearances through out the season.
It's going to be a great year!
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Monday, January 12, 2009
lacin' em up | 26'er, 29'er, 69'er, why not 24?| 24 | Skiing
On the skates again
So it's been ten years since I last laced up the hockey skates. Finley had his first skating lessons on Saturday and so we went out again yesterday at the neighborhood rink. I was able to bring my stick and slap the puck around. Man it was nice to get out there again. It all came back fairly quickly. Come to think of it I haven't played in a hockey game since my days at Erik's playing with Lalla and Erik himself. Those were the days.
24
Jack is back. I'm guessing Tony is actually good and working for the now defunct CTU. We'll see...
Skiing
Got out this weekend and did a few laps at Lake Elmo. I've been struggling with my climbing. I've felt like a deer on ice. My legs would get further and further apart. But yesterday I think I figured out that you want to keep your strides short. I used to have a hard time getting my legs back together in time for the next push. I've found that if you keep your legs from getting too far away from you that you can find a rhythm and climb more efficiently. So all you experienced skiers, am I correct here. I'm kinda learning this on my own and would appreciate any advise.
So it's been ten years since I last laced up the hockey skates. Finley had his first skating lessons on Saturday and so we went out again yesterday at the neighborhood rink. I was able to bring my stick and slap the puck around. Man it was nice to get out there again. It all came back fairly quickly. Come to think of it I haven't played in a hockey game since my days at Erik's playing with Lalla and Erik himself. Those were the days.
New bike, what to get?
Now that things are finally happening at work I might be able to afford a new mtb for my return to the dirt. So the question remains, do I get a 26, 29 , or some funky combination of the 2? I remember this whole 29 craze back when Dave Wiens was racing for Diamondback. The Overdrives were 700c mtbs. They didn't last long with only a handful of other manufacturers jumping on the band wagon. It makes me wonder if this trend will really last. Sure the wheels are better engineered now but what about the physics involved here. Is a 29'er really any better than a 26, especially on tight single track? I've heard they are good for taller riders, is 6'1" considered tall?
24
Jack is back. I'm guessing Tony is actually good and working for the now defunct CTU. We'll see...
Skiing
Got out this weekend and did a few laps at Lake Elmo. I've been struggling with my climbing. I've felt like a deer on ice. My legs would get further and further apart. But yesterday I think I figured out that you want to keep your strides short. I used to have a hard time getting my legs back together in time for the next push. I've found that if you keep your legs from getting too far away from you that you can find a rhythm and climb more efficiently. So all you experienced skiers, am I correct here. I'm kinda learning this on my own and would appreciate any advise.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Need a bike rack?
It's that time of year again when we hang 'em up. So if your looking for a good way to organize your stable check out Dero's line of home and commercial bike racks.
http://www.dero.com/index.html
BTW- I designed the Wall Rack :)
http://www.dero.com/index.html
BTW- I designed the Wall Rack :)
Saturday, December 20, 2008
xc ski tomorrow
so far me adam and dan are in. how 'bout you?
lake elmo around noonish. let me know if yer in.
-------
Updated 6:49 pm 12/21/08
Okay, so I chickened out on the skiing thing today. I was too excited that the snow made for more favorable conditions that I totally forgot about the temps. Oh well there's plenty of winter left.
lake elmo around noonish. let me know if yer in.
-------
Updated 6:49 pm 12/21/08
Okay, so I chickened out on the skiing thing today. I was too excited that the snow made for more favorable conditions that I totally forgot about the temps. Oh well there's plenty of winter left.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Good bye 2008
Unimpressed...
Well yesterday brought another cycling season to it's end for me, and not on a good note. I was pretty disappointed in my performance at the State CX Championships yesterday. I had a great start and was with the heads of state. So the excuse of spending energy to get by traffic wasn't applicable. In fact I was the traffic out there. Halfway through the 1st lap I imploded. I wouldn't even call it a bonk. It was like I had only enough gas for a half a lap. I might as well have pulled over people were passing me so easily. The outcome of the race for me was completely opposite of my expectations. That made it a tough pill to swallow at the end of the year with no chance of redemption. I know that's racing, it just happens to be the sucky part.
What to look forward to...
Since my racing on the road has plateaued I will be making my way back to the dirt and continue to ride for the Bent Crank Racing squad. I'm really excited to focus again on racing the mtb and rollin with the BCR crew again. The venues have changed a little and I hear there will be a new categorization structure next year. It'll give me some new motivation to train and a reason to get a new mountain bike :D And since the mtb season starts a little later I can take a few more weeks off before I need to start training :)
Well yesterday brought another cycling season to it's end for me, and not on a good note. I was pretty disappointed in my performance at the State CX Championships yesterday. I had a great start and was with the heads of state. So the excuse of spending energy to get by traffic wasn't applicable. In fact I was the traffic out there. Halfway through the 1st lap I imploded. I wouldn't even call it a bonk. It was like I had only enough gas for a half a lap. I might as well have pulled over people were passing me so easily. The outcome of the race for me was completely opposite of my expectations. That made it a tough pill to swallow at the end of the year with no chance of redemption. I know that's racing, it just happens to be the sucky part.
What to look forward to...
Since my racing on the road has plateaued I will be making my way back to the dirt and continue to ride for the Bent Crank Racing squad. I'm really excited to focus again on racing the mtb and rollin with the BCR crew again. The venues have changed a little and I hear there will be a new categorization structure next year. It'll give me some new motivation to train and a reason to get a new mountain bike :D And since the mtb season starts a little later I can take a few more weeks off before I need to start training :)
Friday, November 07, 2008
Friday, October 31, 2008
Monday, October 27, 2008
Green Acres...
...was the place to be.
Sorry, had to say it.
Well we finally had some cross conditions on Sunday. Completely different than Saturday at Afton. It was cold but I actually enjoyed it. Sure I almost lost my finger tips but it was worth it. And I really liked the course too. It had a little bit of everything, even sand! I think the toughest part of the course was up on top. After blowing up my lungs to make it up the hill it was hard to make it around the greasy fields and catch anyone.
Sorry, had to say it.
Well we finally had some cross conditions on Sunday. Completely different than Saturday at Afton. It was cold but I actually enjoyed it. Sure I almost lost my finger tips but it was worth it. And I really liked the course too. It had a little bit of everything, even sand! I think the toughest part of the course was up on top. After blowing up my lungs to make it up the hill it was hard to make it around the greasy fields and catch anyone.
Thanks Grizz for the pic!
More pics here
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Racin' @ the Y
Wow what a day!?
Nice weather and a pretty good venue I thought.
I'm kinda a fan of off-camber and turny courses so I enjoyed the course that Big Wheel Flyers setup today.
It was a big day for my team today too. Ty got 16th in the 4's. This was his 1st cross race ever, NICE work Ty! Dan ended up 5th in the 45+ race, awesome! And yours truly finished the day in 10th, eh! Need more power.
Nice work guys! Let's keep the Orange train rollin'.
Next weekend I won't let you pass me Jason. At least that's my goal anyway. You either Kolyn. :)
Nice weather and a pretty good venue I thought.
I'm kinda a fan of off-camber and turny courses so I enjoyed the course that Big Wheel Flyers setup today.
It was a big day for my team today too. Ty got 16th in the 4's. This was his 1st cross race ever, NICE work Ty! Dan ended up 5th in the 45+ race, awesome! And yours truly finished the day in 10th, eh! Need more power.
Nice work guys! Let's keep the Orange train rollin'.
Next weekend I won't let you pass me Jason. At least that's my goal anyway. You either Kolyn. :)
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Wirth Cross
Well I decided to toughen the F up and head out to Wirth Park for the race today. Glad I did. It was a fun race, tight in places, maybe less than 3 meters, but a nicely laid out course (thanks Paul and crew). The only complaint I could make was that it was too stinkin' hot for a cross race. And since that can't be helped it looks like I have no complaints. Well maybe the start. I think it was just before the first barrier and some guy flailed in front of me just as I was starting my dismount which caused me to flail and get passed by at least 10 riders. Oh well, that's racing.
Now if I could only get faster...
Now if I could only get faster...
Thursday, October 09, 2008
Wednesday, October 08, 2008
Hudson/Hudson
For my first cross race of the year I decided to double up at Hudson--B and A races. Heck why not. Since I'm 33, race age 34 for the 2008 season and 35 for the 2009/cross season, I might as well.
The B race went pretty well. I was able to finish 12th which is good for me at any point in the season. Hudson has to be one of my favorite courses for cross. Some say it's more of a mtb course but I disagree. Sure it has some rocks and ruts that you don't typically see but the mud is always a treat. Then there is the Beach at Normandy. That thing kills me every year. Talk about mental focus. I think next year they should have us run through the water.
The A race...
This was more for training than anything else. However, from the start I actually felt good. I remember thinking that maybe the warm up from the B race would make this easier. I was for the most part hanging with the group with the leaders just in sight (first lap). Then we hit the beach and my legs said HELL NO!
So I spent the rest of the race in survival mode keeping an eye out behind me so I could get out of the racers way. I Think Bjorn passed me 4 times.
But just like any cross race, it was fun just being there!
Anyone seen any posted results?
Next up: Theo
The B race went pretty well. I was able to finish 12th which is good for me at any point in the season. Hudson has to be one of my favorite courses for cross. Some say it's more of a mtb course but I disagree. Sure it has some rocks and ruts that you don't typically see but the mud is always a treat. Then there is the Beach at Normandy. That thing kills me every year. Talk about mental focus. I think next year they should have us run through the water.
The A race...
This was more for training than anything else. However, from the start I actually felt good. I remember thinking that maybe the warm up from the B race would make this easier. I was for the most part hanging with the group with the leaders just in sight (first lap). Then we hit the beach and my legs said HELL NO!
So I spent the rest of the race in survival mode keeping an eye out behind me so I could get out of the racers way. I Think Bjorn passed me 4 times.
But just like any cross race, it was fun just being there!
Anyone seen any posted results?
Next up: Theo
Friday, September 26, 2008
Training for cross in 80 degree weather...
Are there any rules agianst wearing tanktops during a cross race? I think there is which is too bad with all this warm weather.
It makes me look forward to 50 degree days, yep I said 50.
It makes me look forward to 50 degree days, yep I said 50.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
It's been a long time...
Yes it has.
That's what happens when life happens. I've been way busy at work and home. And since my back was all messed up I decided to take some time off. I haven't really ridden my bike since the state road race :(
And of course as I'm just about to embark on my cross training (training for cross) I get a freakin cold :(
Oh well, this will be a pretty laid back cross season for me I guess. But that's really the whole point of cross anyway.
See you all at the Hudson race...
That's what happens when life happens. I've been way busy at work and home. And since my back was all messed up I decided to take some time off. I haven't really ridden my bike since the state road race :(
And of course as I'm just about to embark on my cross training (training for cross) I get a freakin cold :(
Oh well, this will be a pretty laid back cross season for me I guess. But that's really the whole point of cross anyway.
See you all at the Hudson race...
Monday, September 01, 2008
Sunday, August 24, 2008
State RR
This is how it went:
Good, then bad, then really good, then really bad.
Did anyone see my flip into the ditch after the climb on the last lap. It had to look impressive. I got at least 10 ft of air.
Next up, healing.
Good, then bad, then really good, then really bad.
Did anyone see my flip into the ditch after the climb on the last lap. It had to look impressive. I got at least 10 ft of air.
Next up, healing.
Monday, August 18, 2008
Doing the commute thing again...
Talked the boss into letting me commute again to get some needed miles in if I decide to race this weekend. So I will have saved 160 miles of gas in two weeks. I think that's pretty good.
So with the RR season coming to an end I hope it starts getting cool out so I can train for cross. It's time for a change.
So with the RR season coming to an end I hope it starts getting cool out so I can train for cross. It's time for a change.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
I'm a commuter now
Yup, I finally did it. Drove the car to work, left it at my parents and then rode from Wayzata home to Woodbury. This of course means I'll have to ride back tomorrow morning. I've been squawking about doing this for months and finally decided to man up and do it. Started in the rain which finally stopped once I got to Minneapolis. Ran into this guy on Summit. I'm not quite sure why I'm doing this now that the season is pretty much over. Oh well. Maybe it will help me finish my 1st road race of the year if I decide to race the State RR Championships. Not sure about that one yet. I'm a little gun shy after getting my ass handed to me at the Tour of Granite Country.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
