A little R & R

So, basically another season ending cold. I started the cyclocross season off in full stride. Unlike previous seasons where I became to fast to quickly this one seemed to be just about right. I ended up taking fourth in my first cross race and then the usual get sick and go slow. I figure that eventually things will come together for me, but in the mean time I have this never ending cough and congestion. No fun.

Its that time of the year where it doesn't really matter if I race or really ride much so the R & R is beginning. Time to get healthy and build upon what I have learned this year.

My priorities in the past were more of a following then any actual truth of what I really have wanted or want. I started racing Mountain bikes and branched from there. MTB racing was the passion that started this and the first to be put on the back burner. It doesn't make much sense to me so the plan for this up coming year is to spend some quality time on the single track. A couple of the races I plan to do is 24 Moab, Breck Epic, Mountain State Cups and possibly some other local races.

And, after talking to a couple of friends I might do a couple of stage races pending on whether our schedules cross as well as work and now school again. I just recently registered for classes (excited to finish...only 37 more credits).

I just realized that I haven't really written anything of significant value...hmm...it happens.

J.

Boulder Series #2

This weekend I drove down to Boulder Colorado for the 2nd of the Boulder Series. This weekend was the first weekend with real cyclocross weather. It had rain throughout the night and continued into the day of the race. There was a high of 45 degrees(didn't really reach the high).

The course was a fun one. You started out on a road(isn't my favorite for the reason of all the power house roadies that are cat 2/1 that don't up grade really push it). The road was a gradual climb that ended with you having to jump a curb entering into a single track section that snaked. There was a log that you either had to jump(which I did everytime, which wasn't hard), dismount or wreck into(for some odd reason it seemed like ever other person did the last choice, and painfully). You rode over a wooden bridge that almost ate me(slippery like ice, you enter it from an off-camber slope) into more single track through the woods. Then the hardest part mentally, you snaked through a parking lot and crossed a field that had to be the most bumpy thing to have ever been ridden across(it was painful and long). Then comes the mud and crowds. We headed into a lower drainage field where you hit mud and lots of it. Everything from 6 inch mud holes to the slippery off-camber-everyone-eats-sh&t sections.

I started out in the third row due to them choosing to do call ups from the previous race which I DNF. I hit the single track section around 10th and held it for the first lap. I tried to move up in the single track sections but failed miserably. Riders were being extremely sketchy doing stupid things resulting in me not being able to pass.

Lap 2: I was still around 10th till I had to dismount in the muddiest section(which was ridable) due to people not being able to ride it(not sure why). From this point on I wasn't able to clip in. for any one that has tried to race one of these races knows how impossible it is to go fast without being clipped in. I regretably/frustratedly headed in the oppositedirection of the leaders. There wasn't much I could do. I even stopped on the pavement to try and clean my shoes and pedals, but with no luck.

Even though I finished mid pack I can't complain because I was just having fun riding the course. Yeah, no one likes loosing but at the same time I am still getting over a chest cold(I call it the lung disease) and don't want to push it.I have a feeling winter is coming upon us quickly this year. Stay warm, have fun and be safe as always.

J.

Frisco and New Belgium Cross

So last weekend I drove to Frisco, Colorado by myself to do the first Frisco race of the series. I thought I I was feeling good. My legs where but my lungs were not. I warmed up for a little over an hour. The weather was windy and mid 40's. Slightly on the colder side. I again got a call up for the front row which was nice.

The starting line was on a paved road. we instantly hit a climb that gradually increased for over 500 yards. It then took a hard left down another paved road which spit you out into a hard right which was a dirt road. Followed by a technical s-shaped downhill. It continued to snake around as single track. About 500 yards before the finish line there was a huge run-up. it was loose, steep and long.

I sat top 10 for the first lap and started to head in the opposite direction. My chest started to tighten, loss of breath, coughing. I wasn't sure what was going on. Once the sharp pain in my chest started I sat up. I couldn't just stop because it made it hurt worse so I soft pedaled a couple of laps before pulling myself. It was extremely frustrating. My legs were there but without the lungs there isn't anything you can do.

This evening was the New Belgium Cross series opener. I wasn't sure how it was going to go. I wasn't feeling good the past two weekends and had only ridden easy the following two weeks. I figure its only $5. So, the start was crazy. It was a mass start with everyone lined up in one row. I missed my pedal and then started to spin-out. Overall really bad start for me. I hit the sand pit top ten which was my goal. from there I kept my pace steady. I didn't push above LT or even at LT for the fear that I was going to start coughing. Majority of the race I just sat around 5th place just riding my own race. I wasn't worried about what place I got. Basically, just wanted to see how my lungs were going to react. I finished I believe 5th.

New Belgium puts on good practice races that are fun yet competitive. This weekend I will be headed to Boulder, Colorado to race the 2nd of the Boulder series. Hopefully things go better. For now enjoy, be safe and ride lots.

J.

Boulder Series #1

So I drove down to Boulder this morning to race the first of four races in the boulder series. I get there a little early to watch some of the other races and see how the course is. The course was fast with a couple of barriers and a large sand pit.

I tried warming up but wasn't feeling good. My legs wouldn't loosen and my whole body had this dull ache feeling. I figured that I was going to race anyways in hopes that it would just go away. We all lined up waiting to be placed for the start. I got a call up for the first row. Not to bad for only racing one race so far this season. Unfortunately I was on the inside of the front line. The start was fast and hit a hard right which bottle-necked immediately right into me. I got pinched by two riders which meant everyone on the outside came around. The second turn I was sitting around 10th when two guys went down in front of me, and again people went around. I fought back and was sitting around 18th on about the second or third lap when I dismounted for one of the barriers and almost instantly had my calf cramp. I shortly after (about 35ft later) pulled myself from the race. I got to sit there in frustration watching the race go on.

It just wasn't my day. I am going to take some time off the bike this week and try to become healthier before heading up to Frisco, CO to race the first of the Frisco series.

For now.

J.

A break in training and Mountain bound

This week I have been putting some time on the bike [More then usual]. I try and ride with one of my friends (George, for everyone who does not know George think of European, ex-pro fast) at least once a week possibly twice a week. A lot of our rides consist of attack after attack, fast tempo, and constant learning. George has helped me with my training in regards of becoming an overall better rider.

A couple of weeks ago I went on George's Time-trial ride which is a loop from Loveland, Co through Eden Valley, Masonville, and back to Loveland. It is LT from the gun. What is unique about the ride is that there is climbing, false flats, flats, etc. It has everything. Our average was 28.5 mph. For me this is good. I was extremely comfortable on the bike. I felt like majority of my power was actually transfered trough my pedal strokes.

The past two weeks I have tried to be consistent with my training, which is hard since I work full time at Breakaway cycles, loveland, Co. In the past I have started strong early season and became to fast, to strong, to quickly. In a sense a shock to my system leading to the self-distruction of my immune system as well as my hard work[training]. And because of this I have decided to build in relax time into my already overwhelming schedule.

This past Tuesday, I drove up near Cameron Pass, Colorado. I stopped near Poudre Falls. Water to me is like a drug. It is an instant tension releaser. I walked around the falls, took some pictures, admired the incredible power and destructive force the falls have and just relaxed.

Here are some of my pictures: Better seen in person.
Me near the falls:
The leaves changing: Fall already!!!some more views:This weeked coming I will be racing my second cyclocross race of the year. It is #1 of the Boulder series in Boulder, CO. Should be a good race. Larger fields, more traditional cross layout, etc. For now enjoy.

J.

Pike's Peak Supercross #1

This past weekend was officially my first cyclocross race of the year, and my third ever. I traveled down to Colorado Springs, CO to race the Pike's Peak Supercross. I wasn't sure how I was going to do since I had only ridden my bike three times over the two weeks prior to this race. I had also upgraded to Cat 3.

I get to the race early so that I am able to watch some of the other races and check out the course. The course was constantly changing. It had rained a little over three inches the night before, which meant mud and lots of it. The earlier races were slow due to the conditions and amount of mud. around noon the sun came out full bore. The course started to dry out and become faster.

The layout of the course was more of a mtb race then a cross race. You started on the flat hard pack road and did a loop leading into single track which was technical, but fast. about half way through the course you come to the beginning of the climb with a barrier, then you climb more till you hit a steep intense climb followed by a mud pit that shot you out onto a road where you continued to climb....still climbing...followed by another technical section, a fast downhill and then back to climbing. Once you finally hit the top you made a fast decent through numerous terrain transitions, over a bridge, and back to the single track section before you start climbing again.

If you hate climbing this wasn't the race to do. There were no breaks between obstacles. You were maxed from the gun.

At the start we were all sitting at the line talking about the course and what we thought about it and things of that nature. The conversation led somehow to my bike and the low down on it. A guy from some magazine, paper, website (not really sure) wanted to take some pics and get the story. The weapon of choice is my new 2009 Giant TCX, decked with SRAM Force, FSA carbon k-force seat post, stem, TRP carbon brakes, Ksyrium SL premium wheels, Selle Italia team seat, etc. all weighing in a 17lbs. AND, then it lead to what people were running for gears. I set mine up as a 1X10 (45X11-25). Everyone was pushing a 42 and wishing for smaller. A lot of the guys basically said that I wasn't going to do well because I was running way to big of gears...blah, blah. I just listened and figured we shall see.

The start was fast (almost killed a unleashed dog on course). I was sitting tenth for the flat fast section and saw a gap start to form and jumped on it. Three guys and myself opened a gap leading into the single track section and continued to push it up the climb. By lap two the race was between us. I sat third for the majority of the race. Two laps to go I could no longer push the gears I had up two of the steepest parts of the climb and was forced to run it. The gap opened and first and second places we sealed. I ended up being passed on one of the climbs and couldn't close the gap before the finish. I finished forth, 45seconds behind the leader.

Overall, I thought it was a good starting point for me. Already I have ridden more this week then the two prior. The next race is Boulder CX series #1, 9/27/08. Should be a good race and hopefully one step closer to upgrading. I am looking forward to see how things differ since the race will resemble more of a CX course then a MTB one.

Tuesday I was sent to the 2009 release of the Yeti line in Golden Colorado. It was a pretty nice set up. We get there and all of the 09 bikes are set up and there for our taking. Yeti is by far ahead of most companies when it comes to how their products perform. The basis of their products is the insight from races and people who actually use the bikes to the full extent. Everything is made in house in Golden throughout all stages of development until it needs mass produced. This is vital to how they are able to put out such quality products at the rate they do.

We toured the factory and got the down low on all the unique steps and ways of Yeti. It was cool to see that one guy basically ran the actual making, machining, and overall build-up of the framing, which was literally half of the shop.

After being fed we were each set up with a 2009 bike of choice to demo. Of course racing XC I choose to demo the new ASR-C. Everyone split up into groups based of the trails they wanted to ride. I choose to do Mathews which is a really tech trail system with basically everything across the board terrain to ride. When we went to leave there were only three of us in my group (out of 30 or so people). Myself, Ariel Lindsley, and Abby Hippely (both Pro Yeti riders/Reps in yeti Cali Territory). Not a bad situation for me. I get a tour of the boulder trails by two pros that know it best. I was a little worried about keeping up since after all they were "PRO" but honestly I think I held my own(not bad for only riding a MTB like 7 times this year). I think I surprised them with my tech skills and oddly down-hilling abilities.

The ride was good fun. Ariel and Abby were chill people and extremely insightful both on the products, riding and racing scene. They sealed the deal with what MTB I will hopefully be riding next year.

The ASR-C. All I can say is "WOW". I haven't ridden anything like this. If you want a race bike that has everything this is it. Cornering at high speeds with nothing but predictability, light weight, stiffness, unprecedented climbing, smooth transitions, etc. I could go on but words can't explain this bike. If you demo one you will know what I am talking about.

Enough now for that convo. This weekend is my cross race in Co, Springs. I will post later what happens.

for now enjoy, be safe and ride lots.

J.

Soon to come

This is the first time that I am taking a semester off from school. It is honestly not what I wanted to do, but since I am not in school I am planning on making the best of it. I have been putting in some quality riding. I will be starting out as a cat 3 for cross and hopefully it wont be long till I get the points I need to get my upgrade.

I just put my new cross bike together with the following specs"
-Giant TCX frame set
-SRAM Force groupo
-Ksyrium SL Premiums wheels
-FSA K-force carbon seat post
-FSA K-force stem(white)
-TRP Carbon brakes
-Connie Speed Kings
-Selle Italia team seat(white)
It weighs in around 17.2 lbs. and looks fast. I am going to be pushing a 1 x 10 (45 x 11/25) which should be interesting since I know a lot of guys will be using a more original set up of 42/44.

With the time that I have had since I am not in school I have been fortunate enough to be working for Breakaway cycles in Loveland Colorado. If you ever get a chance and want to meet some great guys who know probably the most about cycling in general I would recommend stopping by. They also have some really sick bikes. Who knows you might even see mine around the shop. Breakaway cycles is sponsoring for the cross season which is a pretty sweet deal.

I haven't had time to put up some pics of my bike or anything but hopefully soon.

So, the races that I will be hitting up this season are mainly on Saturdays due to scheduling.

09/13/08CXPikes Peak SuperCross #1 Colorado SpringsCO

09/21/08CXGreen Mountain Sports Cross #1 LittletonCO

09/27/08CXBoulder CX Series #1 BoulderCO

09/28/08CXSchwab Cycles Boss of Cross Series #1 DenverCO

10/04/08CXFrisco Cyclocross #1 FriscoCO

10/11/08CXBoulder CX Series #2 BoulderCO

10/18/08CXBlue Sky Velo Xilinx CX LongmontCO

10/26/08CXBoulder CX Series #3 BoulderCO

11/01/08CXBoulder Cup BoulderCO

11/02/08CXBoulder Cup BoulderCO

11/15/08CXBoulder CX Series #4 BoulderCO

11/29/08CXOn The Cross # 2 Highlands RanchCO

12/06/08CXDBC Boulder Cyclocross Colorado Sr/Mstr Cyclocross Championships BoulderCO

12/07/08CXDBC Boulder Cyclocross Colorado Sr/Mstr Cyclocross Championships BoulderCO

Cross Nationals Kansas December 11,12,13 (I think the dates are something along this time frame)

Also, I will be doing the New Belgium Series starting at the end of this month on Tuesday evenings for some good fun/practice.
I will hopefully keep this updated more once the season starts.

J.

Prep for cross

I am taking the next semester off to work and race cross. Originally I was only going to work but the opportunity came up for me to race. I am fortunate enough to have been sponsored (when time comes you will see by who...). I will post pictures when I get my new bike and kit. Its kind of crazy because I just bought a new specialized tricross at the end of last season and had only raced it twice. For now I will just keep it looking "BLING". The bike I will be riding isn't released till next week so when it is and I get it together it will be up.

I have started cross training with some shorter runs and higher intensity over and hour with a combination of intervals in the mix. I haven't chosen what races that I am going to be doing besides the Boulder series which are more of a priority.

Thats all for now.

J.

Uncertainties and plans changed

At the beginning of the year I thought I had everything figured out. I trained like crazy, planned on being able to upgrade from fours to twos by the end of the season. I started strong. After wrecking in a crit and re-injuring my hip followed by bronchitis things have certainly changed.

My season became no-existent. I finished school (3rd year) with the best grades to date. I recently found out that next semester for me isn't going to be happening. Things fell through and unforeseen bills came. I was fortunate enough to get a job at Breakaway cycles via Ainslie from Gemini Training. I work full time for them and loving every second of it. The owners have opened some doors and eyes for me that weren't there previously.

I am planning on getting my life in order so that I am able to return back to school for the 2009 Spring semester. In that time I am planning on coming back stronger, faster and smarter then I began this year. Skipping MTB season [selling my bike to take care of some things] and concentrating on cyclocross and working I think is a good spot for me.

Its weird to think that I am not going to be in school, but rather working and training. Who would have thought. Its going to take some time to get my lungs back into pristine condition after the thrashing they received from racing two months with bronchitis.

Honestly, I am happy. For the first time I am not stressing even though my situation is probably the hardest in my life to date. Its different. I am able to concentrate on myself and whats really important to me. Rich [my boss] has really been insightful and helping with my individual growth.

Anyways, not sure when I am going to be racing next so in the mean time this is going to mainly be about whats going on in my life.

j.

Happenings...

So, last weekend I did the Primus Mooty crit in Boulder-ish Colorado. The race was a circular road in a research park, roads two lanes wide with no real turns. Basically, the race was an all out power race. The majority of the race I sat top ten just waiting to see if anything would go. I did a solo flier in the first couple of laps and soft pedaled away from the field. I was just testing to see if they anyone would react. No one did so I sat up (didn't want to ride 40 minutes by myself). With two laps to go I was sitting third. I was marked majority of the race by some dentist team??? and with two laps to go I get guttered by one of them putting me in a bad position to be able to finish strong. It was a beginners mistake on my part. I ended up loosing the race due to this move. I learned a lot though(positioning is everything).

I had three exams this past week and finals coming up soon. On top of just being really busy with school I went to the doctors today and found out that I have Bronchitis and have had it for approximately 2 months or so. I knew that I was sick and thought it was just an annoying cough, but it turns out that its slightly a bigger issue. I look back and it makes sense now. there have been so many situations where I was racing and not able to push myself due to lack of ability to breath.

The next week I am on a bunch of meds. (I can't even say their names), studying, and just trying to get through the next two weeks. After that I am going to start riding more and hopefully be able to get some good races in this summer. Also, I have been doing some thinking and I might need to make the decision to head back to PA to finish out my undergraduate degree due to lack of funding, but who knows. I hope all is well and I will keep this updated with whats happening.

j.

Month of April.

This month I made the decision to not to race due to feeling that I was lacking the time, mindset, and overall capacity to race. Recently, I have taken the position as the manager of Velox cycles located out of Fort Collins, Colorado. A lot of my time has been directed to getting the team headed in the right direction, finishing strong with my classes and just getting quality time on my bike.

The plan is to get Team Velox race ready by mid-May, get my college career organized, and get the mental and physical aspects of my riding fine tuned for the main part of my race season starting in May.

In the future, hopefully my hard work pays off and can get some good results. In the mean time enjoy.

J.

Short comings.

This past weekend I decided to skip the collegiate race for Koppenberg which was canceled due to weather. Due to certain circumstances I am most likely not going to be able to race to many more races till this summer. Who knows what will happen but at this moment my season seems to be put on hold.

I guess priorities have their way.

J.

Past Two weeks...

Two weekends ago was the DU Crit. The race started out fast on a course that contained three round-abouts and overall sketchy turns. I instantly got to the top 5 of the race and tried to play it smart. I wasn't supposed to attack till the last 1/3 of the race. We hit the longest, fastest straight away before hitting the last turn before the finish where I decided to make my attack. I step on my pedal and find myself slamming hip first into the pavement at 35mhp instantly getting run over. My teammate swerved into me forcing me into the rear derailler of my other teammate instantly shredding my front wheel. I am not sure what my teammate was doing(he is known for his sketchy handling skills). This crash took myself and teammate out of the race(one that I had a great chance of winning) as well as a rough week plus trying to recover.

It took me about 4 days before being able to get my leg over my bike and another 5 days to be able to pedal semi-balanced.

Last weekend, the Durango, FLC race. Starting with the TTT was my first actual physical test on my leg. With a 4 man team we popped two riders and were forced to take 1min. pulls for the last 8 miles ultimately over stressing my injury. The Crit was the same day 3 hrs later. The start was fast and I felt strong. I soft pedaled away from the group gaining a big gap early. 2nd lap I hit the steep short climb and I instantly cramp/nott my injured hip forcing me to drop out of the race.

Sunday, the FLC road race I was given the job of not letting any breaks go. It was a pain-fest. I sat top 3 the whole race pulling every break back solo. With 6 miles to go I drop my chain after pulling a long break back resutling with me shooting out the back and soft pedaling to the finish.

Overall, it has been a stressful two weeks. Due to a teammates mistake I have been set back over a month with my overall physical fitness. This weekend there are 2 crits that hopefully will be a turning point.

New Meixco Race Weekend

So it was sunny, warm and I got a tan. The end! Seriously, it was a seven hour drive from Fort Collins to our race destination in New Mexico. We were lucky enough to have host housing for the weekend and really good weather (till we had to leave).

Saturday, the ITT and TTT were officially my first races ever on a road bike. I pre-drove the course and thought it was tougher then it actually was. I did the ITT first placing 12th (wasn't how I wanted it to go). I had and still am fighting a cold that has me coughing up a lung (literally) which made it hard to go hard. I started out by not being able to clip in and then just not pushing myself due to the fact that I thought the course was harder then it actually was.

The TTT! So, we started out fast and didn't slow down till we hit the climbs(basically majority of the race was climbing) which lead to our 2nd place finish. I was the strongest of the three in climbing so I went at their pace and then pulled them while they recovered (it was a really long pull). Overall it was better the second time around and if I had done the ITT second I think I easily could have been top 5.

Sunday, the Crit. I started out just riding mid pack till a break went which I was given the signal to bridge the gap and try to keep it to the finish. We quickly got a half a lap lead and then the guys suddenly sat up (I was in shock and slightly annoyed) so the group caught us. As soon as we were caught another attack went (at this point I had to go with every single attack because my only other teammate popped off the back) and I had to instantly bridge another gap. This was the story of the race. Being the only CSU rider in the race I had a tuff race. After about 8 attacks and me being in every single one of them things seemed to mellow out so I sat about the 10th guy back and suddenly two CU riders sit up and I am boxed in (not very happy). a group of 5 riders instantly get half a lap on the field. I am face with the choice of waiting for another team to come and try to pull them back (wasn't going to happen) or try and solo to them. I choose to go solo and basically rode the rest of the race solo finishing in 8th (I was shot at the finish or else I would have beaten the three guys that I left go by.

Overall, It was a really good weekend for me never racing road before. I learned a lot and plan on doing better this weekend which will be in Denver, Colorado.

Almost time...

This week was full of intervals, and more intensity. With the season coming up quickly I am just trying to do some fin tunning to make the first race less painful. Since I am not going to be peaking till July I have some time. Road season is more of a step in my training for MTB Nationals this summer.

I purchased two of the licenses that I will be using this summer, and when I got my collegic license every category was wrong which lead to "almost stressful" issue of trying to mend the situation. With the Help of T.G. Taylor everything got worked out and now I am ready for the race year to get underway.

This weekend I have planned: the oval ride(should be good pending on the weather), and then either heading to the mountains snowshoeing/winter camping with some friends before not having any weekends free due to racing. A couple of weekends ago when I did cross training in the mountains I got an incredible workout and mentally relaxed. Should be good fun. If this falls through I shall partake in another Rio Group ride.

In May I will be officially racing for Veloxcycles and for the month I will be back out East I will be riding for Bliss racing.

The run down

So this past week was basically an off week due to bad weather (winds that made it impossible to ride) as well as a ton of school work. I think I totaled 2hrs on the bike maybe three all of which were on rollers(no fun).

This weekend I did TT practice with the Colorado State University cycling team. Basically, the group will be racing with has a ton of experience, and all we did was got a feeling for riding together, technique, etc. After that I didn't want to ride with the team(just felt out of rhythm) so I rode with my teammates Megan, and Caley.

I got a new MTB, which is sick. The frame is a full carbon HT(weighing in at 1300g) so I had to ride it. Hit Blue sky trail and then turned around within 500 yards(sank my bike in mud).

So I went and got back on the road bike and did sprints for an hour.

Sunday, it was supposed to be warm so myself as well as numerous people on the RIO group ride dressed according, the only problem was that it actually was cold. Sad day. We headed up to Masonville, CO. The start was slow. Felt strong on the climbs( it was a big ring day). Tempo picked up mainly due to myself and a couple other riders pulling the whole day. Near the end Caley, Erick and myself attacked and believe it or not people chased. We hit the climbs hard and basically rode away from everyone. From the Hoorsetooth Mountain Park back into Fort Collins we rolled turns near 30mph.

About a week and a half ago I started ramping up the training intensity and have felt strong sense. Part of My plan is to have a good base and finish the rest of my training with the start of the road season. I am going surprisingly fast for the amount of training.

Starting in May I will be racing for Velox Cycles, newly formed team. Should be good. Hopefully starting strong this season should make for a good overall race year. I have some good races lined up and reachable goals.

J.

CSU Group ride

Today I woke up ate a really good breakfast and stretched for about 40 minutes before heading out to partake in the CSU group ride. We headed south towards "Windsor Wall" and then beyond. Not completely sure where it was that we had all gone but it was a good ride. Averaged around 21 mhp for about 3.5 hours, then split off from the group and headed to to the Masonville loop. Three of us were rolling turns at around 28mhp with a wicked head wind. Then, did some uphill sprints that pretty much hurt oh so good. Ended the ride with a total time of 4.5 hrs and 80 miles...not too bad. easily could have done 100 miles if we weren't planning on riding for another 5 hrs tomorrow.

Joining the Rio ride to warm up and then possibly going our own way to get some more intensity built in.

Struggling

So this week hasn't been the most productive training week. I mean it hasn't been bad but it has been a struggle. Its my easy week so as long as I am semi-productive it doesn't really matter. With my training plan I have been lifting (painful, but have been seeing/feeling the results). The weather sucks right now. The days that I have been able to ride my bike it has been so windy that it is nearly impossible to ride outside.

I did interval training on the oval (in the center of Colorado State University's campus) because the buildings sheltered the road from the wind. With slowly working more intensity into my training things have been getting harder. Recovery Has been taking longer due to my muscles being shocked.

This weekend I plan to get some good riding in. There are two group rides that I am planning to attend and hopefully will have a quality workout.

Well back to reality and studying.

Change of Pace with training

After putting some quality time in on my bike I thought it was about time to change some things up. This past week I noticed that my lungs were giving out before my legs and heart (not very technical) so after talking with my Friend Erick Carlson (also teammate for CSU and possibly Velox cycles) we planned a camping trip at Lake Agnus, Cameron Pass, Colorado. The deal was that we would pack in enough gear for the weekend, dig a snow cave, and then climb the crags. The crags usually are only climbed in the warmer months due to snow and ice. They are basically cliff like mountains.

We hiked in Saturday morning (packs weighing around 60lbs.) 1.5 hr hike, dug our snow cave (2.5hrs), then scouted the route that we were going to take in attempt the summit the crags.

The Snow cave was pretty intense. If you have never dug one or slept in one I will admit that it isn't for the average person. The Cave was about 7ft*9ft*4.5ft. The temperature in the cave was above freezing all night even though the outside temperature was around zero.

Sunday we made our way to the base of the crags. Already sitting at almost 12,000ft (on The lake) we were looking at another easy 1,000 feet of climbing.


The climbing was intense. This is where the cross training took place. Being high in altitude and pushing your body to do things that shock it (breathing at high elevation while doing work). It was physically challenging as well as mentally. You had to rely on the person on the other end of the rope. One slip and you could easily fall and not stop till you either hit a rock on the way down or the lake itself at the base.

This weekend was a good change of pace. I was able to clear my head, think about what I have to do in the next couple of months, as well as let me know what stresses my body is able to stand (pushing through the pain threshold barrier is a constant struggle).

Back to business with Monday's 8AM classes.

Sum up of the last two months

A combination of deciding last minute to race at Cyclocross Nationals, finals, and winter break have led to no time for postings.

Cyclocross Nationals: Left on a Friday from Fort Collins, Co to head to Kansas City, KS. The trip was supposed to take 9 hrs or something along that time frame. Reality was different. Stuck in a blizzard, spinning my car on the highway and being stuck in Hayes, KS for the night made the trip take over 15 plus hrs. The trip there was epic but not as epic as the race conditions. The weather was in the teens, snow and ice covered the course. If it wasn't ice then it was the classic wagon ruts that tried to do you in. The Men's Collegic field had over 180 riders, largest race I have been a part of. Started fast like it should, the first turn I got stuck in a pile up. Once un-tangled I got back into the top 50 or so. When I finally got settled into the race and began catching the front riders I had a mechanical. Basically, I was stuck in one gear (wasn't the best gear). In the end it came out to be a good learning experience.


Home (Pennsylvania): Finally getting back in PA took a while. Once home I wasn't really sure what to think. It had been 6 months since I was last there. The holidays turned out to be good as always. I spent a lot of time with my grandfather. Cycling back in PA was a challenge. First, the weather was around 5 degrees everyday, there was no one to ride with, and people just don't like bikers. I think within the first 15 minutes of getting on my bike I got honked at twice and almost run off the road once. When it came to cycling it was pretty much nonexistent.

I traveled back to Fort Collin's two weeks early. The first week I had planned to relax and get some quality time on my bike before heading south to Tucson, Az. for the week of training. On the way back I had stopped in Iowa had some good fun and met some really nice people.

The First week back in FoCo was fairly warm (30-40 degrees) so I was able to get some good long rides in. I did a couple 60 miles rides, and a Century. The century was the worst I have ever done. It was flat with a head wind for basically the second part of the ride. I did it solo (also why it was the worst).

Tucson: I had never been to Arizona so it was interesting seeing the different style of living it was compared to my past. The Riding was amazing. We arrived on a Monday (we relaxed, ate food, got situated and planned out the week).
The room situation was alright, I slept on the floor because I am too nice. The bikes were stashed in a corner of the room and everything else took place on the other side. We really didn't do much in the room because we were on our bikes almost the whole time (that was the point of the trip!)

Tuesday, we rode up to the Observatory with a group of guys we met who were fully supported so that made things easy. The climb up was amazing. There were views every where, the weather was in the upper 60's.

We mainly did climbing base miles (if thats possible). Mt. Lemon is now my favorite ride. You are able to climb for 20+ miles with no down hills. Erick Carlson and myself did Mt. Lemon twice in one day. The first time up was paced nicely around 10mph (moving along), and the second ride up we were averaging a little over 13mph (the last two miles really hurt).

I met up with my friend Tiffany, who I went to H. school with and haven't seen since. We had dinner, drank some wine (Aaron picked it out) and caught up on somethings. Overall a good surprise.

Friday, The last day of riding we got word about a group ride the makes all other group rides seem quite amateur. Known as the "Shoot-out" there were an excess of 250 riders. It started as an easy roll-out and turned into a full-out race. I made the lead pack (all pros) till half way up the climb when they turned it up. I was able to get into a chase group where all of the riders were CAT2's but me. We chased for about 40 minutes before catching the leader group again. Then it ended in town with all of us getting pulled over by cops and warned about taking up the road (how couldn't we...there were over 50 guys in this part of the group).

Erick and Myself then drove straight Through to get back in Fort Collins around 2am Sunday morning.

Now, I am back in my routine of class, riding and trying to have fun.