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.