Running late last night, so I wasn't able to get down to Buck Hill for the race. Decided to bring Asher down to Lebanon to meet up with Andy and Pat. Never did see them on the trail, but did get a good ride in. Rode one full lap with Asher, then did the intermediate loop at about 85% race pace.
Beers with the boys after... Good times.
Friday, July 30, 2010
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Endurance
Took the little boys down to Lebanon today. Both of them loved the ride and want to go again ASAP. We did the intermediate loop. Josh rode the whole thing, Max had to walk some sections.
After bringing the boys home, I took off on a 2 hour endurance ride. Went to Excelsior and back. Three hours of riding for the day...
After bringing the boys home, I took off on a 2 hour endurance ride. Went to Excelsior and back. Three hours of riding for the day...
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Happy
Raced my first Thursday night at Buck Hill with Asher tonight. It was probably the most fun I have had this season. Felt good. Finished 4 laps in Advanced in 1:04. Winning rec riders were around 32 minutes. Had my name called for the first time too. Double victory.
Asher had a good time. He wants to race again next week. Finished in Rec in 47 minutes. Not bad for his first outing...
Asher had a good time. He wants to race again next week. Finished in Rec in 47 minutes. Not bad for his first outing...
Hills
Found a good hills route to ride last night. A good 1:15 ride. I need to get a few more of those in before the next race. Tonight - Buck Hill if it is not raining.
Monday, July 19, 2010
MNMBS #6 - Single Track Attack!
Best part of the race: No mud!
Worst part of the race: Heavy legs.
Elk River was a difficult race for me. I am struggling to find my form, and I suspect that I just need some time off. As of late, my legs feel tired all the time and I haven't been sleeping. A couple clear signs that I am over trained.
The conditions for the race could not have been much better. Most sections were firm and dry for some fast riding.
The rollout down the road and into the beginner section was fast. Out of the 28 riders (in 30-39 group) I hit the singletrack in 8th position. I maintained that position through most of the first advanced section, but was really struggling to keep a fast pace. In section 2 I hit a corner too fast and went down in some sand. I got up quickly and jumped on the bike to realize that my seat was 45 degrees off of straight. I don't have a quick release, so I had to pull the camelback off and fish out the 5mm wrench. All the while, group after group was passing me. I got back on the bike and put some hard effort in to make up some time. Not too far into section 3, I realized that the collar clamp for the seat was not tight enough and my seat was slowly going down. I stopped again to tighten the bolt and came to the realization that I was now riding for fun.
I finished lap 1 at a more moderate pace, and enjoyed the course. Back into section 1, one of the leaders from the old man group caught me, and was a real tool when he passed. I always let faster riders by as quickly as possible, and was trying to be accommodating to this guy. I guess Karma paid him back, because right after he passed we were flying through a fast downhill section and he went down on one of the corners.
I felt my legs for the first time in section 2 of the second lap, and started reeling other riders in. It felt good to start passing and really helped me keep the momentum up. I finished the race 13th out of 16 in the 35-39 AG and 79th out of 138 overall. Lap 1 time was 51:45 (with prologue). Lap 2 time was 41:58. I was 14:38 off the leader. Without the fall, I was on pace to finish 8th based on my lap 2 results being faster than than the 4 guys in front of me.
Worst part of the race: Heavy legs.
Elk River was a difficult race for me. I am struggling to find my form, and I suspect that I just need some time off. As of late, my legs feel tired all the time and I haven't been sleeping. A couple clear signs that I am over trained.
The conditions for the race could not have been much better. Most sections were firm and dry for some fast riding.
The rollout down the road and into the beginner section was fast. Out of the 28 riders (in 30-39 group) I hit the singletrack in 8th position. I maintained that position through most of the first advanced section, but was really struggling to keep a fast pace. In section 2 I hit a corner too fast and went down in some sand. I got up quickly and jumped on the bike to realize that my seat was 45 degrees off of straight. I don't have a quick release, so I had to pull the camelback off and fish out the 5mm wrench. All the while, group after group was passing me. I got back on the bike and put some hard effort in to make up some time. Not too far into section 3, I realized that the collar clamp for the seat was not tight enough and my seat was slowly going down. I stopped again to tighten the bolt and came to the realization that I was now riding for fun.
I finished lap 1 at a more moderate pace, and enjoyed the course. Back into section 1, one of the leaders from the old man group caught me, and was a real tool when he passed. I always let faster riders by as quickly as possible, and was trying to be accommodating to this guy. I guess Karma paid him back, because right after he passed we were flying through a fast downhill section and he went down on one of the corners.
I felt my legs for the first time in section 2 of the second lap, and started reeling other riders in. It felt good to start passing and really helped me keep the momentum up. I finished the race 13th out of 16 in the 35-39 AG and 79th out of 138 overall. Lap 1 time was 51:45 (with prologue). Lap 2 time was 41:58. I was 14:38 off the leader. Without the fall, I was on pace to finish 8th based on my lap 2 results being faster than than the 4 guys in front of me.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Early Morning Ride
I couldn't sleep this morning, so I decided to put in some early morning miles. I headed out at 5:15am, just as the sun began to light up the sky. Truly peaceful. Did a punishing 20+ miles hammer fest. Excited to race on Sunday (barring any rain).
Tour de Inspiration
I love July. It starts out with my favorite holiday (Independence Day), and ends with the Tour de France finish. The weather is ideal, and I really feel like I am coming in to form for the race season.
I was in St. Louis for work last night and was able to watch the TdF at the hotel. Watching these guys ride is really inspiring me to get out and hit it hard. Andy Schleck is turning into a monster. The kid is still under 25, but is hitting his top form. It will be interesting to watch how he progresses over the next few years. I hope Lance wins a stage. That would be inspiration for us older guys...
I was in St. Louis for work last night and was able to watch the TdF at the hotel. Watching these guys ride is really inspiring me to get out and hit it hard. Andy Schleck is turning into a monster. The kid is still under 25, but is hitting his top form. It will be interesting to watch how he progresses over the next few years. I hope Lance wins a stage. That would be inspiration for us older guys...
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Vacation from the Vacation
After 6 days off of work, I need another vacation. The 4th of July weekend was a blast, but very little sleep and a lot of activity. I decided not to race on the 4th because of the forecasted rain, but I did get in two training rides and two runs.
The first ride was a 30 miler of rolling hills. It was so peaceful out on that lonely country road. Gauging my performance against the same route last year, I am very happy with my progress.
The second ride was a dirt road circuit (15 miles) with intervals. The goal was to go fast enough to keep the horse flies away.
Bike seems to be running better with the new BB and rear derailleur. I might race tonight if I can get away from work early enough.
The first ride was a 30 miler of rolling hills. It was so peaceful out on that lonely country road. Gauging my performance against the same route last year, I am very happy with my progress.
The second ride was a dirt road circuit (15 miles) with intervals. The goal was to go fast enough to keep the horse flies away.
Bike seems to be running better with the new BB and rear derailleur. I might race tonight if I can get away from work early enough.
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