Another great night at the Midweek Mayhem Cross. We switched to Wednesday night to avoid the Tuesday night running group. It was always sporty trying to avoid them in the corners.
Last night in the A group there was 6 Terrascapers including Alana who raced up due to a dinner engagement. We put our practice into play and had a great start.
After the first long straight and corner the Kid and i had made the lead group. We lost contact after the first major corners and it was 3 of us sitting 5,6,7 after Peter Lawerence danced around us.
The Kid tried an early attack that was covered on the long straight. I made a move on the 3rd lap after strategically sitting in on the flats. I made a good gap but it cost me and I could not stay away. The Kid and a TRS rider caught back up and it was going to be us to the finish. The TRS rider made a gap just before the barriers, and held it to the finish. i was just in front of the Kid who probably could have beat me if he had used his lungs for riding and stopped cheering me on. It helped though, Thanks Ryan.
The other boys looked strong when i caught glimpses of them. We will have to see how the battle turned out.
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Monday, September 26, 2011
How to properly Sand Bag a Cross Race
If you remember from last year I gave some advice on how to place top 5 in a Cross race.
This year is how right proper win and sandbag a race:
-leave home town so no one knows you( even better is to leave taunting friend behind too)
-drive 14 hours south
-ride for 2 days, enter local cross race in proper category
-get feel of local talent
-ride more
-enter local cross race but at different location
-choose different category
-ride as hard as you can, win
-get free bottle of Gin
Okay that maybe how it unfolded but that was not my intention. I came down to Oregon for a bike trip on the cross bike. the idea was that Dave and I would ride the buff trails. I would get a feel for the cross bike and enter a weekend race.
Rode the MacKenzie River trial and ran the lava sections, super cool. Was getting forecasted flats but also got the unforecasted broken fork. Doh!!
After going form shop to shop we got what we need at Webcycyclery who were also hosting a Thursday night cross. We replaced the fork, jumped in the truck and got to the start with 15 min to go. No warm up, thought I missed the "A40" start started behind "A" but in front of "A40", waiting for them all to pass so I would not be thought of as a cheater and then fought back to race.
Rode Friday on the Phil's trail network for 3 hours.
Okay so why B group, it was earlier in the day and I could still ride after. I thought that it was the start of the season and people would come out from Portland to race. Thought the "B" group which was 35+ would bring more people out. It did not. I think I raced the same guys from the Thursday but I dropped down a category. The course was also in my favor with long flats and few run ups. I missed the bell lap and did an extra, talk about showboating. After the race I got a free bottle of gin as the race was held at Bendistillery. I did not even change and Dave and I went for a 2 hour ride, then washed in the stream and went to the HopsFest. 5 bucks get you a mug and $1 gets you a 4oz pour of way too many. Drank many samples and listened to good local musicians.
So, do I feel bad about it? A little, I hope that the guys from Bend will forgive me inthat I just wanted to get a race, ride and beerfest all in one day!!!!
This year is how right proper win and sandbag a race:
-leave home town so no one knows you( even better is to leave taunting friend behind too)
-drive 14 hours south
-ride for 2 days, enter local cross race in proper category
-get feel of local talent
-ride more
-enter local cross race but at different location
-choose different category
-ride as hard as you can, win
-get free bottle of Gin
Okay that maybe how it unfolded but that was not my intention. I came down to Oregon for a bike trip on the cross bike. the idea was that Dave and I would ride the buff trails. I would get a feel for the cross bike and enter a weekend race.
Rode the MacKenzie River trial and ran the lava sections, super cool. Was getting forecasted flats but also got the unforecasted broken fork. Doh!!
After going form shop to shop we got what we need at Webcycyclery who were also hosting a Thursday night cross. We replaced the fork, jumped in the truck and got to the start with 15 min to go. No warm up, thought I missed the "A40" start started behind "A" but in front of "A40", waiting for them all to pass so I would not be thought of as a cheater and then fought back to race.
Rode Friday on the Phil's trail network for 3 hours.
Okay so why B group, it was earlier in the day and I could still ride after. I thought that it was the start of the season and people would come out from Portland to race. Thought the "B" group which was 35+ would bring more people out. It did not. I think I raced the same guys from the Thursday but I dropped down a category. The course was also in my favor with long flats and few run ups. I missed the bell lap and did an extra, talk about showboating. After the race I got a free bottle of gin as the race was held at Bendistillery. I did not even change and Dave and I went for a 2 hour ride, then washed in the stream and went to the HopsFest. 5 bucks get you a mug and $1 gets you a 4oz pour of way too many. Drank many samples and listened to good local musicians.
So, do I feel bad about it? A little, I hope that the guys from Bend will forgive me inthat I just wanted to get a race, ride and beerfest all in one day!!!!
End of the Race season....sort of!
My "race season" ended officially on Aug. 13th with the end of the TR4 in Canmore. Completing stage 8 was easier this year and it was I who was waiting for Alana to finish her victory lap of the bar and not vice versa. Actually she usually just leaves me there when she gets tired.
TR3 and TR4 went well but took some moments of reflection and input from friends to realize this. It was in my mind to win the BCBR, TR3 and TR4. Second in all left me with the "always the bridesmaid....."feeling.
TR3/4 was interesting as a tactical race. After day one I knew I couldn't get the time back from Ian but made him work on Day 2. Day 3 I had to run a smart race with Coach Cal riding most excellent and threatening my spot. I could not go too hard as I still had 4 more days to go. Just so happens the Day 3 was a crazy vertical day and moderating the pace was not always in the cards. Day 1 of the TR4 saw Simon take the lead but I caught sight of him near the end of the day. Good battle with Simon as we rode within sight of each other most of the race. Thanks to Craig and Jonny for the chase car cheering while I imploded inwards into a black ball of pain holding Simon off the last pavement climb of Day 2.
Day 3 unfolded as precisely. I held Simon's wheel for the first half of the day jockeying back and forth. I attacked just before the top of Jumping pound ridge then tried to stay out of sight. Things were going right proper until the double slash on the Cox Hill downhill, one switchback from the trees.
SO that was it. Aug 13th happened and it was back to work and to slowly dig myself out of the hole that trying to juggle work, training and athletes creates.
One shining light was the 4 weeks until the Oregon trip with Dave on my cross bike.
TR3 and TR4 went well but took some moments of reflection and input from friends to realize this. It was in my mind to win the BCBR, TR3 and TR4. Second in all left me with the "always the bridesmaid....."feeling.
TR3/4 was interesting as a tactical race. After day one I knew I couldn't get the time back from Ian but made him work on Day 2. Day 3 I had to run a smart race with Coach Cal riding most excellent and threatening my spot. I could not go too hard as I still had 4 more days to go. Just so happens the Day 3 was a crazy vertical day and moderating the pace was not always in the cards. Day 1 of the TR4 saw Simon take the lead but I caught sight of him near the end of the day. Good battle with Simon as we rode within sight of each other most of the race. Thanks to Craig and Jonny for the chase car cheering while I imploded inwards into a black ball of pain holding Simon off the last pavement climb of Day 2.
Day 3 unfolded as precisely. I held Simon's wheel for the first half of the day jockeying back and forth. I attacked just before the top of Jumping pound ridge then tried to stay out of sight. Things were going right proper until the double slash on the Cox Hill downhill, one switchback from the trees.
SO that was it. Aug 13th happened and it was back to work and to slowly dig myself out of the hole that trying to juggle work, training and athletes creates.
One shining light was the 4 weeks until the Oregon trip with Dave on my cross bike.
Sunday, July 31, 2011
4 Months too Long
So....like how are you.......ummmmm, what's up...... been too long.
Got busy I guess.
Salty Dog-check, another battle with Leighton although we didn't see much of each other until the last 4 minutes. Not kidding we were riding just our of sight of each other the whole race.
Iron Maiden/ Organ Grinder-check, raced Elite and got a suprise 7th using the start slower finish moderate approach. Organ Grinder got the "Fastest Old Guy" really that is what the plaque ways! With all the rain and sun it was like ridin g3 different courses throughout the day. "skills" was defined as staying upright on bike.
Kananaskicker-check, poorly marked, poorly organized, poor course information. POOR!
yes did get ass kicked by Leighton and Ian, Chapeau Boys!
BCBR-check, field depth of 70!!!??? really that many 40+ men. Battled all week with Patrick from the Netherlands and Andy from West Van. Too much to put here may delve more into it later. Wore the jersey for one day and defended 2nd with tactics and strategy.
Work, work, work.
One week until both the TR3 and TR4.
Last post was about getting cagey in April. i have since got rid of that and now have the August fatigue. Hard to hold on to the razors edge when you train and do a physical job.
Photos for ya!
Got busy I guess.
Salty Dog-check, another battle with Leighton although we didn't see much of each other until the last 4 minutes. Not kidding we were riding just our of sight of each other the whole race.
Iron Maiden/ Organ Grinder-check, raced Elite and got a suprise 7th using the start slower finish moderate approach. Organ Grinder got the "Fastest Old Guy" really that is what the plaque ways! With all the rain and sun it was like ridin g3 different courses throughout the day. "skills" was defined as staying upright on bike.
Kananaskicker-check, poorly marked, poorly organized, poor course information. POOR!
yes did get ass kicked by Leighton and Ian, Chapeau Boys!
BCBR-check, field depth of 70!!!??? really that many 40+ men. Battled all week with Patrick from the Netherlands and Andy from West Van. Too much to put here may delve more into it later. Wore the jersey for one day and defended 2nd with tactics and strategy.
Work, work, work.
One week until both the TR3 and TR4.
Last post was about getting cagey in April. i have since got rid of that and now have the August fatigue. Hard to hold on to the razors edge when you train and do a physical job.
Photos for ya!
Monday, April 18, 2011
Getting Cagey!!
With my cycling classes starting in November last year, I am getting a bit cagey waiting to ride outside and race.
Our trips this year have been great but you never really push yourself until you get into a race. It would be good to know the upper limits of things and discover a whole new world of discomfort.
There is a race in Edmonton this weekend and I hope it still goes!
Our trips this year have been great but you never really push yourself until you get into a race. It would be good to know the upper limits of things and discover a whole new world of discomfort.
There is a race in Edmonton this weekend and I hope it still goes!
Monday, April 11, 2011
Like, the kinda, biggest week ever
It all just fell into place. The roads got dry and the weather turned almost agreeable this last week.
I rode to class, ran, core class, meet Lisa on 22 mid week, class, then the big weekend. Outside of stage racing this was one of the biggest weeks of training I have ever had.
You can train by just riding, intuitive, and you can train by numbers, scientific. The best is somewhere in between but that requires some experience. After years of training and coaching I have learned a few things and this week was the happy little, well treed, bungalow of marriage of both. During the week I concentrated on hitting my wattages and resting well. By Thursday I was feeling great and set some new PB in wattage versus hear rate.
Friday was a good rest day and I had the house to myself. Saturday was a chilly yet good solo ride south of the city. I met Steve and Henry in Bragg and rode with them until hwy 8.
Andrew is new to the city and is keen on meeting new people and riding partners. He was chatting up this guy but he was shifty and from the wrong side of the fence.
The "guy" did not seem to want to stop and talk but Andrew persisted. He was mumbling a bit but it sounded like Andrew was saying in case of an emergency I was too "gamey" and that this "guy" looked strong, good watts/kilo, and well marbled.
Sunday was a scheduled Terrascape ride in Cochrane. Andrew and I rode out to meet the crew and do the ride. What we did not expect was the 40 kph headwind at 9:30am. We just made the ride, thank goodness Cesar did not leave us behind. Grand Valley, Horse Creek and then a change of partners. Jason,Lisa and I headed back home down the Cowboy Trail.
Lisa went south and Jason and I headed East. I could have skirted the Springbank hill but when your with The Bear, you just don't do thinkgs like that. So up the gut we went at the end of my big week. The best part was it was all downhill, literally, to our new house in Discovery Ridge.
Hydrate, Stretch, Rest.
CELEBRATE REST WEEK, go on I dare you!!!!!!!
I rode to class, ran, core class, meet Lisa on 22 mid week, class, then the big weekend. Outside of stage racing this was one of the biggest weeks of training I have ever had.
You can train by just riding, intuitive, and you can train by numbers, scientific. The best is somewhere in between but that requires some experience. After years of training and coaching I have learned a few things and this week was the happy little, well treed, bungalow of marriage of both. During the week I concentrated on hitting my wattages and resting well. By Thursday I was feeling great and set some new PB in wattage versus hear rate.
Friday was a good rest day and I had the house to myself. Saturday was a chilly yet good solo ride south of the city. I met Steve and Henry in Bragg and rode with them until hwy 8.
Andrew is new to the city and is keen on meeting new people and riding partners. He was chatting up this guy but he was shifty and from the wrong side of the fence.
The "guy" did not seem to want to stop and talk but Andrew persisted. He was mumbling a bit but it sounded like Andrew was saying in case of an emergency I was too "gamey" and that this "guy" looked strong, good watts/kilo, and well marbled.
Sunday was a scheduled Terrascape ride in Cochrane. Andrew and I rode out to meet the crew and do the ride. What we did not expect was the 40 kph headwind at 9:30am. We just made the ride, thank goodness Cesar did not leave us behind. Grand Valley, Horse Creek and then a change of partners. Jason,Lisa and I headed back home down the Cowboy Trail.
Lisa went south and Jason and I headed East. I could have skirted the Springbank hill but when your with The Bear, you just don't do thinkgs like that. So up the gut we went at the end of my big week. The best part was it was all downhill, literally, to our new house in Discovery Ridge.
Hydrate, Stretch, Rest.
CELEBRATE REST WEEK, go on I dare you!!!!!!!
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Sunny Pictures ot keep you going
Alana on the Hangover trail. Do not do this hung over!!!
And this is why:
Big drop offs on every corner
Faizan showing some composure
Matthew threading the needle and not falling over the edge!
And this is why:
Big drop offs on every corner
Faizan showing some composure
Matthew threading the needle and not falling over the edge!
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Friends join in the Fun in Sedona
Matthew and Faiz Testing out the latest in Optical Fashion. Has anyone ever heard of "Blue Blockers?? My parents swear by them. LOL
Part of the 2009 Cape Epic crew, Matthew and Faiz, joined us today for a spin. Faiz is celebrating his birthday Monday and wanted to get away from the Big Smoke for a bit.
They put in a few hours last night and were prepared to ride all day if need be. Good thing as it was a long one today.
Started out on Made in the Shade and tried to find Highline. Missed that so just kept on riding. Around the corner to Templeton, then the super fun Baldwin. Off Baldwin we found the back side of Highline. 20 min of hiking up hill got us on the plateau, and we were off. The riding was good and very reminiscent of Highline in Canmore. Then the trail petered off to what resembled a hihg mountain goat trial. Lots of on and off. Finally we were back at the Bike and Bean. Alana and Faiz, Tactical Unit A, covered the iced caps, while Tactical Unit B went for Fish tacos and burritos. All was going to plan until one of the T.U.B. members got on his bike. Blown Shock!
Off to HQ. Quick nutrition. Visit B and B. New O ring. $20 USD. Back on trial.
Easy cruising in the afternoon, while the sun set and the red colors came to life.
Good Friends, Good Day!!
Faiz finishing the climb in style.
Same for Alana and Matthew.
Part of the 2009 Cape Epic crew, Matthew and Faiz, joined us today for a spin. Faiz is celebrating his birthday Monday and wanted to get away from the Big Smoke for a bit.
They put in a few hours last night and were prepared to ride all day if need be. Good thing as it was a long one today.
Started out on Made in the Shade and tried to find Highline. Missed that so just kept on riding. Around the corner to Templeton, then the super fun Baldwin. Off Baldwin we found the back side of Highline. 20 min of hiking up hill got us on the plateau, and we were off. The riding was good and very reminiscent of Highline in Canmore. Then the trail petered off to what resembled a hihg mountain goat trial. Lots of on and off. Finally we were back at the Bike and Bean. Alana and Faiz, Tactical Unit A, covered the iced caps, while Tactical Unit B went for Fish tacos and burritos. All was going to plan until one of the T.U.B. members got on his bike. Blown Shock!
Off to HQ. Quick nutrition. Visit B and B. New O ring. $20 USD. Back on trial.
Easy cruising in the afternoon, while the sun set and the red colors came to life.
Good Friends, Good Day!!
Faiz finishing the climb in style.
Same for Alana and Matthew.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Sunny Photos From Phoenix
Me and the Full Carbon Fiber Bottecchia Gardena on Trial 100 in Phoenix.
Papa Neilson at 63 years old enjoying McDowell Race loops.
Me and the Bottecchia SP9 enjoying the day.
Ahh the Post Ride meal. Apple Cider-it's dry but you can drink it. Tuna salad, Steamed Spinach( Rice and steak included but not shown )
Papa Neilson at 63 years old enjoying McDowell Race loops.
Me and the Bottecchia SP9 enjoying the day.
Ahh the Post Ride meal. Apple Cider-it's dry but you can drink it. Tuna salad, Steamed Spinach( Rice and steak included but not shown )
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Beautiful Riding
We have been doing some great riding and finding new routes and great stops. Anyone been to Cave Creek? It's like Bragg Creek but where the crazy people go.
Small rustic and eclectic. We are going there today for our day off and recovery ride. The pictures will tell the tale.
Until then here is some sunny pictures:
okay I knew my new Bottecchia (pronounced=Bo-tech-e-a)was awesome just riding it on the rollers but wow!!! It is hard to believe that every ounce of effort in the pedals gets translated into forward motion. The frame is stiff but the road compliance is border line comfy. i am running 120psi and it's not bad at all. Hard to explain, i feel the vibrations sort of, but it does not cause fatigue or discomfort.
Night time pool side with my new Cardinals Cup. i knew it would keep my drink cold but wow. The smooth lip translates every drop into thirst quenching pleasure. The mug is frozen and is border line uncomfortable in my hand. I am running soda and fresh, like grown here fresh, limes. It does not cause tipsy-ness or fatigue.
Small rustic and eclectic. We are going there today for our day off and recovery ride. The pictures will tell the tale.
Until then here is some sunny pictures:
okay I knew my new Bottecchia (pronounced=Bo-tech-e-a)was awesome just riding it on the rollers but wow!!! It is hard to believe that every ounce of effort in the pedals gets translated into forward motion. The frame is stiff but the road compliance is border line comfy. i am running 120psi and it's not bad at all. Hard to explain, i feel the vibrations sort of, but it does not cause fatigue or discomfort.
Night time pool side with my new Cardinals Cup. i knew it would keep my drink cold but wow. The smooth lip translates every drop into thirst quenching pleasure. The mug is frozen and is border line uncomfortable in my hand. I am running soda and fresh, like grown here fresh, limes. It does not cause tipsy-ness or fatigue.
Land of the Big
What's that you need it bigger???
What a ham or maybe just a cheeseball.
They just had to put these two together didn't they.
What a ham or maybe just a cheeseball.
They just had to put these two together didn't they.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Way too long
I know it has been way to long but i have now got lots off the stove and have some time for catching up.
I'm in Phoenix again with Alana and Lisa. Alana's my wife and Lisa is our good friend. We have been looking forward to this for some time. We are here to train. (yes that was a period.)
Funny because we are staying at a beautiful place called Toscana where the conceirge, we are convinced will drive yo over to the mall to shop. Lisa hooked us up and it is nice to be living a little of the decadent life.
We have huge rooms, our own showers, large TV, hot tub and pool. It is also located next to some excellent roads for biking.
The ladies flew down and since I had an extra day I drove. 26 hours of driving with one stop just south of Salt Lake City.
Road Shots:
Montana
Idaho
Huge Budweiser ad on side of silos, must be at least 100ft tall
Southern Utah ( no Snow!!!!!!!!!)
Arizona, by Zion National Park
Flagstaff where they just got tons of snow but it was melting fast.
I'm in Phoenix again with Alana and Lisa. Alana's my wife and Lisa is our good friend. We have been looking forward to this for some time. We are here to train. (yes that was a period.)
Funny because we are staying at a beautiful place called Toscana where the conceirge, we are convinced will drive yo over to the mall to shop. Lisa hooked us up and it is nice to be living a little of the decadent life.
We have huge rooms, our own showers, large TV, hot tub and pool. It is also located next to some excellent roads for biking.
The ladies flew down and since I had an extra day I drove. 26 hours of driving with one stop just south of Salt Lake City.
Road Shots:
Montana
Idaho
Huge Budweiser ad on side of silos, must be at least 100ft tall
Southern Utah ( no Snow!!!!!!!!!)
Arizona, by Zion National Park
Flagstaff where they just got tons of snow but it was melting fast.
Monday, January 3, 2011
PHX Part 3
Well know that i am back it seems like a dream. The riding went really well and Alana and I covered some serious ground.
We did a TT style day south of the homestead with long 20 minute Tempo.
Learning from our Sunday ride we revamped the route a little. I did an extra lap of the hill and Alana got a break away bonus. i was to catch her before the Chevron. After 1:14:00 of riding I rolled into the station and she had beat me. Curses.
Refueling at the Chevron. i think they mean cars.
We followed the #87 to Gilbert and that took us to McDowell Rd. A way better route go home on. It has long stretches between lights and a bike lane for most of it. We were just about home when we met one of the "JC Rivers" on a desolate side street. JC Rivers is brand of local beef jerky sold only on the corner of Brown Rd and Meridian. He gave us his run down: 17 years on the corner, less sodium, made fresh each week, only natural ingredients, etc. I must say for a connoisseur of jerky this was some of the best i have had. Maybe because of the long day with Tempo and Threshold work but even today it is still great. It will have to become tradition to stop for some on the way home. the only thing missing was a cold brew.
Wednesday Morning We:
Morning Starbucks before.....
Los Favritos, pretty much the best little taco stand ever. Steak Breakfast burrito-$4.25
. When we arrived it was 21 C. Thursday............10C. What's with that?? We waited out some snow storms.....What's with that? And made the dash to Usery Pass hill to get in a few laps before calling it a week.
Snow on the ground means dressing warmly, no matter where you are. Nice Booties!!!
We did a TT style day south of the homestead with long 20 minute Tempo.
Learning from our Sunday ride we revamped the route a little. I did an extra lap of the hill and Alana got a break away bonus. i was to catch her before the Chevron. After 1:14:00 of riding I rolled into the station and she had beat me. Curses.
Refueling at the Chevron. i think they mean cars.
We followed the #87 to Gilbert and that took us to McDowell Rd. A way better route go home on. It has long stretches between lights and a bike lane for most of it. We were just about home when we met one of the "JC Rivers" on a desolate side street. JC Rivers is brand of local beef jerky sold only on the corner of Brown Rd and Meridian. He gave us his run down: 17 years on the corner, less sodium, made fresh each week, only natural ingredients, etc. I must say for a connoisseur of jerky this was some of the best i have had. Maybe because of the long day with Tempo and Threshold work but even today it is still great. It will have to become tradition to stop for some on the way home. the only thing missing was a cold brew.
Wednesday Morning We:
Morning Starbucks before.....
Los Favritos, pretty much the best little taco stand ever. Steak Breakfast burrito-$4.25
. When we arrived it was 21 C. Thursday............10C. What's with that?? We waited out some snow storms.....What's with that? And made the dash to Usery Pass hill to get in a few laps before calling it a week.
Snow on the ground means dressing warmly, no matter where you are. Nice Booties!!!
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