tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89284479981582693402024-03-04T23:55:15.199-08:00California Bike Racing via Out-Spoke-N2012 racing schedule,the good the bad and the ugly.Chasing dreams in the pelotonUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger203125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8928447998158269340.post-37027688881143923702012-06-21T16:41:00.000-07:002012-06-21T16:41:42.563-07:00Foggy mornings and windy afternoons<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
This is what we deal with in June. Ive been choosing to sleep and ride in the afternoon wind instead. Whats the worst thing that happens, I have to put out more of an effort. <br />
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Palos Verdes and about 3000 ft of climbing. <br />
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nice stretch before the switchbacks start<br />
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</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8928447998158269340.post-21273066451693708652012-06-15T11:47:00.001-07:002012-06-15T11:47:39.127-07:003 full weeks off before the next race<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I'm having mixed emotions on how much or how little training to do. So far I have gotten in only a handful of miles since last Sundays 7/10/12 race. Which ended up being a show up and sit in a 100 man field race. I don't like that attitude and always want to come in sharp and on form. But I basically drove the entire distance south to north of the state of California on Thursday 7/7 slept,got my stepson on 7/8 and drove back. 12.5 hours up and 14 hours home with 6 hours of sleep in between. <br />
I opted for a solo 38 mile ride on Saturday at a moderate tempo and kept the climbing under 2000 ft. Woke up on Sunday with the hopes of doing two categories in the days race, but after the first race with the 30 + 4/5 cat's I passed on the next line up an hour later with the 45 + 1-4 cat's. There are on average 3 + National champions that line up in that 45+ race and it averages about 27-28 mph for 50 minutes with max speeds of 38 + and honestly I didn't have the legs or the heart. I hung in safe the whole first race in about the top 25 but on the last lap I just drifted back and let everyone else sprint. I was just happy to be done. <br />
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This is MT.Shasta on the way home, had never seen it before.<br />
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some team shots earlier this year.<br />
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Gary buck /rockstar and team mate this year, clown.<br />
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I do like the black and whites, very cool. Race shots random events.<br />
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etc..<br />
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So I need some rest and have only ridden 40 miles this week. I think I'm doing about 70 or so tomorrow and then taking it day to day next week. Ill put in some bigger numbers and harder efforts the following week leading up to July 1st race. <br />
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train hard,train smart, be active.<br />
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</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8928447998158269340.post-73707211822485842972011-09-29T15:07:00.000-07:002011-09-29T15:07:03.163-07:00I had gained 9 pounds and I have hair on my legs.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Early off season fails.<br />
Once the intensity of my training dropped off and my intake did not I quickly packed on 9 pounds, and it all felt like it was sitting in my mid section. <br />
Which likely it was since I'm somewhat of a desk jockey . For roughly 4 weeks my racing has been over and my training has been cut in 1/2 at times. However I have enjoyed some rides a bit more. This weekend I will get to put in a long effort with Patrick and the Out-Spoke-n crew. Then trying and further hash out plans for 2012. Which at this point and time, I am throwing myself in the drivers seat as per a long conversation with the shop owner. No F------g way I can do this alone, so I will be leaning on Patrick for help on this. Fortunately he has already been a great ambassador and it appears he has more patience than me for lolly gagging and shenanigans. <br />
But anyways we may be on the verge of getting this thing spun up right. <br />
Then it will be another 3-4 days of light training efforts and then the OC GRAN FONDO he has spoke of. I'm looking forward to this also, even though we have literally road every mile of this in one way or another this last year. But it will be a good,hard ride and I like that idea.<br />
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Turns out the 9 pounds was no more than Boston lager and crap food + portion control x ride your bike fat ass. Once I did this again for a week I lost the 9 lbs plus 1. Truthfully I miss the weekly training races, and the monthly Cal Cup races. Oh and I will have smooth legs by 9/30/11 so don't get all crazy. <br />
Not much else going on. But I was able to pick these wheels up prior to the last couple races of the year. And yes Carbon does matter. I didn't realize it until I put them on, took them off, put them on and took them off again. What a difference in spin up speed and ride quality. And I have a pretty decent set of aluminum clinchers at that.<br />
check it .<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdOVMOm4O4Xmcjj968KaEJ9TxVJgUWThPy5zdvmP-Udv4-f1cYhJ0Gxec4mrfoygyHZ_YZZyP-hUYJjzwq9KeDuZGIpyMBHV9ASWRGZjMh6uaM9J7XZcEFy3JRg-R9lIX3KJI-XYH3OqO9/s1600/felt+carbon+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdOVMOm4O4Xmcjj968KaEJ9TxVJgUWThPy5zdvmP-Udv4-f1cYhJ0Gxec4mrfoygyHZ_YZZyP-hUYJjzwq9KeDuZGIpyMBHV9ASWRGZjMh6uaM9J7XZcEFy3JRg-R9lIX3KJI-XYH3OqO9/s320/felt+carbon+3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixhWYlp7a9SstPcg7P5WrbAWpDgnRnxjGnxy2NLXB3EXnH72jgk8zJxp6rxeyf0aZYkuITQTGv0n_AVhKuHTv89_Ij4VLx6tiq2kuOHXC3iFW75cO-rmRz9HjdwckX_AMCbmsyGiAUH0Pj/s1600/felt+carbon+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixhWYlp7a9SstPcg7P5WrbAWpDgnRnxjGnxy2NLXB3EXnH72jgk8zJxp6rxeyf0aZYkuITQTGv0n_AVhKuHTv89_Ij4VLx6tiq2kuOHXC3iFW75cO-rmRz9HjdwckX_AMCbmsyGiAUH0Pj/s320/felt+carbon+1.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXl3zNac8Lr8hR44DwilRQrP9aQkYzipFuSupA_aqcXQGX2mDyO7wg_w_xOl2C5ORO9KNYDRvij_EsKAtj-vB6ph797jLciHdwufXa22YkePs8TdqcM56_Y7lKa7LWZB6NGItq0uatHaT3/s1600/felt+carbon+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXl3zNac8Lr8hR44DwilRQrP9aQkYzipFuSupA_aqcXQGX2mDyO7wg_w_xOl2C5ORO9KNYDRvij_EsKAtj-vB6ph797jLciHdwufXa22YkePs8TdqcM56_Y7lKa7LWZB6NGItq0uatHaT3/s320/felt+carbon+4.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>FYI- <br />
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For those that read my last post. My final race of the year on 9/11/11 - I barely finished the first race in the field. And as far as the 2 nd race I dropped out 3 laps in.<br />
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WTH you say ? I know come to find out I had taken on a very bad sinus infection 2 days earlier, that finally manifested into a mind swaying, I can't freakin breath nightmare. Believe me I was very broken that afternoon and question what the hell was wrong with me and what was I doing! Fortunately in the end, it ended up being an issue other than a lack of heart. Truthfully I was more concerned about that. <br />
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So final CBR STATE FINALS FOR ME = EPIC FAIL !! <br />
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See them next year, vowing to be lighter faster and stronger. oh ya and older :-) <br />
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</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8928447998158269340.post-32549118278455569562011-09-09T16:37:00.000-07:002011-09-09T16:37:20.854-07:00So this is it.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Final true cycling criterium race of the season this Sunday 9/11/11.<br />
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Great day for it in my eyes. <br />
I know it will have that much more meaning of freedom. I'll feel pretty blessed to e there, and for the ability and opportunity to compete. I'll race two categories again as I have the last 3 outings, and hope to place in the top 10 of both.<br />
That will make a grand total of 25 races in just over 5 months and some miles. Every bit worth it.<br />
I plan on doing a 100+ mile Gran Fondo ride in October. Other than that, I think I'm going to integrate and try and get my run back on again.<br />
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Parting picture will be a bike throw at the finish line of this years last El Dorado Tuesday night races.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCbM7cgj1Q2L_f18PZBgmwAZ_Ny7OAKSMPQ-oG3PCTrp_6MV977D5nVtiTtH61PSBtEP1hoeUVRoyxHgigdug_xWd0TcHQvtCbMA7-feVhG3eGQ7pNPfrQj7Jy8wh0oZJE8bPxWGepUppc/s1600/eldo+throw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" nba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCbM7cgj1Q2L_f18PZBgmwAZ_Ny7OAKSMPQ-oG3PCTrp_6MV977D5nVtiTtH61PSBtEP1hoeUVRoyxHgigdug_xWd0TcHQvtCbMA7-feVhG3eGQ7pNPfrQj7Jy8wh0oZJE8bPxWGepUppc/s320/eldo+throw.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Obviously I thought it was tighter at the line, but who ever knows at that speed. I also think it's not a very flattering picture since I'm exhaling and appear to look about 300 pounds. But trust me I'm under 200 and have stayed there. I really hope to start next season in the 180's somewhere. <br />
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See you soon. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhirRda6NVIbYgeQnuScAWXklo0-kyuxql9nKt1I2GJtmRSFqgRRfdW8RrVPqPWPMAo3doArYyg1fc0fF5gnK4O3-yl1Ofraoc3YevHe7A2JsWMHUHLRRnROpwtIPNxb3c8waUayTD39wvX/s1600/bren+and+i+4th.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" nba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhirRda6NVIbYgeQnuScAWXklo0-kyuxql9nKt1I2GJtmRSFqgRRfdW8RrVPqPWPMAo3doArYyg1fc0fF5gnK4O3-yl1Ofraoc3YevHe7A2JsWMHUHLRRnROpwtIPNxb3c8waUayTD39wvX/s320/bren+and+i+4th.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8928447998158269340.post-73703573246817476772011-08-31T10:23:00.000-07:002011-08-31T10:23:19.972-07:00It's been awhile<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div closure_uid_for9fe="111">Well, I have been the king of lurking for the past month and even put in some random comments here and there. </div><div closure_uid_for9fe="111"><div closure_uid_dlmcnk="101"><div closure_uid_iy1f0c="233">Just thought I would blog up and reflect on a bike racing season that has come and almost gone. This was pre race Tuesday night worlds last race of the season 2011</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMryYMaLTS0CBYJ4obh4teyqFAJfZ9divhjj7-RPIRt8CnWThmir13SgtsIS287Yiy_W-DezU5w0rQQbBGT-42f_P5sgXxxQB9YYq7Yn79r5wTepu43faiFlDuevbTWcSiyBwTjZTz58ET/s1600/final+eldo+2+2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMryYMaLTS0CBYJ4obh4teyqFAJfZ9divhjj7-RPIRt8CnWThmir13SgtsIS287Yiy_W-DezU5w0rQQbBGT-42f_P5sgXxxQB9YYq7Yn79r5wTepu43faiFlDuevbTWcSiyBwTjZTz58ET/s320/final+eldo+2+2011.jpg" width="240" xaa="true" /></a></div>It was hot and humid and looking to be hella fun once again.</div><div closure_uid_for9fe="111"><div closure_uid_iy1f0c="234">I'm glad I got back out of my box and started racing my bike again. Even though it had been 2 decades after the last run. The enormous equipment changes make things interesting. But what Ive seen over this past 6 months was that you can have the best equipment out there, and if your not putting in the time and efforts, it's not worth the cash you spent on it. </div></div><div closure_uid_for9fe="111"><div closure_uid_iy1f0c="235">Personally, I would like to build a steel framed bike and put a decent set of 50mm deep dish wheels on it. And train on that for the races. Then come race day saddle up on the full carbon and let it rip. But that's a whole other story in itself.</div></div><div closure_uid_for9fe="111"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_for9fe="111"><strong>RECAP OF 2011 BIKE RACING SEASON-</strong></div><div closure_uid_for9fe="111"><div closure_uid_iy1f0c="236">I got the itch on March 9th and by March 29th I was going to do my first criterium race in just under 2 decades. Crazy ? I don't know, I knew I could ride pretty fast, I was way heavier now than then, maybe I could just ride myself into shape and form ?</div></div><div closure_uid_for9fe="111"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_for9fe="111"><div closure_uid_iy1f0c="237">I will be honest in saying I went out pretty confident in my abilities on that first evening and was quickly shown the raw truth of just how far off the mark I was. I got cracked off the back of an hour long race within 20 minutes. The second race it took until about 45 minutes. </div></div><div closure_uid_for9fe="111">But from that point on I made it a point to put a game plan together and at least finish in the field.</div><div closure_uid_for9fe="111">When that started working then I set a new goal to try and get a few sprint points throughout the race and then hang on until the end. </div><div closure_uid_for9fe="111"><div closure_uid_iy1f0c="238">Where eventually I would start showing up to be a threat of contending.</div><div closure_uid_iy1f0c="238">I had my ups and downs with emotions throughout the season. Having lost Patrick from <a href="http://www.theroadmultisport.com/">http://www.theroadmultisport.com/</a> to 70.3 training.</div><div closure_uid_iy1f0c="238">Trying to form a new team. Which has been more miss than hit, but I still think there is some glimmer there. Trying to help guide a potentially talented 20 year old to see his real potential. </div></div><div closure_uid_for9fe="111"><div closure_uid_iy1f0c="239">In the end it all worked out. The Out-Spoke-n road bike, mountain bike, and triathlon racing team could be a well hated threat out there if the store owner takes it a bit more seriously.</div><div closure_uid_iy1f0c="239">Patrick is about ready to embark on his first 70.3, which I know he will rock and then go longer.</div><div closure_uid_iy1f0c="239">Adam the 20 year old, finally heeded some frustrated remarks from me one night, about just staying on my wheel. Low and behold he never dropped out of another race, started consistently contending for sprints and finishing in the top 10 every week. </div></div><div closure_uid_for9fe="111">I still have one last So Cal Cup race left on September 11th. These are the nationally ranked races and for the last 3 I have entered I raced in 2 classes per race day. One, for more race time and exposure, and two for more race time and exposure. You see it turns out even at 45 or two months short of 46 I'm still pretty fast on a bike. </div><div closure_uid_for9fe="111"><div closure_uid_iy1f0c="241">In the beginning they made me race straight Cat 5 with mostly 19 to 30 year olds, I had no choice, I had been gone too long. My previous Cat 3 status was non existent and I had to start from scratch.</div></div><div closure_uid_for9fe="111">Now I choose to race both Cat 4/5 senior ( which is 30 and under) and Cat 4 masters 30 +. The cool thing about masters is that most of them have held either Pro cards or raced 1,2,3 all there career and just never stopped for any real length of time.</div><div closure_uid_for9fe="111"><div closure_uid_iy1f0c="242">Myself, I hope I continue to stay engaged and have some success and a lot of fun doing it.</div></div><div closure_uid_for9fe="111"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_for9fe="111"><div closure_uid_iy1f0c="245">So here we are 6 months later. I've raced 23 group start races. One of which had only 9 riders in it, others that exceeded 50+ riders. By the seasons end, I will have lined up 25 times. And although I got way more comfortable and confident, it really never seemed to get any less stressful. I guess I am just a race stresser. That for me seems to be a good thing though, I think If I ever get to lax about it, I will loose that edge. And that edge is what drove me to get better. </div></div><div closure_uid_for9fe="111"><div closure_uid_iy1f0c="246">I never really rode into weight or perfect form. I did however drop another 9 lbs through the season. And although I started getting consistent results at races, I never scored a 1st place finish in a final race. </div></div><div closure_uid_for9fe="111">The good news is that this is all future goals to still chase after, this will continue to give me spark and drive.</div><div closure_uid_for9fe="111"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_for9fe="111">Out of the 23 races I lined up at , I had 14 top 10 finishes. With 2 more top 15. FYI - they score to 20 in So Cal Cup races, but not on Tuesday night races. Only to 10 on Tuesday.</div><div closure_uid_for9fe="111"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_for9fe="111">2nd place = 1</div><div closure_uid_for9fe="111">4th place = 2</div><div closure_uid_for9fe="111">5th place = 1</div><div closure_uid_for9fe="111">6th place = 4</div><div closure_uid_for9fe="111">7thplace = 4</div><div closure_uid_for9fe="111">9th place = 2</div><div closure_uid_for9fe="111"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_for9fe="111">13thplace = 2</div><div closure_uid_for9fe="111"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_for9fe="111">I was able to scoop up several 1st,2nd and 3rd place finishes on mid race primes, but I didn't record them. Maybe I should had since they are victories inside victories.</div><div closure_uid_for9fe="111"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_for9fe="111"><div closure_uid_dlmcnk="119">post race - (NOTE- I did not race in an Out-spoke-n jersey last night for the first time since my commitment, and in all honesty I felt more at home in a true race kit. Sorry, just being honest)</div><div closure_uid_dlmcnk="119" closure_uid_iy1f0c="119"><div closure_uid_iy1f0c="103">lastly, do you think that vain on the side of my forehead can get any bigger ? WTH ? </div><div closure_uid_iy1f0c="103"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTCb95-Kw_CoF0tolU8F-LvkCNijPqMWPELir_kbzy3mkob2F-oQdYNOgytkiw8Ne8vsMHXKDlO650mf7cqJ3f7q6U7jhR3NKYBjYcIM-A72iN0HuN1IDvYXa7Isro6q2gE-kPNi-9uB0o/s1600/post+eldo+2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTCb95-Kw_CoF0tolU8F-LvkCNijPqMWPELir_kbzy3mkob2F-oQdYNOgytkiw8Ne8vsMHXKDlO650mf7cqJ3f7q6U7jhR3NKYBjYcIM-A72iN0HuN1IDvYXa7Isro6q2gE-kPNi-9uB0o/s320/post+eldo+2011.jpg" width="240" xaa="true" /></a></div>Feeling just a tad blown up and overheated, but pretty damned stoked ! <div closure_uid_iy1f0c="103"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_iy1f0c="103">So that's the recap less the 9-11 race. I'll be back and thanks for playing. </div></div><div closure_uid_dlmcnk="119"><br />
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</div><div closure_uid_for9fe="111"> </div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8928447998158269340.post-55542869624506521172011-08-08T11:57:00.000-07:002011-08-08T11:57:14.618-07:00All said and done, it's not about me<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div closure_uid_4sumpg="109">Which is amazing, because blogs whether we like it or not are that way. </div><div closure_uid_4sumpg="109">I love to share my experiences. But it seems to me my blog is very redundant and even though I'm trying to put the reader there, it's all about me. </div><div closure_uid_4sumpg="109">So I'm going to lay low on the long blogs about the same old stuff. I'll keep posting brief race results and training rides but, eh, I think I would rather read yours. </div><div closure_uid_4sumpg="109"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_4sumpg="109">Saturday's ride was in my head to be 75 miles. I got the opportunity to ride with Patrick <a href="http://www.theroadmultisport.com/">http://www.theroadmultisport.com/</a> for the first time in awhile. He as most of you know is in full tri season swing and getting ready to go long, and it appears even go longer. Good for him. He is fighting his way (but enjoying it) to peak at the right time. </div><div closure_uid_4sumpg="109">As OC VELO is a great opportunity to link with other like minded riders on Saturdays it has it's hiccups. This Saturday was no different and shortly after our first stop there would be a mechanical to another rider on the road that one of our club riders had the tool to fix. This is great and this is what should happen. However I iimmediately shifted gears to a shorter ride and went on with the "B" ride. This worked out good anyways because Patrick was doing this ride. He was also set for a post ride brick and felt this pace would be best. I couldn't agree more with him and really from that point in my mind I was kind of set on getting him through the ride at a good pace but try and help him stay fresh. </div><div closure_uid_4sumpg="109">I rode tempo of front on the climbs, but this isn't really a good thing. I'm no climber, so either I'm sucked on to a wheel and getting dragged up. Or I'm leading out and riding at the fastest pace I can. If you get dropped off I can't help it. For me climbs are all about staying consistent and steady pedaling. We made are way back down through the canyons and on to PCH for a regroup. It was shortly there after I asked Patrick to just sit in and out of the wind. There was no reason for him to help going home, save his legs for his long run to follow. </div><div closure_uid_4sumpg="109">I felt that was the best act of assistance I could give him. We had a good pace back and he was able to get a strong run in. I on the other hand continued to put in a few extra miles before hitting the home front. I showed a bit different pace on my Garmin than his but ? He also said we climbed 4000 feet ( LOL !!) I can assure you we didn't. I don't know why the difference in pace though ? I showed 60.03 miles at 18.2 avg. </div><div closure_uid_4sumpg="109"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_4sumpg="109">Anyways, Took a fast shower and grabbed my son for popcorn and Cowboy's and Aliens, which we both thought was far fetched and very cool.</div><div closure_uid_4sumpg="109">Later we headed over to some friends for a home cooked meal of wild salmon that was even better. </div><div closure_uid_4sumpg="109">Sunday was fun day. Woke up late and headed to Knott's amusement park for 6 hours of fun in the sun and roller coasters. </div><div closure_uid_4sumpg="109"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_4sumpg="109">TRAIN HARD,TRAIN SMART, BE ACTIVE</div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8928447998158269340.post-31404293731030408462011-08-04T14:58:00.000-07:002011-08-05T10:32:29.535-07:00I though it would find the perfect storm<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div closure_uid_av7wpt="118">But in the end this was the news that was delivered. <a href="http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/htc-highroad-disbands-after-failed-sponsor-search">http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/htc-highroad-disbands-after-failed-sponsor-search</a>. No takers for the deal, and it is now dead at the close of this season. </div><div closure_uid_av7wpt="118"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_av7wpt="118">Another blow to cycling ? Another blow to American cycling ? Either way this is a strong team that had a huge amount of talent and heart. But in the end, CASH IS KING. </div><div closure_uid_av7wpt="118">It's just kind of disheartening. We have made some real strides stateside in professional cycling as far as team organization and real recognition as contenders. </div><div closure_uid_av7wpt="118"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_av7wpt="118">As for me.</div><div closure_uid_av7wpt="118">Tuesday night races went exactly as planned and played all the way until 100 meters before the final turn.</div><div closure_uid_av7wpt="118"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_av7wpt="118">Prime 1 - I would stay strong up front and not contend. (check)</div><div closure_uid_av7wpt="118">Prime 2 - I would stay strong up front and contend for the sprint to see where my legs were at. (check) I got 2nd.</div><div closure_uid_av7wpt="118"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_av7wpt="118">Race finish- Look for a breakaway within the last 2 laps. Don't initiate it, but if it comes hard, get on it.</div><div closure_uid_av7wpt="118">The true jump at a breakaway never held, 4-5 of us would jump and real them back within 75 yards.</div><div closure_uid_av7wpt="118"><div closure_uid_g8paz1="102">Once again there was shenanigans in the masters race and it equated to a 5 man wreck with firetrucks showing. The wind was freaking brutal and it played the field like an accordian. </div></div><div closure_uid_av7wpt="118"><div closure_uid_g8paz1="105">Cat 4/5 final lap found about 12 of the 24 starters still in and on. I felt fantastic and strong. I moved from about 8th-5th in the 2nd to last corner. When we came around at probably 26-27 mph, there was an elderly man on a beach cruiser coming right at us ! He came in the back way and hadn't noticed the 100-150 men and women flying by at motor speeds ? Really ? WTF ? </div></div><div closure_uid_av7wpt="118"><div closure_uid_g8paz1="107">The field jerked hard right, lots of braking happened and then let the mayhem begin. The line of riders moved and cracked like a bull whip, sending people hard right and holding on. Of course up front it's not bad, but anything beyond the front few is gonna be dicey. </div></div><div closure_uid_av7wpt="118"><div closure_uid_g8paz1="111">It was, and as the front surged to get the pace back up and steady again.The back end chased harder. Eventually over compensating and then the tire rubbing started due to overlapping. I heard it, then seen 1 guy shoot from the far right straight to me. I leaned in to him and saved it. Then the guy behind me reacted and caused an overlap nightmare behind me. I felt my rear wheel get clipped, and from there I started heading for the inside curb. The next thing I hear is snapping and cleats dragging, then slamming. It took every bit of bike handling skills I had to keep it up right. 3 of us got pinched out and one went down hard, breaking his helmet and bike frame. </div></div><div closure_uid_av7wpt="118"><div closure_uid_g8paz1="114">I actually stopped and turned around I felt so bad, and concerned for the guy. Fortunately his body came away with nothing more than a few healthy patches of road rash. His equipment ? may have saved his life. He was shaken, then pissed. I was pissed, then thankful, then pissed again. I road a smart race. I had road exactly how I had planned it.</div></div><div closure_uid_av7wpt="118">In the end it comes down to this, racing is racing and anything can happen at any time. So I got over it pretty quickly and wrote it off to a great training session that could have been worse.</div><div closure_uid_av7wpt="118"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_av7wpt="118">Wednesday I took off. </div><div closure_uid_av7wpt="118">Today I got out a little extra early this morning. Getting down just shy of 30 miles and yet I was home by 7:05 a.m. My 2nd favorite way to start the day.</div><div closure_uid_av7wpt="118"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_av7wpt="118">Train hard,train smart, be active. </div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8928447998158269340.post-68329554786834729742011-08-01T09:14:00.000-07:002011-08-01T09:14:23.329-07:00Keeping it fresh<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div closure_uid_v45skq="111">I am trying to keep the miles fresh on the bike. Although we live in a great place to cycle with many routes and roads to choose from, it can get a little redundant at times. </div><div closure_uid_v45skq="111">That is,if you let it. I don't want to be that guy that does the same miles and loops, week after week,month after month. </div><div closure_uid_v45skq="111">Dur to the coastal wind directions it is usually best to head South first which usually ends up heading East before turning back. This usually gives you some type of tailwind for the ride home and hopefully some reprieve to your body.</div><div closure_uid_v45skq="111">For the last 4 weeks I have found myself heading more North first venturing on some roads I had not ridden in many years or in some cases not at all. </div><div closure_uid_v45skq="111">I have been hitting up a popular walkers/runners spot in Signal Hill via Long Beach called Hilltop park. It is not a long climb but epic steep. It is more of a dragons back, in a sense that when you think you have made it to the top there is a 15 yard leveling section and then you go up again. It tends to continue veering to the right and or left depending on which side you are coming up. It never really goes into switchbacks but it also never gives much of a rest until you hit the top.</div><div closure_uid_v45skq="111">This was a couple of shots I took while pedaling.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhODkoH2P43_FmB9QE1rAZ-fmoxEr_otsXfF0_AZ7ahG44kpOCRFAqt_41H8OeYpoHOOIa2nLOZhbIziyyvTl8vKvdjZ1CbfqtrcV_ihq2DmoBNlienu6C1TqDn36jgFa2rOOahV2MU7_Jg/s1600/IMG00644-20110731-0851.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhODkoH2P43_FmB9QE1rAZ-fmoxEr_otsXfF0_AZ7ahG44kpOCRFAqt_41H8OeYpoHOOIa2nLOZhbIziyyvTl8vKvdjZ1CbfqtrcV_ihq2DmoBNlienu6C1TqDn36jgFa2rOOahV2MU7_Jg/s320/IMG00644-20110731-0851.jpg" t$="true" width="320" /></a></div><div closure_uid_6lr9lp="101">You get a pretty good view of the city below. </div><div closure_uid_6lr9lp="101"><br />
</div><div class="separator" closure_uid_v45skq="111" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQBI-aKZy3uxsu313PH25mKXVLF36_Kf3eVrhyjzJceic9sb143ZKnBBXjDOHnMaUM2q1LPBnMePmGBmZSbf9hE1tjKlPyDuPd7PE6j2nMVT36Ct7Re1A91g1rRKUXxdslR2AlKOi9lM7J/s1600/IMG00643-20110731-0851.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQBI-aKZy3uxsu313PH25mKXVLF36_Kf3eVrhyjzJceic9sb143ZKnBBXjDOHnMaUM2q1LPBnMePmGBmZSbf9hE1tjKlPyDuPd7PE6j2nMVT36Ct7Re1A91g1rRKUXxdslR2AlKOi9lM7J/s320/IMG00643-20110731-0851.jpg" t$="true" width="320" /></a></div><div closure_uid_v45skq="111"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiRga8SKfgJn1kCBN5X0o9c9tGXOG5jTPiZDbLd163-Ilnu-nn7aPcr231LV_mzVa26XHLTkjPURe4qtqEm428HjshW-w2ExrOudsP0zSkO22MFLnllW8jPdcdYIv8O84PF2esubugRhQX/s1600/IMG00645-20110731-0853.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiRga8SKfgJn1kCBN5X0o9c9tGXOG5jTPiZDbLd163-Ilnu-nn7aPcr231LV_mzVa26XHLTkjPURe4qtqEm428HjshW-w2ExrOudsP0zSkO22MFLnllW8jPdcdYIv8O84PF2esubugRhQX/s320/IMG00645-20110731-0853.jpg" t$="true" width="320" /></a></div>Ultimately there is a park at the top.<br />
From here you swing right and head back down to street level again. I have no idea of the exact climb %, but if I was to make a good educated guess I would say it peeks at 15+ %. Granted that is not for long, but it is enough to get you out of the saddle and stand. Twice this ride while sitting, I pulled my front wheel off the ground into a momentary wheelie. Will just call it steep.<br />
From here I headed further North to the foothills of Palos Verdes. There is some epic climbs for distance in these hills/mountains as well. I looped at the base and headed back though. PV will be saved for a weekend very soon, more time would be needed.<br />
<div closure_uid_ky95cp="119" closure_uid_wt2rxf="101">Making my way back down to the coast to head south again was a challenge due to commuting through a heavily trafficked port of Long Beach/San Pedro. But it was cool to see new scenes and views. I snapped a shot in Long Beach of the old and the new together.</div><div class="separator" closure_uid_ky95cp="119" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-yMJjWNPokUp7fwA6FjUoIsIHYGOVPkgxp1wDEf__bP6iJ3GpaKsUY5WLNktNDHy6bVQS6oZpmiCKD4m9kopBTBrUCxtlAEQVZ5vipkNa0Pk1uRg5bWlTanXzsXhPXKUgYIyNM23v8SQG/s1600/IMG00647-20110731-0921.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-yMJjWNPokUp7fwA6FjUoIsIHYGOVPkgxp1wDEf__bP6iJ3GpaKsUY5WLNktNDHy6bVQS6oZpmiCKD4m9kopBTBrUCxtlAEQVZ5vipkNa0Pk1uRg5bWlTanXzsXhPXKUgYIyNM23v8SQG/s320/IMG00647-20110731-0921.jpg" t$="true" width="240" /></a></div><div closure_uid_ky95cp="119">In all it wasn't really a long ride, falling under 46 miles. But with the climbing involved it was super effective. With July over we are winding down the bike racing season pretty much this month. I didn't have a huge volume July with just under 500 miles and only racing 3 times. And although I felt pretty strong for most of the month I only yielded o.k. results with a 4th,6th and my 9th place post vacation race. </div><div closure_uid_ky95cp="119" closure_uid_vuvyjv="102">August should see 6 races in total if I can stay healthy and real life doesn't get in the way too much. </div><div closure_uid_ky95cp="119" closure_uid_vuvyjv="102"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_ky95cp="119" closure_uid_vuvyjv="102">Lastly, I got to watch my son receive his yellow belt in Pa Kau Karate in less than 6 weeks he joined, embraced and trained to the point of them wanting to test him. At only 4'-6" he can front kick to my chin without grimace or hesitation. I know, I know proud father, blah, blah blah ! But I am amazed at his progression. Although I look like a ragged 45 year old beach bum, this was the best picture I had.</div><div class="separator" closure_uid_ky95cp="119" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggP5alTeMbDFPtzpJHYUseapuiIiID00bmwOpqxAQbA1EsWmKYlVGs-exxss4FWy7ZaIJkRw54FSJC1Sqqlmvq6_Cy_X245uxM8vJOMdGAah0t0eHmtr61bJL-glbkNZX7C30OWEw3_h25/s1600/belt+day+9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggP5alTeMbDFPtzpJHYUseapuiIiID00bmwOpqxAQbA1EsWmKYlVGs-exxss4FWy7ZaIJkRw54FSJC1Sqqlmvq6_Cy_X245uxM8vJOMdGAah0t0eHmtr61bJL-glbkNZX7C30OWEw3_h25/s320/belt+day+9.jpg" t$="true" width="240" /></a></div><div closure_uid_ky95cp="119">DEAL WITH IT !</div><div closure_uid_ky95cp="119"> </div><div closure_uid_ky95cp="119">Train hard,train smart, be active.</div><div closure_uid_ky95cp="119" closure_uid_vuvyjv="102"><br />
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</div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8928447998158269340.post-58327001623555857042011-07-27T14:37:00.000-07:002011-07-27T14:37:09.672-07:00I almost don't dare post this<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div closure_uid_3cnmqk="108">But it is what I do.</div><div closure_uid_3cnmqk="108"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_3cnmqk="108">So here it is. </div><div closure_uid_3cnmqk="108"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_3cnmqk="108">Another post Tuesday night El Dorado racing recap.</div><div closure_uid_3cnmqk="108">Again !</div><div closure_uid_3cnmqk="108"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_3cnmqk="108"><div closure_uid_9fw3la="124">The great news as I mentioned before is the turn out has been large. We had another 26 man field last night. I have had to miss a few races so I really can't possibly contend for the series overall. But that doesn't mean I can't do some damage in these last 6 races.</div></div><div closure_uid_3cnmqk="108">So I stuck with my same mantra from last week. Forget the 1st sprint prime, stay up front and see how my legs feel. </div><div closure_uid_3cnmqk="108">I did this without any real big effort and again my recovery was restored within a couple of minutes. </div><div closure_uid_3cnmqk="108">2nd prime came up, and I rolled through up front. This time not letting off the gas to see if anyone would hitch on and possibly take a flyer off the front with me. </div><div closure_uid_3cnmqk="108">3 guy's jumped on to cover my attack, but only 1 was willing to work with me. We stayed off for less than two laps. </div><div closure_uid_3cnmqk="108">Basically after finding only 2 of us working we sat up and said pass for now. </div><div closure_uid_3cnmqk="108">With 14 minutes left in the 60 minute race. I was really looking for a big attack. The points leader in the series races for Long Beach State and he has help of 2 other riders from his team. One of them is strong, the other is still in a learning curve I would say. There were again some new faces with some strength out there. Along with several other guy's that have put in some good races. Truth be told 8 weeks ago they intimidated me a bit. Now " it's on", I say bring that shite ! </div><div closure_uid_3cnmqk="108">It was a fast pace race all night. The total distance covered was 28.8 miles averaging 24.2 mph and max speed 34.5 mph, according to the Garmin. Total calories fried away in 60 minutes was almost 2800. I love that. </div><div closure_uid_3cnmqk="108"><div closure_uid_9fw3la="146">With 4 laps to go it was on full speed ahead. 2 guys got wise and jumped off the front when we resumed speed after finally getting passed by the pro 1/2/3 field. Another one chomped the bit and went also. I sadly report that wasn't me. And regretfully I was looking for it, and told myself no matter what, I was going. </div></div><div closure_uid_3cnmqk="108">Well, I didn't. I didn't believe they could get away. </div><div closure_uid_3cnmqk="108"><div closure_uid_9fw3la="158">I'll save you the suspense they did. Although I thought we had reeled one of them back, it must have just been a lapped rider. So in reality on the final lap, the field of probably 15-18 guys left would be lining up to sprint for 4th - 10th. No one else gets scored or points past position 10.</div></div><div closure_uid_3cnmqk="108"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_3cnmqk="108">Somehow I rotated to almost the very back on that last lap. Once I looked over and seen only 4-5 guys tailing off the back I immediately got up and out of the saddle to move into a proper draft position up front. </div><div closure_uid_3cnmqk="108">I eventually settled into a bit of a disorganized cluster of riders 3 wide and several deep. </div><div closure_uid_3cnmqk="108">I was getting, or letting myself get blocked out to the outside a little. I like charging up the right on the sprint finish, I think there is less wind ? </div><div closure_uid_3cnmqk="108">I may be fooling myself ? </div><div closure_uid_3cnmqk="108">But I wasn't going to make it. We had already made the final turn and the field is absolutely flying now. So I hunched over and got on the front of my seat. Just soaking up every ounce of draft I could and bullied my way up the middle. This is a sketchy approach on a mass sprint finish, but sometimes it's necessary. I was able to get up in a slot and pull to the line strong coming across 3 wide with one more just ahead of us by a half bike. I ended up placing 7th over all in which I again have mixed emotions on due to the fact that I/we let the breakaway stay away. </div><div closure_uid_3cnmqk="108">So there it is, another Tuesday night recap. </div><div closure_uid_3cnmqk="108" closure_uid_9fw3la="102">Safe and sound with no carnage in our race. Although there was 2 separate crashes in the Pro 1/2/3 race and the Masters class.</div><div closure_uid_3cnmqk="108" closure_uid_9fw3la="102">The wreck in the p/1/2/3 race got kind of nasty. I'm told a chain got snapped and wrapped around a racers leg causing a very deep and fairly long gash. It didn't sound sweet and he was hospital bound.</div><div closure_uid_3cnmqk="108" closure_uid_9fw3la="102"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_3cnmqk="108" closure_uid_9fw3la="102">I also got one last El Dorado race with Eric my son there. He became a great cheering squad and sideline supporter the last month.</div><div closure_uid_3cnmqk="108" closure_uid_9fw3la="102">This was post race after turning in race numbers and the parking lot clearing. I have to say it has been a blessing to have the experience with him, and a true testimonial about how working hard and not quitting pays off. </div><div closure_uid_3cnmqk="108" closure_uid_9fw3la="102">For the books he had me coming over the line in 3rd, less the 3 off the front. Again If I was in some heated battle where points meant more I would dispute it. Um, that's not really the case so I will just roll with it.</div><div closure_uid_3cnmqk="108" closure_uid_9fw3la="102"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_3cnmqk="108" closure_uid_9fw3la="102">proud dad, happy son</div><div class="separator" closure_uid_3cnmqk="108" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihzUsIn3yjL04V1ycorCAQlc8_wkqRA-p7Tlkzu2vv9kkSW2FiGdgRNZRUomX6oaDZrTiD_sEEgoccRCNtoKRQ7AmMuN9G8IRgY2TPtZe48vDDf7wSZB0kYu8bbsGS3fGLADjWnQc-AYv_/s1600/eric+and+I+at+eldo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihzUsIn3yjL04V1ycorCAQlc8_wkqRA-p7Tlkzu2vv9kkSW2FiGdgRNZRUomX6oaDZrTiD_sEEgoccRCNtoKRQ7AmMuN9G8IRgY2TPtZe48vDDf7wSZB0kYu8bbsGS3fGLADjWnQc-AYv_/s320/eric+and+I+at+eldo.jpg" t$="true" width="240" /></a></div><br />
Train hard, train smart, be active.<br />
<div closure_uid_3cnmqk="108" closure_uid_9fw3la="102"> </div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8928447998158269340.post-63126253948539178982011-07-22T10:32:00.000-07:002011-07-22T10:32:47.347-07:00Friday = solo Time Trial day<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div closure_uid_hpyw7z="104">It has been awhile since I personally challenged myself in an all out assault. Me and bike VS. road and elements. </div><div closure_uid_hpyw7z="104">I love TT. It is one of the original reasons I gravitated towards triathlon back in the day. </div><div closure_uid_hpyw7z="104">If I could afford it, I would have a TT bike again that would match the luster of my current road bike. With that said I had to choose one or the other due to the expense of said road bike.</div><div closure_uid_hpyw7z="104"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_hpyw7z="104">No worries, I love my road bike and I challenge myself to stay in the drops and arms bridged over the top bar for miles on end. If there is anything good of this, it's that it has made me a much more aggressive bike handler in the drops sans high speed,tight racing conditions. Also when I do have the opportunity to acquire another true Hi Mod TT bike I'm sure it will be more appreciated. </div><div closure_uid_hpyw7z="104"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_hpyw7z="104">Total ride was near flat with some minor rises. Total distance was 24.6 miles, of which only 17.5 was measured as the TT distance. I used the 1st 7 miles of surface streets to wake up, and warm up. Drinking about 10 o.z. or so of Citomax energy and taking in a Honey Stinger waffle. It also is the beginning of an all flat 7.2 mile section of river trail that I never have to stop or worry about cross traffic. It can be boring as hell on a normal basis, but for intervals or TT purpose it is perfect. </div><div closure_uid_hpyw7z="104"><div closure_uid_uwbm9q="170">The 2nd section is a 10.4 mile straight stretch of PCH with the last 2.8 miles turning inland with to small climbs. I shut down the true effort .4 miles from home. I did my absolute best to lower cadence and time every light to never come to complete stop. I also blew through two exposed corner lights that I could see had no traffic. I know that is not o.k. to do, I don't even condone it. I'm just being honest here. The slow down and wind up is what kills the body in a TT. </div></div><div closure_uid_hpyw7z="104"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_hpyw7z="104">Total ride of 24.86 miles was 1h 20m 6s</div><div closure_uid_hpyw7z="104"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_hpyw7z="104">Total TT time for 17.5 miles was 42:35:13 = Average speed over 17.5 miles @ 24.2 mph.</div><div closure_uid_hpyw7z="104"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_hpyw7z="104">I <strike>think</strike>, know I had left everything out there. I have felt great over the last 9 days and chose this after 2 days rest. I would love to hit this again on a carbon, fitted TT bike, just to see what I could truly shave off. </div><div closure_uid_hpyw7z="104">Of course there are a bunch of variables, of weather (it was dead wind,62 degree sun up). </div><div closure_uid_hpyw7z="104">Body,fitness (same amount of riding and bike fitness level is equal) etc..</div><div closure_uid_hpyw7z="104"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_hpyw7z="104">But it would be fun.</div><div closure_uid_hpyw7z="104"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_hpyw7z="104">Have a great weekend and be safe.</div><div closure_uid_hpyw7z="104"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_hpyw7z="104"><div closure_uid_uwbm9q="91">Train hard,train smart, be active. </div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8928447998158269340.post-33488995538343206172011-07-20T09:41:00.000-07:002011-07-20T09:41:31.304-07:00This is a personal thank youAll was good in my little carved out world of bike racing last night. <br />
I want to give a personal thank you to my legs for showing back up.<br />
<br />
Last night at El Dorado Tuesday Night Worlds Criterium races was thick heat, with a nice large turn out of 23+ racers and a fast pace.<br />
Garmin shows average speed for 1hr at 24.6 mph and max speed of 33.4 (no doubt, sprints).<br />
<br />
I finally felt solid at a race since my vacation 4 weeks ago. I have had some great training sessions in the last 2 weeks and my food has been pretty spot on.<br />
As said above we had a decent Tuesday night field of 23 + racers. All kinds of new faces and several of them came to make there presence be known.<br />
It was pretty hot still at 6:15 p.m. when we got going. I started off in the front 5-8 guys and then slowly rolled all the way to the back just to see who was all there. I wanted to see who I recognized from El Do, or other local races, some I knew and some I didn't. What I do know is that the season is winding down rapidly and there are people that will likely be trying to gain points for category upgrades in CBR hosted races along with soon to be affiliated USAC. <br />
You either have to be consistent and show up at nearly every race or absolutely dominate at 70 % of them.<br />
I didn't do either this year. I have had some good races and some weak minded messes. But I have accumulated enough points in May to be moved to Cat 4. <br />
My real goal was to be able to move to the Masters Cat 3 for next season, but I'm not sure that will happen. Will see how strong I can finish out these next 2 months or really 7 weeks.<br />
<br />
Racing- I had already put it in my head that I wouldn't contend for the 1st prime sprint. I would stay up front and follow a lead out, but would not break out and line sprint. I wanted to see where my legs and lungs would be tonight. As it wound up I really should have sprinted. Without much effort I crossed the sprint line in a close bunch at about 6th position. My recover time was nearly nothing and my heart rate was about the same (considering).<br />
Prime 2 came and my tactic was as usual, stay 6-7 man back in the center and break out on the out side as the frenzy got close to the line. I did this and again with very little effort I crossed in 4th (I think) I may have done better, but I don't know. My goal tonight was not mid race prime points, but over all points.<br />
I was basically saving the majority of my legs for the finish line tonight.<br />
The one thing I didn't factor was anyone coming off the front and staying there.<br />
Sure enough, the lap after the 2nd prime sprint there were 3 guys that went off the front. Then another 2 that eventually bridged across to them.<br />
Normally I don't get all consumed with this. The course is 1.7 miles long with exposed wind spots and it is hard as hell to stay away. But 5 guy's could cause some damage if they worked together. I tried twice to form a chase with a couple of guy's to pull them back. Twice we failed.<br />
In an effort with 3 others we were able to bring back 3 of the 5 and 2 of them stayed away until the end.<br />
I say good freakin job to them !!<br />
As for the final 2 laps it seemed a bit sketchy. There were still about 13 racers that had hung on all night. I would say 1/3 of them looked absolutely wrung out and would no way contend for the sprint. However there were the usual suspects that I knew would be in the mix come that last turn.<br />
And as we approached the final left hand we were cracking the whip at about 30 mph. I stayed focused and hammering with 1 final gear to shift into. It was getting fast and there was at least 9 guy's pulling for the line. At about 30 meters and sooner than I would have liked, I hit that last cog and jumped out of the saddle to see what damage I could do.<br />
When it was all said and done I came across the line in a photo finish as me and another guy pulled away from the others. <br />
I ended up conceding to said racer at the line ( less than 3 treads worth of a difference). With 2 already off the front we were sprinting for the final podium spot of 3rd.<br />
<br />
So 4th overall in a good size field with some hungry racers. I feel good about the effort. I don't feel as if I left much of anything out there. I do regret not going with the breakaway. But I'm happy I stuck with my game plan.<br />
<br />
Thanks for reading, and thanks for the comments.<br />
<br />
Train hard, train smart, be active.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8928447998158269340.post-20489545743465012202011-07-18T10:01:00.000-07:002011-07-18T10:01:41.538-07:00Making tough training funIt's hard to do. But what else is there, just suffer and moan about the whole thing ? Where is the fun and inspiration in that?<br />
I choose to suffer, recover and blog about it. You may not care, but it sure makes me feel better to write down the experience and reference back to it at a later date.<br />
<br />
But first real quick : My son ( the youngest and biological) is a great kid. Very respectful, has learned his manners well. And when asked to do so, can accomplish whatever he is tasked with. This sounds great, but there is a price to pay with that. If he is not asked, he is content with just kicking back. I'm am not a big fan of this, at any age. SHOCKED aren't you ! I knew you would be. With that said he turned 11 this past June. He has been involved in and even excelled at some of the following over the past 8 years. Ice hockey, baseball, BMX, skateboarding,dirt bikes,snowboarding,swimming,surfing,basketball. Typically he is good, to very good. He is super coordinated, agile and lean. He has a natural athleticism in him. However nothing has ever stuck.<br />
This was the summer I told him he needed to really find something. Whatever it was I didn't care, he just needed to choose it, stick with it and have some passion for it.<br />
He chose PaKua discipline of Karate.<br />
Long of the short, he has taken this all on his own over the last 6 weeks. Attending hour long classes sometimes 3 days a week. This week there Grand Master is visiting from Brazil. Normally it would be to soon for a belt evaluation. But the 2 studio instructors that have worked with him most asked if they could have him evaluated anyways. They would waive the normal fee, but just show up.<br />
I had to have the sit down conversation with him, that all though he has been asked to participate, and I am very proud of his advancement. The likely hood of him receiving any type of progression at this point would be pretty unlikely. But that his teachers were very pleased with his progress and wanted him to demonstrate in front of the Grand Master since he only comes out once a year.<br />
There was 7 under teen kids testing for evaluations from grey belt down.I was absolutely shocked that even in the rotation, where he had to demo against a much higher belt, he never lost focus, and remembered everything without hesitation.<br />
Long of the short, after the 50 minute evaluation they awarded him 2 yellow stripes to his white belt. He was super proud, and with his instructors did it on his own. I really hope and pray this sticks for him.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyt4_UUh0vyFzZE44Ihr3IqUbHCQbR08zthZv8JaY1-KH-oR-E388jxMOqYyVPe-TSVlG8v0u6FoGp0Uz11ZBbRnF8oFY5XH3HszDKKfT_2glydmQbVYNRtG08kp4pPLAKbFtI2iuTdWho/s1600/eric+at+pau+kau+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyt4_UUh0vyFzZE44Ihr3IqUbHCQbR08zthZv8JaY1-KH-oR-E388jxMOqYyVPe-TSVlG8v0u6FoGp0Uz11ZBbRnF8oFY5XH3HszDKKfT_2glydmQbVYNRtG08kp4pPLAKbFtI2iuTdWho/s320/eric+at+pau+kau+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I am super proud of him too. <br />
<br />
On to other things. <br />
Saturday's ride was set to be epic either way and or either ride. I had originally chose the "A" ride for the extra miles. But then when looking at the "B" ride sheet I saw that everyone was going to get the main climbs, be it A or B. Since I ride in to the start point and had a wedding to be at come 1:30, I chose to ride the "B" route. 12 miles less by the slip and 1.2 miles less climbing. Adam A,K.A. Junior showed up ! I was impressed, good job Patrick for coaxing him. <br />
<br />
The 1st climb is Newport Coast and is no joke. 1.8 miles to crest and goes above 8 % a good deal of the way. However something I had never done was put out there. Just before the last little kicker you make a right on Vista ridge. This adds 1.2 miles at the very least same % if not steeper at times. To make things <strike>worse </strike>more interesting, you make another left and climb another mile at about 6 % with one 50 meter section that tables a bit. Just enough to let the blood change directions in your legs, with a heads up that they are going to burn again real quick.<br />
By nature I am more of a pursuit rider or sprinter. On the flats I can ride with a very strong tempo and hold my own in allot of situations. On steep climbs, I generally get through them. Hate them. And then love that I did them. <br />
Today was different though I took off in a steady tempo and never let off. I was quite proud of my climbing and was no where near the last person up. I even found myself riding tempo for a couple of guys to help them up and through the pain. My only regret was not stopping at the perfect bending vista point just near the top and taking a photo. <br />
I'm going to do this climb again soon and I will definitely take the shot. It will be hell to restart at this point but the picture that over looks the coastline will be worth it.<br />
Making the turn to head downhill was a welcome sight. And because I felt so damn good I got in the drops and just hammered. We had a solid 2-3 mile decent and I had a few of the guy's jump on and hang on. They had to be shitting at 43 mph I know I was. That may have been my hairiest decent to date. My front brakes almost became none existent and I think that without professional constant tuning of my bike, that I should never push that envelope to that level anytime soon.<br />
The normal "B" ride group skipped that little detour and we all meet back at the bottom of the decent. We still had a minor climb up the back of Turtle ridge to get to the rest point. At this time the climb seemed like a roller in comparison (it's not). From there we would split up. I asked Adam if he was riding A or B and not be persuaded by my decision to do the shorter ride. He opted for "B" and we pushed on. I was quite impressed by the kids climbing skills. Although he is built like a Schleck, I have never got to see him do anything but flat riding. And really up until last Tuesday I had not been very impressed. But he has since gained some confidence and this too is epic.<br />
When finished out some more minor ups and downs. Made our way through another 2-3 cities and back into Newport. I took these shots as we sat waiting to regroup.<br />
This shot is overlooking a small section of the Newport back bay. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2tJT9ncawY8tEGHTPGjGULhbN-GsIxYAYfCw2mZeZ_k4BsNGcZ6XP4rsaBRHWhWmXF8sHWMqihHa2HQjr76g9tyxR5Kf85uU1P4d2-SSnuND2hB4HFQJCv8aEmxTMPmgoJBiYgWfE4C0x/s1600/back+bay.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2tJT9ncawY8tEGHTPGjGULhbN-GsIxYAYfCw2mZeZ_k4BsNGcZ6XP4rsaBRHWhWmXF8sHWMqihHa2HQjr76g9tyxR5Kf85uU1P4d2-SSnuND2hB4HFQJCv8aEmxTMPmgoJBiYgWfE4C0x/s320/back+bay.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>This is a few of the guys waiting.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidKQ2CbEKqQcDXDyJ0RX21etPsy2MykaTuaPdUV0YVbVOli-XH6Uf2ktIJ-iZ1wSEZSHfGrwVtU93rT-NrXquZBELTG27UtuM_hS43efSboE4k5cWq-MJTGzDE0PFMwSAlNlt4tTssHLr9/s1600/oc+velo+top+of+trail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidKQ2CbEKqQcDXDyJ0RX21etPsy2MykaTuaPdUV0YVbVOli-XH6Uf2ktIJ-iZ1wSEZSHfGrwVtU93rT-NrXquZBELTG27UtuM_hS43efSboE4k5cWq-MJTGzDE0PFMwSAlNlt4tTssHLr9/s320/oc+velo+top+of+trail.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>And from there it is just about pacing back. We are only about 15 or so miles from the HB Pier. Good times. I did allot of work up front for the "B" ride, as it should be. In the 'A" I definitely choose my pulls in the "B" I feel a bit more obligated these day's.<br />
All said and done I got in just under 66 miles and made it to said wedding on time. Thankfully it was a casual California wedding. I was able to wear shorts. <br />
Here's a question ? How many people out of the 100 or so there noticed the shaved legs and wondered WTF ? LOL !<br />
On the other hand, how many people saw my calves and said WTF ? Again LOL !<br />
Sunday was kick back and some minor house items. <br />
Morning ride today was a 24.26 miles loop in 1h 17m recovery at a good pace with noooooooo wind at all.<br />
<br />
take care and thinks for lingering.<br />
<br />
<br />
GO VOEKLER !!!!!!!!!!!!!<br />
<br />
Train Hard,train smart, be active.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8928447998158269340.post-12569879568946398372011-07-15T11:26:00.000-07:002011-07-15T11:26:43.569-07:00I love this everytime I see itI wish the whole U.S. or at least all of California could embrace this.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifeyYY1l6OistZPW4iHByS_vFYSvOBGy5UYBSSWp8l4XiLvPhlvbTiNOEkk7lx5r5hiHx98ygZ3G5yr-H_HvskDs3bokmms7PkKuVKj_VhyKXwRqHrTyovOeOyRaZFKDf3ju5tRRUGi8t5/s1600/coolest+bike+route.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifeyYY1l6OistZPW4iHByS_vFYSvOBGy5UYBSSWp8l4XiLvPhlvbTiNOEkk7lx5r5hiHx98ygZ3G5yr-H_HvskDs3bokmms7PkKuVKj_VhyKXwRqHrTyovOeOyRaZFKDf3ju5tRRUGi8t5/s320/coolest+bike+route.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>It's a whole lane, let alone near perfect surface. Just for the safety and enjoyment of commuting or recreational cycling. <br />
<br />
So tomorrow is a long ride with plenty of climbing with OC VELO. Which in this case I'm pretty happy about because this will not be just a couple thousand feet and some miles when done. This can and will likely hurt more than a bit at times. With that said, I look forward to doing it in some sort of group be it small or a bit bigger. Here's the route sheet. I add about 13-16 miles to the sheet because I like to ride to the meeting spot from my house. There is just something about leaving my garage and returning to it upon completion. This is not the clubs most treacherous ride, but it has it's place at the top.<br />
My only real <strike>complaint <strong>issue</strong></strike> thoughts, is that I did a bit of this ride just last weekend. Let's hope there is no repeat performance in that brouhaha. <br />
<br />
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 373px;"><colgroup><col style="mso-width-alt: 950; mso-width-source: userset; width: 20pt;" width="26"></col> <col style="mso-width-alt: 11227; mso-width-source: userset; width: 230pt;" width="307"></col> <col style="mso-width-alt: 1462; mso-width-source: userset; width: 30pt;" width="40"></col> </colgroup><tbody>
<tr height="21" style="height: 15.75pt;"> <td class="xl77" colspan="3" height="21" style="background-color: white; border-color: windowtext; border-style: none none solid; border-width: 0px 0px 0.5pt; height: 15.75pt; width: 280pt;" width="373">Newport Coast/Pacific Island Drive 65 Miles</td> </tr>
<tr height="21" style="height: 15.75pt;"> <td class="xl63" height="21" style="background-color: silver; border-color: windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt; height: 15.75pt;">R</td> <td class="xl64" style="background-color: silver; border-color: windowtext; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt 0px;">17th Street</td> <td class="xl65" style="background-color: silver; border-color: windowtext; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt 0px;">0.0</td> </tr>
<tr height="21" style="height: 15.75pt;"> <td class="xl67" height="21" style="background-color: transparent; border-color: windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt; height: 15.75pt;">L</td> <td class="xl68" style="background-color: transparent; border-color: windowtext; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt 0px;">Pacific Coast Highway</td> <td class="xl69" style="background-color: transparent; border-color: windowtext; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt 0px;">0.9</td> </tr>
<tr height="21" style="height: 15.75pt;"> <td class="xl70" height="21" style="background-color: silver; border-color: windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt; height: 15.75pt;">L</td> <td class="xl71" style="background-color: silver; border-color: windowtext; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt 0px;">Newport Coast Drive</td> <td class="xl66" style="background-color: silver; border-color: windowtext; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt 0px;">12.2</td> </tr>
<tr height="21" style="height: 15.75pt;"> <td class="xl72" height="21" style="background-color: white; border-color: windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt; height: 15.75pt;">R</td> <td class="xl73" style="background-color: white; border-color: windowtext; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt 0px;">Vista Ridge</td> <td class="xl74" style="background-color: white; border-color: windowtext; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt 0px;">14.0</td> </tr>
<tr height="21" style="height: 15.75pt;"> <td class="xl70" height="21" style="background-color: silver; border-color: windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt; height: 15.75pt;">L</td> <td class="xl71" style="background-color: silver; border-color: windowtext; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt 0px;">Ridge Park</td> <td class="xl66" style="background-color: silver; border-color: windowtext; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt 0px;">15.2</td> </tr>
<tr height="21" style="height: 15.75pt;"> <td class="xl72" height="21" style="background-color: white; border-color: windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt; height: 15.75pt;">R</td> <td class="xl73" style="background-color: white; border-color: windowtext; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt 0px;">Newport Coast Drive</td> <td class="xl74" style="background-color: white; border-color: windowtext; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt 0px;">16.2</td> </tr>
<tr height="21" style="height: 15.75pt;"> <td class="xl70" height="21" style="background-color: silver; border-color: windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt; height: 15.75pt;">R</td> <td class="xl71" style="background-color: silver; border-color: windowtext; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt 0px;">Turtle Ridge Drive</td> <td class="xl66" style="background-color: silver; border-color: windowtext; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt 0px;">17.2</td> </tr>
<tr height="21" style="height: 15.75pt;"> <td class="xl72" height="21" style="background-color: white; border-color: windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt; height: 15.75pt;">R</td> <td class="xl73" style="background-color: white; border-color: windowtext; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt 0px;">Summit Park</td> <td class="xl74" style="background-color: white; border-color: windowtext; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt 0px;">17.5</td> </tr>
<tr height="21" style="height: 15.75pt;"> <td class="xl70" height="21" style="background-color: silver; border-color: windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt; height: 15.75pt;">R</td> <td class="xl71" style="background-color: silver; border-color: windowtext; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt 0px;">Shady Canyon</td> <td class="xl66" style="background-color: silver; border-color: windowtext; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt 0px;">19.7</td> </tr>
<tr height="21" style="height: 15.75pt;"> <td class="xl72" height="21" style="background-color: white; border-color: windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt; height: 15.75pt;">L</td> <td class="xl73" style="background-color: white; border-color: windowtext; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt 0px;">Sunnyhill</td> <td class="xl74" style="background-color: white; border-color: windowtext; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt 0px;">20.2</td> </tr>
<tr height="21" style="height: 15.75pt;"> <td class="xl78" colspan="3" height="21" style="background-color: black; border-color: windowtext black windowtext windowtext; border-style: solid; border-width: 0.5pt; height: 15.75pt;">Stop @ Turtle Rock Park</td> </tr>
<tr height="21" style="height: 15.75pt;"> <td class="xl70" height="21" style="background-color: silver; border-color: windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt; height: 15.75pt;">R</td> <td class="xl71" style="background-color: silver; border-color: windowtext; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt 0px;">Turtle Rock</td> <td class="xl66" style="background-color: silver; border-color: windowtext; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt 0px;">20.3</td> </tr>
<tr height="21" style="height: 15.75pt;"> <td class="xl72" height="21" style="background-color: white; border-color: windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt; height: 15.75pt;">R</td> <td class="xl73" style="background-color: white; border-color: windowtext; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt 0px;">Ridgeline</td> <td class="xl74" style="background-color: white; border-color: windowtext; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt 0px;">20.8</td> </tr>
<tr height="21" style="height: 15.75pt;"> <td class="xl70" height="21" style="background-color: silver; border-color: windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt; height: 15.75pt;">R</td> <td class="xl71" style="background-color: silver; border-color: windowtext; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt 0px;">University/Jeffery</td> <td class="xl66" style="background-color: silver; border-color: windowtext; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt 0px;">21.8</td> </tr>
<tr height="21" style="height: 15.75pt;"> <td class="xl72" height="21" style="background-color: white; border-color: windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt; height: 15.75pt;">R</td> <td class="xl73" style="background-color: white; border-color: windowtext; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt 0px;">Alton Parkway</td> <td class="xl74" style="background-color: white; border-color: windowtext; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt 0px;">22.6</td> </tr>
<tr height="21" style="height: 15.75pt;"> <td class="xl75" height="21" style="background-color: silver; border-color: black windowtext windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt; height: 15.75pt;">R</td> <td class="xl76" style="background-color: silver; border-color: black windowtext windowtext black; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt 0px;">Laguna Canyon Road</td> <td class="xl66" style="background-color: silver; border-color: windowtext; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt 0px;">24.3</td> </tr>
<tr height="21" style="height: 15.75pt;"> <td class="xl72" height="21" style="background-color: white; border-color: windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt; height: 15.75pt;">L</td> <td class="xl73" style="background-color: white; border-color: windowtext; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt 0px;">El Toro Road</td> <td class="xl74" style="background-color: white; border-color: windowtext; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt 0px;">30.3</td> </tr>
<tr height="21" style="height: 15.75pt;"> <td class="xl75" height="21" style="background-color: silver; border-color: black windowtext windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt; height: 15.75pt;">R</td> <td class="xl76" style="background-color: silver; border-color: black windowtext windowtext black; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt 0px;">Aliso Creek Road</td> <td class="xl66" style="background-color: silver; border-color: windowtext; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt 0px;">31.7</td> </tr>
<tr height="21" style="height: 15.75pt;"> <td class="xl72" height="21" style="background-color: white; border-color: windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt; height: 15.75pt;">R</td> <td class="xl73" style="background-color: white; border-color: windowtext; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt 0px;">Alicia Parkway</td> <td class="xl74" style="background-color: white; border-color: windowtext; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt 0px;">36.7</td> </tr>
<tr height="21" style="height: 15.75pt;"> <td class="xl70" height="21" style="background-color: silver; border-color: windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt; height: 15.75pt;">R</td> <td class="xl71" style="background-color: silver; border-color: windowtext; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt 0px;">Highlands</td> <td class="xl66" style="background-color: silver; border-color: windowtext; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt 0px;">37.7</td> </tr>
<tr height="21" style="height: 15.75pt;"> <td class="xl72" height="21" style="background-color: white; border-color: windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt; height: 15.75pt;">R</td> <td class="xl73" style="background-color: white; border-color: windowtext; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt 0px;">Pacific Island Drive</td> <td class="xl74" style="background-color: white; border-color: windowtext; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt 0px;">39.4</td> </tr>
<tr height="21" style="height: 15.75pt;"> <td class="xl70" height="21" style="background-color: silver; border-color: windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt; height: 15.75pt;">R</td> <td class="xl71" style="background-color: silver; border-color: windowtext; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt 0px;">Crown Valley Parkway</td> <td class="xl66" style="background-color: silver; border-color: windowtext; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt 0px;">42.0</td> </tr>
<tr height="21" style="height: 15.75pt;"> <td class="xl72" height="21" style="background-color: white; border-color: windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt; height: 15.75pt;">R</td> <td class="xl73" style="background-color: white; border-color: windowtext; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt 0px;">Pacific Coast Highway</td> <td class="xl74" style="background-color: white; border-color: windowtext; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt 0px;">43.1</td> </tr>
<tr height="21" style="height: 15.75pt;"> <td class="xl70" height="21" style="background-color: silver; border-color: windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt; height: 15.75pt;">R</td> <td class="xl71" style="background-color: silver; border-color: windowtext; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt 0px;">Main Street</td> <td class="xl66" style="background-color: silver; border-color: windowtext; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 0.5pt 0.5pt 0px;">64.7</td> </tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"> <td height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px windowtext; height: 12.75pt;"><br />
</td> <td style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px windowtext;">train hard,train smart and be active.</td> <td style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px windowtext;"></td> </tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"> <td height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px windowtext; height: 12.75pt;"></td> <td style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px windowtext;"></td> <td style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px windowtext;"></td> </tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"> <td height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px windowtext; height: 12.75pt;"></td> <td style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px windowtext;"></td> <td style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px windowtext;"></td> </tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"> <td height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px windowtext; height: 12.75pt;"></td> <td style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px windowtext;"></td> <td style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px windowtext;"></td> </tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"> <td height="17" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px windowtext; height: 12.75pt;"></td> <td style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px windowtext;"></td> <td style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px windowtext;"></td> </tr>
</tbody></table>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8928447998158269340.post-56567848112142337022011-07-14T10:00:00.000-07:002012-06-14T10:31:37.645-07:00Steady as it goes. Life on the road early.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I started a vacation June 17th @ 5:00 p.m. On June 19th I wrecked my back doing (literally) nothing.<br />
For 8 day's I was away from the possibility of a bike ride. I brought my running shoes with me, but even 2 extremely high priced massages in a Mexican paradise could not fix the issue. <br />
I stayed on the muscle relaxers and Advil the entire time, yes mixed with some bloody Mary's and beers. <br />
There was no reprieve.<br />
I kept swimming daily to stretch it out, and it did feel better when I was doing it. However 30 minutes upon completion I was a crooked mess again. <br />
<br />
I tried a race June 28th as my back was near normal. The problem was too many day's off, and too many day's recovering. Where I should have had fresh legs at least, they where flat and I had no fitness. Along with a mental head case, that told me I couldn't do it. <br />
That race was a train wreck. It took everything I had just to finish. I would have abandoned it all together had my son not come with me that night. <br />
What was I going to tell him ? "WE QUIT SOMETIMES" . That was not going to happen. On top of that the young kid that I/we (we being Patrick) from <a href="http://www.theroadmultisport.com/">http://www.theroadmultisport.com/</a> have tried to mentor and encourage, showed up. <br />
Now keep in mind, he has not listened to a damn thing I have tried to tell him, and I believe this go's for Patrick also.<br />
Long of the short he was there also, and that would not fly in my mind if I dropped out while he was there either. By the way, he once again dropped out that night :-(.<br />
<br />
I had all but given up on him, as excuses seemed never ending and kind of repetitive. <br />
<br />
Fast forward July 10th, I had skipped Tuesday night race on the 5th as I had still not been able to get a bunch of miles in. There was no need to go suffer and hang on. I knew where my form was and or wasn't. There was no need to go pay $ 10.00 to get beat down. I chose to just keep getting the miles in. <br />
<br />
Sadly, prior to going on vacation I may have been in the best form in almost 2 decades. Also sadly how an injury and a few weeks can change that all. <br />
<br />
I had to make a decision on July 10th to race or not. It for me was an important race, being one of the last 3 major criteriums of the season. Also for me to do it, it would have been a very tight morning and may have caused some conflict. I weighed my options and chose to not press the issue and race. <br />
I was pretty down about this, but did get out for a long road ride solo that morning only to flat and ... you can read that here if you missed it <a href="http://tri714-letsdothisagain.blogspot.com/2011/07/written-and-researched-so-well.html">http://tri714-letsdothisagain.blogspot.com/2011/07/written-and-researched-so-well.html</a>. <br />
From that ride on my confidence had changed. Once again I have felt control on the bike and control over my fitness path.<br />
Tuesday night It was on again for local crit racing. Come hell or high water I was going to work and be proud of my efforts. <br />
To my surprise, Jr. was there again.I won't lie, I was kind of, so what at first. But he made is way over and said although he hadn't been following any written training plan ( I shivered ) he had been putting out some longer, harder efforts.<br />
Then the father side of me kicked in. I said let's spin some warm up laps. <br />
I told him tonight could be different if he would listen to me and forget everything he hasn't learned. I think it may have pissed him off a bit, but I didn't care. For me tonight was a sink or swim to him.<br />
<br />
As we rode our warm ups I told him, for no reason would he take any length of pull up front. And if by chance he had to pull through behind me, that he was immediately to get off the front and drop back. He was to never go further back than 10th (ever). <br />
He was to take a decent size drink from his bottle 1/2 lap prior to sprinting and when we made it through the sprint points he was to not hold that pace and recover. <br />
Loudly, I told him in these words, "when the prime bells ring, or they show the 2 laps to go sign, you follow my ass as long as you can ". If you have more gas in the tank, jump right to outside, put your head down and turn the cranks as hard as you can". If you do this tonight, you will not only finish your first race, but you will get some results. Can you do this ? He replies, I can try. <br />
Again, I'm a little deflated by the response, the kid is like 21, 6'-2" tall weighing in around 165 lbs and fairly ripped. I'm thinking WTF !! <br />
Screw trying, "LETS DO THIS THING" !<br />
<br />
So all that is long winded, and hopefully not to boring. I just need you to get a visual of where my head is at not only with racing at this time, but Jr. <br />
I'll keep it short here.<br />
Prime 1 - I kept jockeying over my shoulder to see if he was still there. He stuck like glue and pulled out 2nd or 3rd. <br />
Prime 2 - same thing, I pulled him from middle all the way to the far right for the bull whip at 25 meters and he just missed 3rd spot.<br />
On the finish He held on as I bullied my way up the middle. I never saw where he jumped out, But at the line he was right there with us and contended. Finishing up in 4th place.<br />
Holy shit he finally came through ! He went from never completing one of these races to contending in the primes and just missing a podium. <br />
The only negative, was that his right foot pulled out and came unclipped with about 10 yards before the line. that was a bit scary to say the least. <br />
With one look at his cleats, I told him to stop doing runway modeling in them. They are not shoes, don't where them like they are, and buy some new cleats.Fortunately he laughed and we got to celebrate a bit.<br />
For me it was like winning. I won't be a lead out train every week, but I will continue to help him. In turn he will begin to help me. I contended for the 2 sprints and I now know I finished 7th over all with a starting field of 19. Not great points wise, but I was as happy as if I had finished top 3 myself.<br />
<br />
So today was more of a short 20 mile recover spin in early morning greyness.<br />
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heading down through Seal beach and into long beach. I took this because ya'll seem to not thinking I'm capable of snapping pictures while riding at high tempo.<br />
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truth is I can. and I never really worry about removing my hands from the bars unless it's 3 wide or more.<br />
I got a shot of the infamous 3 mile island nuclear facility. I always see this harbour in screen shots on Burn Notice.<br />
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It's a horrible picture I know, but what can I say. I have time issues in the morning and don't like to stop and shoot, I just like to ride and shoot.<br />
<br />
Once I got back out of Long Beach and through Naples, I crossed back over into Seal beach and this bus caught my Eye, as if the Belgium's came to visit.<br />
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Interestingly enough the cheesy motel/apartments there (also way out of focus) often shows up on the show Dexter. Got to love the Dexter ! Dude is crazy. <br />
<br />
The recovery ended up being a little more tempo as I'm am feeling quite strong again. It was still short but sweet. <br />
20.58 m in 1h 1m 9s. <br />
Looking forward to Saturday's long ride now and a early run tomorrow morning.<br />
<br />
These are my horrible gifts to you for listening to my long rants. Thanks for reading.<br />
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Train hard, train smart and be active.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8928447998158269340.post-85238984296573990002011-07-11T10:40:00.000-07:002011-07-11T11:50:39.050-07:00Written and researched so wellI had to to grab it ** kudos** ClaremontCyclist <a href="http://claremontcyclist.blogspot.com/2011/07/tour-de-france-rider-profile-thomas.html">http://claremontcyclist.blogspot.com/2011/07/tour-de-france-rider-profile-thomas.html</a><br />
<br />
I have been praising this guy all year (Voeckler). And this is an awesome homage to him and who he is. If you have watched any Grand tours at all this year, or even the larger 1 day races, YOU'VE SEEN HIM ! And this guy takes his work seriously.<br />
<br />
<br />
As far as the race has gone ? Big names falling to ongoing carnage. And how about KOM Hoogeland ?<br />
Holy crap !!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirIqc92CmdPYXKXDFn_slWS7A8aEhqoxlxP8UZ6k4TPOgbPHH92Dw0iMhNDjh6XMDYOEHGT_6xqsB37HXJvpMrjkVYHonpNIioWJJqzqxaXp122ulUDmM8nn1LGCmjh3hDBXmqSI4iYlrf/s1600/hoogeland+torn+up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirIqc92CmdPYXKXDFn_slWS7A8aEhqoxlxP8UZ6k4TPOgbPHH92Dw0iMhNDjh6XMDYOEHGT_6xqsB37HXJvpMrjkVYHonpNIioWJJqzqxaXp122ulUDmM8nn1LGCmjh3hDBXmqSI4iYlrf/s1600/hoogeland+torn+up.jpg" /></a></div> That was just not right on so many levels.<br />
<br />
<br />
O.k. enough about that.<br />
<br />
Saturday was a boating weekend. How do you like this sweet ride ?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKKYNX9C0_GZd1GVSFmeohQKpmVRIWREBt32YVlq8cCyBitCU0f9G9JrlYGM0UnapfiBaDczg5YiWh76TzGNPsphfnR1vhjzlK48HEjNgCBrQZksAyMGVr7mnwudHRul_-TCyR9kx9bF06/s1600/IMG00607-20110709-1258.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKKYNX9C0_GZd1GVSFmeohQKpmVRIWREBt32YVlq8cCyBitCU0f9G9JrlYGM0UnapfiBaDczg5YiWh76TzGNPsphfnR1vhjzlK48HEjNgCBrQZksAyMGVr7mnwudHRul_-TCyR9kx9bF06/s320/IMG00607-20110709-1258.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> Here's the captain.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNRWhfHQUJpLOzpzrpJwaaJBb7_AUvH5g0un4-k2IYOtIMdUMuQKUWvBE5r8bF7Q4m6_6m5fAQEOEXRI9bn8-pwAmkhBtlt6xNwDGdzy53Mqfiw2iKltq6UPrhWjjH0706ecrfPaRp7ElY/s1600/IMG00608-20110709-1259.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNRWhfHQUJpLOzpzrpJwaaJBb7_AUvH5g0un4-k2IYOtIMdUMuQKUWvBE5r8bF7Q4m6_6m5fAQEOEXRI9bn8-pwAmkhBtlt6xNwDGdzy53Mqfiw2iKltq6UPrhWjjH0706ecrfPaRp7ElY/s320/IMG00608-20110709-1259.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
it was the boys day out at the lake, ummmm I mean duck pond.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI018kU774FPFQ9Fp0Pbh_dv4KinLOFrjUYAbvRPlPf294se441rgiFvrBzWWx15luC0blPZagQH6cvPjPFLbuJwa8o3gbWHQjlKH8-pa8oGpzE3UfcHbd3sdHzFZVoM4iZkrb_8cZ17ic/s1600/IMG00609-20110709-1259.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI018kU774FPFQ9Fp0Pbh_dv4KinLOFrjUYAbvRPlPf294se441rgiFvrBzWWx15luC0blPZagQH6cvPjPFLbuJwa8o3gbWHQjlKH8-pa8oGpzE3UfcHbd3sdHzFZVoM4iZkrb_8cZ17ic/s320/IMG00609-20110709-1259.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
It was my fear that it was going to get stuck out there and I was going to have to get in that stenchy mess to get it back. But it never happened and we had a blast chasing rouge ducks and geese around with it ( Uh I mean ) quietly cruising it around.<br />
<br />
Sunday was a solo effort to ride south and climb the always challenging Newport Coast Drive. It's roughly 20 miles to get there. Then you are greeted with pleasure of climbing a grade that crest over 8% for a couple of miles. It does drop below that grade at times, but less face it, it's a grind. No pun intended. And what goes up must come down, so you have that going for you. I hooked up with a guy at about mile 9 on the way out. With no conversation with each other we just started exchanging pulls. We hit green light, after green light and were averaging about 26 mph. This was by the way faster than I wanted to head out. This held up for about 4 miles then we hit a light. <br />
I was stoked to be able to let off and recover, I'll admit I was cracking a bit, but pushing to hang in and take my turns off the front.<br />
We pulled up, unclipped a foot and looked at each other with shit eating grins. It was no doubt a mutual relief. Conversation went like this.<br />
ME- Where you heading ? or are you headed back home ?<br />
<br />
HIM- I'm not sure yet, I'm thinking of climbing Newport Coast.<br />
<br />
ME- Chuckle out loud- I'm thinking the same thing, I'll see how my legs feel when I get there, I'm still trying to get some riding legs back since a vacation a couple of weeks ago.<br />
<br />
HIM- How long of a vacation ?<br />
<br />
ME- Over 10 day's with no riding.<br />
<br />
HIM- Ouch, that can be tough. Unless you get to ride allot ?<br />
<br />
ME- Not that guy. I'm a 2-3 day a week guy, coupled with 1 long weekend ride.<br />
<br />
HIM- Yep, I get it. You good to keep going ? <br />
<br />
ME- Yeah, sure, how's this pace ?<br />
<br />
HIM- A bit fast, but I'm good.<br />
<br />
ME- O.k, so does that mean we can back off a bit.<br />
<br />
HIM- That would be great by me. I just didn't want to be the one.<br />
<br />
ME- O.k then I'll be the one, let's tone it down just a bit.<br />
<br />
HIM- Lights green.<br />
<br />
We never talked about it again. And I don't care if I was the weaker one. I would have been a mess continuing at that pace. We did the climb in pretty much tempo. He was a smaller rider and paced fast. I let him go ahead without concern, we regrouped at the bottom.<br />
He was turning right, I was turning left.<br />
With a waive goodbye that was done, and pretty cool.<br />
From there I headed back down to the flats at PCH. Unfortunately that would become literal. <br />
I managed to get a 1 " deck screw impaled in my rear tire. Thankfully it was AFTER I had made it up, then down and heading home. Well about 16 miles from home that is. <br />
No worries, we get flats right.<br />
However you trust your brand new unused tube will inflate, bzzzzzz, wrong ! It was useless.<br />
Thankfully road cyclist have each others back, even when you are rolling solo, we always shout out and ask if the stopped rider is o.k.<br />
In my case today though, a guy just stopped. <br />
I told him the story, he broke out a spair and gave it up. He said he had 2 and didn't expect a flat anyways. (TALK ABOUT THE KISS OF DEATH STATEMENT). I hope he didn't get one, but that was a crazy thing to say. He even gave up a c02.<br />
How about that thing was defective too. WTH ??<br />
Just as he was willing to give up another one. Another guy just stops out of the blue. Asking if all was o.k.<br />
We spill the story, and he's like, yah that's why I spent the $ 40.00 for one of these mini pumps. It is not as cool as C02, but you can pump your tire up over 120 psi if need be. <br />
So there it was in unison, it all came together.<br />
Within 2 minutes it was back together and on. Rolling again. It was about 10:15 now and the wind was starting it's thing.<br />
Everyone mounted up and started north. I never even asked where they were heading. But it was somewhere north. I did get there names though, Andy and Chris. <br />
Within a mile the wind was effecting the ride with a switching cross and headwind. I jumped on the front and ran lead out for the duration.<br />
I never saw where either of them turned off. So as quickly as the showed up, they went away. <br />
There is no moral here, just a cool roadie story.<br />
<br />
<br />
Just under 55 miles, with some hills and drama. Racing tomorrow night. Assuring that things will go better than my last showing 3 days after vacation.<br />
<br />
<br />
Train hard, train smart, be active.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8928447998158269340.post-837261104437095762011-07-08T10:25:00.000-07:002011-07-08T13:05:23.105-07:00365 days back on the bike and moreExactly a year ago today I went out for my first road bike ride in at least 7 years. I had also just started running again and had some vision in my head that I could do a triathlon again. <br />
So at roughly 220 lbs. I did very little homework and bought this.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbb_TcdmnXJORb9hgCOBkKZ0NYyPtvfaXUXdw9cf1TIv-KMoul9HUBFZj_lAK1LzM_5lfrzLDmQgAGpA8WOu327vFpfPCZ-qCobOLuM7AXDJPfGF2PN0Lv7799317weaotgWufEU-kTGt2/s1600/qr+good1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbb_TcdmnXJORb9hgCOBkKZ0NYyPtvfaXUXdw9cf1TIv-KMoul9HUBFZj_lAK1LzM_5lfrzLDmQgAGpA8WOu327vFpfPCZ-qCobOLuM7AXDJPfGF2PN0Lv7799317weaotgWufEU-kTGt2/s320/qr+good1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>This was an awesome find on Craigslist. And although I was pretty out of touch with the latest and greatest (not that I needed that), I felt $ 500.00 for an aluminum and carbon bike with Dura Ace components was pretty dope. So I drove out some 75 miles away and picked it up. <br />
My first ride was love hate. I loved being back on a bike , but as many of you know, your body just screams at you in so many different ways. My legs, my back, trying to ride in aero (LOL). The actual adjustment was so far off and I rode it that way for at least a month before grasping that it was more than just being out of form.<br />
On 9-1-11 I started this blog and then soon meet Patrick from <a href="http://www.theroadmultisport.com/">http://www.theroadmultisport.com/</a> as luck would have it. <br />
Even luckier than that, he turned out to be a very stand up guy just a few years younger and has some great life and family values. Loved the sport of triathlon and was in the semi early stages of getting his athletic life back on track. <br />
Turns out we have similar likes and interests, and although we took different paths in our lives, somethings were parallel, others not so much. However, we hit it off and became friends and encourager's of each other. Our schedules don't match much but we have accomplished a tri together and some local bike races along with a half marathon.<br />
This post isn't about Patrick, but that last paragraph says allot to me when I read it back. He along with many of you have kept me true to my training, more than some of you know. If had not been for Patrick I would have likely never entered a half marathon. With that said I'm a few day's away from re registering for the same race, who would have thunk !<br />
By November of last year I had joined a bike club, OC VELO that he was doing rides with. I had done a sprint tri, and was putting in some miles via swim, bike run. I had lost about 12 real pounds and was really starting to love pure cycling again.<br />
By January I bought this bike.<br />
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</div>This ride was short lived. I had some fitting issues and it was a bit big and that apparently went along with my ego. So I sold this bike and the other and bought this one.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX5c7mrpBhewBuMxi3piuRHWBS-LtVreLs1AGUPug6uh5Xkkk2cirAksAEzILq-M0FE96kCinFnnTET5G0biBP-AoT5bjyiy1AJzWVteGDU1oSWLIGVO2JWef3rj5D5ZoxersvwXfHCXtO/s1600/felt+fast.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX5c7mrpBhewBuMxi3piuRHWBS-LtVreLs1AGUPug6uh5Xkkk2cirAksAEzILq-M0FE96kCinFnnTET5G0biBP-AoT5bjyiy1AJzWVteGDU1oSWLIGVO2JWef3rj5D5ZoxersvwXfHCXtO/s320/felt+fast.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I freaking love this bike, the paint scheme is not for everyone. Sometimes I even wish it was a solid black or blue, or white. But the bottom line is. If your a cyclist, this bike is pretty kick ass. It weighs just over 15 lbs. and flys. I nearly let that ego and my ambitions get the best of me again about 5 weeks ago. I was ready to sell this off in support of our to be race team. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I have issues with commitment and people. I'll admit this. When I have whole heartily committed to something, "I'M IN". Know this also, if I give you the "we'll see" answer, there is a 50/50 chance I'm out. Sorry that is nothing personal, but I do let my personal home and work life dictate my schedule first.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">With all that said, I'm very happy to say I have meet and made a great friend in Patrick. I'm a bit of a lone wolf these day's and have been for the last few years. Patrick probably doesn't realize that he is one of my closer friends, (until now). But he really is that stand up. When he reads this (and he will) he might also think I'm a bit pathetic, that he is one of my closer friends, LOL ! Sorry man, it is what it is. Deal with it !</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So 365 days into it. My passion is just as strong. I'm well under 200 lbs now. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I still love to run, I really love to ride.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> I have competed in over a dozen bike races in the last 4 months. Placed as high as 2nd over all and as bad as almost quitting.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Have huge aspirations to still build a bike team at a grass roots level and will be a big supporter of it. This is still spinning out there in mediocrity right now. Large talk and little actions. I will continue to race out this season and expect great results. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I will continue to ride 500-700 miles a month and get stronger.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I will run as much as my body allows, and try and be more diligent in working that in. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I will get back on a swim schedule next month when my son goes back to his normal schedule. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I will continue to support those on here that support me, and then some. Remember "you inspire" ! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It's been a great 365 day's. I can't say I'm amazed where I have gotten. In reality I could have maybe gotten further. But on the other side of the coin, I'm right on track to continue doing what I love so much. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Train hard, train smart, and be active ! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8928447998158269340.post-25972759803499252722011-07-07T09:32:00.000-07:002011-07-07T09:32:42.363-07:00I ran again LOL !2 runs in the same week ? Wow, seems amazing at this point in my life. <br />
It would have been a wonderful morning for a dry warm ride, but I tell myself that too often and time in the Kayanos slowly gets away from me. <br />
So there it was, another near failure to run and opt to ride.But I quickly came to my senses and and threw on the dri fits and laced them up, (well I have speed laces) so I slipped them on. Cleared the Garmin and hit play on the I-POD. <br />
All was good on the tarmac and before I knew it I had banged out a a quick 4 miles of running. Far ? NO, Fast ? no ! I conscious and or unconsciously held a 9:06 pace for 4 miles or just over and never really thought too much about it. I just enjoyed the pounding of the road under my shoes and the sun coming up behind me. It was an awesome 68 degree sunrise and the world was right.<br />
I'm not fast, but I do enjoy me some road running. <br />
Back on the bike tomorrow ! But it was good times and once again a great change of pace. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigiFBF-x06CbqCMI3CAvOizIIQxVDfR-X5L0P7i-QZ-za7AQiRRfOhK8rrB2eUt-JIoZBqMi1ROBhiJPl_504sU0oJ4hsW7WAbmF4cfBYE5D3iZ_1-cdTdGzPdzFZyLqsR_iFvHEcYEW3-/s1600/across+the+wetlands.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigiFBF-x06CbqCMI3CAvOizIIQxVDfR-X5L0P7i-QZ-za7AQiRRfOhK8rrB2eUt-JIoZBqMi1ROBhiJPl_504sU0oJ4hsW7WAbmF4cfBYE5D3iZ_1-cdTdGzPdzFZyLqsR_iFvHEcYEW3-/s320/across+the+wetlands.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8928447998158269340.post-66557389235127886692011-07-06T10:44:00.000-07:002011-07-06T10:44:16.051-07:00Belated Vallarta and other fun stufffffffThere is really no rhyme or reason, just ramblings and a mixed bag of tricks.<br />
A week, no now 2 weeks ago. I got to get away for a few days in Nuevo Vallarta central Mexico. Having been down there many times we knew late June was a questionable weather time. But this is how the stars aligned and this is when we went. <br />
<br />
90 degree weather with random showers was all the forecast said for weeks. So we set our minds that it would be what it was. For the most part the weather was cloudy, however we did have the occasional tropical shower. Except one day where we sat pool side at 10:00 a.m. and watched a down pour roll in. <br />
We hung in the rain for about 30 minutes before finally retreating to the room to watch the show.<br />
<br />
In reference to <br />
This is a picture from our patio, and considering it was a 10 story hotel I felt pretty stoked to be pool side on a daily basis.It made for easy lunch digs for the kids, and easy cooler reloads :-)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZQZpzrEDUN_ANUSDg3yL4rVjkrVofoJhEl5b8RUoXihooz5FLEegYrogiIpsiGjmrIpFTljr4YlCeXqER2cabPJp8p4ewwCtWwJ1waD2VIwJeBG6QHveFLP4Pu7GE2dxvF5uyZMdPJ5VE/s1600/rain+in+vallarta+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZQZpzrEDUN_ANUSDg3yL4rVjkrVofoJhEl5b8RUoXihooz5FLEegYrogiIpsiGjmrIpFTljr4YlCeXqER2cabPJp8p4ewwCtWwJ1waD2VIwJeBG6QHveFLP4Pu7GE2dxvF5uyZMdPJ5VE/s320/rain+in+vallarta+2.jpg" width="240" /></a></div> notice the person sitting pool side still, they are actually sitting in a big fat jacuzzi. It blew out later and the evening was quite awesome. It took that humid edge away.<br />
I didn't take many pictures but my wife did some 200 plus photos. <br />
Grandson and grandma before a relaxed dinner at this kick butt little Brazilian restaurant.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNHB9A08fZgCK0KRE47MaiO0u4LHlwerqHjRYimvjtLtyGNvZyKzGptmM-bdnfmHM1XYp7pzDCLj3BvVdcNpoUlQ2aHv7PXviQ6OIh-FaArcwv1_kIvKgETcVBn1vfmq3p4IU9vBIp4cLK/s1600/tyler+bren+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNHB9A08fZgCK0KRE47MaiO0u4LHlwerqHjRYimvjtLtyGNvZyKzGptmM-bdnfmHM1XYp7pzDCLj3BvVdcNpoUlQ2aHv7PXviQ6OIh-FaArcwv1_kIvKgETcVBn1vfmq3p4IU9vBIp4cLK/s320/tyler+bren+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The kids had a blast with multiple tower water slides that looked like crocodiles and man made caves under a center Island of the pools. With some small 1'-2' surf another 100 yards out, we got to body board several days in 85 degree water with very little rip tide or high surf warning drama.<br />
<br />
In reference to <a href="http://www.theroadmultisport.com/2011/07/metrosexual-triathlete-tip-of-week.html">http://www.theroadmultisport.com/2011/07/metrosexual-triathlete-tip-of-week.html</a> I actually had some growth going for a few days. Which is odd due to mid race season, but I was on vacation, and that meant from everything. I had no razor sharp tan lines, but there is and obvious difference to my butt white hairy quads. And no I don't only shave the lower legs, they all get the axe. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9ax0Zpo2-rXgwE4jZtQ8vQEPZaXDLXM6UnliyU5kGMJ_SHM0KPARGDlmk58ZqrlLLbjbjl6ReN2qUkNSljRUrPlnPx96CdVcelb-1fIlIUkF-TLsNbiNHbHcTnwgjLAgZCqW-1PIDXM-R/s1600/leg+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9ax0Zpo2-rXgwE4jZtQ8vQEPZaXDLXM6UnliyU5kGMJ_SHM0KPARGDlmk58ZqrlLLbjbjl6ReN2qUkNSljRUrPlnPx96CdVcelb-1fIlIUkF-TLsNbiNHbHcTnwgjLAgZCqW-1PIDXM-R/s320/leg+1.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
I won't lie, this was a cervesa induced picture here.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtHjQ8JP5rE5kQgIOr51vqOmW4_Mys6Mc11lVpZiE6wqTlUJEG7_caf3l4BN-ps4qRBfujpqZSZrAfRW7ya3_TEpNe6jIaA82xleuo5FK2KpHZHDVj4fIeKFGRHPGNc7m9ma3PuApQjabl/s1600/me+and+bren.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtHjQ8JP5rE5kQgIOr51vqOmW4_Mys6Mc11lVpZiE6wqTlUJEG7_caf3l4BN-ps4qRBfujpqZSZrAfRW7ya3_TEpNe6jIaA82xleuo5FK2KpHZHDVj4fIeKFGRHPGNc7m9ma3PuApQjabl/s320/me+and+bren.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My wife would likely not be happy I put this up. After seeing it I'm not sure I am. But let's keep it real o.k.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My son gets out of school every year the day before his birthday. How ridiculously cool is that. So as usual a birthday cake and his niece that is only 3 years younger than him are making wishes.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJSZ7xcFYpJDyqasT6yLk9Agbvho8_jdQeZ8iWp5F5nYn0zw610ZgVnGB26LojeNgt1Z-WEpGaskJZ0-hdqPMQJcbcws9CiKogU3ceaPtKHNOzlwQTbSv2-LKE9ep3Rngd25GBKrF_PFEs/s1600/erics+11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJSZ7xcFYpJDyqasT6yLk9Agbvho8_jdQeZ8iWp5F5nYn0zw610ZgVnGB26LojeNgt1Z-WEpGaskJZ0-hdqPMQJcbcws9CiKogU3ceaPtKHNOzlwQTbSv2-LKE9ep3Rngd25GBKrF_PFEs/s320/erics+11.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I took all three kids to Knotts Berry Farm amusement park the day before we left for rides and junk food.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcMscM0NXGJIwhn-epggpZ6p0xX0KxnPHNckxmpG_qfN3soyBWrUOklXqzh30ZADIqDUR65teEDl1H85hdxV1F7U1PpdT4tGwdWezwi2fcbDubYEbJAmlhQgQuPY69_8PhfXDQGh-6yZij/s1600/kids+at+knotts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcMscM0NXGJIwhn-epggpZ6p0xX0KxnPHNckxmpG_qfN3soyBWrUOklXqzh30ZADIqDUR65teEDl1H85hdxV1F7U1PpdT4tGwdWezwi2fcbDubYEbJAmlhQgQuPY69_8PhfXDQGh-6yZij/s1600/kids+at+knotts.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Now it's back to reality. The grand kids are back in Vegas and Eric is here spending time with us. We have signed him up for martial arts and he is as usual very agile and coordinated at it. Now I only say it that way, because the kid has mad skills at whatever he tries, the problem is nothing has stuck yet. With that said, he is probably as exited about this as I have ever seen him. So we'll keep our fingers crossed that it takes and he continues on some type of athletic quest for discipline and structure.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">That's it, blew off the Tuesday night world criteriums due to getting payroll out to my employee's. I did manage to get up and get in a 28 mile ride this morning with light winds out and a bit of a nasty crosswind in. This kind of took me by surprise because usually if there is any wind that early it is a tailwind in, but not so much today. But it was still 70 degrees at 5:40 a.m. and sunny so I can't and won't complain. I was just blessed with the opportunity and ability to be out there.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I for one don't make to big of an issue about the shave or no shave thing. I can can only tell that it weighs my decision on the commitment of the other athlete in these said sports. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Train hard, train smart, be active. </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8928447998158269340.post-63591331050311393232011-07-05T16:54:00.000-07:002011-07-05T16:54:00.135-07:00long weekend ,fast weekend<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">But a fun weekend. Hope everyone was safe and sane. Had fun and spent time with family and friends.<br />
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<br />
Quick overview.<br />
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Friday night was dinner with friends at a great Brazilian restaurant and then cards until midnight.<br />
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Saturday was 70 +mile road bike ride with OC VELO. Hot weather upon us, 6 bottles of fluid and some moderate climbs. I felt good, nope felt very good and did more than held my own. <br />
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Sunday was a chill, do nothing day. Should have road, but opted for a short 4.7 mile run in some heat.<br />
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Monday was a pancake morning :-). I kept it real but still had 3. <br />
Random stuff around the garden like picking fresh veggies !! Yeah for our own farmers market !! More on that later. then off to my sons new house for swimming, more cards, and a couple of adult beverages. Some really good hand rubbed ribs and a grip of spinach salad. <br />
I really would have liked another bike in there, but it didn't happen. My discipline kind of sucked.<br />
The TDF has been good racing in my opinion thus far.<br />
<br />
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Train hard,train smart, be active. </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8928447998158269340.post-89417785703758933452011-06-30T09:02:00.000-07:002011-06-30T09:02:15.024-07:00On the 6th day God started Le Tour De France<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Enough said. Catch it on Versus via west coast starting July 2nd. Hallelujah !<br />
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<br />
<div class="article-body"><div aptureproxy="18">The 2011 Tour De France is upon us<cite>.</cite> Spain's Alberto Contador will set out to win his third consecutive Tour on 8 a.m. EST on July 2nd. Once the action starts, it is going to come fast and furious. Below is a listing of the Tour's schedule and TV coverage.</div>All times are listed in Eastern Standard Time. The Versus network will be airing every stage live. Check local listings for rebroadcasts on NBC and Versus.<br />
Stage 1: 8 a.m. Saturday, July 2nd<br />
Stage 2: 8 a.m. Sunday, July 3rd<br />
Stage 3: 8 a.m. Monday, July 4th<br />
Stage 4: 8 a.m. Tuesday, July 5th<br />
Stage 5: 7:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 6th<br />
Stage 6: 8 a.m. Thursday, July 7th<br />
Stage 7: 8 a.m. Friday, July 8th<br />
Stage 8: 8 a.m. Saturday, July 9th<br />
Stage 9: 8 a.m. Sunday, July 10th<br />
Rest Day, Monday, July 11th<br />
Stage 10: 8 a.m. Tuesday, July 12th<br />
Stage 11: 8 a.m. Wednesday, July 13th<br />
Stage 12: 6:30 a.m. Thursday, July 14th<br />
Stage 13: 8 a.m. Friday, July 15th<br />
Stage 14: 8 a.m. Saturday, July 16th<br />
Stage 15: 8 a.m. Sunday, July 17th<br />
Rest Day, Monday, July 18th<br />
Stage 16: 8 a.m. Tuesday, July 19th<br />
Stage 17: 8 a.m. Wednesday, July 20th<br />
Stage 18: 7 a.m. Thursday, July 21st<br />
Stage 19: 8 a.m. Friday. July 22nd<br />
Stage 20: 8 a.m. Saturday, July 23rd<br />
Stage 21: 8 a.m. Sunday, July 24th</div><br />
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WILL BE MISSED<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik1bEUDqRE5-skdijj3b05sVCExA6vJLfp-lv01rkQZK-9CArYujS6EWyvRLDg14A7jQSPIFoYQUq94XVmFjJA0qmW3BGE8U5gpLpJMwvo9pZOoK0-787wVinM3A4BHo4IJlzXAZj8O1mG/s1600/woulter+weylandt.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik1bEUDqRE5-skdijj3b05sVCExA6vJLfp-lv01rkQZK-9CArYujS6EWyvRLDg14A7jQSPIFoYQUq94XVmFjJA0qmW3BGE8U5gpLpJMwvo9pZOoK0-787wVinM3A4BHo4IJlzXAZj8O1mG/s1600/woulter+weylandt.bmp" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXVS1ZoYuerjKMKBH4KP48ukHoUaCVqSxmHi7WGflJGanvYmEF23JTLB7O_2WpgT6Jhu0ULfR_3QLG7B3pi_C3LtSnp4pE6RT7hyUWzQObWgRdy8eebBqcX-kyNglN7JhukeWRUcs5oWRs/s1600/tondo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXVS1ZoYuerjKMKBH4KP48ukHoUaCVqSxmHi7WGflJGanvYmEF23JTLB7O_2WpgT6Jhu0ULfR_3QLG7B3pi_C3LtSnp4pE6RT7hyUWzQObWgRdy8eebBqcX-kyNglN7JhukeWRUcs5oWRs/s1600/tondo.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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RIP :<br />
WEYLANDT<br />
TONDO !<br />
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28.7 MILE ride this a.m., got away from the house about 5:40 A.M. beautiful ride, beautiful morning in Southern California. Got in 18 miles of intervals. I still feel like Ive been on vacation, a little soft a little too much pain. But I just say "SHUT UP LEGS" ! Thank you Thor for the words. My back is still tender and I may only be at 80 % where I thought I was a little further along in healing. But in no way should I not HTFU ( said just for Patrick). <br />
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Train hard, train smart, be active. <br />
<div class="clear"></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8928447998158269340.post-479314577575617532011-06-28T14:07:00.000-07:002011-06-28T14:07:15.603-07:00Time flys when your having fun<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">And I did take a flight, and I did have fun ! <br />
Took a brief hiatus from it all and headed down the coast of central Mexico. Weather was hot and even had some down pours but I really didn't care. I swam everyday and it was awesome. I jacked my back up the very first morning I was there by nothing more than bending over to move a chair.<br />
If I was one to have a prone back issue, I guess this would be acceptable. But I'm not that guy and I was very pissed. It still is aggravated to this day and I'm hoping it passes completely very soon. <br />
<br />
We returned from 5 days gone and I have only been able to get out on the bike 1 day for 40 miles. It was great to just head out with no agenda and ride for 40 miles at whatever pace I wanted. <br />
Tonight will be my first time back to racing and I'm going in with no real expectations. Still hurt, with only 40 miles of training in 9 days. I just hope my lungs hold out, lol !<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR0Mfb46mk_Xg6IpFnweuynTQSuBZxCntEd3qTnrTozXFPFiPme8v4LEHQiTVGtYSAL6zeE15AmOBX7PvTw3RwF7kNrMrpPETAXnu9aXDzl1lmIgNsaawJcrIW3_T4SGjUGnwyR6WMC6uO/s1600/FLYING+BIKE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR0Mfb46mk_Xg6IpFnweuynTQSuBZxCntEd3qTnrTozXFPFiPme8v4LEHQiTVGtYSAL6zeE15AmOBX7PvTw3RwF7kNrMrpPETAXnu9aXDzl1lmIgNsaawJcrIW3_T4SGjUGnwyR6WMC6uO/s320/FLYING+BIKE.jpg" width="320" /></a>I certainly hope this doesn't happen. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Either way I'm looking forward to getting back into the mix. I was very disappointed that I couldn't get in a couple of runs on my vacation. I was lucky I was able to swim, and fortunate that it actually relieved the pressure on my back when I did.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">With that said, it's good to be home. I'm kind of a schedule person, and I like to stay on that schedule. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">But it is that time of year where I get my son for a couple of months straight. Although he lives close and we have the weekly and every other weekend arrangement, there is something to be said about him being there at our house everyday. This summer he has chose to focus on Kempo and he had hist first class last night. He did great and as usually he is naturally agile and adapted and picked up very quickly. The difference is this is the first activity/sport of many that he is exited about. That alone makes me exited. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I like the discipline they teach, I also like that they are graded and rewarded on there individual progression and without badges,trophies and medals. Now don't get me wrong I have always been a hardware whore, but he'll have plenty of time to grow into that. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Train hard,train smart, and be active. </div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8928447998158269340.post-59142991582713089272011-06-16T09:54:00.000-07:002011-06-16T09:54:13.224-07:00Your hesitations could cost you<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">I have spoke of this before. And I even had a brief conversation with <a href="http://www.theroadmultisport.com/">http://www.theroadmultisport.com/</a> about this while riding side by side last Saturday.<br />
<br />
Training is training. It is what gets you to where you want to go and who you aspire to be. It is not always pretty. It is unfortunately not always effective. Sometimes it's life changing to forward progress. Sometimes it creates set backs.<br />
There are times when it's a blast. And there are times when it is nothing more than a pain in the ass.<br />
<br />
Everyone at any level of training has encounter these thoughts and feelings.<br />
I for one am a morning person. I love to train in the morning. I love to get out there sleepy eyed and wake up to life and my day on the road. Weather it be running or riding. I like to get it done early and bask in the accomplishment the rest of the day. Even when it's a hard,drained out session It still makes me smile that I got it done.<br />
<br />
Even with all that being said, there are many mornings when I literally have to convince myself that getting dressed, fueled and going is the right thing to do that day.<br />
It is so easy to talk any one's self out of training and getting out there. Let alone follow a hardcore or even a simple discipline plan.<br />
<br />
The one thing that I have to tell myself @ dark o clock. Is that somewhere today, at sometime, the very people I compete against are asking themselves the same question I am. And if I hesitate,for more than a few minutes, it's going to cost me.<br />
It's easy to say I'll do it later and get it done.But in reality if that happens in my life there is a 75 % chance that work out is gone. The hard part it to push in and through. To persevere and and get it done. Even if it seems like day's go by where it becomes a test of attrition. The end results are so much sweeter.<br />
I have had a few of those day's lately, including this morning in which it prompted me to spit this all out.<br />
Between training and racing in the last 75 days I have put in roughly 1500 miles on the bike and raced 13 times. I have thrown in some random run days but it equates to less the 25 miles and doesn't really warrant too much mention. <br />
My point is this. I have a much needed vacation coming in 72 hours and really have no reason other than staying on point of fitness to train. The weather this morning was full on California June gloom with a stiff wind and so much mist it might has well been sleet.<br />
My coffee was tasting perfect and my furry slippers felt awesome. But I still had to tell myself, if I don't go it will cost me.<br />
I hesitated no more. Put out the effort to gear up and push out. <br />
Max speed for the first 10 miles out was 16.2 mph in an all out effort. And drenched with fog and sleet to the bone in minutes. I had to laugh. I kept telling myself are you for real ? you can ride at 19 mph with your hands off the bars without effort, and this is the best you can do?<br />
But it was really that ugly. It took everything I had in me to keep it together and tell myself I was right on track. And everything I was doing now, like it or not was how you make things change. This is how we create a presence. This isn't easy. This is why such a small percentage of people ever follow through and achieve goals. Get over yourself and off of your pity party.<br />
It was just about this time that I had finally made it to my turn around point. <br />
My easy,flat out and back recovery ride ? was 1/2 over and I could turn around and grind back the other way. But by the grace of mother nature that nasty head wind was now at my back and within seconds I was cruising, and I mean effortlessly cruising at 27 mph. I chased down a local club, La Habra cycles. They always has some group on the road with 6-30 riders. I hitched on, sat in and was back to my house in almost 1/2 the time it took me to get out. Fully recovered and once again happy that I persevered. I had banged out 22 miles in 1:01:36.<br />
Don't let your mind get in the way of your progress. Don't let that hesitation cost you your dreams and goals. <br />
Just know there is someone else across the street, across the town, or even across the country that is making it happen today. And they could care less how you feel.<br />
I don't often re read my blogs, I just put thought down that come out of my head. I hope this comes off the way I meant it and not a hey look at me. Because it's meant to be quite the opposite. It's meant to say hey look at you ! How awesome are you !<br />
<br />
thanks for reading.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5545gmwFlb9V5NfSKewI9PJx9CBY63DwyyPTEpJL4IVRLcZiF6g79QpvbdE9MShacN0JSfQo2i3iB6ck9UdIMUUXiJk_cry6d5eYAiLD8uJZGZP5476DvZMaCrdf8DitqN2aqQTISms4u/s1600/head+shot.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5545gmwFlb9V5NfSKewI9PJx9CBY63DwyyPTEpJL4IVRLcZiF6g79QpvbdE9MShacN0JSfQo2i3iB6ck9UdIMUUXiJk_cry6d5eYAiLD8uJZGZP5476DvZMaCrdf8DitqN2aqQTISms4u/s320/head+shot.JPG" t8="true" width="240" /></a></div><br />
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Train hard,train smart, and be active. </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8928447998158269340.post-76493733434304473682011-06-15T09:59:00.000-07:002011-06-15T09:59:42.275-07:00It felt like a summer evening<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Tuesday night racing wasn't even suppose to happen for me this week. I have my grand kids in town (that's right I said grand kids) hard to believe, but it is so. <br />
And my grandson who races BMX in Las Vegas wanted to see me race. He is 10 and still has my last motocross sponsor collage on his wall from 2006. That was the last year I raced motocross on any level. I was still pretty heavily sponsored, and they always put together a racer profile and stats 30"x22" poster for there riders.<br />
Anyways, I am the cool grandpa to him. And it is nice to have him look up to me as a mini super hero.<br />
So I wasn't suppose to race, but he wanted to check it and I am all for racing. So this put the green light back on. I had spoke to Patrick via text and knew he wouldn't make it tonight as he is very close to a TRI race coming up and doesn't want to counter act his pre set training. No worries, I heard the wonder kid last week say he would be out for sure this Tuesday after he finally got his feet wet last week. Of course I couldn't get him to commit to a weekend race though on Sunday.<br />
Not to my surprise he no showed. Then comments how he can't get over this cold, but neglects to realize he has made comments about going surfing and playing beach volley ball until sunset.<br />
Now if I sound like I'm bitching, YOUR F-ING RIGHT. I over this one. My only comment from this time forward will be "NEXT". I'll try and find some other young bucks that want to learn the sport.<br />
I can't make anyone motivate themselves, especially when there not even trying to test themselves.<br />
It's easy to hide and quit when you get your ass handed to you. I tell everyone in the beginning, "you will likely fail at first, don't get discouraged, learn from what went wrong and don't do that again".<br />
O.k. my rant on that is over (sorry).<br />
<br />
We had a larger group finally show up again, plus 20 riders on a Tuesday night, hell yes! Several new riders from teams I see at the larger races were there. It was cool and at first a little intimidating. Knowing that it would be a faster pace than usual with some people you are not all to familiar with racing. Also the what has become regular crowd showed up.<br />
I didn't even attempt to contend for the first prime sprint as I was still trying to figure out how my fitness and legs were going to be for the night. Being this would be my 4th race in 7 days plus training rides, I was kind of skeptical. With that said I road hard to the sprint line letting anyone jump that wanted to and then just regrouped and recovered. I was stoked, literally no fatigue, and I recovered in less than 1/2 a lap.<br />
So when the bell was rung for the 2nd and final prime, I told myself you are fine, strong and have a good shot tonight. I stayed about 6-7 wheel through the last turn, popped out of the right side at about 25 meters and ended up photo finish for 3rd. <br />
I'll take it, and it was damn close on the line.<br />
The group stayed focused and fairly fast all night.<br />
This had to be mid to the end of the race and everyone looked pretty fresh still.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTTAkJmBBSz8WWUoVesMEOhlvtOAXno4CRL9ZCRiQmx-gTd0rTPnJXFIDFMy75xv_FqxrVJeAOXzjl2oiAMWaxDladWZAd47RQ279TADJsn7_4JNCgn9IM9Sql-ep9QohY4M0fI1aWtt1O/s1600/eldo+614.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTTAkJmBBSz8WWUoVesMEOhlvtOAXno4CRL9ZCRiQmx-gTd0rTPnJXFIDFMy75xv_FqxrVJeAOXzjl2oiAMWaxDladWZAd47RQ279TADJsn7_4JNCgn9IM9Sql-ep9QohY4M0fI1aWtt1O/s320/eldo+614.jpg" t8="true" width="320" /></a></div>The guy in the yellow and I have got to know each other pretty well. He races cat 4/5 and 30+ 4/5. He is strong, fast and always contends for top spots. He about lost himself after Sunday's first race when he found out I am on the down side to 46 years old.<br />
We had made a plan to take a flyer off the front with 1.5 laps to go, but he ended up rotating to the back and got boxed in.<br />
It was to be myself, him, the guy in blue to the right and two Long Beach State guys. Unfortunately it got very disorganized towards the end, and some other little stupid attacks came.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG1tjzd7gwg4c677pQqEveWBy4aPwCWSBqBBN7N7Tnyc_YDT6Z4c3LxpW4uMPYpI-iVAmJcpKwC32Hp-pAAAcCru_DWGNTpjA0Q9QjTgyerTpi8JL3SZ4e3asKxEEMf-Q7azb52d4P9qv_/s1600/eldo614+over+the+shoulder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG1tjzd7gwg4c677pQqEveWBy4aPwCWSBqBBN7N7Tnyc_YDT6Z4c3LxpW4uMPYpI-iVAmJcpKwC32Hp-pAAAcCru_DWGNTpjA0Q9QjTgyerTpi8JL3SZ4e3asKxEEMf-Q7azb52d4P9qv_/s320/eldo614+over+the+shoulder.jpg" t8="true" width="213" /></a></div> To the point where I was in constant over the shoulder look out mode for seeing when the next attack would come. These guys actually did a lot of work out there tonight, but in the end I don't know where they finished. <br />
I stayed focused and just kept on the look out. I let whoever wanted to lead out, lead out. I had a super strong pull to the line behind ? I don't know ? But I ended up coming to the line again very wheel to wheel and finished 4th I think but they have me as 5th, so I'll except the 5th.<br />
All said it was a great race. I was stoke how good I felt and that my recovery was a non issue, It was warm out and we had a great showing of racers. My grandson was happy he went and I'm still on top of his list ! <br />
Thanks for reading.<br />
<br />
Train hard,train smart, be active.<br />
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8928447998158269340.post-67659577769509381792011-06-13T12:09:00.000-07:002011-06-13T12:09:53.483-07:00A sure fire plan of how to empty ones tank<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Had I not opted for a 2 day break from training, that in reality ended up being 3 I think I would have just had to park it and be done.<br />
Ive yet to have to do that, but I'm sure that day is coming.<br />
<br />
Recapping- Tuesday nights race was by all means the fastest pace Tuesday night criterium I had raced. I feel fortunate to had placed 9th and now looking back I feel I'm selling myself short. Yes it was tough but I'm strong and fast enough to have at the very least contended for the finish sprint. I'm still growing confidence.<br />
I opted to take Wednesday and Thursday off all together and ride Friday. Friday = fail. I was still tired from the previous weeks schedule and I just got lazy (period).<br />
Saturday was set up as a semi neutral tempo ride of 2.5 to 3 hours with <a href="http://www.theroadmultisport.com/">http://www.theroadmultisport.com/</a>. He is doing some crit racing but definitely focused on upcoming tri's including a 70.3, so I get it.<br />
With that said I should also mention, the guy is stand up, and always shows up when at all possible. I struggle with peoples commitments and lack there of. It's easy to say you'll do something. But following up and actually doing it is where life is born.<br />
Read his blog on our Saturday ride. It turned out to be way more fun than I have had on a training ride in at least a month. I was fresh legged on all climbs, and had the pistons moving near effortless for the whole ride.<br />
I literally felt dehydration take over my body at mile 38 and yet my mind would not let the pain win the battle until mile 42. It was the first time I had ever accepted a water bottle from another rider on a ride. I would usually take my lumps and gimp it home. But even with only 2 miles left to my doorstep at mile 44 I set my pride aside and took Patricks bottle before my right quad seized all together. Half his bottle later and by the time I reached my garage, all was good. <br />
I went on to immediately throw down a protein shake and drank 30 oz of G2. Yes straight up Gatorade, so much sodium, but oh so necessary.<br />
Crazy, I was so dehydrated that the veins in my calves where protruding. This is usually reserved for the mid to low body fat percentage people. But I had completely depleted myself of fluids and now quite obvious to me didn't hydrate well the day before.<br />
No worries, my quick reaction to replenishment went fine and I spent the afternoon just hanging out doing small projects.<br />
Sunday was up at 4:45 for breakfast and the trip to Dominguez Hills for the CBR Baileys Bikes race. This is race # 8 of 11. And all though I missed out on some early series races, I have committed to show up and try and be a force, earn some points and make some noise.<br />
This weekend I opted to race two different categories,to not only get some extra exposure, but to hopefully gain some points. I'm quite a ways off to finish the series in high standings, but if I can put some numbers on the board at least I will have been a presence.<br />
So my first race went off at 7:00 a.m. which means be there at about 6, check in and get some warm up laps in. There was a lighter field of 34 racers. We are about mid season now and I would have expected more line 45 +. With that said, it was what it was. It was fast as hell and fairly uneventful. I was racing with the straight Cat 4's most but not all under the age of 30. They still have huge ego's and no mortgage.<br />
So will just say reckless abandonment shows up loud and clear. <br />
No worries, stick the game plan, stay in the front 1/2 do a little work and don't get caught in the wind even for a minute or you will get dropped in a heart beat.<br />
In a nut shell, 7 a.m. for me is early as hell to be racing at 27-31 mph. I sat in the group and helped keep the pace fast, never worrying about mid race prime sprints and finished strong in the top 20 at 13th spot.<br />
Post race I drank the remainder of my sport drink, ate a PBJ, sucked down a honey stinger and waited for 35 minutes. Next race was at 8:45 with the 40 + 4/5 masters.<br />
It turned out being a bigger race with 44 racers and several teams with 3-4 riders. I still dream of this type of team turn out.<br />
None the less, I would stick to my plan. Race hard, be alert and think about the finish. Be up front and use your strength to sprint.<br />
Now an even faster pace race than the first. With more engines working together the speed is flat out amazing and yet you have no idea that you are cranking along at 33-35 mph. FIRST hint of drama was early on lap 3, got flats literally in the middle of the pack. No hand raised in the air, so there is a bunch of loud chatters for the person to show themselves. I get it, you want to know who has the potential to take you out in a second. He loudly rebuttals the mob and pulls out. (side note) He had a spare set of wheels on course with him, and by the next lap he was jumping back in. Good for him. This is another thing I would love to someday have the ability to do. Spair wheels for race day and the quick swap !<br />
With 5 laps to go, the race was in a mad frenzy with every lap picking up another mile per minute. We the field are now starting to lap dropped off riders about every 300 yards. There was no shame in getting cracked off this race, it was fast and no nonsense from the gun start.<br />
Coming along the back straight section I glance to my right and about 20 feet ahead and hear brake squeal, cracking and then quite literally 2 bikes end over end, then 3,4, and 5. It was nasty, as I watched one guy shoulder ram the asphalt. All in all it was a total of 6 guys involved, Thankfully I was in the right place at the right time and made it past the carnage unscathed. This is why you want to be up front.<br />
Coming into the last lap I felt tired but had fresh legs. I stayed in the front 12 sweeping into the 2nd to last corner. A huge group of riders followed a lead out up the left side and it boxed me in the middle for a moment. I down shifted to a lower gear and clawed my way up and out the left side. I found what looked like was going to be a solid lead out wheel going to the line, but I had to be 20 + deep in the pack now.<br />
With about 75 meters left and feeling a bit desperate I moved slightly inside and decided to power up the middle. I don't usually do this, I'm more of a jump out and sprint up the inside or outside line, but I had no choice as I got boxed in a bit. This would be my first shot at really digging in and muscling my way up the middle. I had a bit more motivation too, as I knew I had played this race perfectly and I had let myself get sucked in to the middle.<br />
With about 40 meters left I down shifted to my last gear and got out of the saddle just throwing my bike side to side to gain speed. I ended up passing several people very quickly and crossed the line near even with 4 wide.<br />
To my surprise and shock I got 13th again. Yes it was a bigger, and what ended up being a faster field. But I felt stronger, and more confident that I had road that race to a "T" of how I wanted to.<br />
I know I couldn't and wouldn't plan two 13th's but may 13 is my lucky number ? At the very least it was this Sunday. <br />
I was totally spent of energy, and I know I left it all out there today. With the exception of a couple of minor mistakes I think I did everything I had trained to do.<br />
No cramping, no depletion, no worries. Just emptied the tank and recovered for a repeat.<br />
My bike was phenomenal, my body reacted great and I was well pleased with my recovery.<br />
Thanks for reading, thanks for your comments and support.<br />
<br />
<br />
Train hard,train smart, be active. </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8928447998158269340.post-9042727434257437352011-06-09T14:28:00.000-07:002011-06-09T14:28:33.438-07:00tell me what youre doing ?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">First off, I have tried repeatedly to respond to post and blogs and I'm having issues I haven't figured out yet. So I'm not rude or insensitive to followers or people I follow. I'm just not capable yet.<br />
<br />
It's been a busy week and getting ready to get busier.<br />
<br />
Tuesday we raced at Tuesday night worlds with our small but growing road race team. There was a better turn out for the 4/5 race and a return of the collegiate trio that put a beating on the group. They ride well together and it appears they still ride often. But it did make for a fast pace and significant suffering. Patrick had a mishap but since I have not seen anything on that, I'll leave that alone. Our newest Junior rider finally came out, but got dropped at the first sprint. And then eventually lapped. But I'll hand it to him, he stayed out there in the wind and put some miles in. He's an avid fixed gear rider and apparently racer too, so I'm sure he will come around. He has size and fitness and it appears he just needs some experience. I will tell you first hand there is no simulation for criterium racing. You just have to do it and learn the tempo and grind as you go.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFC_BEvg1oYllXjE1bA7mKvH56YZDBOr9XoRQSzJUDgeOcK5Dzq7bmB8AFFUipQpjza6w_M-g8Lt4c4dTKcE5qSVz5dEEXGiQ-ZQaGj5zp7lMpf69SmnoFvY1nJd7gt5ziTN-XJ7u-bdNJ/s1600/team+outspoken+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFC_BEvg1oYllXjE1bA7mKvH56YZDBOr9XoRQSzJUDgeOcK5Dzq7bmB8AFFUipQpjza6w_M-g8Lt4c4dTKcE5qSVz5dEEXGiQ-ZQaGj5zp7lMpf69SmnoFvY1nJd7gt5ziTN-XJ7u-bdNJ/s320/team+outspoken+1.jpg" t8="true" width="320" /></a></div>This was taken somewhere around lap 3 of the 3 of us together<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div> I didn't have a very impressive night either. I contended for the 1st prime sprint and gave in 25 meters from the line running 2nd. THIS WAS A HUGE MISTAKE AND I GOT PASSED BY TWO OTHERS BEFORE CROSSING THE LINE. What the hell was I thinking? It took me a full lap to recover and we had now split the field in half.<br />
Another two laps later and I and 2 more would crack from the pace. Fortunately I kept my head in the race and focused on trying to bridge back up.<br />
This can be a futile effort on your own, but I had enough wits about me to latch on to the fast freight train of the masters in a group of about 35 or more and work with them for the duration. They are fast and almost always catch and pass the 4/5 group due to group size and speed they create.<br />
I didn't just take a free ride in there, I worked<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiacEp0SSXQXpft7mKTk-u-1v2ZQfmjWF3HNfIptyvbLJDieFPsCsl-83dY_TBBxyT45eoU5O4-EmJn4_oX_3drXy1-SdUEV7EZF6q5bM3vZVw8BU8ytPRz245fySwrdpHrbLr-uAVlS8Fq/s1600/eldo+pain+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="189" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiacEp0SSXQXpft7mKTk-u-1v2ZQfmjWF3HNfIptyvbLJDieFPsCsl-83dY_TBBxyT45eoU5O4-EmJn4_oX_3drXy1-SdUEV7EZF6q5bM3vZVw8BU8ytPRz245fySwrdpHrbLr-uAVlS8Fq/s320/eldo+pain+1.jpg" t8="true" width="320" /></a></div> And apparently I was getting worked by the look on my face. <br />
But I did manage to stay in and take some short turns up front and try and bridge back to the fast few ahead. Amazingly enough they never caught that group and I can say that is a first for me. But these young guns are fast and very up and coming and will jump directly over Cat 4 to Cat 3 no question about it. So that was kind of shitty for them to beat up on the fat old guy but it is what it is.<br />
As I said I tried to bridge back up with the next group of racers which was the masters class. Fortunate for me my efforts paid off and I was able to still pass a couple of riders that got cracked off our group and didn't have the strength in them to bridge on to us. I ended up 9th for a couple of points and really though and still do think I was 7th, but whatever. I'll take the lesson and the points.<br />
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I'll get a 25 mile ride in Friday morning and then an easy 35-50 on Saturday to keep loose and fresh.<br />
Sunday is another CBR <b><span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPS-BoldMT; font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPS-BoldMT; font-size: x-large;"></span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana-Bold;"> </span><span style="color: red; font-family: Verdana-Bold;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Verdana-Bold;">Bai ley Bikes </span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana-Bold;">Cri terium! </span><span style="font-family: Verdana-Bold; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana-Bold; font-size: xx-small;">( B AR Se r i e s # 8)</span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana-Bold;"> <div align="left">in </div></span><i><span style="font-family: Verdana-BoldItalic;">Dominguez Hi l ls, Cal i fornia</span><span style="font-family: Arial-BoldMT; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial-BoldMT; font-size: xx-small;">updated</span></span></i></b> <br />
<div align="left">June 12, 2011 [Sun]-$5,000+ in cash & prizes!<br />
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It will be race # 8 of 11 in the series. <br />
Ive opted to race 2 classes to get extra time and work. Wish me luck I'll need it. And hopefully we'll get this all together before the season ends here in 10 weeks. <br />
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FYI- I was told to go buy some t-shirts this weekend for an upcoming trip, and basically because I need some. I'm kind of a freak about not wearing your everyday off the shelf shirts. SO IF ANYONE OUT THERE HAS SOMETHING LIFE RELATED TO WHAT IT IS WE DO, I WOULD APPRECIATE THE HEADS UP. I will gladly pay you for them as necessary. I just hate to buy your typical Hurley,Volcom, Quicksilver etc.. shirts.<br />
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Train hard,train smart and be active. </div><br />
<div align="left">The </div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6