Dobbins AFB Air Show.

Well, the season has been over for a few weeks now and I have been enjoying my time off the bike.  This past weekend the Fam and I went out to Dobbins AFB to see the air show.  Here are a few pictures of the action to enjoy.

The "Off" part of my year, as of this week, has come to an end.  We are now entering the "Off-Season" and back to training.  2011...Saddle up and get ready!!

Tour of Elk grove

http://www.cyclingnews.com/features/tour-of-elk-grove-start-list

Saturday and Sunday, 31 July and 1 Aug, I will be racing in the Tour of Elk grove Cat.1/2 races.  Both will be around 75km and start around 1345 Central Time.  They will be on a local TV circuit in the Elk Grove community.  I do not know about being able to tune in via internet.

Hammer Down!!

Blood Lactate Tolerance Testing

For all of those wondering, yes, this was with Robbie Ventura at his performance training center, Vision Quest.  One may ask, was he one of the guys covering Le Tour in France for a certain cable TV station?  Yes.  And he came back from France on Monday just to administer my test on Tuesday.  Not really, but I am very fortunate that he was scheduled to fly back so soon after the Tour and was able to give the test.  Such feedback from a Tour de France veteran and former Pro rider for the US Postal Team was a privilege made possible by my coach, Todd Hancock.

I walk into the centre and wonder to the back by the office.  A few people were working out in the gym but the only person I can see sitting in the office is Robbie...

Superweek Pro Tour

I will get straight to the good stuff.  Racing!
Before I roll it all out, I would like to thank my host family in Kenosha, WI for taking such great care of me and allowing me to stay in their home.  Again, thank you!

Currently, I am in Kenosha, WI and have just finished up the last four days in Superweek.  Four, super-fast and extra-long criteriums with some of the best U.S. professional bike racers and pro teams in attendance.  I drove up to Kenosha, Wednesday, 21 July, to my host family's home.  Then, I raced Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.  I will be taking a blood lactate threshold test at Robbie Ventura's performance center, Tuesday, 27 July, and then heading down to Elk Grove, Chicago, IL to race the Tour of Elk Grove, 31 July and 1 Aug.

My Superweek Rundown:

Racine, 100km, Thursday.
Absolutely sluggish and painful.  I felt awful because my body was still recovering from the long, 14 hour, drive.  The wind was a crucial element to this race as it turned into the threat of a tornado, added to incoming monsoon like rain, the race was canceled about 30min after the start.  First instance in my career that weather has stopped a race.

Kenosha, 100km, Friday.
It is incredible what a deep sleep can do.  The course was flat but the competition strong.  Many well known US Pro riders were present and ready to bring the pain.  I was pretty nervous for what was to come.  I am still not certain what to expect at top level races.  The race started fast, I rode without trying to fight for position and get my nerves under control.  Combined with the distance, the long straightaways on the course facilitated moving up after I settled in.  After twenty or so minutes I started to move up with steady diligence.  I did not fear I would lose out on a getting up to the front, although, I did not foresee my saddle nose slipping into a hilariously upright position during the race.  Go to the pit, get it fixed and take a free lap I thought. Fixed, yes, but no free lap as expected.  Irritated and over a minute down, I rode hard for 3 laps before being absorbed by the field.  I stayed in the race but pulled out with 15 to go because of some serious cramps.  The distance of the race was a bigger factor than I thought and I needed to carry more hydration.

Great Downer Avenue, Milwaukee, 90km, Saturday.
What a great race.  I really enjoyed this one.  The crowds have been getting bigger since Thursday and this was the biggest crowd as nearly the whole of the course was surrounded.  One corner was about 130 degrees and was meant for brakes. Overall, the course was flat and fast and I was ready to bring it.  On my way up to the front, I narrowly avoided three wrecks that happened just in front of me.  After the chaos, I was about 25 back with 25 to go.  I felt great and I was in great position as others seemed to be getting tired.  There was a break up the rode without one of the major pro teams in it.  Because of this, the break was destined to be brought back or the race would stay strung-out as a chase would ensue and keep me in good position for the finish.   Then, a fire truck appeared on the race course and we were all neutralized to wait for the obstruction to clear.  All my hard work, gone.  The re-start made the race hectic again and I fought well for position.  I was going good but I was out of water.  My body began to shutdown and I slowly started to lose positions.  The last five laps I raced with everything I had left.  Which was so hard I could not feel the tips of my fingers.

Whitefish Bay, Milwaukee, 90km, Sunday.
Twisty, turn-y and technical.  The final day.  The race started fast but later slowed as a break got away.  The race seemed to flow well until my saddle slipped into upright position. Again!  Not the best of days as I was feeling the last few days of racing.  Still, I did not feel bad, positioned myself, and then I just began to lose power because of the saddle.  My saddle position was so ascue that it effected which primary movers I used to generate power.  The result, loss of power and a difficult end to the race.

Overall, I am pleased with my experience.  This is bike racing at one of the highest levels in the U.S.  Getting amongst the action and learning how to race at this level were among my goals for this trip.  Most of the days I was close to coming up with something special but, clearly, I am still learning.  Next up...Blood lactate tolerance test at Vision Quest.

The Racing Season is now Full On!

Keeping things to the point as there is much to do with training and racing.  Rest week is next week and that is for updating the blog.

In brief, since my return, I have been to Florida to race and unwind with friends, visited with family, made rounds with friends, completed my taxes, got a new bike, got new wheels, and have been putting in some strong training hours in Dahlonega.  Most importantly, the racing season has begun and it is full on and will be for about the next 7 weekends!

Mild, few isolated showers possible, clearing in the afternoon --Never trust the weatherman.

First, I got out for a 4.5 hr ride on a beautiful Saturday (6 March).  I started by being a little deliciously naughty and eating two steak and egg (always over-easy) English muffins and a mug full of coffee.  My body felt great as I arrived to the 1:20 road in the Dandys.  I was enjoying the sunshine as I climbed up and around the Dandenong range.  It was just after I descended and readied myself for the journey home with provisions from the nearest gas station that the story goes awry....

Favourite rides, Melbourne, Australia

There are so many times on so many rides that my concentration is broken, albeit briefly, by the beauty and serenity that surrounds me. Most of the time I think it would be great to show these serene and beautiful nooks and crannies to those close to me. Then, my focus returns to my riding and all the scenery seems to disappear in a world of concentration. Most of the time I forget what I saw and all the thoughts I decided I surely needed to remember but never do. Stopping to take pictures rarely happens because it breaks concentration and can destroy motivation on a ride.  I have read a quote from a pro cyclist, George Hincapie, who, when asked about being able to travel and see the world, he said it’s not like traveling the world because he didn’t remember much else besides the racing, pain, and the back of some guy's butt. Well, I have made a conscious effort to pull over and snap a few shots for all to get a glimpse into a day of my riding life.  Here are three days of my riding life, in a three-part series from three of my favourite rides around Melbourne.

Favourite Rides (1 of 3): Kinglake

About 4.5 hrs ride. Starting from Hawthorn and out through the very punchy hills in Warrandyte, Research, and Kangaroo Grounds. The fixture of the ride comes up next with a spectacular and gradual 15km climb up to the city of Kinglake.

Shrove Tuesday

Otherwise known as Fat Tuesday, the "traditional" pancakes were hot in the running for dinner but we purchased a tub o’ ricotta that needed to be used, which tipped the scales to sweet and savory crepes. I love crepes --and I definitely love pancakes, but breakfast-for-dinner is pushing it for me. Oh, the agony I must endure. I knew I had to take one for the team this time.

The Opera and Twenty20 Cricket: Part 2

The Opera was fabulous. Kat, Jennifer and I packed a small dinner and took the tram down to the Stonnington neighborhood to see “Opera in the park.” And, since there is gelato nearby, only the best gelato in town, we started and finished our journey with this delectable dessert (across from the Lucky Coq). The show featured selections from popular operas like, ‘Non piu andrai’ from The Marriage of Figaro, ‘Habanera’ from Carmen, and ‘Vesti la giubba’ from Pagliacci. All of which I would love to see in full someday, but Pagliacci the most because of the story, which was explained to me, as well as the selection performed, which is so moving.

Twenty20 Cricket and the Opera: Part 1

I just had to see a game of cricket at the Melbourne Cricket Grounds. This was really exciting as it’s a major landmark, and I quite like the game myself. I missed going to see Australia vs. The World at Sydney Cricket Grounds in 2005, even though I had a ticket. This time I would not be foiled --be it a paper for Uni. or not-- I would not be deterred (the ticket price was decent). Overall, fun to get out and see more of this beautiful city.

St. Valentine's Day Observed...Hightlight of the week!

Thank God for those who believe red roses are a waste, played out, amiss of creativity, and then decide, let’s cook. For those who have experienced what I can do to a pot o’ soft shells, seafood, pasta, curry, steak or any other meal might attest that the way to my heart might just be though my stomach. This year, Valentine's Day was really on Friday because Kat was working at the 24hr flower shop down the road on Sunday. In full, The Menu: the main course was New Orleans inspired crab stuffed tomatoes over a bed of mixed greens and avocado. Prosciutto wrapped cantaloupe. There was fried halloumi cheese, spreadable goat cheese and smoked trout pate with crackers plate. The fruit present is a white peach, Ya pear, kiwi, cantaloupe and cherries. To top them, a sweetened yoghurt sauce (like sweetened creme fraiche). Mixed nuts, smoked almonds, green and black olives. And...to finish with a chocolate meringue layered with chocolate creme patisserie dessert! I do believe, I have said enough. Hope all enjoyed their St. Valentines/Singles Awareness Day.  Please to Enjoy! (all the pictures :)

Questionable Visitors

The other night, before heading to bed, we had a small-ish visitor of questionable character.  I took a few pictures of the bugger before I smashed him up.  One can never be too careful in a country where 98% of the creatures can kill you --rough estimate.  The length of this guy's body was at or longer than an inch.  Anyone know what kind it is? I'm interested in knowing the sort of excruciating mortal danger was present.

Good beans and a French press.

The French Press, It’s my new discovery in coffee lore. As a gift for Christmas, I was given this jewel, twice! Once in the States and again in Aussie. What a cup of coffee it makes, especially with a quality bean. Drip coffee, you just got dropped, never to return (ok, maybe when I Really need you).

Up to date...

Hello to all--finally in the now but, as blogs go, forever in the past. Hope I posted enough pics in the last post about my Bendigo trip. It has been a good week of training; although, I have been forced to rest because I am having a little “Spring knee” pain. I will lay off Saturday's intensity ride and shorten a few of my longer hour days as a result. Still, I am in good spirits for a quick recovery and the respite. If all goes well, I will be on track for Tuesday next week.
Overall, this week is turning out to be my most socially active since arriving. Bendigo last weekend and tonight we went to see the Cricket at MCG (Melbourne Cricket Grounds). A twenty20 match.  Go Aussie! And they won! Saturday night, if I have the energy, will be a free Opera concert.  So much to see and enjoy.  Cheers.

Highlight of the week (25-31 Jan): Bendigo.

Not a bad weekend to get away.  Chinese history, pottery and “Belgian style” training. Why Bendigo? It's way out there in the bush you say. Well, one, we know people, and, two, exactly, get away from the city. Bendigo is about the size of Athens (home of the one and only University of Georgia Bulldogs). Big enough to get government funding and able to support a museum and large botanical garden yet still have the feel of a small town. Nice people, horses, and fairgrounds. (Lots of Pics inside!!)

Week 5: Back to it and Ready to roll!!

My recovery week is over, the girls are back and I’m feeling better than ever.  My body and mind really came around over the rest week weekend. I finalized my workout plan and focused on the next block of training. 

Week 4. Highlight of the week: REST!!

Numero uno: Sleep. It took till Tuesday night before I felt restful sleep. So, so, nice. The weather has been cool during all this week, mid-70F, allowing me to sleep late and then ride. The shorter hours gave me the time and energy to get everyone caught up via the blog and have a little fun. Went to see the movie Fantastic Mr. Fox and make, yes make, butternut squash gnocchi. Mmm, love gnocchi. And, the nutritionals on this dish are fantastic.

Highlight of the week (11-17 Jan).

Being recognized, by my kit, as a Georgian on the Saturday group ride. I’m riding along and out of nowhere I hear, “Hey, are you from Georgia?” A bit of a trip. Turns out this Pro rider used to ride for Jittery Joes and lived in the Atlanta area.

Week 3: A heavy week of training. Heavy on the mind.

Pretty self explanatory. This week was nearly all training. And mentally, the same as physically, it was exhausting. My body and my mind needed a rest just as big to recover.

Weekend getaway to Bendigo (29-31 Jan.).

Few may have noticed that I did not post anything over the weekend.   This is because Kat, Jenn, and I took a trip to Bendigo to get away from the city and hang out with some friends.  There was Chinese history, pottery and a weekend of windy and flat, Belgian style, training...More to come with pics to match.

The Weather...unpredictable: Hottest night on record in over 100 years!

I thought Georgia weather was unpredictable. Our weather man misses things by days and the weather will change drastically from week to week. Well, sorry Georgia, your weather is manic but Melbourne tops my list for wacky weather. There is a saying here that one can experience all four seasons in a day (not always in the right order). It's the truth.

Highlight of the week (4-10 Jan '10 ): Jayco Bay Crits.

Jayco Bay Criterium: Williamstown.  McEwen’s autograph on my green Crumpler bag and a pic with him. Ok, so, I was unsure at first but this guy has won 11 stages and three Green Jerseys (reason why the bag colour is important) competitions in the Tour de France, stages in the Giro, silver at ’02 Worlds, the list goes on…If in Europe, I probably wouldn’t have been able to see him over the crowds. A golden opportunity.  Click the link for more Pictures!!  Click the pic to make it BIG.

Moving on, settling in: A solid second week.

Monday (of the second week): back to BSC Bikes for more tubes and a proper floor pump. I’m tired of trashing $40 worth of tubes in a week.

Traveling Stress: Learning a new route.

I will have to say, one of the hardest parts of traveling is learning where to ride. It’s amazingly stressful to get up everyday and try to map out where to ride, but all the while, not really knowing where it is you are ACTUALLY going. Add, specific length and type of workout, making for at least an hour of planning every morning. Once on the ride, one doesn’t really settle into a good rhythm. Too busy thinking about where to turn next and, “am I lost?” On top of this, a most unexpected and unwelcome dilemma: finding a restroom and water. Yes, really. Most grocers and even gas stations do not have public toilets or fountains. No one. I mean it. You have to look for, very little, blue signs in unexpected places to point you off your path and towards the general direction of the facilities. It’s not always obvious where they may be hiding--even when following the signs. I’m getting better at “spotting-the-potty” but, I admit, I didn’t drink or much else on my rides the first week.

Highlight of The Week (28 Dec- 3 Jan): New Years Eve and New Years Day

Nothing much to say, except I enjoyed fabulous Peking Duck on New Year’s Eve and the best, I mean, The Best, homemade (I do mean from scratch) ooey gooey cinnamon rolls on New Years evening --hey, these things take time. Paired with a worthy exception to my no-drinking-during-competition training rule, I did have a shot of port to bring in the New Year. Hope your celebrations were as delightful as mine.

Trials and Tribulations -The first week.

Arriving with gusto and feeling so suave with my good fortunes, I was in for a tough first week. As many know, the bike didn’t fly over on my plane and I was in sheer terror as I walked away from the baggage counter only having left my hopes, my dreams, and contact info.

Rest Week and The Blog

I can hardly believe 4 weeks have gone by since I flew out of ATL.  WOW!
The time change and recovering from my rides was really tough the first two weeks.  Last week, I was plain knackered with the number of hours I was in the saddle (nearly full-time, if I made a living in France).  Here, at the end of week 4 in Aussie, a rest week --not an off week, I am launching my blog.   Sleep, recovery and relaxation are the name of my game over the week; focusing on getting the body to recuperate from the past three.  This has been tougher than expected but my body and mind has come around.  I am now gearing up and heading into another block of serious training.  Stay close, there is much to be posted.  Hoping everyone is warm and well.  Cheers.

Flight to Aussie.

Finally! Off to Aussie. I am so happy to escape the brutal Georgia winter and numerous hours I had already begrudgingly spent indoors on the bike trainer. As I may be talking of the weather half-jokingly, recent events speak for themselves. Preparing for this trip was relatively simple: pack bike, pack clothes and get to the airport on time. Done. Add a little Christmas and full-on training, not so simple anymore.

My Goals for 2010

Ultimately, secure a contract with a professional cycling team. If not be a serious prospect and/or in communications with a Pro team by the end of the year. The first step is in training. Everyday, nearly year round. This year will be the first full year of devoted training, building from ‘09. The beginning of the updates and the training have already started like the wintry weather. By winter, I mean summer…in Australia. Yes, that’s where I am, putting in the Ks (Km) as it were.

The Purpose

Keeping all interested, abreast of my life, the bike and the in between.