Wiggle Wiggle Wiggle into 2012

Well... training for 2012 has been underway for sometime now and it is getting close to the season kickoff.  The theme for this season:  This year will be different.  In the face of adversity I will be focused, structured, consistent, and, most of all, have no fear of success.

The beginning of my season began back in October during a stressful and tumultuous move around Decatur.  My "off-season" began with a bit of running, very little cycling, and generally being active and soaking up the nice weather --when I was not searching for a new place to live or organizing my new home, working, searching for team sponsorship, selling old cycling gear, and generally being stressed about my immediate/current financial situation.   Different from last season when I was going through a not-so-difficult move, but a move nonetheless, lots of unnecessary distractions in my personal life, and almost no physical activity.  This year I have striven to keep major changes to a minimum, focusing on the loves in my life, having training partners, and keeping positive people around me.  I am already seeing the benefits.

The "off-season" in October does not seem so far away but when put in perspective to my current training and outlook, I realize that it is a lifetime away.  The off-season has well come to an end and I am currently into structured training and have just finished up a solid four week block.  There is so much progress to be made but I have never been happier to put in the work.  As I still focus on steady progress, I will hone my skills and fitness with early season training races peppered into February and then into the thick of it starting in March.

There are two very important differences when comparing this time last year to today; most importantly, I am already doing workouts that took me half of last year to be able to complete, if I could at all!! Second, this time last year I was close to 10 lbs heavier than I am now and I was about 5 lbs heavier during the racing season than my current weight.  That means I am leaner and stronger than last year.  Already!  As I continue to improve my power output I will also continue to target my planned race weight and losing a final 4-5lbs (Note: Only if my power continues to improve and losing the weight does not interfere with my training!).  Third, last season as a whole was disappointing and difficult.  My early season prep was weak and I struggled with workouts all year, a distracted coach, getting sick any number of times, and two detrimental accidents suffered in races (also why I struggled to stay fit and lean). Accident #1 at the end of April, I broke a rib, and #2 in June, I hit an killed a full grown deer/doe (yes, seriously!), shattered my helmet, and suffered a major concussion which took the rest of the season to recover.  By the time I recovered the road racing season was basically over but I was only ready to take a short break and high dive into 2012.

...This year will be different.

2011 Racing Schedule

2011 Racing Schedule

 Week Of:  (Racing is usually on Sat+Sun following the date)

17 Jan: Hammock Ridge, Clermont, FL

24: Tour of Bahamas

31: Swamp Classic, Gainesville, FL

7 Feb

14

21: Savannah Omnium (GaCup), Savannah, GA

28

7 March

14: Union City Omnium (GaCup), Union City, GA

21: Dalton Omnium (GaCup), Dalton, GA

28: Rome Omnium (GaCup), Rome, GA

4 April: Tour of the Battenkill, Cambridge, NY

11

18

25: Athens Twilight and Roswell Criteriums (Speedweek. Swagger). Athens+Roswell, GA. Wreck and injury at Roswell

2 May: Joe Martin Stage Race, Thurs-Sun: Fayetteville, Arkansas. (My Birthday week/Month of celebrations..3^rd ;-)

9: Gainesville Omnium (GaCup), Gainesville, Ga

16

23: Tour of Atlanta Omnium (GaCup), Wed-Sun: TBA, GA

30

6 June: Healthy Newton Omnium: Wreck, major soft tissue injury and concussion -hit and killed a deer during the race.

13: 

20 

27

4 July

11: French Broad Cycling Classic. No race due to injury

18: Georgia Cycling Grand Prix, Wed-Sun, GA. No race due to injury

25: Crossroads Cycling Classic, N.C. No race due to injury

1 Aug: Tour of Elk Grove, IL. No race due to injury

8

15: Grant Park Criterium, Atlanta, GA

22: River Gorge Omnium, Chattanooga, TN

29: Labour Day Omnium, Anderson, SC

5 Sept.: 'Need For Speed' Sprint Tournament at DLV (Dick Lane Velodrome)

12: 

19

26

3 Oct.

Ready to Roll... Early Season Peak and Racing is Here.

This weekend: Athens Twilight and Roswell Criteriums.   Sunday is noteworthy as I will be competing against some of the best US racers in the Pro/1 category in Historic Roswell, GA at 6pm.  These are big races yet they are not my main focus but the final tune-up to Joe Martin Stage Race in Fayetteville, Arkansas next week.  Since Battenkill, unfortunate as it may have been, I did not lose any confidence against my competitors and I have put in some serious hours in preparation for Joe Martin --and feeling stronger still.

Next Week:  Joe Martin Stage Race.  A few team mates and myself will be driving out early Monday to Arkansas.  The race starts Thursday but pre-race scouting and recovery is paramount.  Joe Martin is a four day affair starting with a 2.5 miles, 6.8%, uphill time trial on Thursday.  Followed by two 100mile Road Races packed with about 6000 feet of climbing per day.  In comparison, the sawtooth course of Battenkill was ~6000 feet in 80miles.  And, Sunday, the final day, will be a 60min criterium.

Speedweek: http://usacrits.com/speedweek/
Athens Amateur Qualifiiers: 12:25pm. (On the Greenway)
Amateur Finals: 6pm (downtown Athens)
Roswell: 6pm (Historic Roswell)

Joe Martin Schedule: http://www.joemartinstagerace.com/schedule/index.html

I will be in the Men 1,2 category.

Back from The Battenkill

The Tour of the Battenkill in Cambridge, NY (10 April 2011) is known as the Queen of the American Classics... Rightly so!  Three team mates and myself drove up from Atlanta, GA and found out just how difficult this race can be.  

We will start out with an incomplete but adequate history lesson about the Spring Classics in cycling.  The Classics; Milan-San Remo, Ghent Wevelgem, Tour of Flanders, Paris-Roubaix, the Amstel Gold, La Fleche Wallone, and Leige-Bastogne-Liege, mark the beginning of the cycling season as well as being the toughest one-day racing of the year.  These are separate races (not part of a series) with a history all of their own in creation and prestige.  Basically, they are classics because they are really difficult and really old.  An example, Liege or L-B-L, was first raced in 1892 and only a few editions have been missed (World Wars).  To Belgians, Leige is the most prestigious but worldwide Paris-Roubaix is considered the "Queen of the Classics."  To answer the question, yes, the names are fairly indicative of the route.  For example, Milan-San Remo is from Milan to San Remo and about 1mile short of a 200mile race.  These races are all in the 150mile range.  Some races include sectors over centuries-old cobblestone and hills, with cobbles, up to 22% gradient from 300-1600meters.  These races are for the true "hard men" of cycling.  Adding to the difficulty of the parcours is the weather.  March and April in Europe (as well as N.E. USA) is unpredictable and possibly dreadful.

Recon with team mates

Part of Meeting House Road

Many cycling races during this time of year will pull from European roots and create a course, possibly throw in a dirt road, and give it a name like Perry-Roubaix (as in Perry, GA).  Nothing compares to Battenkill.  The hills or the roads.  The race is close to 100miles and the first major climbs are at mile 7 and 11 and do not stop till the finish.  Mile 11 is the steepest at 18% and on dirt.  We were honoured to cross it twice (mile 22).  The whole race is filled with sharp climbs like many European Classics as well as a few steady climbs in the range of a few miles.  Perfect for a rider like myself.

The race, however, was not as perfect as I would have liked.  The first twenty or so miles went well.  I was comfortable, good position, and in no trouble up the first round of climbs and dirts roads.  As it turns out, the paved roads are what cause more mechanical problems than the dirt and gravel roads.  The harsh weather has made man-eating pot-holes that, when hit at 30mi/hr, cause a flat nearly every time.  As I found out, on the team recon ride and during the race.  After I got a change from a wheel truck, I had to chase back to the race fairly hard and made contact just as the group hit one of the steeper climbs.  I was about gassed and teetered on to the back of the group but lost contact.  Tried to compose myself as best I could over the top and hunkered down to chase back again.   The closest I came was about 75meters from the group on Juniper Swamp.  It was a long, hard 60 miles solo to the finish but there was no way I was going to pack it up and go home before I crossed the finish line.

Despite being out of contention from the race early I really enjoyed myself.  The course was brutally tough and I felt that it did suit my riding style and abilities.  I would love make it back next year and give it everything.  There is no doubt that I would have been a top finisher in this race.

Link to the race guide: take a look at page 13 and 21.

http://www.tourofthebattenkill.com/storage/pdfs/race_guide_2011.pdf

A picture of the race coming down Meeting House Road:

http://pezcyclingnews.com/cgi/gallerypicget.asp?pic=http://www.pezcyclingnews.com/photos/races11/batt11/batt11-down.jpg

Packed up and leaving ATL

TT bike on display at the Expo

Impressive tech and paint

A Big Step Ahead.

Savannah, GA.  The Georgia Cup Savannah Omnium, February 26,27, race turned out to be a big step ahead for me in the early season of racing. 

I have been having trouble getting quality training time since December, some physical setbacks, and feeling like my fitness has been stagnant.  I would say, and my coach probably would also, that my barriers have largely been mental.  Consistency has been key for me.  With setbacks, I have been consistently on the bike.  Starting the week I traveled to Clermont, FL, I have logged some great time on the bike but still not up to the volume I really need to be riding.  This is not as important as my mental barriers to working out at the intensity that I am capable of training. 

The Way Back to Atlanta: An extra week in Clermont and the Swamp Classic.

Post race Sunday before heading home

Well, I just could not bear coming back to Georgia with another cold front hitting the East Coast after all the beautiful weather I had been training in.  I am very fortunate to have been able to stay in Clermont, FL another week on my way back --another week of fantastic weather as well!  My extra week allowed me to catch the Swamp Classic in Gainesville, FL en route to Decatur.

Tour of Bahamas Recap

The tour of the Bahamas was good start to the season.  The racing was decent but not great as teams were working out the kinks and everyone trying to be opportunistic for the win.

This would not have been a typical cycling adventure without some uncertainty....

Winter Training, Getting Away, and The First Race of the Season: Tour of Bahamas, 29, 30 January 2011.

The 2011 racing season is about to be under way this weekend with the Tour of Bahamas!!  I decided to start things off with a strong early season race to keep up my motivation through the mentally tough winter training months.

The Tour of Bahamas has kept me motivated up until recently when I was snowed and iced into the house for days on end.  The snow in was fine...for the first day.  By day five in the house I was ready to never see the ice and snow again.  Everyday I had to ride on the trainer, in the cold garage, for hours.  One only has so much that they can stand to be on the trainer and my tolerance happens to be very low.  The time on the trainer began to stack up and weigh me down.  I started to dread getting on the bike as well as coming down with a chesty-head cold.

All this terrible weather brings me up to date with where I am currently, warmer, and sunny, Clermont, FL. --minus a heady-chest cold.  Last Wednesday,  19 Jan, I left Georgia  for a change of scenery and to recharge.  I could not take any more of the cold weather --highs of 30F and overcast for days on end.  I arrived in the evening to a sunny 70F day.  Things were looking up.  Day 1 on the bike, high of 75F and beautiful sunshine.  Oh, yes, no arm warmers, no leg warmers and even a little sunscreen on my nose, I was absolutely buzzing.  I tackled my single leg drills and threshold efforts with gusto!  My training since has been great.  It has been good to get away to gain perspective on things, hang with good friends (congrats Nguyen Vu and Desiree, glad I was here to witness the proposal), and even with the added hours and intensity of my training, I am feeling restored and rested.

Tour of Bahamas has historically attracted the South and Northeastern domestic pro teams as well as other top regional amateurs.  Hopefully this year will be no different... The racing will take place on Saturday and Sunday.
1. a) Saturday will start at 8:30 with a 3 mile Time Trial, Eddy Merckx style (ie. no aero equipment allowed).
b)Followed by a Circuit race at 13:00.
2.  The 105 mile Road Race will be the only race on Sunday and will start at 9:30.

Hammer Down!

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.