On my ride yesterday, I engaged in an exchange with a rider, I’ll call him “Dude,” who did something I find insanely annoying. First though, let me describe the setting and the group in which I was riding.
Yesterday’s lovely weather took me outdoors on my bike for a few hours around town and down to the Booty Loop, a 3 mile loop in Myers Park, near Queens University, that is known for all the cyclists and runners and people jaunting around it. Suffice to say, this is generally not the place you come to do serious race training. The group I was in during the exchange with Dude was obviously recreational riders taking advantage of the nice weather. Most of them probably haven’t been on their bike in weeks…maybe months, judging by the looks of pain on their faces as we hit the hills. I was perfectly happy to spin with these guys, taking in the beautiful weather.
The exchange happened when Dude pulled off the front after his turn to “pull.” And I use that term loosely because his pull was no more than 18 mph – a very relaxed pace. I was 2 riders back from him and I had been keeping about half a bike length between myself and the rider in front of me. Well, Dude didn’t like that very much. As he drifted by me, he motioned with his hand for me to close the gap. I looked over at him. “I’m on it,” I assured him. “Well, I’m glad that you are, that way, I don’t have to be.” WHAAAAATT? Firstly, we’re only going 18 mph…it’s not like we’re in a 25 mph paceline in danger of being dropped off the back. Secondly, it’s the BOOTY LOOP, for crying out loud!
What I wanted to say and what I did say were two different things. Did he really think I couldn’t close the gap at the whopping 18 mph at which we were traveling? Was he serious? After all, I wasn’t the one huffing and puffing. Did he really think that he was going to have to help me? Surely not so I said to him, “Dude, this isn’t exactly a race pace.” And I laughed, thinking maybe he was kidding. “Well, why don’t you have a go?” WHAAAAATT?
He can’t be serious, right? I looked at his face. He was serious; almost angry. He really wanted me to have a go? To attack a group of recreational riders who could barely keep 18 mph? I have been riding long enough to know how arrogant that would be. He realizes we’re on the Booty Loop, right? I looked at him again, this time laughing AT him, not just NEAR him.
The group eventually did break up on account of a couple hills. Dude stayed on my wheel…just stayed there. Never came around for a pull, not that I was putting myself out, but in cycling, that’s the courteous thing to do. I finally got tired of it. After pulling him around for 6 miles, I sat up. When I did, he sprinted past me. I guess he figured that was his time to “have a go” against me. He was determined to make it to the “finish” before me. He kept looking back to see if I was following and every time he did, I took a drink from my bottle and looked off to the side. I didn’t want to ride with such an arrogant tool. I have nothing to prove; especially on the Booty Loop. I laughed again to myself and enjoyed the rest of my ride.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Poor Davie Zee
David Zabriskie’s Salt Lake City home was burglarized while he was busy placing second in the Amgen Tour of California last week. The Garmin/Slipstream rider lost of lot of irreplaceable items including Olympic and Giro d’Italia memorabilia. What bothers me the most (aside from the thieving humans) is that there’s been no major news coverage of the break in. I mean, for crying out loud, Lance loses ONE bike and it’s in the headlines all over the world. David loses just about everything and the only coverage seems to be on cycling websites. Here’s a list of what was stolen, according to VeloNews:
• Black 2008 Subaru Outback, Utah plate A189NC
• Black 2006 Toyota Scion, Utah plate 094VWM
• Giro D Italia Race Medal (approx. 6" circumference)
• Olympic Seiko watch
• Beijing Olympic ring (silver) with initials "DZ" engraved
• Olympic Time Trial Bike, plus 12 other bikes
• Cervelo (black/red) bike frame - team issued
• Tag Heuer watch
• Bose Speaker/Receiver System
• Sony 52" flat screen TV
• Two Mac Books and one Mac desktop, plus hard drive
• A pair of Space legs, a recovery compression system for legs
• 7 Marvel sideshow statues
The items that CAN be valued reach over $150,000 not including the 2 vehicles. But, let’s face it: the Giro Medal, Olympic TT bike and Olympic ring are not replaceable and no price can be assigned to them. There’s only one way to get those things - work your ass off your whole life and win them for yourself. Or, I guess, you could just steal them.
Anyone with any information is asked to call the Tips for Cash line at (801) 799-INFO (4636). Please reference case #09-32767. You can also email the Salt Lake City Police Department at slcpd@slcgov.com.
• Black 2008 Subaru Outback, Utah plate A189NC
• Black 2006 Toyota Scion, Utah plate 094VWM
• Giro D Italia Race Medal (approx. 6" circumference)
• Olympic Seiko watch
• Beijing Olympic ring (silver) with initials "DZ" engraved
• Olympic Time Trial Bike, plus 12 other bikes
• Cervelo (black/red) bike frame - team issued
• Tag Heuer watch
• Bose Speaker/Receiver System
• Sony 52" flat screen TV
• Two Mac Books and one Mac desktop, plus hard drive
• A pair of Space legs, a recovery compression system for legs
• 7 Marvel sideshow statues
The items that CAN be valued reach over $150,000 not including the 2 vehicles. But, let’s face it: the Giro Medal, Olympic TT bike and Olympic ring are not replaceable and no price can be assigned to them. There’s only one way to get those things - work your ass off your whole life and win them for yourself. Or, I guess, you could just steal them.
Anyone with any information is asked to call the Tips for Cash line at (801) 799-INFO (4636). Please reference case #09-32767. You can also email the Salt Lake City Police Department at slcpd@slcgov.com.
Monday, February 23, 2009
My "Slight" Tactical Error
I may have made a slight tactical error in my race execution on Saturday in Greenville.
OK. Actually, there’s no “may” or “slight” about it. I made a huge tactical error. Several, in fact. My plan was good. Having only decided the night before the race to participate, I set only 2 simple goals for myself. The first – ride near the front. The second - hang on for a pack finish.
Over 50 women started the race – everyone from first timers to pros straight out of the Tour of Cali Crit. The pace was quick from the start and I found myself riding halfway down the pack. I moved up to the front instantly and was amazed at how fast I was able to accomplish that given the amount of riders. So, I rode at the front for a little while, content to let some of the pros set the pace. Yay, I somewhat accomplished one of my goals. Too bad it was only the first lap. There was a long way to go. The attacks started.
Here’s where I made my “slight” mistake. I lost all self control, got a wild hair and decided to follow Ally Stacher on an attack. Of course, as soon as she looked back and saw it was me behind her, she eased up. There is no way Ally would attempt a breakaway with someone as weak as me. That was a tactically good move on her part (that’s why she rides pro and I don’t…among other reasons). As soon as the peleton caught us, there was a counter attack. We chased and caught them. Then another attack – I THINK it was Ally again and a BMW rider - it's all a daze at this point. They got a small gap. My legs felt decent, so I bridged across to them. Again, leaving my race plans on the side of the road. The peleton chased us down easily. I should mention that the wind was insane – 30 miles an hour. I was already red lining, having attempted 2 breakaways in under a minute. I decided to ease back into the group and hide myself from the wind for a while to catch my breath. As I eased back, I notice that the group was half as large as when we started – we had dropped a bunch of riders.
At this point, I made another mistake. I was not paying attention. I was too focused on the wheel in front of me to realize that rider was falling off the back of the pack. I looked up and saw a gap between her and the group. I began to panic. I swung around her and began my pursuit back to the peleton. In that wind, however, it proved to be a battle of pure will. They were only about 10 meters in front of me, but I could not seem to close the gap. After about 10 minutes of fighting, I finally caught back on. But, I was so spent from chasing, that as soon as the next attack went, I couldn’t hold on. My legs blew up. So did the goals I set for myself. What was I thinking trying to play games with the big girl's?
I eased up for about a minute – enough time to let my legs recover a bit – and then decided to finish the last 30 miles as a time trial into the wind. As I did, I was passing other women who had fallen off the group. I suspect I finished somewhere in the middle of all the women who started. I don’t know for sure because, for some reason, Pre-reg.com only posted the top 15 places, instead of complete results. At the end of the race, I was glad to hear the peleton had been completely busted up. There were 2 reasons for this – the pro riders attacked relentlessly and the wind kept people off the back.
So, there you go. First race of 2009 – a bust. Maybe not a complete bust, but not a great start. It can only get better from here, right?
OK. Actually, there’s no “may” or “slight” about it. I made a huge tactical error. Several, in fact. My plan was good. Having only decided the night before the race to participate, I set only 2 simple goals for myself. The first – ride near the front. The second - hang on for a pack finish.
Over 50 women started the race – everyone from first timers to pros straight out of the Tour of Cali Crit. The pace was quick from the start and I found myself riding halfway down the pack. I moved up to the front instantly and was amazed at how fast I was able to accomplish that given the amount of riders. So, I rode at the front for a little while, content to let some of the pros set the pace. Yay, I somewhat accomplished one of my goals. Too bad it was only the first lap. There was a long way to go. The attacks started.
Here’s where I made my “slight” mistake. I lost all self control, got a wild hair and decided to follow Ally Stacher on an attack. Of course, as soon as she looked back and saw it was me behind her, she eased up. There is no way Ally would attempt a breakaway with someone as weak as me. That was a tactically good move on her part (that’s why she rides pro and I don’t…among other reasons). As soon as the peleton caught us, there was a counter attack. We chased and caught them. Then another attack – I THINK it was Ally again and a BMW rider - it's all a daze at this point. They got a small gap. My legs felt decent, so I bridged across to them. Again, leaving my race plans on the side of the road. The peleton chased us down easily. I should mention that the wind was insane – 30 miles an hour. I was already red lining, having attempted 2 breakaways in under a minute. I decided to ease back into the group and hide myself from the wind for a while to catch my breath. As I eased back, I notice that the group was half as large as when we started – we had dropped a bunch of riders.
At this point, I made another mistake. I was not paying attention. I was too focused on the wheel in front of me to realize that rider was falling off the back of the pack. I looked up and saw a gap between her and the group. I began to panic. I swung around her and began my pursuit back to the peleton. In that wind, however, it proved to be a battle of pure will. They were only about 10 meters in front of me, but I could not seem to close the gap. After about 10 minutes of fighting, I finally caught back on. But, I was so spent from chasing, that as soon as the next attack went, I couldn’t hold on. My legs blew up. So did the goals I set for myself. What was I thinking trying to play games with the big girl's?
I eased up for about a minute – enough time to let my legs recover a bit – and then decided to finish the last 30 miles as a time trial into the wind. As I did, I was passing other women who had fallen off the group. I suspect I finished somewhere in the middle of all the women who started. I don’t know for sure because, for some reason, Pre-reg.com only posted the top 15 places, instead of complete results. At the end of the race, I was glad to hear the peleton had been completely busted up. There were 2 reasons for this – the pro riders attacked relentlessly and the wind kept people off the back.
So, there you go. First race of 2009 – a bust. Maybe not a complete bust, but not a great start. It can only get better from here, right?
Friday, February 20, 2009
See? That's What I'm Talkin' 'Bout!
This past weekend I did a mountain ride out of Saluda, NC with a couple of teammates and other riding buddies. I am notoriously bad at climbing – if you’ve read my blog then you know that I constantly gripe about my weight. For a cyclist, I’m a fat chick. This makes climbing an issue for me, although I love doing it. On this trip, though, I felt really good by my own standards. I was still last up the hills, though.
On the way home, my teammate and I were talking about how the ride went. My teammate admitted, “I’m surprised how well I climbed today considering I’ve only been doing intervals 2 days a week and doing a group ride on Saturdays.” I nearly slammed on the brakes and threw her out of the car. I’ve been killing myself riding no less than 5 days a week, mostly 6 days – doing climbing specific intervals, long rides and strength training. And I STILL can’t keep the gap respectable on the climbs. Mentally, that’s hard to take.
At some point I’m going to have to pinpoint a strength that I DO possess in cycling so I can quit focusing on what I CAN’T do. Maybe sprinting…after all, Mark Cavendish is the fastest finisher in the pro peleton, but at the same time, by his own admission, is a horrible climber.
On the way home, my teammate and I were talking about how the ride went. My teammate admitted, “I’m surprised how well I climbed today considering I’ve only been doing intervals 2 days a week and doing a group ride on Saturdays.” I nearly slammed on the brakes and threw her out of the car. I’ve been killing myself riding no less than 5 days a week, mostly 6 days – doing climbing specific intervals, long rides and strength training. And I STILL can’t keep the gap respectable on the climbs. Mentally, that’s hard to take.
At some point I’m going to have to pinpoint a strength that I DO possess in cycling so I can quit focusing on what I CAN’T do. Maybe sprinting…after all, Mark Cavendish is the fastest finisher in the pro peleton, but at the same time, by his own admission, is a horrible climber.
Christina DeKraay, Myself, Stacie Schnitkey
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Versus, I Hate You SOOOOO Much Right Now
Only one TV Network in the US covers Pro cycling races: Versus, formerly known as Outdoor Life Network. To get that network, I’m required by my cable provider to subscribe to the highest tier of service they offer. It’s expensive. It’s ridiculously expensive considering the relatively few hours of racing that gets covered throughout the year. But it’s the only way I get to watch the races I love. So, when those few hours of racing do get coverage – I expect to see every minute. Especially the most important part of the race: the end.
Apparently, Versus does not agree. I am stoked that Versus has decided to cover this years Tour of California live. And, really, why wouldn’t they? All the stars of racing have converged on Cali making this event one of the best fields of pro racing ever assembled on American soil. It’s of Tour de France quality. It’s amazing. So, why then did Versus decide last night in covering Stage 3, to cut out of it’s live coverage with only about 15K to the finish, in favor of National Hockey League coverage?
As a cycling fan and cable subscriber, obviously, I’m pissed off. Really pissed off. But, the fact that I work in TV, and have an idea of how things work, makes me even madder because I personally feel like, executively, it was the wrong decision. Here was Versus’ plan: After 2 hours of live coverage drop out of Stage 3 with 15K left (15k in a cycling race is equivalent to about 10 minutes) and cut to NHL Hockey Match coverage. And not even NHL match coverage…it was the pre-game chit chat, fat head at a desk trying to predict for everyone the outcome of the upcoming match. That same fat head was to apologize to cycling fans and assure them that they would be given race updates in the breaks of hockey coverage. Gee thanks. Yeah, that’s the same as watching it live.
The correct plan would have been this: stick with Stage 3 through the finish; there was only 15k left anyway. Run a crawl stating that NHL coverage would begin upon completion of the Stage. After all, you weren’t really missing anything on the NHL side - guy at desk, National Anthem, and maybe a minute of actual match play. I suspect that a contractual obligation could have been why Versus went to NHL exactly at 7PM. If that be the case, I still fault Versus with agreeing to that contract. How can you follow live coverage of a sporting event with a hard out? Can you imagine that happening with the NFL? You’d get to the 2 minute warning, go to a break and never come back – oh, but you’d get updates on the score in the breaks of Desperate Housewives or 60 Minutes or whatever comes on after football.
I have contacted Versus with my extreme disappointment. If they happen to reply, I will post it here. Feel free to contact them yourself, as well: feedback@versus.com.
Oh, and to the sportscaster I called a fat head, I apologize. That was immature of me.
Apparently, Versus does not agree. I am stoked that Versus has decided to cover this years Tour of California live. And, really, why wouldn’t they? All the stars of racing have converged on Cali making this event one of the best fields of pro racing ever assembled on American soil. It’s of Tour de France quality. It’s amazing. So, why then did Versus decide last night in covering Stage 3, to cut out of it’s live coverage with only about 15K to the finish, in favor of National Hockey League coverage?
As a cycling fan and cable subscriber, obviously, I’m pissed off. Really pissed off. But, the fact that I work in TV, and have an idea of how things work, makes me even madder because I personally feel like, executively, it was the wrong decision. Here was Versus’ plan: After 2 hours of live coverage drop out of Stage 3 with 15K left (15k in a cycling race is equivalent to about 10 minutes) and cut to NHL Hockey Match coverage. And not even NHL match coverage…it was the pre-game chit chat, fat head at a desk trying to predict for everyone the outcome of the upcoming match. That same fat head was to apologize to cycling fans and assure them that they would be given race updates in the breaks of hockey coverage. Gee thanks. Yeah, that’s the same as watching it live.
The correct plan would have been this: stick with Stage 3 through the finish; there was only 15k left anyway. Run a crawl stating that NHL coverage would begin upon completion of the Stage. After all, you weren’t really missing anything on the NHL side - guy at desk, National Anthem, and maybe a minute of actual match play. I suspect that a contractual obligation could have been why Versus went to NHL exactly at 7PM. If that be the case, I still fault Versus with agreeing to that contract. How can you follow live coverage of a sporting event with a hard out? Can you imagine that happening with the NFL? You’d get to the 2 minute warning, go to a break and never come back – oh, but you’d get updates on the score in the breaks of Desperate Housewives or 60 Minutes or whatever comes on after football.
I have contacted Versus with my extreme disappointment. If they happen to reply, I will post it here. Feel free to contact them yourself, as well: feedback@versus.com.
Oh, and to the sportscaster I called a fat head, I apologize. That was immature of me.
Friday, February 13, 2009
Yahoo's Cycling "News"
“Lance Armstrong shelves plan to set up drug testing program.”
That’s the headline on Yahoo News this morning. What a joke. Here’s a short list of recent cycling happenings that are much more newsworthy and significant than Lance and his doping problems.
1) “First Women’s Pro Cycling race held in Middle East” – The Tour of Qatar this year introduced a women’s race which became the first Pro Women’s cycling event ever held in the Middle East. Usually, the only stories we hear coming out of the Middle East involve people blowing themselves up. This would have been a great feel good story to shed a little positive light on an area of the world that is greatly misunderstood. But, not for Yahoo.
2) “Tour of California boasts a Tour de France Quality Field” – Lance Armstrong, Floyd Landis, Carlos Sastre, Fabian Cancellara, Levi Leipheimer, the Schleck Brothers, George Hincapie, Mark Cavendish, Tom Boonen, Tyler Hamilton, Oscar Freire, Ivan Basso…the list goes on. There are multiple current and former National Champions, World Champions, Tour de France Champions, and Giro d’Italia Champions in this years ToC. This is easily one of the best fields ever assembled on American soil. The start list reads like the Tour de France but it’s happening in California. It’s absolutely incredible. But, not to Yahoo.
3) “Lance Armstrong creates U23 team to fight cancer” – If you’re compelled to use a Lance story as the draw for your readership then how about this one instead of the same tired old story over and over: Lance created an U23 team for 2009, the Trek-Livestrong Team, as a part of the Lance Armstrong Foundation’s Global Cancer Initiative. The team is run by the highly successful and now retired pro cyclist Axel Merckx, son of the best cyclist ever, Eddie Merckx. And it features Junior World Time Trial Champion, Taylor Phinney, who is the offspring of a Tour de France stage winner and an Olympic Gold Medalist. That’s some really cool stuff! But, not to Yahoo.
4) “Cyclist Dies in his sleep at Tour of Qatar” – It’s not a happy story, but it’s a significant story when a healthy 22 year old dies in his sleep during a professional bike race. Of course, this will lead to people assuming drug use, but the UCI’s Passport Program and doping controls showed nothing unusual in the rider’s body. The Stage that followed was reduced to 40K and was neutralized out of respect for the fallen rider, Frederiek Nolf, who was in his first year as a professional. The cycling community mourned. But, not Yahoo.
5) “Belgian Marianne Vos takes World’s win; American Katie Compton on the Podium” – anyone who’s tired of the millions of dollars, egos, and all around bullshit of most men’s professional sports, may find a breath of fresh air in following some women’s sports. I’m partial to cycling of course. With the lack of high paychecks and media coverage, you will be watching the best of the best in sports competition being played out by people who really, REALLY love what they do. Marianne Vos won the 2009 World Cyclocross Championship, becoming the only woman ever to win a World title in the Road, Track and Cyclocross disciplines. An amazing feat. But, not to Yahoo.
There you go. 5 stories with significantly more newsworthiness than Lance and doping controls. Doping is not the only story in cycling. Let me say that again. Doping IS NOT the only story in cycling. A lot of wonderful things happen in this sport. Perhaps we can focus on some of those things, Yahoo?
That’s the headline on Yahoo News this morning. What a joke. Here’s a short list of recent cycling happenings that are much more newsworthy and significant than Lance and his doping problems.
1) “First Women’s Pro Cycling race held in Middle East” – The Tour of Qatar this year introduced a women’s race which became the first Pro Women’s cycling event ever held in the Middle East. Usually, the only stories we hear coming out of the Middle East involve people blowing themselves up. This would have been a great feel good story to shed a little positive light on an area of the world that is greatly misunderstood. But, not for Yahoo.
2) “Tour of California boasts a Tour de France Quality Field” – Lance Armstrong, Floyd Landis, Carlos Sastre, Fabian Cancellara, Levi Leipheimer, the Schleck Brothers, George Hincapie, Mark Cavendish, Tom Boonen, Tyler Hamilton, Oscar Freire, Ivan Basso…the list goes on. There are multiple current and former National Champions, World Champions, Tour de France Champions, and Giro d’Italia Champions in this years ToC. This is easily one of the best fields ever assembled on American soil. The start list reads like the Tour de France but it’s happening in California. It’s absolutely incredible. But, not to Yahoo.
3) “Lance Armstrong creates U23 team to fight cancer” – If you’re compelled to use a Lance story as the draw for your readership then how about this one instead of the same tired old story over and over: Lance created an U23 team for 2009, the Trek-Livestrong Team, as a part of the Lance Armstrong Foundation’s Global Cancer Initiative. The team is run by the highly successful and now retired pro cyclist Axel Merckx, son of the best cyclist ever, Eddie Merckx. And it features Junior World Time Trial Champion, Taylor Phinney, who is the offspring of a Tour de France stage winner and an Olympic Gold Medalist. That’s some really cool stuff! But, not to Yahoo.
4) “Cyclist Dies in his sleep at Tour of Qatar” – It’s not a happy story, but it’s a significant story when a healthy 22 year old dies in his sleep during a professional bike race. Of course, this will lead to people assuming drug use, but the UCI’s Passport Program and doping controls showed nothing unusual in the rider’s body. The Stage that followed was reduced to 40K and was neutralized out of respect for the fallen rider, Frederiek Nolf, who was in his first year as a professional. The cycling community mourned. But, not Yahoo.
5) “Belgian Marianne Vos takes World’s win; American Katie Compton on the Podium” – anyone who’s tired of the millions of dollars, egos, and all around bullshit of most men’s professional sports, may find a breath of fresh air in following some women’s sports. I’m partial to cycling of course. With the lack of high paychecks and media coverage, you will be watching the best of the best in sports competition being played out by people who really, REALLY love what they do. Marianne Vos won the 2009 World Cyclocross Championship, becoming the only woman ever to win a World title in the Road, Track and Cyclocross disciplines. An amazing feat. But, not to Yahoo.
There you go. 5 stories with significantly more newsworthiness than Lance and doping controls. Doping is not the only story in cycling. Let me say that again. Doping IS NOT the only story in cycling. A lot of wonderful things happen in this sport. Perhaps we can focus on some of those things, Yahoo?
Monday, February 9, 2009
Can I Slap You Now?
***UPDATE*** 2-11-09. This situation has been amicably resolved. All is right with the world.
I will try to contain myself…I will try not to write something that will upset my own sponsors…I will not use specific names…but I have some beef with another team in the area…a team with some prominent riders.
$20. That’s how much the registration fee was for this weekends Charlotte Sport Cycling Winter Training ride. Team Giordana – Clif Bar provided lots and lots of food for the riders, rest stops, SAG support, and Jeremiah Bishop, US National Short Track & Marathon Mountain Bike Champion.
Apparently, $20 is too much for some people; some people who ride for a prominent team out of Greenville, SC; some people we all race with and ride with. It appears only one rider on that team paid their registration fee. The rest of the team rode circles outside of the park where the ride started and joined the group after the start.
To that team, I say this: We are all a part of the same cycling community. You know who we are and we know who you are. What you did by dodging the $20 registration fee is slap us all in the face. It demonstrated a total lack of class, community and respect. I certainly doubt you would put up with riders participating in your Spring Training Races without paying their entry fee. I, also, certainly doubt that the professional rider whose namesake garners your jersey would put up with those kinds of actions either. As much as he does to promote and support cycling of all levels in his hometown, I can only hope that he would be as appalled at your actions as I am.
If you don’t want to pay $20 to ride, then fine, ride elsewhere that day. But don’t try to sneak in under the radar and hope nobody notices. Where are your morals?
I will try to contain myself…I will try not to write something that will upset my own sponsors…I will not use specific names…but I have some beef with another team in the area…a team with some prominent riders.
$20. That’s how much the registration fee was for this weekends Charlotte Sport Cycling Winter Training ride. Team Giordana – Clif Bar provided lots and lots of food for the riders, rest stops, SAG support, and Jeremiah Bishop, US National Short Track & Marathon Mountain Bike Champion.
Apparently, $20 is too much for some people; some people who ride for a prominent team out of Greenville, SC; some people we all race with and ride with. It appears only one rider on that team paid their registration fee. The rest of the team rode circles outside of the park where the ride started and joined the group after the start.
To that team, I say this: We are all a part of the same cycling community. You know who we are and we know who you are. What you did by dodging the $20 registration fee is slap us all in the face. It demonstrated a total lack of class, community and respect. I certainly doubt you would put up with riders participating in your Spring Training Races without paying their entry fee. I, also, certainly doubt that the professional rider whose namesake garners your jersey would put up with those kinds of actions either. As much as he does to promote and support cycling of all levels in his hometown, I can only hope that he would be as appalled at your actions as I am.
If you don’t want to pay $20 to ride, then fine, ride elsewhere that day. But don’t try to sneak in under the radar and hope nobody notices. Where are your morals?
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Winter Training 2009
After a seriously lackluster 2008 racing season in which, instead of reaching my racing weight, I gained 10 pounds instead, I have re-committed myself to my training for 2009. A promotion at work, moving into a new home, and lots and lots of family obligations that I allowed to dictate my life led to limited time in the saddle and poor showings at the few races in which I did participate.
I spent a lot of energy last year bitching that I didn’t have the time I used to have for training. Prior to my promotion, my work schedule was 2:45pm to 11:45pm which left a lot of time in the mornings for training. 3 and 4 hour training rides all winter long made me a better racer in the spring and early summer. Now, with a 6am to 3pm schedule, several things have changed. There are fewer daylight hours for training outside. If I do get out to ride after work, it’s during rush hour, meaning there are a lot of cars on the road and drivers are at their most aggressive – not good news for a cyclist. Lastly, being promoted means more work to do at work and more focus required for doing so – meaning when I get off work, I’m pooped and all I really want to do is sit on the couch with a glass of wine and catch up on my TIVO. But, that was last year.
This year I have come to terms with my availability of training hours. So, instead of sitting around bitching about it and getting fat, I’ve developed a training program to fit my schedule. It requires more time indoors on the trainer during the week, which can be boring as hell, but gets me out on the road with my buddies on the weekends. I’ve purchased numerous Spinervals videos to help with the monotony of the trainer. I’ve also committed myself to being there for my family without completely ignoring my training. For instance, one week into my training, my mother fell and broke her leg requiring me to split time between Charlotte and Raleigh. I have found rides in the Raleigh area and have also brought my trainer to my parent’s house so that I don’t have an excuse not to ride.
The result so far – it hasn’t been perfect. Life still gets in the way of training. It always will. But, I’ve found a way to stick with it; well, through January so far. The pounds aren’t dropping like they did a couple years ago, but they are dropping. 4.5 pounds lost in January. February awaits. As does race season. Who knows, maybe taking it a little slower right now will allow me to race longer in the season without getting burnt out.
I spent a lot of energy last year bitching that I didn’t have the time I used to have for training. Prior to my promotion, my work schedule was 2:45pm to 11:45pm which left a lot of time in the mornings for training. 3 and 4 hour training rides all winter long made me a better racer in the spring and early summer. Now, with a 6am to 3pm schedule, several things have changed. There are fewer daylight hours for training outside. If I do get out to ride after work, it’s during rush hour, meaning there are a lot of cars on the road and drivers are at their most aggressive – not good news for a cyclist. Lastly, being promoted means more work to do at work and more focus required for doing so – meaning when I get off work, I’m pooped and all I really want to do is sit on the couch with a glass of wine and catch up on my TIVO. But, that was last year.
This year I have come to terms with my availability of training hours. So, instead of sitting around bitching about it and getting fat, I’ve developed a training program to fit my schedule. It requires more time indoors on the trainer during the week, which can be boring as hell, but gets me out on the road with my buddies on the weekends. I’ve purchased numerous Spinervals videos to help with the monotony of the trainer. I’ve also committed myself to being there for my family without completely ignoring my training. For instance, one week into my training, my mother fell and broke her leg requiring me to split time between Charlotte and Raleigh. I have found rides in the Raleigh area and have also brought my trainer to my parent’s house so that I don’t have an excuse not to ride.
The result so far – it hasn’t been perfect. Life still gets in the way of training. It always will. But, I’ve found a way to stick with it; well, through January so far. The pounds aren’t dropping like they did a couple years ago, but they are dropping. 4.5 pounds lost in January. February awaits. As does race season. Who knows, maybe taking it a little slower right now will allow me to race longer in the season without getting burnt out.
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