Cyclocross, Skiing, Some Music, Bend, mountain biking, oregon bike racing, Bend mountain biking, Coffee, trails, Bend Oregon, did I mention cyclocross!...
This is just to say that I have been spending some time on the internets and digging through a lot of music lately, blog lists, my own collection. I don't think I have discovered anything new that isn't already being written or blogged about, you could find a lot of "best of" lists from the last year with these same bands/songs, but I wanted to drop a few links of what's really been in heavy rotation and mostly the newer stuff. I have been sorting and listening more lately, going back through the year a bit, cleaning out, a bit of adding to, but here is what has been impressing me as of late. There are links to a few of my more recent favorite songs and you can snag the mp3s, but check out the bands, lots of good stuff. -Grizzly Bear (two weeks mp3) -Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros (Home mp3) definitely gonna make this one part of the wedding. -The XX - (VCR mp3) -Andrew Bird - (Fitz and Dizzy Spells mp3) Can whistle like nobody's business. Amazing live, have a listen. -Animal Collective- (My Girls mp3) I know, predictable, but I am hooked on this album lately. -Phoenix - (Listzomania mp3) These guys from France have gotten huge, but check out some of their older stuff too.Phoenix- If I ever feel Better (mp3 from back in 2000) Bat For Lashes - (Daniel mp3) Fever Ray- (Triangle Walks mp3) Electronic, but not what you'd expect. The Antlers - (Bear mp3) Yeah Yeah Yeahs - (Dull Life mp3) Try any of this while doing a hard workout. GOOD. Hathbanger - Party and Bullshit (In the USA) (Notorious B.I.G, Miley Cyrus).mp3 -Ruth's a big fan of this little mix, I know I know, Miley Cyrus?...It's catchy. Try it on the trainer today.
Okay, that's all I've got the energy to link to. Lots more good stuff. I'll keep sharin'
Disclaimer:Any mp3's posted here are just for sampling. These samples are meant to benefit the bands. If you are the owner of a song I posted and want it taken down, please shoot me and email and I will delete it right away!
As planned I have spent the better part of the last couple weeks off the bike. It was good to take a break after nationals, do some nordic skiing, catch up. The last week we have been in New England doing a whole lot of nothing, visiting family, and eating lots. It was a good trip, but it great to be back. Had an amazing day of skiing today with a foot of fresh and lots more in the trees on NWX. The forecast for the next couple days looks promising.
Gonna hit the skiing hard for the next few days. Once school starts back up, I'll get on the trainer and do some intervals a few days a week, skate ski, and do some training with the nordic team at school.
Check out "The World According to Don". Here is a guy who started the season with a tough injruy. Instead of just sitting on the sidelines cheering, he got on his traininer, did what he could, and came out to nationals and raced his heart out. I feel honored to be part of such and amazing group of racers. Don is one of them!
Here are some photos of the nationals course from David Baker, these are from today 12-8-09.
The latest forecast is calling for a "wintry mix"...mmmm wintry mix...starting on Friday night. Temps in the 30's during the day and 20's at night. A lot warmer than our current negative and single digit temps. Doesn't look like much snow will disappear.
The gun goes off, you are firing on cylinders, the wind whips at you, it doesn't matter, your legs turn over faster still. Turns come sweeping by, momentum carries you just to the edge of control, don't touch the brakes, ruts grab at your tires. Stand up, sprint, a rise in the course does nothing more than sear your lungs, the speed continues. In and out of turns, swinging past trees, course tape rattles alongside you, crowd noise grows, familiar voices just a blur, sounds, barriers, legs spin faster, the wind is picking up, pushing back. Look around, hold your position, keep the speed up, don't put your foot down, stand up, stay light. There is nothing but you and the bike, connected, struggling together. Turns link together, the bike cooperates, everything is right, you pour it on, this is it, you're in it...A noise, the crank slams down, nothing, a rattle of chain against frame, chaos and realizations...
Sunday it was all coming together, the frustration of Sat was the last thing on my mind as I went weightless with the slight rise and fall of the course, doubts faded away, a gritted smile and short breath, it ended so fast, a sinking feeling, running.
Thus far, it's been a season pretty free of mechanical issues. This weekend, not so much. Sat ended in a less than spectacular fashion with the realization that the bike was just not working, I limped into the pit already feeling spent from the effort of turning over the cranks and dragging the chain through a derailleur that was seized up. It didn't help to jump on a pit bike that only marginally works and is not so race worthy. Motivation slowly faded, leaders came whipping past, the race was done before it got going.
I was back for revenge Sunday. The cold and wind were in full effect, the smell of embrocation, hissing of heaters, uncertain shaking of tents in the wind. I took my time getting ready, relaxed, carefully dressed in layers, stayed warm, applied embro taking my time, covering legs, arms, even toes which were slowly going numb. The trainer whirred away, legs turned over, and warmth crept in. A damn beautiful starting position and the best start of the season. The thing about cyclocross that makes it so damn special is that sometimes it's just a matter of things falling into place. This weekend, they didn't exactly, but I know they will, I will keep chasing, keep waiting, I am patient, I am ready.
This morning in Bend it was 4 degrees. There is nearly of foot of snow in town and it is expected to remain cold for the rest of the week with some warming by Thursday. I'll keep things up to date and try to post some photos. Here is a good spot for weather checks
It looks like the past weekend at the USGPS was a good chance to get used to racing in the cold. I think all the embrocation I had on is finally wearing off.
It was a weekend of mechanical issues for me, with serious problems both days. Hopefully I have all the problems figured out. Full race reports and photos coming soon.
There's been a lot of racing around in the snow going on in Bend lately. From the Crossaflixion races to some impromptu training races there's been good prep should the national cyclocross championships be snowy.
It's been a little down time in the racing schedule which has been nice. It's felt a whole lot more like winter and the end of the season, but with USGP races this weekend, and cyclocross nationals just a short two weeks away, it's anything but the end.
Training has gotten harder and harder, daylight shorter, skiing looming around the corner. How do you find the motivation? The upcoming races are some of the biggest of the season and I expect them to be ridiculously fast, thats certainly been motivating.
Thanksgiving was a welcome break from double race weekends and traveling over to the valley. We were able to get in some skiing and rest and still find time to train. The latter part of the week found me up in Canada doing intervals off the coast of BC in the southern gulf islands. My secret training grounds for the week, it was a beautiful, relaxing, and very hilly place to get some training in.
It's the final push. Riding in the garage at night after long days of work, keeping healthy, staying on top of work, keeping equipment running (big props to Sunnyside Sports), it's all coming together. Best of luck to all of you traveling and getting ready around the country. We've got it comparatively easy here in Bend, but we'll be getting it ready for you. If your season is done, well, congrats, enjoy it!
We have a saying in Bend about this, you'll see the bumper stickers. It's about trying to buy local (from small locally owned businesses) whenever you can. If we support the businesses that support Bend and make it a great place to live we are also helping ourselves.
There are a ton of great local restaurants, bars, brew pubs, grocery stores, bike shops, and more. There are also a ton of folks coming in from out of town for Cyclocross Nationals. How great would it be if they could support some of our local businesses too. There is a ton of information to be found on the visit bend site for all matter of things from accomodations to meeting spaces, so check there if you are looking for a comprehensive list.
On the other hand Bendcyclocross.org is a place to find reccomendations, share inside tips, and ask questions about these local businesses, a source of where to eat, drink, hang out, etc. during nationals.
This is not a comprehensive list by any means, there are a ton of great local businesses, these are just a few of the favorites spots we frequent. It is an attempt to share favorite spots that we know to support the community and that we like to go to. It would be great if you share your own inside knowledge and leave comments. Chances are if you live in Bend you have some favorites too...share them here. I'll update the post as more comes in. Without further ado here are some of our favorite local spots.
Food: Jacksons Corner - Amazing food (handmade pasta, sandwiches, wood fired pizza), great casual atmosphere, awesome beer selection, very reasonable prices. We eat here more than anywhere else in Bend. Deschutes Brewery- The beer is amazing, food is amazing, tons of options, right downtown. Chow - A great breakfast spot!They serve lunch too. Parilla Grill - Burritos, cheap, healthy, PBR tall boys for $1. Sparrow Bakery - Stumptown coffee, pastries, and excellent sandwiches. Not far from the old mill. Kebaba - Amazing middle eastern food, tempeh burritos, falafel, lots of veggie options...sooo good. Taste of Thai /Thai on the Fly - Hard to find, super extra friendly delicious take out thai, cheap.Next to the expresslube in a little shack...really. Pizza Mondo - Downtown Pizza Ariana - Upscale Mediterranean 900 wall - Posh downtown, good happy hour Brother Jon's - Sandwiches, beer, mac and cheese. Nancy P's - Baked goodies
Coffee/Tea: Thump - Our go to coffee shop, Stumptown coffee, espresso, baked goodness.Big bike supporter. I was worried about coffee in Bend till I found this place. Strictly Organic - Excellent, local, organic. Try the Sunnyside espresso blend. Don's favorite. Towsends Tea House - If you're into tea...Downtown Lone Pine Coffee Roasters - Tin pan alley excellence. French pressed goodness.
Groceries: Natures - In the wagner mall on 3rd st. Health food, juice bar, vegan goods, teas, herbal medicines, local meat and poultry, bulk goods. Devores- Small grocery, deli, produce, take out, veggie and vegan options. Newport Market - Great beer and wine selection, gourmet groceries, cheese, bakery, more. RileysMarket - In Northwest Crossing. An easy deli/market stop before rides along Mt. Washington or up to the Phil's system.
There's all the typical other grocery stores and a Trader Joes as well. You'll see em. Rays and Safeway are close to the old millon 14th.
What else are you looking for? leave a comment and we'll help out.
(all photos pdxcross.com) The early morning sun glittered and reflected off fresh snow that still lay on the side of the road, bright blue and blinding white, not what one thinks of as cyclocross weather.
A lazy sat morning gave way to a hurried ride over to Seventh Mountain for round one of the Crossaflixion Cup. I arrived early and bundled up. I took over the microphone duties for the rest of the morning, with a little time to sneak in a ride on a really tough but fun course. The morning started out with a bit of snow, some ice, and a little mud. However, by mid day riders were rolling through looking like they had crashed and were more and more covered with mud.
It had warmed up a lot and thawed out significantly by the time the A's started. The field had spread apart by the time we reached the bottom of a long descent. A double track climb led up to one of the toughest run ups I have done...it was a bit absurd, nearly impossible to really run and finished on a slight hill that forced you to remount on loose uphill gravel while you were completely exhausted. Sunnyside had some great results with multiple wins and lots of podiums. Wade put on a monster chase after flatting and definitely got my vote for gutsy ride of the day. Veronica took a win, Chad took a win, Joanne took a win. Sunnyside was a force to be reckoned with!
Despite being tough, it was a fun course and it was a good tune up for cyclocross nationals which could dish out some very similar conditions, minus the giant run-up. If you're in Bend on the 28th, be sure to check out the second race of the Crossaflixion Cup. Info Here.
Barton Park, it's a love hate relationship for many people. The hate usually involves long run ups, sketchy muddy off camber and out of control descents...As for the love, while it's the same. I was psyched to see a good descent and a couple of good length run ups as well as some tricky mud and rocks in the woods. I raced hard, not as fast as I wanted, but it was what I had after a previous days race. There were riders I should have fought to stay with and others who I was glad I caught, but it was a tough, hard fought race that was a great end to the crusade series.
I will take a weekend or two off from the racing and traveling, but keep on the training and intervals. We have been doing double race weekend for the last month and have barely been home long enough to get anything done. It's feeling more like ski season, but I am gonna make sure to set aside time and motivation to train hard for the next couple weeks leading up to the USGP races and cyclocross nationals.
Ruth after a muddy one, she says she's smiling because the race is over. I think she is smiling because she is in onto the secret that is cyclocross. This was Ruth's 4th race ever and it was a tough one. Nice job Ruth. Thanks to Serena for sharing and thanks to Mark for the photo.
Balanced, one foot in the pedal, rain blowing, shivering, anxious, waiting. The first puddle comes as a shock to the system, splashing, spraying, feet soaked through. Slipping out of control as vision is blurred by mud, rain, and the spray of tires. Chase harder, head down, the faster you go, the sooner you'll warm up. Jump off the bike, jump back on...go hard. Wind comes head on, tires fight for traction, slippery corners, gravel, beach sand, rain, puddles, it's cold. The puddles get slower and deeper, the mud more sticky. Riders crash, feet go numb, spectators shiver.
Cyclocross in Oregon, it doesn't get much better in my mind. To me, this is what cyclocross should be. When the conditions turn to cold, rain, and mud it's a battle of wills. Not only do technical skills, and fitness come into play, but shear will power becomes equally important. Who can push through the suffering, who can put their head down into the wind and cold and push the pedals over just a little harder. It be can hard to continue as the cold creeps in. Riders stop or drop out because they can't go on. Equipment is pushed to the limit.
Both races this weekend dished out tests of will. It was a battle, but we do it because we love to battle, to fight the voice in our heads, to push through when it gets the toughest, to shut down the pain.
I have always thought that one of my strengths was the mental aspect of cyclocross, my ability to push through pain. I can only hope that cyclocross nationals in Bend will dish out the kind of conditions that will make it tough...rain, snow, mud - bring it....you can blame me.There was plenty of pain this weekend, this is not to say that it wasn't a great weekend of cross, just that it was a tough weekend of cross.
Saturday's state championship race was a tough one indeed. I went backwards off the start trying to find the warmth, trying to settle into a pace. It was slow going and I was not happy with my start. I put my head down though and found a rhythm, warmed up, and moved forward. In the end I know I went as hard as I could, I would have liked to finish better, but I was glad for the effort and a fun race in the mud.
Sunday was a blast. Riding around the course with teammates it was clear the course would present all the challenges possible. Lots of technical off camber sections that were a gamble, long fast sections out in the wind, run ups, slogs through puddles, wheel sucking mud, miserable weather, it was all there. I had a good start and pushed across the long section of road. I made it through the first couple laps and avoided a lot of trouble spots and crashes. I caught up to some fast riders I hadn't been with yet and stuck to their wheels...chasing...chasing....chasing. I took advantage of others mistakes and crashes, each time pushing a little harder to open up gaps, I rode smart, I took chances and crashed, but I recovered fast. I told myself to go harder. I played the mental games, and in the end it worked out well. I had a great race and was really happy with how it went.
Shivering cold we got things packed up and into a warm car for the long drive home after another long weekend on the cross bike.
It needs to be mentioned that my teammates are the best. YOU GUYS AND GIRLS ARE THE AIR IN MY TIRES. Everyone was cheering, helping, encouraging, sharing tips, getting warmed up together...amazing. Plus - Team Sunnyside absolutely killed it. Great races by the whole team in some seriously tough conditions. Multiple podium appearances on Sat...including two state champions. Sunday the team was equally impressive. It absolutely poured on the women making for some of the toughest conditions on the day. It was awesome to see the women out there battling the elements and grinding it out.
Ruth made her 5th appearance and showed that she can handle some of the trickiest and toughest conditions and still hand an ass whopping to the beginner women. NICE!
I'll throw more photos and links up as time allows. That's all for now.
The offical guide is out, including a story of team Sunnyside sports own Don Leet. If you are in Bend for cyclocross nationals, stop by Sunnyside Sports (the best bike shop in Oregon by far) and visit with Don, he is a wealth of knowledge and will be happy to help you with anything.
CX magazine has an article up on traveling to cyclocross nationals in Bend...Some good pts about getting bikes here. Check it out. Definitely give sunnyside sports a call for all your nationals needs.
I'll get a post up on restaurants and good local food options for any out of town folks that might read this.
And, hey just drop a comment if you have a question.
I am lucky enough to have some neighbors who are also teammates. It is also lucky that these neighbors have a warm, bright, comfortable garage with lots of trainers. I am especially lucky that I have teammates that are willing to cram into said neighbors garage to suffer and sweat thorough some tough intervals together. Intervals on a trainer aren't really fun to me. One has to be feeling pretty motivated to sit on their bike in a garage, ride, and push themselves continually. I think it's one of the weirder things we cyclists do..."riding to nowhere" Ruth calls it. I realized this evening while suffering, gasping for breath, that this training is really a team effort. It's getting dark at 5:00 and as much as I want to be riding on the road and outside when it's beautiful and warm out; work, chores, and many different things keep that from happening. Yet, the riding and training have to continue. With another month of crusade races, USGPs, and cyclocross nationals all still ahead, there is still work to be done. It's a lot easier to get on the trainer and push when you are there with teammates doing the same; mutual suffering. So thanks teammates, I would have a harder time motivating to get on that trainer without you.
Such a fun weekend of racing and hanging out with teammates. It all seems a haze right now, and I won't detail it all out, but here's the quick breakdown. We camped out in Eugene Fri night and rolled into Astoria around noon on Sat. Got on the course and checked it out, lots of slick mud and tricky corners mixed with a little climbing and some bumpy sections...A tough course. I was feeling rested however and psyched to be in Astoria for the weekend. I got the worst starting position possible, but told myself just to let it all out going down the hill and hammer up the climb to see how that positioned me. It worked out well and halfway through the first lap I had moved to the middle of the pack and was feeling strong. I picked folks off here and there mostly on the technical stuff and on the bumpy climbs. I tried to pick it up a bit as the laps wound down and had just got around a few folks as I was coming in for what I thought would be my last lap. Turns out Wicks was not too far behind me and I was done. I was fine with that, it had felt like a long race, I had put out a lot of effort in the last lap, and I was in a good position at the time. Turns out I was in just the right positon and finished in 18th...enough for one point which means call-ups. No more luck of the draw on the start posion. I was tired, happy, and muddy. Drove a short bit to Seaside where the team had a house rented. Had a great dinner with teammates, hung out, watched RAD... got psyched on some bike dancing and helltrack. A beautiful morning at the beach with lots of coffee, cleaning bikes, and getting ready. Rolled over early to do some heckling and check out the costumes. The fog burned off and it was another beautiful afternoon for a bike race. Still lots of mud and a few course changes to make things interesting. The course still had some technical twists and turns and plenty of mud, but added a bit more climbing and a short bit of pavement. I was feeling tired and sluggish, but told myself I would go all out and just enjoy what came of it. Most folks were in costume and the crowd was total chaos, it was amazing. A good start position helped me get into a good spot to start, but I was feeling tired and hanging on for the first couple laps. I settled into a pace towards the middle of the race and started catching folks on some of the climbs. I was riding with a group of three or four riders who were going at a good pace and kept me chasing. I was worried that with two to go it would actually turn into the last lap and so put out a huge effort on the climb and dropped the group I was with, I managed to ride smooth through the tricky stuff and up the pavement climb towards the finish, but I must have pushed it hard enough that Wicks wasn't close and I ended up out on one last lap. I was feeling pretty destroyed, but was determined not to let the group behind me catch up, so again I put my head down and suffered through knowing that I needed to hold on. I was riding alone, but started to see riders ahead as I finished...pulled in a 19th place and was just really happy with the effort I was able to do. I am feeling a ton stronger than the first few races and happy with finishing in the top 20.
It was a great weekend with lots of teammates and everyone doing really well. Ruth had a top 10 finish on Sun coming in 8th with the star trek skirt costume on a tricky course...Seriously awesome.
It's only Mon night, but I am already plotting and scheming for next weekend. The whole time change thing is gonna force me onto the trainer a whole lot more, but so it goes. I'll try and get some short workouts in outside.
Check out Serena's recap, Don's report and an awesome photo of our costumes, and check out all the great photos at PDXcross.
Cyclocross season comes fast and it's always a roller coaster. Good races, bad races, mechanicals, sickness, it's all part of the game, but this weekend was a good one.
Sat saw us making the trip over the pass with a stop in Salem for battlecreek cross. An amazing course set on an abandoned golf course with lots of good twists and turns and sand traps thrown in for good measure. I lined up with a small group of A's who were there to race around on a beautiful, sunny, warm, fall afternoon. The course is flat as can be, and was really fast due to the mostly dry conditions. A quick start into a slippery right turn set the pace. The backside of the course was windy, and some gaps opened up from the front. I spent most of the race chasing and trying to close down gaps, I spent a couple laps working with a guy on my wheel only to bobble on some roots and have him gap me. A fun race for sure. It was tough with all the flat as there was very few places to get any rest or slow down. The teammies were out in force. Damain took out his aggression and raced to a solid 4th place. Wade and Chad tag teamed their race and took the two top spots. Serena and Renee put the hurt on the A women with Serena taking the win and Renee in 4th. I didn't feel like I had the best race, but I was really enjoying myself and was glad to get the legs going. Such a nice day to be racing around in the sun. Put on the recovery socks and made the quick trip into Portland for the evening.
Sunday morning was lazy, espresso and a big breakfast with friends. Rain was creeping in and I was getting anxious. We got out to the course in time to watch some racing and heckle some folks on the tricky sections. My legs were feeling tired and heavy, but I rode around checking out the course and enjoying the scene. Lots of people crashing, it was slick and there were some tricky corners. Watched the women start and then jumped on the trainer. Got to the start line with a few minutes to spare and got lined up. I had a good spot and snuck in behind some folks that I knew would be outta there fast. It worked great and I had my best start so far. I got into the muddy slog section in a good spot and powered through gaining a few spots and leaving all bottlenecks behind. I found myself riding with some guys that I hadn't been up with yet and was sitting in a good position. I was feeling strong so I just hung on, tried to ride smooth and stay right side up. D was just in front of me when I saw him pull into the pits...his luck is just not right...He was hounding me the rest of the race. I found my way around a few crashes, pushed it on the hard pack, rode smart through the slippery stuff and generally felt strong. It was the first race since September that I have felt 100% and like I could stand up and sprint in the middle of the race. The course suited me well and was a good mix of mud, technical sections, and power sections. I had a blast and was real happy with my result. (photo: pdxcross.com)
The rest of the team did great. Ruth had an incredible race and placed in the top 20, she wasn't so sure of the mud when we got there, but I assured her that it was the best part of cyclocross...she was definitely convinced by the end of her race. She had a blast and did a great job with the tricky conditions. I caught the tail end of Chad and Wade's race, they both looked strong. I didn't get to see the women race, but I know that Renee and Gina tore it up. Mike looked muddy and strong pulling off a top 10 in the masters A's. Veronica and Serena were both looking strong and Serena pulled off another seriously impressive 3rd, with more press for sunnyside on the velonews site...Don is right on.
A great weekend of cross racing and I am feeling much stronger than previous races, let's hope it keeps up and improves.
Got 3 very dirty bikes to clean and get set up for another weekend of cross racin Halloween style.
The buzz keeps spreading about cyclocross nationals in Bend this winter- folks asking at work, friends who have heard about it, chatter online, people coming to visit. It will be here before we know it. Lots of folks asking what the weather is going to be like... I have only spent one winter in Bend, but my guess is that it could be just about anything. It might be in the 40's, it might be 20 degrees. Maybe it'll be sunny and warm, it might just be freezing and snowing. There might be mud, could be some dust, one might see frozen ruts...I do know, that no matter what the weather, it's going to be a ton of folks out racing, it will be an awesome spectacle to watch, there will be beer, cowbells, and craziness! After the first couple days of registration there were already more riders registered than raced in last years nationals. It's exciting to know that the national cyclocross scene will invade Bend for a few days. Team Sunnyside will most definitely be out there representing.
It's only 7 weeks away now. There's racing pretty much every weekend from here till then. I got a late start on the training this season, here's to hoping that bodes well for late season fitness and cyclocross nationals. You can bet it will be crazy fast no matter what mother nature give us. Here's the Schedule
Cyclocross is HARD. It's part of the reason I love it. Last Sunday was HARD. I didn't love it while I was racing...per usual my perspective changed when it was over, things were better. Races don't always go like this for me, most of the time even when I am suffering, somewhere inside I realize that I am having a blast. Sun I was mostly suffering. I can't figure out whats going on with me, I felt tired, sore, heavy. I am not making excuses, I had a decent race, but I didn't feel all there. It was mostly the first two or three laps. The second or third time up the hill I couldn't believe how beat I was...a lap later I looked at the lap board in my oxygen deprived haze did some figuring it would say one or two to go...Not so much...When I was hurting so bad I looked at the lap board and it said 6 to go...well, believe it or not, things got better after that. I settled into a pace, caught some folks, pushed it a bit more on the hills, and enjoyed myself a little more. 9 gruelling laps, that was a tough race mentally and physically. I apologize to anyone I tried to speak to after the race...I wasn't all there. Sunnyside was out and killing it...Renee had an amazing race and took 1st. Serena put up a serious battle and came away with 3rd in a stacked field of tough women. (read about her race on velonews). Wade with a big 4th, Chad did some mean beer drinking (flatted out early). Veronica was out giving it, Mike raced hard, Gina looked super strong. D with not the best luck, starting on the back, getting run over, then flatting...things can only get better D. Ruth raced again and did way better than she will admit to...That's a tough course for anyone. Nice work Ruth! Don, we miss you out there! It's tough not hearing Don cheering from somewhere on the course.
Jumped back on the horse early this week and training has been tough. I am not sure if I am still battling part of this cold, respiratory wise I don't feel 100% and maybe it's making me tired...I hope so, because I have felt pretty heavy and slow all week so far. Doing my best to get sleep, eat healthy, and train smart.
Amazing pictures as usual at pdxcross.com. Check em.
Battlecreek cross and Washington County Cyclocross Crusade #4 on tap for the weekend. Thanks Serena for reminding us... 8 weeks till cyclocross nationals!
Rainer is always one of my favorite courses. I love all the up and down, the fast grass corners, off camber, singletrack in the woods...it's just a great course. I only wish I was feeling better going into it this past weekend.
I was sick all week after last weekend, stayed home from school, didn't ride at all, tried to recover. I felt decent enough to race, but just didn't have any energy. Still really glad I raced and I had a great time, just didn't produce any results. That's okay.
The plan is to get some intervals in this week, get the power back, go into the weekend feeling fast. New venue this weekend, and a race sat in Eugene? It was sleet and freezing rain this morning and looks to be the same for the rest of the week. Not the best for getting some rides in, but if it's trainer weather, well then so be it.
Got all registered for cyclocross nationals in Bend (Both the 30-34 race and the Elite race). The registration was a big pain in the ass, but it's all set and we'll so how that puts me on the line. Can't wait for cyclocross in Bend in December.
I really love the cross crusade...there were something like 1400 people out racing on a beautiful Sunday. The course was great, the crowd was great, a damn great time. Ruth came out for her first cross race and kicked some serious ass. She most definitely does not give herself enough credit...she rode through traffic and looked like she belonged a couple categories up. She was passing folks every time I saw her and when she was done, she told me she could have done more. Guess she'll go even faster next time.
I had a good race minus the dropped chain along the backside of the velodrome. I don't feel like writing all the details out, but I chased and chased and chased some more...I was moving up the entire race. Anderson and Tommy caught up with me on the last lap and I suffered in right behind them. I feel like I should have been further up and know I can improve the results. Regardless, I had a great time.
I went into this race starting to get a cold. I came out with the full on cold. Fever, coughing, sore throat. Monday and Tues I was on my death bed and I have been feeling like hell till today. I missed one day of work and I've gotten behind on most everything...school work, house work, training. Oh well. Was feeling decent enough this afternoon to ride around the park with Don, Serena, and our jr teammate Mitchell practicing barriers.
I am spinning around Mount Washington drive, eyes watering, whipping downhill, second guessing my choice to go sans knee warmers or embrocation. It's 10am on a Sunday morning in Sept and it feels like late Oct. I sit up to breathe some heat into my hands. I push it up the little rise and some warmth comes creeping into my core. I flash through patches of sun and shade the latter with a burst of warmth. Soon I am heading up Skyliners thinking about the workout ahead of me. It was a lazy sun morning. I slept in, no alarm, drank copious amounts of coffee, sat reading the news, calm...not anymore.
Cyclocross season is in full swing. The days at work fly by and it's a rush to get home and get a ride in. Riding home evenings, dusk coming too early, a dry dusty smile, cleaning bikes, replacing parts, obsessing over schedules, training, waiting. Head down I turn the pedals over and over. Tired aching legs and soreness find their way into my daily routine. I am getting ready. It's early I tell myself, one more interval, push it harder. It's all a big game to be sure, but it's one that drives me, keeps me motivated, keeps me dedicated and pushing myself to be better.
The national cyclocross championships will be in Bend this December and I want to know that I have done everything I can to be ready, to compete. I try to be realistic, I am not a pro, I don't have a coach, I am doing this for fun. Riding my bike is what I choose to do with the spare time I have. Maybe it would be different if all I had to do was ride my bike. I find a lot of inspiration in the riders who like me (and there are many) find time to balance the dedication it takes to compete with full time jobs and families. I was reminded of this reading a recent Velonews article about Jake Wells who had an amazing performance at Crossvegas. The article made some great points abouts the "working class" racer. I really am in awe of the riders that do it on their own and make it work. Molly, Tonkin, Shep...(and so many others). I can always look to these riders for inspiration and to push me to go after them. They aren't superhuman, but they are dedicated individuals that decided this is what they would do, chase the dream. Right on!
An excerpt from the article...
Professional bike racing in the U.S. is different from just about every European country. When they say "pro" there, it means everyone in the race makes money doing it.
Not so in the U.S. For some, becoming a professional means little more than cherry picking a few smaller races and paying USA Cycling $150 for an elite license. It was easy to see the differing ability levels at CrossVegas, as almost half of the field ended up lapped.
Being a working class racer, myself, I have a special place in my heart for those guys who can race well without the support the big guys have. I have a great appreciation for the Erik Tonkins, John Bakers and Molly Camerons of our sport.
Comprehensive info on Bend's bike scene from the experts.
About Me
Fox PDX
Bend, Oregon, United States
This blog is part training journal, part race reports, some writing, sharing, and photos. I hope it gives some insight about training for cyclocross nationals, teaching, and balancing all this out with bike racing. Please comment and share your thoughts.
"But if you don’t get it, this bonus, you can go home full of denial, and live out your years.Great waves can pass unnoticed outside your door;stars can pound silently on the roof; your teakettle
and cosy life inside can deny everything outside..."
-William Stafford-
from:The Methow River Poems- Is This Feeling About the West Real
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