Cyclocross, Skiing, Some Music, Bend, mountain biking, oregon bike racing, Bend mountain biking, Coffee, trails, Bend Oregon, did I mention cyclocross!...
Couldn't have asked for better weekend. This is one of the many things that makes Bend incredibly special. It seemed like everyone in town had a little bit of a buzz from being out in the sun, the snow, and on the trails.
Sat - The best day of skiing I can remember in a long time. Deep, light, powdery snow and blue sky. The whole mountain was open and it was just a great day of skiing. Ran into all sorts of friends and got a ton of good skiing in.
Sun - Sunny lazy morning filled with coffee, followed by a beautiful mountain bike ride with friends in short sleeves and shorts. Grilling on the porch with cold beers.
Just another spring weekend in Bend. Loving the daylight!
Who drives 8 hours for a two hour mountain bike race? Well, when it's early March and you're itching to do some racing, it's not a tough decision, especially when the weather is sunny and warm.
Fri night saw Serena and I loading up the car and getting on the road for a while so that we weren't leaving at 5 in the morning. We got to hwy 84 around midnight and got some shut eye in a state park just across the river from Biggs.
Some coffee and food and we were on the road in the morning, arriving in Echo around 9. It was a beautiful morning and there was a great crowd of folks out for a mountain bike race in some unseasonably warm weather. Echo is not surrounded by mountains or trees, but just endless rolling farmland, not what you would think of for mountain biking, but the race, the course, the crowds of racers...couldn't have been better.
A mass start saw the cat1/pro/single speed combined fields roll out. A little chaos on the dirt road leading into the single track caught me off gaurd and with a gap between me and a good group of folks we came screaming down the hill towards the single track. I got around a few riders at the last second, but immediately found myself slowing my pace in the twisting and turning that would continue for another 20 something miles. I made my way around folks where I could and extended a lot of effort in doing so, but would quickly recover and chase down the next group. I was getting into a good rhythm when an old teammate in front of me had a quick crash, without anyroom to avoid it we got tangled up and crashed, meanwhile some of the 10 riders we had worked to pass went screaming by. Back on the chase. Again I was picking people off one by one, feeling good that I was still moving up and feeling like I had some good legs. Some short fast climbs led into a rocky side-hill descent that was full of sharp rocks. Coming around the next corner I felt my rear wheel slip out and make the tell tale noise of a tire running way too low and rolling off. I pulled off the course and inspected the tire. I couldn't find any leaks or sealent coming out. I figured maybe it just burped some air out. I only had two c02 cartridges to work with so I decided to give the first one a shot and see if the tire didn't just seal up...no such luck, sealant came squirting out of a decent size gash right on top of the tire. I dug through my pockets again and fished out a tube and a gel wrapper to get the tire back going. My last co2 cartridge did the trick and I was rolling again after what seemed like the entire cat 1/pro/ singlespeed field had passed me. I knew my race was over at this point, but I wasn't about to soft pedal so I kept chasing and making my way up. I never made it even close to where I was when I flatted, but it was an amazingly fun course and a great day of racing around in the sun. Miles and miles of sunny snaking singletrack up and down over the prarie...Not a bad way to spend a saturday. A long finish section of dirt road and pavement rolled back into the tiny town of Echo and a welcome burrito.
Great races by the crew of sunnyside folks that were out there. A great win for Don. A great win for Serena. A bunch of second places and just a lot of happy racers!
It was great see so many people out and racing. It seemed like one of the bigger mountain bike races and its only March. I think between the weather and having a winter off, most folks were pretty anxious to get out. It's nice having some early races where conditions are excellent, makes me think we should have some more early races in around eastern oregon...Horse Ridge?
Screwed up and lost my photos, but I can assure you Serena sleeps with her bike, I had it documented.
Damn, a flat tire. That was my race, but certainly not the end of my day. What an awesome day ripping around the pastures and vineyards of Echo. Race report and photos coming soon.
When the sh*t goes down and the screws are turned, we all wage the war against the ingress of doubt. Like cold, salty ocean water, doubt will find its way inside a breach and then… it’s only a matter of time before the ship goes down.
Following an effort so hard that it leaves the eyes bloodshot and your feet fried, a rider tries to sort out the race’s details. How can one’s fitness vary so greatly on back-to-back days? All things being equal, one can point to doubt.
At times, denying doubt is harder than any of the physical efforts doled out. When the group is strung out into a razor sharp point and riders begin popping, doubt becomes tough to ignore. At that moment, the difference between a good day and a bad day is determined by the mind’s willingness to ignore the persistant whisper of that f*#ker doubt."
We already knew that mountain biking in Bend was amazing, it's possible to mountain bike mostly year round. Just head east in the winter to Cline Butte, Smith Rock or Horse Ridge and all of sudden you've got a whole new set of options. In the spring and fall most everything is great. Once summer hits, head up into the woods to avoid the dust. Well, Bend got some props for being a great spot to bike. Not that we didn't know that, but it's great to see Bend getting it's dues. Check out the March issue of Bike magazine. When people ask me about how I like Bend, one of things that I always seem to bring up is how easy it is to get out and be on the trails. I can pretty much ride dirt from my house to the trails and not ever need to load up a car and drive to a trail head. It's not lost on me how fortunate I am for this. It's a privilege to be able to live in a place where this opportunity is available. It's one of the things that makes Bend a special place to live.
Yet another reason why Doug Laplaca and the amazing folks at visitbend are kicking some serious ass. USA cycling clearly realizes that Bend is a place dedicated to bikes and bike racing as well as bringing serious events to Bend. With the recent success of Cyclocross Nationals and Elite/Junior Road Nationals, and all the greatness of the Cascade Classic it's not a suprise that Bend pulled in another great race. Be sure to stay tuned for all the info. I am sure BendCyclingEvents will have it covered. Can't wait.
Here's the press release:
2011 and 2012 Masters Road Nationals to Bend, Oregon
USA Cycling has awarded the 2011 and 2012 Masters Road National Championships to Bend, Ore. Following the city’s successful hosting of the Elite/U23/Juniors Road and the Cyclo-cross National Championships, the cycling hotbed is now poised to host another round of the nation’s best. Held in Louisville, Kentucky 2008 through 2010, the USA Cycling Masters Road National Championships are scheduled to go off in Bend, Aug. 30 – Sept. 4, 2011 and August 27 – Sept. 2, 2012.
The two-year agreement between USA Cycling, the sport’s national governing body, and Visit Bend is expected to bring more than 800 competitors and 2,500 visitors to the Pacific Northwestern city for seven days of racing leading up to the Labor Day Weekend. Bend expects to continue to enjoy a significant economic impact in conjunction with the cycling championships. According to a study by Oregon State University, the two USA Cycling National Championship events hosted by the city in 2009 brought Bend $2.5 million dollars in direct tourist spending.
“The National Championships we hosted here in 2009 left no doubt in USA Cycling’s mind that Bend’s enthusiasm for and appreciation of competitive cycling makes it unlike any other destination in the country,” said Doug LaPlaca, president and CEO of Visit Bend. “It is our goal to turn that enthusiasm into a long-term partnership that provides USA Cycling with consistently world-class championships, while providing Bend with a substantial amount of visitation tourism spending during traditionally slow times of the year.”
In 2009, Bend hosted the USA Cycling Elite, Junior and U23 Road National Championships, as well as the USA Cycling Cyclo-cross National Championships. Both events will return to Bend in 2010.
“In hosting the 2009 USA Cycling National Championships Bend showcased an entire community who passionately embraces the sport of cycling and its various disciplines as a lifestyle,” said Steve Johnson, CEO of USA Cycling. “That type of support is critical to growing the sport across the country and is a large reason why Bend was awarded the Masters Road National Championships for 2011 and 2012.”
About Visit Bend Visit Bend is a non-membership, non-profit economic development organization dedicated to promoting tourism on behalf of the City of Bend. For more information or to order a complimentary Official Visitor’s Guide to Bend, contact Visit Bend at 1-800-949-6086 or visit www.visitbend.com.
About USA Cycling Recognized by the United States Olympic Committee and the Union Cycliste Internationale, USA Cycling is the official governing body for all disciplines of competitive cycling in the United States, including road, track, mountain bike, BMX and cyclo-cross. As a membership-based organization, USA Cycling comprises 66,500+ licensees; 2,200 clubs and teams; and 34 local associations. The national governing body sanctions 2,650 competitive and non-competitive events throughout the U.S. each year and is responsible for the identification, development, and support of American cyclists. To learn more about USA Cycling, visit www.usacycling.org.
This time of year is tough, the urge to get outside on the bike is tough to balance with the reality of the conditions outside. There have been a couple mt bike rides that involved pushing the bike through snow, frozen toes, icy ruts, and less than ideal conditions. There have been the road rides that no amount of layers or embrocation can help. So what does one do when reality takes over. This year found me helping coach the nordic ski team at school, this meant twice weekly workouts in the weight room, plyometrics, and weekends at the races. I've thrown in plenty of tele skiing and some skating. I've been on the bike plenty too, but it's been a balance. Isn't that what it's all about, finding the balance? I love skiing, it's always been a passion. Last year as this time of year rolled around I began feeling guilty for not being on the bike as much and I skipped some great weekends of skiing to drive over the mountains and race my road bike in the rain. This year I told myself that it's going to be different. I can be on the bike and ski.
What I have already found is that I am that much stronger than I would be if I had focused solely on the bike. I did a road race a couple weeks ago that I wasn't sure how prepared I was for. It wasn't the longest, toughest, or fastest race, but it was a good test for me. A crash in front of me at the finish didn't help my position for the final sprint, but I was happy with how I felt and how I rode...and it was great to be out.
The weather the last couple days has been stellar. It's that time of year in Bend where everything seems possible. On Sunday we skied for a few hours in the morning went home for lunch, then it was off to horse ridge for a couple hours of mountain biking that couldn't have been better. I know Don was out there, I saw his car, and although I never ran into him, I smiled knowing that we shared an amazing afternoon out in the sun.
It looks like it's going to rain and snow the rest of the week. The skiing this weekend looks to be great!
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.
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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