I am laying in my bed, totally exhausted from racing today. My body is throbbing and I am pretty sure that I got sunburned on my shoulders. Sleeveless shirts are the mark of a triathlete but 30 miles in Colorado sun has their point of reckoning as well. I raced the course in 2 hours and 26 minutes. Two 46 minute laps and a 54 to close out the business at hand. I blame a cross wind and limited opportunity to pace someone for my lackluster performance on the final lap. I got out ahead of some folks in my category but there was a big gap between us and anyone else.
Overall, I am pretty happy with how things went even if my body is reeling in pain. I loved the course and how my Vandy performed. I also loved that I gave it my all. I mean the tanks were dry when I crossed the finish line. It was nice getting a fast start and backing it up with a time to be proud of. Next year I plan to race the Clydesdale category to see how that goes. I reckon that I will be near the top of my game in terms of how hard I can push it since it will be only a few weeks prior to starting Leadman. What can I say except that Bear Creek is one of those races that I use as an anchor to my life. No matter how good or bad I do, I always look forward to dropping the hammer and playing hard at Bear Creek Park.
Chase that feeling
A spring evening in Denver. Hmmm, what a day. 8 hours of work, battled some traffic, sauna time, then home to watch an episode of Lost. The feeling in the air is timid at the moment. First race of the season and I have no idea how I am going to do. Since I am racing expert at Battle of the Bear, I don't foresee myself doing that good. However, it's all about the experience and it's nice having a humble beating to get the year started.
We had some rain this evening and I think it could actually make for a great course if it holds off for tomorrow. It will be just enough to tamp down the dirt. This is the first time in my 3 years of Bear Creek that the soil is so moist and the scenery so green. Almost doesn't seem like the Colorado I knew when I originally moved here four years ago. But time illustrates that we all change. My body is leaner but I also had my first gray hair recently. My how time flies.
I can't slack off though. I know I can ride hard for two laps but the third has me concerned. I trained a lot for the five lap Front Range 50 the past two years but this time around I focused on a new regiment with cross training. Tons of swimming, high intensity cadence, and long climbs have been typical of my habits leading up to the race. Does this spell a formula for the endurance to do 45 minute laps and finish in under 2 hours and 30 minutes? Hard to say but that is my goal after all.
So for now, this is my last post before the race. My gear is freshly pressed and the Jersey Devil is dormant for the moment. The devil is in the details. Off to prepare and sleep.
Hustling
Been like a month since I updated this blog. Can't believe how fast time flies when you're working your butt off. Anyway, I have been pretty busy and can't help but say that life is moving fast. I am training hard and have lost 26lbs since I left Broadnet. Thank god I am done with corporate life. I don't know what's next or even have an answer, however I remain positive that the future is bright. Lots of things to be thankful. Today I drank a great lager beer, hanged with some friends, and ended up tucked in my bed. I am thankful for the sunset, the buzz on my head, and the peace of solace right here in this little trailer of mine. Can't say it is perfect but when is life perfect anyway.
So onto my ramblings. I am starting the wheel build on the Cannondale Rush to sell it soon. Not my size but it was a leftover from the ex. For the wheelset, something cheap. I was thinking WTB stuff. Glad to recover my money from that. Once it is sold and in the bank, I am going to start building the Ramble Tamble 29er up. It should be a simple build. Here is the dream build.
Fork - Custom handmade rigid fork from Anvil Bikeworks. (Painted to match)
Frame - Van Dessel Ramble Tamble 29er
Hubs - American Classic
Spokes - DT Swiss
Rims - Stans ZTR
Rubber - Maxxis Larsen rear and Crossmark front
Brakes - Avid BB7
Stem - Titec Carbon Pluto 110mm
Handlebar - Answer Carbon Flat
Crank - FSA V-Drive
Seat Post - Titec Carbon Pluto
Seat - Van Dessel Road Seat
Headset - Cane Creek
Chain - SRAM High Grade
I plan to use this bike in the coming fall riding season. I want to use it for cross racing and eventually the elusive snow bike race series in Leadville. After that, I plan to transition to gears, front shocks, and all that sexiness. 2011 will be a hardtail year for Leadman, however right now it is all delicious on the FS Jersey Devil.
I am also in the process of buying a road bike to replace the Six 13. I wanted a Raleigh Rx 1.0 but they are sold out for a while. I was torn between a Yeti ARC-X and a Cannondale Six 5 carbon. The Yeti would be more versatile, however it sucks not riding what we sell at my shop. Got so much to do and this is only the section devoted to racing, bikes, and beer. :(
So onto my ramblings. I am starting the wheel build on the Cannondale Rush to sell it soon. Not my size but it was a leftover from the ex. For the wheelset, something cheap. I was thinking WTB stuff. Glad to recover my money from that. Once it is sold and in the bank, I am going to start building the Ramble Tamble 29er up. It should be a simple build. Here is the dream build.
Fork - Custom handmade rigid fork from Anvil Bikeworks. (Painted to match)
Frame - Van Dessel Ramble Tamble 29er
Hubs - American Classic
Spokes - DT Swiss
Rims - Stans ZTR
Rubber - Maxxis Larsen rear and Crossmark front
Brakes - Avid BB7
Stem - Titec Carbon Pluto 110mm
Handlebar - Answer Carbon Flat
Crank - FSA V-Drive
Seat Post - Titec Carbon Pluto
Seat - Van Dessel Road Seat
Headset - Cane Creek
Chain - SRAM High Grade
I plan to use this bike in the coming fall riding season. I want to use it for cross racing and eventually the elusive snow bike race series in Leadville. After that, I plan to transition to gears, front shocks, and all that sexiness. 2011 will be a hardtail year for Leadman, however right now it is all delicious on the FS Jersey Devil.
I am also in the process of buying a road bike to replace the Six 13. I wanted a Raleigh Rx 1.0 but they are sold out for a while. I was torn between a Yeti ARC-X and a Cannondale Six 5 carbon. The Yeti would be more versatile, however it sucks not riding what we sell at my shop. Got so much to do and this is only the section devoted to racing, bikes, and beer. :(
