Training

Just got done doing 25 miles of tt work. I road down to the Velowerx Headquarters...did some filing, cutting, measuring, cutting, filing...then road back.

Got really wet...for someone reason, training in pouring rain makes you pedal way faster and makes you feel like you are working much harder than you really are. I think with more 02 in the air in rain you can pedal much harder without as much effort. Maybe the extra 10 lbs. of water soaking in my clothes caused me to work harder.

PT #'s from Tues. Crit.

5 Sec. 987
30 Sec. 586
1 Min. 436
5 Min. 353
10 Min. 309

Tues. Night Crit.

We left the store at about 5:55...Melissa had a Burrito so I ate half of it on the way down there...looking back, I should have eaten the PowerBar I had and saved the half of the burrito for recovery. We arrived at 6:20, just in time to start...no warm up for me...I felt really cold so I put a t-shirt on under my jersey...


Before leaving the store I ripped a freckle off my chest...I had a tick on my chest on Sat. after the crit at the vtgp and killed it...I have had these little rash/bites on my chest and everytime I touch them it stings/itches like crazy...I spazzed out on it today thinking there was a tick on me when really it was a freckle(I hope). I couldn't really see that well looking down at it since it was on the upper portion of my chest so couldn't really tell...finally a bunch of blood came out and I got a bandadge for it.


At the start of the race I was hoping that the 1 lap would be good enough for a warm up but everyone knows that is impossible, especially for a crit! After 1 lap a few attacks and all the fast guys were away, Marshal, Mills, Smith, Groniger...so we were left chasing.

I kept feeling hot/cold throughout the whole race. My legs never really "warmed" up and felt stiff the whole time... Finally with 3 to go I got into position about 8 riders from the front. We were all strung out and it stayed that way until the final sprint. I was able to take the gutter route and get 3rd for the field sprint I think.

After the race I ate a powerbar and had some rapid-recharge, wish it was a burrito but that is what i get.

Power from Racing!

Peak Power

4-21 Tues. Crit

5sec.784
30sec. 467
1min.411
5min.325
10min.306

4-25 VTGP Prologue
5sec. 816
30sec. 581
1min. 457
5min. 298

4-25 VTGP Crit
5sec. 1170
30sec. 573
1min. 481
5min. 360
10min. 310
30min. 276


Interesting numbers. Definitely down from 1 month ago...taking 3 weeks off of going hard does that I guess. I knew after the prologue I could have went much harder...I wasn't exactly focused in the TT and kept snoozing off, then waking up and trying to go again..no real consistently there. My 5min. number should have been around 350...but I had my computer in my back pocket and there was no way to tell how I was doing during the tt...if I had it mounted on the tt bike it could have kept me more focused on keeping a consistent number. Next time I'll know better.

Looks like I finally went fast with that 1170 number...I was trying to take it easy in the vtgp crit but the racing was really fun and with all the attacks..well I just had to race and not worry about my training that day.

VTGP RR

Todays race was actually more fun than I expected. It was almost like a crit. Everyone was riding crazy and the first 35 miles were super fast. Lots of hills and heavy wind would describe the conditions. SKC looked to be the team to beat since they had some fast times in the tt and fielded 7 riders but their GC guy Andrew...who is crazy fast broke a spoke and didn't make it back up to the group. I figured one of the skc guys would give Andrew their wheel and another could get him back up to us but I never saw him until a few minutes after the finish.



I got in a few break-aways in the beginning and nothing was really sticking, just like yesterday, if any of the GC leaders weren't there, they were pulling back the group.

Later, a group of 7 riders got off the front, all were high up in the GC and no one was willing to work to get them back except a big BMC rider from Arkansas who I recognized from last year.

Alex from SKC did some good work, he was always working for his team and getting to the front to pull when others tried to excape...some of the undiscovered riders didn't like it but that is racing...Fun!

I worked really hard going into the last 10 miles...basically a rider was running his mouth, telling Alex (a minor) that he was going to punch him in the face for bringing back one of his teammates.

Me, Alex, and a 360 guy started working extra hard and soon we were all back together.

47 guys started, 7 got off the front, and probably 10 of us were left chasing.



As we crossed the dam I could feel my legs burning and I decided to attack before the final climb...I had lots of momentum going up the hill but half way up my legs became locked and would not let me pedal further, so I was passed.



I have the next two weekends off so expect some good 9:00am sat. morning rides and crazy bike sales at the bike shop.

VTGP

Finished the TT ok. I was 13 seconds off the winner, which actually sounds like a lot for a 1.5 mile TT. I brought an TT Bike which is a great bike for the money, I didn't want to use anything crazy, just something to get me in a fast position. I used my regular road wheels and just tried to go fast without using up too much gas, I had plenty left in the tank at the finish and I could tell I have a lot more to improve on if I want to become a good tt rider.

I've been feeling under the weather since Friday morning when I woke up, don't know if it is allergies or what, just feel drained and my throat hurts...once the crit started I forgot about it. I started in the back but moved up after 2 laps. There were many really focused attacks and with the wind, I figured something might stay away...but after a lap or two of getting on some attacks it was clear that there were too many teams with too strong of riders. If it wasn't specs reeling the attacks in it was SKC or Undiscovered or even a few of the Bike Shack guys.

Once I realized nothing could stay away I tried to stay towards the front, make sure nothing got a way or went down in order to stay safe and on my bike.

Ended up finishing with the group so I kept my time, looks like I have some time to make up in tomorrows RR at Perry Dam.



Had a few 5's from Teamupgrade and they all hung on well in the 4 crit.

Bazaar Pics.

Ride!



Drink!


Sleep!

Tues Night Crit

I finally got down to the Tues Night Crit. Business Parks always freak me out and this was no exception. The race was really fun despite the sketchiness of the course and other riders. Perfect weather for it too. I was able to get to the front and work most of the time, I'll definitely be back for more as my form comes around.

Bazaar!

Had a large presence at the Bazaar Race on Saturday. Had plenty in the 4/5 field with Eric Stull winning the 5 race (4th overall!) and Eric Shaumberg getting 4th for the 4's.


Driving out of KC it was raining and windy. I finished reading "A Dog in a Hat" on our way and we stopped in Emporia at Wendy's for Gas and food. By the time we registered the sun came out and it was a perfect 60 degrees. We rolled out on time and the pace was lifted by Kris Tilford, we got to the first cone and we started flying, attack after attack and everything kept getting reeled in. We were flying at about mile 30 and when we got to the final cone with 9 miles to go I made sure to be up front to be sure I would not be out of position. There was an attack but was quickly covered. We rolled along for another 4 miles and there was a substantial hill where 3 of us went. We worked hard trading pulls riding straight into the wind and built a substantial gap. With a mile to go we all let off the gas a little since we knew we were safe from the field, I knew I couldn't out sprint my fellow countrymen so I attacked there and didn't get too far in the wind and was passed with 300 meters to go. I got 3rd, and $70. Should cover some new spokes, dinner for my driver, me, and Melissa, and maybe some new tires soon.

Crashes!

Why I won't ride against Rabobank.

Watch after 3:35!

Tomorrow is Race Day!

Bazaar RR starts at 1:00 tomorrow, about 10 miles sw of Emporia. A group of Colavita Riders will be in attendance with some Wine, so if you are thirsty after the race, find us and we will share a glass...or cup with you.

A group of us will be leaving fromVolker around 9:00 so if you need a ride, we may have room...probably plan on being back in KC after 6.

Legs

Legs are feeling much better after 10 days of easy riding. I am actually looking forward to my morning commutes since I get to pedal so softly. It will be interesting to see how hard I can turn pedals this saturday in Bazaar after all this recovery. Then training will pick up again, hoping to get fast by the end of June, the Baldwin City Stage Race is now 3 days of Kansas City Racing! I am very excited for these races since they are in my backyard and the proceeds go to Operation Breakthrough, which is right by my house.


Check out the racing info...Race


Then the following weekend is the all new Tour of Lawrence for the July 4th weekend.

Last Spring Fling.

Race was hard today. I took this whole week off(meaning I softpedaled 40 miles a day of commuting) trying to regroup and restart the training regimen. Hopefully I'll be fast again by the end May for Tulsa Tough and the State Championships. Still hopefully doing Bazaar this Sat. (50 mile race by Emporia) with some Casa Ramos afterwards.


I think I got 5th or 6th on each prime...I had plenty of go-power but no top end to get by anyone. At 10 laps to go there was a bad crash, race was neutralized and we stood around for 30 minutes waiting for ambulances. Finally 10 laps to go and 15 guys are still their motivated to race, we started with 40 at least!

Luckily, all the 15 were "racers" meaning they were fast. The first two laps were fast, but not too bad, then attacks started going, with 1 to go I got on a wheel that was going and he didn't have it, we were caught, then another wheel from Bike Shack, he started signaling me to pull when I had just got his wheel, I looked back and saw specs chasing us down so I declined.

Final Sprint and got 9th, just out of points again. I look forward to another "easy" week of softer pedaling.

Matt P. had a good day with some points in a prime, it was a good day for his first 3/4 race.

Leavenworth

Woke up and had coffee at 6:15...no food, didn't have time, I thought I had packed some but none. Rode into Volker Bicycles, 38 degrees and a little wind, almost perfect weather. Checked the weather (both weather.com and myfoxkc) and all was good and till 12 is what they say. Packed and left for Leavenworth. Got there registered and there on the table were 3 pans of cinnamon rolls! I ate one, a small one, realizing how hungry I was I ate 3 more washing it down with accelerade. Pinned my number and put the gu in my back pocket, also had 2 bottles ready for the 50 mile event.

I packed leg warmers but as soon as I dressed it started raining. I took off the warmers and applied a thin layer of Alchemy cold weather embrocation. It was still 38 degrees or so and I new the water on the road would soggy up our legs before too long. Race started and an skc guy rides away. We catch a mile or so down the road and then goes another. 2 other (non skc riders) join him and then the other 4 skc riders brought back the break. Then Andrew Coe goes. I know Andrew is fast so I get on it and catch him, looking back I see skc reeling us in. Buy now the wind is gusting 25-30 mph and we had only gone 10 miles or so. We ride steady and I see Andrew is in the front so I attack. I didn't attack super hard but I went fast enough that only Andrew could get me...We started working together trading pulls trying to catch a group of 3 who got away. As soon as I went the sleet/freezing ice rain began to fall...though it wasn't falling, it was gusting sideways pelting my face and legs. By then my "winter gloves) were just completely soaked and my hands were freezing...feet were freezing, the only way to not fall over was to just keep pedaling hard. We see a group far ahead, we catch them, and realize they are the 1/2 group!

We were pissed, on we go to catch the break. As we begin reeling them in we start slowing up and soon I look back and see 3 skc racers and another guy on our wheels. So 5 skc racers in a field dwindled down to 8. We had been away for a long time and those cinnamon rolls were not keeping my stomach happy. I realized I had not had any gel or drink yet but my hands were too cold to do anything but hold on! Guys were doing crazy stuff, unclipping and shaking their legs, swinging arms, anything to keep the blood flowing. My lens were all dirty and my vision was not good, I could feel my eyeballs failing so I started alternating eyes, keeping one eye open, one eye closed.

We started up a fairly steep hill and I shifted down since the pace was slower. Once we crested the top Andrew Coe attacked down a crazy descent and got a way, I was unable to shift up again and I stayed with the group. Each descent I would lose wheels but caught them up the hill. I could feel my jaw locking up and my vision was getting worse, not to mention everyone in the group could barely shift or use breaks, the only thing that kept me going was thinking that eventually we'll turn onto the highway and we'll have a tailwind, (there were nothing but crosswinds and headwinds the first 30 miles).

Finally I hear pop and my rear tire was flat. Just like that... I could barely get my bike over to the side of the road. No extra wheels for me, I ask the wheel car for a ride and she said someone would be buy to get me. Yes, we were in the middle of no where on a country road 25 miles north of Leavenworth. The 1/2's came by and then the 4's. Dan was looking strong!

Then the masters and finally the 5's which Steve asked if I was ok. I said yes. Though I had been standing on the side of the road for 15 minutes in the sleet freezing to death!

The Cat 5 wheel truck stopped and I didn't ask for a ride, I told him I needed a ride...he was my last hope! He loaded up my bike and in I went. About 15 minutes of shivering and I was finally getting my core temp back up. The thermometer in the truck said it was 24 degrees outside! Plus 25-35 mph gusts! We followed the 5's all the way back and Steve pulled the whole way slowly dropping one by one.

Steve finished 4th, he said he bonked at the last mile but still was able to finish well. I asked him why he pulled the whole time and he said it was too cold not to get back as soon as possible. Everyone else who pulled didn't actually work, they just went at Tempo so Steve got a great workout.

Upon our return we heard Dan got 3rd, what a great result for a 4 race!

Next week is the last Spring Fling, I am guessing the fields will be big in preparation for the VTGP!

Following weekend is Tour of Hermann or the Bazaar makeup.


Tomorrow is Tues. Night Crit!

Spring Fling

Had some goldsprints last night at Cellar Rat and a good 20 mile group ride this morning so I was a little unsure on how it would go today. It was my first race of the season with my powertap too.

It was a very windy day and I planned on staying up front in all the primes in case any breaks would go. I got into the mix on the two of the primes for points but the 3rd I took it easy.

I went with another rider with 1 to go but it was too hard going into the wind, we were caught and I went again going into the chicanes but was too tired at the last 200 meters. 8th overall.

Team Party Tonight At Cellar Rat First Fridays Wine Taisting!

This is gonna be a blast. 6-9pm tonight! We'll have goldsprints set up, Pinarello's for show, and wine! Come challenge your friends to a sprint (only $2) and drink some awesome wine!

Rain Gear!

Alot of people ask about how you ride in the rain so here it goes.


Traditional Cycling Cap under helmet, keeps water out of your eyes better and keeps head dry. If it is below 55 get a thin beanie to go underneath it.
Caps start at $10 and Beanies from adidas are around $20.

Rain proof jacket. Giordana makes a great one that is only $20. It velcros off very easy, has vents in the sides, and is clear, usually judges let you wear it over your jersey as long as you have your number on the outside of it.

Lycra shorts. They don't soak up water as much.

I do not recommend leg warmers if it is raining. If it is raining that means it is probably above 35 degrees and the Alchemy Embrocation will treat you just fine. Leg warmers tend to soak up alot of water and weigh you down. The last thing you want sprinting for the finish after a 50 mile road race is an extra 10lbs. of water around your legs.

Water proof shoe covers-keeps feet dry.

Mention this blog and get 20% any of the items that I have just mentioned!

Flat Tire

I guess you have it coming after 4000 miles of commuting from October through March. I've got to hand it to these tires, commuting from Midtown to KCK everyday is no easy task for any rubber. I had about 3000 miles on my rear 32c Soma New Express and rotated it to the front last month. Sucks even worse when it happens in the rain...it is dark and you can't see anything on the road, you just go and pop! Looks I will be getting my hands dirty during Lunch. I'll still try getting another 1000 on it, maybe I'll put one of those super heavy no flat strips in there.