Crap, I've got some sort of flu... I had recieved regular flu shots so thought it was H1N1, but researching on webmd, seems to be acute bronchitis... that takes 2 weeks to clear. That might put an early end to the cyclocross season...
I was happy to have recieved a trophy for 3rd place in the 2009 Cat 3 Iowa Rider of the Year series. I had quite a few missed opportunities in 2009 as far as road races and crits go, but was solid as a Cat 3 in the Time Trial, Cyclocross and Roller Race events on the IBRA calendar that I entered Maybe 2010 things will go my way in all the disciplines... or maybe I will cough up my infected lung, curl up in a ball, and die so as to avoid this achy feeling.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Sunday, November 8, 2009
New ride... sort of.
Well, with the Hawks ahead by 10 in the first quarter Saturday, I headed out for a 60miler on my new set-up, assuming that Iowa would easily beat Northwestern to keep their perfect record. Speaking of perfect, the weather was sweet, especially for November. I had no choice but to put some miles on my new 2010 Madone Red set-up...
Due to a warranty situation, I ended up getting hooked up with a 2010 frame to replace my 2009 that had cracked a bit. Trek made plenty of improvements for 2010, like being 1/3 pound lighter, stiffer (more power transfer), and improved vertical compliance (less bumpy). The cabling is more internal creating sleek lines. I also like the duotrap speed/cadence sensor option that is built into the frame, not too mention the ability to utilize Shimano's Di2 electronic shifting.
Well, this set-up will give me the most advantages at criteriums that involve accelerating and cornerning, or road races with climbing and break-aways...but I can say that I had a nice ride. Can't wait to tear it up next spring.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
What I am good at and why...
Why don't I get ever really get into cyclocross the way I do road racing? Can't help but to wonder about this, as I have yet to register for Jingle Cross Rock, just simply not feeling connected to this discipline. So, perhaps a simple self-exploratory exercise will help... (feel free to try this as well). Make a list of your 6 or 7 major competitive cycling disciplines, in order of satisfaction/enjoyment, with a brief explanation.
1) Roller Racing - I know, WTF?, right? I appreciate the focused efficiency of indoor training. No weather or vehicular distractions. Just down and dirty training. I set goals and enjoy analyticaly charting my results. There is a 'science' to cycling fitness, and indoor training can be a precise way to target results.
2) Time Trialing - Most of my bike riding is done alone, so I essentially am always conducting tempo/LT workouts which are perfect for improving races against the clock. I guess an odd 'perk' of being a solo-type rider.
3) Road Racing - During the spring and summer, I do have great tuesday and thursday night road race simulation ride options in Muscatine and Iowa City. These workouts combined with solo rides and racing produce a respectable level of road fitness that I find rewarding.
4) Duathlon - Nice to take great bike fitness and then lay it out there against multi-sporters. My running is always weak, but I can usually finish first or second overall using my bike speed... it is fun to win.
5) Criterium - Not so good, the only time I get any practice at this discipline is during a race. Ok, perhaps a bit when I sprint for stop-ahead signs. I wish there was some sort of weekly crit training event... I spend way too much time pedalling a straight line. Criteriums that are basically road circuit races, however, are great fun.
6) Cyclocross - I have no group training options, so at a disadvantage that effects my results and motivation to train. I have a low cold weather tolerance as well. Races always go down the same way... I start pedalling, some people go faster, some go slower, I try and stay upright, slog through sand/grass/mud, listen to my brakes squeak, talk myslef through the pain, collect my $10 prize, feel good about entering, go home.
7) Mountain Biking - Have to drive to Iowa City/Davenport to train. The races/trails seem to always be rained-out. Sort of fun to cross train on a mountain bike, but probably won't ever get into the single track scene.
Ok, how did my list compare to yours? I feel better now that I have put cyclocross racing in perspective for myself. I think the cyclocross racing in Iowa is awesome, and fortunate to have this discipline available as a way to maintain my fitness, yet just wanted to vent a bit.
On the other hand, Coach Dave Ertl suggested in a recent post that November is the start of the pre-season training for spring racing... Now we are talking... that helps me justify this Cyclocross stuff... great training to put into the 'fitness bank' for next year. Game on!
1) Roller Racing - I know, WTF?, right? I appreciate the focused efficiency of indoor training. No weather or vehicular distractions. Just down and dirty training. I set goals and enjoy analyticaly charting my results. There is a 'science' to cycling fitness, and indoor training can be a precise way to target results.
2) Time Trialing - Most of my bike riding is done alone, so I essentially am always conducting tempo/LT workouts which are perfect for improving races against the clock. I guess an odd 'perk' of being a solo-type rider.
3) Road Racing - During the spring and summer, I do have great tuesday and thursday night road race simulation ride options in Muscatine and Iowa City. These workouts combined with solo rides and racing produce a respectable level of road fitness that I find rewarding.
4) Duathlon - Nice to take great bike fitness and then lay it out there against multi-sporters. My running is always weak, but I can usually finish first or second overall using my bike speed... it is fun to win.
5) Criterium - Not so good, the only time I get any practice at this discipline is during a race. Ok, perhaps a bit when I sprint for stop-ahead signs. I wish there was some sort of weekly crit training event... I spend way too much time pedalling a straight line. Criteriums that are basically road circuit races, however, are great fun.
6) Cyclocross - I have no group training options, so at a disadvantage that effects my results and motivation to train. I have a low cold weather tolerance as well. Races always go down the same way... I start pedalling, some people go faster, some go slower, I try and stay upright, slog through sand/grass/mud, listen to my brakes squeak, talk myslef through the pain, collect my $10 prize, feel good about entering, go home.
7) Mountain Biking - Have to drive to Iowa City/Davenport to train. The races/trails seem to always be rained-out. Sort of fun to cross train on a mountain bike, but probably won't ever get into the single track scene.
Ok, how did my list compare to yours? I feel better now that I have put cyclocross racing in perspective for myself. I think the cyclocross racing in Iowa is awesome, and fortunate to have this discipline available as a way to maintain my fitness, yet just wanted to vent a bit.
On the other hand, Coach Dave Ertl suggested in a recent post that November is the start of the pre-season training for spring racing... Now we are talking... that helps me justify this Cyclocross stuff... great training to put into the 'fitness bank' for next year. Game on!
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