In case you haven't figured it out, I have moved, actually just set up a new blog.
Check it out. I am keeping this address and might find some future use for a separate blog. For now though, all things will be posted on the new site.
Keep the Rubber Side Down,
C-
22 March 2009
10 February 2009
Digging Out Of The "White Stuff" and A Long To Do List
The last few days have been phenomenal for myself, as well as for the team as a whole. Saturday and Sunday were my first races of the season. Although I am just now phasing from almost entirely being focused on building a base, to sharpening my form for the upcoming early season racing campaign, I found some good legs for Saturday's race in the snow. Following Saturday's effort, I jumped into my first real testosterone feast on Sunday evening. A local crit turned out to be a showdown between several teams looking to sharpen their form as the prepare for the upcoming Amgen Tour of California.
Following my efforts from Saturday, I was content to spend most of Sunday's race tucked away in the field. As usual, I tried a few digs, but the legs would have none of it. At the end of the race, we had put in a blistering 45+ kph average, and Justin Williams made short work out of the hard work done by JellyBelly as they worked to set up a leadout for their sprinter.
On the far side of the country, my teammate Bobby Sweeting was enjoying some of his own "Sweet Success." Sorry, but I just had to use the phrase. His weekend was stacked with a mix of collegiate and professional time trials (his especiality) and crits. Despite having a few mechanical mishaps along the way, he put in a strong performance to pick up 3 wins in the 4 races that he entered. Nice work Bobby! The team is starting to hit its stride, and I am excited for the success that we hope and plan to find in the coming months as we race, train, and live together.
Yesterday was a trip down memory lane. Despite the fact that I am not even an hour from the USA-Mexico border, the day brought back many fond memories of training in Belgium during January. Sunday afternoon, the weather was improving, and we enjoyed racing the crit under partly sunny skies. I wasn't about to plan on a sunny day yesterday, but I was willing to hope against hope for some more sun. Instead, I awoke to a driving rain and strong winds. After my breakfast of muesli, (a cereal I learned to love while living in Belgium) some fruit, a delicious homemade blueberry muffins (thanks Grandma) and a large pot of coffee, I was ready to ride. I spent only a few short minutes consulting a map hoping to find a new loop to ride for the days endurance work. Not even halfway into my ride, and I made a serious blunder. Somehow, I managed to get myself thoroughly lost in/near the city of Escondido. Although I might like to say that the wind and sideways rain are to blame, it would be more honest to say that I simply wasn't sure of all the streets I needed to follow on my expected route. Anyhow, after something like 20 minutes of charging down the wrong street(s), I realized my mistake. I backtracked and was back "on course." Or so I thought, A few hours later, and I finally knew where I was again - only I was seriously "behind schedule." Climbing through the mountains, the rain turned to snow and hail, before settling on freezing rain for my descent back into Ramona. Even with the wild weather, some extra kilometers, and spending over an extra hour on the bike, I would say yesterday was one of the best rides I have done here in SoCal. I know it sounds strange, but I really enjoy the riding in shitty weather. Perhaps that was evident in Saturday's race; I received several comments about the fact that I was nearly the only rider not wearing a rain jacket. Or maybe, I am just crazy and love every moment on the bike. I am still not sure, but my guess is that it is a healthy mix of both.
Today, and I awoke to a bright California sun shinning through the barn window. As usual, breakfast included some of the best coffee and fresh fruits, along with a new batch of homemade muffins. My Grandma is quite the baker. Some recipes turn out in a completely unexpected manner - the results are a few scrapped loaves of bread, a few loaves that look malformed, and even a handful of delicious serendipities. Yesterday we had a serendipity that made for some great snacking material, and today, we had delicious corn meal muffins. Now, with breakfast finished, I am looking at an easy recovery ride, as well as trying to knock several items off of my To-Do list in Entourage (Mac version of Microsoft Outlook). This list has actually developed a scroll bar in the last few days, and so I realize I have a lot of work to do. Better ride and get doing.
Keep the Rubber Side Down,
C-
BTW: I did bring my camera down here to SoCal. With my days full of training and house work, I have not had as much time as I would like to edit the numerous photos before posting them. My hope is that I can work on this in the next few weeks, and at the very least, maybe I can find some time to load the new photos into my slideshow. Sorry they are not incorporated into the text. I will try to get back on that soon enough.
Following my efforts from Saturday, I was content to spend most of Sunday's race tucked away in the field. As usual, I tried a few digs, but the legs would have none of it. At the end of the race, we had put in a blistering 45+ kph average, and Justin Williams made short work out of the hard work done by JellyBelly as they worked to set up a leadout for their sprinter.
On the far side of the country, my teammate Bobby Sweeting was enjoying some of his own "Sweet Success." Sorry, but I just had to use the phrase. His weekend was stacked with a mix of collegiate and professional time trials (his especiality) and crits. Despite having a few mechanical mishaps along the way, he put in a strong performance to pick up 3 wins in the 4 races that he entered. Nice work Bobby! The team is starting to hit its stride, and I am excited for the success that we hope and plan to find in the coming months as we race, train, and live together.
Yesterday was a trip down memory lane. Despite the fact that I am not even an hour from the USA-Mexico border, the day brought back many fond memories of training in Belgium during January. Sunday afternoon, the weather was improving, and we enjoyed racing the crit under partly sunny skies. I wasn't about to plan on a sunny day yesterday, but I was willing to hope against hope for some more sun. Instead, I awoke to a driving rain and strong winds. After my breakfast of muesli, (a cereal I learned to love while living in Belgium) some fruit, a delicious homemade blueberry muffins (thanks Grandma) and a large pot of coffee, I was ready to ride. I spent only a few short minutes consulting a map hoping to find a new loop to ride for the days endurance work. Not even halfway into my ride, and I made a serious blunder. Somehow, I managed to get myself thoroughly lost in/near the city of Escondido. Although I might like to say that the wind and sideways rain are to blame, it would be more honest to say that I simply wasn't sure of all the streets I needed to follow on my expected route. Anyhow, after something like 20 minutes of charging down the wrong street(s), I realized my mistake. I backtracked and was back "on course." Or so I thought, A few hours later, and I finally knew where I was again - only I was seriously "behind schedule." Climbing through the mountains, the rain turned to snow and hail, before settling on freezing rain for my descent back into Ramona. Even with the wild weather, some extra kilometers, and spending over an extra hour on the bike, I would say yesterday was one of the best rides I have done here in SoCal. I know it sounds strange, but I really enjoy the riding in shitty weather. Perhaps that was evident in Saturday's race; I received several comments about the fact that I was nearly the only rider not wearing a rain jacket. Or maybe, I am just crazy and love every moment on the bike. I am still not sure, but my guess is that it is a healthy mix of both.
Today, and I awoke to a bright California sun shinning through the barn window. As usual, breakfast included some of the best coffee and fresh fruits, along with a new batch of homemade muffins. My Grandma is quite the baker. Some recipes turn out in a completely unexpected manner - the results are a few scrapped loaves of bread, a few loaves that look malformed, and even a handful of delicious serendipities. Yesterday we had a serendipity that made for some great snacking material, and today, we had delicious corn meal muffins. Now, with breakfast finished, I am looking at an easy recovery ride, as well as trying to knock several items off of my To-Do list in Entourage (Mac version of Microsoft Outlook). This list has actually developed a scroll bar in the last few days, and so I realize I have a lot of work to do. Better ride and get doing.
Keep the Rubber Side Down,
C-
BTW: I did bring my camera down here to SoCal. With my days full of training and house work, I have not had as much time as I would like to edit the numerous photos before posting them. My hope is that I can work on this in the next few weeks, and at the very least, maybe I can find some time to load the new photos into my slideshow. Sorry they are not incorporated into the text. I will try to get back on that soon enough.
06 February 2009
Getting Things Going Full Speed
Tomorrow will bring the first race of the 2009 season. Following an abrupt end to my 2008 cyclo-cross season, it is now time to put a new year, and a new season, into full swing. Although I am not sure what all the season ahead of me holds, I am excited for the adventures that are going to come my way. Along with a solid calendar of racing, I know that my teammates and I will build lasting relationships, endure tough times and fun times, and that by the time the fall rolls around, we will have all experienced numerous events which we will surely carry with us for many years to come.
Even before tonight, the first memories of a new year have begun. 2009 started with a bang for me. Not even a week into the new year, and I was in the kitchen cooking my favourite pasta dish from scratch. While the night’s dinner was intended to be a “last supper” of sorts, before my brother, Graham, returned to the United States Naval Academy for his second semester, my family had other plans for the evening. As I stood in the kitchen, kneading the pasta dough and simmering an Italian sauce, my family schemed behind my back. Half way through dinner, my brothers excused themselves to find a “blanket for my mom.” Turns out, that “a blanket for my mom,” was code for “Carson’s birthday presents.” My family had just successfully arranged for me to cook my own birthday dinner – and I didn’t have a clue! Not only was this a surprise, but certainly a memory that will last for many years.
A few weeks later, and I had made plans for my own trip to Southern California for some early season training and racing. Made possible by the generosity of my Grandparents, this winter will be my first time preparing for the coming road season in a climate that is more mild than Oregon’s cold and wet winters. Sixteen hours of driving, punctuated by a delicious Italian dinner (this time, it wasn’t pasta) with my mom, and I had arrived at my new training grounds. The following days proved to be everything I could want, and more. It was only after 14 days that I began to revisit routes I had previously ridden. Along with a seemingly endless array of roads to train on, I found the weather to be pleasant. The occasional rain shower did nothing to dampen my spirits, and the long rides over some of the highest points in the area made for incredible training rides. As I had hoped, the majority of these first few weeks have been spent riding in shorts, with only the occasional need for arm-warmers in the mornings and evenings.
Tonight, and the memories continue. As many people have learned, I love pasta. If it were possible, I suppose I might eat pasta on a daily basis; however the reality is that would be far from the healthiest of diets, and more importantly, “moderation is the spice of life.” Or so I am told. Anyhow, for only the second time in as many weeks, pasta is on the menu for dinner. Tonight, it wont be just any old garden variety of pasta that was purchased from the nearest market, oh no, it will be much better than that. As I continue to cultivate one of my new hobbies, tonight’s pasta has been made from scratch (the dough is resting while I type this). Over the top of tonight’s plate of pasta, I am preparing one of my favourite sauces – an organic red sauce with ground beef. Placing a tossed green salad on the table should top of the tank, and I hope that all of this time in the kitchen tonight, has the engine firing on all cylinders tomorrow come race time tomorrow – if nothing else, the meal will be damn good.
On tap for tomorrow, is the Boulevard Road Race. I have never actually heard or read of this race, but it apparently has quite a following. Regardless, the field is stacked with talented riders and teams making their final preparations for the upcoming Amgen Tour of California. Highlighting the start-list is a full contingent of riders from Jelly Belly Pro Cycling Team, Floyd Landis and several of his OUCH p/b Maxxis Teammates, a handful of riders from Team Type 1, and the list goes on. Needless to say, the 150km race should be hotly contested, and provide a solid springboard from which we will launch our coming seasons of racing.
The timer for my dough just rung, which means I have noodles to roll out, and a sauce to finish. After dinner, and it will be the final pre-race routine of preparing my bikes, gear, and loading up the car.
Now, I have got both hands are the bars, and we are about to get a terrific new season going full speed. Hold on…
Keep the Rubber Side Down,
C-
Even before tonight, the first memories of a new year have begun. 2009 started with a bang for me. Not even a week into the new year, and I was in the kitchen cooking my favourite pasta dish from scratch. While the night’s dinner was intended to be a “last supper” of sorts, before my brother, Graham, returned to the United States Naval Academy for his second semester, my family had other plans for the evening. As I stood in the kitchen, kneading the pasta dough and simmering an Italian sauce, my family schemed behind my back. Half way through dinner, my brothers excused themselves to find a “blanket for my mom.” Turns out, that “a blanket for my mom,” was code for “Carson’s birthday presents.” My family had just successfully arranged for me to cook my own birthday dinner – and I didn’t have a clue! Not only was this a surprise, but certainly a memory that will last for many years.
A few weeks later, and I had made plans for my own trip to Southern California for some early season training and racing. Made possible by the generosity of my Grandparents, this winter will be my first time preparing for the coming road season in a climate that is more mild than Oregon’s cold and wet winters. Sixteen hours of driving, punctuated by a delicious Italian dinner (this time, it wasn’t pasta) with my mom, and I had arrived at my new training grounds. The following days proved to be everything I could want, and more. It was only after 14 days that I began to revisit routes I had previously ridden. Along with a seemingly endless array of roads to train on, I found the weather to be pleasant. The occasional rain shower did nothing to dampen my spirits, and the long rides over some of the highest points in the area made for incredible training rides. As I had hoped, the majority of these first few weeks have been spent riding in shorts, with only the occasional need for arm-warmers in the mornings and evenings.
Tonight, and the memories continue. As many people have learned, I love pasta. If it were possible, I suppose I might eat pasta on a daily basis; however the reality is that would be far from the healthiest of diets, and more importantly, “moderation is the spice of life.” Or so I am told. Anyhow, for only the second time in as many weeks, pasta is on the menu for dinner. Tonight, it wont be just any old garden variety of pasta that was purchased from the nearest market, oh no, it will be much better than that. As I continue to cultivate one of my new hobbies, tonight’s pasta has been made from scratch (the dough is resting while I type this). Over the top of tonight’s plate of pasta, I am preparing one of my favourite sauces – an organic red sauce with ground beef. Placing a tossed green salad on the table should top of the tank, and I hope that all of this time in the kitchen tonight, has the engine firing on all cylinders tomorrow come race time tomorrow – if nothing else, the meal will be damn good.
On tap for tomorrow, is the Boulevard Road Race. I have never actually heard or read of this race, but it apparently has quite a following. Regardless, the field is stacked with talented riders and teams making their final preparations for the upcoming Amgen Tour of California. Highlighting the start-list is a full contingent of riders from Jelly Belly Pro Cycling Team, Floyd Landis and several of his OUCH p/b Maxxis Teammates, a handful of riders from Team Type 1, and the list goes on. Needless to say, the 150km race should be hotly contested, and provide a solid springboard from which we will launch our coming seasons of racing.
The timer for my dough just rung, which means I have noodles to roll out, and a sauce to finish. After dinner, and it will be the final pre-race routine of preparing my bikes, gear, and loading up the car.
Now, I have got both hands are the bars, and we are about to get a terrific new season going full speed. Hold on…
Keep the Rubber Side Down,
C-
31 January 2009
Raining On My Happiness: Part 2
Authors Note: Because this post became rather lengthy, I am breaking it up into 2 posts. This is the second half.
After dinner that evening, I returned to the barn; where I spent several hours repairing my tires and tubes, as well as putting the TT bike together. Since I would not be able to ride my road bike for several days while I waited for new shifters to arrive, the TT bike was my only option to continue training. Still motivated by the letter from USAC, I worked late into the night, mounting new tires, my SRM, and a new saddle on the TT bike. Come Thursday, I would be ready to keep on training, right where I left off. My only concern was that I counted 2 and not 3 events, which one might call “bad luck.” In no way am I a superstitious person, or one who believes in karma. At the same time, I have been riding long enough to know that I usually hit a big string of bad luck before the going gets smoother again. Perhaps this is the world’s way of testing me, to see if I have the mental tenacity to push through the hard times. I don’t really know how or why, but these moments of adversity are not frequent, yet seem to come when I am “high” on life. Still, I push on, believing that I will find a new inner-strength; one which will carry me closer to my dream of racing in Europe.
As I headed into the hills yesterday (Thursday), I was again enjoying the warm sunny day, and the roads I was riding. Another day, another route. After just over 3.5 hours riding, I was nearly home. Just a few last kilometers which were mostly downhill. As I rode along Hwy 79 in the aero-bars, a large pickup truck roared past. As I fought the cross winds and the draft from the truck (the driver scarcely budged to make room for me), I was barely able to keep the bike upright. My trajectory suddenly changed, and I was headed straight for the ditch. In this instant, several thoughts raced through my mind; I don’t think this TT bike will do well in the gravel, “bikes are easier and cheaper to fix than bodies,” (that is what my mom always told me when I started riding), if I try turning in this gravel I am surely going down, ok, then, take it straight into the grass; stop and walk back to the highway. After several moments of riding through weeds, rocks, gravel, and debris, I came to rest a few meters from a barbed wire fence. Relieved at not crashing or hitting the fence, I walked back to the road. Looking down, I saw my tires were covered with hundreds of thorns, rocks, and pieces of metal. As I wiped away the debris, a quick hissing came. At first, I only suspected a rear flat. Quickly, I remounted hoping to ride the last bit of air to the Julian Pie Company, just a kilometer or so down the road. As I pulled into the parking lot, the air ran out. This was a relief; I had made it to a comfortable stop where I could refuel and comfortably repair my flat. That is when I realized both tires were flat. Stranded again, I went into the café for some coffee and a pastry while I evaluated the situation.
As I ate my pastry, and gulped down the coffee, I asked several unsuspecting motorists if they were headed towards Ramona. None were going in the direction, or had room in their cars. Several long minutes later, and I was again on the phone with my grandfather. Again, he was quickly willing to come my rescue, and I sat in the café as I waited for him. Although I was angry “at the world,” I was also quite relieved. This was the 3rd bit of bad luck, and it was a relief to have it done and over with. Now, I can only hope that my dues have been paid, and that I can return to riding my bikes without obstruction from the woes of bad luck.
Today (Friday) and I have an easy recovery ride on the books. After several minutes on the phone, and I have again infused a large quantity of cash into the ever-supporting crew back home at Sunnyside Sports. I am not sure about my mom’s words though. It seems that a few scabs would heal easier and cheaper than the large bill to replace all of my tires, tubes, and damaged parts, but what is done is done, and I still have all my skin.
I am off for my recovery ride now. Oh, wait, I have 2 flat tires and some additional repairs to make first. Still the sun is out, I love riding my bikes, and I am excited for another day of training, and the adventures that may come my way…
Keep the Rubber Side Down,
C-
After dinner that evening, I returned to the barn; where I spent several hours repairing my tires and tubes, as well as putting the TT bike together. Since I would not be able to ride my road bike for several days while I waited for new shifters to arrive, the TT bike was my only option to continue training. Still motivated by the letter from USAC, I worked late into the night, mounting new tires, my SRM, and a new saddle on the TT bike. Come Thursday, I would be ready to keep on training, right where I left off. My only concern was that I counted 2 and not 3 events, which one might call “bad luck.” In no way am I a superstitious person, or one who believes in karma. At the same time, I have been riding long enough to know that I usually hit a big string of bad luck before the going gets smoother again. Perhaps this is the world’s way of testing me, to see if I have the mental tenacity to push through the hard times. I don’t really know how or why, but these moments of adversity are not frequent, yet seem to come when I am “high” on life. Still, I push on, believing that I will find a new inner-strength; one which will carry me closer to my dream of racing in Europe.
As I headed into the hills yesterday (Thursday), I was again enjoying the warm sunny day, and the roads I was riding. Another day, another route. After just over 3.5 hours riding, I was nearly home. Just a few last kilometers which were mostly downhill. As I rode along Hwy 79 in the aero-bars, a large pickup truck roared past. As I fought the cross winds and the draft from the truck (the driver scarcely budged to make room for me), I was barely able to keep the bike upright. My trajectory suddenly changed, and I was headed straight for the ditch. In this instant, several thoughts raced through my mind; I don’t think this TT bike will do well in the gravel, “bikes are easier and cheaper to fix than bodies,” (that is what my mom always told me when I started riding), if I try turning in this gravel I am surely going down, ok, then, take it straight into the grass; stop and walk back to the highway. After several moments of riding through weeds, rocks, gravel, and debris, I came to rest a few meters from a barbed wire fence. Relieved at not crashing or hitting the fence, I walked back to the road. Looking down, I saw my tires were covered with hundreds of thorns, rocks, and pieces of metal. As I wiped away the debris, a quick hissing came. At first, I only suspected a rear flat. Quickly, I remounted hoping to ride the last bit of air to the Julian Pie Company, just a kilometer or so down the road. As I pulled into the parking lot, the air ran out. This was a relief; I had made it to a comfortable stop where I could refuel and comfortably repair my flat. That is when I realized both tires were flat. Stranded again, I went into the café for some coffee and a pastry while I evaluated the situation.
As I ate my pastry, and gulped down the coffee, I asked several unsuspecting motorists if they were headed towards Ramona. None were going in the direction, or had room in their cars. Several long minutes later, and I was again on the phone with my grandfather. Again, he was quickly willing to come my rescue, and I sat in the café as I waited for him. Although I was angry “at the world,” I was also quite relieved. This was the 3rd bit of bad luck, and it was a relief to have it done and over with. Now, I can only hope that my dues have been paid, and that I can return to riding my bikes without obstruction from the woes of bad luck.
Today (Friday) and I have an easy recovery ride on the books. After several minutes on the phone, and I have again infused a large quantity of cash into the ever-supporting crew back home at Sunnyside Sports. I am not sure about my mom’s words though. It seems that a few scabs would heal easier and cheaper than the large bill to replace all of my tires, tubes, and damaged parts, but what is done is done, and I still have all my skin.
I am off for my recovery ride now. Oh, wait, I have 2 flat tires and some additional repairs to make first. Still the sun is out, I love riding my bikes, and I am excited for another day of training, and the adventures that may come my way…
Keep the Rubber Side Down,
C-
30 January 2009
Raining On My Happiness: Part 1
Author's Note: Because this entry became rather lengthy, I am breaking it up into 2 separate posts.
After a little over a week here in beautiful Southern California, things have been mostly enjoyable. With the dawn of Wednesday, the weather has turned for the better, from cool and overcast, to warm and clear blue skies. It doesn’t really get much better than that.
From my barn here in Ramona, CA, the nearby roads seem endless. After 9 days of training, I don’t think I have done the same ride twice! Wednesday morning brought me more than just improved weather. I awoke at 07:06 as I do every morning. After I switched on the lights and rubbed the sleep from my eyes, I went about my morning routine. Aside from seeing more sun, and fewer clouds, everything seemed to be the same as usual. Get up, dress, use the bathroom, make coffee, etc. As I walked up the hill to the house, I pulled my Blackberry from my pocket to check my e-mails. Reading from top to bottom, it was the same old same old; people looking for group rides, some daily mailings, spam, etc. The last e-mail is where things changed; straight from the communications desk at USA Cycling, I received a letter making official my selection to the USAC National Development Team.
Sitting out this ‘cross season due to my hand injuries, might just have been the biggest blessing in disguise. Since that day in early November, I have changed my focus to building and preparing for a strong road season. With the year’s National and World Championships off the table, I worked with my coach, Todd Herriott, to revamp the training schedule. In place of shorter high intensity workouts, we began to implement longer “base” oriented road rides. Having several months available to really work hard on building a big and proper base for the road season has been terrific. Making all the long rides more bearable has been the anticipation of racing on the USAC National Development Team, getting to experience road racing at some of the highest levels in Europe.
Things continued to improve on Wednesday morning when the aroma of fresh baked rye bread greeted me I the kitchen. What a way to start things off! With breakfast and the dishes done, I returned to the barn. A few more e-mails, and I was in my kit, ready for the day’s training ride. On the schedule I had several hill repetition intervals going up Palomar Mountain. With the tires pumped and my bottles filled, I rode off towards the mountain with a renewed energy. I love riding my bikes, I really do. Every morning, I awake and think about how lucky I am to be living my dream; training and racing to become a better cyclist. If there were ever a way to boost my “drive,” telling me that my dream of racing on the roads of Europe with the National Team, is surely one of the best ways to do that. The pedals seemed lighter, the roads smoother, and the hills flatter.
After about an hour of warming up en-route to the hill, I was ready to start my intervals. Just one problem; my tire had a slow leak. After pulling the spare tube from my saddlebag, I discovered a hole in my spare. Great! The tube had been worn by a metal clip, and was no good. Luckily, I had some patches with me. I pulled the patches out, to repair the original tube. To my dismay, the patches had “expired.” The glue was dry and crusty. At the bottom of the box, I found one last patch with a bit of adhesive. Carefully, I sanded and patched my only useable tube. With the tube and tire remounted, I slowly pumped the tire back up to pressure. Although I wasn’t sure the patch would hold, it was my best hope at getting home.
Climbing back on the bike, and a new problem arose. My shifter had lost a pawl along the way. I don’t know where or how, but I was now stuck in my 13, with only the 53 and 39 up front. Palomar Mountain was out of the question; I tried pushing the gear up the hill, but it was nearly impossible. I turned, and set out to do my intervals along the flatter, yet still rising, Hwy 76. As I completed the first interval, I saw a large group of cyclists headed toward me. It was none other the Floyd Landis, and his newly formed Team OUCH! A quick u-turn, a few minutes of chasing, and I was on the tail end of the group. I rode along, enjoying the draft as well as the company. Roman Kilun dropped back, and we had a nice chat along the way. To be honest, I had turned around in hopes of getting a new tube, and maybe some service for my shifters. At the same time, I didn’t feel right just asking for service from this team straight away. So I rode along, my rear tire still leaking, and enjoying the company of the other rides. Some ignored me, some said “hi,” and others just gave a funny glance. Eventually, my patch gave in to the pressure, and I was flat again. My ride ended when the air ran out at a quicky mart along the road. With no town or help in sight, I stopped and called my grandfather for a ride home. He quickly was in his truck, and came to my rescue a short while later.
Check back soon for the second half.
Keep the Rubber Side Down,
C-
After a little over a week here in beautiful Southern California, things have been mostly enjoyable. With the dawn of Wednesday, the weather has turned for the better, from cool and overcast, to warm and clear blue skies. It doesn’t really get much better than that.
From my barn here in Ramona, CA, the nearby roads seem endless. After 9 days of training, I don’t think I have done the same ride twice! Wednesday morning brought me more than just improved weather. I awoke at 07:06 as I do every morning. After I switched on the lights and rubbed the sleep from my eyes, I went about my morning routine. Aside from seeing more sun, and fewer clouds, everything seemed to be the same as usual. Get up, dress, use the bathroom, make coffee, etc. As I walked up the hill to the house, I pulled my Blackberry from my pocket to check my e-mails. Reading from top to bottom, it was the same old same old; people looking for group rides, some daily mailings, spam, etc. The last e-mail is where things changed; straight from the communications desk at USA Cycling, I received a letter making official my selection to the USAC National Development Team.
Sitting out this ‘cross season due to my hand injuries, might just have been the biggest blessing in disguise. Since that day in early November, I have changed my focus to building and preparing for a strong road season. With the year’s National and World Championships off the table, I worked with my coach, Todd Herriott, to revamp the training schedule. In place of shorter high intensity workouts, we began to implement longer “base” oriented road rides. Having several months available to really work hard on building a big and proper base for the road season has been terrific. Making all the long rides more bearable has been the anticipation of racing on the USAC National Development Team, getting to experience road racing at some of the highest levels in Europe.
Things continued to improve on Wednesday morning when the aroma of fresh baked rye bread greeted me I the kitchen. What a way to start things off! With breakfast and the dishes done, I returned to the barn. A few more e-mails, and I was in my kit, ready for the day’s training ride. On the schedule I had several hill repetition intervals going up Palomar Mountain. With the tires pumped and my bottles filled, I rode off towards the mountain with a renewed energy. I love riding my bikes, I really do. Every morning, I awake and think about how lucky I am to be living my dream; training and racing to become a better cyclist. If there were ever a way to boost my “drive,” telling me that my dream of racing on the roads of Europe with the National Team, is surely one of the best ways to do that. The pedals seemed lighter, the roads smoother, and the hills flatter.
After about an hour of warming up en-route to the hill, I was ready to start my intervals. Just one problem; my tire had a slow leak. After pulling the spare tube from my saddlebag, I discovered a hole in my spare. Great! The tube had been worn by a metal clip, and was no good. Luckily, I had some patches with me. I pulled the patches out, to repair the original tube. To my dismay, the patches had “expired.” The glue was dry and crusty. At the bottom of the box, I found one last patch with a bit of adhesive. Carefully, I sanded and patched my only useable tube. With the tube and tire remounted, I slowly pumped the tire back up to pressure. Although I wasn’t sure the patch would hold, it was my best hope at getting home.
Climbing back on the bike, and a new problem arose. My shifter had lost a pawl along the way. I don’t know where or how, but I was now stuck in my 13, with only the 53 and 39 up front. Palomar Mountain was out of the question; I tried pushing the gear up the hill, but it was nearly impossible. I turned, and set out to do my intervals along the flatter, yet still rising, Hwy 76. As I completed the first interval, I saw a large group of cyclists headed toward me. It was none other the Floyd Landis, and his newly formed Team OUCH! A quick u-turn, a few minutes of chasing, and I was on the tail end of the group. I rode along, enjoying the draft as well as the company. Roman Kilun dropped back, and we had a nice chat along the way. To be honest, I had turned around in hopes of getting a new tube, and maybe some service for my shifters. At the same time, I didn’t feel right just asking for service from this team straight away. So I rode along, my rear tire still leaking, and enjoying the company of the other rides. Some ignored me, some said “hi,” and others just gave a funny glance. Eventually, my patch gave in to the pressure, and I was flat again. My ride ended when the air ran out at a quicky mart along the road. With no town or help in sight, I stopped and called my grandfather for a ride home. He quickly was in his truck, and came to my rescue a short while later.
Check back soon for the second half.
Keep the Rubber Side Down,
C-
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