No Official Results Yet...Regardless A Good Race!!

I guess getting results for a bicycle event takes a bit longer than road running but regardless it was a very good starting event yesterday!! I competed in the Browstone Road Race in my first USA Cycling certified event, so that meant a short race of 20.4 miles. The race itself was a 5.1 mile loop that we covered 4 times. It was a rolling course with lots of rollers and quite breezy in some sections. Obviously, after the last attempt at racing, the plan was no run ins with a car! It was a good learning experience but I still found myself a little apprehensive in the crowds especially after that crash. I finished with the lead group (right on the back of it) of about 15 riders or so. I did not get involved with the sprints "shit show" finish as even on some of the hills a lot of the riders had a hard time holding their lines. In all I covered the 4 loops (20.4 miles) in 50:39 or 24.2 mph with 766 feet of total climbing! I came away feeling like I could have gone another 4 loops at the same pace.

Training continues to go very well. I continue to make improvements in my training especially as the back gets closer to 100%. I love being able to tackle all the monster hills here in Central PA. This past week in 7 days of riding I did a combined 6882 feet of climbing and 14,498 feet in the last two weeks. My goal for this week is 8000 feet. I am also looking forward to next week as I will get a week of training in the Poconos in Lackawaxen, PA - new roads and new hills! Training also improves because of being able to analyze a lot more details of my rides through the Garmin.

New Training Totals:
Week - 7 rides/ 276 miles/ 13hours 15minutes/ 21.0mph
June - 26 rides/ 977 miles/ 46hours 32minutes/ 21.10mph
Year - 179 rides/ 6,055 miles/ 279hours 51minutes/ 21.8mph

In the race, I wore a 4K for Cancer jersey which was given to me by one of my athletes who is currently biking from Baltimore, MD to Portland, OR. He is participating in the ride with other college students and raising money for cancer awareness. Even though the ride is in progress it is never to late to give. Please check out his webpage which includes blogs from the road:

http://4kforcancer.org/profiles/nate-wineland/

I am now checking schedules to figure out when my next race will be as I want to get back at it as soon as possible. As soon as I get official results from Saturday and pick my next week, I will get that information on here.

TdO 11!!! Epic just can't describe it!

New Bike!!!!!!

The week was highlighted, not only by great training, but the purchase of a sweet new bike. I received my check from the insurance company of the driver who hit me during the race. I headed up to The Bicycle Shop in State College, PA to check out a Cannondale CAAD 9 with Dura Ace! As soon as I got on it I knew this would be the new toy!!! While shopping and talking with the workers, I decided it was also time to add another toy to the purchase and get the Garmin Edge 500 with Heart Rate Monitor and Speed/Cadence Sensor. What a great purchase that is turning to be already. It is so much easier to analyze each ride. Maybe a bit too much information for me to go crazy over while analyzing each ride...lol

The week also brought the hills back into trainer. With each appointment with the chiropractor, I can feel the back getting better. I would say at this point it is about 95% recovered. In the five rides since getting the new bike and Garmin, I have had a total of 7616 feet of climbing. The first ride up the hills kind of kicked my ass a but I can feel the climbing legs getting back under me with each ride. This week was my second biggest week of training this year.

Week - 7 rides/ 270 miles/ 13hours 2minutes/ 20.70mph
Month - 19 rides/ 701 miles/ 33hours 17minutes/ 21.10mph
Year - 172 rides/ 5779 miles/ 266hours 35minutes/ 21.80mph

Now next Saturday, I will be racing for the first time since the crash. I have been wanting to race but I will admit I am still a bit nervous on the bike especially on downhills. I guess that is normal given I was hit on a downhill. I am still a little quick on the brakes which kind of sucks since I am flying up the hills with ease right now. Next week's race:

http://www.bikereg.com/events/register.asp?eventid=11717

This blog's music selection is in honor of Clarence "The Big Man" Clemons!!!

TdO 11!!

Maybe This Week!

The back is almost ready. I would say I am between 90-95% back to being able to race. I have be able to add more hills to my rides but nothing that really requires me to get out of the saddle at any point. The back is still stiff and aches slightly when I try to jump out of the saddle. I also figured out that for now that up to a 2 hour ride is my limit. With all of that said, I put racing on hold yet one more week. I am also waiting as there is a very good chance I could have my new bike early next week.

There are a couple race that I am looking at for the next few weekends. My biggest drive for getting back into racing so quickly is to get my CAT 5 starts so I can move up to CAT 4 and race at least slightly longer. Some possibilities:

http://www.bikereg.com/events/Register.asp?EventID=13534 - 18 laps
http://www.bikereg.com/events/register.asp?eventid=13603 - 22 laps
http://www.bikereg.com/events/register.asp?eventid=11717 - 32KM

I am also looking for some longer road races (regardless of certification) because I had so much fun over the Mon Tour. I believe the longer a race is the better off I am. It is also very motivating to think about racing long especially while watching the Criterium du Dauphine and Tour de Suisse. In just over 3 week, it will be the start of the Tour de France.

Training continues to go very well. I had a very good week and felt incredibly strong on the small hills I was able to add to my training. I believe this week I will be able to add some more hills to my rides. I have a few more appointments with the chiropractor to help loosen the back up. I can definitely tell a difference in my pedal efficiency after a few appointments. New training totals:

Week - 7 rides/ 254 miles/ 11hours 56minutes/ 21.30mph
Month - 12 rides/ 431 miles/ 20hours 15minutes/ 21.30mph
Year - 165 rides/ 5509 miles/ 253hours 33minutes/ 21.80mph
Weekly average - 233.71 miles/ 10hours 44minutes/ 21.80mph

It looks like August is going to be the best time for the TdO 11!!! There will be some training together in the hills of the Poconos come early July. I won't won't beat him up too much on the hills. It will be quite a change from the flat roads of South Jersey for him.

Time To Race Again!!!

Almost feeling 100% after the bike crash! I have started working with a chiropractor within the last week and I can feel a difference (slightly). I still have days when the back still feels pretty stiff. It is not painful but just a dull nagging ache or tightness. It acts up mostly when I attempt to jump out of the saddle to hammer a little. Because of this, I put a 1 week extension on my comeback to racing. I am hoping to get back out there racing this weekend. Below are the links to two possible races this weekend:

http://www.bikereg.com/events/register.asp?eventid=13282
http://www.bikereg.com/events/register.asp?eventid=13238

Despite the back, training has been going extremely well still. Granted I have been limited to doing a flat out back course basically everyday until back can handle some hills. Today was the first time that the back did not tighten up when I popped off the saddle. So, who knows, maybe tomorrow morning I will be able to head for the hills. I really do hope so because I do like riding the hills here in Central PA. I am also hoping to be able to start joining some of the group rides!

Despite all flat rides, I was able to up the minutes on the bike back to where they were prior to the crash. Once the back is 100%, it will also be time to get back in the weight room. I know the addition of weight training back in the schedule will take my cycling to the next level. I already feel incredible and strong on the hills.

New Training Totals:
Week - 7 rides/ 249 miles/ 11hours 36minutes/ 21.50mph
June - 5 rides/ 177 miles/ 8hours 19minutes/ 21.30mph
Year - 158/ 5255miles/ 241hours 37minutes/ 21.80mph
Per Ride Average - 33.25miles/ 1hour 31minutes/ 21.80mph

It is also now pretty much officially summertime. I am looking forward to a nice relaxing quiet summer. Not much on the agenda as of yet. Of course, there will be plenty of biking, time at the "Lot" and the TdO '11!!!

Stayed tuned for more details regarding the Epic event!

1 Week After Crash - Ready To Race Again!

It is hard to believe that it has been a week already since I was hit by the car and forced out of my race. Even though it has been a week, I am still pissed about not being able to finish the race. I know it was out of my control but not finishing is not something I handle easily regardless the reason. I also realize how lucky I am that I have been able to get back on the bike and ride every day this week. I have been able to get on the bike and do some really good spinning this week. The road rash is slowly healing and the bruises are turning green but the lower back is still stiff. It prevents me from being able to jump out of the saddle for and extended period. I also know I am truly lucky to even be alive given the speed I hit the car (close to 30mph) and how far I flew and skidded from the car (60 feet). But trust me, I am going to spare you from the life changing epiphany story as I am not sure I had one. I am just going to get back on my bike and do what I do best!!!

Training this week was solid but nothing spectacular. To be on the safe side, I spent the first 4 days on my indoor trainer. I wanted to make sure my back could handle riding. Each day I felt better on the bike but the back never fully loosened up. I really need it to loosen up so I can race this weekend. If things workout, this Saturday will be my first USA Cycling certified race. Since I need to compete in Cat 5, my race will be a short 37KM or 4 loops of a 5.7 mile circuit. Coming off the performance at the Mon Tour, I feel very confident to be able to hammer this course it what should be under an hour of racing. I have several other races in mind after this one.

http://www.bikereg.com/events/register.asp?eventid=11716

New training totals:
Week - 7 rides/ 199 miles/ 9hours 21minutes/ 21.40mph
Month - 31 rides/ 1009 miles/ 47hours 55minutes/ 21.30mph
Year - 151 rides/ 5006 miles/ 230hours 01minute/21.90mph

Yesterday, one of my athletes, Nate Wineland began his trek across country with 4K for Cancer. He and his group will be biking from Baltimore to Portland. I will keep you informed of his progress. Prior to his departure, he was able to raise $5000 for the cause. The 4K for Cancer is a national non-profit organization dedicated to uniting communities across the country in the fight against cancer by spreading awareness, raising funds, and fostering hope. He will also blog from the road and I will post the link as soon as I have it. Here is a link to the group 4K for Cancer:

http://4kforcancer.org/follow-us/2011-baltimore-to-portland/

Till the next time......

TdO 2011!!! It will be Epic!!

ALMOST RACE REPORT AND DAY OFF (NOT BY CHOICE)

What better motivation to write the "almost" race report than sitting here watching the final stage of the Tour of California. With the start of the Giro d'Italia and Tour of California, I have had even more motivation in my training everyday. Following these two races leading up to my race I anxiously could not wait for my race. As confident as I was with my training, I had no idea what to expect for this race. In running, I kind of know who the competition would be locally but since it was my first bicycle race I had no idea of the competition. The race itself is called the Mont Tour 75 but the exact distance is 77 miles when you look at the maps but I guess it is easier the say or write 75 in the information regarding the race. I also know they put a huge emphasis on the team competition as they were offering prize money and a huge trophy for the winning team. I would be competing solo in the 75.

http://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/26741348

Now for the 'almost" race report and I'll explain that in a little. I had a good but relaxing week of training leading up to the race and even slept very soundly the night before. I awoke race morning to a nice temperature but a very thick fog. The race official informed everyone that several of the challenging descents and climbs would be wet and to watch ourselves. He was not kidding as one rider slid out in front of me 4-5 miles into the race. The first 3 miles of the course were a flat route through town then we hit the first of 6 major hills on the course. On the first climb, you could get a feel for how some of the riders handled climbs but it did not separate the peloton completely. I led a lot of the way up the hill and the new picture on here is me leading the pack through the fog at the top of the hill. Throughout the many climbs on the course the peloton stretched out and thinned. We had several sections of gravel roads also which gave it the feel of some of the one day classics in Europe, which is what the race director was trying to replicate. In all there were 6 major hills on the course and there was a combined elevation gain of 5940 feet throughout the course. Going into the final 3 hills, the lead group was down to about 20 riders including me. Then on a climb around 56 miles that group split in half and we were down to about 10. I was gaining confidence in that I could have a top 5-6 finish in my first race as a cyclist. I was riding solo among members of several cycling teams. Regardless I did my share of pulls and setting the pace uphills. On the descent from that hill that split the group I slid back a little but on the next major climb I gained major time and moved myself back to around 5th or 6th when I reached the top of that monster. On the descent, I was flying down the hill (30+mph) with another rider and we were gaining on the group in front of us. There is where the "almost" race report comes in....at an intersection at mile 69 a car going up the hill decided to turn left into my lane and I had know where to go but into them. I was able to angle myself and slow slightly before impact. On impact, I was thrown from my bike over the car and I flew/skidded into somebody's front yard. I ended up face down 60 feet from the car. I did exact some revenge in taking her mirror off the car and leaving a dent in her door! Amazingly, I walked away from this with a lot road rash and no broken bones. The bike took minimal damage as I had a small ding in the frame and my handle bar tape was torn. I will need to inspect it closer to make sure nothing else was done to bike. I did have some nice scratches on my helmet also. I never lost consciousness and remember flipping in the air and the impact of the ground. I had two immediate thoughts upon stopping on the lawn: How is bike? and How could she be so stupid to ruin my race? The driver was cited by the police and trust me I will make sure I get everything deserve from them. I just can"t believe she was that dumb given two cyclist went by about 100 meters in front of us. And she ruined my brand new Team IQC kit!!! Bastard!!!

Despite that mishap I still manged a great week of training totals. I did take today off (not my choice) even though I think I could have done and easy spin to loosen up.

Week - 6 rides/ 227 miles/ 10hours 52minutes/ 21.20mph
Month - 24 rides/ 810 miles/ 38hours 34minutes/ 21.30mph
Year - 144 rides/ 4807 miles/ 220hours 40minutes/ 21.90mph

Today, as I relaxed on the couch I was checking race schedules because I need to get back out there ASAP! Now this weekend is out as I will be in Ohio for NCAA D3 Track & Field National Championships. My top 5K runner on the woman's team qualified with a time of 17:14.76.

Here are possible races: (short because of having to compete in CAT 5 but USA Cycling sponsored)
June 4th - Mt Joy Road Race - 37KM
June 11th - Tour of Mt Nebo - 27 Miles
June 12th - Luzerne Criterium - 21 Miles
June 19th - Gretna Bikes Race Avenue Criterium - 20 Miles
June 26th - Emrick Boulevard Criterium - 25 miles

I will not do them all but I need to get at least two of them but I also want to find a longer road race as I had some much fun over the long course this past weekend.

Of course this schedule would not be complete with the TdO 11!!!!

It is so on!!!

5 Days To Go - Taper Is On!!

It seems like it was so long ago when I first started talking about the race this weekend. With 5 days to go till the race, I feel very confident in my ability to do extremely well in this hilly race! I am not sure what the competition will be like, so I will continue to look at this race in terms of my goals of a certain finishing time versus place. Given the strangeness of the weather this spring, I think I will wait till Thursday to actually see what the forecast might be.

Last week's training leaves me very confident for this race. I had my biggest and best week of training to date. I did manage 2 days of doubles as well as a great group ride. On Tuesday evening of last week, my friend Eric, took me over to Mifflinburg to ride the Big Ring Velo group ride. It is a collection of cyclist from this area including many members of the Bucknell University Cycling Team. It was my first group ride since my triathlon days. It was also the most fun I have had on a bike it quite some time. It was an hour and half of attacks, sprints, hills and surges. In the end, it was me and three other riders in the lead pack. I finished the ride with several Cat 3 riders from the Bucknell Team. I even made a bunch of the attacks and never felt like I could not answer any of the attacks. The course was fun as it included some nice flats but also a good amount of rollers and several good climbs. I do know I still need to gain some comfort in riding with a group again. I believe a few of the guys from the ride will be participating in the Mont Tour this Saturday. I have also included a tremendous amount of hills in my training. Wednesday, I completed a ride that totaled over 2500 feet of climbing in a 38 mile ride.

http://web.me.com/earthscapes66/75_miles_/Home.html

Newest training totals:
Week - 9 rides/ 300 miles/ 14hours 31minutes/ 21.00mph
Month - 18 rides/ 583 miles/ 27hours 42minutes/ 21.30mph
Year - 138 rides/ 4580 miles/ 209 miles 48minutes/ 21.90mph

After this race on Saturday, my focus will turn to USA Cycling races so I can start to maneuver my way up the rankings. I don't want to stay a Cat 5 rider too long!!! With the track & field season almost over, I can commit even more time to training and get some longer rides. I am looking forward to those 3-4 hour rides through the hills of Central PA. Training out here will make any ride in South Jersey feel so easy!!! I am pretty sure no hills around here that even come close to here.

TdO '11!!!

Let the Epic Cycle begin!!!