Sunday, December 28, 2008

The New Year and 12 Hours Oleta is Upon Me

Next Saturday is my second attempt to do the 12 hours of Oleta in North Miami, Florida. I really want to complete the entire race this time. I have my Salsa in tip top shape, however the ride isn't in very good shape, I will have some crash training this week when I get to Florida on Monday. I plan to kick my own ass this winter and hope to come out the other side a better rider.

Saturday, December 6, 2008

No I haven't died but I am going to heaven.









































well howdy folks, no I haven't died. I just have had a busy fall with work and stuff. I did an handful of important races this fall since my last update, the two that come to mind are Iron Cross VI in Pine Grove Furnace, PA it was the hardest race of my life. Its a 63 mile race with over 6000' of climbing, traversing fire roads, mountain bike trails, and county highways and state highways. I rode my crosshairs, I wish I had a 34-50 front crank as I need a really low gear for climbing, I have a 12-27 rear cassette. I had to run a 38 front ring as that is what I had set-up for cross season and I would have liked a 50 for the road sections. 



The other race I did that I'm proud to have done is the Iceman Cometh in Traverse City, MI. I fell 11 minutes short of my goal which I though acceptable under the circumstances. I'm excited to give it a go next year again and I'm bringing along a pair of first-timers to do slush cup. They were/are my hosts in Traverse City and excited to do it in the future.



I also did Kletch Park CX, Wisconsin State CX, and tomorrow I'm going to do the Illinois State CX for my third year in a row. Keeping my streak of racing in every month of the year, with the exception of February in 2008. in 2009 I plan to race heavily in the winter in florida including a pair of 12 hour solos, a pair of 6 hour solos, a 100K and up to 3 Coconut cup race similar to our WORS. My Salsa Mountain Bike and Trek 2300 have made it to Florida in the Trailer. Sent the road bike down there but it needs to be overhauled before I can use it. I just want it to commute to work which is about 6 miles each way, or so. 

When I get to Florida after Christmas I plan to hit the gym 2 hours a day as well as 12 miles of Commuting. I hope to come out in spring in mid-season form. Words are not action so time will tell but I'm very hopeful. I know that mountain biking in Wisconsin is very different and a lot more anaerobic. There isn't anywhere to "open it up" its all about bike handling. Upper body is hugely important. I desperately need to drop like 20 lbs to become competitive and comfortable on the bike.