Alabamer Race Day

As I write this little tidbit, I'm sitting by my lonesome in the hotel room, watching Dodgeball, recovering from my first legitimate professional mountain bike race.  As expected, it was hot, humid, and the competition was fierce.  I was in the unknown, having not raced competition this tough for a while, and coming off some heavy miles on the bike.  I knew I recovered well the past week and was rested, but still ran the risk of having a lack of pep in the step.  Well, turns out, I lacked major pep and had a crap start, getting caught in the back of the bottleneck into the singletrack.  In general I felt good, but just wasn't fast enough to catch up and do some major passing.  Everytime I tried to accelerate I knew I risked popping quick, so I just kept the pace as high as I could and rode within myself.  Not sure where I finished, but that's not important today.  The experience was important and I'm definitely going to be able to build off of today and improve every race.

Next weekend is the next US Cup race in Virginia.  I heard that the course is quite technical with a lot of climbing, which should suit me well.  I'll be traveling with the Annanator and Super Jeff, pictures and stories to come.....

Alabamer Cruisin

Hit the course today after breakfast.  Fun and fast, it's just that simple.  Really looking forward to tomorrow after a great pre-ride.  While out riding, got to see some of the real Pros and ride with them.  Very cool watching them ride through the trails and getting to trail along.  The heat may play a factor tomorrow, as I noticed some riders talking about it.  It doesn't seem to be bothering me, and I'm staying on top of my hydration.  Bike was working great!  The Racing Ralph's were the right choice of tire, amazing combination of speed and grip on the trail.  Will lower the tire pressure a tiny bit for the race to hit the fast roots a little smoother and take the load of my back.  Now it's time to continue to rest and get some good stretching in before dinner.  Toodles!

Alabammer + 4, then + 1

In the hotel room in Alabama after a 15hr drive.  The Twins and I made smooth work of the drive too, not too stressful.  Martin and Matt were here already, in bed.  The room is a tad small, but there's just enough free oxygen to keep us alive for the duration of the stay.  The Annanator should arrive early tomorrow, which will make for some more fun and entertainment.  Tomorrow's plan:  sleep in, eat, pre-ride, rest & recover, and eat some more.  I'll snap some pics of the course while I ride.  

Long week done to Alabama

25 hours in the saddle over and done with.  It was a great feeling unclipping on Sunday, knowing that I completed a long and solid week of training without hesitation and giving it 110% the entire way.  Even the Plateau ride was bigger and better than normal, with a longer course that required even more focus and attention than normal.  Big props to Big Ed for putting that one together!  Har-har even stopped by for a few cheers with Girtie.  

Saturday I did a sweet solo ride in Michaux State Forrest, my old stomping grounds.  It always feels like I'm doing secret training there, as it always seems to be a breakthrough type of ride.  This time it was hill repeats on Dead Woman's Hollow that really got me going.  After turning my legs to jelly on that climb, I went straight for 3-mile trail to see if I could ride it 100% clean, which I almost did save for one dab.  Then I hit grave ridge trail which I also rode fairly cleanly.  Sunday was a relatively chill road ride through Jersey around Washington's Crossing, Stockton, and Lambertville.  It was hot this whole week and tough to stay hydrated, but I feel like I managed well.  

For the holiday I actually did NOTHING!  What bliss it was!  Strolled through a local fair for some beer and hotdogs, grabbed some soft-serve at Rita's, met my good buddy Brad for a slice of pizza and to talk about his latest dating experience (quite the entertainment).  Now it's time to start the routine for getting ready to leave for Alabama on Thursday.  Staying at the Oak Mountain State Park campground, weather looks decent for the weekend!  I'm really focusing on my recovery this week and am aiming for a good result this weekend.  I'll try and throw up a post once I'm down there, but no promises!

Until next time, keep it hebrew!