Since I am back into posting full time :)..... I thought I would just take an opportunity to catch up on everything I have missed.
1. The Cyclery in Edwardsville is going to have a team next year and I will be on it. The kits are getting finalized as I type...(they are gonna be cool)
2. I have done two power tests. One in February this year and one last weekend. I havent seen my overall comparison yet but my coach says that I improved across the board by about 20 watts. Thats decent, and I will test again in 3 weeks or so with the coach,,,,with coaching through the test which should improve the numbers.
3. I have bought a new mountain bike for next years race....2011 Trek Superfly 100....This is a carbon full suspension bike and will have a post dedicated specifically to it soon.
4. My fitness level has improved dramatically this year.
5. I have been doing a lot of strength training lately and getting strong (for me). I have been incorporating Pride Fitness's Saturday Circuit into my week when I can. It is awesome and is great for the core.
6. I have converted my old mountain bike into a single speed.
7. I went shopping with DFlack and he just purchased a Trek Madone 5.1.....Hope he's ready to ride!
8. I went mountain bike riding with Mr. Ironman Butler a couple of weeks ago....me on my new ride and him on his 20 year old Specialized that he not ridden in years......He now has a new mountain bike....Sorry Rene. He is ready to ride and we have already had his new machine out on the trails. He was fast for his second trip on the trails in 15 years.... Pretty soon he will be pulling me around the trails like he pulls me on the road rides.
9. I bettered my Tour de Doughnut time by more than 1/2 hour from last years time. I was 54th out of 1500 or so riders. I was very pleased with that. 32ish miles in 1:17. My last years time was close to 1:50. I guess my coach and the training has helped a little. These times are approximate and from memory, I just did not want to take the time to look them up Im on a roll....
Other unrelated personal items..
7. We sold our house and moved to town and I have a great computrainer/weight room in our new place!
8. Hudson is in IMSA (Illinois Math and Science Academy) Program.
9. Madison is a blue belt in TKD.
10. Darla quit her job (So she can do all the house stuff and I will have more time to ride).
11. Madison got braces.
Go Big or Stay Home
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Berryman Trail Epic
So, the other other big race this year......the Berryman Trail Epic.... roughly 56 miles in the Steelville, MO area.
I drove down with my coach (Andy Gibbs) and another buddy of his Skip (that's not his name nor do I know his name). We stayed at a cabin at the campground that hosted the race. It was pretty primitive but not a tent. However, when I retrieved my sleeping bag from the car, it was soaking wet.....made for a cold night.
We prepped everything the night before - bikes, nutrition, clothing - and then got up at 6am to put some fuel in the tank. Andy and Skip had their oatmeal with additives pre-made and all they had to do was add water and nuke it. I went to the shop at the campground for some oatmeal but guess what, they did not open till 8. So, I sponged left overs from Andy and Skip and ate a protein bar or two and a bagel.
As we lined up for the race, I noticed the people at the start line did not have the diversity of a normal race. What I mean is they all looked Ironman Triathlete fit (shout out to Rick and Tracy my IM buddies here!). I found out later that was because this race is long and hard. This was the first time I had ridden down there and my first time on this trail was this race (not recommended).
The first 25 miles were glorious. I was flying, average speed was very high....then, all of a sudden....OW, MY HAMSTRING!!! the cramps started. What I didn't tell you was that I thought I would try this one without a camelpak. A camelpak is a hydration pack that holds 80 ounces of water or so. It also holds other nutrition and salt tabs. Guess what, I needed it....not that fit yet....well, the pros do it! But without a crew at the aid stations it is a little tough without a pack. Anyway, the next 30 miles were excruciating. I cramped early and often. At one point I was on the trail and couldn't move and sent everyone around me through the woods. The thought of throwing in the towel actually did float through my head for a couple of minutes, and I had to play mind games with myself to keep going. With about 5 miles left the course opened up to a fire road and I started to feel good. I opened her up and started hammering, and passing racer after racer and then,,,,,, BOTH HAMSTRINGS about 2 miles from finish. All those racers passed me back and they all were saying "Do you need anything?"......"Yes, not to be so stupid not bring a pack on a 56 mile race with no crew!"
All in all, it was a great learning experience as I had felt great all year and not cramped in any race but it re-emphasized how important nutrition is before and during a race. I can't wait to go back and ride the Berryman as they are some of the best trails in the Midwest. And if anyone is looking for a great race to train for next year, these guys know how to do it.... Berryman Epic
Also, my buddy Andy finished 8th out of 300 or so.... With some pros in the race and in the top ten, this is a very impressive performance! Way to go coach! Yours truly was 154th in 7 hours and 5 minutes...
Well, I finished....
Go Big or Stay Home
I drove down with my coach (Andy Gibbs) and another buddy of his Skip (that's not his name nor do I know his name). We stayed at a cabin at the campground that hosted the race. It was pretty primitive but not a tent. However, when I retrieved my sleeping bag from the car, it was soaking wet.....made for a cold night.
We prepped everything the night before - bikes, nutrition, clothing - and then got up at 6am to put some fuel in the tank. Andy and Skip had their oatmeal with additives pre-made and all they had to do was add water and nuke it. I went to the shop at the campground for some oatmeal but guess what, they did not open till 8. So, I sponged left overs from Andy and Skip and ate a protein bar or two and a bagel.
As we lined up for the race, I noticed the people at the start line did not have the diversity of a normal race. What I mean is they all looked Ironman Triathlete fit (shout out to Rick and Tracy my IM buddies here!). I found out later that was because this race is long and hard. This was the first time I had ridden down there and my first time on this trail was this race (not recommended).
The first 25 miles were glorious. I was flying, average speed was very high....then, all of a sudden....OW, MY HAMSTRING!!! the cramps started. What I didn't tell you was that I thought I would try this one without a camelpak. A camelpak is a hydration pack that holds 80 ounces of water or so. It also holds other nutrition and salt tabs. Guess what, I needed it....not that fit yet....well, the pros do it! But without a crew at the aid stations it is a little tough without a pack. Anyway, the next 30 miles were excruciating. I cramped early and often. At one point I was on the trail and couldn't move and sent everyone around me through the woods. The thought of throwing in the towel actually did float through my head for a couple of minutes, and I had to play mind games with myself to keep going. With about 5 miles left the course opened up to a fire road and I started to feel good. I opened her up and started hammering, and passing racer after racer and then,,,,,, BOTH HAMSTRINGS about 2 miles from finish. All those racers passed me back and they all were saying "Do you need anything?"......"Yes, not to be so stupid not bring a pack on a 56 mile race with no crew!"
All in all, it was a great learning experience as I had felt great all year and not cramped in any race but it re-emphasized how important nutrition is before and during a race. I can't wait to go back and ride the Berryman as they are some of the best trails in the Midwest. And if anyone is looking for a great race to train for next year, these guys know how to do it.... Berryman Epic
Also, my buddy Andy finished 8th out of 300 or so.... With some pros in the race and in the top ten, this is a very impressive performance! Way to go coach! Yours truly was 154th in 7 hours and 5 minutes...
Well, I finished....
Go Big or Stay Home
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
12 Hours of Canal Loop
OK!! I mean it!! I will start posting regularly!
So much has happened that I have not captured on here related to racing and training. I am so mad at myself for not keeping up but it starts....today. I have instructed my wife to not let me "wind down" in the evenings until I post. So settle in and buckle up until August 11, 2012.....The day I
"Race Across The Sky"
After the Leadville 50 I did two more EPIC races this season. The first was the 12 hours of the canal loop in Western KY. This is the same race that I did in 2009. In 2009 I did the 12 hour solo (by myself) and rode 5 laps for 55 miles. In 2011, I did the 6 hour solo because my coach said he wanted me to go all out and not pace myself. Well, in 6 hours I did 5 loops for 55 miles....sound familiar...yes, same result 6 fewer hours. I would say that the training is paying off! It was a great race and my wife and kids went with me, which made it even better!
To the right, both the boys on their Gary Fisher machines.....yes if you have read previous posts this is a new bike.....ssshhhhh don't tell my wife...more to come on my purchase in a future post.
To the left, goin' out for another lap.
BTW, I have entered the lottery for the Race Across The Sky and will be sending in my volunteer forms that have my documented volunteer hours from this year. This should ensure I get in....if not, the race director lied!
Go Big or Stay Home
"Race Across The Sky"
After the Leadville 50 I did two more EPIC races this season. The first was the 12 hours of the canal loop in Western KY. This is the same race that I did in 2009. In 2009 I did the 12 hour solo (by myself) and rode 5 laps for 55 miles. In 2011, I did the 6 hour solo because my coach said he wanted me to go all out and not pace myself. Well, in 6 hours I did 5 loops for 55 miles....sound familiar...yes, same result 6 fewer hours. I would say that the training is paying off! It was a great race and my wife and kids went with me, which made it even better!
To the right, both the boys on their Gary Fisher machines.....yes if you have read previous posts this is a new bike.....ssshhhhh don't tell my wife...more to come on my purchase in a future post.To the left, goin' out for another lap.
BTW, I have entered the lottery for the Race Across The Sky and will be sending in my volunteer forms that have my documented volunteer hours from this year. This should ensure I get in....if not, the race director lied!
Go Big or Stay Home
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Leadville Silver Rush 50 mtn bike race!!!!
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| 850 or so riders to start |
I finished the Leadville 50 in 7 hours 36 minutes. The time cutoff was 8 hours, thats when they sweep you off the course and call you girlie names....but no girlie names for me!
The first 10 miles or so of the race is up the mountain, yes 10 miles, but it is an out and back course so I knew miles 40-50 (i.e. the last 10 miles) would be downhill (comforting, right?) I made the first aid station at 13.5 miles at 1 hour 52 minutes, I knew anything under 2 hours 10 minutes, I was finishing! Hudson changed out my accelerade bottles, Darla changed out my water filled camelpak, and Madison filmed the whole thing with Darla's iphone. I took on two salt tabs and was off.
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| Registration Tent |
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| Entering AID Station #2 |
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| Leaving AID Station #3 |
So, my buddy Brad that I ride with quite a bit tells me to be careful on the downhills before the race. Why you ask? Because he does ride with me and has seen me on the downhills.... However, I always rein it in as I know I have to go to work on Monday so I never really do let it all hang out.....except for.....evidently........maybe.......in......Leadville colorado during the Leadville 50. At the top of the climb there were 7-10 riders waiting to point their machines downhill and start screaming. Some were taking on fluid, others nutrition, and some checking their equipment (brakes) before heading for home. I smiled, said hello, and started down. OK, so, on the climbing part (especially in CO) I struggle, I get passed, but I keep going..... On the downhill, not so much. I passed 10-15 riders on the down and did not get passed once.....I was flying, we have all heard of being "in the zone", well, for the first time ever on a bike for me, I was "in the zone". My lines were beautiful, my body was loose, my legs were strong (yes I did pedal when I could), and I felt like I was just floating down the mountain (at an average speed of 25mph with a peak of 37.5!) I have never felt the exhileration of that descent. I have goosebumps right now typing this.....
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| Finish Line |
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| Crossing Finish Line!! |
Then the finish. Crossed the line, my family rushes to me, I see the proud faces of my children and my wife, I think about what they have done, the training sacrifices my wife has made, the downhill feeling I just had, the pride of finishing and.....yes,,,,,, I had to take a moment,,,,,it was very emotional, I did not expect that.
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| Yea baby!! |
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| Nice Hair! |
Go Big or Stay Home
Monday, July 4, 2011
New pieces and parts....
I have replaced several parts on the rig while in my blogging hiatus and will summarize those for your reading pleasure.
As I approach my first major race (test) this year, I have decided to get down to my "race weight" of 162. I have wieghed significantly more than this in my life but had leveled off at 173. I can pretty much eat what I want (within reason) and exercise and maintain this weight. So, I figure if I am going to go down to race weight, I might need to focus some attention on the weight of my bike :).
I am not a weight weeny that is going to go for the lighting possible setup but a few pounds here and there could make a big difference.
The first things I changed were my handlebars and seatpost. I went with bontrager race light carbon bars and race light carbon seatpost (xxx). I also changed out the stem to make my position on the bike more aggressive. While at the bike shop for this change, Andy changed my grips and yelled at me for leaving the old ones on for so long. I guess he doesnt like the rubber to come off in his hands when he grabs the grips like I do....Believe it or not, this reduced the wieght by over a pound (thats a lot).
I have also replaced my wheelset with Stans notubes Crest wheels with hutchison python tubeless tires. This reduced the weight by almost 2 pounds!
The bike comes in at 24 pounds now and that is good enough for me.... The only thing to upgrade on this rig in the future is the brakes, I have mechanical disk brakes and NEED hydraulic disk brakes at some point....But for now, when I squeeze, it stops. So, the money flow has to stop before my wife kills me!
Go Big or Stay Home
As I approach my first major race (test) this year, I have decided to get down to my "race weight" of 162. I have wieghed significantly more than this in my life but had leveled off at 173. I can pretty much eat what I want (within reason) and exercise and maintain this weight. So, I figure if I am going to go down to race weight, I might need to focus some attention on the weight of my bike :).
I am not a weight weeny that is going to go for the lighting possible setup but a few pounds here and there could make a big difference.
The first things I changed were my handlebars and seatpost. I went with bontrager race light carbon bars and race light carbon seatpost (xxx). I also changed out the stem to make my position on the bike more aggressive. While at the bike shop for this change, Andy changed my grips and yelled at me for leaving the old ones on for so long. I guess he doesnt like the rubber to come off in his hands when he grabs the grips like I do....Believe it or not, this reduced the wieght by over a pound (thats a lot).
I have also replaced my wheelset with Stans notubes Crest wheels with hutchison python tubeless tires. This reduced the weight by almost 2 pounds!
The bike comes in at 24 pounds now and that is good enough for me.... The only thing to upgrade on this rig in the future is the brakes, I have mechanical disk brakes and NEED hydraulic disk brakes at some point....But for now, when I squeeze, it stops. So, the money flow has to stop before my wife kills me!
Go Big or Stay Home
Catching Up
Well, as it turns out, I am terrible at keeping up with a blog. I WILL do better going forward!
From March 27th,
We went to Chicago for a family get away and I had some training to do over that weekend. I took a video of the Lifetime Fitness Facility I went to for the ride. Wow, what a gym.From May 13th,
The Paschals, Wyatts and Browns went to Paducah, KY for the weekend and the boys rode both days. We rode in the Shawnee National Forest in southern IL. The first day we took the path less traveled to get back to the start and lets just say it was less traveled for a reason.... Brad was ready to get out of the woods.....The storm rolling in did not help either...NO we were not lost!The second day we rode about 3 hours did get lost but it was better.....That is what planted the seed for upgrading my garmin 305 to a 705!
Mud makes a good ride! And on the right we have the support vehicle!
I am not sure if I would ride in boat shoes like Brad but it works for him. Grant had to one up Brad with flip flops, these guys are animals!
From June 19th,
Well a race I went to today out west of St. Louis was cancelled due to weather....should have checked the website (that I did not know existed). So, I went and rode a couple of hours at Castlewood State Park. This is some of the best riding in the St. Louis Metro area IMHO.
This was also the inaugural ride with my new Stans no tube Crest wheels.....these took 2 lbs off of my bike.
I have been goin hard but these are the rides I had pics for on my phone....Again, I will be doing better with the updates!
Go Big or Stay Home
Saturday, April 23, 2011
1st race of the year
Well, Life happens, I have not posted in quite some time. However, I have been training hard!This past weekend I went to Lawrence, Kansas for the BoneBender 6 Hour Mountain Bike Race. Andy Gibbs (coach) also went and two of his friends from the St. Louis area. As my sons birthday party was on Saturday at 2 and Andy was leaving at 12, I had to go it alone. However, my dad did "step up" to the challenge and go with me.
That's Andy on the 2nd place podium for the Mens Open Division, he did 7 laps.
There was also a guy on the course with a camera on his bike and shot some good footage and some with me in the video!
For those of you who would like to ridicule me on my performance, here is the link to the RESULTS.
Overall, it was a fun race and I did feel as strong as I have felt in a race but the rocky technical nature of this coarse slowed me down. Looking forward to the Firecracker 50 on July 4th!
Go Big or Stay Home
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