Got my mini time trial in on my favourite route with the intention of comparing my fitness to last year. As mentioned I am about 7lbs heavier right now so my climbing is still suffering quite a bit. Hopefully in a month or so the climbing will improve. The weather was nice but had a head wind 3/4 of the ride which was a bit demoralizing. I had set a target in mind but wasn't able to reach it with the wind (and fitness I am sure). The good news is I did the route 27 minutes faster than this time last year (a little bit more than 100km). I must have been pretty slow last year because I sure don't feel very fast right now.

The trails are pretty much dry now so I hope to put the Asylum through it's first real trail test this weekend. Depends on how much rain we get.

Steve

The weather has been awesome lately so finished work a little early yesterday and did a HUGE ride. I ended up riding for about 5.5 hours and got in about 145km. Didn't quite think I would go that far but it just happened that way. I was pretty tired afterwards but happy I was able to make it. The next plan is to ride my 100km route on the road bike for a test of fitness. I will then compare to where I was last year to get a good indication where I stand. I know I am about 7lbs heavier now than last year but think my fitness might be a bit better. We'll find out soon enough.

Steve

Mission Accomplished

Got out for close to 4 hours yesterday....so 3 days in a row of hard training. It wasn't until about the last half hour that I really started to fade. I felt really good and seemed to be putting the power down. I was able to keep up with some roadies (I was on the 29er MTB) so that was kind of nice. Legs were pretty sore last night and this morning but this afternoon they feel fine. Should be up for some more training this week. I've really got to lose some of this winter weight....it is starting to worry me.

Looks like the Icebreaker race yesterday was just that with a whole lot of mud included. Glad I didn't go....to messy for my liking.

Steve

I've been getting a fair bit of riding in lately including some back to back days. Typically I'm logging 2-4 hours each ride now which is good. The Recover-Ease stuff is working quite well. Got a solid 2.5hr fast paced ride in yesterday and then went for another 3 hours today and felt surprisingly good. Planning for 4 hours tomorrow which will be interesting to see how things go as the 3rd ride in succession. I have been using the Asylum primarily trying to get used to it. I am thoroughly enjoying it but really want to do some trails soon. I'll probably pull the road bike out soon, maybe when the temperatures get a little warmer.

I am planning a 2 week training camp in April, not sure of the weeks yet...work will determine that. Some restructing is happen and want to make sure I am around to understand what is going on. My hope for the training camp is to do 3 days "on" (100km+/day) and one day "off" (or recovery ride). That should get me about 50 hours on the bike which should really help bring up my base fitness. I think it is already okay, but want to get into the 4hr+ range and still have some energy at the end which isn't always happening right now. Plus I should loose the rest of my winter weight which will be good.

I am thinking of doing the first O-Cup at the end of April, but first we'll see how the training camp goes....it will probably be a last minute decision that will also be determined by the weather. I can't stand riding in wet weather and will avoid racing if I have depending on the conditions.

The first goal of the year is the 24 Hour of Summer Solstice in June. If I can get my fitness to where it was last year at that time or even better then I should have a good race. Second goal is the World Solo Championships in October (in Georgia). I haven't done this race in a long time but have always wanted to ride in Georgia and since I can drive down the expenses can be kept low. My last major goal is to hold onto my form for the Old Pueblo race in February. I really want to do well in that race but so far training just hasn't gone as well as planned. I am going to invest in some quality winter clothing and also get a set of rollers....I am really going to commit to keeping up 3-4 hour rides 4 times per week during the winter. That should help tremendously. That's the plan anyways.

Steve

New frame arrived this past week. It is an Asylum and it is a 29er full suspension. I am pretty darned excited. Got it built up and went for a short ride and it felt pretty good.

I got some quality training in this weekend for a change. Saturday was a ride with Mark on the MTBs. Trails were too muddy so we stuck to the paved paths. The loop we usually do takes about 3.5-4 hours and I was looking forward to getting the time in. Unfortunately Mark didn't have the legs and about halfway through we had to take some short cuts and head back. Mark's fitness is always a strange thing. There are always a few rides where he suffers like a dog and usually gets dropped. Then one day he miraculously can hold on and be one of the stronger riders. I sure wish I could turn my fitness on that fast.

Sunday (today) was another MTB ride (alone) on the paved paths. I felt pretty good and was out for about 3.5 hours. I started to fade near the end, but overall it was a good ride. I am taking the Recover-Ease now and I think it definitely helped me ride strong for the ride as I was well recovered from yesterday.

I'm hoping to get a few good rides in this week, work permitting as I won't be able to get out next weekend and the few days after it because the boss is going to Cancun with her sister so I'm on my own with the kids. I've tried to convince them to take a taxi to my parents next weekend for dinner so I can ride in but they won't go for it! Just kidding.

The first race in Ontario is the last weekend of March and it is called the Icebreaker. Depending on the temperature it will be a mudfest which I am not interested in. If the temp is around freezing I might consider it as the ground should be relatively frozen for the race. Otherwise, I'll have to wait until April.

Steve

Went to the Toronto Bike Show this past weekend. Not as good as years past in my opinion. I wasn't looking for a new bike, but did want some parts if possible but there wasn't much. I did pick up a pair of Specialized Pro MTB shoes (list $379) for $189, and a new rotor for my brakes but that was all.

Got a nice road ride in this weekend and will be focused on getting out on the road more now that the weather is getting nicer. In fact this weekend is supposed to be very warm...almost shorts warm. I can't wait.

So I'll be on a new bike this year....I am making a major change which I am really excited about. Anyone want to buy the Turner Burner frame? It is up for sale.

Steve