Had some great rides over the past few days. Friday I snuck out for a road ride.....had the intention on doing a long (i.e. 4 hour) ride but after nearly being blown into the ditch a few times decided against quite that much distance. I did get out for 2.5 hours though. Riding into the headwind sure was a good workout.
Got in another ride with Mark on Sunday morning. I was planning to ride the "back up" bike which is my hardtail with a mish-mash of parts because my other bike is having middle chain ring issues. Specifically it is skipping a ton. Probably has to do with the fact it is worn out, missing teeth and I just put on a new chain. I'll get another ring (maybe a whole set) before heading down to Arizona. So Saturday night I get the hardtail ready and take it up the street for a test ride. It just felt so hard. I ended up taking the FS on Sunday and just didn't use the middle ring since we were mostly on the pavement for the entire 3 hour ride. Mark used his hardtail and really motored up the hills and could sprint pretty well. I just might need to try that hardtail once more. Ideally, I'd like to get a new frame that fits properly and give it a solid go.
Bike show is coming in just over a month. Maybe I'll get a frame there. I don't need much else, just looking for parts deals etc.
The weather is still above seasonal right now so hopefully I can get out for more rides. I haven't done as much this year as last so I need to pick up the pace a little. Hopefully it works out.
Steve
Monday, January 23, 2006
Monday, January 09, 2006
Happy Belated New Year
Happy New Year to all. Hope everyone had a great holiday. Certain individuals have complained to me about my lack of blogging so here it goes:
Training has been going okay. I haven't been out on the road a lot due to the nasty weather. I particularly want to get out on the weekends but everytime the weekend rolls around it is pouring raining or snowing. Finally this past Saturday I went out and rode with my friend Mark, mostly on snow (and ice) covered paths but we did manage one short section of singletrack. Figures that it section I nearly slide into a gully trying to navigate a short, narrow bridge. Anyways we went out for 3 hours and surprisingly I didn't not feel all that tired. I thought it would have been worse. I think my biggest issue is going to be the fact that I put on some Christmas weight. I always say I won't let it happen but never have much luck with that.
On the team front I am riding with Team Recover-Ease for 2006. Recover-Ease (www.recover-ease.com) is a new recovery supplement on the market and they are trying to promote it in part by sponsoring a team of atheletes. I didn't go for much else in the way of sponsorship....I am happy with what I have now so I didn't feel there was a need.
As far as races go this year, once again my season will begin with with the 24 Hours in the Old Pueblo in Tucson, Arizona. This race is always a toss up in terms of fitness so I never expect much out of it and just go to have fun.
Next race might be 24 Hours of Adrenalin in Idyllwild, California at the end of April. I am going to be in the area for business during that time so I might take my bike with me and do the race. Perhaps as a tag team with my brother. This is the location that I rode the 24 Hour World Solo Championships in 2001. It won't be as hot this time, but could be very cold a night.
In May I am going to do the Burn 24 Hour (www.burn24hour.com) in North Carolina which I did a few years ago. It was a fun, low key event so I am looking forward to doing it again.
In June is the 24 Hours of Summer Solstice (www.chicoracing.com) which is the largest 24 hour race in North America. This was the scene of my infamous crash last year which basically ruined my season. If I can be in as good shape this year as I was last year at this time then the race should go well. I'll be plenty rested with 4 weeks between the Burn and this one.
July is totally up in the air. I'll be on vacation and might just use the month to recharge my batteries for the 2nd half of the season. There is a race in Wisconsin at the end of July which is the NORBA National Championship....it is intriguing plus many of the racers will be going for the national title which I would not be eligible for so I would be in a different catagory. It might end up in a good result.
August is the 24 Hours of Albion Hills. I haven't decided if I am going to do this as a team or solo yet. I haven't done a team 24 hour in so long it might be fun. But then I would envy the solo's.
September brings the 24 Hours in Pisgah (North Carolina)....I've been eyeing this race for awhile, but I think I will wait and see how I feel. September also brings the Dirty 100 and an 8 hour the following weekend which are both close to home.
Lastly, in November is La Rute (www.adventurerace.com) in Costa Rica. I have wanted to do this 3 day stage race across Costa Rica for a long time. I almost went in 2001 but then qualified for the World's and did that instead. It would be an expensive adventure but something I would remember forever.
Sprinkle in a few "regular" mountain bike races and maybe even a road race and you have my season. An aggressive one for sure, but hopefully everything will work out and it will be a successful one to!
Steve
Training has been going okay. I haven't been out on the road a lot due to the nasty weather. I particularly want to get out on the weekends but everytime the weekend rolls around it is pouring raining or snowing. Finally this past Saturday I went out and rode with my friend Mark, mostly on snow (and ice) covered paths but we did manage one short section of singletrack. Figures that it section I nearly slide into a gully trying to navigate a short, narrow bridge. Anyways we went out for 3 hours and surprisingly I didn't not feel all that tired. I thought it would have been worse. I think my biggest issue is going to be the fact that I put on some Christmas weight. I always say I won't let it happen but never have much luck with that.
On the team front I am riding with Team Recover-Ease for 2006. Recover-Ease (www.recover-ease.com) is a new recovery supplement on the market and they are trying to promote it in part by sponsoring a team of atheletes. I didn't go for much else in the way of sponsorship....I am happy with what I have now so I didn't feel there was a need.
As far as races go this year, once again my season will begin with with the 24 Hours in the Old Pueblo in Tucson, Arizona. This race is always a toss up in terms of fitness so I never expect much out of it and just go to have fun.
Next race might be 24 Hours of Adrenalin in Idyllwild, California at the end of April. I am going to be in the area for business during that time so I might take my bike with me and do the race. Perhaps as a tag team with my brother. This is the location that I rode the 24 Hour World Solo Championships in 2001. It won't be as hot this time, but could be very cold a night.
In May I am going to do the Burn 24 Hour (www.burn24hour.com) in North Carolina which I did a few years ago. It was a fun, low key event so I am looking forward to doing it again.
In June is the 24 Hours of Summer Solstice (www.chicoracing.com) which is the largest 24 hour race in North America. This was the scene of my infamous crash last year which basically ruined my season. If I can be in as good shape this year as I was last year at this time then the race should go well. I'll be plenty rested with 4 weeks between the Burn and this one.
July is totally up in the air. I'll be on vacation and might just use the month to recharge my batteries for the 2nd half of the season. There is a race in Wisconsin at the end of July which is the NORBA National Championship....it is intriguing plus many of the racers will be going for the national title which I would not be eligible for so I would be in a different catagory. It might end up in a good result.
August is the 24 Hours of Albion Hills. I haven't decided if I am going to do this as a team or solo yet. I haven't done a team 24 hour in so long it might be fun. But then I would envy the solo's.
September brings the 24 Hours in Pisgah (North Carolina)....I've been eyeing this race for awhile, but I think I will wait and see how I feel. September also brings the Dirty 100 and an 8 hour the following weekend which are both close to home.
Lastly, in November is La Rute (www.adventurerace.com) in Costa Rica. I have wanted to do this 3 day stage race across Costa Rica for a long time. I almost went in 2001 but then qualified for the World's and did that instead. It would be an expensive adventure but something I would remember forever.
Sprinkle in a few "regular" mountain bike races and maybe even a road race and you have my season. An aggressive one for sure, but hopefully everything will work out and it will be a successful one to!
Steve
Monday, October 31, 2005
Happy Halloween! I'm taking the kids out for trick or treating tonight....maybe I should dress up as a MTBer and get some candy too?
Got some more riding in.....a really good ride yesterday. Very windy but had the tailwind all the way home and was really flying. I'm having trouble getting in long rides though....yesterday was 3 hours and that is about as long as I've been able to get. Bad weather, other obligations have cut down on the time. But I've started the gym so hopefully that will help. Focused on my legs but will do upper body to balance it out.
I'm anxiously waiting for sponsor responses these days. Sent all the proposals out mid September so they should be coming soon.
Steve
Got some more riding in.....a really good ride yesterday. Very windy but had the tailwind all the way home and was really flying. I'm having trouble getting in long rides though....yesterday was 3 hours and that is about as long as I've been able to get. Bad weather, other obligations have cut down on the time. But I've started the gym so hopefully that will help. Focused on my legs but will do upper body to balance it out.
I'm anxiously waiting for sponsor responses these days. Sent all the proposals out mid September so they should be coming soon.
Steve
Saturday, October 22, 2005
The weather outside is brutal. I am determined to get back out on the bike as much as possible for base training but the weather isn't helping. Case in point this morning. Wake up at 7am. Still dark out. But dry. Have beakfast and check the temperature. 2 degrees. Pretty cold but I've got the gear. Rain supposed to hold off until Noon. Head out around 8am. A fair bit of wind making it quite chilly but I can take it. Then it starts to rain. Heavy rain. I am 40km away from home. Luckily I have a tail/crosswind. Made it home in a little over an hour, but I am drenched, especially my feet. They are frozen solid. Soak in the bath for 30 mins but still chilled.
I hope the weather gets better!
I hope the weather gets better!
Wednesday, October 19, 2005
Training has begun
I have ridden my bike much over the past month or so. Trying to just take it easy and re-motivate for the 2006 season. The weather hasn't been that great which makes it difficult to get started but I am officially off. I got my gym membership squared away and will be spending lots of time there doing plenty of different things. I've built an entire training schedule for the next 11 months so it will be interesting to see how well I stick to it. If I can keep close I should definitely seem some improvement for next year.
I've sent out my sponsorship proposals already (done about a month ago) so now it is more of a waiting game. I am anxious to get things organized on that end as it makes a difference on planning some of my races for the new year. I still plan to focus on endurance races, but will also participate in some standard races and maybe even a road race. This was one place I was lacking this past year.....just not enough actual racing under my belt. Nothing simulates racing like racing....you just give a totally different effort from when you try to copy race conditions while training.
Did my first workout with weights last night and boy are my legs sore. I've got a session booked with a trainer next week to hone in my plan to make sure I'm doing the right things for my plan. I know what I want to do and areas I want to improve but need someone to build a proper plan for me so I don't overdo it too much.
Today is a rest day and then back out for a road ride tomorrow. Those are becoming more challenging with the short days and cool mornings....but I'll live with it.
Steve
I've sent out my sponsorship proposals already (done about a month ago) so now it is more of a waiting game. I am anxious to get things organized on that end as it makes a difference on planning some of my races for the new year. I still plan to focus on endurance races, but will also participate in some standard races and maybe even a road race. This was one place I was lacking this past year.....just not enough actual racing under my belt. Nothing simulates racing like racing....you just give a totally different effort from when you try to copy race conditions while training.
Did my first workout with weights last night and boy are my legs sore. I've got a session booked with a trainer next week to hone in my plan to make sure I'm doing the right things for my plan. I know what I want to do and areas I want to improve but need someone to build a proper plan for me so I don't overdo it too much.
Today is a rest day and then back out for a road ride tomorrow. Those are becoming more challenging with the short days and cool mornings....but I'll live with it.
Steve
Sunday, September 25, 2005
Race Report: Pauls Dirty Enduro 100K
Hello all....a race report for the enduro race Pauls Dirty 100. It is a great race I have done a few times which raise money for the Canadian Mental Health Association. It is held at Ganaraska Forest near Peterborough and is a single 100km loop through the forest. Now lets get to the race.
The race was to begin at 8:00am for the 100K racers (there were also 15km, 40km, & 60km events) so that meant an early wake up for me at 4:30am. After packing all my stuff, picking up my friend Dave and driving there it was 7:00am. It was freezing cold in the morning but I knew we would warm up once we got riding, but I still had on arm warmers, knickers, and a vest. 8am rolled around and after forgetting to put on my transponder and holding up the race start we were off.
The first 15km were a little challenging with a lot of climbing (a theme for the race). I was hoping things would smooth out so the speed would pick up. My wish came through and after I shed my vest I was flying in some of the sweetest singletrack ever. The kind were you never have to touch the brakes, but are in the big ring with swooping corners. It was truly amazing. I started thinking to myself...."Steve, you are really moving, your conditioning must be better than you thought after taking the month of September off, before beginning the training season all over again in October". Little did I know.
After picking off a bunch of riders in that singletrack I hit the first checkpoint, but just blew through as I still had lots of fluids. That is when the course became much more difficult. Not particularly technical, but the climbing was unreal. I'm a decent climber but it was starting to wear on me. I was definately looking forwad to the next checkpoint which brought us back to the parking lot and I could replenish my e-load, CarbBoom gels, and get some solid food. It seemed to take forever to get there and I kept thinking that this felt like the longest 60km (we did a 60K loop and a 40K loop) in awhile. When I finally caught site of the main camp I was happy and stopped at Checkpoint #2. I asked one of the volunteers to confirm our distance so far (no computer on my bike) assuming she would say 60K. Nope, we had only done 40K. Guess how long that took! This will give you an idea of how much climbing there was. It took me 4 hours to do 40K. That 10KM/H. I was not a happy camper. All I could think was this thing was going to take me over 10 hours to complete if the course continued on its trend. I thought about packing it in a that point, but I was determined to finish.
After stocking up on supplies I headed back out to do the 60K loop. With my trusty MP3 player continuing to crank out the tunes I tried not to be too bored. So far I had been riding on my own and it wasn't much fun. This was the low point of the race for me. I kept thinking about how long it would take me to finish which was depressing. Plus the climbing was wearing on me and I was desperate to have some company. I started walking a lot of climbs due to lack of motivation as was generally down in the dumps. Then they came. While walking up one of the climbs 2 riders past me....a guy and girl who I thought were a couple but turned out not to be....he was just trying to pick her up I think :-). They seemed to be doing a good pace so I started riding with them. It was wonderful. For the next 3 hours or so we rode together. One dicey moment came on a downhill where I was behind the girl. We were in a section where they were bunch of large sinkholes, some covered with bridges, some not. I always would give her room on the downhills and it was a good thing this time. It looked as though we were going to rollover a bridge but it only covered half of the sink hole. She wasn't prepared for this and literally her bike dropped straight in the hole and she did a superman landing on the far side of the hole. Luckily she was okay. And luckily I left enough room to hit the brakes otherwise I would have landed right on top of her!
Soon after this they asked me to lead the group for awhile. I had my second wind and unintentionally pulled away. Our paths did cross one more time at one of the checkpoints but I didn't really see them until after the race. I was on my own again but felt good and tried to push the pace. I had left my hydrapak at the car after 40K as my back was really sore, so I had to stop at each checkpoint to fill my bottles. My whole body was starting to ache (except for my legs), particularly at my shoulders and my triceps. As everyone knows what goes up must come down and my arms and shoulders were taking a beating from it.
After the last checkpoing I was only about 15km from the finish. I was excited but then the course punched me in the gut again. More climbing. Not too many short steep climbs, but long climbs. I think the last one was about 20 mins of non stop climbing. I was determined to ride it all, knowing I was so close to the finish. I managed to do it and soon after the finish was in sight for which I was thankful.
I finished the race in 8 hours and 19 minutes, so the 2nd 60K loop took less 4.5 hours which was a little better than the first 40K. Having some other riders definitely helped. I grabbed a bit of food, won a prize (framed picture of an NHL goalie) and then got on my way. Overall the race was a good one with perfect weath and the course was in prime condition. Everyone who knows Ganaraska knows there is a lot of climbing....I hadn't been there for a couple of years and it was a shock to my system. I made it through though. I don't have any idea where I placed (not on the podum...I know that) and was too tired to check.
I think this will be my last race of the season. As mentioned, I've taken most of September off the bike with the exception of a few fun rides with friends. I've needed to give my body a chance to recover from some of the injuries sustained earlier in the season. I'll begin my training program all over again in October, with my goal being to be in the best shape ever for the 24 Hours in the Old Pueblo (Arizona) in February.
Many thanks goes out to my sponsors for the 2005 season. Turner Bikes (www.turnerbikes.com), www.Gearsracing.com, Rudy Project (www.rudyprojectusa.com) Glasses and Helmets, CarbBoom gels (www.carbboom.com), Kenda Tires (www.kenda.com), and CatEye (www.cateye.com) lights. Your assistance is greatly appreciated and I have had lots of opportunitys to talk up your products. I look forward to working with all of you again next year!
Steve
The race was to begin at 8:00am for the 100K racers (there were also 15km, 40km, & 60km events) so that meant an early wake up for me at 4:30am. After packing all my stuff, picking up my friend Dave and driving there it was 7:00am. It was freezing cold in the morning but I knew we would warm up once we got riding, but I still had on arm warmers, knickers, and a vest. 8am rolled around and after forgetting to put on my transponder and holding up the race start we were off.
The first 15km were a little challenging with a lot of climbing (a theme for the race). I was hoping things would smooth out so the speed would pick up. My wish came through and after I shed my vest I was flying in some of the sweetest singletrack ever. The kind were you never have to touch the brakes, but are in the big ring with swooping corners. It was truly amazing. I started thinking to myself...."Steve, you are really moving, your conditioning must be better than you thought after taking the month of September off, before beginning the training season all over again in October". Little did I know.
After picking off a bunch of riders in that singletrack I hit the first checkpoint, but just blew through as I still had lots of fluids. That is when the course became much more difficult. Not particularly technical, but the climbing was unreal. I'm a decent climber but it was starting to wear on me. I was definately looking forwad to the next checkpoint which brought us back to the parking lot and I could replenish my e-load, CarbBoom gels, and get some solid food. It seemed to take forever to get there and I kept thinking that this felt like the longest 60km (we did a 60K loop and a 40K loop) in awhile. When I finally caught site of the main camp I was happy and stopped at Checkpoint #2. I asked one of the volunteers to confirm our distance so far (no computer on my bike) assuming she would say 60K. Nope, we had only done 40K. Guess how long that took! This will give you an idea of how much climbing there was. It took me 4 hours to do 40K. That 10KM/H. I was not a happy camper. All I could think was this thing was going to take me over 10 hours to complete if the course continued on its trend. I thought about packing it in a that point, but I was determined to finish.
After stocking up on supplies I headed back out to do the 60K loop. With my trusty MP3 player continuing to crank out the tunes I tried not to be too bored. So far I had been riding on my own and it wasn't much fun. This was the low point of the race for me. I kept thinking about how long it would take me to finish which was depressing. Plus the climbing was wearing on me and I was desperate to have some company. I started walking a lot of climbs due to lack of motivation as was generally down in the dumps. Then they came. While walking up one of the climbs 2 riders past me....a guy and girl who I thought were a couple but turned out not to be....he was just trying to pick her up I think :-). They seemed to be doing a good pace so I started riding with them. It was wonderful. For the next 3 hours or so we rode together. One dicey moment came on a downhill where I was behind the girl. We were in a section where they were bunch of large sinkholes, some covered with bridges, some not. I always would give her room on the downhills and it was a good thing this time. It looked as though we were going to rollover a bridge but it only covered half of the sink hole. She wasn't prepared for this and literally her bike dropped straight in the hole and she did a superman landing on the far side of the hole. Luckily she was okay. And luckily I left enough room to hit the brakes otherwise I would have landed right on top of her!
Soon after this they asked me to lead the group for awhile. I had my second wind and unintentionally pulled away. Our paths did cross one more time at one of the checkpoints but I didn't really see them until after the race. I was on my own again but felt good and tried to push the pace. I had left my hydrapak at the car after 40K as my back was really sore, so I had to stop at each checkpoint to fill my bottles. My whole body was starting to ache (except for my legs), particularly at my shoulders and my triceps. As everyone knows what goes up must come down and my arms and shoulders were taking a beating from it.
After the last checkpoing I was only about 15km from the finish. I was excited but then the course punched me in the gut again. More climbing. Not too many short steep climbs, but long climbs. I think the last one was about 20 mins of non stop climbing. I was determined to ride it all, knowing I was so close to the finish. I managed to do it and soon after the finish was in sight for which I was thankful.
I finished the race in 8 hours and 19 minutes, so the 2nd 60K loop took less 4.5 hours which was a little better than the first 40K. Having some other riders definitely helped. I grabbed a bit of food, won a prize (framed picture of an NHL goalie) and then got on my way. Overall the race was a good one with perfect weath and the course was in prime condition. Everyone who knows Ganaraska knows there is a lot of climbing....I hadn't been there for a couple of years and it was a shock to my system. I made it through though. I don't have any idea where I placed (not on the podum...I know that) and was too tired to check.
I think this will be my last race of the season. As mentioned, I've taken most of September off the bike with the exception of a few fun rides with friends. I've needed to give my body a chance to recover from some of the injuries sustained earlier in the season. I'll begin my training program all over again in October, with my goal being to be in the best shape ever for the 24 Hours in the Old Pueblo (Arizona) in February.
Many thanks goes out to my sponsors for the 2005 season. Turner Bikes (www.turnerbikes.com), www.Gearsracing.com, Rudy Project (www.rudyprojectusa.com) Glasses and Helmets, CarbBoom gels (www.carbboom.com), Kenda Tires (www.kenda.com), and CatEye (www.cateye.com) lights. Your assistance is greatly appreciated and I have had lots of opportunitys to talk up your products. I look forward to working with all of you again next year!
Steve
Tuesday, September 06, 2005
Been taking it easy the past while with rides every few days. Kind of using this as my down time before I start the whole crazy training thing again. I've got some new ideas for a training program which should really help my fitness. One of my other goals is to keep the winter weight off (and maybe drop a few pounds too)....I really have to watch my diet. Being on the road for work doesn't help much when I'm looking for cheap and easy food to get. Usually its all bad.
Working on the whole sponsor thing again. Some have a deadline of September 15 (for the following season) which is crazy. I'm looking for some very specific stuff. Hopefully I will be able to provide more of an update as this process moves forward.
I'm still mulling over doing a couple more races. Specifically the Ontario Enduro Championships this weekend and Pauls Dirty 100 a couple of weeks later. I think both will depend on the weather and how I am feeling. I'm more interested in the 100k event as I have a craving for singletrack these days and there's nothing like 100k of riding to quench that craving.
Steve
Working on the whole sponsor thing again. Some have a deadline of September 15 (for the following season) which is crazy. I'm looking for some very specific stuff. Hopefully I will be able to provide more of an update as this process moves forward.
I'm still mulling over doing a couple more races. Specifically the Ontario Enduro Championships this weekend and Pauls Dirty 100 a couple of weeks later. I think both will depend on the weather and how I am feeling. I'm more interested in the 100k event as I have a craving for singletrack these days and there's nothing like 100k of riding to quench that craving.
Steve
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