cycling rocks

Very cool. Started the weekend with a nice long slow day on Saturday of forty miles. Great weather. Good legs. This morning, I did my pre-race ritual of oatmeal in front of the tube watching TDF videos and loading up the car with all my stuff.

It was less windy this week in Estacada and I was able to knock almost two and a half minutes from last weeks time. The combination of less wind and working harder netted me another 2nd place! I’m really happy. Proud even. The leader was nearly five minutes ahead of me. Wow. The nearest guy behind me was a close minute behind.

This will most likely mark the decline of my standings in racing this year. Very fun while it lasted. My guess is that I’ll be 12th in state by Tuesday, falling with each subsequent week. I will try to keep up with the guys, but it’s hard and I think I’ve peaked for the season. I’ll look forward to more group rides, Reach the Beach, STP, and the Highline Hammer. Whew!!!

Thanks, Mike and Jasmine and Jordan for making the trip out to watch me finish. Woot!

Stats: 20 mile out and back course; Winds 3.8; HR 173 max 168 ave; Speed 33.8 max 20.8 ave; Elevation gain 1,500 ft.

Linky to Photographer’s Site

Stats: 39 miles; 16.68 ave mph; 138 ave bpm. I feel good. Strong. Ready.

I looked at the standings this morning and I’m holding on to 16th Best All-Around Rider. I’d like to keep this for another week. To do so I must win, place or show at Sunday’s Time Trials. I took 2nd place last week and the guy who beat me is not on the start list. I’m hoping he stays home. I need the points. Wish me luck.

My start time is 11:44 am. Based on that here’s my timeline and routine for the morning.

8:30 Wake up and eat, wash up, start the TDF videos
9:00 Inventory, load car, watch TDF videos, relax.
9:30 Drive to estacada, park, rider sign in, relax, final equip check, get dressed.
11:10 Spin up on trainer, warm up. get in the zone
11:30 Put trainer away, ride up and down the road to stay warm, activate the lactic systems and fast-twitch fibers. Breathe. Think about nothing.
11:42 Start line, roll call
11:44 Take a deep breath, clear my mind, start in a medium gear
11:45 Speed up to LT and hold it there. Think good thoughts. I am strong. Feel the burn. Drink. Everything is fine.
12:38′ish Final 1000 meters. Ride like I stole something.

Here’s a linky to a race photographer site; pics from the 25th PIR race. I’m in red/black jersey behind Fishmel. Might have to buy a download of that one.

Last night I didn’t have time to get to Beaverton for the West Side Hill Workout, so I did an indoor trainer session consisting of CTS Climbing II DVD + CTS Race Simulation DVD one after another. It was hard. It rivaled some harder workouts that I’ve done and I hope it pays off at the Time Trials on Sunday.

Stats: 1:46:00; Max 170 bpm; Ave 148 bpm. Note: It felt harder; more like an ave. 165 bpm. I must be tired from the race the day before.

I wasn’t going to race tonight. I asked myself, “Why?” and it occurred to me that I didn’t want to crash again. But I figured, “Enough. The only way to conquer your fear is to greet it head on.” Hello. It’s much like when I first rock climbed, I thought I was afraid of heights; but I was actually afraid of falling. So I tried to climb the biggest rock wall at the gym, felt what it’s like to fall; then proceeded to keep climbing. It took me a couple times with my heart racing, lots of sweat, lots of encouragement from my friends and I made to the top.

I raced tonight keeping a watchful eye on fear; I rode conservatively. For awhile. Then things got fast. As it was, when it came to do the job, the harder I pushed the slower I got as if I someone was intentionally feathering my brakes whenever I tried to go. That’s what it feels like when one’s conditioning and fitness is not up to par. I know this isn’t supposed to be easy, but come on. Tonight’s field was strong; lots of fast riders, really fast guys coming in and I anticipate it getting worse in the next few weeks.

Fishmel had to agree. He had legs to try to bridge to a breakaway rider around the final turns, but couldn’t hold on. The pack ate him alive. I didn’t fare even that well, holding on for dear life at the back of the pack. Then they spit me out like a rocket. I chased solo at 25 mph on that back straightaway, caught up and passed a couple guys on the final. I wanted so bad for another top ten, but watched that dissolve in slow motion in front of my eyes.

So I will train knowingly. I will race knowingly. And not be afraid to fall.

Stats: 13.57 Miles, Max 32.7 mph, Ave 23.1 mpg, Max 189 bpm, Ave 167 bpm