It’s March, there is still snow on the ground, but spring is near, and I’m actually feeling excited about bikes again. It took a lot longer than I expected and I had a few moments I thought maybe I’d just fell out of love. But giving myself some time to not care for a bit…
Yesterday’s Gone, Yesterday’s Gone.
It’s 2023 and it’s my annual post on how I don’t stop thinking about tomorrow. I have to admit, I haven’t fully thought out what I want to do with the year ahead of me, and I’ve done this often enough to know that nothing goes as planned. And what does go as planned, often…
The ‘Cross Season That Wasn’t
I’m too hard on myself, people have told me. But I don’t feel that way, really. I feel like that is the way to always be improving. But I’m not sure that guiding principle of self criticism and examination is serving me well anymore. I’ve entered 5 cross races this year, and I didn’t show…
The VT50 2022
Whew! I did it. But it wasn’t easy. Here’s a recap of the weekend. Drove up to Vermont Saturday afternoon to meet Laura, pick up my race plate, and register Laura’s car for crewing at designated aid stations. We talked about doing a short ride to loosen up but when Laura suggested we just press…
CX Distractions, VT50 Anticipation, and How to Taper Badly
I have a problem with FOMO. Also, I think cyclocross has become such a ritual in my life I’m not able to resist it, even when my goal ALL YEAR has been VT50. Not that the two can’t mingle, but it’s scrambled my focus. Today I did my second cyclocross race of the season, and…
Less than 3 weeks to the VT50!
I got the email from the race director last weekend: VT50 2022 – 3 weeks out. Shit’s getting real. My White Whale is nearly here. I feel like it’s all over but the event. I did my last really big ride last weekend, which was in truth quite a bit smaller than planned, but I…
5 weeks out – 3 more big rides
5 Weeks out from VT50, and I’m strangely confident. Last weekend I did a 62.5 mile ride with almost 6,000 ft of climbing. Still not as much climbing as the real thing, but I’m increasing elevation with every big training ride. It was about 7 hours total on the bike, with stops for eating. Not…
What if? VT50 Considerations
I’m less than 6 weeks out from VT50, and nerves are setting in. My training is going just fine, and I have another big day in the saddle planned for this weekend. I have 4 weekends left before I need to taper for 2 weeks prior to September 25th. So 4 more really big rides….
VT50 Training: 7 weeks from launch
I am now 7 weeks from the VT50 Mountain Bike Race in Brownsville, VT. Training is progressing, mostly as planned. Another heatwave is upon the northeast, and that does change volume and frequency of some riding, but I’m doing enough that I can be flexible and have an easier week now and then. About 8…
Sip, clip, and go! 