Monday, April 27, 2009

Stoked to be Soaked

Saturday was the Muskego Crit, which was put on by wheaton/Team Wisc. As I drove up the rain was crazy intense. I thought about not doing the race, but wanted to since I wasn't sure if I would be racing next weekend. The start of the race seemed to lead me to believe that the rain could be over, but with 3 laps in it started up again. My plan for this race was to sit in and not jump on anything. The spray from other rider tires had my eyes bruning and mouth drooling(gross). There were a couple of breaks and I chased one of them down then realized that it was a complete waste because we would have probably eaten them back up regardless. With about 4 to go a strong break went off at the top of the hill which left me in the peleoton. A guy went to bridge it and I figured I might as well too. The breakaway had about 6 riders which would leave me with a sprint finish for 7th. So I was all like Hells naw and followed the guy. We both made it and the group stayed out for about 3min after we both caught up but due to a lack of oganization we were soon consumed by the peloton. Then final sprint was odd. People lined up five cross with over 200 meters to go and started to put on the heat. I knew I would have died if I started this early so just kicked it for a bit. Luckly I would say around 5 riders blew up in the middle of the hill so I had to weasle my way past. As I started to increase my cadence I realized I could push past a rider right at the finish. As I attempted this teammate and friend J. Lang crushed past me as well as a guy with a Whitewater kit on.

I was wasn't happy with my performance, but is anyone ever(happy that is)? Just kidding, I was indifferent since it was the first crit of the season. I learned that some of my old habits have come back to haunt me. Such as not being aggressive enough and yo-yoing. I had a good time, although it rained 95% of the race and I had to go straght to work after. I Never realized how much grit can get on you from racing in the rain.

Thursday, April 23, 2009

Uses for Excuses !

My blog has been lacking up dates like my week has been lacking rides. School and work often get in the way but others manage to do it so why can't I? I am pleased to report that the blog has suffered a lot more than my actual mileage, but am no way am I pleased at what I have put in. with most my rides being over the 40 mile mark I feel that my base is starting to build. After talking a number of people the main thing is that you just get out and ride.

More updates will start to surface and since school will be out soon my time will be filled with organic foods(Outpost) and cycling. I do plan to take a summer school course, but I will still have enough time to do some serious riding.

My first race of the season is this Saturday at Muskego Park. I am planning on riding a lot smarter this season as opposed to the last where I liked to sit at the front and pull. So if you are going to be there get ready to see me do some serious sitting in and not so serious pulling. Updates will start to come more frequently as will my rides.

The reason why the wit in this post is not there is because I have just woken up and have a chem exam at 10 a.m. that is on my mind.