X-training

Crystal Mountain 5 Hours on the slopes today.

Rocked Out folks

Rock Racing apparel sale

They are currently having a 70% of sale in Culver City....that is in L.A folks!! Although I couldn't make it myself luckily someone could for me. Sneaky Peaky of what was purchased! Also there is buy one item get one item half off now on there website. In other Rock Racing news or not news they haven't released any new info for the 2010 team. There will be a team I'm told but it could just be all the Spaniards.

Hibernatoin

Gateway has come and gone. How was it? My family and friends came out in full force this year so I had some added motivation. Besides holding strong mid pack I was not able to do anything spectacular or break the top 40 with any of my finishes. I can honestly say after the last race Monday morning I was happy to be done for the year. The year got started early with the Valley of Sun Stage Race taking place in February. I traveled a lot this year for work which derailed any true training plan. As a result maintaining a competitive fitness for the Cat 3 ranks was definitely a challenge. Some of the highlights were being able to race in Phoenix,Tulsa,Chicago, and Washington DC. This year was the rise of Devin Clark. He started in February with me in Phoenix and has been on the podium or near it in just about every race through Gateway. Always nice to have a teammate doing well. As for the team this was the first year we had big numbers in the 3's. With Devin and Heine moving onto the Cat 2 ranks next year they leave big shoes to fill but with the guys we have in the 3's someone stepping up shouldn't be a problem. I'm already looking forward to next year and training with a purpose to achieve certain goals.

I'm currently taking time off the bike before slowly turning the cranks towards the first race of the 2010 season.

It's cross season, part of me wants to race but then again I'm enjoying not suffering. Who knows though, I may show up for one or two races. For now though I'm relaxing.

final Gateway Prep

the ride.......GIANT TCR ADVANCED, the music.......KINGS OF LEON, the scenery.......SUPER HORNETS, all make for one solid bike ride.

Arriving back in St. Louis Thursday morning. Have to go pick up my bike and then I'll probably head out for a 60 minute ride. Message me if anyone is up for riding.

GATEWAY CUP 2009

BE THERE

Bike Shop rip off or reality?

I needed a few smaller items that I couldn't just run into The Hub to get because I'm about 700 miles away from Webster Groves! Anyhow I forgot to ship an air pump out here so I purchased a $20 one from this local shop. I also purchased several GU's and power bars. Today, I was looking for a small part and this shop did have what I needed and the shop worker asked if I wanted them to install it. I was still in my work clothes and had my bike in the trunk of rental and thought well sure this will save me sometime so I don't have to do it when I get to hotel. Only one problem, they wanted $10 to do it. I intentionally didn't say what the part was, so I could reveal that now. I bought a Cateye computer. So after spending $60 on this, you want $10 more to install it, I don't think so. It's already marked up for profit and you still want more!??!!? Do shops really charge that type of fee to install a wireless computer? Needless to say I was pretty turned off by that.

Soulard

Not much to say about the race except I didn't finish and got it handed to me. No excuses, just didn't have what it took to compete on that day.

Race was fast and strung out from the go. I really thought it would slow up but not soon enough for me as I was at my limit from the go. Devin placed 5th I believe.


The Hub guys in the 4/5 race looked awesome and strong all day. I saw Bill, Lendal, Robert, and Joe representing the jersey well. They pretty much controlled the race and had the announcer giving the Hub a lot of airtime. The results from that race put 3 Hub guys in 2/3/4 place. Good job guys!

Also, this was my buddy Ahmeds first race. He was also in the 4/5 race. I sold him my Scott CR1 Team. So it was fun seeing him get through his first race. The crowd and announcer willed him to the finish. He should start to be out more and more and hopefully improving week by week.

Back in Maryland. Will be back for the State Crit in August.

Dawg Days of Summer Circuit Race in Bowie, MD

After tens days off the bike I returned to racing today. The course was very smooth and the back side a slight riser but with the tailwind that was the fastest part of the course. For the 3's race I was of course islated without any teammates so I should have just been sitting in letting all the other teams pull back breaks. The race was paying 8 deep and 2 guys had got away. The field remained intact until we had 12 laps to go, a group of 6 guys were off the front and holding steady but no one was chasing because all teams were represented. Again the race was only paying 8 deep so I didn't want to miss out so I deviated from the plan of just sitting in and chased hard and I made contact with that chase group but when I got to them I was so tired I couldnt hang on and tried to fall back into the field. Only when I did that they had ramped things up I got spit off the back there. End of day for me in the 3's race. Tactically I screwed myself. I should have stayed glued in the field.

Next up was the 1/2/3 race. I knew in the race I would definitely just ride with the field. This race was 27 laps (55 miles). I stayed glued on the back of the pack the entire race up until 2 laps to go. I group of 6 were off the front and we were racing for 2 places initially but on the last lap the field did catch 4 of those guys. Through out the race there were attacks and counters but I didn't do any extra work and it was very easy just sitting on. The race was fast but I would say no faster than the A race on Tuesday nights. I tried sprinting in but my legs locked up and I sat up to roll in at 29th place. We had 60 starters so I was pleased. This was my first race on the Rabobank and it rides very smooth and responsive. I would say Giant has the edge over Scott now for me personally.

Soulard is next on the agenda and the return of my Addict. Flying back to StL Friday morning. See ya there!

The Giant is in Maryland

So my Rabobank Giant arrived in Maryland today. I had been waiting anxiously on it. Assembly was very quick thanks to whoever packed it at The Hub. I must say it rides so much smoother than my Addict. I almost wish I had two of these.



I also picked up a pair of Oakley Jawbones on Friday. Probably the best pair of glasses I have ridden to date. They really fit like a glove and are ultra light.



I'm racing tomorrow up in Bowie, Maryland. There is a 2.1 mile circuit race. Butterflies are going crazy in my stomach as I get ready to face some completely new competition and have the all eyes on me feeling. Check out the course video, the pavement looks really smooth. Should be a fun one.

Maryland Recon......

Arrived in Maryland last Thursday with no bike. I still have no bike at the moment but hoping it gets shipped out tomorrow. I went by southern Marylands version of Tues Worlds to check out the riders that were showing up. I remembered a few faces from my stay here a few years ago. I stopped by and chatted with one guy who is super strong. He rides a single speed at all times and keeps up with anyone. Side note his team got new kits and they pretty sweet, they remind of the new Cervelo team kit. There Tues Night training series consist of 3 races, an A,B, and C. The A being the strongest, but they arent associated with CAtegories. The A group does 4 laps around the ten mile Navy base. They have sprint point on the course. It gets pretty on the backside when the course is running along side the bay. I'm looking forward to getting in the mix on this ride. They also do a Thursday night ride that is 30 miles and has a few rollers in it. I really liked that ride when I was here because it was fast and very scenic.

Ready to ride, just need a bike!!!!!!!!

Webster Crit and Good Bye StL

So the Webster Crit is one of my favorite races and with The Hub sponsoring there is alittle more incentive to show up in a big way. Fast forward to one lap to go in the 3/4 race, my legs felt great and because our guy for the race got crashed out I was ready to go for the glory. Unfortunately my day ended with a crash just after the first corner of the course. By the time I got off the grass and looked around bodies and bikes were laying all around. Some guys got hurt pretty bad and one required an ambulance. Fortunately I only have scrapes on my arms and knees. Until the today they were not bothering my but now they itch like crazy. At the time of the crash I had just called to Devin I was right behind him and then seconds later I was face planted in the grass. My frame was cracked as a result of the crash so that was pretty frustrating and my carbon wheels damaged. Scott has a really good frame replacement program so I will have a replacement at a good price. I have not said much about race but thats really it. I felt great but got crashed out period. Since my frame was cracked on the seat tube I got the nod to race on it once more. Pretty frustrated I wanted to finish the P/1/2/3 race. Only a field of about 45 lined up for it. I felt fine the entire the race only that one of my bottle cages was broken in the crash thus leaving me with only one bottle. This was factor at the end of the race because I was all out of water and hurting for fluids. Devin was riding pretty far up in the field so it took quite some time to muster up the energy to get to him to ask for some fluids. He hook me up but on the last lap my legs locked up going up the slight riser and I couldnt contest the field sprint. I rolled in for 20th place. Happy that I finished that race but still very disappointed at my tactics in the 3/4 race. I should have been more aggressive on last lap because the field bunched up at time of crash. Mental note to not hold back just for sprint and take a chance getting there.

So now that my Addict is cracked I needed a bike to take with me to Maryland. I recently sold an older CR1 I had and I'm using that money to purchase a Giant Rabobank Team Advanced frame/fork. All my SRAM Force is going on it and I'll have that shipped to me in Maryland. As for the Scott once my replacement frame is here I will have that built back up with a Force/Rival mix. Both bikes should look pretty wicked!

Leaving for Maryland Thursday. I found a race there next weekend I will do, so I'm pretty excited about that and its back to Stl for the weekend to do the Soulard crit.

Later

Whats been up?

Several poor performances in my last few weeks of racing and some travel for work so I have been less than enthused about this season. A good thing is the team has done really well. Devin won the Cat 3 State Road Race.

Raced well tonight in the Tues Worlds, they had ankle chips so I should know my official placing I would guess 9th or 10th. I really need to transfer my Tues World performances to other races I would be alot happier.

My season here will come to an end pretty soon. I'm heading back to Maryland for work next Thursday. I will only race Webster, Soulard, and Gateway the rest of this year. I'll have to fly back for the last two on that list. I should get some good riding in while in Maryland.

Monday night beat down

In an effort to get back in shape relatively quickly I decided tonight to really push the envelope. Taking some pretty hard pulls at the front until the legs really just didn't have it anymore. I rode to my limit tonight and at one point I was dropped then willed myself back to the chase group sprinting on to catch the back not giving up while letting out loud screams of anger! Felt good to go to that limit. I would have usually called it a day when first dropped, not tonight. I recovered and put in a few more pulls before hitting the wall again. I felt bad briefly because I rode this guys tire the last 2 miles or so, all the way in. Kind of odd though, when it was his turn to pull through he would say sitting on or something and not do work in the paceline. So I didn't feel bad about letting him tow me in. He tried sprinting or dropping me on the final stretch but since he towed I figured I wouldnt even sprint past him, could have done it easily but for what eh?

Tues worlds tomorrow.

How Tough?

Well I wasn't Tulsa Tough this weekend. I got back from Italy Wednesday evening. Italy was great and it was truly an all work and vacation trip. I did no excercise or cyber cycling while there. I did eat REALLY good. Carbo loaded for the rest of the summer. Unfortunately that time off bike really hurt me down in Tulsa this weekend. I had no plans on going but fellow Hubber Dave Smith was looking for someone to ride down with him so I jumped in the truck with him. Tulsa Tough ranks as probably the best race weekend I have been to yet. I will be back there next year with good legs.

Photo is of my new frame. My black addict had a defect and it got warranted and they sent me this 09 R3. I wasn't a fan of white but I'm really digging it now. More training and getting the legs back in shape is what I will focus on the next week. Looking forward to a few races in June.

Same Ole Same Ole

Well I haven't done a weekend races since the Tour of Stl. I have been making it over to the Tuesday Worlds and I'm happy with my finishes to date. Last week was my best finish coming in 6th. Other weeks including tonight I usually finish 10-20. Tonight I tried getting in a break and I was out there for a 2 laps with a Gateway rider, he then proceeded to drop me and then go on to win the race! The legs of a Cat 1 guy and my Cat 3 legs didn't mix well tonight. I tried hanging but ended up dropping back in the pack for the field sprint. I'll probably won't race any weekend races this month. I'm headed out of town this Friday for about a week and half. Going to Italy to ride with the Italians. I may post something cool from a bike shop or stage of the Giro if I make it to either of those while there.

Check the Champ out, some serious kick

Dana Point Grand Prix Pro Men's NRC Bicycle Race from SoCalCycling.com on Vimeo.

Tour of St. Louis Run Down

Great weather was upon us for another weekend of racing. Saturday was a new course held downtown that was pretty straight forward. A guy from KC got off the front and was able to stick for the win. In the field sprint I was bit further back than I would have liked and didn't have legs to close on anyone. I finshed in 14th place. I'm happy with that but I know I can do better. DEVIN finished 3rd and I've said this before but dude is a ROCK STAR. He is killing it in the 3s to bad he will moving on up as I have enjoyed racing with him.


Today, we were at Carondelet racing on a familiar course (Tues Crit) that was extended out to make it a circuit race. A couple breaks tried getting away early but nothing would stick. In the last 5 laps Devin landed in the winning break. Alittle earlier when he was out there I made my way to the front to slow things down. I was up there with a Mesa rider (Matt F.) who also had a guy in the break and we both had the same intentions up there. Out of the field sprint I was again a bit boxed in but I finished 12th in the race.

For the weekend I was just out of the money and only a few places away from reaching my goal of a top ten finish. I have a couple tweaks I will make to my tactics and see if that will land me up there. I am happy with where I am at now though.

I'll be adding a picture tab soon.

BAM

rough weekend at Hermann

Title sums it up. Lots of hills and I didn't have what it takes to compete. Great weekend for The Hub though. Heine placed 3rd in the ominium powered by 2nd and 5th place finishes. Grman also had a great weekend placing 7th in the omnium. Devin flatted on the 2nd lap but was marking the Mesa ominium leaders every move. Mark is animal and did a great job keeping the field in check. Pretty awesome that any of those guys could have went with the break but the goal today was to get Heine in a break and the team was successful in doing that.

More training and longer rides are instore for me for future RR's. I knew this year would be every bit of tough me in the 3s. Have to keep fighting.

The 4's also had a really good races. Rock finished 2nd in the 4/5 ominium. Joe finished 5th in the 4's road race. Bill and Eddy both terrorized the field. GOOD RIDE BILL!!

Bikes are clean and ready for Tour of StL.

Must be the weather

Last Tuesday it was a bit chilly and just a gloomy day for the Tues Worlds. I didn't really feel like riding today but I had not been on the bike since last Wednesday. I figured if I'm racing this weekend I should get out to wake the legs up. Devin tried getting into a few breaks early on. Once he was out there Alex and I went to the front to ride tempo to give the break some room. We were up there for almost a full lap before others came around. A few laps later Devin lost contact with the group and rejoined the field. Fast forward to last lap, I'm on Devins wheel with Grman behind me, we take the outside line coming up the hill. Devin comes out the saddle and I lose his wheel, he puts like 2 bike lengths on me and I couldn't catch back on to try and shoot out from behind him. All I could hear from behind was Grman yelling "SPRINT CHRIS!!!!!!" I felt like I was moving in slow motion, no one came around me but I like said I couldn't catch Devin. So the last two weeks out the field sprint I'm right there. Still need more time on the bike and I'll be ready to hopefully make some noise. Didn't eat again today, so I did not feel the greatest after the race. Have to really work on that for my week day rides.

Red LINED

I had a good ride tonight at the Tues Night Crit. Devin got in a break at the 46 minute mark but the next time we came around the sign had 3 to go up. A shock to everyone I believe is that the break stayed away and Devin finished third! Dude is officially a Rock Star, I mean anytime he shows up he is definitely good for a top 5. On the last lap coming up the hill I punched it and I had Alex or Dave on my wheel gave a pretty good lead out for them. I was only a few bike lengths behind them at the finish. If I had to put a number on it I would say I was 11th or so. Great race but my last effort red lined me and I ended purging all after the race. Definitely didn't eat properly to race today.

Hillsboro and Tilles results

Not to much to say about my race at Hillsboro Saturday. This was my first race in the Cat 3 ranks here. We were scheduled for 66. On the first lap one of our guys (Mark) got into a break that actually stuck the entire race. Once he was gone in the break Hub guys just soft pedaled on the front of the pelaton allowing the break to gain valuable seconds on the field. I held on for about half way through the second lap and then hit the fan. I rode in with fellow Hubbers Dan and Dave. We called it day after 44 miles. Mark crossed the line in 5th place, Devin I believe 16 and Ryan around 25. Good day for the Hub.

Today, I was just hoping to actually finish after the Hillsboro blow up. I lined it up for the 3/4 race. We were on tap for 50 minutes plus 4 laps. El groupo remained el compacto most of the race. A few guys tried breaking away but nothing stuck. Through the entire 50 minutes I felt very good and even worked in the top 5 positions for a few laps. In the final four laps I started to move towards the front with 2 go and with one to go I was sitting like fourth wheel. This would prove to be to far up because by the time we made 3/4 arounds the course I was FIRST wheel heading up to the final left before the finish. Right now I don't have the kick to be able to hold that position and lay it down from that far out. So as we entered the turn guys swarmed around me and I came out the saddle to salvage a 12th place finish. Devin cruised in for 3rd, again he has been killing it and will continue put it down. I leave that race feeling pretty good knowing that my legs are coming around.

WeD Hub Ride

FAST FAST FAST FAST, need I say more. I was right in the mix tonight always upfront and took a few pulls through out the ride. The ride shattered a few gents luckily I was already upfront just sitting in when the alot of the damage was being done. I felt good tonight still unsure what to expect for the weekend. A race this size anything can happen as far as the pace goes. Next few days I'll hit the trainer or short ride outside before lining it up Saturday.

Tues Crit 3/31/09

There was definitely a full field tonight in the A race. Several breaks tried getting away and but nothing got to far out there. Devin actually bridged up to the break but then a couple guys attacked out the break and that put a hurt on him. As for me, I was very pleased with my ride tonight. The wind was blowing and it was key to ride a good wheel. I held good position most of race and only got caught on bad wheels a few times and had to close some gaps to the pack. I bailed after 41 minute effort in the 50 minute race. By that time we were strung out single file and there was no more hiding in the pack. After my dismal performance yesterday it felt good to put in a hard effort today. Plan on doing the Hub ride tomorrow and then taking it easy before Hillsboro Saturday. Still no ambitions for that race since I haven't had any real training time on the bike the last 2 weeks.

Back on the Road

I went and picked up my bike today and had the roof rack put on. I picked up a 53/39 crank set also because I wasn't sold on riding a compact crank. Now I'm pretty much all set with the road bike. Only item I'm waiting on is a new pair of shoes. I also put the TT bike back together. I would like to get a dedicated set of carbon wheels for it. It had been a box since it arrived back from Arizona. With my travels this year I haven't had the time to do any type of riding. I'm hoping now I will get into shape. Speaking of getting into shape I went out to the St. Charles hammer fest today. It was very windy and all the usual fast guys were there. My best friend got the best of me today. I love training with him because he really inflicts a lot of pain on the legs. This friend only shows up sometimes but when he does I know I will be in for it. I got dropped off the back because this friend was pushing me back on the saddle and swaying me from side to side. Many of you probably know this friend. Let just call him "windy," and when he gust, well no one will have a good day. The ride was fast and it split into multiple groups. I was hurting real bad, but actually finished pretty strong. It's funny how a small amount of "at a boys" or encouragement will really give that extra boost. I fell off the main group, the chase group, and the stranglers graciously yelled, "don't give up HUB!!!!!!!!" I didn't, I really didn't I kept the legs moving and finished honorably. The road to fitness will be long and tough, but I'm up for the challenge.

HELLO U.S.A

Almost back home to St. Louis. Just arrived in Detroit off the 12 hour flight from Japan. Unfortunately we couldn't make the 12 connection to St. Louis and the next flight is at 7:30pm. Probably one of the longest layovers I've had to date.

Hopefully the weather in StL will be favorable so I can get some riding in now before Hillsboro and Tilles.

See ya on the road.

Back in Japan

I left Friday for Japan. I should be here for around 2 weeks. This is my third trip here this year. With that said riding the bike has been put on hold. I will use the hotel cyber cycle 3 days a week while here. I'm registered for Hillsboro but being out of country will definitely leave me without the form I've been trying to regain.

I went to the first Tues Worlds of this year and rode in the A race for the first time. Kind of surreal doing that race now when I can remember showing up there 3 years ago thinking if only one day I'll have the legs to do that race. The race was fast and it was windy.

As we say here in Japan

Sayonara

Back in the USA

Got back from Japan Saturday afternoon and the first place I went was to pick up my bike from the shop. I made it out for 1.5 hour of tooling around Forest Park in the nice weather. Hit the road again today with Devin and Greg for some hills out in Valley Park. I hadn't ridden outside since the race in Arizona but I was pleased with the legs today. If it doesn't rain I will be at the start of the Tuesday Night Worlds. I'm also hoping to make it to the Forest Park crit Sunday. Unfortunately another trip over seas might in the works so I would miss it. Looking forward to Hillsboro though.

Peace

2 weeks off the road

I'm in Japan now. Four days after getting back from Valley of the Sun I boarded a 747 non-stop to Nagoya, Japan. I should be back in the states next Friday. I have ridden the Cybex (bike in the hotel work out facility) to keep my legs going. Nothing really defined I just ride it for 1 hour. I hope that will keep me somewhat motivated to be ready for the Forest Park Crit. I've been meaning to find a bike shop here just for kicks but its been raining so I have not ventured to far from the hotel.

later

Valley of the Sun recap

We raced and raced hard for it only to be February.

I'll post more about the races later.

More about the races.......Friday we had the 14 mile time trial. By the time I went the conditions had changed and the out route was faster than the route back to finish. I pushed pretty hard but came up short of mid pack time. My tt bike performed well I just need to get used to riding in that position.

The road race was 71 miles. I was very happy with my ride on the road race considering this race was only my 5th ride outside this year. I got dropped on the 4th time up the hill that was on the 16 mile loop and finished solo. Devin finshed 12th, which is freaking awesome. Dave T. finished just off the main pack too.

The crit was super fast. I got dropped from that after about 13 minutes of the 40 minute race. I'm definitely not in crit shape. The road race was allowed me to hide out in the comfort of the pack but the crit was strung out from the time they dropped the flagged.

By far this is the biggest race I have been involved in other than Gateway Cup. I'm looking forward to going back next year. I know now I will train alot more and be better prepared to improve on my results from this year.

For now though a couple photos. First shot is the entire Hub crew that came out to race. Second shot is one of me with Rashaan Bahati. I was hoping I got an opportunity to meet him and I did.

Velonews on Valley of the Sun

Valley of the Sun stage race kicks off Friday
By Ophir Sefiha
Posted Feb. 11, 2009
Winter-weary racers will get a taste of springtime this weekend during the 17th annual John Earley Memorial Valley of the Sun stage race.
The
 three-day event in and around Phoenix has traditionally been the first stage race 
for many domestic professional and elite regional teams, and the weather should be welcoming, with sunshine and temperatures in the upper 60s.
The Amgen Tour of California, which gets under way Saturday, has 
already drawn many of the domestic peloton's top riders to Northern 
California, which means that most domestic professional teams will not have full
 squads in Phoenix.
Nevertheless, this year's start list is loaded with talent, including 
riders from Lance Armstrong's Trek-Livestrong U23 squad, Bissell, OUCH-Maxxis, Kenda-Spinergy and Rock
 Racing.
On the women's side, a host of top regional amateur squads will be 
racing, including last year's road-race winner, SC Velo's Beatriz Rodriguez.
Racing begins Friday with a nearly flat, 13-mile out-and-back time trial held
 near the West Valley town of Buckeye. 

Saturday brings the Landis Cyclery Road Race. The 16-mile 
circuit features 470 feet of climbing per lap in the form of a fast, big-ring ascent that also serves as the finish to the 89-mile race. Last
 year, Tristan
Uhl (Tx Tough-Hotel San Jose) took the sprint win in just over three and
 a half hours.
Racing concludes Sunday with the 0.8-mile, eight-corner Verrado
 Criterium. The finale is normally in downtown Phoenix, but with the NBA All-Star game sharing the same date as this 
year's event, the criterium has been 
moved to the West Valley town of Buckeye.
Advertisement

Last year's criterium saw Rock
 Racing score a one-two with Justin Williams taking the victory followed by 
teammate Sterling Magnell. Cari Higgins (America's Dairyland) took the 
sprint in the women's race.
Time bonuses in both the criterium and road race keeps the racing fast and
 tactical, and the GC winner is often decided by a matter of seconds. Last 
year's men's race saw the top nine GC riders each within a minute of overall
 winner Karl Bodine (5 Star WVO).
Check VeloNews.com for daily coverage from Phoenix.

http://www.velonews.com/article/87584/valley-of-the-sun-stage-race-kicks-off-friday

Last year at the Tour Of Mo I met 2008 U23 National Criterium Champion Justin Williams and he will be at this race too along with 2008 Professional National Criterium Champion Rahsaan Bahati both of Rock Racing. Looking forward to meeting these guys if I have the chance. As far as training goes, I got in 4 rides outside and a number of trainer rides. Looking forward to just having some on the bike in Arizona!!!!!!!!! I'll be at the airport this time tomorrow.

RB (above), Justin Williams (below)

Traveling to Arizona one week from tomorrow to RACE!!!!!!!

Valley of the Sun to draw thousands
The 17th Annual Valley of the Sun John Earley Memorial Stage Race, presented by Landis Cyclery and Trek, will be held from February 13 to 15 in the greater Phoenix area. More than 5,000 participants and spectators are expected.

In 2008, almost 900 cyclists competed in front of thousands of enthusiastic spectators. The 2009 race, hosted by the White Mountain Road Club, will award over US$10,000 in cash and prizes and will attract some of the top professional cycling teams like Bissell Pro Cycling, to be led by Frank Pipp.

The three-day event offers men and women, both amateur and professional road racing cyclists of all levels, the opportunity to compete for cash and prizes. Pro/am events include an individual time trial, a road race and a criterium while others may enjoy a bike rodeo, fitting clinic and kids' race.

Valley of the Sun 2009
February 13: Stage 1 - Town of Buckeye Individual Time Trial, 14 miles
February 14: Stage 2 - Landis Cyclery Road Race, 50 to 100 miles
February 15: Stage 3 - Verrado Criterium, 30 to 70 minutes

above article courtesy of www.cyclingnews.com

We've got three Cat 3 racers going out and two CAt 4 guys traveling to AZ next thursday to line it up. I got in a good ride on Sunday in which I bonked in the last 4 miles with a sizeable group of 16 guys that came out to ride (around 53 miles). Beyond that I've been on the trainer so I'm not heading into the race with lofty goals which is good because it is only February and the season is just beginning. I'll put in another long ride this Saturday and then just to do a few easy trainer spins before flying to AZ next Thursday afternoon. It is also NBA All Star weekend in Phoenix so the possibility is there to catch a few special events going on.

GET OUT AND RIDE!!!!!!!!!

Swap Meet Success

I set out today looking for a few items. One of which I was successful in finding. That item would be a time trial bike and brand new at that. I had played with the notion of building up a frame but ultimately I would spend more money doing that for something entry level than I could if I just got some already put together. Today I picked up an 08 Fuji Aloha. The only items that will get swapped out in the near term are the wheels. In the photo I've already got my Rolf Prima Vigors on it. When racing it I will use my carbon wheels. I just need to get a set of pedals for it and I'm rolling. Having never been to the swap meet I was pretty impressed with the number of things for sale and the large number of people in attendence. While waiting in line to go in we chatted with a guy that drove down from Hannibol, MO just to be there at open to have first pick.

This picture is for you Bryan!! 09 Honda Civic Si black on black is what I'm rolling for 2009. I have a Yakima roof rack from another vehicle that I will put on this once my new clips come in.

I got 2 rides in lastweek. One of which I just tooled around Forest Park and the other was a pretty hard hill laiden ride. The legs felt like they had some life but no real kick and endurance in them. I would like to get in at least 10 more rides outdoors before heading to the stage race in Phoenix, AZ next month. Until then I will get a lot more diligent at getting some trainer time in. After hearing what some guys having already been doing I need to get things rolling although last year I didn't really starting training consistently until February.

I've got the Jet Lag blues

I haven't been able to adjust back to this time zone. I'm dog tired everday between 3-5pm. Today, I slept from 5 -645 pm. I probably shouldn't take naps but I have been having head aches and my body has been sore. Then when it is bed time at say between 10 -12 I can't go to sleep easily. More like I'm just laying there looking at the ceiling. Hopefully this doesn't last much longer. This is only my third day back in the States.

returning early

Be back in St. Louis tomorrow.....looks like it has been rEaLLY cold there.

How many ponies you got in those legs?

Toyoda (textile company)/Toyota (cars) Commerative museum.
Shabu Shabu for dinner Sunday.

Cycling related....I've ridden the cyber bike in the hotel gym the past 2 days. First day was for an hour and today 1.5 hour. Goal is to simulate building base miles riding long for the next couple of weeks and then I will add some intensity during my last week in Japan.

Its Monday morning here and we only have one meeting today then we are off to do some more exploring and sushi for dinner.

I've arrived in Japan!!!!!!!!!!

I bring you all greetings from Nagoya, Japan. I arrived here late lastnight after all almost 20 hours of travel time. We encountered several delays which is why it took so long. We flew over on a 747-400. I was in Business Class so we had several nice amenaties to keep you comfortable so the 14 hour flight wasn't bad at all. I watched 4 movies and then took a nap. We met an American woman that was traveling back from North Carolina that had moved to Nagoya 23 years ago and hasn't left! She taught Japanese at an International University and has now retired from that. It was good meeting her because she was able to help us communicate with the gate agents. I ate Mcdonalds lastnight and had to point at what I wanted to order food. Still very surreal being here. I traveled all over the U.S but this is my first trip across the Pacific! Its Sunday morning. I will probably drop a few lines on here as often as I can about whats the haps in Nagoya. A few photos from the flight over below over.

Blast from the past perhaps?

Found this photo today of me on one of my first......gasp.....group rides! This was in the summer of 2005. I hadn't ridden a bike since I was kid.

Here we have my very first race the 05 Soulard Criterium. My goal was to finish and I did.

Holiday Break/2009

Well I spent my entire 2 week break in Cleveland, OH. It was very cold and snowed just about every day I was there, not that I had my bike with me anyway. I haven't eaten to crazy but I've still had several days of enjoying the foods I love most. I hope I'm not to far off from where I need to be. Lots of new things happening for 2009. I bought another car and it's something that should suit me better for cycling, I'll put a roof rack on it in the near future. I'm planning on moving from the loft I've been renting month to month since I moved back. I changed jobs at work so I won't be moving back to California as I had planned on so I will probably sign a lease somewhere soon. As for cycling I haven't done anything cycling related for about 3 weeks now. I have thought about riding but with the cold temps I've only done a number of trainer rides. I despise riding in the cold weather. Today, I looked out the window and by the looks it seemed like a nice day to get out. I walked outside and the wind was blowing with the 30 degree temps. I'm definitely a fair weather rider for the most part. This time last year I was living in California and I had no problems riding in 50 degree weather. All you needed was a long sleeve jersey and you were set to ride. With that said I think I will be alittle slower getting back into the swing of things for 09. The season should start for me and few other Hub Racers at the Valley of the Sun Stage Race in Phoenix, AZ next month (Feb 13-15). Teammate Dave Thackrey has done this in years past and I thought it would be cool to travel to a city I have never been to and race my bike while on a quick vacation. I won't be in any shape for the race as I have a TWENTY-ONE day business trip for work that starts this Friday. I won't return until January 30. I'll be out of country so taking my bike isn't an option. I will resort to doing whatever else I can in the hotel to try and be in good physical shape upon my return for a rush of base miles leading up to the event.

While saying good bye to 2008 I went through all the photos I had of me racing and wanted to post my favorite from the 08 season. Below is what I've chosen. This was during the Gateway Cup at Lafeyette Square. I gave a few hard turns on the pedals to go for an early prem and Chris from Big Shark followed me. He ended up winning the prem and I got a 7th place finish that night. I hope the 09 season is as good as the 08 campaign.