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
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
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.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
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.
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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.
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.
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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.
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)
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
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!!!!!!!!!
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!!!!!!!!!
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