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