Critacular

Hi,

Just came off racing a crit in Golden, CO that was packed with riders eager for some recognition and a bit of cash money. I didn't make it into the running for greenbacks today but had a great race and accomplished exactly what I set out to do, namely, survive, move around in the field, try some aggressive moves in the field and at the front, but mostly survive. We had a field that was approximately 70 strong for our afternoon race. I had a couple of teammates along for the race and it was great to see some familiar jerseys in the pack (speaking of which we are styling in our new Wild Oats Presented By Al's Barbershop team kits). The course was a 1k rollercoaster ride with some nasty road conditions, especially across the last sweeping high speed corner headed into the uphill sprint to the start finish (for the Minnesota readers think a cranked up version of the Opus Crit course). I was scared to take a look at the speedometer which was working OT to keep up with my wheel magnet.

Anyway, the race went well and I'll be back at it on May 6 for another crit, this one out in Broomfield, sponsored by Rocky Mounts (also one of my CO team sponsors). Have a hard week of training planned upcoming...big miles, big days out on the road. I'm also starting to think about mountain bike racing and getting back on the trails. I've got a new team bike coming out to me sometime next week (Bianchi San Lorenzo w/full DA and Ritchey accessories, Rolf Prima wheels, etc.). Although my wallet doesn't think it's great, I'm definitely psyched for some new gear to beat up on. All in all, not too shabby...

Keep the rubber side down...

TC

Back in the Swing, 24-7

I got back from England a couple of weeks ago and have been trying to get in the swing of training, back at work, etc. I was welcomed back to the States with yet another cold that is still holding onto me after two weeks. I'm finally catching my breath these days, but not without a bit of a struggle to do so...

Sitting in Minnesota right now waiting for my flight back to Denver to leave this afternoon. Spent the past couple of days hanging out in the Twin Cities and working with Team Strong Heart in our preparations for the 2007 RAAM. We got together this past weekend and rode for 24 hours with our team and with Bill our main crewman and tech guru. The riding was fun and I came out the other end with minimal damage and fatigue despite my condition going in and riding with the team. Although the rides out in Boulder are absolutely amazing and fruitful (usually) it was great to get out here and ride in my old stomping ground near Stillwater, Scandia, etc. Colorado is an amazing state but part of my heart (and sweat) stays in Minnesota.

Next up is a crit back in Golden, CO this upcoming weekend and more training...looking forward to the next phase of training, including ramping up to the serious miles and races this spring and some new gear (bike, clothing, etc.) from the team I race for back in CO...www.gsciao.com.

Stay tuned and keep the rubber side down...

Tim