Race Prep 101

I moved out to Colorado a little over a year ago (Feb. 10 to be exact) and haven't really found a cycling "niche," despite the fact that I live and work in one of the greatest cycling cities in the country, Boulder, CO. Since the first of the year I've been riding bikes more, riding the snowboard less and generally working towards healthy living, consistent riding and more interval work on the bike.

Last Saturday I had went on a group ride/interview with a local cycling team (GS Ciao/Wild Oats) and was asked to race for them for the upcoming season. So...no pressure...new cycling team with some very strong Pro 1/2 guys, some RAAM thing and a cycling season that starts in March. Ugh!

The group ride consisted of about 10 riders, including a World Cup Cyclocross rider and took us on a 4 hour journey into the bowels of the front range. Okay, so maybe the other guys weren't working too hard, but I was feeling the pressure of trying to keep up with some very strong riders all the while talking with the team captain about goals/aspirations, racing/training philosophy etc.

I guess the group ride really emphasized the need for more "serious" miles and the need to get the legs into form quick, as in, it should have been this way yesterday. 4 months to go till the RAAM, about a month to go before my first race of the season and the pace is definitely picking up out on the roads in and around Boulder, Colorado.

The coffee shop my new team met at last Saturday was packed with all sorts of riders. In fact, I lost count after about 50 were milling about outside on the terrace. I saw young guys, old guys, professional riders, beginner riders and there I was somewhere in the middle.

Hey, if you find my cycling form laying on the side of the road, do me a favor and take it home with you and give me a buzz...

Saddle Sore

Back on the bike and my legs feel like they're going through puberty all over again. I'm about 20 lbs. over my "usual" weight this time of year, but feel strong from going to the gym everyday and hitting the weights pretty hard. So my waist size has remained constant, but my chest size (not gut size) has increased a couple of sizes.

I'm starting out with some base mileage on the indoor trainer and getting outside when I can. The 36 inches of Boulder powder hasn't helped the bike riding at all, but I'm in good shape and ready to go for this thing...

An hour at a time and I'll be ready to ride come spring...