All Hallow's Eve Cyclocross

We (myself and the family) made the drive to Winston over the weekend to race the All Hallows Eve race presented by Mock Orange Bikes. It was pretty cold when we arrived but warmed up nicely by the start of the 10 O'Clock race. I did my usual warm up, and got the to start early and positioned myself in the middle on the left side. The whistle blew and we took off, we all sprinted up a paved road and then some switch backs where I was either in the weeds or the tape on every turn. Then it really bottled up and had to dab a foot. Once again the best thing about racing CX is even if you are in the back there are still people to race. This race was no different, myself a 2 others guys were changing places on the first 2 laps. I'd get a lead then they would catch me on the 1 long climb.

The end of the second lap I noticed I was pulling a guy around the course, and was taking some very bad lines through the turns. As we approached the end of the lap he was behind me as we started down a short downhill with a hard right hand turn with a climb after the turn. I set myself for the turn, hit the apex and turned on the jets. I stood up and powered my way up the hill. I kept on the power, and was all by myself for the entire last lap. Approaching the finish line some of the leaders were passing me. The last turn into the finish and someone behind me yells "Left". Thinking it was another leader and not wanting to get in the way of the leaders I moved over. As he passed me at the finish Line I realized it was the guy I had been racing the entire race. I was disappointed that he passed me at the finish- That won't happen again!



The last lap approaching the finish- you can see the guy that passed me at the finish in the background.

I loved the course- some sections were a little rough but the fast, flat and smooth sections made up for it. My favorite part was a section around the soccer fields- you entered the field on a downhill with 2 18" jumps, and the field was flat, hard, and short grass. I could fly on this surface, and the corners held up well. I also loved all of the off-camber turns. As we headed back to Charlotte I couldn't wait until the next race in Boone. See you there.

Hey, at least I didn't throw up.

My first Cross race of the season was this weekend. I'm not where I had wanted to be at this time of the year but, I have improved from last year. Here's how the race went:

I spent the week leading up to the race watching the weather closely to see if I needed to put on the mud tires or keep the Racing Ralphs. I went to help Luna Cycles/ Fiets Maan racing to help set up the course up Friday. The course was dry even though it rained Thursday- I decided against switching tires and stick with what I had. The morning of the race was cool and damp/ a slight drizzle but no mud.  I went to get my number and the guy apologized and said "this is no reflection on you as a person". I looked at it and read 666! I'm not a superstitious person and thought BEAST MODE! I did my warm up laps, then saw some friends and talked with them for awhile and then headed to the start line. I lined up right in the middle of the pack. I looked down at my heart rate and it showed zone 2. I tried to clam down as we waited for the start but as soon as the starter called "TWO MINUTES" my heart rate jumped to all most zone 3. The whistle blew and we all took off, about 100 feet into the race and at full speed the mountain bike in front of me started skidding the rear tire- his chain was throw into the rear wheel spokes. I hit the brakes and then went around him, I stayed with the pack until the finish line climb. I was pretty focused so I don't remember a lot of details. I do remember racing a few guys, back and forth changing positions.

On the 2nd lap I was following a guy around the course but didn't have a great place to pass. We rode through the bottom of the course near the start line, up the small hill, he went wide and I cut inside. We were side by side on the short descent. I pedaled hard to the run up, took the inside line and ran as hard as I could. Got back on the Van Dessel and pushed as hard as I could, I was trying to get as far away as possible so he wouldn't want to chase me down. In my opinion this was the hardest part of the course- most of the elevation changed happened in between the run-up and finish line. The rest of the race I was pretty much by myself the rest of the race until the finish when the race winners passed me cutting my race 1 lap short. I was glad it was over.

Last year the finish is where I started dry heaving in between gasping for breath. It was so embarrassing, the finish is right next to the sand where everyone sits and watches the race..... by race I mean CARNAGE that happens in the sand. But that didn't happen this year. I didn't win but I felt better than last year. I did better than last year, I wasn't pushing to stay out of DFL. Training hasn't gone great, lots of excuses! But the race was just enough of a butt kicking with the right amount of success to keep me motivated. I'm looking forward racing next weekend in Winston-Salem. #Knuckles&Elbows!

 

By the way, the team (Kevin and myself) did great this weekend, lots of compliments on the jerseys, and we had fun! Looking forward to have the other guys with us soon.

four letter word - "CAN'T"

I came across the video this week and I haven't been able to stop thinking about it. This dude is amazing! ENJOY

 

 

Things I've been thinking about this week:

 

Do you think Richie ever said the phase "I can't"?

 

What do you think he thinks when he hears someone say "I can't" or "It's too hard"?

 

Is he Pissed or does he feel sorry for them?

 

 

 

If we all had Richie's attitude think of how the world be different place to live. I'm guilty of using that phase but I think and hope every time I say it I think of Richie. People are awesome!

 

Feel free to leave comments below, id love to hear what you think.

Acting lessons

They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. It's also a great way to achieve a goal. For instance, if you wanted to play basketball in the NBA. Who might you try to imitate? Definitely not me! Maybe its Kobe Bryant, or Lebron James. You should find how they train and do the same. It might be shooting 100 free throws everyday, or going to the gym and do drills, or playing street ball. I want to race and would love to be competitive. Unfortunately I don't personally know Adam Myerson, Jeremy Powers, and Tim Johnson, but I can still train like them. Cross season is fast approaching (less 3 weeks away) and I'm not where I had hoped I was going to be. Sickness, vacations, lack of motivation are all excuses!

This past week the shop I was working at closed its doors for good. I must say I was pretty disappointed. It's the end of the season and bike shops tend to scale back hours in September-April so the chances of landing another job are very slim. So I going to look at things a bit differently this year. I'm going to be a bike racer! No not professionally but I'm going to act like I am. I'm looking at this as an opportunity, not as a setback. I'm free to train and race all fall and Winter. The old Mike would typically get depressed and feel that this is a set back. But I'm planning on taking full advantage if this time. Yes, I know how lucky I am! Then come spring I'll start looking for another job. 

So what does all of this mean?

It means I'm going to treat my body like a machine. 

It means eating well- whole foods, no junk!

It means training, no matter what.

It means riding in the heat, rain, cold, or when I'm sore, tired and unmotivated. 

It means when I'm not training, I'm resting so I'll be ready to train.

It means pushing hard during the workouts.

It means doing all of the workouts. 

It means racing as much as possible.

It means putting in time on the trails not just the road.

It means staying positive!

It means getting out of my comfort zone.

It means not giving up.

It means planning training, racing, and meals ahead of time.

If I want to be a bike racer, I better start acting like it.

Goodbye Rocky, Hello Bronson!

Ok, so those of you that know me,  I was more of a quite hum. I rode Bent Creek (Greens Lick) yesterday on the new bike, a Santa Cruz Bronson. Ever since I ordered the bike over 2 months ago I've been eagerly waiting to ride this trail. The climb up was brutal, it was very humid, and trail was washed out from all of the rain we have had the last 40 days and 40 nights. Like I said I've been waiting to get to the top of Green's Lick for 2 months. For those who don't know Green's Lick is a very fast sometimes steep downhill full of jumps and berms. And its pretty long! How long? I'm not sure because we kept stopping and re-riding the fun sections of trail. Check the trail out if you are ever in Asheville. The bike wants to be in the air! And the landing are pillowy soft. I'm still learning how get the bike airborne buts a lot easier than the Rocky. It's a Plush bike, but at the same time it pedals very well- actually better than my Rocky XC bike. The biggest difference is the suspension design. There is no chain growth when the suspension flexes. The VPP suspension is great for bigger riders - I'm running 70 psi less pressure in the rear and its still not using all of the travel. The bike is way more capable than it's rider.

highlights: 650b wheels
                  6" travel
                  67 degree head angle
                  VPP Suspension
                  It's a Santa Cruz!

 

 

 

3x10 Drive train - probably going to switch it a 2x with a bash ring. Looking forward to trying out the Shimano clutch Rear Derailleur.

The Avid Elixir 5 Brakes are great. And the VPP suspension is awesome! No chain growth and suspension remains active. 

Santa Cruz!

 

 Burly Maxxis High Roller 2.3

 

I love this picture - wish the neighbors house wasn't in the background (may need to retake it). Oh and by the way these pics were taken before the ride- it's a little dirty now.

 

Goals and Lists

I'm a list person. I have lists scattered all over the house. Lists for grocery shopping, honey-do's, things to do this summer with my son, lists for things to buy, training plans, bikes to buy, accessories and componets to upgrade...........   So it's only natural that I have one for the fast approaching Cyclocross season. So here it is my goals for the season.


Cyclocross Goals

Races - NCCX- Southern Pines
                               Raleigh
                               Boone
                              Salisbury
                              Wilkesboro
                              Durham
                              Statesville
                              Charlotte (State Championships?)
                              Winston
                               Hendersonville (2 races) (UCI NCGP)

                AVLCX- Bent Creek
                                Pisgah Brewery
                                Carrier Park (night race)

               North Meck- October Training races

Goals
-Race as much as possible, dependent on location, and time.
-I'm hoping that I can regularly finish mid-pack and maybe finish in the top 25%.
-Thinking about doing 2 races in a day- Masters Cat 4 & Cat 5.
-Either start or join a weekly CX training race.
-Make the races an all day event.
-Have FUN!


Enduro Goals
-Paris Mountain Wild Turkey Enduro
-To not fly off the mountain and kill myself!


Winter Short Track- Race the entire series (5 races)!
-Finish in top half of races
-1 Top 10 finish


Weight Loss - Continue to progress to my ultimate goal of 190-200
 By CX race #1 September 7 AVLCX Bent Creek - 240 lbs
 By Short Track Race #1 January 11(?) - 210 lbs


Here is a list things I'm thinking about doing next year-
The Doubleshot
Jerdon Mountain Challenge
3 peaks USA
Love Valley Roubaix
Boone Roubaix
Tom Dula's Revenge
More Enduro racing

A goal properly set is halfway reached

– Abraham Lincoln

 

 

You must have long term goals to keep you from being frustrated by short term failures

– Charles C. Noble

Mindful Eating

What comes to mind when you read the words below?

Thanksgiving -

Superbowl -

Football -

4th of July -

Valentines day -

Christmas -

State fair -

Birthdays -

Weddings -

If you are the average American you probably replied with a food item- Turkey, Wings, Hot dogs, Chocolate, Corn dogs, and Cake?

In our society everything seems to revolve around food including holidays, sporting events, family reunions, business deals, Birthdays, Graduations, and even funerals. Our society is obsessed with food. Fast food is on every corner, large pizzas "ready now" for $5, Kids are offered "Happy Meals", Big Gulps the size of a 5 gallon bucket, Value sized meals, Krispy Kreme Cheese Burgers, and processed food commercials are non-stop on TV. It's no wonder why Americans are dealing with an obesity epidemic.

What part of the chicken does the "Chicken Ring" come from? I can think of only 1 area. GROSS!

 

 

Turtle Burgers (hamburgers + hot dogs + bacon + cheese) = REALLY?!

When we moved to Charlotte I loved the fact that fast food is really hard to find, I have no idea where a Little Cesar's is located, and we ditched TV so no more commercials. These changes has helped us as a family transform the way we eat. Here are some tips that have helped me, maybe they will help you as well. (If you have other tips please share in the comments section below.)

ReThink Food - Food is NOT to give you pleasure. It's there to provide fuel/energy to your muscles to move. So....... MOVE........ and eat well to provide them good fuel. Your body is a high performance machine feed it what it needs, not grease, sugar, and fat. A lot of my races are out of town, and it would be very tempting and easy to grab a biscuit, bagel, or doughnut but I know that I would feel awful after eating that and I wouldn't perform at my best. Also DO NOT reward yourself with food - instead reward yourself with a new cycling kit, or running shoes, or a piece of fitness equipment.

Watch the carbs - As a cyclist I know I need carbs. But I try to stay away from sugar and processed carbs. That being said after a hard ride, I need carbs. But I also don't want to waste my ride by eating just anything. I just want to replace the glycogen to my muscles and keep hungry at bay. I like to instead refuel with a banana, Greek yogurt, or Chocolate Milk.

Watch when you eat - I don't eat after 8 pm. Do not eat when you are not hungry, food is energy/fuel. Eating Crap food is not going to make anymore social, in fact I bet their is another person you are with that's trying to eat well. You could become a good influence on them and both will be helping each other out of a hard situation.

Keep a eating journal - You will be surprised by how many calories you are actually eating. I recommend Training peaks and my fitness pal. Both of these are Apps for your phone that keep track of the food (even restaurants) you intake as well the calories burnt while exercising.

Don't drink your calories - This is a hard one for me - I love my morning coffee and a sweet tea or soda with my meal. Don't quit cold turkey otherwise you could get caffeine withdraw headaches - Not Fun! Just do your best to slowly taper off. Do your best but stay away from the "diet" sodas. A Starbucks Cinnamon Dolce Latte has 450 calories. That's as much as a small meal. Things to watch out for are Beer, Soda, Coffee, even Gatorade.

 Eat at the table or snack standing up - DO NOT eat while watching TV.  Watching TV turns off your brain and distracts you from what you are doing. Have you ever sat down to watch a show with a bag of chips and by the end of the show the bag is empty? It happens! Either Snack standing up or pour what you want in a bowl and put the rest back in the pantry. Also turn off Wheel of Fortune and eat with your family AT THE TABLE.

Cheat well - When faced with eating something that's not falling into the diet ask you yourself "Is this worth the extra calories?" If it's not don't continue to eat it, throw it away. If I'm craving pizza, I'm not going to have a frozen pizza or Little Cesar's. I'm going to choose either a Mellow Mushroom, local NY pizza joint, or if I have time I'll make a homemade pizza. Why? Calories are calories so why not cheat with something that tastes great? Besides a good quality pizza will satisfy that craving which is the point right. Choose quality over quantity.

Final advice - We, you, me make mistakes! We let temptations, social pressure and circumstances influence what we know to be good and healthy. Don't beat yourself up over a bad choice. 1 bad meal is not going to undo all of the work that you have done thus far. When you a bad choice for a meal don't make it a bad choice for the day, week or month. Just because you eat something unhealthy doesn't mean the day is ruined. Get back at as soon as possible.