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QOTD

"What does matter is making sure that I'm not sitting around in a room contemplating lost opportunity."___Gordo

Gordo's Blog

Ten Questions With Rick Adams

The Get Ready for Summer Series is almost upon us! So time to meet race promoter Rick Adams.

1. Get Ready for Summer. Wednesday Night Racing. AVC (now known as Testarossa Velodrome Challenge). NCVA Board Member and Treasurer. You're the uber-volunteer! Why do you do it?

I began by helping to promote Wednesday nights in 2005. Then in 2007, Kevin Worley and I wanted to bring an event similar to Portland's AVC to Hellyer. In 2008 the GRFS series was born to provide riders more opportunity to race AVC-like events, give me more opportunities to promote sponsors and raise more funds to help cover the cost of the AVC. Actually, I am an accomplishment addict. I absolutely love to look back at see what team was assembled and what we got accomplished.

2. How did you get started in cycling in general and at the track specifically?

 I grew up in Portland. As a sophomore in high school, 1972, I was growing tired of playing football and a friend had started going for 50 mile bike rides. I spent a giant amount of money ($250) and got a road bike also and rode 2-3 times a week during the summer with him. The next summer (1973) I began racing and won my first race a Hill Climb TT. In that first year, I went from Cat 5 to Cat 4 to Cat 3 (although categories did not have those names until 1976) Also, my friend and I would ride to the velodrome and race each other on the track. By 1974 I was enthralled with the track and began racing real races.

3. Speaking of volunteers, the velodrome can always use more, especially in the areas of officiating or volunteering at an event. What should someone do to get involved? (Though our readers shouldn't think these are the only areas where they can get involved; there are many other needs!)

Track races are parties with endorphins cocktails being served and an occasional glass of Testarossa wine. You race hard and get off your bike and talk to everyone else there. If you go to enough parties you need to consider hosting a party officiating, promoting, or helping in other ways. Help to host a party is a bit more work but is still extremely gratifying.

4. The first Get Ready for Summer day is coming soon, who should come out and race and what should they expect? (Note: GRFS dates are March 27, April 17, May 15 with all dates having A, B, and C divisions), May 29 women 3/4 races and B and C).

Come to the GRFS series to party with those endorphins. I mean seriously, Keirin, Miss-n-Out, Points and Scratch, and talk to other like-minded cycling addicts in-between, what a treat! The last GRFS will have separate Women 3 and Women 4 races with at least 8 in each group. These two women races are a part of the Bay Area Womens series in 2010.

5. Wednesday Night Races begin April 21st and run weekly until September 1st. Say I'm new to Wednesday nights. Tell me what to expect. Is it the same as Larry's Tuesday nights?

Both regular weeknight race series are excellent. Tuesday nights are longer Points and Scratch races and this year Larry has added a Madison. I hope to attend several Tuesday nights myself. Wednesday nights have a larger variety of shorter races and the night is scored as on omnium. Races you might ride on Wednesday are Miss-n-Out, Chariot, Scratch, Win-n-Out, Tempo, Keirin, and Points.

6. Testarossa Velodrome Challenge is June 11-12 and the elite entries are a bit different this year. How does it work and why the change? And is it true that the Masters Keirin World Championships will be contested?

First, the registration process was way too much stress for me last year, so something had to change. The objective of the Testarossa Velodrome Challenge is to pit the best of our local riders against the best riders we can attract. This early season GRFS races simply decide who are our best local riders. The GRFS series are qualifiers for the TVC this year. The Master World Championship is Andreas Vogel's idea. We are letting him run with it. 

7. You and Kevin Worley put on a big party last year for AVC. There was a DJ, a keg, wine, food, a VIP area and all kinds of hot action, both on and off the track. Volunteers get a front row or trackside view. What kind of jobs are available and who should people contact to volunteer?

Kevin and I are a great team because we take on different areas of promoting the Testarossa Velodrome Challenge. Kevin is exceptional at getting the volunteers required for this big event. So look for his announcements and remember that helping to host the party by volunteering is really fun and gratifying.

8. Enough about your race directing. Any race plans for you this year? Track? Road?

The Alpenrose Velodrome Challenge and the Davis Crit. Portland because it homecoming. I always get to talk to friends I raced with and against, and Davis because I love the course and the weather.

9. Your household is gluten free. A two-part question for you. First, as someone trying to clean up my diet, cutting starchy white carbs and limiting wheat is one of my goals. When everyone else is eating their PB&J sandwiches between races, what is a good gluten free snack that is easily portable and will work between races? And second question is, how easy is it to eat gluten free in the real world of business lunches and restaurant eating?

The simple answer is: we cook nearly everything in our home. In the real word of eating in restaurants, remember that beans, rice, veggies, meat and fish have no gluten, so stick to very simple dishes. Eating gluten free does raise your awareness of how prolific wheat is in our diet, but not that hard to totally eliminate either.

10. Finally, where is the most beautiful place you've ridden your bike?

On the southern west coast of Italy between Salermo and the island of Sicilia.

Bonus question with the interviewer having a personal interest: Why no keirin for the women at the May 29th GRFS?????
The mentors persuaded me.

Light At the End of the Tunnel

Two great things about this past weekend. First and most important, is that this was the first time in over seven months that I've felt like I was TRAINING versus just out riding the bike.  That has been a long time coming. The second great thing is that I RODE IN SHORTS AND NO ARM WARMERS!!!!!  Really, it's the small things.

I wanted to challenge myself and I've had the Alpine Dam ride in the back of my mind as a goal to work towards so Saturday I decided to do a harder ride than I've been doing with some harder/steeper climbing to see how my knee felt.  To do the full Alpine Dam loop from my house, it's nearly 50 miles and over 3,000 feet of climbing. I didn't want to deal with the bridge as I started late, plus I didn't know how tired I would be from the climbing, so I drove over to Sausalito and started from there.

A little warm up and I hit the Camino Alto hill and rode a pretty good time up that hill, like a minute faster that a month ago.  I felt STRONG!  My knee didn't hurt, my legs were on fire. Super happy with this climb.  I rolled down the hill and all the way up to Fairfax and started the BoFax climb. You ride out of the town of Fairfax and it's about a 2 mile climb to the top before you drop down to the actual dam and Alpine Lake.  I did the 2 mile BoFax climb, up to the top of the first hill which was about 30 minutes and fairly steep in sections.  At the top, I was getting tired, but my knee didn't hurt. Turned around, came back down and rode back to the truck. Just over 3 hours and some good climbing.  The knee passed the test!

On Sunday, the coach had intervals (4x5:00) on the schedule so I went down to the peninsula again. The plan was to get in an hour warm up and then do the intervals and cool down. 2.5 hours total on the schedule. I headed out and the first time I hit a gradual incline, my legs weren't liking that very much, but later they felt pretty good. It was pretty nice--sunny, cool and windy, warm in the sun out of the wind. I had on knickers and could have gotten by with the hot rub and shorts as I shed the arm warmers after the first hour. Once I got warmed up, I started the intervals.  Instead of doing them one after another along the stretch of road, I did them all starting from the same spot. I'd do one, then turn around and ride back easy, spinning my legs out.

The route was flat to start, a slight uphill (I could big ring this), cresting the hill, then a gradual downhill which flattened out (here I didn't bury the gearing, but instead backed off a gear and pedaled like hell--as fast as I could pedal and still engage the gear), then back uphill a little steeper where I had to shift into the small ring in order to not mash the pedals, and then it flattened out again and started back downhill.

#1: I didn't want to start out too hard (like I think I did last week). Start like a 2K, not like a 200m. Fast on the first section, then when I got to the uphill where I had to shift I kind of played with that and then by minute 4, I was ready to be finished. Not sure how far I got but I remembered the road sign for the next one.

#2:  Same start, big ringed the first uphill and felt good, spin like hell downhill and then pushed it a little harder (and knew where to shift) on the second uphill. Got to 4:15 and thought, "it's just a 500" so I pushed it and got further than #1. Riding back I was very happy to be half finished!

#3: Not as good a start but the whole rest was better and I got way further down the road! Probably a quarter mile more. Very happy with this one.

#4: Same distance as #3 and felt good. Pushed the entire way.

After that I rode another 40 minutes to cool down and at the end I did one sprint. 

A little over 12 hours of training for the week. Finally getting there!

Ten Questions With Annabell Holland

Annabell is a supervisor, coach, athlete, multiple National Champion and one of the forces behind last year's wildly successful women's camp. 

1. The women's camp last year was a resounding success. There will be a women's camp on May 22-23. Who should come and how much experience do they need?

This year we are changing it up just a bit as Rick Adams was able to make the "Get-Ready-for Summer" race on Saturday May 29th part of the BAWC Women's 3 & 4 points series. 

The camp this year will be for women who are currently racing on the road but have not yet completed their requisite 3 Saturdays to be eligible to race. This camp will satisfy the Saturday requirement. So basically the women need no track experience at all, but some road racing experience.

We will be covering the basics of track, doing a ton of skill drills, and practicing all of the races they will be doing the following Saturday at the race.

2. I know many of the ladies who attended last year would like to further 

develop their skills. What is the best way to do this? Any plans for a more advanced camp?

I highly recommend attending the Saturday afternoon advanced beginner session. This session is coached, has mentors, and introduces folks to training on the track.

I would love to conduct a more advanced camp, but unfortunately I just don't have the extra time this season. I don't know if everyone realizes this or not, but everyone involved in running the track is a volunteer.

3. You were a multiple National Champion last year at Masters Nats. You were targeting the sprints and won. It was quite exciting and I think Julie Nevitt and I were more nervous than you were! Given that, how big a surprise was it to also win the pursuit?

I knew going into the competition that I had a good shot at top three in the pursuit despite being a sprinter. 1st place however, was a long shot and I doubt will ever be repeated by me. The stars aligned on that day, and it was a magical ride. I noticed the wind and chose a much smaller gear than everyone else. That turned out to be a great choice. Those munching big gears got bogged down in the head wind and lost speed on the back stretch. Since I can sustain a high cadence, I was able to maintain my speed and not burn too much energy trying to bring a big gear back up to speed.

4. I saw a picture of you on crutches. Hopefully you will be back training soon! Will you be going to Texas to defend your championships in September?

Yeah, I broke my ankle. It all depends. I would like to, but the body will tell me if I can. So far I am healing faster than anyone expected and am back on the stationary trainer. I'll just take it week by week and train as I can as if I was going to Texas. If I can get back to form, I would like to focus on Worlds in Portugal as my target race.

5. You are also a track supervisor with the main supervisor responsibilities for the Sunday morning advanced session. I'm someone who has completed the three beginner sessions and I've raced on Larry's Tuesday nights. But I just want to ride around. Can I do that on Sunday? Or what should I expect if I come out to a Sunday session?

I would recommend you attend the Saturday afternoon Advanced Beginner sessions. The Sunday sessions are Advanced and require open track experience. Throughout the winter when the track is quiet I try and mentor as many people as I can. Unfortunately as the track gets busy, it is just too hard for me to mentor riders 

without the track experience.

 As the season progresses there is usually a Thursday evening Intermediate session where you can test your legs. 

As a reminder, all Open sessions are not coached, with the exception of the Saturday afternoon session. 

6. You work for the City of Fremont and last year the water park was completed and had its grand opening. That sounds like a great way to treat the family on a hot summer day. Where is it and what kinds of activities are there?

I am the Parks and Recreation Director for the City of Fremont. Last year we opened Aqua Adventure, a four acre family waterpark www.goaquaadventure.com . It is located in Central Park (Lake Elizabeth) and truly is affordable family fun. If Hellyer folks want to take their family, make sure you see me so I can pass along a coupon.

7. Before cycling, you played softball at a fairly high level. How'd you get 

from softball to cycling?

Once I stopped playing softball I was looking for a new challenge. I found soccer and joined a team that started in Division 8 and made it up to Division 2. Somewhere in there while in a co-ed game I shredded my ankle and literally could not run for 6-months.

A friend introduced me to cycling, and I actually hated it, but had no other exercise options. I do have to thank Terry Shaw for introducing me to the track. He handed me a bike one day and said I want to see you out there. The rest is history. I fell in love with the sport and started racing.

8. You're doing some coaching this year. How did that come about and are you open to new athletes?

I truly love introducing women to the sport of cycle, and I was looking for something to keep me engaged in training this year. I started up a program for San Jose Bicycle Club. I volunteer my time, and the coaching fee goes toward supporting the women's race team. Due to time commitments I can only take on three athletes, and all slots are filled.

9. Over the winter you vacationed at one of my favorite places on earth…the Big Island of Hawaii. What was your favorite spot?

Swimming with the wild dolphins in the open ocean and snorkeling with Mantas at night was by far one of the best experiences on a vacation I have ever had!

10. And this question since the new "Dancing With the Stars" begins tonight! You know that I'm a big fan…you've met a couple of former DWTS contestants. Who were they and how did you get to meet them?

You truly are a big fan and I believe I sent you a picture of one of your favorites. :) 
Over the past three years I have been working with Kristi Yamaguchi and her family to build a beautiful and fully accessible playground in Central Park in Fremont. Kristi's Always Dream Foundation paid for just about everything and it opened up 2 months ago. 

Last year the major fund-raising event was a play on Dancing With The Stars. Kristi called upon all of her dancing friends and had everyone out there from Cheryl Burke (our local professional) to Marlee Matlin and Shawn Johnson, to even the Jr. dancer winners. Her husband Brent (for all you hockey fans) even danced a number with her.

There will be a sequel event this year, so Cathy, I will save a spot for you at my table ;)

Thanks for the interview Annabell!

Ten Questions With Kevin Worley

Kevin puts on the Sprint Tournament series which runs monthly.  A very fun way to spend an afternoon at the track.

1. How did you get started riding at the track? 
I saw my first track race in 1980 at Hellyer during the Don Peterson era. I had just started riding recreationally - centuries, back and forth to school/work - and thought the track racing was very cool but that the racers were nuts! You'd never catch me out there. Way too dangerous. Never say never....

In 1991, after racing triathlons, then road races and finally kind of finding my niche doing crits, my friend and competitor Peter Tapscott and I thought we'd give the track a try. My comfort zone on the bike had increased to the point that I no longer thought trackies were crazy and that someone like me with a bit of speed and only mediocre climbing ability might do ok on the track. I forget who exactly suggested it, but Pete and I went down together and the rest is history. I cobbled together an old road bike frame as my first track bike and raced that first year on it with pretty good results. I had my first State (Districts back then) Championships podium appearances that first year - three second places and one third. One guess who beat me in every race that year - Peter! 

2. You've been on the podium at both nationals and worlds (and a past national champion). Where is the best place you've raced? (Aside from Hellyer)

That's a tough one. There are a lot of cool tracks around - each with it's own personality. Manchester is a fabulous facility with showers and a restaurant. Alpenrose is one of the most fun tracks to ride. If had to choose though, after Hellyer, it'd probably be Colorado Springs. Great track to ride. The altitude is good for big speed, and the nearby mountains are spectacular! 

3. The sprint tournaments will occur on March 7, April 25, May 8, June 20 and July 18. I know what a fun way it is to spend a Sunday afternoon, but why should everyone come try match sprinting? 
Match sprinting is like no other bike racing event. Most of the time it's head to head with only one other rider, so it's more like a boxing match that requires both strength and skill, and the ability to put your opponent in a position that maximizes your strengths and his or her weaknesses. It both teaches and demonstrates bike handling skills, acceleration, max speed, reaction quickness and quick thinking. Even those riders whose genetic attributes tend toward the endurance events would benefit from racing the occasional match sprint. You never know when the race is going to go up the road without you because you didn't react quickly enough to a big attack. 

4. I'm a new racer to the track and have maybe done a Tuesday night or a Get Ready for Summer race. Will I have to race those really fast guys in a sprint tournament?

Nope. Over the years the sprint tournaments have morphed more into a way of slowly coaxing riders through the learning and training process than a real "tournament". The racing is real and the competition is real, but it's designed so that you get a chance to race against riders that are nearly the same speed.

Everyone does a 200 meter time trial to start. A traditional sprint tourney is set up like a tennis tournament in that the 200 meter is a seeding event. Based on times, only a certain number of riders are even allowed in the tournament. Nationals, for instance, usually will only have 12 riders make the tournament - out of maybe 25 to 30 starters doing the 200. Then the fastest rider races the slowest of the 12. Number two races number 11 and so on. It's designed so that the two fastest riders have the best chance of racing each other in the finals. That works great for championship races and everyone should practice the event, but our tournaments are designed to let everyone race, and that requires a little different approach.

After the 200's we break the larger group into groups of 6 riders - all based on 200 meter times. From that point each group of six riders race among themselves, doing three 2 up races (two riders in each race) and one three up. That way, every rider gets four races against riders of similar speeds. It gives everyone the chance to work on tactics as well as just pure speed. Mark Rodamaker suggested the format several years ago and it's worked very well - thanks Mark

We may run more traditional tourneys later in the season, but we'll break those into two or more separate tournaments and again the riders will race folks of similar speed and experience. 

5. Another new racer here with a question: The riders go really, really slow. It almost seems as if they are going to stop on the track. Won't the bike fall over? Why do they do that?

The very slow, cat and mouse game, keeping the race short with a big acceleration over the last 200 meters is a way of trying to set your opponent up by forcing them to go to the front and leading you out. Track stands - stopping the bike and balancing - were an art form, so much that the UCI created new track stand rules to keep riders from jumping the bikes or backing them up.

The irony is that we're now seeing less and less of that style of match sprinting. Especially at the international level, the top riders are going so fast that the speed starts much earlier and the races are top end much longer. I suspect at least part of this change is due to the fact that the best sprinters are also the best kilo and kierin riders, so they have the endurance to go fast longer. 

6. Wrestling, triathlon, cycling..you've done a lot! You are mostly retired from racing now, correct? Do you still ride for fun? What else do you do to stay active?

Yeah, I've "retired" several times over my racing years, so again never say never, but I haven't raced since 2006 and probably won't again at the level I did when I won my national championships. I have a huge respect for riders like Larry Nolan and Mark Rodamaker that race at a very high level year after year, 'cause I can't do that.

I do still ride on a pretty regular basis. Anne and I have a tandem that we love to tool around on. I just moved to the Evergreen area of San Jose, so even though I won't be racing "seriously", the track is now only ten minutes from home. I can't not go over and ride! 

7. You and your wife Anne are musicians. Where can we find you guys performing? 
We have a regular once every couple of months gig at Angelica's Bistro in Redwood City. Great place to see music. Great place to eat and drink. We play at a lot of open mics, but we're so busy with family stuff, work, a new house, trying to get our exercise in, we're limiting any other real shows for a while. I'll keep everyone on my music mailing list though for any upcoming shows ;-> 

8. What musical instruments do you play? 
Well, I play "at" the guitar and the piano, but I consider my voice my main instrument. I play the other things well enough to accompany our singing and not make a complete fool out of myself. 

9. Which decade had better music? The 60s, the 70s or the 80s? 
What about the 90's? The first ten years of this century? There's SO much great music out there that I'm not sure I have an answer for your question. 

10. The Beatles or the Rolling Stones? 
The Beatles - yeah, yeah, yeah!

Ten Questions With Larry Nolan

1. You’re the guy responsible for me trying the track! You’re a “reformed triathlete” too. How did you go from tris to bike racing, specifically the track?

I love hearing stories of how I have helped others. Thank you!

I was a runner in high school and college. I took up triathlons in 1984 and in 1988 I won the triathlon "world championships" in Vancouver (Clydesdale division). In 1990 I was clobbered by a triple trailer truck when I was riding around Lake Tahoe. Triples are allowed in Nevada. Doctors advise that I not run again and swimming was never my strength so I focused on cycling. I was enjoying crits, time trials and road races when John and Linda Elgart encouraged me to give the track a go. At 200 pounds it just made sense. I started at the track in 1992 and have been addicted ever since.

2. What sticks out in your mind as your most outstanding race?

On October 20, 2009 I broke the masters 50-54 world record in the 2,000 meters at the UCI World Championships in Sydney. It was especially memorable because I was in Manchester, Engalnd when Ian Hallam set the record in 1999. The 2km is well suited to my physiology which is to say that I don't have a great jump or the endurance for a longer event. This race also had special meaning because I broke my collarbone at Nevada City and had already booked my flight. The collarbone break allowed me to return to base miles and then come into my overload and taper before October. I had focused on Ian's record and did a good amount of 2 minute and 18 second intervals (Ian's old record was 2:18.341 so I was essentially practicing going under his record). Finally, I was the defending champion so I was the last competitor to start. Jim Host from Chicago has been a great competitor in the past few years and he rode immediately before me in the qualifier at World's. He rode a time that was better than what I did in 2008 so I got my final adreneline rush just before I hit the line. Oh, and the Dunc Gray facility is world class as well.

3. Tuesday nights are getting ready to start (March 2nd). Give us a sneak peek of a typical Tuesday night. Points? Scratch? A/B/C?

Firstly, we're going with a USA Cycling permit, which will help riders with their upgrades, rankings, results and insurance. The slight increase in fees (from $10 to $12) will also help our track to grow and develop its officials as it is a requirement that I hire an official for the series. All extra monies will go back to the track, just like in the past. I'm a bit behind in the promotion but the Early Birds sucked up a lot of my time. Tuesday Night Racing will run every Tuesday in March, April, May and September. If another promoter steps up we could have a longer series but I am busy with our Junior Team and Regional Development Camp in June, July and August.

4. You race, you’re a race promoter at the track, you coach a couple of teams, and, you have a wonderful family. How do you fit it all in? And what do you do in your spare time?

Obviously, I love this sport. We all have a role to play in helping others and I enjoy helping. My spare time is spent with my family. As they are an active bunch its not like I'm that odd or anything. ;-)

5. Any advice for someone looking to go from a beginner on the track to maybe getting a little more serious about it?

What's a beginner? When one is promoted at work they are essentially starting over. They need to be humble, listen up and learn. The beauty of our track is that you have a lot of people that are willing to help. You will know that you are getting more serious about this sport when you consider yourself a beginner even though you may have started cycling years ago. You'll ask qeustions about improving your performance and start to see things that you didn't see before, like reading a race.

6. If you had to choose one event on the track to race, what would it be?

Points Racing because it takes a combination of smarts, sprinting, endurance and a bit of gambling and patience 

7. It’s looking like Masters Worlds (aka “Old Man Worlds”) will be in Portugal this fall. Portugal is a really nice place to visit. You’re the Champion of Champions in the M50-54 age group. Are you going back to defend your 2K, points and scratch titles?

I do not plan to race in Portugal. I went to Manchester in 1999, 2001, 2003, 2005 and to Sydney in 2008 and 2009. I plan to go to Masters Track Worlds in 2013 and go for the M55-59 world record.

8. You ride a road frame (Specialized) on the track. Why not one of the Specialized track frames?

At the risk of sounding like a Specialized commercial, the Transition gives me supreme aerodynamics at 30+mph, incredible stiffness in the bottom bracket area which helps to propel me forward and sweet responsiveness. From a practical standpoint I only want to travel with one bike and the Tranisition (with rear dropouts) is the best.

9. Back to Tuesday nights…should someone new to racing come out on a Tuesday night?

Absolutely, after the initial 3 beginner sessions are met we have at least three categories each night. Its low-key fun with a good number of competitors ready to push the pace. The lights make it an ideal workout for those that could not get away during the day.

10. Last question….Who would win a standing start one-lap drag race, you, Daniel, Shelley or one of the sprinters?

Daniel, Shelley and a good number of sprinters could dust me in a one-lap drag race. No doubt. I've won National and World titles in the sprints but I would never say I was a sprinter. I just had to take them all long. Very long!

Ten Questions With Daniel Holloway

My goal for this year is to add some current content to the Hellyer Velodrome website and I'll be doing a series of rider and race promoter interviews. They have all appeared at http://www.ridethetrack.com.  Daniel was my guinea pig.

1. How did you go from skating to the bike?
When I was around 13 or so my dad started to look for something to do in the summer to cross train. Before I knew it I was hooked and slowly stopped skating.

2. What is your favorite place that you've raced so far (not counting Hellyer)?
I love racing, so to me where doesn’t really stick out. Some races that have stuck out were Philly, Roubaix, and races in Spain.

3. Track or the road?
Its so hard to answer this question. The track is so pure and raw, but the road is brutal and smooth. You have to love each of them from what they are.

4. What is your favorite event to race on the track?
I love the Miss and Out.

5. For those who don't know about 6-day races, how do they work?
6-Days is a stage race on the track with a partner basically. We race 6 nights in a row and the team who has taken the most laps wins, if there is multiple teams on the same laps, it goes to who has the most points. In a normal night we do 2 Chase’s (Madisons if you will) only there is typically only sprints in the last 30 laps. 30-20-10-0. We also do flying lap records, points races, team miss and outs, and derny races.

HTTP://WWW.PEZCYCLINGNEWS.COM/PHOTOS/RACES10/SIX10/COP2-WOW.JPG 

6. What would you tell someone who has raced some on the track but are a little afraid to do some Madison training?
There is no reason to be scared of a Madison, it is something you have to practice and get comfortable with.
HTTP://WWW.PEZCYCLINGNEWS.COM/PHOTOS/RACES10/SIX10/COP2-FLY.JPG

7. Aside from making funny little movies, what do you guys do when you are on the road?
Me personally, I probably spend way to much time on the internet, but we watch movies on the computers, have random off the wall chats and arguments on tons of different subjects.

8. This year you'll be riding for Bissell (congrats!) What is your racing schedule looking like?
We havn’t had camp yet so a set schedule isn’t to firm right now. For sure I have Copenhagen 6 in the beginning of Feb, a real big crit in Singapore, hopefully Worlds and then a possible trip to Belgium for 4 weeks to get things moving for the NRC and other big American races.

9. Lots of people think the life of a professional bike racer is all glamour. What's the best thing about it? And what's the worst?
The best part of the job is seeing so many different places. There is no way this would happen if I was working a 9-5 somewhere. The worst part is the actual act of traveling. Packing your bags, and dealing with everything in the airport. I’ve learned to switch off once I enter an airport. No need to stress over what you cant control.

10. What is one piece of advice you'd give to a beginning racer?
Have fun!! If your not having fun success wont come as easy and is harder to enjoy! 

HTTP://WWW.PEZCYCLINGNEWS.COM/PHOTOS/RACES10/SIX10/COP2-HOLLO.JPG 

Note:  Pez has a couple of really good articles on the Copenhagen 6. 

HTTP://WWW.PEZCYCLINGNEWS.COM/?PG=FULLSTORY&ID=7973&STATUS=TRUE&CATNAME=RACENEWS10 

HTTP://WWW.PEZCYCLINGNEWS.COM/?PG=FULLSTORY&ID=7983&STATUS=TRUE&CATNAME=LATEST%20NEWS

Back on the Bike!

The doctor released me back to riding outdoors just in time for good weather. It's been a bit cold, but sunshine. I also got a new ISM saddle for my road bike (thanks DB!) so I went in to the bike shop to get the bike blinged up a bit....white saddle on the white bike with white bar tape.  Now if I just had some cool looking wheels!

I headed down to the Peninsula and rode 2 hours that first ride back. The knee felt pretty good but I was pretty wiped after.  The next day I rode another 2 hours and again, the knee felt pretty good and I felt better afterwards.

This past weekend on Saturday, I rode Paradise Loop plus a little extra in the Presidio and that was my longest ride of the year--3:45.  My knee felt pretty good for the vast majority of the ride. It was a bit sore on some of the seated climbing and I really need to work on stretching after every ride. Sunday was another trip down to the Peninsula for some intervals.  On Sundays they close off one of the roads to cars, so it's a good place to do intervals.  Kenny had 3 x 5 minutes on the schedule and my fitness is about 3 minute intervals right now.  After I did the intervals, I did a number of sprints, including one standing sprint, to see how my knee felt.  No problem!!  I was pretty happy after that ride.

The past two weeks have been a 10.5 hour and a 12 hour week.  Things are looking up!

From last Sunday's ride.

 

Movie Review: Road to Roubaix

The story of the epic one-day cycling race, Paris-Roubaix.

* * * * * 

Fantastic! 75 minutes that flew by while I was riding the trainer. The movie tells the story of the race, the riders, the history, the fans, plus race coverage of the 2006 race. Having ridden some of these roads in 2004, seeing this really makes me want to go back to France and Belgium and go in the spring to see the race. 

Very highly recommended if you are a cycling fan.

February Goals and Totals

The little crash early in the month put a damper on my outside riding, but I did get in some quality time on the trainer and the rollers. All of the bruises are nearly gone and this week the doctor said I could resume outside riding. Yea! Her parting words, "Don't fall down!" I don't plan to doc!

February Goals

* Follow training plan - check, for the most part

* Ride 400 miles - Not met due to being limited to inside riding. 

* Walk 30 miles - No

* Limit white flour, sugar and wheat - Yes, for the most part.

* Continue yoga once/week - Yes! Very happy to have returned to yoga.

* Read one book - Yes

* No beer - Yes

* No Diet Pepsi - Yes.

Giving up Diet Pepsi might have been harder than giving up beer! I've taken to drinking Calistoga bubbly water with lime to get that bubbly sensation. Much better for me.

February Totals:

Bike: 282.7 mi
Trainer: 8:06
Walk: 20.9 miles
Time 45:09 (includes weights and yoga)

So a fairly solid month, considering I was a walking wounded yet again! Getting a little tired of this! At least I'll be back riding outside, but no racing for awhile yet. The coach and I had a lengthy email discussion about this yesterday and he's right, I'm not ready to race right now. And PT Rich agrees with him, so I'll listen to them. Sometimes it just takes a little longer to get things through my head (or I don't want to recognize it, which is more like it). So continue the training and the physical therapy and yoga and increase leg strength. And remember: Go fast in September and October not early spring!

March goals: Will be very similar to February. Take February's training and build on it. Hopefully the weather will cooperate.