While catching up on good ol' google reader with current events, news articles, gadget articles and pretty much any other news/information you can think of, I also caught up on the velotrocadero blog which lead me to think of my own, futile, pitful blog.
I checked today and it has been exactly one month since I have made a post! You would think a lot would have happened in that one month, but to be honest with you, absolutely nothing has happened. After the Sussex race, I pretty much put the racing for the year on the shelf. I am not doing ToAD, but congrats to one James Stemper, former VeloTrocadero rider and current yellow jersey of the series. My excuse is mostly the probation status I have at work...but part of it is fitness and other parts are motivation. I am in good fitness, probably better than last year, but racing is out of the question. If I put in some time with hard efforts and high intensity the story could be different. Either way, I have enjoyed the last month, it has been relaxing and enjoyable.
The house search is going...well slow and frustrating. I find a house, see it once, like it, go back to see it a second time and one of two things happen: 1) the house now smells like a damp washcloth that has never actually be dry and always stays just a little wet or 2) someone else has put in an offer.
No worries, I will find one eventually. I am just hoping before August 1st.
Other than this, I am trying to figure out what to do about this Unnamed Epic mountain bike race my father and I are doing. We have a mountain bike at home that really probably only needs a chain, some minor tuning and brake adjustments/bleeding as they are discs. I think I may be able to borrow a mountain bike from a friend, but just haven't gotten around to asking.
For the most part though, life has been rather boring and uneventful, which I think I prefer. I turned 29 the other day! It probably is not as exciting as the exclamation point would suggest. I think it just means I am probably a little wiser and have a little less hair on my head! All in all life is good and I can't ask for anything else...well, except to maybe see my bro and his wife sometime soon.
PEACE!
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Sunday, May 23, 2010
The second race
Did the second race of the year today. It was the Sussex Criterium. It seems in Wisconsin we like to use industrial/commercial business parks and other local park settings for our races. It isn't a bad idea really...most the time the roads are in awesome conditions, there isn't a lot of traffic and the hassle of keeping the road closed and free from cars is pretty easy.
The Sussex Corporate park is pretty nice. Good new concrete with not a lot of holes. Not only that, there was really only about 2 real corners. For the most part the road just curves and bends around. There was a slight hill leading up to the finish. I say slight, but in a race it was pretty decent. The weather today was quite warm, probably 88 degrees and I would estimate approximately 97.3% humidity. It was rough.
I used the day to drink 4 nalgene bottles of water, and one of propel water. It was a lot of liquid but surprisingly, I didn't really have to relieve myself very much. I think it was mostly because I was sweating it all out.
Mantel and I rocked to the race in his WRX at a cool 67 degrees. When we got out there we met up with the newly graduated Luke Holtan, congrats L-man. After a good warm up we met up with Timmy and Jack. Along the road to the start finish we also saw the swarm of IS Corp bees. I call them bees and have nothing but the utmost respect for them, they are good guys and ride smart and hard and I have nothing against them...other than there are always a TON of them. Today there were less than yesterday, at least by Patrick's account.
In any case, the race started out with I think probably 50ish people. I think the humidity might have increased too. Just a thought. It was pretty relaxed for the first couple laps and then Mantel and Loberg were off the front. I thought that would be sweet because the other 10 IS Corp riders could work with us and we could keep them away. Not so much though. That break came back, another went and the racing was on. Surge, relax, hill, surge, relax, hill, relax, surge. That's kind of how it went for a short time.
Eventually, 2 IS Corp riders and a guy from the local Colavita squad got away and the race was definitely on from there. At this point, it seemed as though the field was splintering. And it was...there was a gap at the top of the hill I closed, and basically from there, the field seemed to dwindle to about 20 guys, maybe, actually make it 15 or so. Of that group, 6 or 7 were IS Corp. They set up a pace line that no one could get in and if you tried, you got removed almost immediately. This is why I believe they are like bees. No one can get into the hive. Don't take it the wrong way, perhaps I am slightly jealous, but, it is quite impressive.
In any event, the finish came and I think I got 7th in the field and with the three up front I think I managed 10th, but, not sure I didn't check.
All in all, I feel as though the engine and cardio is there, but I feel as though I am missing the power part. All with due time I suppose. It is difficult to say how much other racing I will be doing this year, simply for the fear of crashing and getting hurt while being on probation with the job. I think I might be a little tired from the huge block of training, well relatively huge, I put in the last week.
Now some time with the girl and a good long ride tomorrow. Still in the heat though. Which is better than the cold.
TTFN.
The Sussex Corporate park is pretty nice. Good new concrete with not a lot of holes. Not only that, there was really only about 2 real corners. For the most part the road just curves and bends around. There was a slight hill leading up to the finish. I say slight, but in a race it was pretty decent. The weather today was quite warm, probably 88 degrees and I would estimate approximately 97.3% humidity. It was rough.
I used the day to drink 4 nalgene bottles of water, and one of propel water. It was a lot of liquid but surprisingly, I didn't really have to relieve myself very much. I think it was mostly because I was sweating it all out.
Mantel and I rocked to the race in his WRX at a cool 67 degrees. When we got out there we met up with the newly graduated Luke Holtan, congrats L-man. After a good warm up we met up with Timmy and Jack. Along the road to the start finish we also saw the swarm of IS Corp bees. I call them bees and have nothing but the utmost respect for them, they are good guys and ride smart and hard and I have nothing against them...other than there are always a TON of them. Today there were less than yesterday, at least by Patrick's account.
In any case, the race started out with I think probably 50ish people. I think the humidity might have increased too. Just a thought. It was pretty relaxed for the first couple laps and then Mantel and Loberg were off the front. I thought that would be sweet because the other 10 IS Corp riders could work with us and we could keep them away. Not so much though. That break came back, another went and the racing was on. Surge, relax, hill, surge, relax, hill, relax, surge. That's kind of how it went for a short time.
Eventually, 2 IS Corp riders and a guy from the local Colavita squad got away and the race was definitely on from there. At this point, it seemed as though the field was splintering. And it was...there was a gap at the top of the hill I closed, and basically from there, the field seemed to dwindle to about 20 guys, maybe, actually make it 15 or so. Of that group, 6 or 7 were IS Corp. They set up a pace line that no one could get in and if you tried, you got removed almost immediately. This is why I believe they are like bees. No one can get into the hive. Don't take it the wrong way, perhaps I am slightly jealous, but, it is quite impressive.
In any event, the finish came and I think I got 7th in the field and with the three up front I think I managed 10th, but, not sure I didn't check.
All in all, I feel as though the engine and cardio is there, but I feel as though I am missing the power part. All with due time I suppose. It is difficult to say how much other racing I will be doing this year, simply for the fear of crashing and getting hurt while being on probation with the job. I think I might be a little tired from the huge block of training, well relatively huge, I put in the last week.
Now some time with the girl and a good long ride tomorrow. Still in the heat though. Which is better than the cold.
TTFN.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
About time to post...
Well, not a lot has happened since the last posting. At least, not a lot that most people might find interesting, but, there has been some stuff, so I'll throw it out there.
Ending today was an awesome week. I dubbed it, "Feel Like my Bro week." The reason is simple: I got to spend the last seven days worrying about nothing more than riding my bike. It was sweet. It started with a sweet team training camp in Prairie du Chien. For those not familiar with the state, it is right at the border with Iowa, on the Mississippi. It provided for some awesome riding venues. After rain the first two days the weather was superb. The first day was a good warm up ride of about 50 miles and the second day was the hill challenge. Can't say I did spectacular on the hill challenge, but, managed to be the last of the best of the climbers on our team. No worries. Each day was completed with a dinner at one of our teammates' parents house, on the river. Oh, and after each ride we soaked in the river...similar to an ice bath...or that was the purpose.
The third and fourth day were longer rides in the country river valley. They were quite spectacular. I have pictures, but, because it has been awhile since the rides, I am not going to post them. They were of cyclists, roads, trees and the hills. We ended up doing approximately 3700 feet of climbing on the first long day and about 4100 or something the second day. Either way, it was awesome riding and to have great meals made by someone else made me feel like a pro...like my bro!
I should also mention I roomed with Mantel and Luke and I would have gone on the trip for that alone. There was always awesome laughter and entertainment...it was great.
We got home later in the afternoon on Sunday and I spent the day relaxing and hanging out with the girl. Monday I took the day off to ride my bike and run other errands. Yesterday, I helped Mother plant some flowers and then did the team ride.
Which brings us to today...the Bone Ride. I think it was the 24th year? I could be wrong, but, not too sure. Either way, Tom Schuler and a former 711 teammate started the ride as a way to do endurance training and called it "Bone head" training. From this came the Bone Ride. The ride is from Schuler's house in Wauwatosa to Madison and back.
We left about 8:20ish this morning and arrived in Madison at about 12:15. We had a kick ass tailwind on the way out, which unfortunately meant a headwind on the way back. While in Madison, I enjoyed a tasty burrito...well naked burrito...from Qdoba with Luke, Mantel and Luke's parents. There were others there...not sure who though and I don't want to leave anyone out.
On the way back it we had a huge group and a reasonable pace. I felt like complete DS(dog shit) on the way back...until about the halfway point back. We got to about Johnson Creek and we (the Trocadero team) were a little irritated with the going fast, slow down...go fast, slow down...pace that was going on, so we determined it would be a good idea to up the tempo a little bit and see what happened. I am not sure if anything much happened except for me feeling a little better and us riding slightly faster. Ok, not just slightly, significantly.
These good feelings didn't last forever...we stopped at a gas station to fill up on some water and shortly thereafter I felt as though I left my legs on the side of the road. I did a couple good pulls to help the team push the pace and keep it up, but, that soon faded and I was hanging on at the back. I downed 4 powergels in approximately 15 minutes. Yes...4 in 15 minutes. Not 1 every 15 minutes, 4 in 15. It apparently worked because I felt better and was able to keep on with the group. I have no idea how fast we were going because my Garmin died, but, it was fast.
The weather was great and we could not have asked for a better day. All in all, it was a great way to end my "Feel like a Bro Week." The legs are tired, but, feeling good and strong. Hopefully I can get some racing in soon and we'll see what happens from there.
Back to work tomorrow though...which is always fun!
Ending today was an awesome week. I dubbed it, "Feel Like my Bro week." The reason is simple: I got to spend the last seven days worrying about nothing more than riding my bike. It was sweet. It started with a sweet team training camp in Prairie du Chien. For those not familiar with the state, it is right at the border with Iowa, on the Mississippi. It provided for some awesome riding venues. After rain the first two days the weather was superb. The first day was a good warm up ride of about 50 miles and the second day was the hill challenge. Can't say I did spectacular on the hill challenge, but, managed to be the last of the best of the climbers on our team. No worries. Each day was completed with a dinner at one of our teammates' parents house, on the river. Oh, and after each ride we soaked in the river...similar to an ice bath...or that was the purpose.
The third and fourth day were longer rides in the country river valley. They were quite spectacular. I have pictures, but, because it has been awhile since the rides, I am not going to post them. They were of cyclists, roads, trees and the hills. We ended up doing approximately 3700 feet of climbing on the first long day and about 4100 or something the second day. Either way, it was awesome riding and to have great meals made by someone else made me feel like a pro...like my bro!
I should also mention I roomed with Mantel and Luke and I would have gone on the trip for that alone. There was always awesome laughter and entertainment...it was great.
We got home later in the afternoon on Sunday and I spent the day relaxing and hanging out with the girl. Monday I took the day off to ride my bike and run other errands. Yesterday, I helped Mother plant some flowers and then did the team ride.
Which brings us to today...the Bone Ride. I think it was the 24th year? I could be wrong, but, not too sure. Either way, Tom Schuler and a former 711 teammate started the ride as a way to do endurance training and called it "Bone head" training. From this came the Bone Ride. The ride is from Schuler's house in Wauwatosa to Madison and back.
We left about 8:20ish this morning and arrived in Madison at about 12:15. We had a kick ass tailwind on the way out, which unfortunately meant a headwind on the way back. While in Madison, I enjoyed a tasty burrito...well naked burrito...from Qdoba with Luke, Mantel and Luke's parents. There were others there...not sure who though and I don't want to leave anyone out.
On the way back it we had a huge group and a reasonable pace. I felt like complete DS(dog shit) on the way back...until about the halfway point back. We got to about Johnson Creek and we (the Trocadero team) were a little irritated with the going fast, slow down...go fast, slow down...pace that was going on, so we determined it would be a good idea to up the tempo a little bit and see what happened. I am not sure if anything much happened except for me feeling a little better and us riding slightly faster. Ok, not just slightly, significantly.
These good feelings didn't last forever...we stopped at a gas station to fill up on some water and shortly thereafter I felt as though I left my legs on the side of the road. I did a couple good pulls to help the team push the pace and keep it up, but, that soon faded and I was hanging on at the back. I downed 4 powergels in approximately 15 minutes. Yes...4 in 15 minutes. Not 1 every 15 minutes, 4 in 15. It apparently worked because I felt better and was able to keep on with the group. I have no idea how fast we were going because my Garmin died, but, it was fast.
The weather was great and we could not have asked for a better day. All in all, it was a great way to end my "Feel like a Bro Week." The legs are tired, but, feeling good and strong. Hopefully I can get some racing in soon and we'll see what happens from there.
Back to work tomorrow though...which is always fun!
Thursday, May 6, 2010
House Hunting
Just a quick post about searching for a house. There is a lot that goes into this whole process. I am very thankfully a friend of mine is a broker and is quite meticulous in nearly everything he does and has been quite helpful. Granted, we've just gotten started, but it is nice to go into it with someone who knows what the heck he is doing.
Anyway, it starts by finding a realtor or broker. Consider that done. Then, they set you up with e-mails to get updated listings for the areas you are looking. It is essentially like Shorewest.com, but is quite a bit more updated and will show you if there are offers on the houses and things like that. Eventually, you take a look and decide which ones you want to go and see.
Yesterday, we looked at 7 places. That doesn't sound like all that much, but, took some decent time. There are a few places you walk into and immediately just walk right out. For example, when you walk in the front door and are hit directly in the face with the pungent odor of cigarettes and dogs. Now, I love dogs, but, the way this house smelled the ratio of cigarette to dog smell was much heavier in favor of the cigarettes. So, you can sometimes make quick work of certain properties. There was a property I saw that included a John Deere riding lawn mower. For anyone who knows me, I love John Deere and wish to own a John Deere tractor at some point in my life. Probably right around the time I have my 400+ acre ranch in the mountains of Colorado.
In any case, I think I have found one I like...a lot. There are a few issues...not with the house though. Of course, it would need some improvements, but, realistically not all that much. I think everything will work out in the end.
So, for today, I am going rock climbing with some people from work. It should be fun and interesting since this will be the first time I have ever gone. After that, a little blood work down at Wheaton in Franklin and then the Thursday night ride...which has earned the name, "Beatdown." Not sure why it has received such a name.
All for now...
Anyway, it starts by finding a realtor or broker. Consider that done. Then, they set you up with e-mails to get updated listings for the areas you are looking. It is essentially like Shorewest.com, but is quite a bit more updated and will show you if there are offers on the houses and things like that. Eventually, you take a look and decide which ones you want to go and see.
Yesterday, we looked at 7 places. That doesn't sound like all that much, but, took some decent time. There are a few places you walk into and immediately just walk right out. For example, when you walk in the front door and are hit directly in the face with the pungent odor of cigarettes and dogs. Now, I love dogs, but, the way this house smelled the ratio of cigarette to dog smell was much heavier in favor of the cigarettes. So, you can sometimes make quick work of certain properties. There was a property I saw that included a John Deere riding lawn mower. For anyone who knows me, I love John Deere and wish to own a John Deere tractor at some point in my life. Probably right around the time I have my 400+ acre ranch in the mountains of Colorado.
In any case, I think I have found one I like...a lot. There are a few issues...not with the house though. Of course, it would need some improvements, but, realistically not all that much. I think everything will work out in the end.
So, for today, I am going rock climbing with some people from work. It should be fun and interesting since this will be the first time I have ever gone. After that, a little blood work down at Wheaton in Franklin and then the Thursday night ride...which has earned the name, "Beatdown." Not sure why it has received such a name.
All for now...
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
What a difference a week makes.
I have a pretty happy update today. It is related to cycling, which isn't my main job unfortunately, but I can't really talk too much about my real job. So, last week, I wrote that I was a giant bag of suck. Thankfully, I got to ride a lot last week and it is really paying dividends this week. I felt quite awesome today on the team ride. Granted, it wasn't quite as hard this week as last, however, the riding post hospital hill back to the end was quite hard. I was able to respond to an attack and chase it down. Granted, I didn't catch the attacker but I got close and then got a lot of help from a red light. After the light, the attacker went again...I did my best to respond, but had nothing. Thankfully again I got a lot of help from a red light and I countered the attacker. I was on my own for a short period of time and then was passed and couldn't respond...I was spent.
All in all, my legs felt pretty damn good and I felt decent on the ride.
A week from tomorrow begins our team camp in Prairie du Chein. Had I been thinking, I would have suggested we go over to Decorah to ride, however, I think there should be some pretty decent riding in PDC, at least this is what I have been told. The terrain has to be fairly similar due to the fact it is also along the river. I had named this 4 day camp as "Feel like a Pro" week. After further review, I decided I can name this ride "Feel like my Bro" week. I should be a fantastic time and I am looking forward to the time. I will do my best to do some updates while I'm there.
In other news, I am going to be looking at 7 houses tomorrow after I am done with this training seminar. I am excited yet quite nervous to be looking with the intent of purchasing a house. It is kind of crazy to think, but, I can't keep renting the rest of my life and now is a pretty good time to be looking. So, I'll keep you posted on that too.
Time to go. Need to get some H2O.
All in all, my legs felt pretty damn good and I felt decent on the ride.
A week from tomorrow begins our team camp in Prairie du Chein. Had I been thinking, I would have suggested we go over to Decorah to ride, however, I think there should be some pretty decent riding in PDC, at least this is what I have been told. The terrain has to be fairly similar due to the fact it is also along the river. I had named this 4 day camp as "Feel like a Pro" week. After further review, I decided I can name this ride "Feel like my Bro" week. I should be a fantastic time and I am looking forward to the time. I will do my best to do some updates while I'm there.
In other news, I am going to be looking at 7 houses tomorrow after I am done with this training seminar. I am excited yet quite nervous to be looking with the intent of purchasing a house. It is kind of crazy to think, but, I can't keep renting the rest of my life and now is a pretty good time to be looking. So, I'll keep you posted on that too.
Time to go. Need to get some H2O.
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