So sorry all you loyal reader(s) out there. Hi grand-ma-ma.....yes, it's been a while, too long, since my last post. My 'post' title is just my brain dumping on current topics. I guess if I wrote regularly, I wouldn't have to play so match catch up.
Life - means a lot of different things to all of us. For me, I define it as my semi-career at CRACKER BARREL and trying to take care of my (sometimes) better half, 3 weeks out of 4 per month (wink wink...ewwwww). At the ol' Barrel, we had to lay some folks off. I know corporate has their quarterly and annual goals to meet, but it was a bit sudden and left some people scrambling to d'OG (that's the Olive Garden, for all you not in the food biz). Thankfully, they've decided to keep me around, which of course means more work. But, I guess it beats starting someplace new and learning the toilet paper refresh schedules, and what days people stock the freezer with frozen meals (hey, bro gets hungry and sometimes needs to poach).
Domestic life can be tough, when I'm in training mode I tend to forget others exist in my world of semi-pro, regional racing. I'm working on it (not really), and try and let her know I'm listening, but really thinking if I should go 53 or 55 big ring, or what socks I may wear that afternoon. All you fellas know what I'm talking about. "Yes dear, that story about the new purses at Kohl's is fascinating."
BUT, I recently suffered some back trauma. Came out of nowhere and crippled my ass. My team of physios, trainers, and tantric healers put together a game plan that seems to be working. It involves a lot of ice, a bit of heat, some Skittles, some KY (not Kentucky), and a can of pinto beans. I took a solid 2.5 weeks OFF the bike and about lost my mind. I missed A LOT of good racing, where I probably would have been noticed by big teams. BUT, there's still a lot of racing left. Part of me thinks this all happened due to it being 2013. NOT a good number as any seasoned pro will tell you. Enough of that, please pass the salt (and bacon bits).
I think I'll be getting an AIR ATTACK or POC helmet for 'cross season. I like to save watts when running the barriers.
I'm still working on my PSI 'go to chart' that I think will sell well, once I have it complete. I offered a prototype to Ag2R and I think they're using it. Basically it combines rider weight (in kgs, of course) with width of tyre, road surface, wheel being used, and how ripped the rider's legs are. Then it gives an accruate bar (that's PSI - to you 'mericans). Pretty cool Excel stuff.
I'll be riding after work if any of you want to join me. Keep in mind, we'll need to discuss wattage pre-ride as I'm on a super strict training/peaking program that I pay A LOT of Lithuanian/Estonian pros to formulate. So yea, be prepared to have your world rocked, OR, be prepared for me to continually yell, 'BACK OFF THE POWER DUDE', or "STOP HALF WHEELIN' ME BRO". Otherwise, I'm pretty cool to ride with and can generally hold my line.
How's everyone feel about the new line of FORTE aero clothing? I know, right? BLING, and it's proven to save watts above 33 mph.
That's about it - don't forget to check out CRACKER BARREL'S new soups and artisian salads/sandwiches. Our head chef from Paraguay dreamed up the new idea.
See you out on d'road. If I don't wave back, it's because I'm in the middle of tempo intervals. 'barge out.
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
Saturday, October 6, 2012
Say you, say me
I've been doing my intervals to Lionel Richie, it may sound odd but it works. The problem is that his brilliant music/songs often lead to light sobbing, but those tears are hidden by my rad OAKLEYs. I also like Travis Tritt for base mileage.
It's been a long time since I've posted. I tweeted on Aug 1 (following UCI rules) that I was switching teams, but my Twitter account wasn't working and no one got word. I am more comfortable communicating with people via social media vs. face to face.
Work at the Cracker Barrel couldn't be much better. I've memorized the menu and all the Latino dishwashers names, that makes life easier. All the Hispanic people like me, I like them too (not sure if all of them are legal, but I won't bring up the topic of 'self-deportation).
My lady is doing well too, we might take a trip soon, which would be our first time traveling together. I fart a lot for some reason in cars, but besides that it should be ok. If I get annoyed I'll just put my iPod earbuds in and stare out the window, or move to the back seat while she drives.
I haven't talked too much about riding, b/c it's the off season and I need a mental refresh. My coach, physio, and team mates all say I should just 'ride for fun', but I can't hold back sometimes. I might change techniques for 2013 and go high cadence/high power, which is all the rage amongst the Euro peloton. How 'bout Nuyens to Garmin? He signed a three year deal too, cool story bro. I compared power files and I'm only a few watts short of him, which means I could win the Ronde one year. Anyone catch the Giro dell'Emelia? A lot of that racing looked similar to the racing I did all summer. Also debating if my inner ring should be 38, 39, or 40. Yea, I said it '40'. I am Flanders Hard Man.
All right peeps, gotta go do some 'openers' on the turbo.
Say you/say me/say it for always/that's the way it should be
It's been a long time since I've posted. I tweeted on Aug 1 (following UCI rules) that I was switching teams, but my Twitter account wasn't working and no one got word. I am more comfortable communicating with people via social media vs. face to face.
Work at the Cracker Barrel couldn't be much better. I've memorized the menu and all the Latino dishwashers names, that makes life easier. All the Hispanic people like me, I like them too (not sure if all of them are legal, but I won't bring up the topic of 'self-deportation).
My lady is doing well too, we might take a trip soon, which would be our first time traveling together. I fart a lot for some reason in cars, but besides that it should be ok. If I get annoyed I'll just put my iPod earbuds in and stare out the window, or move to the back seat while she drives.
I haven't talked too much about riding, b/c it's the off season and I need a mental refresh. My coach, physio, and team mates all say I should just 'ride for fun', but I can't hold back sometimes. I might change techniques for 2013 and go high cadence/high power, which is all the rage amongst the Euro peloton. How 'bout Nuyens to Garmin? He signed a three year deal too, cool story bro. I compared power files and I'm only a few watts short of him, which means I could win the Ronde one year. Anyone catch the Giro dell'Emelia? A lot of that racing looked similar to the racing I did all summer. Also debating if my inner ring should be 38, 39, or 40. Yea, I said it '40'. I am Flanders Hard Man.
All right peeps, gotta go do some 'openers' on the turbo.
Say you/say me/say it for always/that's the way it should be
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
I am NOT RACING you
29.3.12 (European style display of dates)
I have a few things to say about my training and current happenings. It might sound like a rant, probably because it partially is....
.
FIRST - I am NOT racing you on my Friday rides. I am fully aware you 'caught' me during your ride, please keep in mind I am racing on Saturday and you are not. I know every ride is a race to you, but my coach told me to 'keep it under control'. I know I could rip your legs off at will, but I'll save that for another day. You are a Cat 6 rider (I heard USAC was thinking of starting this category) - which means you are TWO levels BELOW me. I WORKOUT. I can tell you are a fairweather rider, because I NEVER you saw ALL winter. I WORKOUT.
SECOND - I have a new physio and the sensations are superb. He's related to my Albanian coach and I pay through PayPal, but it's totally Euro as my bank gets hit with 'Currency Exchange Fees'. I AM (like) a PRO. I WORKOUT.
THIRD - using a new chamois creme (Euro spelling) and I think it's making a difference. When I rock big watts and pull myself to the nose of my Avocet saddle, it feels so much better than the Noxema-style mix I was using before. I WORKOUT.
FOURTH - might get some super deep carbon wheels, at least a back one. With a 700x18 tyre (Euro spelling), I think I'll look like SAGAN and should be able to sprint faster. I heard I can go faster while putting out less watts, sounds like it's worth it to me. May have to pick up a few extra shifts , but that's the price, eh?
FIFTH - Super happy with my management team at Cracker Barrel, they rock. They really understand me as a person, so I don't mind rolling more silverware when asked. And the discount on the great food is a training bonus, nothing like some Jalepeno Poppers and a Diet Cherry Grapefruit Mr Pibb after a FTP (functional threshold power) workout. Shout out to the Management Team a d'Barrel, Location 789 (Tri-State regional valley district).
SIXTH - when I got 9th at the town line sprint, it was because I was only rocking 88 psi in my front wheel. No need to start the rumors about my spring campaign fitness. The form will come. Why, because I WORKOUT.
SEVENTH - my relationship with my lady is really cool. She's on board and can log on anytime to check my workout schedule (as well as my shifts at d'Barrel). She enjoys the hardboiled eggs I magically whip out when her energy is lacking, so that's cool. I might get her something from Hollister, that stuff is super Euro cool. Next time we go to Winchestertonville (about 8 towns to the north east) I'm going to work on her step sister's cousin's bike. I'll bring my fannypack which contains some TriFlow, Allen wrenches, and a tool to face BB's. EURO PRO style.
EIGHTH - anyone out there drive a DAEWOO? I heard they were good cars and want to roll a team car like the EUROS. I might get my tags to say "I BEAT U", which will be true a lot. Give a shout if you see any DAEWOO wagons for a reasonable price in the Tri-Metro Region District.
NINTH - there's some really good racing coming up in Europe. Excited to watch and analyze the PROs behavior and position on the bike. I wish our local races had a big white board I could sign in on, that would be cool.
TENTH - lots of new faces and kits on the regional scene. Should be a good 2012 season with lots of top placings for me. Still debating between 101psi or 105psi for race day, but that's what the early season races are for. I might remove my 2mm headset spacer too, I need to get more Euro/aero. Also looking for a -28 degree stem, saw that on some EURO PRO bikes too.
That's about it. Milbarge, Out. Will rock long sleeve skinsuit at ALL crits/kermeses this year. Why? Less watts, more MPH - I WORKOUT
Remember - I'm FASTER than you (except on Fridays and Mondays)
I have a few things to say about my training and current happenings. It might sound like a rant, probably because it partially is....
.
FIRST - I am NOT racing you on my Friday rides. I am fully aware you 'caught' me during your ride, please keep in mind I am racing on Saturday and you are not. I know every ride is a race to you, but my coach told me to 'keep it under control'. I know I could rip your legs off at will, but I'll save that for another day. You are a Cat 6 rider (I heard USAC was thinking of starting this category) - which means you are TWO levels BELOW me. I WORKOUT. I can tell you are a fairweather rider, because I NEVER you saw ALL winter. I WORKOUT.
SECOND - I have a new physio and the sensations are superb. He's related to my Albanian coach and I pay through PayPal, but it's totally Euro as my bank gets hit with 'Currency Exchange Fees'. I AM (like) a PRO. I WORKOUT.
THIRD - using a new chamois creme (Euro spelling) and I think it's making a difference. When I rock big watts and pull myself to the nose of my Avocet saddle, it feels so much better than the Noxema-style mix I was using before. I WORKOUT.
FOURTH - might get some super deep carbon wheels, at least a back one. With a 700x18 tyre (Euro spelling), I think I'll look like SAGAN and should be able to sprint faster. I heard I can go faster while putting out less watts, sounds like it's worth it to me. May have to pick up a few extra shifts , but that's the price, eh?
FIFTH - Super happy with my management team at Cracker Barrel, they rock. They really understand me as a person, so I don't mind rolling more silverware when asked. And the discount on the great food is a training bonus, nothing like some Jalepeno Poppers and a Diet Cherry Grapefruit Mr Pibb after a FTP (functional threshold power) workout. Shout out to the Management Team a d'Barrel, Location 789 (Tri-State regional valley district).
SIXTH - when I got 9th at the town line sprint, it was because I was only rocking 88 psi in my front wheel. No need to start the rumors about my spring campaign fitness. The form will come. Why, because I WORKOUT.
SEVENTH - my relationship with my lady is really cool. She's on board and can log on anytime to check my workout schedule (as well as my shifts at d'Barrel). She enjoys the hardboiled eggs I magically whip out when her energy is lacking, so that's cool. I might get her something from Hollister, that stuff is super Euro cool. Next time we go to Winchestertonville (about 8 towns to the north east) I'm going to work on her step sister's cousin's bike. I'll bring my fannypack which contains some TriFlow, Allen wrenches, and a tool to face BB's. EURO PRO style.
EIGHTH - anyone out there drive a DAEWOO? I heard they were good cars and want to roll a team car like the EUROS. I might get my tags to say "I BEAT U", which will be true a lot. Give a shout if you see any DAEWOO wagons for a reasonable price in the Tri-Metro Region District.
NINTH - there's some really good racing coming up in Europe. Excited to watch and analyze the PROs behavior and position on the bike. I wish our local races had a big white board I could sign in on, that would be cool.
TENTH - lots of new faces and kits on the regional scene. Should be a good 2012 season with lots of top placings for me. Still debating between 101psi or 105psi for race day, but that's what the early season races are for. I might remove my 2mm headset spacer too, I need to get more Euro/aero. Also looking for a -28 degree stem, saw that on some EURO PRO bikes too.
That's about it. Milbarge, Out. Will rock long sleeve skinsuit at ALL crits/kermeses this year. Why? Less watts, more MPH - I WORKOUT
Remember - I'm FASTER than you (except on Fridays and Mondays)
Friday, January 20, 2012
It's been a while....
Wow, where to start.....sorry to all my loyal followers for the lack in writing but my life has been moving 100mph. Work (yes I have to work as I didn't get my PRO contract I was expecting); life (my girl that I still hang out with) and of course my non-stop focus on racing in 2012.
I got a new boss at the Cracker Barrel and the guy is insane. I've never had such a bad boss. I've asked around and it's called "Passive Aggressive".....not a good quality in someone that has so much impact on your life. But until the Olive Garden is hiring, I guess I have to stay put and deal.
I'm psyched to race in 2012 where I will BRING it!!
I got a new boss at the Cracker Barrel and the guy is insane. I've never had such a bad boss. I've asked around and it's called "Passive Aggressive".....not a good quality in someone that has so much impact on your life. But until the Olive Garden is hiring, I guess I have to stay put and deal.
I'm psyched to race in 2012 where I will BRING it!!
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Spring Campaign over
I know it's been a while, but my Spring Campaign didn't go as planned. In a nutshell, had a crash first race of the season which broke my bike. Then had to work many extra shifts at the Barrel AND my new part time gig at Bed, Bath, and Beyond to save for a new frame. Then second race a road race, I flatted in the first 10 miles. Since I wasn't in the PRO race, there were no support cars. On the other hand I won (for my age group) a lot of town line sprints on the group rides, that counts for something.
All is good at the Barrel with my friend who is a girl, my relationship is like a slow simmer, hoping for good sensations soon. I've bought her plenty of meals (with employee discount), so something big is gonna happen soon. We share a lot of hard boiled eggs out of my fanny pack, very important when pulling a double shift.
RIP Wouter - he was the man.
Now the real racing begins and I will make my mark and force one selection after the other because I am a baller. Look out Tri State Metro Valley Regional Racing scene!!
My new carbon frame is wicked awesome, should improve my watts. Just deciding on what color for all the accessories, like stem, water bottle cages, etc.
My '89 Sentra is showing it's age, may upgrade to a KIA soon.
Eggs are on sale at Food Lion, so I stocked up.
Sorry for the lack in updates, between my two jobs, awesome relationship, and boiling eggs, my life is hectic. Also deciding on what community college to attend.
Peace out and remember "ON YOUR LEFT."
All is good at the Barrel with my friend who is a girl, my relationship is like a slow simmer, hoping for good sensations soon. I've bought her plenty of meals (with employee discount), so something big is gonna happen soon. We share a lot of hard boiled eggs out of my fanny pack, very important when pulling a double shift.
RIP Wouter - he was the man.
Now the real racing begins and I will make my mark and force one selection after the other because I am a baller. Look out Tri State Metro Valley Regional Racing scene!!
My new carbon frame is wicked awesome, should improve my watts. Just deciding on what color for all the accessories, like stem, water bottle cages, etc.
My '89 Sentra is showing it's age, may upgrade to a KIA soon.
Eggs are on sale at Food Lion, so I stocked up.
Sorry for the lack in updates, between my two jobs, awesome relationship, and boiling eggs, my life is hectic. Also deciding on what community college to attend.
Peace out and remember "ON YOUR LEFT."
Monday, March 28, 2011
Good spring form
Entered the Citizen's 'B' race at the local Tri-State Metro Regional Area Bike League.....and yeah, I rocked it for 9th place. If my ceramic bearings were installed on my front wheel I probably could have gotten Top 5. I felt solid and aero, and my new bar tape is great. Thought about wearing my CamelBack (under my jersey) as this was a longer race (35 mins + 2 laps), but opted for a regular sized bidon.
My power is flowing like some vintage Sutter Home wine. When I dig deep, I just ask my legs for the power and they deliver. Might upgrade to Citizen's 'A' if this continues.
The girl at work is really cool. I caught her reading my 'Bicycling' magazine and she casually put it down when I came strolling up to see what the Soups of the Day were. I helped her roll 100 napkins with silverware and we talked about going to the STYX concert this summer or Huey Lewis & The News. She wears the biking socks I got her and a LIVESTRONG bracelet, so yea.....life is good on that front.
Saw Fabs won some race in Belgium, pretty cool effort. I wonder if my watts are higher? Race had some odd alpha-numeric name, European style.
Getting tired, need to go prop the legs up for optimal recovery. Until next time.....
My power is flowing like some vintage Sutter Home wine. When I dig deep, I just ask my legs for the power and they deliver. Might upgrade to Citizen's 'A' if this continues.
The girl at work is really cool. I caught her reading my 'Bicycling' magazine and she casually put it down when I came strolling up to see what the Soups of the Day were. I helped her roll 100 napkins with silverware and we talked about going to the STYX concert this summer or Huey Lewis & The News. She wears the biking socks I got her and a LIVESTRONG bracelet, so yea.....life is good on that front.
Saw Fabs won some race in Belgium, pretty cool effort. I wonder if my watts are higher? Race had some odd alpha-numeric name, European style.
Getting tired, need to go prop the legs up for optimal recovery. Until next time.....
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
"Yeah, I do that too...."
This was my response when someone on the group ride asked if I can climb. They were asking because yet again, I did what I know how to do (very well) and sprinted at the town line sprint. I didn't win, but probably because I was only using water instead of my G8 low-cal drink. AND I had just finished a shift at Cracker Barrel.
I sort of made a move on the girl at work. Essentially, I keep a fanny pack on me which holds 4 - 6 hard boiled eggs. She looked fatigued, so I whipped out a pre-peeled hard boiled and she accepted. I'll have to see if she'll go to Performance with me. I need some chamois creme.
Power numbers are really peaking, I'm super fast now and wonder if it's 'too much too soon'? I'd imagine this is what pros feel like. My trainer knows A LOT of famous people in the cycling world and his GOOD FRIEND, Borut Dagstanti, has taken notice of me, well, more my power numbers that 'Larry' showed him. There's a squad out of Turkey, so perhaps my pro adventure will start there.
First race is still a month away, but I think I will probably win and get NOTICED amongst the local racers. Then they'll probably pick me up for their team. For now, I don't need a team, I am strong enough to win on my own. I prove this each and every group ride.
That's really it for this update, my mind is a bit scattered. We introduced some new entrees at work and I'm having a hard time remembering the bread choices. Also, the soups of the day are always changing, that makes it tough too. I will say our sharp cheddar will go head to head with the finest European cheddar
(and win, of course). Our Pepper Jack is right there too.
I got some really nice, low cut socks recently, they look very European with my black Nashbar shoes.
Rockin' the Tri-City Metro Cycling World.
Just remember, "Yeah, I do that too..."
I sort of made a move on the girl at work. Essentially, I keep a fanny pack on me which holds 4 - 6 hard boiled eggs. She looked fatigued, so I whipped out a pre-peeled hard boiled and she accepted. I'll have to see if she'll go to Performance with me. I need some chamois creme.
Power numbers are really peaking, I'm super fast now and wonder if it's 'too much too soon'? I'd imagine this is what pros feel like. My trainer knows A LOT of famous people in the cycling world and his GOOD FRIEND, Borut Dagstanti, has taken notice of me, well, more my power numbers that 'Larry' showed him. There's a squad out of Turkey, so perhaps my pro adventure will start there.
First race is still a month away, but I think I will probably win and get NOTICED amongst the local racers. Then they'll probably pick me up for their team. For now, I don't need a team, I am strong enough to win on my own. I prove this each and every group ride.
That's really it for this update, my mind is a bit scattered. We introduced some new entrees at work and I'm having a hard time remembering the bread choices. Also, the soups of the day are always changing, that makes it tough too. I will say our sharp cheddar will go head to head with the finest European cheddar
(and win, of course). Our Pepper Jack is right there too.
I got some really nice, low cut socks recently, they look very European with my black Nashbar shoes.
Rockin' the Tri-City Metro Cycling World.
Just remember, "Yeah, I do that too..."
Monday, March 7, 2011
Dedicated and Determined
It's been a while since my last entry, but I was at a secret training camp. I'll share details in a few months, but the opportunity came up to travel (regionally) with Cracker Barrel, so I brought the bike along. I feel it was a productive week as I got to log some big, hilly miles.
Really getting anxious to race and show some form. Again, numbers pointed in the right direction, and good sensations when sprinting.
I raced a tri-guy on the Metro River City Trail and won pretty easily, even without the aero advantage. Then I raced another club level racer I came across a few suburbs away, he was strong, but ultimately, I put in a surge and he was gone. Yeah, I pretty much rock the local scene.
Happy with my 700x19 tires, I really feel they are fast.
First race quickly approaching, the Tri-State Metro City Crit. Looking forward to that.
In non-cycling related news, I met a cool girl at 'the Barrel'. I hope she's into European like cyclists and understands what it takes to be involved with a racer like me. I think I'll go make her a mix tape now.
She has a two year degree in Resort Management from the local community college, that's pretty impressive really. I may get her some compression socks as well.
See you out there - be ready to race me, because I'm like a caged lion!
Really getting anxious to race and show some form. Again, numbers pointed in the right direction, and good sensations when sprinting.
I raced a tri-guy on the Metro River City Trail and won pretty easily, even without the aero advantage. Then I raced another club level racer I came across a few suburbs away, he was strong, but ultimately, I put in a surge and he was gone. Yeah, I pretty much rock the local scene.
Happy with my 700x19 tires, I really feel they are fast.
First race quickly approaching, the Tri-State Metro City Crit. Looking forward to that.
In non-cycling related news, I met a cool girl at 'the Barrel'. I hope she's into European like cyclists and understands what it takes to be involved with a racer like me. I think I'll go make her a mix tape now.
She has a two year degree in Resort Management from the local community college, that's pretty impressive really. I may get her some compression socks as well.
See you out there - be ready to race me, because I'm like a caged lion!
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Weekend update - 20 Feb
Had another good weekend of training. Want to give a shout out to the Tri-State Metro Area Eastern Valley PRO group ride. There are several strong regional racers that show up for this ride. I treat these rides as races and my pre-ride routine involves jamming to Journey, Rush, and STYX on my iPod. Apologies to all the riders I 'ignore', but I need to go to my 'special place' like the European pros before Paris-Roubaix. I got 14th in the first town line sprint and 27th in the next sprint. Not bad considering I didn't eat my normal breakfast AND I was testing a new saddle bag that was loaded down with an extra tire lever. I wasn't on my race wheels either, I can feel my training wheels really slow me down as they don't have any snap.
I will start sharing my power numbers soon, but for now, I'm in 'stealth mode' per my Albanian trainer's (Larry) advice. Don't share with the competition!! I will say I'm seeing some promising numbers and they are creeping up in the right direction. With my increased power numbers and more aero sprinting position, I really can't see me NOT winning this spring.
On the equipment side of things, I recently had my local shop install a lighter seat post collar. This saved a few grams and offers a significant mental edge when climbing. Another two thumbs up!!
On the work side of things, Cracker Barrel introduced a new appetizer "Jalepeno Poppers". I heard these are fashionable to serve, so I guess we're just falling in line. ALL the employees got a free sample to try, which I thought was cool of management, now we can recommend without hesitation. I think we're also going to be offering Diet Dr. Pepper soon, so that's good news too. I'm glad I have compression calf guards to wear, because my 3 hour shift is tough on my recovery after the hard training rides I do.
Europe 2014
I will start sharing my power numbers soon, but for now, I'm in 'stealth mode' per my Albanian trainer's (Larry) advice. Don't share with the competition!! I will say I'm seeing some promising numbers and they are creeping up in the right direction. With my increased power numbers and more aero sprinting position, I really can't see me NOT winning this spring.
On the equipment side of things, I recently had my local shop install a lighter seat post collar. This saved a few grams and offers a significant mental edge when climbing. Another two thumbs up!!
On the work side of things, Cracker Barrel introduced a new appetizer "Jalepeno Poppers". I heard these are fashionable to serve, so I guess we're just falling in line. ALL the employees got a free sample to try, which I thought was cool of management, now we can recommend without hesitation. I think we're also going to be offering Diet Dr. Pepper soon, so that's good news too. I'm glad I have compression calf guards to wear, because my 3 hour shift is tough on my recovery after the hard training rides I do.
Europe 2014
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Mid-Feb Fitness
It's Feb 15th, and I'm enjoying some winter fitness. The burning question is - am I peaking too soon? My Albanian trainer, Bora Dordana, (aka 'Larry') is a little concerned based on my recent power numbers I sent him. But I will do some recovery rollerblading to ensure I don't push over the top. I worked some double shifts at the Cracker Barrel so my legs are sore from running to get raspberry iced tea refills and loaded potato skins. But the extra money is good and will go towards my new TREK and aero helmet.
There are a lot of on-line coupons out there, so please use them, no point in paying full price at the lovely eating establishments that go across our country.
I just put on some carbon water bottle cages, some see these as a luxury, but I see them as a necessity. They save precious grams, look very European, and my bottles go in and out smoothly. I would recommend to any racer out there.
I have some good friends that are very strong cyclists and they have said my sprint position (that I have been working on) is super European. When I go to Europe to race, I will probably go for the sprinter's jersey in most races versus the leader's jersey. Although, if I drop 8 kilograms, my watts per kilogram will be in line with some European pros, so maybe I'll do that.
Lastly, I won three sprints in the weekly group ride. I felt very strong and played it very well. One stop light had turned, but when it's 'game on' my focus is Zen like and I wanted the win(s) and got them! I beat some strong regional riders so that's a good sign of things to come.
Off to go do some stretching and eat some Cracker Barrel leftovers. I might watch a cycling DVD for some extra inspriation for the next hard workout that's coming up.
I just ordered some European bar tape, so I'll let everyone know when I get it. Several pro teams use this stuff and it has a nice thin layer of gel for the cobblestones, I've seen it in some of the DVD's I watch. Let's say it will match my black Performance road shoes. Don't stop believing.....
There are a lot of on-line coupons out there, so please use them, no point in paying full price at the lovely eating establishments that go across our country.
I just put on some carbon water bottle cages, some see these as a luxury, but I see them as a necessity. They save precious grams, look very European, and my bottles go in and out smoothly. I would recommend to any racer out there.
I have some good friends that are very strong cyclists and they have said my sprint position (that I have been working on) is super European. When I go to Europe to race, I will probably go for the sprinter's jersey in most races versus the leader's jersey. Although, if I drop 8 kilograms, my watts per kilogram will be in line with some European pros, so maybe I'll do that.
Lastly, I won three sprints in the weekly group ride. I felt very strong and played it very well. One stop light had turned, but when it's 'game on' my focus is Zen like and I wanted the win(s) and got them! I beat some strong regional riders so that's a good sign of things to come.
Off to go do some stretching and eat some Cracker Barrel leftovers. I might watch a cycling DVD for some extra inspriation for the next hard workout that's coming up.
I just ordered some European bar tape, so I'll let everyone know when I get it. Several pro teams use this stuff and it has a nice thin layer of gel for the cobblestones, I've seen it in some of the DVD's I watch. Let's say it will match my black Performance road shoes. Don't stop believing.....
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Can't wait to race (and win)
I decided to race bikes after winning a charity ride of 15kms. It was a tough event. I increased the pace on a medium sized hill and went solo to the victory. Now I am determined to do some racing. My Trek bike performed perfectly, although I instructed the mechanic at Performance to put 130 psi in my tires and when I checked there was only 118 psi.
I think I will be good because I am athletic from several years of softball. I prefer cycling as it's an individual sport and I'm kind of a one man wolf pack.
I hired a trainer, he is smart and tells me how to train. He is Albanian, but simply goes by "Larry". He said my power numbers are looking good and several wins should come my way. I recently got some compression calf guards as Larry said all the European pros wear these to aid in recovery. I also got a European style track suit, it's looks good and is comfortable to wear after my rides.
I hope to get noticed and want to race for a pro team. This is my journey.
I think I will be good because I am athletic from several years of softball. I prefer cycling as it's an individual sport and I'm kind of a one man wolf pack.
I hired a trainer, he is smart and tells me how to train. He is Albanian, but simply goes by "Larry". He said my power numbers are looking good and several wins should come my way. I recently got some compression calf guards as Larry said all the European pros wear these to aid in recovery. I also got a European style track suit, it's looks good and is comfortable to wear after my rides.
I hope to get noticed and want to race for a pro team. This is my journey.
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