Peaking in November?

I'd like to say I'm in the best shape I've ever been on the bike, but more importantly, I'd like to know. It's easy to know where you stand when you're up against constant competition on a consistent course. I have NO idea what sort of shape I'm in b/c the lack of the aforementioned (is that used correctly?) I've been spending more time, and have more fun, on the bike than I ever have before, hopefully it's paying off.

I'd have no idea what I'd be doing without cyclocross and mtb this fall/winter. I'm so glad I took the plunge to buy that cross bike...what a great sport, so many variables, so much pain, such a great atmosphere and community. I'm jacked for Jinglecross, I can't wait to see how I'm able to perform. Plan is to go out harder earlier so i don't get bottle necked towards the beginning. Oh, and I plan on having a ton of fun, from what I've heard it'll definitely be interesting!

I'm still really confused on what the best approach for my "base" training this winter should be. I talk to Rich Wince and look at Lou Waugaman's blog (ridiculous training schedule) and they are putting in some serious time, but at lower levels. The DMOS coach, USA Cycling licensed Level 1 (Elite), should know a thing or two about cycling as well...he says to put in the intensity as long as you can hold the motivation year 'round. Tough to say, I'm really enjoying my time in the saddle, but can I do two short, hard intensity interval rides a week...plus a few longer rides as well? I need to get stronger/faster, not sure which is the best route for me to take. All I know is that compared to Lou, I need to be putting in much more time to ride at a much higher level...duh, right?

Living History Farms race was fun, missed Cranksgiving although I heard the event was a good turnout. I rode rollers for the first time last week and it was interesting, no crashes but it's a bit more difficult than I thought. Seems that I really need to work on smoothing out my pedeling stroke, goal is to ride no hands-one foot by Christmas. Really enjoying mtb as well, it's a great challenge and a lot warmer than riding roads. I'll have to get up early one day and ride w/ the pros to see how I'm progressing.

Update after Jingle Cross...my cow bell is waiting!

State Cyclocross & Dirty Du

What a great weekend of racing! We DESERVE this weather in Iowa after the frigid winter and flooding we had during spring this year. Two races this weekend, like to hear it, here it go!


Race Report:

State Championships - It's funny that anyone can race in the state championships; can anyone race in nationals down in Kansas City? If I place 30th at nationals can I say I'm the 30th best cat 4/5 cyclocross racer in the nation? If so I may have to compete.


According to others this was not a technical course; however, I had major problems getting around the turns quickly. I need to work on my bike handling skillz. One spin out, rest of the race was smooth. Finished 16th out of 34 I believe, not bad. Next race I'd like to start up w/ the big dogs to see how long I can hang...sucks getting bottlenecked! Favorite part of the race was Brian Eppen dressing up as 80's trailer trash...the best cyclocross racer in Iowa (from what my eyes have seen) having fun w/ the weekend and still riding dirty! A quick mention that I've gone out drinking every single night before a cyclocross race, and I've cramped every race...I'm starting to see a pattern.

Dirty Du-

Dirty du was my first bike race 3 years ago. Out of all the athletic events I've participated in over the years, this was by far the most humbling. I've ridden on the trails a few times since then and am sure I've improved, but I was not out to prove anything Sunday. Another beautiful day! I picked TJ Tollakson, and his gf Ashley Tousely up and headed over to the race. Race was great, challenging, good atmosphere; I wish there were more of these races. Tj, although 1/3 professional bike racer, not so great on the mtb. Almost broke brothers bike, crashed 6 times, went slow, went fast, didn't want to run the last 2 miles but Ashley made me. According to her, we were "jogging," and "running really slow." I was out of breath. Great job to CITA for putting on a wonderful event, congrats on the participation levels.


DMOS training:

Starting winter training for DMOS. A full season of indoor training! This is my opportunity to really work with some great coaches and see what I can be. Rich Wince went from beginner to cat 3 by the end of the year...I'm hoping to follow his footsteps. I'd also like for DMOS to compete w/ the DS 5000 and A9Y team in some cat 4/cat 5 races. I'll be pushing my teammates hard this winter to help form a good team. Rollers are hard, more fun than riding on a trainer though...that'll be my next purchase.