Old Guy Racer

Stage Racing for the Elderly

2011-09-05T03:03:00.001-07:00

I've been tossing around a few things lately and one of them was to throttle back a bit for 2012. I've had the hammer down for 3 years and it's starting to take it's toll.

When they announced a SR where one of the stages and the TTT started 15 minutes from my house I have to say I was pretty pumped. It was to be my second "A" race for the year but...things have a way of not playing out the way they're supposed to.

Day 1

The First race was a circuit race on the same course we hold our weekly World Championships. It's a flat, windy 8km circuit with a mix of good road and some chopped up bits I'm quite fond of. There's even a technical 120 deg corner in there that I like to use to put the hurt on the kids.

Our race was Saturday afternoon in the blistering sun which was good because Saturday morning was also the first soccer practice for my 4 1/2 yr old son. To be honest I don't know who was more excited about soccer, him or me.

I got up at 5:30 to take care of some email, woke my son up at 7:00 to get him dressed, packed the cooler, got him fed and picked up another coffee for daddy. We took the scooter to the soccer pitch where I watched him run around and wonder what the coach meant by 'out of bounds", I mean there was plenty of grass and he had the ball so why shouldn't he just keep going with it while the other kids chased him?

With soccer out of the way we went home, played with lego and I loaded the team car for the quick drive to the race.

During the team meeting I laid out the game plan. The goal was to do nothing until the first break went and stuck and then to put Gavin in the second serious move. The secondary plan was to set me up for the sprint with one of my team mates acting as a lead out. The ultimate goal was to get as many points as possible towards the series overall.

I spent the race mostly fighting for position and leading one chase and making one bridge attempt to mark another rider but mostly I spent the laps calculating exactly where I would have to be over the last 3km due to the fact that the wind changed direction 3 times. Each lap I ran through it and confirmed my plan.

Coming into the last last I got into position and started looking for my lead-out. He was no-where to be seen. Everything had gone right; I had used positioning to easily move up and was sitting where I needed to be 250m out but without a wheel to follow to get me on top of the gear.

The next mistake was mine. I hesitated. As I waited I got shoved to the right and the sprint got away from me. Now I was mostly out of position but I still had the wind and a clean line to the finish. I eventually wound it up but had to settle for 5th.

Not happy.

We had 50 minutes and then the TTT.

I though I had planned my day to get the most done in the least amount of time. I thought I was oh, so cleaver. One thing I didn't do was get the food right. Total fundamental rookie error.

During the TTT I lost all power and even got dizzy near the end. It was a total write off for us.

Day 2.

This was a hilly course and we were racing in the heat even though we had a 7am start.

I got up a 4am after not sleeping due to a VERY LOUD temple celebration that featured a band and fireworks that never seemed to end and seemed to be right under my window. The last time I looked at my watch it was 11:30.

We lined up and bang we're off.

Based on how I felt the day before, my lack of sleep and the fact that this course featured never ending punchy 1km, 2km and 3km climbs I figured I was going to get shelled mighty early. I even took the keys to the van so I could take a short-cut back to the van if it was very early in the race.

Our big plan had been for Gavin to do well but he flated about half way and that pretty much ended our day. There was no real Plan B.

Much to my surprise I was still in the bunch after many riders had been dropped as we hit the major climb for the day. It wasn't a huge climb. It only gained a few hundred meters in elevation but it had a steep section near the top and then several more steps until the decent. Then there was another popper and one more 2km climb before the final 10km flat to the finish.

I came off just as we hit the steep section and I chased over the popper and the next grinder all the way to the flat section with 4 other guys. Then it was just 3 of us and I was done. One of the other guys pretty much pulled us to the line so I let him drift 20m or so out in front of us so he could come across alone. Not that it mattered anyway.

At the end of the day we walked with nothing.

For the weekend we got a 3rd, a 5th and Team 5th overall. We managed to pick up some good points towards the season overall.

I went home, lay on the sofa and although exhausted, couldn't muster much more than a dose.

I had been doing a serious rethink about 2012 and this weekend may have been all I needed to convince myself that changes are needed.

I may shut down the team and ride for a club next year. All the work and time that goes into setting up a team, running it, dealing with sponsors, washing water bottles, packing the team car, unpacking the team car and on and on eats into not only my training time but also my life.

Throttling it back a bit may actually produce better results and I may even have more fun. Not to mention I need to make time to help my son understand soccer.

30 JULY 2011 Giant Cup

2011-09-05T01:33:00.000-07:00

The race popped up on the calender a little late. It's a pretty good race media wise and it's always good to do well here.

This was a new course that is actually on an airbase across the street from the New Giant Taiwan HQ. As soon as I saw the course I knew it was a good one for me.

The course was basically a long thin rectangle with the start/finish coming after 2 hard and short left hand turns. The other end of the course detoured around some construction and has a few short sections in it and all the headwind.

I prerode the course and realized that I needed to be in position about 50m out from the last 2 corners. The long straight heading into the two final corners was on a landing strip divided down the middle by cones but about 100m from the corners the cones ended and you could dive down, into the corners and carry a ton of speed through the first corner turning the final two corners into one.

There were primes every 3 laps so I waited for the second one, when there were 3 guys away going for the prime and I jumped as if I wanted to bridge to them. Really I just wanted to test the line at speed and make sure that I was going at the right spot. Sure enough it worked perfectly and I came onto their wheels just as they crossed the line selling it the whole way.

For the rest of the race I followed wheels while the Continental riders slugged it out. Lots of guys were getting dropped off the back because of the wind and the speed so I had to hide but also I had fight to keep a good position and not to get caught behind any gaps.

As usual us Olde Elite guys were thrown in with the Elite/Continental/National Team riders. I knew I couldn't out sprint the guys who had just come back from some decent stage racing but I was pretty sure I could finish near the front and win the Masters category.

Coming into the last lap I worked myself into position and was able to jump, set my line and come across for a win.

Considering the less than stellar fitness I have I was more than please to take a win.

Master Race, Pintung County 10 July 2011

2011-07-12T08:37:00.000-07:00

This was the first time I got to do a Masters race in ages. Very civilized, I must say.

The course was a flat,windy 15km loop around a harbour-recreation area. There was a pretty steep bridge that went over the entrance to the harbour. It was about 150m up and 100m down at about 7~8%. The wind was also right in our faces so I barely got over 60kph on the way back down.

It was a weird course because it seemed like there was only about 2km of tailwind and the rest was crosswinds of some sort or swirling headwinds.

Bang, we're off, a few minor attacks and we're swinging into the headwind for the first time. Still more attacks and a former team mate (Bo Zhuo) jumps away. I sit in about 10 wheels back and watch.

We go up the little bridge for the first time and a former sponsor jumps pretty hard. He crests but doesn't keep on it on the way down the other side. I push over the top, flick my levers on the way by and he slides onto my wheel.

I wind it up and we get about 10 seconds. I slide over for him to pull through and he sits on me. I keep my legs turning over but it's clear he isn't coming through. I know someone will soon, though. Sure enough two guys come across and I jump on them. We bridge up to Bo Zhuo who has been dangling all this time but the group is having none of it and they string it out to bring our silliness to an end.

A few more laps of this kind of stuff but I'd decided that I will go the last time over the bridge so I keep my position near the front but always on a wheel. It seems the quick pitch up and wind is the only place to really attack. It's about 4km from the finish and I like to get things going about that far out so the sprinters have to work long before we get to their sweetspot 150m out. Even if I'm positioned well at that point I don't have that kind of kick anymore.

I move into position about 1km before the bridge (we can see it from about 3km out). I get squeezed a bit but I lean on the squeezer and my space opens up again. We hit the bridge and everyone gets out of the saddle. The wind has been picking up and it gives us all a shove to the right. This closes the door in front of me a bit but I see Bo Zhuo start to nail it and I follow him through the front few guys over the top. I'm about to crank it up when I feel that there are a few other guys coming on my left (protecting me from the wind) so I pause to let them wind it up. I give Bo Zhuo a look and tell him that I will take him to the line. This is a C race for me and I've been a little sick so I just decided to make it as fun as I can.

We drop off the bridge and the road squeezes in. Bo Zhuo gets pushed off my wheel and I hear him say, 'Wait".

When we were team mates I used to be his lead out guy. He's got a helluva kick so it worked out well at the time.

Then I hear him say 3km so I know it's time to wind it up. I drop into the 53x13 and get on top of the gear. I slide to the right in the crosswind to give Bo Zhuo some draft but guttering everyone else behind him. I string it out and the elastic breaks 4 riders back. One guy jumps hard but I don't react. I just stay on top of the gear and focus on his back wheel.

We go up to him and past him and I can start to feel the last 10 days of being sick. The top end is starting to go. We're still 1km out and I give Bo Zhuo the flick that he has to go. Now. Sorry. But he doesn't go. We hesitate.

The two guys behind him jump just as a few more riders who made it across come by. Bo Zhuo slides onto them and I do, too. They get Bo Zhuo back on top of the gear and he jumps away from us all. I am very happy to see them move to the left side of the road. I surf up a few riders as they all fade and come across for 4th.

I was pretty happy with the result until I saw them give Bo Zhuo a new FUJI with Taigra for 1st place. I totally know someone who could have used that.

Oh, well.

Race Report - 26 June 2011

2011-06-26T09:10:00.000-07:00

It rained pretty hard yesterday as some typhoon grazed our Island after killing a few people in the Phillippines. Pretty everyday stuff.

The good news is that today was the Tainan Parking Lot Race. I was pumped to ride and conditions were ideal.

I rolled to the start as it was very close to my house. I had an idea of what to expect and it pretty much played out as I thought it might.

We lined up to start on the pace was a bit sporadic. There were several sink holes to thoroughly inspect and many puddles that needed to be ridden through more than once.

In the end I finished 2nd in the sprint to an up an coming rider. Now I know who to watch for...

Big, Big Mountains and What They Gave Me.

2011-05-17T08:06:00.000-07:00

A lot of things have happened to me on a bike.

I've found love, I've been crushed by a shit brown Toyota, I've laughed and I've cried.

The last time I cried on my bike was at the top of a mountain in Spain in 1988. The last time I've seen another rider cry was at the top of Yushan in Taiwan in 2002.

In 1988 I was touring and then racing in Europe. I started a beautiful day riding fully loaded and climbed a series of mountains, the last of which had a road that eventually turned into a hand patted goat path with grades that bikes were never meant to ride. I spent hours convinced that the next bend or the next rubble strewn pitch was the last and that the top was just beyond.

When I finally did reach the top there was a small bench with small man sitting on it. I got off my bike, sat down and cried. I don't mean I sniffled while a tear rolled down my salt stained cheek, I mean I cried like a baby. It was all I could do.

The last time I saw another rider cry like this was at the top of YuShan Mountain in Taiwan. This is one of the top 10 highest paved roads in the world with the road reaching 3200m + . I suspect that the paved roads in the Andes or what ever other roads are higher than this have never been raced up by idiots on bicycles. And it's not just the elevation. I've ridden or raced the Pyrenees, The Alps and the Rockies but the mountains in Taiwan are different.

First off, there is never a section longer than 200m. It is constant switchbacks and winding roads with changing pitches including crazy 12% plus pitches even above 2500m. There's just no way to find a rhythm. It is not only physically demanding but mentally exhausting as well.

I was sitting in my team car, having just finished the stage that ended atop this behemoth, the motor was running and the heater blaring against the 4*C wind and rain when the door swung open and the last rider on our team to finish was thrust in beside me. He sat there for a moment and then it came; Heavy, billowing sobs of a man who has expended everything he had and doesn't even have the strength left to control his emotions.

This isn't to say that this happens to anyone who rides these kinds of mountains but racing them is a different story.

So here we were at zero dark:30 ready to start and I was hella glad that I was driving the team car instead of racing.
I was doing a standing feed at 2300m. I'd hurt my back a week earlier and was starting to feel better but a race like this would have done me in. Besides, years ago, when at my peak in terms of pure climbing I would have still been fodder for a race like this.

So I set the guys up and drove off at 4:30am to get to the feed station we all agree was the most critical. Here I fed solid food and specific stuff like BCAA8000 to our riders while there was another neutral feed further up that had water and bananas run by the organizer.

I drove, sat and waited.

Then the first riders came by. Two pure climbers on their own. Beautiful.

A minute back was a small group of four. The another four. Then time.
Then Gavin. Struggling but tucked into another small group. I gave him 2 bottles and had a good look at his face. All I thought was how glad I was that it wasn't me.

My other team mates came by over the next few minutes and then I hung around to pass out a few bottles to friends and other riders I knew from our area of the country I knew wouldn't have dedicated feeds and were relying on the organizer for water. I had BCAA8000 which was like being a Crack King on Junkie Mountain.

I passed out what I had and then drove towards the finish.

Gavin finished top 20 which is pretty good for a guy who isn't a pure climber. There was a 20% time delay in effect which DSQ'd all but the top 25 riders out of a few hundred.

I didn't see anyone cry but on the long drive back down the mountain I saw many, many riders struggling, more than an hour back, or sitting by the side of the road, their bike leaned up, with a stunned look on their face.

I could relate.
The End.

2011 Hau-Dong Race Report

2011-04-25T20:48:00.000-07:00

DAY 1 - 143KM

I can honestly say I hate this stage. About 20km there is a series of climbs that are a few km long and steep enough in places to shatter the group. My goal is always to make it over this section in the main group.

This year was no different.

It was a beautiful day: sunny with a slight headwind but not too hot and no humidity. That would change.

The race started as usual with a long neutral, then we hit the first little rise and it was game on! Right away the race cranks up to 50~60kph and pretty much stays there until we hit the first section of the climbs which is through tunnels.

As much as I hate this stage I really do like climbing through the tunnels. It's fast but interesting at the same time. I came out of the tunnels in good position and then proceeded to get trailed off as we progressed through the rest of the climbing.

Based on my fitness it was pretty much what I expected.

I nailed it on the descent and gathered up a pretty good posse. Last year I managed to bridge from the chase group into the main field after about a 15km chase. This year we got close but the main field was also chasing a break and the wind had picked up considerably. We got within 30 seconds but then they were gone.

I told my team mates before the race that if you were not in the main group by this point your job was to sit in and do NOTHING. Suck wheel until the finish and stay fresh for day 2. I did just that.

The wind got stronger and stronger and by the time we finished, more than 3 hours later, it was hella strong. It really cooked the guys in my group and several just disappeared off the back.

The only way I could contribute to the team on this day was to finish as high as I could in the Elite Masters 40+. (Pro Elite/Espoir/ Elite Masters 30+ and Elite Master 40+ all race together). Even if I could snag a few points for the team this was an 'A' category race so points went pretty deep and it could help in the season overall.

With this in mind there is a climb with a tunnel in the middle and a second grind after that that is about 15km from the finish. I went off the front here hoping that the few remaining guys in my cat would be dropped here. The group just let me ride away. The wind was so strong that I just sat up. It wasn't worth it to kill myself to the finish for a few points and waste myself for Day 2.

Bunch sprint (of our little bunch) and I finished 4 or 5 .

The bad news? There was a 10% time delay in effect and we were just outside of it. DSQ'd every darn one of us.

Now the funny thing is I didn't know about this time delay AND there were riders who realized they were outside the delay so they got off their bikes and got in the team cars. They would be fresh for day 2.

Now how is this possible you say? Aren't time delays for STAGE RACES?!? And if so, if you are cut you can NOT RACE THE NEXT DAY!?!

Yes, this is true. A time delay that lets you race the next do is just DUMB. Obviously no-one at the organization who made this race understands what the heck a time delay is for or how it is used.

I am not surprised...

The Good new is our designated guy finished 2nd in Elite Master 30+. Sweet.

DAY 2 - 178km

Rain. It was going to rain for day 2. I really didn't care as long as we started in dry conditions.

I got my wish and we were off in another painfully slow neutral start. Once we finally got going the pace jumped, there was a string of attacks and the first real break went away. It ended up being the right mix as two of the Continental teams went to the front and for the rest of the day chased EVERYTHING that moved.

It ended up being a 4 hour interval session.

This stage has a single climb after 110km that shells some but doesn't break up the race like on Day 1. At the pre race meeting we were told the roads were all in excellent condition with the exception of one area of construction just over 30km from the finish.

Perfect. We would attack there.

Up and over the climb (I ran over one of those meter tall orange pylons, gave everyone a good laugh but didn't go down). I got pushed into the rough by a Nervous Nelly on the decent but got back on the line and moved to where I wanted to be.

Shortly after the group came together I launched an attack hoping to set Gavin up with the counter. Nothing doing. We were back to the same attack, chase and sit up we'd been doing for the last 100km.

When we got to the point we'd hoped for nasty roads the conditions were actually pretty good. There were pylons and the road narrowed and did some weird gymnastics around the work that was going on but the surface was smooth. We also weren't the only ones with this idea so the pace was fast and the group strung out a bit so it was pretty smooth; Not at all what we wanted.

Eventually I dropped to the back and signaled for our team car so I could get some water. I sat there for a while as other team cars came past me and fed their guys. Finally I waved my arms in frustration and the race director rolled up beside me and gave me a bottle of water from his car. He said our driver probably just didn't hear the race radio.

I have no idea what happened to our car but soon after I took a slug of water there was a big crash in front of me and at least 30 guys went down. I rolled past the group yelling for Gavin but he wasn't there. Alex was extracting himself from the pile but I had no idea how long he would be so I jumped around the mess and started to chase.

I dropped the half empty bottle of water and buried myself trying to catch the back of one of the few teams cars that had made it around the crash. I couldn't quite get on the back of the last one but eventually I caught the back and made my way through to the race directors car. I took a moment and then jumped across to the group.

A little while later Alex, Steve (a former team mate) and one other rider caught back onto the group. The rest who went down never made it back.

I checked Steven's ass for him (let him know how bad it was or wasn't) and we continued in the rain until the finish.

On the finish climb we kept above 40kph but I was able to hold a good position. The last 3km are slightly downhill and a 2% final km to the finish. I picked my wheel and hung on to the end. All I was looking for was a good a placement as possible for team overall (season).

I finished off the podium by a tire width.

No hardware for me this year but Gavin was 2nd and we did manage points for the season overall.

The Pain Cave - Feb Training Camp 2011

2011-02-12T06:07:00.001-08:00

DAY 1 - 20 min Power Test

We had a short training camp this year because the Chinese New Year Holidays were so short. We started off with a 20 minute Power test to establish early season FTP.

We decided to invite a few other racers to suffer along with us. We had a nutritional lecture and some coaching about training with a Power Meter as well. As the above picture indicates a splendid time was had by all...

DAY 2 - 160km 1600m elevation gain.

For day 2 we went for a nice ride in the nearby mountains. I was shooting for 2500m elevation gain on the day but logistics prevented this. The ride was just under 5 hours on a beautiful, sunny day. Temps were in the low 20's C and the wind wasn't kicking us in the teeth for a change.

I think the best part of the day was finally getting the guys all together for the first time. This has only happened at races so far this season. We should be able to organize this a little better in the near future so I'm not too concerned about this.
This was a pretty enjoyable ride. I took the guys on some of the smaller, nastier back roads that I like before we hit the main climb for the day. The ride back was rolling and pretty fast.

DAY 3 - TTT Practice.

I've done more TTs than any of the guys on the team and certainly more TTTs. The first race we have for the season long Giant Cup Race Series is a TTT. We skipped it last year and, I believe, missed out on some points that hurt us for the overall at the end of the season.

I got a chance to blather on a bit about the technical aspects of a TTT. We did one last year (there were 2 last season) and we lost considerable time because of a series of technical errors we made repeatedly.

A good warm up and we basically did a TTT. The pace was in the 45~50kph range for most of it, which was good. Also the course we chose to use was pretty windy and the wind switched direction in several places so it really simulated the conditions we expect for the TTT in March.

At the end of the camp we hung out for a bit and jaw wobbled about various nonsense. The atmosphere is pretty relaxed and I have a good feeling about the personalities and the intelligence of the team this year.

Our next training camp is set for 23/24 April and is ALL about elevation. We should easily be over 4000m elevation gain for those 2 days.

O' joy. O' bliss...

RACE REPORT: Nantou County 22 Jan 2011

2011-01-26T06:06:00.000-08:00

I just couldn't sleep.

I tossed and turned all night and just couldn't slip away into blissful slumber. I don't think there was any real reason other than I kept thinking about my 4am alarm.

I think I finally dozed for about 90 minutes when my iphone iwoke me up. I dressed, downed a lovely cup of coffee, stuffed some bread and fruit down my gullet and headed down to meet the guys.

We met at my house so it was easy for me this time. We packed up the team car, headed off for one more coffee and then drove 2 hours to the start.

It was a bit crisp during the 5km neutral but once we got going things cranked up to 60kph and I warmed up pretty quickly.

It was basically an out and back course that then turned onto a 5km climb to the finish. Not exactly the best for me. The plan was to get Gavin into a move after the turn around and if that got caught then Shou Ciao would nail it on the finish climb.

My job was to keep things together and lead Gavin out when it was time. This meant I needed to be active at the front. Early on there was a rider away who was just up the road but slowly rolling away. He had team mates massed at the front so I decided not to let them set up their rabbit.

I rolled to the front and picked up the pace with the idea of bringing this guy back. As I got pretty close to him I glanced back and realized that I was alone - they'd let me go off the front. This was the same team I was in a long break with in November. Maybe they thought it would help out their whole rabbit thing.

I closed on the rider and we rode together for a few more km when the bunch decided that it was time to end this silliness. Thank GOD. I had no desire to be there in the first place.

Lots of attacks and chases and I had to go to the front several times to bring the pace back up when it came time to get Gavin off the front. I was at the front pushing the pace when I glanced back and saw Gavin on my wheel. I figured he was ready to go. I notched it up and we strung out the group and pulled away. Then we jumped.

We got a gap and a decent rider from a team with numbers was with us. Gavin went around me and he went with him. I drifted back to the bunch to set up shop minding the bunch. When I got there 2 of my team mates had seen us go and were also in place.

Gavin and the other rider rode away. The plan was in motion.

A few km from the bottom of the climb Gavin started to not feel so great. The other rider sensed this and backed off a little. As we started onto the finish climb Gavin was reeled in and it was time for Shou Ciao to set to work.

Shou Ciao has been doing mostly base work (as all of us have) and didn't quite have the snap he needed at the end. He managed 9th overall. Gavin held on for 16th and I rolled across at 21st with our other rider at 23rd, just behind me.

This was only our second race together and the first race I'd done with the new riders. We were also down 2 riders to the flu. I was pretty happy that we executed both our plans and that riders were reading each others' moves and intentions. This bodes well for the season.

We have a 3 day training camp Feb 5~8 with a 20min power test on the 5th. This should be interesting...

The Limit

2011-01-19T07:22:00.000-08:00

Recently I thought about the how many times I'd pushed myself beyond the limit of what I could do while on a bike. I've been in other situations in my life where this has happened but cycling is different.

Cycling isn't about survival. It isn't about having to overcome some life threatening or life altering challenge or event. it isn't about life or death choices.

The difference is that it is willful. Pushing yourself beyond what your body is prepared for using only your will is a different thing. At any point I could have just stopped without loss of life or limb yet I chose to keep going despite my body's clear signals that perhaps this wasn't such a good idea.

A few examples:

1988. Some goat path over a mountain in Spain. It's my third day in big mountains. I am WAY over geared and grind my way up this thing for an hour. I sit on a bench by the side of the road at the top and cry. Really.

1989. Some road race in NY State. I make the mistake of jumping into a break with the big boys. I am so nervous I don't eat or drink. An hour later I get head spins and have to sit by the side of the road until the ambulance scoops me up.

1992. Somewhere in Quebec. I flat after about an hour. I get a wheel change and then the neutral car drives away leaving me utterly alone with no food, 1 bottle and 100km of windy rollers. When I crawl across the finish line there is no finish line. They've torn it up, taken down the stage and most everyone is long gone including the jitbags on my new team who were supposed to be doing support for ALL of us. I find my rental car and sleep in the front seat until morning - still in my kit.

1997. A World Cup track event in Trexlertown is canceled. The riders are already on this side of the pond so the event is quickly relocated to Victoria where I lived at the time. After the WC many stick around for BC Superweek.

80 lap crit. All I remember is the silver rear hub of the wheel directly in front of me for the first 40 laps. Once the break goes the pace drops off slightly. My memory of the race starts there.

1998. A RR in Vancouver. Brian Walton leans on me in a tight corner and then jumps on the way out. I think "Well, there's a good wheel to follow." I jump. There's nothing. I slip into the group. I slip out the back of the group. The race rides away from and I can barely hold 20kph.

The next day I go for a blood test. I have a hemoglobin count of 19 with virtually no stored iron. All a result of the last few years of big training trying to be a bike racer.

2004. I black out for a second at 2500m trying to chase down the main bunch so I can hide from the wind. I barely avoid riding into a huge ditch on the side of the mountain. I blackout again while driving on my way home. I almost drive into the median.

2010. I nearly burst a blood vessel in my head after a relentless series of "why", "because" with my 3 year old son.

The worst part is that I know that this list will continue to grow.

O' what a fool am I?

The Long Way Home

2011-01-15T10:01:00.000-08:00

Motivation.

It's cold, windy as hell and I'm 2 hours into a ride that could either take 3 1/2 or 4 1/2 hours depending on what I decide at the next intersection. What I need is the 4 1/2 hours. I need it today and I need it tomorrow and I need it each time I ride for the next few months.

It used to be that I could drop to race weight in a month. But now I'm older and the process is slower and the volume needed is much greater. But slogging out this distance seems harder and harder to do.

What I need is some motivation.

It used to be pride. I would put in the extra time because I didn't want to get dropped at a crucial point in a race because I didn't have the depth or because I was lugging around an extra kilo or two. Vanity was also a good one. Who wants to look fat in their kit? Looking tanned, lean and ripply always made me fell kinda sexy. Who doesn't want to feel sexy?

Money. Money is always a good motivator. Producing results to keep sponsors happy could push me to put in the extra time. Happy sponsors means more cash and more stuff. Pretty good motivation.

I guess the real struggle is the difference between how much time I can ride purely for the love of riding and the extra time I really need to be fast. It's the struggle between watching a good movie and throwing a leg over on cold, windy days where the drizzle feels like icicles tearing at your face.

And then there is today. Today was the same ride with the same choices. But today I was in a slightly bigger gear over the climb. Today I chased a truck and caught him on a set of rollers that I'd slogged over a few weeks before. Today I got up out of the saddle and big ringed my way over a 3 km long climb.Today the choice was easy.

Tomorrow is another day.

'That Guy'.

2010-12-18T08:15:00.000-08:00

Every now and then, as we gather up for the regular weekend hammerfest ride, there will be some new guy all full of piss and vinegar strutting around, talking too loud, and jumping into the middle of conversations about gear or training or some recent race with comments that just don't fit.

Somewhere around 5k in, as the group rolls out for the 5 hour ride- settling in, chatting a bit - this guy will go to the front and push the pace. It's never enough to stop the conversations but it's enough for guys to close up the gaps and get a bit annoyed because they haven't switched on their iPods or finished the apple they were eating.

As the ride progresses the first little rise approaches and this same guy goes to the front then shuts it off at the top. The ride jams up and spreads across the road.

The riders sort themselves out again as the pace picks up on the way back down.

Each small rise, overpass, or grade of any kind the same thing happens.

Finally the pace picks up and as riders rotate through this guy hits the front. He accelerates; Not hard enough to worry anyone, just hard enough to be an annoyance. Once again the rhythm of the ride is disrupted for no purpose what so ever.

The group settles back into a groove. Finally, attacks come but they are real attacks. Jumps that force people to dig. Jumps that drive snot out of your nose and blur your vision as you fixate on the rear hub in front of you. Attacks on climbs that carry speed up and OVER the climbs and force guys to chase on the descents.

Breaks form. Chases form. The ride regroups.

Hours later we all cool down together minus a few guys who know their way home.

We stop, chat, throw back a coke, finish a power bar and the group fragments into many smaller groups who spin their way home.

No one asks about 'that guy' or even remembers when he came off the back.

We usually never see him again.

RACE REPORT: Pintung County, Southern Taiwan 28 Nov 2010

2010-12-01T05:57:00.000-08:00

I got a call from a former team mate Friday afternoon about a race on Sunday. We hadn't entered but his team had and 1 rider had to back out at the last minute. If I wanted I could go and use his race number.

"Sure." I said, "Why not."

Small scheduling conflict. My wife's co-worker was getting married Saturday night. As the hubby I had to attend and, as this was business, celebratory drinks were in play.

Needless to say I can lay claim to at least 1 bottle of red wine...

4 hours sleep and I'm off in search of a start line.

I drive through the backwaters or rural Taiwan and viola, a start line. I prep, meet up with the guys from the team who give me a bib number and we're good to go.

Then one of my team mates shows up. Huh? This race is 15 minutes from his home and it seems I missed to email about it weeks ago. Fine.

We warm up, stage and we're off.

The course is basically 80km of flat road with 180 deg turn-arounds at either end. 10 laps.

There are 3 major teams present and 1 team has 15 guys in our 85 rider field. I had to deal with these jokers a few weeks ago at another race and I was not going to be manhandled by sheer numbers. My plan was to attack and attack until I could get in a move with riders from at least 2 of the 3 strong teams present.

Even if I failed I was looking at this as training anyway so what the heck.

Lap 1 I attack and there are plenty of takers. I attack again and I have just as many friends. The field is aggressive but there are plenty willing to chase and nothing gets even a few seconds.

Lap 2 rinse and repeat. There is a crash behind me. It doesn't seem to thin the field at all. Just after the turn around I see my team mate standing on a barricade shouting that I am now on my own. He was fine. He went down but not hard, but he got tangled up and ripped some spokes from the PT wheel I built for him 2 weeks ago.

I guess I know what is next in my truing stand.

Then there are a series of attacks and a rider unclips in front of me and goes down. He takes another rider with him. I see this kid hit the ground in front of me and I NARROWLY avoid running over his head. His neck was stretched out in front of my wheel like a holiday turkey. This required some minor acrobatics and I had to lean on a buddy to make it around.

This scared me a little.

Adrenaline is my friend. I go to the front and put it down into the wind in the hopes that several of the riders from the larger teams were caught behind the crash. A few were.

We go through the 180 and just after the inevitable jump out of the corner and regroup I attack hard.

I taste a little vino.

When I finally look to see who is on my wheel there is 1 rider from each of the two bigger teams. A good mix. We put it down at 50+ to open a gap.

As we go through the start/finish and hit the turn around, we have about 20 seconds and I see a group of 3 or 4 trying to make their way across. We keep it going and I decide that we really need those other legs to stay away. I communicate this, we agree and take the edge off slightly.

Three riders join us with 1 more rider from the strongest team there. There is also a former team mate who rode some UCI races with me about 8 years ago. He's a steady wheel and I'm glad he's there.

We settle in quickly and I move to the front and give the signal to echelon. We get the rotation going ( a bit choppy at first) but by a lap later we are working together and opening up the gap.

It seems as if the teams represented are working for this move. We are committed to the end now.

At the next turn around I see that the guys from the team that invited me have moved to the front and are leading the chase. I wonder if it occurred to them that I wouldn't even be there if they hadn't called me on Friday.

Each lap the gap grows and I throw up in my mouth a little. Twice. With about 3 to go I start having that internal battle about sitting up because I just can't manage 1 more pull. I rotate through and the internal dialogue continues.

Two to go and I tell myself to STFU and keep going. Then we catch the Masters race that started after us. This means that we put about 6km into them.

One joker tries to slide into our echelon as we roll past but I put my hand on his hip and gently put him back where he belongs.

He curses at me in Taiwanese.

Idjit.

We get the bell and it's clear that we are not getting caught. We have minutes on the group.

I know the attacks will come as we turn around for the last time with 4km to go and sure enough, a rider from the stronger team jumps. I sit. He was easily the strongest rider in the break and I don't want to blow what little jam I have chasing this move only to be countered out the back of the break.

With a 20m gap he glances back and then buries himself. Another rider goes and we all react. We're together and then another attack and together and finally the second rider from the same team goes.

I hesitate. I calculate that the rider from the other big team has to chase this. They are the local team and it is his responsibility. He hesitates and I roll the dice and wait. He finally accepts and goes but we've given them too much and now we're within 2km.

Crap.

I'm pretty spent and now fighting for third. Then there is a strong jump from behind me and I am up. He gets a good gap. I close on him with the other two on my wheel but I can't get him before the line.

I hold off the other two and finish fourth.

Not a bad outing all things considered.

On the podium they make fun of the white guy (all in good fun), which is always a good photo op, I take my medal, my money and hop in the team car for a thankfully short drive home.

I think I'll avoid the Shiraz for a while...

YUENLING SR 19-20 JUNE

2010-07-10T23:07:00.000-07:00

I had a very bad start to the season. I injured my neck in the fall of 2009 and couldn't ride for almost 3 months. I lost fitness and gained weight. I started training again in January but it was much too late to have any real fitness or to get back to racing weight by Hau-Dong in April which was our first "A" race.

Because of this my best placing at Hau-Dong was 8th on DAY 1 which put me very far down on the points competition for the season. I was looking to these races to get back in the hunt for the season long points competition. I was lingering in the lowly teens and needed good results both days to move up significantly.Although I am starting to feel better and lose some weight (It gets much harder as you get older!) I still don't have the kind of power I would like for a course like this.

I could tell this after I tried to bridge to the first attack.

My first strategy was to get into an early move that had riders from at least 2 other strong teams. This was a technical course where riders would be out of sight after about a minute gap so I thought it was a good course for a break. The only problem with Plan ‘A' was that Bo Zhuo was fighting for top spot in his category and if I was riding in a break it would only help him if CKT had to work to try and bring us back. This was a gamble.

I tried to bridge across to a move I saw in the very beginning of the race but my legs were not as willing as my heart or head was and the group was too interested in not letting an early break go.

This course had 5 corners with the 3rd corner being a 180 turn. After riding the course I realized that after the 180 turn there was a sprint point into the wind, a bit more of a straight and then a right turn, a few pedal strokes, a left turn and sprint to the finish. I decided that the key place on the course was the headwind straight after the 180 and before the right-left onto the finish straight. I knew that if you weren't in position by then you would be sprinting for 20th place.

This was Plan B.

Keeping the group together and then getting Bo Zhuo into position here became the best plan for us and it would also allow me to help, if I could, at the end. By virtue of simply being in the mix at the end I was pretty sure I'd get a podium spot for myself as well.

There were lots of attacks over the rest of the race and Gavin and Steven worked well together to chase down dangerous moves. I rolled to the front a few times to lend a hand but mostly I kept in the group and watched key riders.

In the last laps a break had formed off the front. I had done some work to bring the gap down and I figured we would catch them just before the finish.

Coming into the last lap I prepared to place myself and Bo Zhuo. Coming out of the 180 corner a rider crashed in front of me and I just avoided him but I lost momentum and several places. I was now out of position to help anyone but I still had time to move up.

I positioned my self as best to sprint at the finish.

We caught the break just before the line and I ended up 3rd in my category. Bo Zhuo finished 4th in his cat but it wasn't enough and he slipped into second place for the season.

We had 1 more shot for him the next day.

DAY 2

This was a flat and windy road race. I spent most of the day hiding and keeping a good position in the group.

Today we were really riding to get a good result for Bo Zhuo to move him back into 1st place for the points competition. We didn't want to have him go head-to-head with the CKT rider in a sprint. This would be playing to his strength.

We decided that we needed either Bo Zhuo in a break or another rider in a break and to force other teams to chase. For me this meant I was chasing moves or leading out Gavin. Again Gavin and Bo Zhuo were busy at the front and we placed them in moves that looked promising but nothing was sticking for long.

As sometimes happens an innocent move rolled off the front and suddenly a few more joined them and there was a break and we were not in it. Crap.

We chased for a while and brought them back to withing a 10 seconds and then the bunch just stopped chasing because they though that the break was finished. WRONG! This was a serious mistake.

The break rolled away again and stayed away until the end.

When we had looked at the course profile we decided that I would lead Gavin out after a sprint point that was about 20km from the finish. We set up and jumped as planned but it was pretty windy and too far for 1 or 2 riders to go it alone. we needed others to come along.

After digging for a few minutes we realized we were just dangling and no-one was interested in our idea. We sat up and the bunch swallowed us up.

This meant my next task was to lead Bo Zhuo out in the final sprint.

With just over 3 km to go I got into position and got Bo Zhuo on my wheel. I flashed him 3km and started to move up. I flashed him 2km and rolled up next to the rider he needed to beat. I flashed him 1km and boxed the rider and started to jump.

The same bone head that had crashed in front of me on DAY 1 now pulled off the front and sat up. He was right in my line and the barrier was on my left. I wasn't sure what he was going to do and, instead of being aggressive and stuffing us in the small gap that remained I hesitated.

I had talked with Bo Zhuo about my lead out before the race. I told him that I would position him as best as I could but if he felt he needed to move to a different wheel, at any time, then he should do just that.

I'm sure Bo Zhuo felt my hesitation and he jumped around me into the tiny gap that was left. As he jumped in and through the gap it closed and he was gone.

I was still near the front and very much in the sprint so I kept it going. I was moving up and was looking at a good result.

There was a meeting the night before this race and at that meeting the organizer disclosed some changes to the course and other information. I was about to discover what the last change was.

The finish was down the main street of same small town on a double lane road with a divider. There was a long, straight run in: A perfect finishing straight. Now, mid sprint with about 150m to go, the course veered off of this road onto a single lane road with scrub brush and ditches on either side. I had no idea this was coming and barely kept my self out of the ditch.

As I straightened up my bike and tried to shift into a gear I could continue to sprint in riders shot past me and I lost several places. I got it going again and caught 2 riders but watched a rider in my category finish half a bike length ahead of me.

I was 5th in my cat and just out of the top 20 overall. Crap and double crap.

Bo Zhuo finished ahead of his rival but didn't finish on the podium or earn enough points to move back into 1st place. Not good either.

The positive from this is that we now know that Bo Zhuo and I can work together for his finishes. We've talked a bit and have a better strategy for next time. Long term I think this could work out well for us.

Team Time Trail or Smoke 'em If Ya Got 'em.

2010-05-29T07:20:00.000-07:00

You know you've done a time trail right if you're worried about choking on your own vomit in the last 200m.

I think I got it right today.

We (Team AminoSTRONG-BDOP-CKT) did our first TTT today and got spanked by those who should have spanked us but walked away feeling good about the effort none the less.
The course was a dog-leg course that was 3.5km long and we did 3 1/2 laps which came out to just over 30km. That means there were 7 180 degree turns in wet conditions that were unnerving at best. Because the course was so short it was really hard to settle into a rhythm. You would get one or two pulls before setting up for the 180 and trying to group back up again.
We had never practiced a TTT as a 6 man team before and we had about a hour to work on it before our start. This did give us a good chance to warm up but the lessons just learned we not so easy to remember when the vision blurred.
The technical nature of the course favoured the 2 Continental teams and the National team that beat us by 1 to 2 minutes over 30km. I'm sure we lost 5 seconds at each turn and that adds up pretty quick.

The teams started out at 1 minute intervals and we caught our minute team after less than 10km. Since we started second that put us in first position on the course. Personally, I find it much easier to dig when I am focused on reeling in the rider(s) just up the road. It's much harder for me when we are being chased.

We were caught after about 15km or so and managed to hold them within 10 seconds for the remainder of the lap. By the next lap the eventual winners (on TT bikes with full gear) passed us. Were were on regular road bikes but, even with TT bikes, discs and aero bars these guys should have caught us or given up their Continental licenses.
The last 3km was a 3% grind into the wind that lead to the last wet 180 turn around and then 1.5km to the finish. The rider in front me lead through the turn and then I moved to the front to lay down whatever was left. I nailed it as best as I could and then the other guys came around me a few hundred meters out from the finish. Since I was the fourth guy (of the 4 of us left) the time was on me.
The guys pulled around me and headed for the line. I got gaped and dig as I might I had to growl or yelp or making some kind of horrible sound for the 3rd guy to back off enough that I could get on his wheel for the finish. This was about the time I started to worry about the chunks.

He only had to tap his brakes once or twice but I'm sure we lost a few seconds there, too. We would have lost much more if they had ridden away from me and left me there to spit out chunks 200m from the line so it may have worked out for the better in the long run.
The lesson learned today is that we need better technical prep for next year. By this I mean we need to work on the technical aspects of out TTT: smoother transitions, better turns and we need to understand better when it is time to jettison a rider as opposed to letting a cooked rider continue in the rotation.

Also, I hope out cockpit sponsor (KORE) will have TT equipment available to us for 2011. Not that this would have changed the outcome this time but it will help us when we are better prepared for next time.

All said and done it was an immense amount of work in a short period of time and I'm glad it's over and we managed a podium spot.
We also managed to snag a post race interview that should be up on the web soon. It was a great chance to plug our sponsor's products and certainly a bonus.

10th TOUR of EAST TAIWAN

2010-04-19T08:17:00.000-07:00

I learned this weekend that I have ridden this race since the inaugural year. I have also raced this course under other names so the long 6 hour drive there and the same 6+ back are all too familiar.

We left Tainan, in the South, at zero-dark:thirty and drove for 2 hours through some mountains and and then headed North up along the East Coast next to the Ocean. We arrived 4 hours later to cool temps and light rain in the start city of Haulien. We checked into the hotel and did the usual pre-race prep, crap, managers/teams meeting and had a quick chat with the organizer to discuss the fact that we were not allowed to use rider radios.

Yup, no radios while we are feeding from cars on some narrow, twisty roads that are strewn with bridges. Car to race radios were a must but no car to rider radio. We were told that they wanted to make the racing more...aggressive. My point was that rider radios would make feeding a little less...hazardous.

The decision had already been made for this race and I asked that they review the decision again after the race, if they could, with regards to next year. Ok.

STAGE 1 : 138km with some double digit climbing after 30km. Then 9okm of wind and rollers until a short right onto a popper for the finish.

I am pretty behind in my training but starting to see some results. I decided to just sit in all day and get some race hours in my legs. I crested with the second group and we chased for a bit. An attack had gone and the main bunch backed off and we closed on the race caravan.

I knew that we were about to pass through a small town with a small bridge, narrow roads and a couple of tight bends. The caravan would pretty much come to a crawl. The question had actually been raised the night before at the managers meeting and the race referee clearly stated that the caravan is part of the race. If you were in the caravan for any reason you could leapfrog from vehicle to vehicle until you got to the officials car and then you had to cross from there to the back of the race on your own.

Clear enough for me.

I had been sitting on watching the chase but then I moved up. As we got within 50 meters of the back of the caravan I jumped. They were snaked through the small town (JiCi) so I closed quickly and was in the middle of the team cars when they started to accelerate again to catch the bunch. I was joined by a few more riders who had had the same idea and we passed through the caravan and crossed to the bunch.

Things were pretty aggressive and I spent the rest of the race following wheels and looking for free rides towards the front. I enjoyed doing the little things like sliding into gaps just as they were opening and working my way into the top 10 through the middle of the group.

The finish was a small riser that turned right and then popped up and snaked around a meridian. This race ended with a small break and then a group of 50+ riders all trying to pretzel their way through this finish. There was a crash in front of me. It was great to watch and the guy was fine but it was a full ass-over-tea kettle kind of crash.

A fine end to the ride.

All of the Elite cats (basically Riders from Continental/Pro Continental teams, Nation team riders, Espoir, Senior and Elite Masters) race together. As a team we had a primary goal for this even which was a podium spot.

Stage 1: Bo Zhuo was 2nd in Elite Master 30+. Mission accomplished. 4 of 6 finished in the bunch. If dropped, riders were told to spin in with a group and save their jam for Stage 2. Steven and Hansom did just that.

STAGE 2: 178km with a 3~4 km climb 100km in and a 2~3km finish climb.

Our riders have had success on this stage and so we were focused on it. We wanted another podium spot for our Elite 30+ rider.

The racing was fast and aggressive. My 12T got a good going over and there were a couple of times when I was wondering about an 11T.

We tried to work a rider into an early break but nothing from anyone was sticking. There were pretty consistent attacks in the first 100km and there was still the days main obstacle. Then we sat and we waited. We would let the climb help with the selection if it could and then we would look for a move with our designated rider.

Up and over the climb and it produced a break of 3 riders and culled the herd a bit. We bunched back up after the descent and I came out of hiding. We tried a few lead outs trying to get the right mix 10 seconds off the front. Too many chasers or no takers. Still 60km to go.

I went back to get my BCAA8000 from the team car when our designated guy followed the right wheel and was away. I worked towards the front and the group seemed to have let them go for the most part so I sat and waited and watched.

Eventually it was clear they were gone and I started to think about getting either Gavin or An Long in another move. So far it looked like we would have 1 guy in the top 6 over-all, (and a Masters Podium) and I was hoping for another rider in the top 10. This would result in a solid point haul for our team.

As the pace picked up I rolled to the front and caught An Long's eye. As I saw him get up to move across to me I jumped to where he would be and he was stuck to me and we were nailing it. I put my head down and saw that there were wheels behind him.

I kept it going for a bit longer and then backed off hoping that someone would jump and An Long could go with it. I watched...the pace eased...chasers but no takers.

I drifted back for a bit and finished off my BCAA8000. I hitched a ride back to the front and flicked my lever as I rode even with Gavin. He saw me and we jumped together. We caught people and we had 100m+ before I sat back down. Ok, I thought, now it's either dangle out here with Gavin and hope we don't die or dangle just long enough to see if there are any takers.

I wanted to attack here because it was on the outskirts of a small town were the road narrows and twists a bit and the group would naturally hesitate. It did and we continued to dangle. I told Gavin that I would use what I had left but that I hoped someone would work across soon because I was starting to see spots. At least I think I told him that or maybe I just thought it in my head and I was so cross-eyed that I only think I told him that.

Regardless, a few riders from strong teams came across and the move took hold. My mission complete I drifted back to the group to contemplate the finish of the race.

Just before the final climb (a 2~3km big-ring climb) I came to the conclusion that I was cashed and really hadn't eaten enough food. I got a wee bit dizzy and suddenly cold. As we rolled onto the climb I let the group roll away and I set a tempo to the finish. Gavin, who was in the 2nd move that I had spent myself on, was caught with 1km to go. It was a good move and worth a shot.

I finished, had a coke, some fruit, some protein, a hot shower and we drove back to the start hotel. During the awards presentation we learned that Steven (the rider who had been dropped the day before and who had wisely spun back in with 20 other riders) also won 5th place in Elite Men 20+ (Senior riders) and that aminoSTRONG-BDOP-CKT was TEAM 6th OVERALL.

After this I felt a little better.

Then the 7 hour drive home thinking about the next race.

Congrats to the aminoSTRONG-BDOP-CKT Cycling Team for 3 good days.

Training Camp Feb 2010

2010-02-26T17:04:00.000-08:00

I had designed a 4 day Training Camp to run over the Chinese New Year holidays that was about 160km each day with thousands of meters of climbing. In short, I had planned routes that would have destroyed me.

But it's a training camp. That's what I wanted to do. Also, we have one rider who will ride the Tour de Taiwan in a few weeks so he needed some more big climbing.

The weather had other plans.

Those included temps that were 10 degrees below normal, big winds and heavy rain. If it were summer time it would have been no problem and we would have ridden through it. And honestly, it wasn't that cold...at sea level. I wanted to take the guys above 2000m as many times as I could in 4 days. This was a whole different kettle of fish.

Then I heard that there were problems with some of the roads. OK. Plan B.

We canceled the first 2 days and then piled in the team cars and headed south where there was less rain.Day 1 was a flat windy, rainy ride at race pace for 4 1/2 hour where we headed south and then turned around and rode home. Luckily it was dry for the way back.

I could sure feel how poor my fitness is. I had a neck injury that kept me off the bike for more than 2 months and now I am over weight and well behind where I need to be for my first "A" race in May. But enough of this.

The second day we did some climbing and the weather was finally on our side. It was beautiful. We had a good 45 mins of flat roads to warm up and then we hit the first of 5 climbs on the day. This one only went up about 1000m but there were several long pitches in double digits.

We had a few former team members (locals) join us for the ride so we were 8 riders in all. I just didn't want to be the 8th guy over the top. I managed to keep a couple guys in sight (with 2 more behind me) until the last km. Then I just had to spin it up and over.We waited at the top and then rode back down and onto the 2nd and 3rd climbs. We encountered some road closures due to rock slides and I think we were all pretty happy that we had changed to plan B as we would have most likely be caught out somewhere at altitude, in the rain.

This was our first camp together and we managed to eek out almost 10 hours of training under nasty conditions. The guys seem to be gelling as a group and there are certainly no personality conflicts.

I few races together and this could turn into a pretty good team. I'm certainly looking forward to the season and I hope I can drop the weight and find some bloody fitness soon.

Team Launch 2010

2010-01-13T15:36:00.000-08:00

Last week we had our Official Team Launch. We invited 60 sponsors, riders, friends and family to dinner Willy's Pub. We had the entire second floor to ourselves, which was good because we had about 100 people to the After Party.

Things went very well. I was told the food was good and plentiful. The beer, wine and vodka seemed to flow and the tunes were spot on.

Our sponsors were quite pleased with the event we put together and we generated some decent media interest including requests for follow on articles and one to embed a reporter in our training camp in February.

We were able to display out sponsors products which now includes hand-built wheels I am selling through dealers here in Taiwan. This made me feel pretty good as it's been a long road (over a short time) to get here.

"And how does one go about making a cycling team, you ask?"

"Why, that's a good question. It usually goes something like this:"

SEPT: Find and identify potential sponsors.

OCT: Submit proposals to current or potential new sponsors.
Follow up.
Bug them some more.

NOV: Bug them some more.
Design uniforms and coordinate the 'look' of the team.
Tell sponsors they need to get on board soon so that you can have uniforms ready in time for the Team launch.

Late NOV: Don't Panic.

DEC: Panic.
Bug the sponsors some more until they finally relent just so you will go away (or so they think).
Repeatedly stress to the company making your uniform exactly when you really need them.

Late DEC:Money arrives.

Uniforms arrive.
Bikes arrive.
Wheels arrive.
Other stuff arrives.

JAN: Hold team launch and after party.

Later that night, after everyone has gone home, try not to look too much like this: That is pretty much how to make a cycling team.

Now I actually have to go ride my bike.

William Bubble Maker

2009-10-28T16:28:00.000-07:00

My son is 32 months old and had, until today, been the chaser of bubbles blown by bigger boys.

On our way to the park and we stopped to get some new balls we could kick around. The selection at the store was not up to snuff so we settled on some bubbles. Then we made our way to the park.

It was a beautiful sunny, fall day: Leaves on the ground, crisp cool breeze and a playground.

There were a few other kids there for William to climb, swing and slide with but he was set on the bubbles from the start.

It is very difficult to get him to not try so hard sometimes. Once he applies himself he is single minded in his pursuit and nothing will dissuade him.

I have seen him drip with sweat while he tries to get the ball into the basket. He will run himself ragged, exhausted and stumbling until he can make that basket, kick the ball where he wants, get his bike going fast enough or positioned just right or hit that ball with his bat.

He had no problem opening the soap bubble bottle or working the wand around so it was good and soapy and then positioning it the correct distance and orientation from his lips. But when he blew it was too hard and the end result was soapy water running down his hand and a distinct lack of bubbles in the air.

"Not so hard, William. Easy, easy."

Blowing. Soapy hands and no bubbles.

"Easy...easy...eeee....zzzzz"

A bubble.

"Easy..."

More bubbles. Dip, dip blow. A stream of bubbles!

Dip, dip, blow. A plethora of bubbles big and small! Success! Triumph! Yet another piece of the universe brought under control.

More bubbles and smaller children chasing them. Big bubbles that would float up to the tress and smaller bubbles that would pop before they hit the ground.

No longer would William be the chaser of bubbles blown by bigger boys. Now he was William: Bubble Maker King!

Yesterday morning, in the park, all was right in the universe.

Race Report 19 October 2009

2009-10-19T05:55:00.000-07:00

If the truth be told I've been a little pissed at some of my team mates of late for their lack of organization and the dysfunctional nature of their communication.

This race just reinforced that feeling with some.

I got up a Zero Dark:30 to go meet with the guys and drive to the race. Luckily the start was only an hour away. It was a point to point RR so the finish was 2 1/2 hours away. Fine and dandy and off we go.

We get there on time, get pinned, warmed up, a few runs to the bathroom, chat chat here, chat chat there and it's time to stage. It was warm and sunny and windy as all get out. As the course ran along the coast and then climbed over to the other coast and wound back around to the finish it promised to be a long day of headwind.

It didn't disappoint.

The plan for me was to sit in for the first 1 1/2 hours and then hang on over the first climb crossing to the other coast. If I was still in the main bunch I was then going to drive the pace to help our designated guy get placed in the 5 km between the bottom of the descent and the base of the finishing climb.

That was our plan.

The problem is our frame sponsor, CKT, is also the former National Team coach. I've raced against his teams for a decade so we're pretty familiar with one and other. Since we had numbers and horsepower at this race he decided that we should try to get 3 or 4 guys into an early break and ride away from the race.

Not such a bad idea since our real climber isn't racing as he is headed for some racing in Korea with the National Team.

As I roll to the start I see the CKT coach/sponsor standing there inserting us at the front of the bunch on the line. Fine. All the cats are racing together and there are 440guys so it's safer to be there at the start of the neutral anyway.

Speaches, pictures, horns, bang and we roll away. We have 6km of neutral and we're racing. Immediately the National Team kids are active. There's a flurry of attacks, counters and just a mess on the front.

Nothing gets more than 10 seconds and everyone wants to chase.

This goes on for the better part of an hour with pauses scattered here and there. The wind is getting stronger and we still have all the climbing to do.

We tried probably 10 or more different moves with a different mix of riders and we were getting nowhere.

Finally that moment arrives.

I am sitting about 20 spots back and I see 4 of our guys slotting in at the front. The pace winds up and they gutter the bunch. This looks good. I jump to the front and put my head down. I hold it above 50kph for as long as I can but the wind is brutal. I glance back as I pull off and I can see it is strung out pretty far back.

My team mate pulls through and he takes a dig. The elastic is stretching and gaps are forming. Guys are jumping across but you can almost see the tension and that it's about to snap.

There is a 20m gap 7 riders down which puts 5 of us plus 2 other guys in the right spot. I slide out of the draft and glance back. I sense that one more good hard pull will be enough to cause a few people to sit up and for the gaps to suddenly explode open. Once that happens it takes a few minutes for the chase to get organized at the front and, by that time, we are away.

I slide to the front and give it one more dig. As I pull off I think that must have done it. It wasn't everything I had but it was enough.

Then I glance back.

At the front of the group about 50m back is one of our young team mates. He has buried himself trying to hang on and has given a dozen guys behind him just enough of a break that they come around him and start to work towards us.

Our puppy eliminated the chaos. He took the hesitation away and let the strong, determined riders move to the front. There is a chase and we only have 50m. This is going nowhere. This was our move, it was the right moment and now it has passed.

I sit up.

As the kid rolls past my team mate, he collars him and gives him an earful. The kid has no idea why.

So now we are all back together, I've used a lot of jam and we still have to climb.

I drink. I eat and I hide for about 20km. Then we hit the rollers before the first 3 step climb. Luckily the wind is in our faces so it takes the edge off of the skinny kids. They are at the front driving it but I manage to claw my way up and over with the front group and move up during the descent.

At this point our designated guy has been near the front too long. I also don't remember seeing him eat. We finally hit the finish climb. The first section I use my 39x26, I'm out of the saddle and going left, right, left, right and I'm not the only one.

The climbers ride away from me on the front and the race falls away from me behind. I have contact and I'm in the top 10 or 15 or so but I'm not catching anyone. There is no one to be seen behind me either.

I climb to our designated guy and he is toast. I pace him to the finish.

Overall we placed riders on the podium and I won my age category. I think I was between 10 and 15th spot overall which I'm pretty happy with considering it was a climbing finish.

Next up is a flat circuit that is all about power.

Then a 190km RR two weeks after that.

The season just never ends.

Initiating Tactics - "The Plan"

2009-08-22T05:52:00.000-07:00

19 August 2009

I have a race on Saturday that is a selection race for a National Championship race. It is a mass start RR but limited (the selection) to riders from the city I live in and the county (like a state).

Basically each major city and county can take 6 riders to the National Championship. Ok, simple enough. Here comes the interesting part.

My team has riders from both the city and the county. I am unable to qualify, because I'm a white guy, even if I won the race outright. No big deal, I've been in this position before.

So my goal is to help as many guys from my team qualify for the Nationals (or National Team Selection race I really have no idea).

So today we hashed out some tactics.

It involves 4 guys going to the front on the first lap, hammering their brains out and then a rabbit goes (into the headwind section) just after we start lap 2 of 7. The idea is we are supposed to see who marks him or, if he is joined by another strong rider, to give him a shot at the long break. This involves blocking.

At some point (around 5~6 of 7) were are supposed to attack and form a break with our 4 riders who already have points and myself. My job then becomes to a) drive the break and/or b) shed the unwanted cargo.

Pretty ambitious, non?

Here's how it played out:

22 August 2009

Went to the front at the gun to string things out. All the newbs, who were supposed to be there, were nowhere to be seen. Some of the other team mates contributed and then our team "captain' (yup, you heard me right, 'captain' - this guy was offered the role as a joke during a team meeting and he took the job) goes on a flyer.

Not quite the plan (the one he helped create) but we adapt. He's joined by another guy and we watch. Then two of our puppies go to the front and pick up the pace. I yell at them and they skulk to the back again.

Second lap and our guy goes as originally planned. He's joined by another and we watch again. Attacks start as it becomes clear that everyone wants a piece of this action. I also figure out who is marking me - everyone! Any move I make draws an immediate response from the entire group. Sucks to be me.

So there are a series of attacks, bridges, counters etc and it becomes clear that it's going to be tough to get a break to stick. The good thing is we are shedding riders and now we are down to about 25 guys. The bad news is we all know each other far too well.

Finally, there are 3 team mates and another guy up the road and I surprise the group and get a gap. I work across to the break and then we are joined by two other riders. We are 7 being chased by 15 or 16 guys. We get an echelon going and I think this move should stick...but 1/2 lap later it doesn't.

Counter, counter and the pace is way up again.

Then I flat.

Crap.

I look behind and there is no neutral bike. Nothing. I turn around, ride 2 km back to the start, borrow a wheel and chase.

And chase and chase and chase, throw up a little in my mouth, and chase some more until the bell lap. I've clawed back a little time but the gap is way too large. I was hoping to catch the back markers but all I caught were a couple of lone riders who were spit out at some point. Neither one can work with me or even hold on for more than a km or two. They are cooked and I'm on my way to joining them in CookedVille.

Coming into the bell lap I do something I almost never do. I stop. I DNF.

Even when I get shelled, no matter how bad, I finish up. Here I just decide that it is too hot (It was REALLY HOT) and that there is absolutely no reason for me to keep going. If I stop I can at least see the finish of the race.

So I stop. I hand over my number. I prop my bike against the van, I rinse my face and try to smile for whoever this guy with the camera is. I also make sure I am still wearing the new glasses I got that morning from our new eyewear sponsor - XForce.

Here's the kicker.

In found myself in the weird position recently of defending the UCI. My point was that they set regulations for races and, good or bad, you know how everything works, where to go and what to do.

As I am sitting there waiting for the finish I see a neutral wheel bike pull up. WTF!!! Where the hell was this guy when I flatted? I seems that he thought it was too hot (here I can empathize - it was HOT) so he decided to just sit under a tree with the wheels and if we had a problem we could just go there. Of course he didn't tell anybody - he just decided this on his own.

Did I mention that this was a circuit race - not a crit? The funny thing is he was sitting under a tree only a few hundred yards up the road from where I flatted. I never saw him and, if I had, I never would have guessed that he was the 'official' neutral wheel guy and I could get a wheel from him. I doubled back at least 2 km to the start, explained that I needed a wheel, changed it myself and then chased my brains out.

So, my team mate won the sprint from a break, we qualified at least 6 of our riders and I got a pretty decent workout.

The plan worked pretty much as we wanted with the some adaptations on the way. We knew we wanted to shell riders early and win from a break and we did. We qualified most of the guys we wanted to so, as a team effort, it was successful.

I've decided to take tomorrow off as I am going to drink many wobbly pops tonight.

I think this was one of those times when the bear ate me.

Race Report - 14 June 2009

2009-06-14T16:51:00.000-07:00

There's nothing in the rule book that says an elephant can't pitch.

I love racing in the rain as long as it's not a crit.

So many people just shut down. They just don't have the heart. In fact if its going to rain I want thunder and hail and wind and blinding rain. Locusts are a bit over the top, though.

Today was 102km of flat, flat flat road. I think the undulations accounted for less that 200m in elevation gain for the entire day.

As usual the communication with my team was...awry. I was reg'd in my age cat. I usually ride Elite (with the rest of my team) but today I was on my own. All the age groups started together so we were several hundred riders on the line.

From the gun I went to the front and cranked it up. I didn't want anyone around me who couldn't hold a line. A few guys contributed and after 20km or so the group was down to 50-60 mixed cat riders. Mission accomplished.

Then we slipped into the usual negative racing; No one wanted to work but everyone would chase. It makes me crazy.

The course was an out and back course on a section of closed highway. We started a few km from one turnaround rode out to the first turnaround and then past the start point to the get to second turnaround. No two laps were exactly the same length. It was kind of weird.
The turnarounds were on-off ramps at either end.

After trying to keep the pace up and a few attacks that saw the entire field chasing me I decided to sit in for a bit, eat some food and go again at the 45km turn around point.

As we went up the on ramp back onto the highway I jumped. It wasn't an out of the saddle jump I just sat and wound it up. I was hoping to get a gap and then to have some guys finally come across to me a while later.

I got my gap and settled in.

I rode and rode and rode.

When I finally looked back I was alone. The race was gone. It was just me and the lead moto and some wet, rainy pavement. I put my head down.

15km later I started to catch dropped riders from the Elite race that left several minutes before us. I fixed my eyes on them and drove. As I came up on them I'd slow for a few seconds, sit in their draft and try to recover for a moment. Then I'd turn it on again.

Once we reached the turnaround I realized that no one was working across to me. Since I was racing alone (with out a radio) this was a bit of a surprise. Back up onto the highway and I settled in and then the group went past me on the other side. I had slightly over a minute with 35km of headwind and rain and then the turnaround and 5km of tailwind back to the finish.

This didn't look so good.

Damn. I'm going to get sucked in and then I'm going to be cooked for the hairy sprint that will inevitably follow. Some guy who has sucked wheel all day will take this one.

Crap.

I'd noticed that the lead moto (well a 150cc motorscooter actually) wasn't being all that careful with his placement on the road. I moved up so that I was getting a tiny bit of cross draft from him. My speed went up about 1kph.

Huh.

I also noticed that he was wearing the uniform of one of the teams that was chasing me. Shaved legs, too? This guy was a rider.

I slipped a little closer to the bike. He didn't move. I pushed it and got closer. He saw me in his mirror and turned the throttle a little bit. He pulled away but I was still getting some draft. I nailed it and got right on him. He turned the throttle again but we were only going 50kph. I could sit in this no problem.

I sat on this moto for a solid 5km. I increased my gap and got a bit of recovery. Then I slipped off him again and back into the wind.

I've always been told that it is his responsibility to not get in my way or to place his moto or drive in such a manner as to affect the outcome of the race. Yet, here he had allowed me to draft him while his team chased behind.

Huh.

Back in the wind I managed to keep it up until I was just a few km before the final turnaround. I thought I was cooked. My power dropped off sharply and my speed went way down. I was out of gas. I hadn't eaten enough for this kind of effort (I was in the 950 cal/hr range).

I ground it out until I finally reached the last turnaround (the spot where I'd attacked). Down, around and back up onto the highway. 5km to go and a tailwaind. At 4km to go I passed the group going the other way. I had a 2km lead with 4 to go. Nothing to stop me now except a complete bonk or a puncture.

A Puncture?

I was raining. Punctures are far more likely in the rain...a puncture...a puncture...puncture...punc...just keep the speed up...if I just hold the low 40's they'd have to be going over 60 to catch me at the line. Is that right? I can never do that math.

3 to go. The moto guy just showed me 3 to go. I saw the sign though but thanks for the heads up moto guy.

Man I'm cooked. I'm going to eat everything in the team car.

2.5 to go. Anyone behind me? Was I right about the gap I had? What if it was only 1km? How fast would they have to go to get me at the line?

I can never do the math.

2 to go.

No one there.

Head down, eyes up and keep the legs turning.

Hey, I can see the finish banner and the people.

Look back. No one there.

1km to go.

No one there.

I see some dropped riders from the Elite race rolling across the line. I don't want them in the picture. Ease off a tad so I can roll in alone.

500m.

Zip up. Pull the jersey down. Is it the arms in the air? Blowing kisses? The number one? Or the point at the sponsors logo?

I'll decide at the line.

100m.

50m. Sit up. It's almost done.

God I'm cooked.

Hey! Who's this jitbag on my wheel?!

Crap!

Oh...hang on. He's one of the dropped guys from the other race.

Cross the line. I go with the "Point at the Sponsor's Logo".

Damn, the jitbag spoiled the picture.

Spontaneous Human Construction.

2009-06-05T12:50:00.000-07:00

I once made a quip to a friend that he could name any time on any day in the next 6 months and I could tell him exactly where I'd be and precisely what I'd be doing.

He did and I could.

I was only a little surprised by this. My friend thought I was making it up as I went along but he has since come to realize that I was being completely honest.

I have a tight schedule. It's true. To do all the things I want and need to do there is no other way. I have a steady contract job for 30hrs a week, a consulting job for another 10, a small business, a wife, a step daughter and a 2 year old. I also race my bike from time to time, play poker, eat too much good food, drink too much good wine and sleep too little.

The only way to manage this is to construct my life in such a way as to have clearly delineated blocks of time devoted to specific activities or serving certain functions. From x to x I train. I have 60 minutes to shower, shave, eat and be on my way to my next activity. Once that is done I have 30 minutes to have coffee at the local caffeine hut with some fellow addicts and then I have 3 hours where I do something else specific. On on and on.

So is this a good thing or a bad thing? Am I being efficient with my time or does my life lack any spontaneity? I guess it is a glass half full or glass half empty question.

I know one thing, you can't mix the two.

To train properly requires structure and discipline. It's pretty tricky to sustain this if the rest of your life is a mess. I know I can't do it. If I'm not fairly organized in my life and how I approach all of the things that I do then that spills over into my training. If I have a decent handle on my life then the training structure seems to fall into place.

But does this mean that all spontaneity has to go? Isn't there any wiggle room here? I've never been successful at planning time to be spontaneous. It just never works out.

Maybe I'm painting too grim a picture here. Maybe there is spontaneity in my life after all but it's simply taken on a different form that it had when I was a twenty-something.

When I was a swinging dick I could pile into a car with a buddy and drive half way across the county with $100 in my pocket and then hitch-hike home. That was pretty spontaneous.

When it was summer and I was young I could decide to not get up from the my sandy, well molded plot of sand on the beach, and to have another cold one instead and to go to class...tomorrow.

When the music was right and we were feeling alright I could choose the brunette over the blonde. That would be pretty spontaneous.

But that was spontaneity when I was young.

Things are a little different now.

Now I can choose to turn left instead of right on my Tuesday ride. I can choose to do 1 minute or 5 minute intervals. I can choose orange or lemon stuff to put in my water bottle.

Or I can spend ANY amount of time with my son. When you spend time with a 2 year old it's pretty hard to lay down any concrete plans. He likes to play baseball with daddy, or basketball with daddy or soccer with daddy or some kind of baseketsoccerpuzzleduckykickrunfalldownball with daddy. The few hours I get to play with him most every day are probably the most spontaneous of my adult life.

I can also choose what restaurant to go to with my wife (actually I can suggest but she can choose). I can also choose to order pizza or cook a nice meal at home.

I can choose which Japanese beer, French wine or Russian vodka will accompany me to our weekly poker game. I can even choose to play sober and maybe win some money. Heck, I can even decide to stay home!

Looked at this way, realizing that perhaps I was mistaking spontaneity with a lack of responsibility, helps me whenever I feel that the repercussions of just ditching whatever else I've got going on that day and pissing into the wind would be just too great.

I've come to realize that the time I've blocked in over the next few hours to do something that I'm not all that thrilled about affords me the time that I've blocked in to do things that are a benefit to those I care about or are things I truly enjoy.

Maybe having a family, two jobs, a start up and racing my bike isn't a jam packed, tied down, responsibility laden life but is a full, balls to the wall, getting something out of every minute lifestyle that leads somewhere.

Oh perspective how I love you.

And now we dance!

Pindung County - 28 Feb 2008

2009-02-28T02:02:00.001-08:00

This was my first race back and my first race with my new team: CKT. I will start another thread about my new frame later.

And now a word from our sponsor: It's the all new EXCUSE-O-MATIC! No matter what the occasion just thwack the dial and the all new EXCUSE-O-MATIC will spit out a totally useful excuse for you.*

*Not suitable for all ages.

I've been working my arse off for the last 2 weeks and my training has suffered. I knew this going in so adjusted my goals. Results weren't important. I wanted to define roles and execute tactics. I also like to sell swampland in Florida.

The race was a breezy affair. There was a 94km (shortened?) section of gentle rollers and flat flats followed by a 16km climb with tons of pitches above 10%. The latter part was certainly not designed with me in mind. (Unless it was designed by my wife to torture me).

All of the cats started together (it was a point-to-point) so there were over 600 riders. I staged late and so had to start near the back. During the neutral I managed to work my way to the very front where I had a short time to catch up with an old team mate. Then the lead motos pulled off and we were racing.

I always need a good hard jump to open my legs and today was no exception. At 2km in I saw another former team mate jump and so I decided to bridge. This I did, then we both sat up and now we had a brief chance to catch up before we were swamped by the group.

He told me he'd gone to Singapore to have some surgery done on his knee and today was the first test. He then told me he was going to drop out before the climb so I shouldn't follow him. I then asked him what the hell made him ever think I would try to follow him on a climb. We laughed. We cried. Good times.

Because the course was so unfavourable to me and all the cats were racing together, I told my team mates that I would do what I could to keep the group together so they could sit in and fight for a podium spot on the climb. This is what I set about doing.

There was a series of attacks which produced a series of doomed breaks. The Tiachung County team was controlling the front pretty well. But then one of their guys would go in a move and they would have 4 guys at the front setting false tempo. I watched a few breaks start to roll away from us and each time I got to the front and put my head down.

I selected a 13-26 because of the climbing. I found myself spun out as we maintained 50km/h+ on the flats and I topped out at 59km/h. I know exactly when this happened because I had spun out my 13. I actually wanted my 12. Who'd a thunk it?

This went on until we hit the bottom of the climb and the road pitched up above 10%. I fought to hang on but I eventually popped. I struggled to hang on but felt like I was sliding backwards as rider after rider I hadn't seen all day rode away from me.

I finished mid-fodder. At least I never saw the back marker.

I probably could have done better on the climb if I'd sat in (maybe main fodder group) but it really wouldn't have done much for me. I had one team mate who was second in his cat, another 4th and a third was 6th. We also lost one rider to a crash.

All in all it was exactly what a first race should be. I was active at the front, got some good jersey time (although a camera truck almost took us all down when the driver decided it would make a better shot if he switched from the right side of the road to the left while he was 5 feet in front of the lead rider. Idjit.) and got a good idea of what I have in the tank. I can now adjust my training accordingly.

Time: 2:32
NP: 296
Max HR: I may have discovered a new high (208?) but I think it was interference from some Taiwan Radar jamming station pointing at a mainland Chinese fighter buzzing their airspace.
Result: I don't think they have numbers that go that high in Chinese.

The Call

2009-02-07T22:46:00.000-08:00

Let's just start by backing the truck up a bit here.

I stopped racing in late 2007. Stopped riding soon after that. Early 2008 I was going crazy and decided I wanted to start racing again.

I started training, got injured, got sick or had real life get in the way. Rinse, repeat. 2008 was a write off. But I had base.

Enter 2009. Consistent training over a few months and starting to feel a little frisky on my last few rides and at the last training race.

A regular job, a start up, a family and a nasty cycling habit makes for a pretty tight schedule. But there are times when things are ticking along nice and steady.

Then there's the call.

It took me back to the call I received when my father was dying. It was early afternoon and I was getting ready for a ride. I was on the next plane, taking off, 6 hours later. I traveled 24 hours straight to get to my father. He died when we were in the car leaving the airport on our way to the hospital.

The last time I touched my father's hand it was already cold.

This is what I thought of when the owner of the small company for which I work told me had had received the call last night and could I cover for him if he really needed to go home.

"Of Course."

I have a new team for 2009 and although it is a rather rag-tag bunch there are a few riders I like. I also I think I may actually see two diamonds who currently ride like coal. It could be possible to cook this unruly group down to 6 core riders for 2010.

There is a race in 3 weeks that suits my skills more than my fitness. This is good. The first 100km are rolling and flat and a bit technical. Then there is a 14 climb. Ok. So I'm out. But, there is another rider on our team who is riding well and is pretty smart.

I want to work to keep the tempo up (actually get others to do it for me) and then place him in the lower section of the climb. After that he needs help from someone else on the team or he's on his own.

It's early season so the real goal is to execute tactics. ANY tactics, as a group. A good result would be a plus but cohesion is the first step.

I've worked for a lot of people and I can't say it's been very often that I've truly liked the people I was working for. I think I'm very fortunate to consider my employer to also be my friend. And this was a friend who just got the call.

My father was sick for years. The doctors had him so heavily medicated and cross medicated that he would sleep away most of the day in naps or sometimes only get up to eat and watch a little TV. There were several things wrong with him but nothing that was terminal or immanent.

Once I was older and no longer lived in the same city as my family if the phone rang late at night this was the thought that jarred me from sleep. When I finally did receive the call it was daytime and it had pretty much the opposite effect; Everything that followed, for days, felt like a dream. They kept telling me that this was normal and it happened to a lot of people.

"Ok."

And then I was back home and back on the schedule and half a world away.

I remember seeing footage of Delgado climbing off of his bike while in yellow and getting into his team car. His mother had died and he just couldn't go on.

Even for the man in yellow real life gets in the way.

I saw a bit of all that in my friends eyes reflected back at me when he asked me if I could put in some extra time so he could go home: If he really had to.

"Of course."

The race will still happen. I will still go. I may have to hide in the bunch a bit more. Especially in the second 50km. We haven't raced together as a group but we should be able to place our guy in the front group when the selection happens if I can get one or two of the other team mates to pitch in when I ask them. If we can execute it will be a good start to a new season.

I've always felt that jumping right back in is good. It gets things going again. Gets the head back in the game. How you do is not so important.

The thing I remember the clearest was the strap in my hand and that when we were told to lower the casket I couldn't. I knew I was supposed to but my hands wouldn't unclench. My uncles and the funeral director had began to let the straps slide through their hands, and my fathers' casket inched its' way away from me, but my hands wouldn't let go. No matter how hard I tried and for the briefest of moments I could not let go.

Then a shallow breath and my grip slackened.

Results don't matter for this one.

My Epic Sunday Ride.

2008-12-01T04:18:00.000-08:00

The weather has been cold, windy and wet for weeks. There has been some decent riding but lots of misery, too.

The plan was to ride from home on Saturday, drive out to the in-laws Saturday night and ride 5.5hrs in the mountains on Sunday. The weather was shaping up to be great. I'd been off the bike for a bit and I really wanted to ride.

I did 3 hours from home on Saturday as planned. I'd been sick for a few weeks and had actually dropped some weight in the process. Not my original strategy but I'd take it. I was worried I'd feel the time off and that the infection might still be lingering. I felt a lot better than expected.

I knew the next day would be a harder ride so I held back a few times when all I really wanted to do was crank it up and see how long I could put out some juice. I wanted to know what was in the tank. I did a few jumps and a couple of 5min pieces but mostly solid, steady tempo. I was still itching when I got off the bike.

Went to lunch with the family, watched SpongeBob and was in bed by 8:00.

Brilliant sleep. I woke up at 8:00am and wrestled with my son while we ate breakfast. I filled some water bottles and pumped my tires. I went to the bedroom where I had all my kit laid out and then out onto the balcony to make my final clothing choices.

Wow. All the recent high winds and rain had cleared the air and the sky was deep, cloudless and blue. I could see two ranges in in the direction I was headed. It was 22*C and the flags were limp, with an occasional twitter just to let you know they were there. This was going to be epic.

Final clothing choices made (and accounting for at least 2, 15 minutes descents and 1, 30 min+ descent with altitude) I sprang into the bedroom. I laid out the Power Meter, HR strap, Powerbars, ipod, phone, apple, shoes, socks, vest, leg and knee warmers, shorts...shorts?...SHORTS!... AND JERSEY!

Damn.

I fumed.

I ate the apple.

I packed up my crap and carried my bag to the door. I put on my shoes. Then I picked up my son and handed him his ball and we went to the park.

We played soccer (this kid can run with a ball!), some basket ball, a game where he threw the ball down the court, chased it, then he picked it up and I had to carry him to the hoop and we watched some bigger boys play baseball.

Then we went to Toys'R'Us and I bought the first Christmas gift of the season.

I had a great ride on Sunday. Epic ride.

The Quest of Bob Dopolina

2008-11-25T06:01:00.001-08:00

The following is a condensed version of THE LEGEND OF BOB DOPOLINA - THE MAN, THE BIKE, THE QUEST. soon to be available on Bantham Books.

Although his exact origins remain shrouded in mystery, biographers generally agree that Bob Dopolina started out fixing flats and counting spokes some time in the early eighties in a very busy bike shop in the wilds of Canada. Once he had proven himself to be the best flat fixer and spoke counter imaginable he was taken under the wing of a former Irish National Team rider turned shop Manager named Seamus Gantley.

Seamus taught him how to wrench, curse, drink and generally annoy the boss. Bob was a fast learner. A few short years later Bob was running his own bike build crew and was eventually promoted to head mechanic supervising 6 poor souls in a shop that grossed nearly 10 million a year, from a single location, in the mid-eighties. No small feat.

Eventually Bob moved on and found himself working for another bike shop with a Shop Manager who's knowledge of the dark side of the wrench was second to none. (NOTE: In some circles there is speculation that this second mentor was a mysterious man named Andy Bedlam but this is still in dispute) Not much is known of this second mentor to Bob only that his brother had a beard and he rode the only Carbon Vitus never to have failed. It is rumoured that it was he who, during a particularily long and blustery winter, while logging endless base miles, passed on to Bob all the bike VooDoo known to man.

Several years later, after a particular bad day building no less than 30 Sidewalk Angels, a task that all who knew and now feared Bob agreed was well beneath Bob's ever more powerful abilities, Bob had a vision that would change his life;. Bob decided it was time to set out on his own.

He summoned up the courage and broke free of his mentor. He sold all of his worldly possesions except his bikes, his books and his music. He stuffed what remained of his previous life inside a 1988 Oldsmobile Delta 88 Royal that pointed west. Within a scant 72 hours he had traveled to the other side of that vast, frozen expanse of wilderness known as Canada to become a Shop Manager in his own right. This shop was a high end, high profile deal that catered to Freds and World Champions alike. Here Bob Thrived.

It was at about this time that Bob also came into his own as a racer. Surviving a serious injury he eventually claimed a National Championship of his own. But Bob was not satisfied.

In true Bob Dopolina fashion he set out in search of bigger challenges this time travelling half way around the world to the land of bikes and Bin Lan - Taiwan. Here he quickly established a new Elite Team, began product testing for several high profile bike companies and generally had a good time. His wrenching experience and product knowledge led him to become the Manager of the Campagnolo Service Center for Taiwan, China, Hong Kong and Vietnem. He worked with OE factories in support of Campagnolo and Continental AG. He was responsible for handling warrantiy claims for 14 different brands. But still Bob yearned for more. It was time for the next chapter in the saga of Bob Dopolina to begin.

Bob did the only thing he could do; He opened his own company -The BDop Cycling Company - and began sourcing products manufactured in Taiwan for OE and aftermarket customers. He also began selling consumer direct to North America, Europe and Oceana. And he saw that it was good.

Bob continues on his quest to this day.

Bike racing is still fun! Who'da Thunk it?

2008-09-21T18:44:00.000-07:00

Found out on Wednesday that I had been registered for a race the following Saturday (damn, I've been busy). A short, flat circuit race and I was racing in my age category. All right, I thunk, what the hell. I'll go.

Then I remembered that my wife would still be away so it was me and my 20 month old son all week. What the heck, he'd go with me. The wives/girlfriends could look after him during the race (he loves the ladies) and it would be his first bike race.

All good.

Then I woke up really tired, had to get us both ready and drive an hour and a half to the race. I felt a bit of trepidation because of my last race (http://oldguyracer.blogspot.com/2008/05/alishan-race-18-may-2008.html) and being a bit worried about dragging my son around all day. He is bike crazy and I knew it would be a lot of work. But I soldiered on.

The race was a mix of all the masters cats (from 30 years old and up). There was one former track pro now in his mid 60's. That was kinda cool. Once we were staged I looked around and recognized a few riders and some of the bigger teams.

This race was nice because it was tied in with several other events schedules throughout the weekend in this SMALL town and there were a lot of spectators all around the course. The finish was 3 deep. That is always cool.

I am riding for this club which is basically most of the guys I've been training with and some of their friends. They reg'd me and tossed me a jersey to wear. They keep changing sponsors as they can't seem to get anyone to commit to (and honour) the sponsorship agreements. They ink jerseys and then, 2 months later, there's another jersey. I still don't know what the name of the team I was riding for is...

Bang and we're off. It's 4 laps and we decided to let the team with 6 guys play their hand for the first 2 laps. They're usually a strong and aggressive team so I wanted to let them do some extra work and see if they really could control the race. Having the biggest team doesn't mean you can control things. That is a skill. I wanted to see if they had it or not.

The best laid plans of mice and men...4 km into the race one of my team mates decides that the plan is out the window and he jumps. When he is reeled in the other guy goes (there's really only 3 of us to mix it up). So then I take my turn (which seems to be the new plan).

My first 2 jumps felt sluggish. I could hold good speed but I had no snap. I found it really hard to jump away from the group. The next few felt better but I knew I didn't have that kind of snap today. This meant I could offer a solid lead-out to our sprinter or look for a break.

We continued attacking the race. A few laps of this and the field was thinner, the team with 6 riders never got a chance to play any card and we were at the bell.

The course started out along a 2-3 km long steel girder bridge that, I guess, was really old, recently restored and the reason why we were racing on it. It stretched across a very wide river, was totally exposed and had a nasty cross-head wind. At least the surface was good.

Then a quick right, up an on-ramp and onto a closed section of the hi-way and a cross-tailwind that saw me jump over 60km/h, repeatedly. Coming off the highway there was a sharp right that dropped down, slightly off camber, off the hi-way bridge onto a wee gravely road. 50m after that was another hard right corner and then into the last 1.5km that was a dog-leg shaped wind tunnel. Right in your face to the finish.

Each lap I made sure I lead through these turns and I kept ramping it up a notch further every time. Just testing. I knew this would be the only place where I could get the kind of gap I needed that my legs weren't going to give me otherwise.

Going onto the hi-way bridge, the last time, I had a team mate up the road in a 4 man break. The group was slowly bringing it back and I wasn't sure if they could hold it to the end. They were getting awfully close...

As we got near to the end of the bridge I had another team mate on the front setting a false tempo and, knowing the line I was going to set through these corners was going to be TIGHT and FAST, I told him to hold the pace steady.

I did a false attacked about 1.5 km before the end of the bridge to see if I was being marked. Sure enough there are 4 guys from the same team on my wheel when I look back. I soft pedalled and looked at their faces for the right moment. Then I attacked for real just before the corners.. I held good speed and my tires stuck. Then I had to bridge into the nasty head wind.

Luckily the break had taken it easy through the corners as they didn't want to crash out in the last few kms. This gave me some extra speed coming out of the corners and I was able to catch them just as we passed the 1km to go point.

As they set up for the sprint I knew who's wheel to grab (the team mate). We had talked about the sprint before the race and I knew just how he was going to play it and how far out. I rolled onto his wheel just as he got up to sprint. He rolled across the line sitting up, I was a bike length behind him and there was open road behind me.

I was second.

But wait a minute! Hold the phone! I totally forgot about the age category thing! I won. Yipee!

All in all a small race but it was good to get back and get my head in a race for a while. I just wish I was feeling better.

It also gave me an indication of where my fitness is and what I need to work on now.

Bike racing is still fun.

A Sunday Ride in the Mountains

2008-08-03T19:36:00.000-07:00

This is pretty much a typical day in the mountains. I try to get some climbing in on Saturday and Sunday.

Saturday is a fast training race with a group that features some climbing. Sunday I ride by myself and the goal is 4-6 hours with as much climbing as possible. The ride starts off at near sea level in Tainan County. This is where rice comes from, BTW.The ride has about 20km of flat as I head towards the mountains. This gives me a good warm-up. This is a typical Chinese Gate.
After the warm-up, I cross over into Chaiyi County and the climbing begins.
I'm headed to the one on the bottom. That is up and over 2 mountains and then back again.
After 20 minutes or so of a 2%-4% grade, the real climbing begins around this left hander. I can also get my first peak of what the weather might be for later in the day.This is part of a series of switchbacks that gains just over 500m in 5km. The pitches are between 10%-14% with the 'level' sections around 8%-10%. This climb is a good indicator of how I will feel the rest of the day.
Part way down the descent on the other side and I get a GOOD look at the weather ahead. Not too bad but there could be trouble. I don't mind the rain on these rides. It's 30C+ so I don't get cold on the descents. It's more about what condition the road might be in. More on that later.
I continue down the other side. The last time I road up this I was being chased by some ratty old, smoke belching, mud spewing, trucks driven by Whisbe drinking, Bin Lon chewing truck drivers on their way to lunch.This was where I got my first good look at the trucks. Yikes!More mountains. Does this ever get old? You can see several ridges in the distance. Some have roads, some don't. The roads that are there are tattered and small. I like those best.
I hint to all the Jr. Geologists as to how the mountains here were formed. In some parts of the country there are entire mountain sides with their layers exposed like this.Part way up the second (bigger) climb and you can see the road, in the distance, where I took the last picture.This is the real problem with rain in the mountains here. This was mostly cleared away last week after the typhoon. It is a small slide but it is still blocking almost a full lane. You need to be careful during descents. You can come ripping around a corner and come face to face with one of these.This is a slightly bigger slide. Apparently it blocked the road completely just around the bend. I never got to see it though, as this was a far as I could get. It is about 5km from the summit. This means I lost this 5 km, the descent, of few ridges after that the turnaround and the climb back up. I was a little pissed but this is par for the course here. The worst part was that I usually get water and a coke at the turnaround. Not today. I was pretty low at this point so I had to sip a little less until I could find suppliers. No biggie.

I'll come back next week and see what damage was really done.

This part doesn't look too bad. The road is still there so I think it is just about clearing away the debris. A bigger slide will take the road out entirely and they will have to re-build it from scratch.

So I doubled back at this point. I got home, got cleaned up and went to lunch with the wife and son, Grandma and Grandpa, the wife's big brother and his family.

Good food and good times.

The Trouble with Normal is it Always Gets Worse!

2008-08-01T08:44:00.000-07:00

I went for one of my normal rides on Tuesday. I do about 20km warm up out of town, through some flat farmland and into the foothills. I ride the same 20km back as a cool down. In between are a series of 7-10km bits of smaller roads that I can mix and match and put together a ride from 70-120km. I can mix it up based on weather and how I feel.

This for me is 'normal'.

The problem is, lately, normal is anything but. First off, I was dealing with narrow roads strewn with debris from the recent typhoon. This makes things like traction and punctures a real concern.
This isn't really much of a big deal though. I ride good tires and the real concern on this ride was more about the birds. By this I mean the Hitchcock variety.

First off, the ride I set out to do had 8 climbs in it that range from 300m to 800m in length. The grades run from 6% to over 14% (really). I never do hill repeats. I just jam my way up these babies and it is a power climbing workout extraordinaire.This one is two 14+% jams with a 10% respite stuck in the middle. It is also THE LAST of 8 of these power climbs. The photo shows the last of the 2 14% sections.

Flash back several climbs and I'm feeling a little frisky. I was in the 53/23 and just about to pop over the first climb when, out of the corner of my eye, I swear I saw sparrow swoop down at me and deposit some sparrow droppings on my back. I crested the climb and stuck my hand on my upper back and, sure enough, I came up with a smudge of sparrow crap.

Now, in Chinese culture, this is supposed to be good luck. I can't for the life of me figure out why but, as these are Chinese sparrows, I figure they must know why so this must be good luck. Feeling lucky I continued on.

I got about 10 meters down the road and I saw two more sparrows dive down at me and crap on my head.

"Damn!" I though, "I must be really lucky now."

Not wanting to go to the well too many times I nailed it and tried to put as much distance between me and the luck bestowing rodents with wings as I could. These sparrows seemed to sense my good fortune and headed of to find some other poor soul in need of a little luck. I hit a few more poppers and all was good.
I got to one of the points where I needed to make a decision about which section to do next and I made a decision to go right.

Now bear in mind that I have been riding these same roads for the last 10 years. I know them very well and the farmers who live there have seen me enough times that I am on nodding terms with several of them.

I swooped down the first tight descent and swung around a blind embankment only to find that, due to a recent earthquake and a couple of typhoons, one of my favourite sections of roads was, well... gone. It was already dodgey after the quake but it was still manageable. I hadn't ridden it in about a month but I guess one of the last typhoons had finished it off (eroded under the road causing it to collapse) and already the jungle had began to claim it back. No hope in riding through this one.
Now I realized that I had two options. I could double back through swallow alley or double back and take the left instead of the right I took. That sounded like the better idea so I headed off.

Back up and over and I dropped down into the next valley. I hit a few more poppers and all was good. I started to relax and really enjoy the ride. The typhoon had passed, the skies were clear and blue and the humidity hadn't had a chance to return yet. Just then a bunch of chickens ran across the road in front of me and I had to do a two wheel lock up to avoid hitting lunch. It seemed the farmer's chicken house had been damaged in the typhoon and now there were hundreds of chickens running around like...chickens. The worst part was that I had scarred these foul fowl so much that by the time I rifled through my jersey pocket, fished out my cell phone, and got it ready to snap a picture, every last chicken had disappeared into the shrubbery that lined the road. WTF! So I took a picture of the farmer's house.
I clicked back in and off I went. 3 more poppers to go.

I started thinking about all the weird crap that had been happening to me lately on rides. Recently I'd gotten it into my head that the Fates had set out to ruin my life. They were messing with me and causing me grief for their own perverse pleasure. Then, it seemed, they had tired of me and my petty struggles and moved on. Now I wasn't so sure. Maybe one of the twisted lesser Fates had been given a chance and was having her go at me.

I started thinking about all the weird weather we'd had this year. We had a long cold winter (unusual) a really wet spring (a bit unusual) and already 2 big typhoons early in the season.

Taiwan has these indigenous birds (the Black-Spoon Bills or something like that) that had suddenly flocked and then just flocked off, completely out of season. Even my wife had been nice to me lately. Things were just not right.

As I was turning this over in my mind, I hit the next climb and tried to jam up it in the big ring. This has always been an indication to me of when I am ready to race. If I can power my way over these babies then I am ready - I am at least at the point where I can hang. Once I start to toy with these climbs then I know I can be competitive. Right now, I am in the early hanging stages.

Anyway, as I was turning all this over in my mind, and cresting this climb,I heard this honking and hissing behind me.

This was the final sign of the apocalypse. A big goose was hissing at me and chasing me over the top of the climb. He was about a breath away from getting a good taste of my hamstring!

If you've every been around these birds then you know that this is no joke. The have a bad temper and some bulk. At this point, if this bastage got a good piece of me I was going down and there would be some serious welts to go with my road rash.

Luckily he scared me just enough that I had an adrenalin rush and I opened a few meters between us as the grade eased off. But he didn't give up. He was pissed and he kept after me for another 50m or so. Finally I hung a left and he was quickly out of sight.

Now I had 1 more short popper to go and the last 14%+ leg breaker that serves as my reality check. After that it was a few short rollers (that don't count) and the last 20km home.

The thing is I just didn't know what to make of all this. I mean really. Was I being paranoid? Was this just some strange series of events that I was connecting together because I have a blog I was in need of some detritus?
I was a few hours into this ride and had slammed back 3 large bottles already. I needed a nature break. I stopped at a familiar spot and went about emptying my bladder. As I did I had a moment to look around and, specifically to look down at the collapsed riverbank below me.

A few years ago this had been a small stream with a little shack and some crops. Now it was an actual river, the shack long since washed away, and the quickly eroding field lay fallow. I was briefly amazed at how quickly and irrevocably things changed around here.

Then it was 2 shakes and on with my ride.

So which was I? The river? The riverbank? The shack (all washed up)? Or did none of this concern me? Was I just a casual observer getting in the way? And what about those wicked sisters - the Fates? Were they really messing with me? Or was I just looking for interesting stuff to talk about at our next poker game?

I still don't know. What I do know is that I have a couple of 4-5 hour rides scheduled for the weekend. In the last few weeks I've survived rain, lightening, old age, all manner of fowl, my wife's temper and bodily injury. I'm either prepared for what's next or my luck has run out.

I'll let you all know on Monday.

Rolling Thunder

2008-07-28T17:30:00.000-07:00

Nope. This is not another weather related post.

It seems that the fates have turned their gaze away from me, as of late, and are focused on some other poor soul (God - or some other extra-dimensional, omnipresent, omnipotent being - help the sap). My foot has healed and I've managed to get some decent mileage in despite two typhoons this month. I've even managed a couple of Wednesday night training races.

Sunday, I started my ride from my wife's parents' place out in the county and headed directly into the mountains for some climbing. A slightly overcast day kept the temps down a bit and there was only a small breeze. This was shaping up to be a good one.

I spun my way up the longer beginning section of the first climb for 30 minutes or so until I hit the steeper grades that make up the last third of this climb. Once up and over I did the screaming descent down, through the low lying clouds, to the foot of the bigger climb I wanted to do. This is an out and back course for me so every km I ride out means I will have to ride it back, too.

I settled into a pretty snappy rhythm for the first section of the climb. I thought I'd do about 1 hour of this climb and then double back. I've been dropping weight and getting fitter again but I am certainly not at the point where I can turn 5 hours into 6 and not have it trash me for a few days (I also do distance on Tuesdays so, at this point, I want to be recovered by then so I can do 4 hours as well).

The roads were empty and I kept climbing. The rhythm was there so I just kept taping it out. Wattage and heart rate were all manageable as I rode into the clouds.

I rode until I was at 1 hour for this climb. It was a great day and I still felt pretty good. I convinced myself to do a few more minutes and then turn around. I was a little concerned that I'd run out of jam. I still had a long descent down but then I had one more short (590m elevation gain) but steep (pitches of 13-14%! with tons of 8-10%) climb left to do. This is the climb that always gives me the reality check. After that one there is still 30km left to ride.

As I was contemplating this I broke through the cloud layer and was now in light cloud and sun. I was at about 850m so the temps weren't too bad. I also knew that I was only 5km or so from the top. Hell, I thought, I really hate turning around before I summit (almost exactly 1000m) so I decided to finish up.

And that I did. I stopped for 5 minutes to get water and a coke and have a nature break, then I zipped up and did the 25 minutes of screaming, twisting, uber technical descending that is par for the course around here. I had to be careful in a few of the sections as there was still small sections of the mountain that had slid down during the last typhoon. The roads had been cleared (a single lane) but there was still dirt, rocks and bits of tree trunks strewn around.

I got to the bottom and hung the hard left that took me directly into the last climb. Bang! 10%. Tap, tap. I kept it going. My legs didn't feel too bad. Slam it into the apex at 13%, out of the saddle, up, up up, sit, shift and tap, tap tap. And repeat several times. Not bad. Huh.

This climb is tough because it comes after a long descent and is steep right away. After a few kms, though, the grade drops down to 4-6% and the pitches are short and only 8-10%. Manageable. Then there is a small respite, you lose a bit of elevation, and the last section is not too bad at all. It's only hard because of the 4 hours or so already in the legs.

Then I heard it. Distant at first but clearly headed my way. Trucks. BIG trucks. Big dump trucks and trucks with Earth movers. These guys were the ones fixing the mountain from the typhoon otherwise they wouldn't normally be on these tight, twisty mountain roads. They were coming up behind me. Damn. What a way to ruin a great ride.

I looked down from atop one switchback and got a good look at these lumbering beasts. My legs still felt pretty good so I decided then and there to give it a go. If I could crest before them they'd never catch me on the descent.

Click, click and out of the saddle. I got it going, sat, clicked back up one more and got on top of it. How long could I keep this going? I could hear the rumble clearly through the heavy, still air on this side of the mountain. They were only a few hundred meters behind me - maybe 1 or 2 switchbacks bellow me - and getting louder by the second.

I could tell by the engine noise that the trucks were struggling with the pitches and the twists in the road. This was to my advantage. I could also tell that the drivers had no intention of taking it easy. They were on their way to lunch and if I wasn't careful the appetizer would be me.

I was riding right at my threshold and I could hear the thunder of these trucks rolling up behind me. In these tight little sections the sound traveled straight to me and couldn't just hear it, I could feel it. 1 km to go.

I shifted and got out of the saddle to get on top of the gear. The grade eased off here but that meant it eased off for the trucks, too. They were closing on me. I put my head down and drove. I could see the summit a hundred meters ahead of me and the trucks even closer behind me.

I jumped with everything I had left. I drilled it up ,over the summit, jammed it into the big ring and swung left into the descent. I couple of switch backs later and the thunder began to recede. I was away.

I ripped down the mountain, onto the flats and road the last 30km back to safety, food and a nice, cool bath.

Cursing the Fates.

2008-07-07T22:03:00.000-07:00

I've been having a string of bad luck of late that has pretty much ended any chance of riding well anytime in '08. None of it was serious; It was mostly a bunch of minor incidents that has made it impossible to develop or maintain any decent fitness. It's as if the Fates were conspiring to keep me off the bike. So I decided to give the Fates their due and to lay down some serious base and look forward to '09.

The problem with this is that it means I am doing long rides (4-5 hours) in the middle of summer when I would have normally scaled back the time and been doing 2 1/2 hours of intensity and sprint intervals. This also jives with the pause in the racing season here that happens during the summer months. There are races in the spring and fall but very few in July and August when the heat, humidity and typhoons are at their peak.

So Sunday I went out for a planned 4 hour ride that features about 1400m of climbing. I started off feeling a little better than I had of late so I bumped the pace up during the warm-up and got on top of the gear a little more than I had recently. This was shaping up to be a good one.

About a hour into it I was riding tempo along a tree-lined road that is a slight false flat up and heads into the foothills. Up ahead I saw some dark clouds rolling in and I could tell there was some big rain in store for me later. Ok, I thought, this one might get a bit epic.

I kept riding.

The wind began to kick up and it started to get darker and darker all around me. I had started out in bright sunshine so I was wearing dark lenses. I slipped my shades off and stuck them in my helmet. A light rain began to fall.

I was actually a bit thankful for the rain. It was a lot cooler than the summer sun I started out in. The wind picked up a bit more and the rain followed suit. Now it was blowing in my face but I was feeling pretty good so I kept the tempo going and resolved to hammer through it.

As the wind drove the rain into my face it started to sting but it was ok because I was feeling better than I had in months. I just put my head down and kept turning the legs. Then I saw a lightening strike about a click or so in front of me. This is pretty odd for around here. Then, within the space of less than a minute I saw 4 more.

I kept riding.

The wind notched up once more and was now driving the rain into my face. It felt like a was riding through a swarm of bees. Then more lightening. This was getting serious. Then I realized that the Fates were having at me again. This was the first ride where I felt even part way decent and they were sending this storm to slap me down once more. Damn, this was getting personal! I started to get angry. Defiant. I would be damned if those biotches were going to take this ride away from me.

I kept riding.

The wind became deafening. It felt like every drop of rain was piercing my flesh. The lightening strikes were coming fast and furious. Even if I wanted to get off my bike I was surrounded by trees on either side of the road for a few kms in each direction. What was I to do? I put my head down, cursed the sky and I kept riding.

You know that scene in the Trueman show (or almost any other movie where some idiot is caught in a storm at sea) where Jim Carey lashes himself to the mast and shouts at the sky, "Is this all you got?!", "Is this it?", "Bring it on!"? That was me.

The wind was pressing me down until my chest was resting on the top tube. I was riding at a crawl. The rain was threatening to tear chunks of flesh from my body or, at the very least, powerwash the tattoos off of me. There were so many lightening strikes I'd completely lost count and I was cursing the sky and telling whoever to "Bring it on!".

Idiot.

Then there was this pause, or maybe it was a lull - I can never tell the difference. For a second I was able to spit the water out of my mouth and catch my breath. "HA!" I thought. "Ha," indeed.

Just behind me, slightly out of my peripheral view and to the right, there was a strike. The bang was so loud that, when I got home, I was sure that I was going to find that I'd soiled my bibs a little bit. All of the hairs on my body felt like they were standing up. The air had this smell I can't describe. It was a like that smell after a big storm, with an undertone of burnt something and then something else - something else I'd never smelled before.

I kept riding.

The wind dropped off to a manageable level and the rain became rain again. It was still a pretty decent storm but it felt as if the meanness of it was gone.

I did 2 1/2 more hours of wind, rain, sun and climbing. I felt good. I felt good for the first time in many months. I know it sounds weird (and a wee bit hippyish) but it felt as if something had passed. For the first time in months I felt hopeful, that the road was long but it lead somewhere. It was going to be ok.

I just need to keep riding.

The Sirens Song - A Power Meter Tale of Warning

2008-06-18T06:22:00.000-07:00

I have been around Power Meters off and on and, last year, two of my team mates had SRMs and were trying to seduce me into buying one as well. I was tempted but, in the back of my mind, I already knew I was going to quit racing at the end of the season so the investment didn't make sense.

Fast forward 6 months and I've been convinced to race again and have a new PM lashed to my bike.

I've been racing for 20+ years and after plenty of trail and error and after getting my coaching license, I have a pretty good idea of how my body responds to training; I know what I need to do to get to race weight or get race fit. I also know what doesn't work for me.

It used to be that I would block out 6 week training cycles and pretty much stick to them. I'd put in the time and the work would generate predictable results. But that damn PM lashed to my bike has ruined all that.

It started slowly. At first it was a simple enjoyment of a new toy. I'd play with the buttons as I rode and see what I could see. I used to enjoy the the terrain that I passed over as I logged the miles, but now I found I couldn't wait to finish my ride and go download it onto my computer so I could see what I had ridden. It wasn't about the road anymore, it was about the cool charts and graphs I could make. I could barely remember any of the real details of what I'd just ridden.

I few rides later and, to my horror, I discovered that I had lost my ability to speak a single sentence that wasn't riddled with acronyms. I was becoming obsessed with generating numbers that were comparable to others. I needed to see numbers that I knew I had generated in the past (through testing). I began second guessing everything I knew and everything I was seeing. I was constantly readjusting my schedule to fit with some idea of training that hadn't every worked well for me. How is it that I could forget everything I knew, disregard all the tell tale signs and ride like a big dummy?

I should have listened to the cremudgeons who howled their warnings at me from the front gates of my LBS. They warned me that this could happen. The had tried to dissaude me with tales of other riders who had suffered a similar fate but I was deaf to their pleas. I had been lured by my PMs Siren Song and now lay spent on the sofa with the debris of several wasted weeks of training scattered all around me.

In retrospect, I should have ridden as I had in the past and used my PM to collect data. After I had some fitness I could have then used the information wisely instead of foolishly getting caught up in the the technology and everyone else's ideas of how I should train.

Luckily, I have survived to tell my cautionary tale but this season is, for the most part, a write-off. Now I need to dig down and humbly begin again.

Stick on the ice.

2008-05-27T17:19:00.000-07:00

I got a text from a friend about heading down to the park to throw a baseball around, maybe hit a few. I thought it would be a good idea.

When we got there there were a bunch of kids having themselves a pretty good game. They weren't going anywhere. Then my buddy remembered that there was also a bunch of guys who played some ball hockey in the middle of the skating oval (roller blading) in another section of the park. We headed over for a look.

When we got there there were several guys we knew, 2 nets, full goalie equipment and an assortment of spare sticks. This is no small feat to find on an island in the tropics! How could I not pick up a stick and take a few shots on net?

15 minutes later, I'm covered in sweat and sweep checking a guy as he tries to pinch in from the wing. All good fun. It's been 10 years since I held a hockey stick in my hand and, although I was never much of a hockey player, I'm having a blast.

Game on!

I'm sure you can see this one coming. It's like a train wreck; You know it's going to happen but there's nothing you can do to stop it.

I'm on the point, one of my team mates has the ball behind the net to the left, he spots me and passes it to me and I get ready to tee it up looking for the top shelf. The defenseman gets a whisper of wood on the ball and causes it to hop over my stick. He's already facing the right direction and he sprints after the loose ball with nothing between him and our goalie but open concrete. I turn and sprint after him.

I am closing on him. I get my stick out and think I can get my shoulder in front of his and take him off the ball. There's sweating and grunting, the sound of team mates shouting and stick on stick and then I am on the ground and in pain. I have turned my ankle and it doesn't feel good. He continues away with the ball, makes a quick move across the front of the net, our goalie goes down and he flips it up high, into the net. He scores.

Damn.

The game stops for a minute. The big pain subsides and and I get up. I've turned this ankle before and it was no biggie. Just sore for a day or two. So I walk it off and play for another 20 minutes. I go home, have a beer and try to interest my wife in stories of ball hockey glory. I fail miserably.

Later that night I notice that my ankle has gone missing. I know I had one when I woke up that morning but it's nowhere to be seen now. This is not good. I ice, take some Ibuprofen and go to bed.

In the morning I have a stump where my foot used to be. Great. Perfect. Off to the doctor.

I've torn some medial ligaments in my foot. A few days of swelling and then I should find my ankle again. In 6 weeks it should be healed. I guess I won't be racing Sunday.

My training was going poorly enough. Now this:As I walked out of the doctors office after declining the obligatory pain meds (completely unnecessary in this instance) my ankle was wrapped and my were spirits low. Then I thought of what an odd post this would be.

If you don't laugh, you'll cry.

Training: Week # 7

2008-05-27T17:13:00.000-07:00

Monday: Off.
Tuesday: Time: 2:55 - Distance: 75km - TSS:200 IF:.76 Elev: 710m Kj:0
I felt pretty tired from the weekend. Racing is one thing but the driving and the lack of sleep really take their toll.
Wednesday Training Race:Injured. As a cyclist one would think this would be a cycling injury. It's not. Damn. Just when I was feeling crappy, too.
Thursday:Injured
Friday:Injured
Saturday:Injured
Sunday: Injured

Totals:
Time: 2:50 hours
Distance: 75km
Elevation gain: 710m
Kj: 0
TSS:200
IF: .76
NP:

Alishan Race 18 May 2008

2008-05-18T01:20:00.000-07:00

This was my first race back, after roughly 6 months off the bike, and it felt like it. It didn't help that it was a course completely unsuited to me. It was a short race, 72km, but it climbed up to 2600m and finished there. For the most part the grades were 4%-6% with 8%-10% pitches thrown in. What makes it tough is the fact that it never stops climbing and you get to spend some time at altitude.

For the last several years, we would drive up the night before, hotel it, get up early and have a big breakfast, get ready and go race. That was before. For this race I hooked up with the local club team I have been training with and we did it their way. I got up a 3am and drove to meet them (we used my old team car). We loaded up and headed out by 4:15. I drove the 2 hours to the race. We unpacked, got ready, had a quick warm up and staged.

Bang and we're off. There was a long neutral of 15km which didn't really feel like a neutral at all. The tempo wasn't so fast but it was certainly quick - quick enough to whittle the group down from 150+ riders to less than 50.

There was this one hairy legged foreigner, with a wicked 'hitch' in his left knee that apparently didn't get the memo about the neutral. He proceeded to jump out of the group, after about 1 km and struggle his way up to the lead police car and motorbikes that were about 150m in front of us. You could see the guy was really digging and not understanding what the guys on the motos were telling him and, all the while, his left knee is going ' whip, clickety-clickety, whip, clickety, clickety' as he ground up the grades out of the start town.

My plan was just to ride my own race and not worry about what was going on on the front. I knew I'd eventually be OTB it was all a matter of when. As we kept climbing, I saw that the pace was going to be brisk in the neutral and that people were already falling off the back. I decided to move closer to the front to get away from the struggling wheels that were getting progressively sloppier all around me.

As I moved up I could see that a few others hadn't gotten the memo either and had joined Festus up at the motos. The rest of the group seemed uninterested. Then a funny thing happened. One of the Giant ART (Taiwan based Continental team) sent one of their guys up there as well. Still, no reaction from the group.

Now, the guys I've been training with are generally a pretty good sort. I've helped most of them at one point or another and we get along pretty well. In fact, I wouldn't even have been there, or racing again for that matter, if they hadn't talked me into it. They were pretty pleased that I was there, we were using my team car, and I had helped them organize both cars, the drivers, and had come up with a plan on how to feed all 12 of us and have food, a shower and clean dry clothes at the finish. They responded by giving me a uniform and following my suggestions (it all worked out really well, actually).

Now as I looked at the Giant rider, and a band of 5 others who didn't get the memo, I knew that the neutral was about to end. Then I saw a camera bike (still photographer) from one of the magazines moving up to the group. I thought to myself that this would be the only chance I would have to help this club out during the course of the race. These media types all know me (not too many white guys racing here), and I'm sure they'd be a bit surprised that I was back racing (and in a funny jersey) so maybe there'd be a picture on their website...So, just as the flag dropped signaling the end of the neutral, I moved off the front (not really an attack as such) and the group let me go.

Since the pace wasn't so high, I got across to these guys quite easily and some of us started to work. We opened up a 30 second gap or so and then it all fell apart. I guess the Giant guy was just having a look-see in case anyone dangerous had slipped across and the rest of the guys were looking at him. 7 or 8km later the group rolled up to us and the glory was over.

Then the race started for real. The pace shot up and the group started breaking apart. I struggled to hang on. Really, I was surprised that I was still there! Fuji (my old team) put 2 guys on the front and started ramping it up. I was slightly gapped at the top of a few pitches but I fought my way back on. Then Giant moved 3 guys to the front and drilled it. I held the wheel in front of me as long as I could. A gap would open in front of me and I'd get out of the saddle to close it, once, twice, I'm not sure how many times, and then they just started rolling away from me. A few riders would come around me, I would latch onto them and it would happen again. Finally, there was no one left to come around me.

I was off.

The cars in the caravan started to come around me and I jumped in. I thought I might be able to work my way back into the group if I could just recover. Then we hit a pitch and they went around me one, two, three, four, more and gone.

2 riders came up to me, I knew them both, they nodded and I hung on. Then a few more joined and we became the second group. The roads here just snake up and down the mountain. In some places you can see quite far up the road. We could see the main group of about 30 riders winding their way across a bridge in front of us. Then they disappeared around a bend. Two of the guys stayed at the front and set tempo. I hung on for as long as I could and then I had to let them go, too.

I was alone.

This is how these kinds of race usually play out for me. If it is a good day I can hang with the second group while the climbers go do what ever it is climbers do when I'm not around. That wasn't today.

My strategy is most often to hang on as long as I can for the first third of the mountain. I then ride the second third at a conservative pace. The last third is often at altitude and, believe it or not, this favours me (I had some testing done once and I am very good at exchanging gases. subsequently, I don't suffer as much as other at altitude - although sometimes I throw up at about 2000m). Because of this, I then ride the last third much harder than the middle third and reel in those who have been dropped by the front group. This strategy has worked well for me in the past. No reason not to follow it again today.

Then the back marker passed me. You know the car that signifies the back of the race? It passed me. I was no longer officially part of the race. I would have to fend for myself. I was at the whim of traffic or whatever else might be out there. I saw a family of monkeys but they were pretty disinterested in me. This would not do.

I mustered my resolve and laid chase to the back marker. Kilometer after kilometer it was just in front of me. I could smell the cigarettes the two guys in it were smoking, but I just couldn't close the gap. Then, a bit of luck.

As he was leaning out the window, the guy in the passenger seat dropped his lit cigarette onto the road. The car stopped. IT STOPPED! He got out to retrieve his smoke and I closed the gap. I rolled past the car and I was, once again, officially part of the race.

With my new found enthusiasm, I dropped from my 23 into my 21. Then something even better happened. I saw another rider around a bend. He was hurting even more than me. I caught and passed him. Then two more riders came into view. I closed on them and then they were gone. The car that had almost crushed me was no where to be seen. It was nipping at the heals of those other poor souls now. I was free. And, tap, tap, tap, I'd found my rhythm.

The last third. Tap. Tap. Tap. I wasn't fast but it was smooth. I could sustain this unlike the haggard souls, hanging over their bars and staring at the road 5 feet in front of them that I started to reel in. Tap. Tap. Tap.

Twinge.

Damn.

Ok. My hamstrings had other plans for me. Tap. Tap. Twinge. Tap. Tap. Twinge. Twinge. Back into the 23. Tap. Tap. Tap.

And that's how it went. I finished up seriously off the pace but still officially in the race. I didn't even bother checking my placing. I'm sure the local guys will all tell me when we get together for the Wednesday night training race.

Really, it doesn't matter. I'm back in the game.

What's your job? Or The Sponsor Game!

2008-05-15T08:31:00.000-07:00

In the last few weeks some of the local guys I train with have been talking up the formation of a new team. Since I'm the guy who has gone out and found sponsors and created teams from spit and dirt the last decade or so, they thought I might fit the bill.

Ok, that's a reasonable assumption. So what's the first step? Money. Cold hard cash.

How do you attract the ever elusive money? Success. No-one wants to throw money at the under dog. They may cheer him on but they won't back him. If you have something successful people will be lining up for a piece of the action. This has been proven to me time and time again.

So...if we want to make a new team we need money. The only way to attract money is to already be successful. Right. This is that catch 22 thing. How can you be successful without money. Really. Racing is expensive (if we are talking about an Elite team) and you need to be able to pay the bills so the riders can focus on riding and not packing groceries.

Here's the thing. I am just starting to see some fitness. I mean, for brief moments, the slightest glimmer of strength on the horizon. We have a circuit race coming up in 3 weeks. I've won this race before but that was before. I should start to see some strength by then but it won't be enough - not even close. It won't be enough to put me on the podium in the Elite (P/1/2/M) group. Even if I race Elite Masters (we race together) it would take some luck and a wee bit of divine intervention for me to be ready by then.

But...if I race my age category I am pretty sure of a top 3. If I race against other guys who have a wife, kids, job and are the same age as me I will probably finish top 3. This is good. This is what my local team mates want me to do. It would be a fresh podium shot to dangle in front of potential sponsors. It may lack context for them but it will be a guy they are talking to standing on a podium. This has it's allure.

If it were just me I'd ride Elite Master, take my chances and hope for the best. It's the race I really want to do but aren't ready for.

But those sponsors...

So what's my job? What's my role here?

I keep thinking, if I thought hard enough, if I closed my eyes and worked my way back through the years, I wonder if I could find the moment where racing became something other than just going fast.

Training Schedule: Week# 6

2008-05-13T06:04:00.000-07:00

Monday: Off.
Tuesday: Time: 2:50 - Distance: 82km - Elevation Gain: 787m - Ave HR: 146.
Started out tight but legs came around and I finished strong.
Wednesday Training Race: Time: 1:50 - Distance: 60km - Elevation Gain: 57m - Ave HR: 150.
Stepped up the tempo for the warm-up. I can feel a hint of strength buried in my legs somewhere but I can tell it will take a lot more work to dig it out.
Thursday:Time: 2:02 Dist:65km TSS:127 IF:.77 Elev: 283m AveHR: 126.
UHHH. Started out very dead. At about 1.5hrs, I started to feel a bit better. I don't think I can handle 3 days of intensity at this point. It's all a little frustrating
Friday: Off
Saturday:Time: 1:12 Dist:28km TSS:44 IF:.61 Elev: 103m Kj:499.
Sunday: Race: Time: 3:01 Dist:72km TSS:244 IF:.82 Elev: 2433m Kj:2683
Man, first race in months and it felt it. see race report for details.

Totals:
Time: 10:55 hours
Distance: 292km
Elevation gain: 4101m
Kj: 7247
TSS:764
IF: .76
NP:

Once more into the fray. Or, 1 lump or 2?

2008-05-08T07:04:00.000-07:00

Recently, I was goaded into coming out of retirement, at age 44, and racing again. All well and good, I thought. The original reasons for hanging them up had been sorted and I still wanted to race.

The local guys I train with asked me to go with them to a race a week after I climbed back on the bike. Wisely, I declined. A few more weeks of riding later and they broached the subject once more. This time it was a race I had done well at the year before. How could I say no? So, I didn't.

The thing is, this is a race that basically climbs a few thousand meters and finishes there. Even though I had done well previously at this event, it certainly wasn't a course that suited me at all. Last year was just a good day. I went balls to the wall and did well. This year is sure to be different!

Here's where pride comes in. I'm a proud guy. I feel I've paid my dues and earned whatever successes I've had. Now, I am looking at a sound thrashing, by riders I would previously shell without a thought, in a mere 10 days from now. It's going to be a tough one to take. The racing community is small and my absence has been noticed. My return will be as well. It won't be all that glorious, though.

I'm trying to keep a positive outlook and just enjoy myself. What I really hope is that I can keep a low profile and miracle myself up the mountain in a time that isn't too embarrassing. The thing is, I'm pretty sure that I'll roll across the line as they awards ceremonies are winding down and in full view of my former team mates and all those I have put the hurt to over the last few years racing here.

Maybe if I do it with a smile people will think I rolled away from the "challenge group". Or... maybe not.

Damn. Time for a big helping of humble pie.

Training Schedule: Week #5

2008-05-05T19:03:00.000-07:00

Monday: Off.
Tuesday: Time: 2:15 - Distance: 60km - Elevation Gain: 434m - Ave HR: 148.
Started out ok but I could feel last week in my legs, still.
Wednesday: Training race: Time: 1:53 - Distance: 60km - NP: 240 - Ave HR: 146.
I sat in for the first half and tried to warm up. It took a while to get the legs going. I started attacking in the second half and had a few good 10+ minute efforts. A little better but still a long way to go.
Thursday:Time: 1:53 - Distance: 58km - Elevation Gain: 382m - Ave HR: 140. NP:172
I felt totally dead today. Pretty early in the program and I guess I am having trouble adapting to the training load. It'll come.
Friday:Off
Saturday:Time: 4:34 - Distance: 134km - Elevation Gain: 1510m - Ave HR: 145. NP:234
I was a little surprised how good I felt. Certainly not great but, considering how crappy I felt all week I was pretty pleased with the ride.
Sunday: Bachelor part last night. No ride...

Totals:
Time: 10.5 hours
Distance: 312km
Elevation gain: 2326m
Ave HR: 144
TSS:Pending
IF: Pending
NP:

Training Schedule: Week #4

2008-05-03T01:27:00.000-07:00

Monday: Shanghai show: Eat. Drink. Stand around.
Tuesday: Travel Day.
Wednesday: Time: 2:00 - Distance: 60km - Elevation Gain: 300m - Ave HR: 148
Man, Could I ever feel the show!
Thursday: Time: 4:00 - Distance: 120km - Elevation Gain: 950m - Ave HR: 142
Friday: Off
Saturday: Time: 2:45 - Distance: 75km - Elevation Gain: 510m - Ave HR: 147
Felt a little better. Had to cut it short so I could get a haircut with my son. Really.
Sunday:Time: 5:08 - Distance: 132km - Elevation Gain: 1553m - Ave HR: 146
Steady, steady, steady. I wanted to see what 5 hours with a NP of 200 felt like. Now I know. This will be a benchmark for mew to use for a while. I felt ok on the ride but it was really hard to tell as I didn't really jam at any point. The short, steep climbs weren't too bad. I think there is an glimmer of fitness on the horizon.

Totals:
Time: 13.53 hours
Distance: 387km
Elevation gain: 3190m
Ave HR: 145
TSS:Pending
IF: Pending

Shanghai Show 2008

2008-04-29T20:59:00.000-07:00

First off, I returned with the usual upper respiratory hack/ illness/ cough that accompanies all trips to China.

The show itself was a bit different from Vegas, Eurobike or Taipei in that it was combined with electric bikes and electric motorcycles. Although they were in another hall, it just seemed a bit...odd.

It seemed like attendance was down as was the number of foreign brands represented. This may be a bit deceiving, though. Lacking was the unwashed masses (attendees) who had no interest in bikes but where just there hawking watches or looking for a way to make a quick buck (some of the watch guys still made the trip).

The questions asked by the dealers and consumers who did attend were more knowledgeable and overall were encouraging. Consumers are still having trouble with access to all the brands they see in the magazines or online. There is limited availability, in some areas, and confusion as to the legitimate supply channels. Basically, this is still a market in development.

I was working in the Campagnolo booth. It was interesting to see the contrast between those who were familiar with, or using Campagnolo, and those who had never heard of the company. I also had the obligatory guy (I called him Bora Boy) who came to the booth 5 times a day to look at the Bora wheels and then tell me how much he knew about Campagnolo. The funny thing was, he was wrong just as many times as he was right and wasn't the least bit interested in anything I had to say in response. There's one at every show.

Conversely, I had a great chat with one guy about our favourite riders and style of racing. We liked many of the same riders and events and shared a similar disappointment with Basso. It was a conversation between a Canadian guy, working for a company owned by an American, based in Taiwan, representing and Italian company in China, talking to a Chinese guy working for a Japanese company about Italian, French, American and Belgian riders and a race happening in the US at the time. Some things transcend. Bikes just may be one of them.

It will be very interesting to see how much the market matures between now and the next show. My feeling is that it will be substantial.

Training Schedule: Week #3

2008-04-21T19:17:00.000-07:00

Monday: Off - Tired. Slept.
Tuesday: Time: 2:45 - Distance: 75km - Elevation Gain: 610m - Ave HR: 144
I definitely felt better than I did on Saturday and Sunday. I actually had a little snap on some of the climbs. I backed off for the last few km's. This time tomorrow I will be sitting on a plane to Shanghai and don't want to be tight.
Wednesday: Shanghai show: Eat. Drink. Stand around.
Thursday: Shanghai show: Eat. Drink. Stand around.
Friday: Shanghai show: Eat. Drink. Stand around.
Saturday: Shanghai show: Eat. Drink. Stand around.
Sunday:Shanghai show: Eat. Drink. Stand around.

Totals:
Time: 2.75 hours
Distance:75km
Elevation gain:610m
Ave HR: INCREASING!
TSS:120

Not a good week. I felt tired and had difficulty maintaining intensity.

Ergomo: The Install Pt.2

2008-04-20T04:06:00.000-07:00

I went back to the bike and gave the spacers one more shot. This was the original configuration I had tried but, after having mastered the alternate torquing technique, I'm pretty sure I got it right this time. I torqued to spec and did a 4 hour ride. Everything seems ok, but I am going to verify that everything is still within spec tomorrow before I consider this a done deal.

I set up the speed and altitude sensors and everything seems to be working properly.

Total set-up time: 2 hours.

Ergomo: The Install Pt.1

2008-04-19T06:18:00.000-07:00

Well, rocket surgery it ain't but there is a bit of heavy lifting.

This would be the BEFORE shot. A little dirty from riding in the rain but not too bad.

The basic tools needed. Not shown are the taping and facing tools in my shop, at work. Also grease. Oh yeah, that BB tool sitting there, it's the wrong one. I found that out a few seconds after snapping this picture when I tried to remove the Campagnolo BB. I had the Shimano tool. The other tool is the tool that comes with the Ergomo. More on that later. That'd be frame polish in the spray can. Finishline to be exact.

OK. Cleaned and all shiny, shiny. Whenever I remove my cranks, I have a good look at the BB area. I clean it and put a heavy layer of polish on it.
I skipped the tap and face as I'd just done it a month ago when I put in a new Campagnolo BB. I'm sure it's still fine (...more on that later).
I scrubbed the threads with a stiff brush. Degreased, then added an even film of FinishLine grease over the threads and the shell face. Yum.

I installed the drive side cup hand tight (lip snug to the BB face by hand). I added the same even layer of grease where the BB will seat in the cup. There's the grease.

The destruction manual is pretty clear on 1 point; The wires need to be at the 9'0clock position for the Ergomo to be most accurate. To do this, you really need to face and chase the shell. The Ergomo comes with 3 different width spacers and it is a trial and error procedure to discover which ones you need to use. I guess you could mic everything but you'd probably have to install it, at least twice, to be sure.

The good new is that the torque spec for the cups is quite broad. This allows you to cheat a little bit. All that grease I put on previously came in pretty handy here. This was also a trial and error procedure. I had to alternate between torquing each cup while trying to have the cable at exactly 9'oclock as the torque fell into range.

It all seemed like a great plan, so far.

This is the tool that came with the Ergomo. It has a tooth missing so that you don't damage the cables during installation. It was cut well, feels like good quality tool steel and fit solidly in place and felt solid during use. Which is a good thing because I had to use it quite a bit and I am far from done using it.

Here's the latest incarnation of my bike - I've gotta lose the flames. The whole Ergomo set-up is quite unobtrusive. I hate zip ties on my bike but these are minimal.

The beauty shot. I think the water is kinda sexy. I was going to take a shot of the front of my bike coming out of the pool, dripping wet, but they were cleaning the pool today so this was my second choice.

Install to date:

Chase and face is a must. It's a trial and error install. I'm 1.5 hours into it, so far.

I went for a ride to test the system afterwards. It worked fine. If I had actually read the computer set-up destructions, I would have gotten the speed sensor working properly. Other than that, and not setting up the altimeter at all, they system worked and felt smooth.

The bad part. Technically, I got the cups into the lower range of their torque spec. Over the course of my ride, however, the cups moved. This means the data I recorded may be inaccurate. To what degree, I don't now.

I worked with the spacers and have come to the conclusion that I have to both add 1 more (there are different thicknesses) and face the shell again, thereby removing the tiniest amount of material. I'm positive that this will do the trick.

Without access to cutting tools, I could not have installed the Ergomo system at home. In short, a proper shop must be involved in the process. Factor these costs into the overall cost of the Ergomo PM.

I will follow on with an update on the installation and then it is on to the computer itself. There is some pretty cool stuff there.

Ergomo 1.1 - J'arrive!

2008-04-18T02:13:00.000-07:00

Or something like that.
Well, it's here. I'm a tad disappointed because the cranks didn't show up. It's no biggie as I have some cranks that I can use.

I flipped through the destructions. All the whining I'd read about installation seems a bit much. It looks pretty straight forward and should take about a hour if I have a beer in one hand.

The case is really nice and the computer display look excellent. I like the screen choices and I'm sure I will have much more to say about that once I start using it.

It obviously comes with software. I think that will be the real make or break for the unit. I will document the installation and hopefully put to bed the idea that Ergomo is a pain to install.

Come' on folks, it ain't rocket surgery.

Regular Training Course Profiles

2008-04-15T07:19:00.001-07:00

MONDAY: Ride the Sofa.
TUESDAY: 75km and 610m elevation gain.
WEDNESDAY: 65km Training Race. Dead flat.

THURSDAY: 75km and 610m elevation gain.

FRIDAY: 1.5 hours Recovery. Dead flat.

SATURDAY: Group ride/training race. 4 to 6 hours.

SUNDAY: Family day OR 100-140km with focus on elevation gain.

Training Schedule: Week 2

2008-04-14T07:04:00.000-07:00

Monday: Off - Well, I nailed that one.
Tuesday: Time: 2:45 - Distance: 75km - Elevation Gain: 610m - Ave HR: 141
I felt pretty good today. I was able to carry some speed through the climbs but couldn't maintain any real intensity. I plan on using this course on Tuesdays and Thursdays but think I will need to lengthen it as I get fitter.
Wednesday: Training race - CANCELLED due to weather.
Thursday: Time: 2:35 - Distance: 65km - Elevation Gain: 400m - Ave HR: 144
Felt flat today. I wanted to go out and hammer in the rain but the gas just wasn't there. Rode tempo instead.
Friday: 1 hour easy. There is a big weather system hanging around and it is killing me.
Saturday: 2:40, 75km, elevation gain: 900m , Ave HR: 146. First ride with the new PM. I jammed the power climbs pretty hard. I could feel it near the end.
Sunday: 3:40, 110km, Elevation gain: 1100m, Ave HR: 148. Started strong but didn't eat enough the night before. Totally ran out of jam mid-ride.

Totals:
Time: 12.5 hours
Distance:355km
Elevation gain:2910m
Ave HR: INCREASING!

Not a good week. I felt tired and had difficulty maintaining intensity.

Keeping a sponsor happy

2008-04-14T02:18:00.000-07:00

Last year my title sponsor was Fuji Asia. I got a last minute call to do a MTB race in Korea. I thought, "What the heck." and said ok. You've gotta keep the sponsors happy!

A short flight and a long drive later we were in the mountains in the northern part of the country. It was beautiful.

I did the pro race and finished 2nd. I had a mechanical but even without it there was no way I could climb with the Japanese guy from Specialized who won.

This isn't the good part of the story.

After the race, there was the usual draw for prizes. The thing is Fuji Korea had really stepped up and there was a ton of loot. I got a Shimano LX equipped bike for my second place. The winner got a carbon frame (along with our cash). In short, there was a ton of loot.Every participant was given a number with our timing chips and they went into a bucket. Some of the riders had left or had given their chips to other people. Near me was this kid who had a few numbers and, it was pretty clear, he REALLY wanted a new bike!

They kept drawing numbers and people kept coming to the stage and hauling away bikes, frames or wheels sets. I kept watching this kid because he was pretty funny. Eventually, they ran out of stuff to give away and I could tell that this kid was crushed.

The Korean organizer had told me that they could ship the bike to me and change it for the proper size if need be. I asked him if they had kids bikes. He said yes but was puzzled. I told him I wanted to give my bike to the kid I'd been watching and could he take care of it for me. He said he would do it personally.

I dragged the bike box over to where the kid was still standing. His numbers were scattered on the ground at his feet. My interpretor told him that I wanted to give him the bike I'd won. Needless to say it took us 10 minutes to get this kid to stand still long enough to take this picture.
This picture was taken with my camera and didn't come out too well. I'm sure the ones the press guys took were much better.

Did I mention how happy my sponsor was?

They signed on for 2 more years and increased the budget. My job here was done.

1998 Nationals

2008-04-13T20:28:00.000-07:00

Nationals, in 1998, were in the lower mainland BC. I had a few friends that I could get there with and a teammate who was riding well.

The RR was a rolling circuit that was just right for both of us. I'd been racing Cat 1/2 all season with the occasional Vet A race thrown in. When I wanted to reg for Nationals I was told that, based on my license, I had to race Vet A. At first I was miffed but then I adapted my thinking. Instead of being pack fodder in the Senior (P/1/2) field, I'd ride for the win. I talked with my team mate and we made a deal; I'd work for him in the RR and he'd work for me in the crit. Done.

During the RR there was a break containing my teammate mid-race and I went to the front and started blocking. I was a complete dick and it didn't take long for guys to figure out what I was up to. I took a few elbows and a punch to the quad but it all went according to plan. My teammate got 3rd in the sprint and I was second in the field sprint for 8th. Not a bad day.

Then it was my turn.

The crit was held on an oval course the was high on one side and sloped down on the other. There were no corners so it was full gas all the way. I'd done the Senior (P/1/2) Provincial Championships there before so I was familiar with the rhythm of the course. The race was set up with a prime every 3 laps. There was a ton of shwag and even some cash. I spoke with my teammate and we had a plan.

As we came around and heard the bell for the first prime, I found my teammates wheel. We worked ourselves into a good position and watched the sprinters go for the prime. Then we attacked together. At first there was no reaction and we got 1/2 a lap gap pretty quickly. The course was open so we could see the group on the other side - and they could see us. Not ideal conditions.

We worked really well together and kept trading pulls. We won all the remaining primes and had a hoot divying up the loot afterwards. With 3 to go my teammate was starting to really fade. I had been taking longer and longer pulls and the group was slowing reeling us in. As we rolled through and took the bell I put my head down and was determined to pull him to the line. Half way through the lap I could see that the group was really breathing down our necks and that the rider, who had won the first prime so handily, had jumped out of the group and was motoring across to us.

My team mate said' "You'd better go." I knew he was right. I jumped away.

I have a photo of me crossing the line, jersey zipped and blowing kisses. The caption reads "1998 Vet "A" National Criterium Championship."

My teammate held on for bronze giving him two for the weekend. We were both pretty please with ourselves.

Ergomo 1.0 - The anticipation

2008-04-13T19:37:00.001-07:00

I am a few days away from receiving and installing my new Ergomo set-up.

I have heard both good and bad things about the system but have decided that it is the best option for me. I am currently testing wheels for Novatech, so a PowerTap was never on the table. SRM would be nice but I feel the cost is prohibitive. I also like the idea of Ergomo in terms of how it interfaces with the bike. Another plus seems to be the computer display itself. it has features that others don't.

I have heard users complain about how difficult the Ergomo system is to install. With many years of bike shop and industry experience this doesn't worry me at all. We'll see.

I've been racing for 20+ years. I am a licensed coach. Although this gives me a pretty good background I am most excited about what changes, in terms of training structure, using a power meter will bring.

I have already adapted some of my interval work to those that are based on use with a PM. My former team mates were using SRM so I had access and exposure to their equipment and training methods but I never fully made the switch as I felt I was close to retirement and didn't think a complete revision of my training was worth the energy. Obviously I've changed my mind.

I will post about the installation procedure once the unit arrives but for now all I can do is wait like it's December 23rd.

The center of the universe

2008-04-13T18:36:00.001-07:00

This is my son, William. I am fortunate that he is healthy and happy and full of life.

I spend time playing with him every morning before work and every night when I come home. On weekends I take him for a ride on the bike (with baby seat) I built for him and he loves it. Maybe even more than daddy.

He gives me perspective on what's important and I can't wait to take him to see his first bike race.

Some backstory.

2008-04-13T17:37:00.000-07:00

Without context, content is meaningless.

I decided to start a blog based on the modicum of encouragement I receive from regular posters on BikeForums.net. Little did they know what they would be unleashing on the world.

I've raced since the mid 80's (that's 1980's for all you kiddies) and have had a pretty checkered career. I have won 2 National Championships, (well 1 but that's another story) and had 3 major injuries which include a shattered arm(1989), a collapsed lung (1993) and, most recently spinal surgery (2005) to do what they could with the remains of 2 collapsed discs and bone spurs on the inside of my spinal column that were threatening to seriously damage the nerves in the area.

Each time I bounced back and continued racing. Last year (late 2007) with a new son, increasing demands being placed on my time by my job, and managing a team that I was hoping to eventually register as a Continental team on the Asia Tour I reached the conclusion that I just couldn't commit the time to all 3 and survive. So I retired. No racing, no coaching, no managing and very little riding.

I spent the next 6 or 7 months fascinated by my son. He is the center of the universe and nothing will change that. I got a handle on my job and even squeezed in a few rides now and then. Life was good but something wasn't right. I had this itch I just couldn't scratch.

Now, my family life and work life have settled down to a point where I can begin structured training again. I waste some of my time on a cycling forum site vicariously suffering (err...I mean racing) through others. I encourage, support, harangue and spin long winded yarns. Generally I will go on incessantly and annoy the crap out of people who want to talk about racing. So I decided that what I really needed was a blog.

I also wanted to be able to share the experience, and the data that will follow, with anyone who finds themselves in a similar situation. I'm sure you're out there. Both of you. I am hoping that those who have gone before me can offer insight and encouragement. I will be getting a new power meter soon (details to follow) and look forward to the pissing contests that will result.

If you're still reading, that should get you pretty much up to speed. Stay tuned for more riveting stuff or drop by if it's a slow day at work.