Learning Cross

Participated in my second cross race tonight. Made several small technical mistakes (stairs suck) and one large tactical mistake and wound up 3rd to a couple of wily Masters. Hats off to Stack, I didn't think he would be able to hold my wheel on that last attack. Still, no regrets. I raced hard and with great vitality, animating the race with attack after attack. Victory is not far away.

Training Love

Today was a very very good day. When the weather turns angry in Central Texas, many racers run inside to their trainers and rollers, but as a professional cyclist I cannot. I must utilize the Belgium-like conditions of the late fall and winter to build toughness, both in the legs and in the head. So, when the precipitation begins to fall as it did today, I switch over to my custom track bike in order to work on the smooth pedaling motion that will carry me to victory.

Perhaps some others would be less than satisfied with today's outcome, but I myself am quite happy in my heart. I know that today will help me later in the season. Yes, I ran into a difficulty and went down due to the rain and the...how you say...slipperiness? But that was just a little bump at the end of much success in training in power and acceleration. I must have many beautiful accelerations in the spring months if I am to be ready for the competitiveness and vigor of the Fort Davis Hammerfest. I am not too concerned with the cronometro (TT), that is for the specialists.

Ready

new bike
Originally uploaded by FrontFlipNick

New steed is complete.

-'99 Ti Merckx built by Litespeed
-Reynolds Ouzo Pro fork
-Chorus/Record build.
-Ksyrium SL wheels.
-Deda cockpit (Newton bars, Zero stem).
-Syncros Ti seatpost
-Flite Ti seat
-Stainless King cages
-Look Keo Carbon pedals

So far, I'm pretty happy. I'll probably switch out the saddle w/one of my Terry Flys. And the wheels might get swapped out soon since the front one suffered a gouge in the brake surface (Whenever I go on a ride w/Ben, we wind up offroad somehow). Only problem now is I don't have time to ride unless I want to take her downtown to work...