ME & GT

RACING

2011-02-17T23:31:00.000-08:00

Sometimes it all works out for me when I race. I race to win, and sometimes it turns out gold. In fact, 427 times things have worked out in my favor.

The video below shows my 427th race win. Each victory is sweet to me, and this past one was very sweet!

CROSS

2011-02-03T00:50:00.000-08:00

Looking forward to racing Cross in the Fall and Winter of 2011. I rate my Cross season of 2010 fun and a good learning experience. But not fulfilling....

ROAD RACING IN THE RAIN

2011-02-01T01:03:00.000-08:00

The first race in my CCCX Road Circuit Series went off this past Sunday, and the racing was quite epic due to some very heavy rains at times on race day.

As a promoter you never want to see rain for your cycling event. But foul weather always seems to make for a memorable day at the races and produces great action on course.

The first race of the day ended after 2 laps for me with a front flat tire. This was extremely disappointing!

I made up for that let down with a 3rd place- podium finish in the always difficult 35+ 1/2/3 division later in the day.

I want to improve on these results...

Here is a video I made of my friend Logan Loader, a rider who I started dreaming of racing when he was 8 years old, and won the Pro division at my Circuit Race Sunday.

In a racing career as long as mine, I have seen many kids start cycling, then really get good and make a lifestyle out of racing. Logan is one of those people and it is good to see him ride so well.

LOOKING FORWARD

2011-01-26T01:00:00.000-08:00

I have started my Road Racing action for 2011, but on the far horizon I see Cyclocross in 8 months time starting up again. I want a chance to race Cross again, and to improve...

CYCLOCROSS

2011-01-23T22:01:00.000-08:00

2010 Cross Racing Done...

RIDING

2011-01-22T21:50:00.000-08:00

Here are some of the views I take in during my regular Road Rides..

Cycling around the Monterey coastline can be very good at times!

LAST CROSS RACE

2011-01-21T02:04:00.000-08:00

It appears as if my last Cyclocross race for the 2010-11 season was last Saturday. I want to do more Cross races, as I was just finding my best form of the season. And now the season is complete. I will have to wait until next year now...

ON THE ROAD

2011-01-18T01:57:00.000-08:00

Spending Lots Of Time Riding Road.

Racing Road.

NICA AWARDS

2011-01-13T23:14:00.000-08:00

I was very honored to receive a sweet award from the National Interscholastic Cycling Association.

The occasion was a very classy dinner and awards ceremony held at the super posh Clif Bar headquarters in Berkeley. It was quite the honor to be one of the selected individuals to get recognized for their contribution to High School MTB racing!

I love giving acceptance speeches!

Thank you very much to NICA & the Nor-Cal High School MTB League.

RACING

2011-01-11T22:08:00.000-08:00

First Criterium race of the season went well. Nice to be in the Bay Bikes team kit and on their fresh racing machine. Here is a video the final laps of the Criterium. At :25 seconds into the video, I can be seen in a 3 man break off the front of the pack(I was second wheel as we zoomed past the camera). Then you can see with 2 to go there was a large split in the field. I was there to support Logan Loader, and I sold out doing a 1/2 lap flyer to bridge the gap with only him on my wheel. It worked, we crossed the gap, and Logan delivered the win. You can hear his interview toward the end of the video with me cruising next to him on his right as he speaks. Fun times!

JAN. 1, 2011

2011-01-06T22:42:00.000-08:00

SAN BRUNO HILL CLIMB

NO GOOD.......BUT I TRIED!

RIDING & RACING

2010-12-26T21:02:00.000-08:00

There is a 2 week break from Cross racing over Christmas & New Years. Always good to take a break from racing every weekend and just enjoy some ride time. Today it was 5 hours on my new 2011 Specialized SL3 built up with SRAM Red.

Another beautiful day for cycling in Monterey.

It will be very nice to race for Bay Bikes of Carmel for 2011. I am very thankful for their support!

Below is more Cross racing photos from the last CCCX race. It was one of my favorite races in a long time, I really liked the muddy track, the tricky turns, and technical board sections.

MORE RACING

2010-12-22T02:20:00.000-08:00

Cyclocross time of year....

RACING

2010-12-11T22:59:00.000-08:00

JUST BEEN RACING........

RIDE

2010-12-07T23:47:00.000-08:00

It was 5 hours today on the Road Bike. What a beautiful day it was riding along the coast of Monterey. There was a head wind for the first 2 hours of my ride, but I really like head winds!

Here is the file from my ride.

WEEKEND

2010-12-05T23:41:00.000-08:00

Felt a little lacking snap in this weekend's Sacramento Cyclocross race. The course was really fun and the riding was great, just lacked any crisp go in my legs.

Then on Sunday I did 3 hours on the Road bike. Best part was getting caught out in some serious downpour. Heavy showers and solid rain is always extra good to be trapped under for a Road ride.

RIDING & RACING

2010-12-03T01:50:00.000-08:00

The Tuesday night rides have been going off recently and I really enjoy these hard sessions. Small group rides always break down to extra hard riding, and doing it at night just illuminates the action!

Cyclocross racing is the best, and I have about 10 races left this season. Some of my most favorite races are Cyclocross style.

CYCLING

2010-11-26T18:16:00.000-08:00

Today it was 3 hours and 40 miles on the Road bike. Keeping the legs spinning and the cadence high. On Wednesday it was 5 hours and 75 miles on the Road bike.

Here is the video from Wednesday's 75 miles ride.

CYCLOCROSS 2010

2010-11-26T01:07:00.000-08:00

CYCLOCROSS IS ONE OF MY FAVORITE TYPES OF BICYCLE RACING FOR SURE!

CROSS, MTB DH, MTB XC, ROAD,

DUAL SLALOM, CRITERIUMS, HILL ClIMBS.....

I LIKE EM ALL.

CYCLOCROSS WILL ALWAYS HAVE A SPECIAL PLACE IN MY HEART, CAUSE IT COMBINES ALL ASPECTS OF RACING INTO ONE FUN SESSION!

ROAD RACING 2010

2010-11-25T23:17:00.000-08:00

On the Road Race scene the learning was much more then I imagined for 2010. I had 50 race starts in 2010 and finished the season ranked #5 out of 235 riders in my age group. My season long goal was to finish in the top 5 of the ranking for my region, so this year long quest was achieved!

The top 50 in this ranking are all legends of the Road in my book. They are all great riders and super talented on the bike.

I did finish the season completely out of gas.

I had some very good results during this Road season. However, with 50 Road starts in 2010, I also had some of the worst races ever!

Each race I had very high expectations and sometimes this would work against me because sometimes the outcome was so bad, and I expected greatness.

I will learn from these experiences and I will be very thankful for any great result I can achieve in the future.

Most of all, I need to dig deeper and fight harder somehow....

someway....

And really have fun trying!

RACING

2010-09-10T00:18:00.001-07:00

JUST BEEN RACING...

RACING AND LEARNING

2010-08-16T13:40:00.000-07:00

Each race I continue to learn from each experience on course. It is key to be responsible for my own riding. Each competitor on course is a ally, not a scapegoat. I am in control of the outcome. Good or bad, the outcome is on me. Sure there are certain things that are out of my control, but one lesson I must always remember is I am responsible for my results. Whatever the outcome in the races, I am the key that determines my result, not others.

CCCX Circuit Race Garmin Totals

Tuesday Night Circuit Race Garmin Totals

Suisun Criterium Garmin Totals

RACING

2010-08-04T22:52:00.000-07:00

Last weekend I had some extremely hard efforts on the bike during the Copper Town Circuit Race & the Tampani Criterium. Most of all, I learned some very valuable lessons on the bike. These valuable lessons are sure to help me in the future, just like the extremely hard efforts will help. I know I have my best rides still ahead of me for 2010!

Garmin Info Cpooer Town Circuit Race

Garmin Info Tampani Criterium

The Tuesday night race was one of my better rides in a long time on course. I felt good, especially when things got really fast or really hard, that is when I felt my best. This is a positive sign because this coming Sunday is the CCCX Circuit Race Series #1 on the exact same course. It is very positive that I had good legs on this exact Circuit course 5 days before the event. I know I have my best rides still ahead of me for 2010

Garmin Info Tuesday Session

ROAD RACES

2010-07-29T00:26:00.000-07:00

Just about two months left in my 2010 Road Race season. I have had a really hard training block over the past 2 weeks, so it is time for some recovery before this weekends races. I need to keep focused on my goals for Road 2010 and always push for positive sensations.

SAT.-SUN. RIDES

2010-07-26T00:35:00.000-07:00

My favorite Road DH route- Mt. Diablo...

It was a busy weekend of riding, with the Saturday morning group ride in Monterey at 7:00 a.m.

Then the Benicia cycling event, at 9:00 a.m. on Sunday, followed by a steady climb of Mt. Diablo.

Garmin Totals Mt. Diablo

Mt. Diablo has to be my favorite downhill of all the Road DH routes in Northern California. It is definitely one of my most favorite climbs. Yet, the downhill portion of Mt. Diablo stands far and away as the most fun section of Road riding I do in all of Northern California. It has the most turns, excellent pavement, outstanding views, and it is over 10 miles long with 3000 vertical feet lost on the way down. No other DH Road section can compare!~

Other Road sections have their own distinct characteristics... Like Chamisal Road in the Preserve with it's smooth- high speed vertical drop thrills. Chamisal has the highest speeds with most vertical feet descended per mile of all the rides in Nor-Cal. Chamisal has the steepest Road sections by far on the most smooth portions of pavement imaginable. 2000 vertical feet lost in 4 miles makes Chamisal Road one of a kind. And also the most difficult climb in Northern California to go up!

Or Robinson Canyon Road for it's technical sections and tight turns. Robinson Canyon is so technical and tricky, that Hollywood has filmed movies there. Motion picture directors have used the Road's radical turns to create video highlights which riders see & experience each time they drop down this incredible Road. The pavement can be considered rough, and there can be dirt and rocks in any of the corners waiting to surprise....

Fremont Peak is also one of my favorite DH Road sections. It is a big mountain with high speed turns and some super extreme fast sections. Fremont Peak mixes in technical turns and bombing fast sections to give this giant hill it's own unique feel.

However, the one Mtn. that is far and away the best downhill Road section in Nor-Cal is Mt. Diablo!

RIDES

2010-07-22T17:36:00.000-07:00

My legs are very sore now after two very hard efforts on the bicycle the past two days. The Tuesday Night Practice Race went well for me. I went solo for the win and that always hurts. Then on Wednesday I did my hard climbing day. This time I added on the legendary Long Ridge climb to the already brutal Chamisal Climb. It was a long day in the saddle, and the kind of day I really enjoy. My Wed. totals were 60 miles & 7600 ft. of climbing in 5 hours.

Tuesday Garmin Total

Wednesday Garmin Total

LOOKING FORWARD

2010-07-19T22:10:00.000-07:00

I can feel my speed improving and my form progressing in a positive direction. Being able to excel in the most demanding times of the race is a card I need to hold. I must keep looking forward and keep my vision of racing super strong clear and focused. Dreams can come true, and it is very important to chase my dreams and my goals full on. There will be many times in the chase when things do not work out and I will face set backs. When there is success the dreams and goals are realized and hard work is cashed in. I have to keep looking forward and trying to improve on the bike. I have my best rides ahead....

Starting to feel my turn of speed really come to fore. Almost won the Albany Criterium. Came 1/2 a wheel length from victory.

Garmin Totals Albany Criterium

Rides

2010-07-17T20:47:00.000-07:00

Wednesday was my climbing day in the Preserve. The steep grades are so spot on for suffering. My climb rides very much develop my strength and fitness. I was pretty sore going in to the ride from a hard effort on Tuesday. Yet still managed to hit all the hard hills and pump out the 4 hour ride. 5600 Feet Climbing. 52 Miles.

Garmin Totals

The Watsonville Criterium was today. I learned the hard lesson in this race. I must improve my tactics. I felt I had some serious snap and serious speed and I left it unused in the end. The writing was on the wall for success in this race, and I closed my eyes to the words.......

Garmin Totals Watsonville Criterium

TUESDAY SESSION

2010-07-14T00:05:00.000-07:00

My legs definitely are turning over better now. It is always a great feeling to ride with some leg speed and comfort instead of virtually having no power and no ease on the bike. As of now my smoothness and attacking style is slowly progressing to a high level.

Garmin Total Tuesday Practice Race

MORE RIDING

2010-07-12T20:41:00.000-07:00

I had some good team support at the Salinas Criterium and was able to win the race. It was a good workout on course and the winds made things tricky. I have had trouble doing well at small races, as sometimes the small fields can make the racing super tough. There have been times when the smaller races have been the hardest ones by far. So it was nice to win this race and get pushed very hard on course. In the end, for the day, I had 6 hours of riding and 85 miles.

Garmin Total Salinas Criterium

SPIN

2010-07-10T20:14:00.000-07:00

It was a easy ride today with lots of high cadence spinning of the cranks. I continue to work on form, cadence tempo, and recovery. Mix these with extremely hard efforts and then repeat. My best rides are in the future and I need to work extra hard to achieve this.

Tomorrow will be some very hard efforts at the Salinas Criterium.

Also tomorrow Armstrong is going to have to step up on the final climb to Morzine of Stage 8 Tour de France 2010.

Garmin Totals 7-10-10

RIDE

2010-07-09T02:18:00.000-07:00

The Tuesday night practice race was difficult for me, because my legs were so blown apart from races on Sunday & Monday. Yet I am happy I went to this session and worked on some speed riding when I was already so tapped out.

Wednesday was a rest day.

Then Thursday I did the hardest climb in the county. Closed roads- private area- and the most difficult climb by far in this area. My favorite ride!

My best rides and results this year are right in front of me.

Tuesday Workout Garmin Total

Thursday Ride Garmin Total

I like the totals from this ride-

52 Miles

5700 Elevation Gain

4 hours

Hard Efforts Achieved

2010-07-05T21:16:00.000-07:00

It was 2 races and a bunch of hard efforts on the bike for me over the 4th of July weekend. I still feel as if I am lacking power and snap, and by the second race of the weekend I was done. I will keep working to improve and I know I can get much, much better!

I learned a tremendous amount from races this weekend in Davis and Merced. I need to keep learning from the races. Good results and bad results both teach me so much~!

I was pleased to have a high finish at the Davis Criterium. This was a hard race and for me to stamp out the result I achieved in this race was positive.

Garmin Totals From Davis

Garmin Totals From Merced

RACING

2010-07-03T21:09:00.000-07:00

I am off to do some hard efforts at two races. I am very eager to put down my maximum efforts. I am very eager to compete and get in the game.

Today it was 2 hours easy along the ocean.

GARMIN TOTAL

UPHILL

2010-07-01T01:41:00.000-07:00

Today it was the most brutal uphill in Monterey County. This climb is the real deal and not even fun to ride at all. And I really enjoyed it! The grade must average 12% and there are constant sections at 15%-16%, plus a bunch of ramps up to 23%. The climb is so steep and so hard- and I must admit that it is one of my favorite rides ever! It is a secret climb here in my region, and I am thankful that the engineers who plowed this road created this challenge for me.

Garmin Totals From Today

4 Hours

47 Miles

5400 Vertical Feet Climbed

Pushin The Pedals

2010-06-30T00:56:00.000-07:00

It has been a steady diet of pedal pushing the past few days. The Santa Rosa Criterium was interesting, and I learned some very good lessons at this race. It was nice to find just a little form coming back into my legs at this event. I did not feel great, but at least I did not crumble from fatigue- like has been happening recently when I need to dig deep in races. Then I hosted the CCCX XC Series Final race. The series final event always has a little added pressure for the promoter, and it is usually a fun time out as well.

Monday it was 90 minutes of very easy riding.

Tuesday was some hard efforts at the Ft Ord practice race. I did feel good in the beginning of this workout, but after a few laps I felt bloated and cramped and lacking leg speed when it mattered most.

It was nice to ride knowing that I can now focus on the Road after finishing out promoting the XC Series for CCCX. I am hoping to & eager to ride often and race often in July, August, and September on the Road.

Garmin Total From Santa Rosa Criterium

Garmin Total From FT Ord XC Course

Garmin Total Monday Ride

Garmin Total Tuesday Practice Race

Easy Ride

2010-06-23T22:38:00.000-07:00

It was 2 hours easy today along the coastline of the Pacific Ocean. I can tell my legs are starting to come back to me and I am feeling less sore after some time off. My legs actually feel fresh, which is a feeling I have not felt for what seems like months now. This weekend I am back to racing on the Road.

Garmin Totals Here

Teusday Ride

2010-06-23T00:43:00.000-07:00

I really enjoyed the Tuesday practice race tonight. I have been taking it super easy on the bike trying to rest for the past 2 weeks- keeping out of the group ride action, so it was good to finally do a group ride and go through the race motions. My region has a very large amount of talented & strong riders, and it is a good time on Tuesday night when the group contains a plethora of the best from this area. I am looking forward to many more of these hard Tuesday night sessions.

Garmin Totals From Today's Ride

56 Miles

3000 Feet Elevation Gain

3:30 Moving Time

On The Bike

2010-06-21T20:10:00.001-07:00

It was 2 hours of very easy riding today through Monterey, Pebble Beach, and Pacific Grove. Sometimes it is nice to ride really easy, and take time to talk to other riders on the road. I met a very interesting married couple today, the wife was a former Mayor of Sun Valley- Idaho. They had many stories to share with me, and if I did not take the time to chat I would have lost out on some great knowledge...

Garmin Totals From Today's Ride

Robinson Canyon

2010-06-17T19:35:00.000-07:00

After a forced rest from the bike for a few days, it was nice to get out and ride today! Also, I simply rode my bike into the ground and destroyed all my chain rings and chain from too much riding over the past few months. So it was good to have a few days off the bike- to replace my drive train- and get some rest. It was also good to get back in the saddle and ride today!

I hit the Robinson Canyon brutal interval- posted a OK time- 9 seconds off my desired interval time after 13 minutes. Then I continued on to climb the amazingly steep sections of the Preserve. It felt very good to pedal uphill, and spin the legs at a high cadence.

Garmin reports-

Robinson Canyon Interval

Monterey To Robinson Canyon

Top of Robinson- Top Of Chamisal- Back To Monterey

Recovery

2010-06-14T23:21:00.001-07:00

It is time for recovery. Time to take a step back. Then I can begin the 2nd half of my Road Race season.

TORO PARK DH

2010-06-13T23:28:00.000-07:00

Today was Race #4 of the CCCX DH Series at Toro Park. The course ended up being very technical and many riders tasted a little dirt when they could not keep upright while trying to shred. I liked the challenge. I just cruzed on my MTB today, flowing down the trail and having a great time in the hills above Monterey.

SUFFER FEST- MT DIABLO HILL CLIMB RACE

2010-06-12T20:20:00.000-07:00

I always want to be outstanding when racing bikes uphill. Ever since I first started riding bikes I have wanted to be at my best when pedaling up hills. Yet my natural comfort level is highest when I am descending. I will continue to try to be my best racing up hills. Until then I will just have to accept bad days sometimes when I race uphill. Still Mt Diablo is one of my favorite climbs, no matter how much I suffer going up it.

I NEED SOME SERIOUS REST AND TIME OFF THE BIKE!

Garmin Totals...

DH COURSE SET - MT DIABLO HILL CLIMB

2010-06-11T00:44:00.000-07:00

My Garmin map of the CCCX DH course...
I have to get into this guys groove on Saturday pedaling up Mt Diablo...

Here is the giant- my favorite hill to ride- Mt Diablo...

I set the CCCX DH race course today. The ground is super dry and I had to do a lot of patch work on the trails because there was a bunch of erosion. It is never easy to patch the trails when the ground is super hard and dry! The course is really good I think- fast and ripping the entire way.

Saturday I will do the Mt Diablo hill climb race.

My leg muscles are really sore right now after my hard hill filled crazy ride on Wednesday. I could be in big trouble on the slopes of Mt Diablo on Saturday. I know it is not my ideal race, yet I love Mt Diablo & I may as well just go for it and do what I can do..... It will be a hard workout and a good test for sure.

BIG RIDE- BIG HILLS

2010-06-09T22:27:00.000-07:00

It was a 3 hour 30 minute ride today in the biggest mountains of Monterey County. Some of the climbs are 20% grade, while most of the sections were between 9% and 11% grade. This route is the ultimate climbing ride I have put together for my regular training region. The totals were really good today- 5500 feet of climbing in 52 miles.

Garmin totals- http://connect.garmin.com/activity/36339028

Tuesday Circuit Workout

2010-06-08T23:48:00.000-07:00

The Tuesday Circuit workout is always a good test of strength and fitness. I lacked punch in the beginning but did keep the legs spinning and in the end felt slightly better. I know that if I do not quit when things do not go to plan or I face adversity, then in the long run it will make me better, stronger, & faster.

Garmin totals-
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/36236501

RACES

2010-06-06T20:50:00.000-07:00

It was some hard races for me this weekend. I for sure am not guilty of lack of trying.....

However I need to feel most comfortable when the going gets most difficult! This is what I need to work on.

Most of the time it is not going to be easy, and I need to work to really become one with the pain and suffering that will take place to race at my best level.

If it ever is easy, I better attack again and again!

Garmin reports-

Dash For Cash- http://connect.garmin.com/activity/35822936

PG Crit. Master 35+ 1/2/3-

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/35997834

PG Crit Pro 1/2- http://connect.garmin.com/activity/35997827

Rest Rides

2010-06-03T00:28:00.000-07:00

This week will be only rest rides for me. I felt super sore after some hard races this past weekend. Now it is easy spins to try and gain recovery. Most of all I am searching for some rest this week.

In The Right Direction

2010-06-01T18:06:00.000-07:00

After 4 races the past 3 days, I know I am pedaling in the right direction. Soon the work I have been doing on my form will translate into my desired results. Each race I learn more, and each race my legs are turning over better, and I am feeling better overall sensations in my pedaling technique.

Garmin info from the races-

Folsom Crit.- http://connect.garmin.com/activity/35156269

Auburn Crit.-

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/35156256

Morgan Hill Crit. #1-

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/35297915

Morgan Hill Crit. #2-

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/35297910

New Territory

2010-05-26T22:10:00.000-07:00

It is not often I find new climbs and new territory to venture on my bicycle in the County I have trained in for years and years. Basically I have traveled all the roads in this area many times, and searched for the highest hills and steepest grades to train and test myself on. However today was my lucky day, in that I came across a kind gentleman who invited me to ride his secret roads in a place that is literally a Preserve. The area is one of the most well kept spots in all of California, right in the back yard of Monterey County, just next door to the Ventana Wilderness. Beauty abounds with each turn of the head, and your eyes are filled with epic views that wild life knows as their true home. The private roads are beyond category steep and surely the most well manicured pavement possible. Is this a cycling paradise- Yes! The climbing is off the charts, with roads that only a super climber could dream up. The descending is pure, and this is where a human can feel like a diving hawk railing through the wind currents on a joy ride downward. I am positive that this area will build me into a better rider, a better climber, and simply make me stronger. I am thankful to this gentleman who introduced me to this area, and was kind enough to reach out and help me keep my wheels rolling forward.

I did the Robinson Canyon brutal interval session today. It was super windy, and at the half way point of the interval, there was the stiffest head wind I have ever faced up the second part of the climb. My heart rate was very high during this session and my legs really struggled when climbing into the headwind. I liked it so much!

My Garmin Totals for the day-

80 miles

6300 feet climbed

5:30 riding time

Max HR 189

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/34700962

Recovery Ride

2010-05-26T00:41:00.000-07:00

I did a light recovery ride today. I felt a little tapped out after this past weekends races, and today I just did 90 minutes really easy on the bike. I worked on spinning the legs at a high cadence under no pressure at all. It was a nice day for a ride along the ocean, yet it did rain some which is interesting for Monterey on May 25.

Garmin totals- http://connect.garmin.com/activity/34604616

Weekend Races- So Close But Yet So Far

2010-05-23T23:18:00.000-07:00

Every race has a chance to be different and out of the ordinary. Sometimes things go to script, other times the proceedings can be quite surprising. I must always remember this and learn from the chaos and variation that can happen in any situation. I will continue to learn from trial and error.

I had some hard riding in this weekends races. I will get better from these experiences, good or bad!

My Garmin readings from 3 races this weekend, one Sat.- two Sun.

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/34351577

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/34351480

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/34351577

Saddle Time

2010-05-20T00:45:00.000-07:00

I climbed right back in the saddle today and went pretty long. My totals were 67 miles in about 5 hours. I just cruzed for most of the ride and tried to really spin my legs out. However, I did do some climbing and one test up the brutal Robinson Canyon interval section. Despite being pretty tired and sore, I had a solid time of 12:54. My heart rate got up pretty high and I just kept focused at getting the interval session done no matter what my strength level was. In the end I posted a solid time.

Here are my Garmin totals from the ride today.

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/33879809

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/33879815

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/33879822

Tuesday At Ft Ord

2010-05-19T00:03:00.001-07:00

The Tuesday night practice race session I started at Ft Ord a few years ago is always producing good action. I found a course that is very challenging but not over the top with steep hills. There are numerous rolling hills, some wind sections, and lots of straight roads. I had to find a route since the flat Criterium course that locals have used for years was taken away. This newer route is even better for producing good racing and making riders stronger.

Tonight I learned some very good lessons on course, and I am always so happy to be taught lessons from other riders. I am so ready to learn!

Here is my Garmin info from the route.

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/33804341

I did feel off some, but just plugged along and did the best I could. I am always happy to take a beating and learn lessons on course the hard way. It is the only way to improve.

XC Course Info

2010-05-16T19:52:00.000-07:00

Here is my Garmin Information from the XC loop I ran today for the CCCX Series.

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/33578260

This course is pretty tough with 650 feet of climbing per 5 mile lap. Some of the climbs are very steep, while most of the climbing is at a average grade. I really enjoy racing on this course.

Races

2010-05-15T21:42:00.001-07:00

Here is my Garmin data from the 2 races I did today. One race was in Modesto and the other near Santa Cruz. I must admit the first race I felt pretty sluggish and not snappy at all. I would like to be able to make constant attacks and constant hits off the front.

Scotts Valley Grand Prix Info.-

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/33413068

Modesto Info.-

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/33413077

For both races I felt as if I could not do much. I know I was riding at a low level.

Robinson Canyon Hill Climb Interval

2010-05-14T20:28:00.000-07:00

Here is my Garmin input from the Robinson Canyon Hill Climb Interval training session I have agreed to do this season on a semi regular basis. The climb is always at 7% to 9% grade with a few sections at 14%. 13 minutes is the desired time.

Untitled by cyclesport007 at Garmin Connect - Details

Laguna Seca Track Night

2010-05-12T22:23:00.000-07:00

I gave it a go at the Laguna Seca Wed. Track night. Today was a special track night as one of my favorite riders, World Cyclocross Champion Lars Boom of Team Rabobank was there for the event. It was nice to chat with him some and talk Cyclocross and the up coming Tour of California. He mentioned it was his first trip ever to California and he was enjoying his time here.

It was too bad I felt really bad on the bike tonight. My legs felt super sluggish and in the end it was not my best day on the bike.......

MT DIABLO

2010-05-11T22:48:00.000-07:00

It was 1 & 1/2 hours of riding up and down portions of Mt. Diablo on Monday. It is my favorite climb in Nor-Cal for Road bikes by far......

The day was made extra special because I was peppered with rain during the climb and the decent of the Mtn.

I only had time for making half of the climb to the top, so I turned around at the junction. My legs were pretty tapped from doing 2 races on Saturday, then promoting the CCCX DH on Sunday, so making just half of Mt. Diablo was perfect.

Race Weekend

2010-05-10T01:53:00.000-07:00

Saturday it was the PG&E Crit. in Livermore. I learned huge lessons in this race. I will keep on racing and keep on learning. I had good sensations in my legs and this type of hard racing will mold me into the type of rider I desire to be.

Sunday was the CCCX DH race in Toro Park. I have built some super fun trails in Toro Park and I really enjoy climbing on my MTB and flying down the hills in Toro Park.

DH SET UP

2010-05-06T20:12:00.000-07:00

I spent 6 hours with two helpers setting up the CCCX DH #3 course today. The trails are just waiting to be ripped up from the racing. The course I am using has not been used yet in 2010 and the berms and jumps are primed for use. A few of the sections are still sloppy and wet from the rainy spring we have had this year. I had to re-route some of the trails to avoid the water, but the route is still sweet! I even added 2 new jumps, they are small but have future potential for good action after I build them up more.

Hills

2010-05-05T22:05:00.000-07:00

It was 4 hours today on the Road bike. The goal for the day was hills! I did Aguajito climb twice, the back side of Los Laureles Grade, and Robinson Canyon. 5100 feet of climbing in about 50 miles of riding. There was a bunch of wind today as well, so it was a good day to stay away from the coastline and head to the high hills of the Monterey Peninsula. I set one of my best times this year up my interval section of Robinson Canyon. I have noticed my times getting lower on a continual basis up the tremendously difficult sections where I do my interval workout on Robinson Canyon. This is a good sign for sure!

My Slalom

2010-05-05T01:50:00.000-07:00

I found some amazingly cool photos here on PINK BIKE of my Slalom course. I build this course so photos like these can be taken!

Please have a look- http://www.pinkbike.com/news/californication-part-3-2010.html

Tuesday Ride

2010-05-04T23:48:00.000-07:00

It was 3 hours and 51 miles today on the Road bike. The Tuesday Ft Ord Circuit practice race was really good tonight, and there were many strong riders present. I really like it when the attacks start to go off and the practice race gets really full on...... The Monterey Peninsula has many strong riders and it is great action to race hard against the other strong riders of this area.

Keep Writing

2010-05-04T00:04:00.000-07:00

This blog is pretty cool because it has many links to all kinds of cycling web sites. So I may as well keep on using this blog. I have been taking some time off my writing's but feel as if it is time to post some of the action that is my life.

Here is a link to a interesting video about a course I build for the Sea Otter Classic- The legendary Dual Slalom.

Have a look please-

http://blogs.bikemag.com/blog/keith-defiebre-the-artistry-of-course-design/

Yesterday I did 2 races and 91 miles on the Road Bike. Made a huge calculation mistake on the final lap in one of my key races for the year and failed to deliver a good ride. I must learn from this and take the bad and good on a even level. Now I start the main part of the Road Race season, and I will work extra hard to put myself into position to achieve some rides that exceed the ordinary & match my inner goals.

It Is On

2010-02-02T00:15:00.000-08:00

It was very much on this past weekend at the Foslom Criterium. In the end I made the final cash payout position. This was a solid result because the fields were huge and the level of racing was very strong. The two riders who finished right in front of me by a few inches in the dash for the line were both past National Crit. champions. This is just the beginning, and I will learn and improve from my strong finish and my strong result.

All Road Weekend

2010-01-24T23:08:00.001-08:00

I was very close to winning the Early Bird Criterium.

On Saturday the Early Bird Road Race was pretty epic this year. The roads were very wet and very dirty, which turned all the Road bikes into filthy machines. There was rain in the beginning of the race, which made things feel extra challenging. Too bad I cam off up the long steep climb on course, or I feel my result could have been really strong. Instead I finished 9th place. Sunday was the Early Bird Criterium race. I felt a little sluggish early, but as the racing went on I felt solid. In the end I worked into a good position and had a crack at the win. I lost the sprint to one of America's best sprinters Daniel Halloway of Team Bissell. I was pleased with my ride and am wanting more....

Road & Cross Races

2010-01-23T19:05:00.000-08:00

It was the start of the 2010 Road Race season for me today. I felt ok at the Early Bird Road Race, but came off the group up the long climb when it mattered most. I did battle back to finish 9th place, which was very hard because I had to dig super deep to catch a small group in the run up to the finish. Sunday will be one of my last Cross races of the season and it is going to be super muddy! It has rained all week and it will be the incredibly muddy and wet for this race. I always like to play in the mud, so this should be very interesting....

Racing

2010-01-19T20:36:00.000-08:00

It was 2 very good races this past weekend for me. Saturday I came close to winning my division of the Sacramento Cyclocross Series. I made the winning breakaway during the race, and was doing all I could to get to the final lap and fight out the win. Yet I came off in a sand section with only 2 laps to go, and could not bridge back up to the 2 leaders I was with for the first 50 minutes of the 1 hour race. It was frustrating to be so close to having a crack at the race win. Yet it was a good sign my legs were coming around as I distanced many good riders during the race. I finished 2nd place on the day. Sunday was my own CCCX Series final race. I liked the course I set and even better was the fact it was windy, raining, and a stormy weather race. I felt really ready to go until during my warm up my back tightened up and then proceeded to lock up on me. Then on the first lap my back completely froze and I had big problems trying to just race with my back fully blown out. It was not great, and I could not straighten up my back as it was in a spasm state. I did the best I could to finish the race, and really surprised myself with how good I raced with my back 100% ruined. In the end I made top 5 in the CCCX Series, which was a goal I had set for this Cross season. It did leave me thinking...... what if?? Because I had good feelings in my legs and my power output felt strong. But my back ordeal ruined any chance of a good finish in the final race of the CCCX Series.

Another Double Race Weekend

2010-01-15T01:31:00.000-08:00

Saturday will be the Sacramento Cyclocross Series final race at Granite Bay in Folsom. I like this venue and I feel ready to race. Sunday is my own CCCX Series final race. I set a really good course that I am very eager to race on. I have a lot going on with this final race as far as the promotional side of things, yet I am really excited to race. There is supposed to be some serious rain coming in for the weekend, and it should make for some epic racing for all.

Double Race Weekend

2010-01-12T20:37:00.000-08:00

It was two Cross races this past weekend and I felt OK considering my knee was still a little sore from my deep cut. I almost won on Saturday, but a slip up sent me back and I ended up 3rd place. Then Sunday I felt really good at times, and gained valuable B.A.R. Rank points for the season long Best All-Round Rider competition. I do feel that after 25 races this winter on my Cross bike, I am becoming very comfortable hitting the turns extra hard on this machine. I am really enjoying my time racing Cross, and am hoping to finish out the season showing some improvement.

Keeping Busy

2010-01-05T23:00:00.001-08:00

The Mt San Bruno Hill Climb race went well for the first 180 seconds. Then I blew up hard and suffered for the next 15 minutes. One day I hope to do well at that event. The Saturday morning ride went much better. I felt OK on the climb and pretty good along the ocean sections. I was not great on the climb, but not bad either. Starting at 7 a.m. is cold and not easy to get up out of my deep sleep. But you warm up quick when the riding gets going, and it is always a great workout. The CCCX DH race on Sunday was awesome. The new trail I built was kicking off great action for the DH racers. It seemed that every single DH racer liked my work. DH racers complain the most, and when I build a trail and get no complaints at all, that shows a quality course I put together.

I did 3 hours steady on the Road bike on Monday. I like doing my errands on my bike, saves gas and it is fun to ride around and get some saddle time in.

The Tuesday night ride went off on a beautiful night for riding. The Tuesday night rides are the hardest rides of all on the Monterey Peninsula. These rides are made for fast pace, attacks, and hitting climbs as hard as possible. That is why I like the night rides, because they are the hardest rides of all locally. This brings out the best in the riders who participate in these sessions. I have noticed that the strongest riders do these rides, and the ride just keeps making the strong even stronger.

DH Course Set- Mt San Bruno Hillclimb- Saturday Morning Ride- CCCX DH Race

2009-12-30T19:31:00.000-08:00

Today I set the lower part of the CCCX DH Race course in Toro Park. I must have done over 1000 sledge hammer hits to set the poles and attach course tape. I love the arm workout! The course I am using is one of my favorite race routes. It is going to be super sweet since there has been some rain, the dirt is perfect this time of year for getting grip and getting in a groove down the trails. The next day I will suffer hard up the Jan. 1st Mt. San Bruno Hill Climb race. No better way to bring in the new year then suffering hard up a hill climb course. Saturday I will most likely take part in the Saturday Morning ride. The 7 a.m. start is early for me, but I have not been on this ride for a long time, and I will not have another chance to do this ride for at least 1 month. Then Sunday will be the CCCX DH race at Toro Park. I am stoked to race the DH course I have worked so long and hard to build. I am using a new trail I created in the middle of the course and right now I think the conditions are just about perfect for racing in Toro Park.

Night Riding

2009-12-30T00:23:00.000-08:00

It was 2 & 1/2 hours on the Road Bike tonight in the hills of Pebble Beach and along the Pacific Ocean coastline. I had some very hard efforts going up the climbs, and some very steady efforts along the coast. The tempo was high for most of the ride and I really enjoy doing the night rides using my Light & Motion headlight.

Training Camp Complete

2009-12-28T00:29:00.000-08:00

This past weekends training camp was very successful. Elite Sports really knows how to put together a true training camp. I posted 2 wins in the Cyclocross races in Sonora. The courses were the hardest routes I have raced on all year. The first day the race was ran in a area where there were no trails at all. It was pure "Jungle Cross", and the terrain was brutal to try and race through. There were some serious power checks on course and it was nice to be tested to the extreme. After the race it was 2 hours 30 minutes of easy spinning up and down the rolling foothill roads above Sonora at 4000 ft. above sea level. Day two was a very muddy Cross race in the morning. Some sections were so muddy I could barely keep the bike rolling in the deepest parts of the mud bog sections. On all the uphills I felt pretty good and could maintain my speed when others bonked. After the race I drove back to the Bay Area with the other Elite Sports Team cyclists, and we climbed up Mt. Diablo before dark. Mt. Diablo is my favorite climb and it was foggy and cold which made the climb all the more interesting. Usually I do the climb in the summer when the temperature is super hot. But this was December 27 and the weather was cold and misty out and I really enjoyed riding in the winter like conditions. My total time riding at the 2 day Training Camp was 8 hours in the saddle with some of the hardest riding conditions I could imagine. It was a mental check as well as a physical check to put myself through this Elite Sports training camp. In the end I was happy I signed up. Thanks to Elite Sports and Yellow Jersey Promotions for putting this exclusive camp together. It was nice to race & train with some of the best riders in America.

Christmas Cross

2009-12-25T19:10:00.000-08:00

I am off to do a training camp in the foothills of Northern California near the city of Sonora. I will take part in two Cyclocross races and log in around 7 hours of saddle time over two days. The training camp will work on some high power efforts, mixed in with steady spinning & easy riding. There will also be some technical challenges mixed into the camp to work on bike handling and turning skills. This is a hardcore training camp and not for the weak of mind and body. It is a camp that requires a huge drive from within to complete.

Merry Christmas!

Riding More

2009-12-22T00:48:00.000-08:00

I am riding more now that my ribs are better and my knee is close to being fully back to normal. I still do not have complete movement with my left knee after the super deep cut I received at last weeks crash. I am trying to stretch regularly to get full movement back. At least the deep gash has stopped bleeding or putting out any fluid. Now I will just ride more and work on recovery after my workouts.

Rest Day

2009-12-21T17:57:00.000-08:00

No ride days are extra sweet when it rains. Then I venture out and do some trail work when the dirt is soft and shape-able. I do the trail work so others can enjoy quality trails that are groomed and well maintained. This keeps the cycling paths on a high level and it shows that one cyclist can make a huge difference in helping others have fun on the trails. Some people never do trail work, but always want to ride on the trails. Some riders sneak on to illegal sections of trail and do damage to these trails. I am the guy who comes through after and cleans up their mess. It is OK because I am out there riding, racing, and making a difference in the local cycling community. I enjoy what I do.

Back On It

2009-12-20T23:01:00.000-08:00

Back on the start line. It was amazing to be still racing after such a brutal and deep gash on my knee just 7 days ago. I actually felt good in the race today and placed much higher then I expected. It was nice to finish ahead of some riders who beat me bad the previous weeks. For the most part I felt pretty strong and I know it will only get better as my leg heals up. I rode extra safe as I knew I could not fall on my shredded knee. There were a bunch of crashes all around me, as the traction was slick and the course was extra tricky. But I rode under control and really enjoyed the challenge. I will get better.

Still Trying

2009-12-18T20:29:00.000-08:00

I have worked extra hard this week to rehabilitate my deep cut on my left knee. Constant changing of the first aid dressings, and constant antibiotic ointment to keep the cut from getting any infection. Also after leaving the leg immobile for the most part the first 2 days, I have really tried to stretch it and bend it as much as possible to keep the muscles flexible and not locked up. Tuesday I rode, but it felt like I was riding with one leg. However I did post some fast riding while in the group ride on Tuesday night even if it felt like I was pedaling with one leg at times. Then on Thursday I challenged myself to a big day in the saddle. 5 hours and some long, steady, hard intervals up one of the most brutal climbs in this region. I think it is best I keep trying to ride. I have good movement now in my leg and I can feel my power coming back as the deep cut becomes fully better. I will keep trying to improve. Also, I will keep getting proper rest because I know that it is so easy to ride too much which leads to over training. I will get rest, and then get my solid work outs in. And most of all have fun on my bicycle!

Hole In The Knee

2009-12-14T22:23:00.000-08:00

I like racing in the rain, however this day things did not go my way.....
Look closely you can see a hole in my left knee......

I was rider down at this past Saturday's Cyclocross race. It was a super muddy course after 3 days of constant rain. Right at the start I felt pretty bad, my legs felt like they had no power and I knew it was going to be a long day in the saddle. Then I crashed over the boards and landed right on my knee into the rocky ground. I got up and kept going as it was so muddy I could not see the damage to my leg. It seemed like just some small cuts from the rocks and there was only a little blood streaming down my leg. About five minutes later I was going full speed on the fastest part of the course and got wrapped into the course tape on my drop bars, which shot me straight into a plastic pole that marks the lane. This then sent me flying through the air as my bars locked into the pole and I was ejected over the front of the bike at about 20 miles a hour. Amazingly all of my impact on the crash landing came directly down on the same knee I had previously just grinded hard about 5 minutes before. This time I knew I was in trouble. I was going so fast and hit so hard I had a feeling there was no way my knee could not be ripped to shreds. It was so muddy I could not see the damage right away, but blood was now pouring down my leg. I finished the race soft pedaling for 3 laps and limped to the nearest hose to wash off my leg and see if it was bad or if it was super bad. I knew it was one or the other, Bad or Super Bad. Sure enough, Super Bad! I put a huge hole in my knee and it was deep and needed stitches for sure. I always know the level of the injury is bad when the medic who sees it first is amazed by how deep and brutal the wound is. If you shock the medic folks you know the level of injury is Super Bad. Now I am working on a comeback after my knee has been patched up. I am in a lot of pain and it is really frustrating to be hurt again after just feeling better after my ribs have healed from being broken 6 weeks ago. I will make a quick come back to riding and racing I am positive. I will be better, faster, stronger!

Wet Weather Racing

2009-12-10T23:55:00.000-08:00

I have been working very hard on my comeback after being injured. I will continue to fight to improve.

It is going to be stormy and wet for my Cross race on Saturday. I always like riding and racing in the rain! So it is sure to be some wet weather racing on the horizon.

Cyclocross Racing

2009-12-10T12:59:00.000-08:00

I have some unfinished business still ahead this Cyclocross season......

I felt better at my last Cyclocross race, this past Saturday in Santa Rosa. For most of the race I felt little pain from my broken ribs. Now I only feel just a small amount of discomfort when I sleep and am laying on my side. I am happy to be able to ride and race pain free. I have more Cyclocross races lined up the next few weeks, and I really hope to race close to my best if possible.

CCCX DH

2009-11-30T02:51:00.001-08:00

Power to the GT Dirt Coalition......
Ripping through some thick brush on my way to the Hardtail division race win.......

I always try to use aerodynamic form.....

Toro Park has sweet trails......

I went as hard as possible and gave everything I had at the CCCX DH race. I set a sweet course and did lots of trail work leading up to race day. I had a small slip up-slide out - in my Pro race run, but still managed a podium spot in this division. I then followed that up by hitting all my lines in the Single Speed, Hardtail, & Chainless races, which led me to claim the wins in those divisions. Winning 3 divisions in one day is awesome and I am always stoked to race some DH. My favorite win of the bunch is the Chainless division. Many years ago I had a very big win at the Colorado Fat Tire Festival in Crested Butte Colorado. I won the State Championship in the Chainless race. This event is a true classic and the race started at 11,000 feet and descended for 5 miles into the middle of the town in Crested Butte. It was 1993 and it was amazing to win a race in Colorado with over 80 riders trying for the State Championship. That was one of my favorite wins for sure, as the finish line was the Mountain Bike Hall Of Fame building in Crested Butte. Some of my favorite wins have been in mountainous states such as Wyoming, Nevada, Idaho, Utah, Montana, Oregon, and Washington, besides that great win at the Fat Tire Festival in Colorado.

For this Thanksgiving I Give A Huge Thanks To GT For Having Great Bikes And Making Me Part Of The GT Dirt Coalition Program. THANK YOU GT!

2009-11-26T20:57:00.000-08:00

This coming weekend I am wanting to do the Saturday morning group ride, then some DH practice in the afternoon. Sunday will be the CCCX DH race. Then the thick of my Cyclocross season starts. My focus will be Cyclocross in December and January.

Did a 2 & 1/2 hour easy ride today. I went into Pebble Beach and did the A climb twice. My legs felt a lot better after being completely ripping apart my muscles over the weekend then again on Tuesday night. It was super foggy today in Pebble Beach, but in Monterey it was clear and pleasant. Tomorrow I set the DH course for Sunday's CCCX DH race. The course will use one of my favorite trails and I am excited about racing down that track.

Sore

2009-11-26T00:59:00.000-08:00

My Next Cross race I hope will be Santa Rosa Series #2. You can see below the first race of that series my ribs were bothering me pretty bad. I had just suffered the accident 6 days before, so I was really hurting in this race....

My ribs are definitely on the mend. I am sleeping better and feeling less pain when I cough. It is a great feeling to not be in pain all the time from cracked ribs. Yet, after the last Cross race I feel really sore all over. I crashed 2 times on the day, once in warm up then another in my first race. I have a sore knee and my finger is swollen from getting smashed. But mostly it is my muscles that are most sore. I did 2 races on the day and there were some very hard hills on that course. I did around 20 laps of racing and each lap had numerous hill sections I had to hit full on. Then on Tuesday night we had a serious hill climb session workout. It was numerous attacks again and again from my Road workout group. My muscles are sore!

Hard Races

2009-11-23T01:27:00.000-08:00

I had better feelings in my legs and body this last race. I for sure made some gains in my recovery from the broken ribs. I am just thankful to have a chance to race.

The Manzanita course is one of my favorites......

This was the first race ever at Manzanita park I was able to use the long drag strip of super smooth grass across the soccer fields....

It was a picture perfect day for a bike race....

Relax & Fight

2009-11-20T23:04:00.000-08:00

I am still in pain from my broken ribs. I can not believe it, it has been 21 days now since my accident and it still hurts really bad. I will fight through the pain. I will continue to work hard to improve. I need to keep relaxed and always keep my focus. I have to fight the entire time on course. For me to race my best I have to go at it as if it is a fight!

Manzanita Cyclocross

2009-11-19T20:43:00.000-08:00

I am super looking forward to racing Cyclocross now that my broken ribs are finally starting to feel better.....

The race route for the upcoming Manzanita Cyclocross race is going to be special. I was forced to make some adjustments in the course due to the need for more parking. In the end, I have been able to make some additions to the course and shape the route in a way that was not possible before. This version of the Manzanita Cyclocross race will be very special.

Focus

2009-11-18T22:48:00.000-08:00

I have always been a big fan of Cadel Evans. I first met Cadel when he used to come race the Sea Otter Classic here in Monterey. He participated many years in my hometown event and each year I made a point to speak to him and thank him for racing in Monterey. I was very stoked to see the guy win the World Road Championship....

The most major key for my racing is to remain focused! I have to keep my mindset in proper order for the task at hand. I have to fight harder and dig deeper then I think is possible. I have to find some where within myself to get in tune with the pain of the effort and enjoy the fight.....

Training Session

2009-11-18T20:20:00.000-08:00

Even with my broken ribs and riding in major pain I still enjoy Cyclocross fully.....
I know my strength will grow as my recovery from my injury progresses....

I have been really stoked with the courses I have put together for Cyclocross this season.....

I like dismounting over boards and running over boards at speed, and I also like hopping boards....

Jumping over obstacles when possible is such a coll sensation, and I recommend everyone try and develop some skills for hopping over obstacles in races.....

Here Don Myrah pulls me and Henry Kramer at the start of CCCX #4. The starts are super fast and I always have to hold back my speed at the start because I have the desire to go full on right away. This was Henry Kramer's final race he says as he has mentioned he is finished with racing. I was glad to be there at the front with him, but I do think he will be back racing one day....

One of my most favorite things about Cyclocross racing are the dismounts at speed and running with your bike.....

I like this photo because it shows the fastest Masters riders in the USA starting out at Toro Park near Monterey.....

At the top of the run-up at Toro Park I was in a world of pain.....

This week the Cyclocross race I am putting on will be at Manzanita Park. I really like that course and I will work to make the route extra good. My Tuesday night training session is on each week now. I enjoy night riding very much. Most of all I want to climb hills on Tuesday night and do as much steady tempo riding combined with hard accelerations as possible.

Cross

2009-11-16T22:05:00.000-08:00

I am starting to feel stronger and feel less pain from my broken ribs. It has been about recovery for me lately from the snapping of my ribs. I will continue to fight to improve.

Having At It~

2009-11-12T23:20:00.001-08:00

Even with my multiple broken ribs I have been having at the Cross races. For me, Cyclocross is one of the most fun types of racing and just cause I am hurt it will not make me stop. I have to be more careful and take care, but I am starting to feel stronger in my ribs. I will keep trying to get stronger so I can keep trying to ride my strongest possible.

Riding.....

2009-11-05T16:44:00.000-08:00

This was the view I had Tuesday night on my group ride. Monterey coast rides get the best views for sure, and if you mix in a sunset and a full moon rising, it truly is amazing........
I am very excited to race 2 Cross events this weekend, even if my ribs are jacked up......

My ribs were pretty sore after snapping them on Sunday in the Cross race. In the end it was a small crack, but the bruising along the nearby rib cage is severe. I really had trouble sleeping the first 2 nights, but now I am starting to make gains in recovery. I forced myself to ride the Tuesday night group get together. I try to make these workouts each week, even if I am hurt. Surprisingly I felt OK on the climbs and made some hard efforts on the climbs when the others seemed to be tapped out. I did feel I was lacking full strength and power, but it was a beautiful night for cycling with the full moon shining so bright over the Pacific ocean.

The Cyclocross course I am putting together for this Sunday's CCCX event is amazing. After much planning and preparation, it really does look to be one of the best race routes ever in Northern California for Cyclocross.

Jacked

2009-11-02T00:48:00.000-08:00

It is all about railing the corners for me.....
One tricky uphill section required power and finesse to navigate....

Hitting the hill in my Single Speed gear was a challenge time after time......

As I was jumping back on my bike on lap #1 of today's Cyclocross race I missed my seat with my leg completely. My leg then got reamed by my tire, but worse then that the tip of my seat post shot into my rib cage with the full force of my body weight falling on it. I felt like I cracked my ribs and I had the wind knocked out of me. I had to pull out of the race.

I regrouped and started to feel better after a while, so I signed up for the Single Speed race 2 hours later. I fought hard and even if my ribs were snapped I battled on to 3rd place in the super competitive Single Speed division. It was a hard day of racing but in the end I made the podium. My 792 podium of my career.

3 Race Weekend

2009-10-26T23:32:00.000-07:00

Full speed railing into the sand section.....
Trying my best to drive it up the climb.....

I like riding in the sand and using some technical skills.....

Trying to make up time after I crashed on a tight turn in the DH race on Saturday....

It was the CCCX DH race on Saturday and then the Bay Area Super Prestige Cross race on Sunday. Interestingly I crashed both days! At the DH race I had a really good run going, and then came into a tight turn carrying way too much speed, and could not get through the tight turn so crashed. I just came in way too hot, off line, and had no room to make the corner. I still won my division after getting up fast and still finishing. Yet I think I could have contested for the days overall fastest time if I did not wipe out.

Then at the Cyclocross race near San Francisco, I was completely taken out from behind by a out of control rider. This really sucked because at the time I was moving up past riders in the field and was starting to get close to the leaders. Then all of a sudden I get side swiped from behind and was sent flipping into the air, then was tumbled over as the out of control rider crashed over me as I was on the ground.

If you are a racer and you take someone out from behind with no warning at all, please tell then you are sorry. tell them you are a idiot and a loser and apologise. This is the right thing to do after you cause the crash!

After I got up and dusted myself off I realized my knee took the worst of it. My race was over at that point and my knee was messed up and full of dirt and dripping blood.

I still wanted to race more!

Riding & Cyclocross Racing

2009-10-21T17:58:00.000-07:00

Cyclocross racing was one of the first types of cycling I wanted to compete in many years ago. I really enjoy the challenges Cross racing brings on. I would recommend to anyone who wants to improve as a cyclist to race Cross.........

I have been getting in some great night rides the past few weeks. The Tuesday night rides have always been one of my favorite workouts, and I really like riding with my helmet light on. The Tuesday night ride I do consists of multiple climbs in Pebble Beach and there is always a lot of action when riding up the climbs in the group. The Tuesday night ride group has very strong riders, because if you can not climb well you basically get dropped, so any rider who has doubts in their fitness basically shy's away from this ride.

Cyclocross racing is full on right now, with races every weekend. I am seriously trying to get in full on Cross mode physically and mentally. Cyclocross racing is one of my favorite types of racing. I will keep working hard to get more in sync with my Cross bike and more in tune with the interval type style Cross racing demands.

Cyclocross 2009

2009-10-13T18:54:00.001-07:00

I have been really enjoying the Cyclocross racing which started a few weeks ago. This past Sunday I was 2nd place in Sacramento, and had a good chance of getting the win, but it did not happen. I have some very important races coming up and I am getting much more comfortable on my Cross bike.

I like it when I can use my jumping skills on the Cross bike....
Nor-Cal Cross is always competitive no matter what event you do.....

Before the start of my first Cross race of 2009.....

The more turns the better for me. But I like all aspects of Cross racing. It really allows me to develop all my cycling skills....

My form is starting to come around for racing Cyclocross....

Cyclocross Season

2009-09-19T20:27:00.000-07:00

My Cyclocross season starts this weekend at Manzanita Park in Prunedale. I am very excited for the Cross races!

My Road Race season is now complete. I had many great results, yet I had so many times where I could have actually done even better. I know that I will keep improving on the Road with hard work and learning from each experience and outcome.

Finish Line

2009-09-14T00:55:00.001-07:00

I made it to the finish line for my Road Race season. I learned a tremendous amount during the competitions and I know the knowledge will help me for next year....

I had another strong finish at the Folsom Circuit race. I had a chance for the win all the way to the line. It was a very stacked field and the racing action was very hectic. In the end I was 4th place on the line. Thanks to my coach for his constant advice and tips, and thanks to all the people who supported me in my racing.