So day two in Maine was a little warmer, well alot warmer, but the mud was even thincker, like oatmeal that's been in the microwave for too long.
It was good. The start was kind of crazy with a downhill mud section that was super wide and some dude put his bike into me and then someone ran over my head. That hurt. I grabbed the wrong bike then found my bike, went from bout 25th to 3rd in a few laps and broke my derail er hanger with 1/2 lap to go. Ran through the mud for 8th. That's cross. But something definetly clicked as I found myself riding really fast in the mud, I found how I could use my skill/strength to attack parts of the mud and use every once of energy into momentum. So I have to say that this was perhaps the most beneficial two races of my career. Crazy.
A huge thanks to our host family this weekend Chris and Phil for taking us in and feeding us some wicked chilli Saturday night.
Tasha rode consistent, but was a little under fired for the mud as she had also but in a big week of training and this was supposed to be a "b" race for us. It was supposed to be low key, but that's pretty impossible with the conditions, but hey you win some, you loose some.
This brings me to my next issue. WE are planning our European Campaign and we need some help. Basically we want to take a different approach then last year. We want to find a family that will host us, or maybe even a few different people who will take us in for a few weeks. SO if anyone who reads this has any family in Belgium/Holland and would like to take us in for a bit let us know, we would really appreciate it. We have had a alot of luck doing this in North America and the people we have met have been great so figure we will try to repeat the recipe in Europe and yield a similar outcome.
Ok, that's about it for today..see the local crew out in Kanata on Sunday.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Saturday, October 24, 2009
why do I shave my legs
Why...I just don't know sometimes. Like today...still got mud in my eyes and I'm feeling wrecked. What ever happened to the off season... Tiered, Tasha 3rd, Derrick 5th. I got a flat while I was in 2nd...then I just couldn't ride fast enough. We both had good rides. 11pm and clothes is clean, sort of, bikes are clean, mostly. Mud in my eyes. Must go to bed.
Tomorrow will be a little warmer...being hypodermic today was slightly unpleasant, mumbles and stumbles, I thought why do I shave my legs and why is every single piece of clothing I own wet! Man, why do I shave my legs. Why is everything wet. Who ever thought that riding bikes in mud was a great idea anyways...have they never heard of roads. Why did I shave my legs...I just don't know why ever ever started...but I'm here and this is what I do. I like the shine (sun) more than the rain, but it makes me tough. There were alot of really nice looking cows today.
I noticed there was alot of mud as well, mostly cause it's still coming out of my eyes...
They, the cows, had names...they even had music in their barns, and apparently little elevators to take their poo away. During the last lap I wished someone took me away and had a magical blow dryer to warm me up and a machine that I could just throw my bike and clothes into and they would come out looking new. Seems like there are easier ways to make a couple hundred dollars. But I guess I wouldn't get to run around in the mud in pink...ahhh well it was good fun.
DSJ
Tomorrow will be a little warmer...being hypodermic today was slightly unpleasant, mumbles and stumbles, I thought why do I shave my legs and why is every single piece of clothing I own wet! Man, why do I shave my legs. Why is everything wet. Who ever thought that riding bikes in mud was a great idea anyways...have they never heard of roads. Why did I shave my legs...I just don't know why ever ever started...but I'm here and this is what I do. I like the shine (sun) more than the rain, but it makes me tough. There were alot of really nice looking cows today.
I noticed there was alot of mud as well, mostly cause it's still coming out of my eyes...
They, the cows, had names...they even had music in their barns, and apparently little elevators to take their poo away. During the last lap I wished someone took me away and had a magical blow dryer to warm me up and a machine that I could just throw my bike and clothes into and they would come out looking new. Seems like there are easier ways to make a couple hundred dollars. But I guess I wouldn't get to run around in the mud in pink...ahhh well it was good fun.
DSJ
Rain in Maine
We had to make a change of plan. Our mechanic for Kentucky broke a rib, so we are in Maine as we did not want to spend 30 hours in the car this weekend. It poured rain last night, it's still raining...it will be a mud fest today. Good news is there is more oxygen in the air when it rains.
We drove through New Hampshire on the way here, who knew Mt Washington was that enormous, we drove by it once, on the way back, but it was snowing so we couldn't see a thing.
Big news, the UCI has held our Nationals points until January. I looked to see if there was a new rule about this, but there isn't. Well in one way it's kind of fair, as there is no way Cross nats should be that early...but on the other hand we could have just flown to Travesio to racked up some points. In the end though you pretty much have t go to Europe to benefit from the points.
We've actually been sorting out our Euro campaign...We've got a few different ideas, more to follow.
DSJ
We drove through New Hampshire on the way here, who knew Mt Washington was that enormous, we drove by it once, on the way back, but it was snowing so we couldn't see a thing.
Big news, the UCI has held our Nationals points until January. I looked to see if there was a new rule about this, but there isn't. Well in one way it's kind of fair, as there is no way Cross nats should be that early...but on the other hand we could have just flown to Travesio to racked up some points. In the end though you pretty much have t go to Europe to benefit from the points.
We've actually been sorting out our Euro campaign...We've got a few different ideas, more to follow.
DSJ
Monday, October 19, 2009
TO
Well, back in Toronto for one of our favorite weekends of the year.
Tasha rode really smooth on Saturday. I kept telling her to shut it down but I think she was just on fire. She said she felt she wasn't really going that hard, but that's what you call having a good day, it just doesn't feel that hard. Pepper gave her a little run for it on the first lap, but Tasha waited and made her move and it was very decisive.
With her win, she jumped into the lead of the North American Cyclocross Trophey (NACT) Series lead and got another sweet jersey to add to this years collection.
I had an ok race. Well that's not true, it was pretty much straight up awesome. I started off ok, but had to fight through a little traffic. On this course I think it was important not to go like stink on the first lap as going up a ski hill 8 times takes a toll on the body. I managed to tag on to the back of the group of 5 leaders. Powers hit the barriers and Johnson plowed into him, it was like Moses parting the red sea except it was Cannodale green and It tipped toes my way through the chaos onto Andy Jacques wheel. I wasn't sure if I should attack as there is always a little bit of etiquette in cycling, in retrospect maybe I should have given it full gas, but as there were a series turns I had to wait before hitting the throttle. But I did hit it a few times and attacked through the barriers the next lap, and then attacked again up the hill, this time Johson responded and stayed close to him, but not close enough. Driscoll then followed. I battled with Watson for third and I matched his accelerations and took him on the final climb but slid out with a few hundred meters to go roiling into 4th.
Sunday Tasha stormed away during the first lap and was never to be seen. Well there was a young junior chomping at her heels, and closed to within 15 seconds, but she just kept the pressure on and secured the win and I believe most of the points for the jersey.
I was unable to match the speed of the three man Cannodale train on the first lap and resolved to fighting for 4th. I won the battles using my kamikaze barrier attacks to get the final gap.
Great weather, great weekend. Good to see a lot of people at the venue. Great courses both days. Lots of great photos all over the web.
http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/toronto-international-cyclo-cross-c1/stages/stage-1/photos/92131
Yah that's pretty much my favorite photo ever.
Also, we were able to take coach Dan out and his wife Sara. We brought them to a Shawarma place, best of all I got a Shawarma hat!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! They said they would give it to me only if I wore it...for sure I'm going to wear a hat that says Shawarma...it's only the second most important food group after coffee.
I could actually do a long blog post, as the weekend was really exciting but I'm pretty tiered and we are travelling to the USGP in Kentucky Friday so we are gonna do a little run today.
I also received an email that means so much to me. In this sport you have to work hard, but good things come if you just keep at it
I really think that I raced close to my full potential this weekend. Having amazing product support from LG really helps, I have to say they have been amazing. Also having Alex Sanna (Soingeur Race Services) do all the pit work is a super help. If you ever need a soingneur look him up, he is a big supported of the Dynamic Duo and I would recommend him to anyone.
When you buy LG products or hire Alex you are supporting the people who believe in us and you directly contribute to our success by doing so. I know Alex is being certified as a level 3 coach as well, if his coaching is anything like the great services he offers to us, I am sure it is pretty great.
Derrick
Tasha rode really smooth on Saturday. I kept telling her to shut it down but I think she was just on fire. She said she felt she wasn't really going that hard, but that's what you call having a good day, it just doesn't feel that hard. Pepper gave her a little run for it on the first lap, but Tasha waited and made her move and it was very decisive.
With her win, she jumped into the lead of the North American Cyclocross Trophey (NACT) Series lead and got another sweet jersey to add to this years collection.
I had an ok race. Well that's not true, it was pretty much straight up awesome. I started off ok, but had to fight through a little traffic. On this course I think it was important not to go like stink on the first lap as going up a ski hill 8 times takes a toll on the body. I managed to tag on to the back of the group of 5 leaders. Powers hit the barriers and Johnson plowed into him, it was like Moses parting the red sea except it was Cannodale green and It tipped toes my way through the chaos onto Andy Jacques wheel. I wasn't sure if I should attack as there is always a little bit of etiquette in cycling, in retrospect maybe I should have given it full gas, but as there were a series turns I had to wait before hitting the throttle. But I did hit it a few times and attacked through the barriers the next lap, and then attacked again up the hill, this time Johson responded and stayed close to him, but not close enough. Driscoll then followed. I battled with Watson for third and I matched his accelerations and took him on the final climb but slid out with a few hundred meters to go roiling into 4th.
Sunday Tasha stormed away during the first lap and was never to be seen. Well there was a young junior chomping at her heels, and closed to within 15 seconds, but she just kept the pressure on and secured the win and I believe most of the points for the jersey.
I was unable to match the speed of the three man Cannodale train on the first lap and resolved to fighting for 4th. I won the battles using my kamikaze barrier attacks to get the final gap.
Great weather, great weekend. Good to see a lot of people at the venue. Great courses both days. Lots of great photos all over the web.
http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/toronto-international-cyclo-cross-c1/stages/stage-1/photos/92131
Yah that's pretty much my favorite photo ever.
Also, we were able to take coach Dan out and his wife Sara. We brought them to a Shawarma place, best of all I got a Shawarma hat!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! They said they would give it to me only if I wore it...for sure I'm going to wear a hat that says Shawarma...it's only the second most important food group after coffee.
I could actually do a long blog post, as the weekend was really exciting but I'm pretty tiered and we are travelling to the USGP in Kentucky Friday so we are gonna do a little run today.
I also received an email that means so much to me. In this sport you have to work hard, but good things come if you just keep at it
I really think that I raced close to my full potential this weekend. Having amazing product support from LG really helps, I have to say they have been amazing. Also having Alex Sanna (Soingeur Race Services) do all the pit work is a super help. If you ever need a soingneur look him up, he is a big supported of the Dynamic Duo and I would recommend him to anyone.
When you buy LG products or hire Alex you are supporting the people who believe in us and you directly contribute to our success by doing so. I know Alex is being certified as a level 3 coach as well, if his coaching is anything like the great services he offers to us, I am sure it is pretty great.
Derrick
Sunday, October 11, 2009
3 week recap
So it's been so long since I've done a post. Apparently I should of being doing more, as too many guys in the west coast read Derrick's post the wrong way last night. All well, such is life and we don't have a blog to cause trouble but to use as a race report and a diary and nothing more that. Family, friends, fans, supporters and sponsors are interested in how we are and what we are doing and sometimes this is our only connection to them. The smartest thing I have done though over the last few weeks, is stopped reading everyone's blog that I race against. Why.....well there is no need, if I see these people at the race, I'd rather just talk to them and listen to how things went, cause, really that shows that I care and am interested and I am actually listening to there answers. It's been a real great experiment and I really proud of myself for this step. As a racer you can read into someone's blog the wrong way, and not get their true perspective, but if you talk to them you actually see that it is different from what you would read. Hey and sometimes people like to make jokes and sound funny but not for it to be taken the wrong way.
Anyways, a short 3 weeks ago the racing had started and wow how much variety have I had this year in a mere 3 weeks. Vermont was great 1 win and 1 2nd place. Gloucester, well Gloucester couldn't of been better. Those to date were my best two career wins ever and two do the double like that made it feel even more amazing. Two different days and two different styles of racing really made me feel at the top of my game. Maybe one week to early or maybe not. I definitely didn't feel amazing the last two days and I know I never travel well east to west, but what can you. All you can do is try and hope things will go well. Luck wasn't on my side this weekend either, the first day I made a mistake of letting Pepper and Allison pass me in the first half of the first lap and sure enough Pepper crashed and on my way of avoiding her as she was getting up, I slid out as well and never got to recover as Pepper and Allison went full gas to get rid of me. I tried and tried but 12 seconds was as close as I ever got in the next few laps and then I was spent.
Today was better but still not my "A" game. Heart rate was super lower both today and yesterday and I know something is always up when that happens. Anyways I gave it a go and lead the first lap and then had to play a bit of games. I was only willing to let Allison lead and as Pepper kept trying to get by I had to accelerate and close the door on her. She ended up crashing numerous of times behind me and that was exactly why I couldn't let her get in front. Anyways to fight her off I let Allison get a couple of seconds on me and could never close it back. She got me by about 20 seconds today (Pedal and Canadian Cyclist some how messed up the results but all well). On the top part of the course I was closing and could see and smell the fear in Allison as she jumped hard out of each corner. But she definitely out road me in the bowl part of the course which I couldn't make up the time for this mountain bike section of the course no matter how hard I tried.
Derrick's race today was a bit of a "shit" show if I can say this word on the blog. If I told you anything about the few mishaps we have both had to deal with in the last few days it has been insane. Pretty funny and pretty amazing how we both handled the situations. For me, one really truly did probably effect my performance (which its nothing a few physio appointments can't fix), the other, well was just a little out of line and insulting. The same for Derrick and the way he came back today in the race after he was blatantly taken out, well that was amazing. I was pretty sure after the race we was going to be ready to rip someone apart, but he didn't even complain. All he could say was "did you see me ride and pass like 10 guys in 2 minutes, look how well I recovered from that". He also had some bad luck with a mechanical and as he road into second place, he then fell back to 4th because of it in the last few laps of the race. No complaints or protests to the officials when I think he would of had a valid case. Anyways, like my little mishap last week with another rider, you never know who was right and who was wrong, or if it is intentional or not, nobody can really make the call but the person who did it. You just have to trust your gut and try to race as fair as you think is fair. It is after all cyclo cross, and people are in for the win and will get there at all costs, and everyone has their own style of riding. Derrick and I both do this for a living at the moment and do try to go as far as we can but as fair as possible, but yes rubbin is racing my friends and it's all part of the game.
Next year is another year and another Nationals. Nationals is an important one, but there is still many other races to be won out there for the season. I definitely know that I had my work cut out for me this past weekend to win it and am not sure even if I had my "A" game if I would of got it on this course. I'm content to keep on trying and keep on racing to my abilities and wait again until next year in Toronto, which is much closer to home for me. And maybe just then I will get the title. Believe me when I do, it will be something special, I thought for sure my 10 UCI wins in North American over the last 13 months was enough preparation but I guess it was not. Nobody said it was going to be easy and if it was, would it be that great.
Thanks again to everyone who has helped us thus far, all the cheerers, supporters, fans, family, coach Dan and sponsors at LG, both from at the race and from a far. We are not even half way done this season, but you have all brought us so far.
NCE
Anyways, a short 3 weeks ago the racing had started and wow how much variety have I had this year in a mere 3 weeks. Vermont was great 1 win and 1 2nd place. Gloucester, well Gloucester couldn't of been better. Those to date were my best two career wins ever and two do the double like that made it feel even more amazing. Two different days and two different styles of racing really made me feel at the top of my game. Maybe one week to early or maybe not. I definitely didn't feel amazing the last two days and I know I never travel well east to west, but what can you. All you can do is try and hope things will go well. Luck wasn't on my side this weekend either, the first day I made a mistake of letting Pepper and Allison pass me in the first half of the first lap and sure enough Pepper crashed and on my way of avoiding her as she was getting up, I slid out as well and never got to recover as Pepper and Allison went full gas to get rid of me. I tried and tried but 12 seconds was as close as I ever got in the next few laps and then I was spent.
Today was better but still not my "A" game. Heart rate was super lower both today and yesterday and I know something is always up when that happens. Anyways I gave it a go and lead the first lap and then had to play a bit of games. I was only willing to let Allison lead and as Pepper kept trying to get by I had to accelerate and close the door on her. She ended up crashing numerous of times behind me and that was exactly why I couldn't let her get in front. Anyways to fight her off I let Allison get a couple of seconds on me and could never close it back. She got me by about 20 seconds today (Pedal and Canadian Cyclist some how messed up the results but all well). On the top part of the course I was closing and could see and smell the fear in Allison as she jumped hard out of each corner. But she definitely out road me in the bowl part of the course which I couldn't make up the time for this mountain bike section of the course no matter how hard I tried.
Derrick's race today was a bit of a "shit" show if I can say this word on the blog. If I told you anything about the few mishaps we have both had to deal with in the last few days it has been insane. Pretty funny and pretty amazing how we both handled the situations. For me, one really truly did probably effect my performance (which its nothing a few physio appointments can't fix), the other, well was just a little out of line and insulting. The same for Derrick and the way he came back today in the race after he was blatantly taken out, well that was amazing. I was pretty sure after the race we was going to be ready to rip someone apart, but he didn't even complain. All he could say was "did you see me ride and pass like 10 guys in 2 minutes, look how well I recovered from that". He also had some bad luck with a mechanical and as he road into second place, he then fell back to 4th because of it in the last few laps of the race. No complaints or protests to the officials when I think he would of had a valid case. Anyways, like my little mishap last week with another rider, you never know who was right and who was wrong, or if it is intentional or not, nobody can really make the call but the person who did it. You just have to trust your gut and try to race as fair as you think is fair. It is after all cyclo cross, and people are in for the win and will get there at all costs, and everyone has their own style of riding. Derrick and I both do this for a living at the moment and do try to go as far as we can but as fair as possible, but yes rubbin is racing my friends and it's all part of the game.
Next year is another year and another Nationals. Nationals is an important one, but there is still many other races to be won out there for the season. I definitely know that I had my work cut out for me this past weekend to win it and am not sure even if I had my "A" game if I would of got it on this course. I'm content to keep on trying and keep on racing to my abilities and wait again until next year in Toronto, which is much closer to home for me. And maybe just then I will get the title. Believe me when I do, it will be something special, I thought for sure my 10 UCI wins in North American over the last 13 months was enough preparation but I guess it was not. Nobody said it was going to be easy and if it was, would it be that great.
Thanks again to everyone who has helped us thus far, all the cheerers, supporters, fans, family, coach Dan and sponsors at LG, both from at the race and from a far. We are not even half way done this season, but you have all brought us so far.
NCE
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Nationals briefly
So Tasha was off first. She had an ok ride. But she has been having a problem with her leg going numb in extreme temperatures, and it was bothering her a little today. Pepper bobbled in front of her and she fell back a little and could not overcome the 10 second gap. As soon as Allison saw Natasha was in back they gassed it so she could not let her catch on. Allison and Pepper throttled it for two laps putting in laps faster than the Junior men.
Obviously not the result we were looking for, but this is her first Nationals podium and up to date her luck at Nationals has been awful, so although it is bittersweet, congrats to he on her first Elite Nationals Podium. She knew it wasn't going to be easy. But she is very positive and just said when the time is right it will happen and she will cry lot of happy tears.
I wish I could have had the same positive attitude after my race, but I was a little disappointed/upset initially as I was behind some chaos and lost valuable seconds on the first lap. I guess the lesson here is start better and you won't be behind the chaos. I obviously knew it wasn't going to be a walk in the parc, I came on hard and fast lap 2 and on but the damage was done and I was in a battle with Schooler and Trace for 2nd. I didn't really ride all that well technically on the ride/run ups, as I was gassed from going so hard on the power sections. I guess I just need to concentrate a little more. I wanted it to be a race and I was a little insulted with what the announcers were saying to tell you the truth. They said they didn't even think Jeff was working or sweating and they played an AC DC song that he requested... Not sure maybe I'm a little sensitive, but that's pretty insulting. Good news is now I'm mad. Not angry, but mad like a dog and tomorrow, if i get a good start I'm going to try to rip peoples legs off the bone. I'll tell em when they see me leading to play some Tiesto and see how it feels to Trance out on them.
Hey that's racing though, but I'm aloud to freak out a bit, otherwise I wouldn't be me. As an Elite/Pro it's this kind of fuel that you need to push yourself past your limits. Good ride for Aaron Schooler coming third I think that's his best result and he's an Edmonton boy so good on him for showing up this year. The O town boys Connor and K bomb threw down as well, standing on the podium, just shy of the win...I feel ya.
I wold really like to thank Katherine and Chris for tow us around today and Alexa Sanna Soingeur Race Services, (check out his web site), extra ordinary and his friend Peter Mogg winner of the M1 race for helping us out, I really appreciate it guys. Alex is available for alot of races on the east coast, if you need support, he is the guy for sure, I know we have him reserved for Toronto already. Today went way smoother than last week, nothing worse than changing pedals 5minutes before your start.
Obviously not the result we were looking for, but this is her first Nationals podium and up to date her luck at Nationals has been awful, so although it is bittersweet, congrats to he on her first Elite Nationals Podium. She knew it wasn't going to be easy. But she is very positive and just said when the time is right it will happen and she will cry lot of happy tears.
I wish I could have had the same positive attitude after my race, but I was a little disappointed/upset initially as I was behind some chaos and lost valuable seconds on the first lap. I guess the lesson here is start better and you won't be behind the chaos. I obviously knew it wasn't going to be a walk in the parc, I came on hard and fast lap 2 and on but the damage was done and I was in a battle with Schooler and Trace for 2nd. I didn't really ride all that well technically on the ride/run ups, as I was gassed from going so hard on the power sections. I guess I just need to concentrate a little more. I wanted it to be a race and I was a little insulted with what the announcers were saying to tell you the truth. They said they didn't even think Jeff was working or sweating and they played an AC DC song that he requested... Not sure maybe I'm a little sensitive, but that's pretty insulting. Good news is now I'm mad. Not angry, but mad like a dog and tomorrow, if i get a good start I'm going to try to rip peoples legs off the bone. I'll tell em when they see me leading to play some Tiesto and see how it feels to Trance out on them.
Hey that's racing though, but I'm aloud to freak out a bit, otherwise I wouldn't be me. As an Elite/Pro it's this kind of fuel that you need to push yourself past your limits. Good ride for Aaron Schooler coming third I think that's his best result and he's an Edmonton boy so good on him for showing up this year. The O town boys Connor and K bomb threw down as well, standing on the podium, just shy of the win...I feel ya.
I wold really like to thank Katherine and Chris for tow us around today and Alexa Sanna Soingeur Race Services, (check out his web site), extra ordinary and his friend Peter Mogg winner of the M1 race for helping us out, I really appreciate it guys. Alex is available for alot of races on the east coast, if you need support, he is the guy for sure, I know we have him reserved for Toronto already. Today went way smoother than last week, nothing worse than changing pedals 5minutes before your start.
Friday, October 9, 2009
Nationals Preview...for Kyle Fry Guy
So we headed over to Argyle Parc to check out the course. It's similar to last year, but they removed one mountain bike section and added a few really cool Euro like trade marks.
A wicked Fly over, all steel grate..it's sounds like thunder rolling over it, that thing is a monster and it will suck the life out of ya in the middle of the race.
They have lots of tight turns, one that shoots you right out in front of the pit.
This course is similar the Schelde Cross in Belgium, which was the first Euro race we ever did.
They added a cool sand pit...it's mostly a run, but Tasha had strict instructions not to sand in her drive train tonight, unless she was going to clean it herself and we know that was not going to happen.
There's a lot more twists and turns and the steep run up is still steep and it's icy.
Lots of people standing around watching other people take the magic lines through sections. But in reality, the course can change so much in 24 hours after weather, erosion and racing...so no worries.
I never really ride well in warm up, usually I crash a few times and bobble alot. I'm not really the smoothest rider...not at all actually. But I get chop my way through and more than likely tomorrow will be no different. In the past I would stress about not having sections dailed in, but in training it's just kind of riding around and getting a few bursts of speed in the legs...nothing more. It usually takes me half a lap to get it, cause you just don't ride the same speed in warm up and what you did at 15 km/hr is not the same as 20 km/hr.
So yah, we messed around with tire pressure and stuff, tomorrow we'll bring the other tires and we'll take it from there. It's just not worth stressing bout, it will be last minute decisions, but nothing like a little pressure to force you into a decision.
I'm not sure what wheels will be best, we will know about 20 minutes before the race.
It's a good thing this sport teaches you to just go with flow, cause there are always obstacles to overcome, so to speak literally and figuratively.
For me it would have been nice to have the sun shinning and a dry course, but I don't want to be just a one trick monkey, so whatever happens I really have no control over. If the course was dry I would have a smile from ear to ear as it would have been a crit on grass, but I'm still smiling cause tomorrow maybe I win on circuit that on paper I shouldn't, but we don't race on paper..it may look like paper cause it's white, but it's called snow, of that I am pretty sure.
As for Tash, she has proven she can ride mud and on dry, so we'll see if she keeps impressing with the dynamic riding capabilities. After a little bit of drama this week though(none being self imposed) I definitely know she know has what it takes to be champion as she has proved to me that not only has she improved her ability to get over obstacles on any course, but she has really grown as an athlete and a person in the last year with her ability to overcome obstacles in her life. Where there was once self doubt I know she someone who uses positivity to overcome whatever awful situation is thrown at her and she rises above. So in my eyes, she is indeed already a champion and now possesses the mental fortitude to be crowned.
Other than that we got to see coach Dan and his wife, that was nice...someimpressive riding by K bomb and good to see all the competion like Mike and KD and Shawn,Aaron and also to see Kyle Fry...I like this kid, you got to love a kid that eats raw fish!.He is my favorite Northerner for sure.
DSJ
A wicked Fly over, all steel grate..it's sounds like thunder rolling over it, that thing is a monster and it will suck the life out of ya in the middle of the race.
They have lots of tight turns, one that shoots you right out in front of the pit.
This course is similar the Schelde Cross in Belgium, which was the first Euro race we ever did.
They added a cool sand pit...it's mostly a run, but Tasha had strict instructions not to sand in her drive train tonight, unless she was going to clean it herself and we know that was not going to happen.
There's a lot more twists and turns and the steep run up is still steep and it's icy.
Lots of people standing around watching other people take the magic lines through sections. But in reality, the course can change so much in 24 hours after weather, erosion and racing...so no worries.
I never really ride well in warm up, usually I crash a few times and bobble alot. I'm not really the smoothest rider...not at all actually. But I get chop my way through and more than likely tomorrow will be no different. In the past I would stress about not having sections dailed in, but in training it's just kind of riding around and getting a few bursts of speed in the legs...nothing more. It usually takes me half a lap to get it, cause you just don't ride the same speed in warm up and what you did at 15 km/hr is not the same as 20 km/hr.
So yah, we messed around with tire pressure and stuff, tomorrow we'll bring the other tires and we'll take it from there. It's just not worth stressing bout, it will be last minute decisions, but nothing like a little pressure to force you into a decision.
I'm not sure what wheels will be best, we will know about 20 minutes before the race.
It's a good thing this sport teaches you to just go with flow, cause there are always obstacles to overcome, so to speak literally and figuratively.
For me it would have been nice to have the sun shinning and a dry course, but I don't want to be just a one trick monkey, so whatever happens I really have no control over. If the course was dry I would have a smile from ear to ear as it would have been a crit on grass, but I'm still smiling cause tomorrow maybe I win on circuit that on paper I shouldn't, but we don't race on paper..it may look like paper cause it's white, but it's called snow, of that I am pretty sure.
As for Tash, she has proven she can ride mud and on dry, so we'll see if she keeps impressing with the dynamic riding capabilities. After a little bit of drama this week though(none being self imposed) I definitely know she know has what it takes to be champion as she has proved to me that not only has she improved her ability to get over obstacles on any course, but she has really grown as an athlete and a person in the last year with her ability to overcome obstacles in her life. Where there was once self doubt I know she someone who uses positivity to overcome whatever awful situation is thrown at her and she rises above. So in my eyes, she is indeed already a champion and now possesses the mental fortitude to be crowned.
Other than that we got to see coach Dan and his wife, that was nice...someimpressive riding by K bomb and good to see all the competion like Mike and KD and Shawn,Aaron and also to see Kyle Fry...I like this kid, you got to love a kid that eats raw fish!.He is my favorite Northerner for sure.
DSJ
Links and photos
Tasha with her "beauty cream" after winning Gloucester, photo courtesy of Paul Weiss and Cx Mag. I think this is my favorite shot of Tasha, eve...it says it all.
Here are some of the photos around the Web over the last few weeks, I know it's a little late, but just in case.
Tasha's interview after Gloucester day 1
http://www.cyclingdirt.org/videos/coverage/view_video/235695-nact-3-4-grand-prix-of-gloucester/203040-natasha-elliott-post-race-gp-gloucester-1
Gloucester day 1 video
Pic of me running
http://www.cyclingnews.com
There are a lot more photos and vids but those are some of my favorites.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Edmonton Chill
Well we arrived in Edmonton and a very familiar face greeted us at the Airport. Well, sort of.
It was none other than one of Canada's best triathletes, and Beijing Olympic Team member Paul Tichelaar. Maybe I'm kind of naive, cause when I saw his name on the emails, I thought that's funny this guy has the same name as the guy from the Olympics. Well after he told me he was doing his swim in the morning and then he could get us on his lunch break....it started to make sense. Anyways, he is housesitting for his in laws and letting us stay in his apt in Edmonton, very cool. Nothing like Olympic memorabilia hanging on the wall to inspire. Cause the weather is frigid and I'm not totally siked to get outside in sub zero weather for a training ride, but it's just the way it is.
THe bikes are up and built, that must be a PB for me. I didn't really mind packing the bikes last night, as a pro it's just part of the job. If you can enjoy packing the bikes, changing cables, ect it becomes a lot more enjoyable. Cause in reality the racing is a very small percentage of time, don't get me wrong it is usually the best part of it, but obviously there is a lot of work that goes in to getting us from point A to B along with the stable of bikes and gear. Especially during Cross season, so much work, travel, but the the reward's are worth it.
Speaking of that, I should have the new Carbon prototype bike soon. But my "job" is train with it and really smack it around and pummel it...oh how fun that will be.
So that's where we are at. I know I didn't really say anything about the "injury" I incurred this week while I was taking a Bottom Bracket off...but I am healing well. In a nut shell, I was torquing down on something and the tool slipped and slammed somewhere very unpleasant that caused me to run around for a few minutes before the bleeding and bruising set in...it wasn't pleasant...it was pretty bad...but without going into too much detail it is better. If this weekend goes as planned, it may make for a good story over a pint. On the other hand if the weekend doesn't go that well it may make for an even better story over a pint. Either way it's gonna make for a funny story for whoever is at the dinner table Sunday night, the more people the better the story will be, trust me.
DSJ
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Be leavin'
We are scheduled to leave tomorrow. Yikes, I'm not even out the door yet for my workout this morning. Bikes...they are not packed, they will have to be worked on after the ride since it's raining cats and dogs.
In my haste of yesterdays post, I totally forgot to thank our wonderful Hostess in Beverley Mass,
Ann Guyer. She gave us shelter and kept us full with the most delicious fish "chowda" (she didn't really have a Baston accent, but it just makes my story more interesting). She even let us invite Robbie O and K bomb over for dinner. Her house was full of really cool art work, some which I noted she was the creator. So far we are two for two on the host housing, thanks Kim and thanks Ann, you were both a huge part of the success.
The title of the post is supposed to be a little bit of a pun. As I was caffeinating (thats my word Patent Pending) this morning I thought that we be leaving today but also the importance of believing in ourselves over the next couple days. I don't really know what I was going to say or write next, it made so much sense but in the time it took to throw on my shorts and jersey, the thought is gone.
Also I really really really want to thank all the people at Garneau who have been phenomenal to meet all of our very numerous demands. We just received some new custom clothes, let me just say the Lite Vent Long Sleeve jersey looks sick, perfect for cross. If you ever need Custom clothing made, LG is the way to go, the clothes are amazing, the fit spectacular and I think it looks sick even in Pink . Send me a line and I'll hook you up.
Ok, rain has stopped, workout must start, luckily we got the word to not overdo it today so there should be no hang over tomorrow. I felt pretty awful last Thursday from our Ballistic Speed workout. Did you know a Cross bike can get up to 50 km/hr? Who knew.
Also I thought of another good name for Blog, "The tales of the caffineated Wall Flour and the Dizzy Squirrel". We are supposed to be hooking up a rider diary from Pedal Mag, maybe I'll throw that at them.
Last thing, Anonymous asked about the "lunch meat" in the previous post. Just for the record, foods that are high in preservatives, sulfites, nitrates and all things un natural to man can cause migraines. Funny enough they even had a blurb about it on Canada AM, with Shamus this morning. Google causes of migraines and you'll see that I'm not crazy...we'll maybe not but at least you'll see that I'm not author of these theories.
DSJ
DSJ
In my haste of yesterdays post, I totally forgot to thank our wonderful Hostess in Beverley Mass,
Ann Guyer. She gave us shelter and kept us full with the most delicious fish "chowda" (she didn't really have a Baston accent, but it just makes my story more interesting). She even let us invite Robbie O and K bomb over for dinner. Her house was full of really cool art work, some which I noted she was the creator. So far we are two for two on the host housing, thanks Kim and thanks Ann, you were both a huge part of the success.
The title of the post is supposed to be a little bit of a pun. As I was caffeinating (thats my word Patent Pending) this morning I thought that we be leaving today but also the importance of believing in ourselves over the next couple days. I don't really know what I was going to say or write next, it made so much sense but in the time it took to throw on my shorts and jersey, the thought is gone.
Also I really really really want to thank all the people at Garneau who have been phenomenal to meet all of our very numerous demands. We just received some new custom clothes, let me just say the Lite Vent Long Sleeve jersey looks sick, perfect for cross. If you ever need Custom clothing made, LG is the way to go, the clothes are amazing, the fit spectacular and I think it looks sick even in Pink . Send me a line and I'll hook you up.
Ok, rain has stopped, workout must start, luckily we got the word to not overdo it today so there should be no hang over tomorrow. I felt pretty awful last Thursday from our Ballistic Speed workout. Did you know a Cross bike can get up to 50 km/hr? Who knew.
Also I thought of another good name for Blog, "The tales of the caffineated Wall Flour and the Dizzy Squirrel". We are supposed to be hooking up a rider diary from Pedal Mag, maybe I'll throw that at them.
Last thing, Anonymous asked about the "lunch meat" in the previous post. Just for the record, foods that are high in preservatives, sulfites, nitrates and all things un natural to man can cause migraines. Funny enough they even had a blurb about it on Canada AM, with Shamus this morning. Google causes of migraines and you'll see that I'm not crazy...we'll maybe not but at least you'll see that I'm not author of these theories.
DSJ
DSJ
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Gloucester and the TSS
Man, what a crazy weekend and it's just getting crazier by the minute. Tick Tock we're on the clock, less than 48 hours and we're off to Nationals.
So In case you hadn't heard, Tasha basically light it up in MA. She endured through the mud, and pushed her way through to Victory. It was a great win for her. We often talk about Gloucester as where it all started, as it was our first Big Race a few years ago.
I wasn't so good in the mud. Unfortunately I ate some lunch meat Friday, it tasted really good but I have a sensitivity to preservatives and it was partially responsible for causing a migraine on Friday night. I didn't feel that bad on Saturday, but I was not quite 100% and when you race the best guys, being 5% down is not the way to go. Anyways, stuff happens you deal with it and you move on.
Sunday...Tasha killed it on the faster parcours, Laura was giving her a good run for her money, so to speak, but Tasha was in control, very cool, calm and collected. She was doing the Euro shoulder checks. She was riding very assertively, confidently that's for sure. Ricard Fries the announcer said she must have been watching Bart Wellens video's.
I had a great race. Good start, good legs, good head. A few sloppy bobbles, caused my seat post to turn sideways and I rode 2 laps with a crooked seat, I got past it though, stayed focused, then another bobble and my handlebars and stem were crooked...well then I had to pit cause that's just dangerous...if you ever want to challenge yourself try riding through sand with crooked handelbars...I was in a battle against Parbo, Timmerman and Jones for a bit, so a top 5 was just within reach, so I walk away feeling good for the next 6 days.
Lots of things to sort out this week, speaking of that my stuff is in so gotta get the new skinsuits...ciao!
DSJ
So In case you hadn't heard, Tasha basically light it up in MA. She endured through the mud, and pushed her way through to Victory. It was a great win for her. We often talk about Gloucester as where it all started, as it was our first Big Race a few years ago.
I wasn't so good in the mud. Unfortunately I ate some lunch meat Friday, it tasted really good but I have a sensitivity to preservatives and it was partially responsible for causing a migraine on Friday night. I didn't feel that bad on Saturday, but I was not quite 100% and when you race the best guys, being 5% down is not the way to go. Anyways, stuff happens you deal with it and you move on.
Sunday...Tasha killed it on the faster parcours, Laura was giving her a good run for her money, so to speak, but Tasha was in control, very cool, calm and collected. She was doing the Euro shoulder checks. She was riding very assertively, confidently that's for sure. Ricard Fries the announcer said she must have been watching Bart Wellens video's.
I had a great race. Good start, good legs, good head. A few sloppy bobbles, caused my seat post to turn sideways and I rode 2 laps with a crooked seat, I got past it though, stayed focused, then another bobble and my handlebars and stem were crooked...well then I had to pit cause that's just dangerous...if you ever want to challenge yourself try riding through sand with crooked handelbars...I was in a battle against Parbo, Timmerman and Jones for a bit, so a top 5 was just within reach, so I walk away feeling good for the next 6 days.
Lots of things to sort out this week, speaking of that my stuff is in so gotta get the new skinsuits...ciao!
DSJ
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