Springfield Dirt Crits Are Coming

Check out THIS post from Mark Gullett (SGF mtb machine) - dirt crits for eight weeks in a row on Tuesday evenings at Sac starting Aug 3rd. I plan to make all that I can now that Ian's baseball is over. Hope the course is conducive to 'cross bikes (if not the mtb needs the cobwebs dusted off) as it will be a great weekly event to put some punch in the legs leading into 'the season'. Ride down from Bolivar, race 35 minutes, and snag a ride back... might be too good to be true. I know at least three of us from Bodunklivar will make these.

Good to see various weekly events going on in the Ozarks: 1) St. John's Waffle race (which I hope will evolve to a mini series next summer), 2) ScottyD's TT series (helping those TT'ers ramp up for State TT), and now 3) Dirt Crit for 8 weeks in a row.

After a week of deliberation it is official that the scooter is staying. Everyone is getting a kick out it and it's simply too good of a deal ($100 with $47 in maintenance issues) to let it go. 'Herby' style racing stripes to go on over the weekend (hopefully).

Spent a little quality time with Nate last night wrapping his handlebars. I really like the Specialized Roubaix tape we put on as the vibration dampening seems suited for Polk County roads to a T.

Enjoying some down/easy spinning on the bike for the rest of the month. Looks like Dale and I will head out for 3hrs tomorrow morning and take in some long-lost roads to the northeast.

Hot Again... Outside and On The Court

It's time to back off the intensity on the fitness front and slowly build up for the year's main event: CYCLOCROSS! I have one or two more crits, but (like the other earlier races) I am not focused on winning any of these. Figure the rest of July will be pretty much easy/light spinning on gravel/dirt roads before taking back up a couple notches in August. Looks like Jeff Yielding's Hermann Under the Lights is on for Sept 18th with a follow-up race the day after and these will kick off my season. JY always puts on solid events and is a good guy so his events are always on my calendars.

Monday I took in some noonball at lunch and the intensity was HUGE. Matched up with an 18yr old kid for most of the day and he had my HR busting out of chest. Still fun for this 42yr old to be able to match the college players step for step (in the open court).

Monday evening I knocked out my first swim laps in over two years. I always loved the overall fitness strength it gave when I raced tri's for six years. Much like golf swimming is big on technique so it took several laps before it starting feeling fluid again; still have a long ways to get 'slippery', but I am looking forward to two to three aqua workouts a week. No tri's in the future (short term that is; I will knock out an IM in the next two to three years), simply working whole body strength and fitness.

Tuesday after work Dale and I hit the roads for a 2hrs. It was a steamer out there so we cruised pretty light out to Bona and back. He is a great riding partner and solid friend.


Wednesday I hit the basketball court with Ian for some noonball. We were short a couple players so Coach Guiot's son (5th grader) and Ian (4th) stepping in. It was fun seeing them run with us and playing as hard as they could. The below is Ian in the white shirt.





The heat index outside is nasty and I have low to no motivation to ride at noon or after work. For a while it's all easy AM spins.


Good stage yesterday at the TdF with today and the next couple probably being less dramatic.

Weekend Wrap Up

Friday after work we all loaded up and headed to SGF for Ian's final baseball tournament. The boys came up against some tough competition and lost the first two games and since it was a double elimination event their season finished just like that. They finished the year 24-5 which is a huge improvement from last year. Ian continued to play stellar in the field and got better and better at the plate as the year progressed; he even drove in the tying run Friday night to send the game into extra innings (before losing).

E was pretty bummed initially, but on the drive home basketball (his first love) was already on his mind and wanted to know when he and I could get to the gym to start working ball handling and shooting... Fall basketball starts in October so it's good for him to have some downtime between the two.

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Up and out on the road early (6am) for a three hour ride with Nate and Dale. We hit some roads north that we hadn't seen in some months and it turned out a great ride.

After a quick clean-up Dale and I crashed in the living room to watch TdF with Ian. Not a significant stage, but always fun when the roads turn upwards.

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Saturday afternoon was 100% outside getting shrubs, garden, and lawn in order. Cucumbers are pouring in and the tomatoes on right on the edge (pulled a couple cherry tomatoes already). The Serrano peppers are crazy hot this year.

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About mid-afternoon Deb asked if I would jump on the tandem with her and some friends for a ride and who am I to turn down my girl. Ian and I grabbed some swim gear and spent an hour at SBU's pool goofing off. Ian is trying to perfect his 'belly-flops' (which make me cringe) and below is a clip of the action:

At 5pm my bro, the Kemps, the Harris', Sue R., Deb, and I headed out for a ride and ended up bagging 2:20hrs in some beautiful weather. Although we didn't ride hard my legs were cooked by the end of the day (5:20 hrs). The rest of the evening was pretty laid back with no much happening.

The other day Ian showed me something pretty cool in his Sports Illustrated Kids magazine; Fabian Cancellera was a 'trading card' along side other US sports figures. Interesting in that neither LA nor Levi (or AC) has been in there.

Sunday morning the legs were feeling a good prior day's ride and the 'mugginess' was already hanging in the air... no mtb'ing for me today. I know my limits and hot & humid on the road/crit is way better than the same in the woods at 10mph (can be brutal to say the least). So the DVR was set to record TdF and off to church it was. Afterwards we had a good lunch with some friends before heading back to the casa for a day of nothingness (the best kind). Lots of Catan, TdF viewing (interesting to see AC could not match AS at the end), watched 'Green Zone' (not as good as anticipated, and Deb's homemade Chicken Enchiladas (super yum!).

Not sure how much riding I'll do this week as I am in need some solid rest/recovery days, but imagine a handful of easy cruises here and there. Going to take a solid month of easy riding before building for a full 'cross season; it's a couple of months away... I plan to race the St. John's crit in SGF in late July and then call it wraps on the crit season (bummer to miss some early ones, but next year is just around the corner).

Rained Out Games and Ugly Mistress Morning

Looking to get in a ride yesterday, but the potential of rain (which finally came in the latter part of the day) wound up having me another rest day.

So last night my brother and I took my pop to a SGF Cardinals game. This was planned some time back as a father's day gift and had no idea at the time of purchasing tickets that is would conflict with Ian's City-Wide ball tournament; but as luck would have it Ian's ball game was postponed (until Friday evening) so I didn't have to miss it. We pigged out (way too much) up in the Redbird Roost while it rained, rained, and then poured. We were having a good time just sitting back (under the covered Roost), chatting, and watching various highlights and Lebron's 'Decision' on the jumbo-tron. The Cards finally called the game off around 8:30pm so we'll have a chance to do it again on a make-up date (tickets fully refundable for another game).

With Sac River (sight of this weekend's Omba Caramba MTB event) getting dowsed with rain last night I got out this AM on the good 'ole Polk County roads for some quality time with my Mistress. While she was more than willing the rendezvous time was miserable; it was neither warm nor cool, but with 100% humidity I was soaked with sweat from the 1:45hr jaunt. Legs felt incredibly flat early on, but rebounded to come away with a nice 20mph+ cruise.

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Offers regarding the scooter-for-tubular wheelset are starting to come in, but none really of significant interest. After riding it in to work the past couple days and the boys' excitement I might start leaning toward keeping it around for a while...

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Today's lunch was spent showing (me orally and him physcially) Jake how to change out a flat tire on his Rodeo. Funny (in an uneducated sad way) at times, but mostly productive. Prior to that he spent time getting familiarized to 'his' new ride...

This evening its ball in SGF (if the rain holds off) and this weekend is more of the same as it's a double-elimination three-day event. Keeping an eye on the weather and conditions regarding the mtb race on Sunday.

New Horse In The Stable (Deb's shakes her head and sighs...)

The old saying 'right place at the right time' held true on Tuesday as I became the owner of the below motor-pace rig. After a new battery and a couple simple adjustments (picking up some mirrors this afternoon) it is running like a champ. Topped it out a little over 40mph (feel the power, baby) and is stable at lower speeds.

Already got Jake and Deb cruising around on it and, although she is resistant, I saw a grin on Deb's face last night as she was making loops through the neighborhood. Ian, of course, is loving being towed around and is already trying to convince me he is ready to drive on his own (easy, Evil Knievel). Jake is my main focus of getting him up to speed (literally) as he is my new designated pace driver.

Trying to decide if I want to hold on to the scooter or trade it off for a set of tubular 'cross wheels. Taking offers...

Took a nice rest on Wednesday and this morning Dale and I got rained out of our 2hr ride; thinking I'll make it a 1:30hr ride at lunch instead (if it's not raining).

Haven't mention this lately, but Jake started back running a couple weeks ago and he only made it three days before his pluerisy flared up again. He has been off for a couple weeks and has another week before he gives it another try (hopefully a perscription anti-inflammatory will keep it at bay). He is taking it pretty well, but once in a while you can tell it's weighing on him. Even with his non-running status, he has not missed a single AM session with his team this summer; he rides a bike with the group as they run. I am absolutely impressed with his commitment to his team (and coach); he is learning more 'life lessons' and discipline than he realizes - priceless.

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Still debating racing mtb's this weekend; I'll admit the thought of dumping it and risking another injury weighs heavy on my mind. Guess I'll have to drop this skirt (figuratively) I'm wearing and put on some 'big boy pants' one these days... Think I'll pre-ride the course a couple times tomorrow afternoon, see how it goes, and make my descision from there. Hard to pass up a race 20 minutes from the house since it's a two/three hour (minimum) trip to most events.

Lawrence Camping/Racing and 4th Festivities

Let's see, we left off last Friday after a morning spin with the crew so let's catch up...

Ian, Deb, and I loaded the Durango and casa-de-la-mobile (pop-up trailer) after work and headed to Lawrence; more specifically Clinton Lake State Park for a couple days. Sadly Jake decided camping wasn't in the cards for him so he stayed behind (honestly, what teenager would pass up a chance for a parent/brother-free-weekend if given the opportunity). Deb and I are missing him more and more as he is doing a lot of his own things now, but it is just part of the transition until his departure (sniff, sniff...).

Pulled into the park around 7:30pm or so and set up shop. Our pop-up is awesome as it pulls easy, sets up under 10 minutes, and has everything to make 'roughing it' not roughing it (DVD player, microwave, refrigerator...) . Turns out Dale was in the area and ended up staying the night with us.

Super late sleep in on Saturday with several games of Uno followed with Ian's zoo (demonstrated in pic #2). Temps were nice and cool with intermediate sprinkles/rain, but who cares when you're inside with the AC on (oh yes, AC saved us a couple years ago in Moab).



Headed to KU a little before noon and I jumped in the circuit race knowing the course was going to be tough for this 'non-climber' and it turned out slightly better than I expected; 20th of 62 riders. Stayed with the head (main chasing field) until the end of lap 4 (5 lap event) where I let a small gap open over the top of the climb and couldn't get back on. I solo'ed it for the last lap and held off a chase group. Although it was a super tough loop it is now probably my favorite as it has so much character and flow (I will be back for more punishment). It was fun having Ian and Deb there yelling for me. Four wrecks in my race and avoided all of them (knocking on wood as I type...). Although I am off the pace of the winners I am having more fun racing than I have had in some time and the acceptance that I am 'pack fodder' when it comes to road/crits is just fine with me and hope that these events are laying in a foundation for a solid 'cross season come September...


I am 5th from the back (of the lead group) in this pic.




So back to the park for clean up and a short snooze before heading back in to catch some of the Pro/1/2. Roads were super slick for them and apparently caused quite a bit of carnage right off the bat. We walked around KU (awesome campus) and although Ian was in some shots he refused to look like he enjoyed himself as he hates the Jayhawks (even refused to stand next to a Jayhawk statue) and simply wanted to get back to MO.

While in town we hit Mass Ave for some grub (and entertainment) before heading back for dessert and a movie. It continued to be a great trip, but we all (even Ian) missed Jake. It drizzled rain most of the evening and it made for a nice sleep.

Sunday morning there was a break in the mist so after breakfast we boxed it all up and headed back to Bolivar. Got home (Ian insisted we hit the H1N1 factory outlet which was in full flow of disease spread), popped up the camper to air/dry out and got to work on the lawn.

Later in the afternoon we headed over to some friends' house for a bbq and pool time (for the kids). It's been an ongoing 4th tradition for us and is always a good time. Missed taking some video of Ian getting beat by a girl in a Belly Flop contest; he gave it his best shot, but she was taking the pain every time - solid.

Sunday evening is reserved for the 4th of July festivities at SBU. Tons of friends and family kicking back to food, live music entertainment, and fireworks. This year again didn't disappoint...


My folks crashed at our house (funny to phrase it that way - sort of makes it sound like some college or racing buddies, but you get the gist) Sunday night and Monday morning (market holiday = day off work) we hogged down on a local diner breakfast before they headed off for the day.

Dale, Nate, and I took in a solid 2:45hr ride at noon that included riding 'old Hwy 13' south, which is odd as it was always one-way (north). Took some side roads back home and when you see a sign like in the below picture there is no way to pass it up...

The rest of the day was spent doing a ton of nothing with the crew. Gotta love these kind of weekends/days.

This morning I got out early AM for a 2 x 20min interval session. Muggy even at 6am and I don't see it getting any better. Snuck in some basketball at noon for a 2nd effort session.

There is a mtb race this Sunday in SGF and I am on the fence about doing it or not. Haven't been on single track since the clipped wing and not sure a race is the place to 'get back up on the horse again'. Additionally, it's one thing to be hot in a crit for 50 minutes, but hot and muggy in the woods for a couple hours is pretty much unappealing at this point. Will have to see how the weather goes.

TdF has kicked off and is more interesting than usual with the tough wet and cobbles stages early. AC is looking solid, LA not too shabby, and CE is the most impressive thus far with his stellar ride today. Who knows how he will climb, but I am a fan of the Rainbow Jersey. Interested to know why the peloton (specifically Cervelo) allowed Fabian C to bully the group to nullifying sprint points in Stage 2; didn't see him waving the flag for the GC guys when they got caught up in a wreck today - what's the difference?!?!?!? Oh yes, he had HIS GC guy in the break so it was full gas on - totally bogus but bad on Cervelo for not pushing thru anyway. Thor got his revenge today I guess, but could have been way out in front for the green.

Girlfriend Has A Chilly Side...

Haven't mentioned it in a while, but the garden is looking solid; pulling off cucumbers daily and the tomatoes are starting to turn red (not too long now). Fresh veggies don't last long in our house as we all munch on them. I was hoping for a little more from the blackberries, but it was only their first season.



Below is a compilation of Ian's pitching from Tuesday night.



Chilly (no joke, actually chilly in the valleys) light 1:30hr spin this morning on the 'mistress ride' with Jim Jones (not my bro), Ira, Nate, and Leah. Picture below during a quick flat change on the edge of newly opened 13Hwy (we rode the old 13 and new access roads).

Prepped the pop-up yesterday and it's loaded ready for our weekend in Lawrence; hope my legs are ready for a beating on a tough hilly circuit at KU.