Sometimes You Just Have to Laugh...

So time off the bike and rehab on a 'bad back' was a little tough mentally for me to deal with; very frustrated.  Then somewhere along the way of lite strength rehab I ended up with a lower hernia (this was 2 1/2 weeks on a Wednesday).  Saw my family doc on Thursday and Friday afternoon I was under the knife having surgery... seriously?!?!?!?  It was about at this point that I stopped being frustrated and started chuckling inwards a bit; 2012 'cross was not to be and I could be mad about it or move on; I finally chose move on.  I've always hated those who say 'just wait for next year', but I am now one of those who has to look for the future. 

So, the positive of this is my back rehab (with the additional rest) is actually going better than expected; still quite a ways to go but positive direction.  The other fantastic part is I am having a string of great weekends with Deb and the boys; alot of fun.  So to quote Bill Murray "...I've got that going for me, which is nice."

Jake's doing well in his Sophomore year at SBU, Ian is knee deep already into basketball season (undefeated thus far), and the little man is doing great at school and starts 7Under basketball soon.  His adoption process is going along and might not be too much further (but who knows, it's a bunch of red tape with dealing with government groups). 

World Cup and the rest of the 'cross series in Europe have been great with the past weekend in the sand some of the best I've seen in years.  Always impresses me the patience of Nys early on, never shaken when sitting 10-12 deep after a couple laps.  Finding it interesting the Euro pro's are still hanging off the disc brake thing and a recent read sounds like they are just waiting for a better system but looking forward to it.

We'll, that's where I am at for now and coming to grips with it.  God is good and takes care of his children and I only have to trust it's in his hands. 

MIA

It's been a week and a half since I woke up with a lower back locked up; it's not getting better.  While some of the pain/discomfort has subsided I am not seeing enough improvement to give me hope for being back to racing anytime soon.

What historically was 'fixed' immediately for some reason is not happening this time after numerous sessions with my chiro.  Not sure if I am ready to abandon this and seek a new approach, but getting closer.

Feels pretty decent when I am in the saddle, but have little mobility dismounted/moving off the bike and for what was a strength for me in 'cross is now my Achilles heal.  So, for now, racing is not even a thought for me.  We'll see where this goes...

USGP Madison and then...

First time in Madison and it was a blast.  Dale and I headed up to meet the rest of the MWI crew for USGP #1 and #2 on an awesome fun course that offered a little bit of everything.  Pre-ride Friday afternoon went well and catching up with the Wisco boys was great.

 

As usual the MWI compound setup/support was A+.  Everyone pitches in and makes sure everyone has support and is race ready; then afterwards is the constant heckling and jokes that make it super fun.  Pretty cool watching Mike wrenching and supporting the Rapha Focus squad; living the life!

 

 

Saturday morning woke to a little shock to the system as it was 32* and damp (rained pretty hard over night).  By the time of my 45+ race the course was pretty dry and ripping fast.  Lined up 4th row start against a crazy fast group of old(ish) folks and had a sorry start (missed a pedal and then mentally checked out on the opening stretch settling in).  Never really felt sharp during the race and had a hard time catching a deep breath; finished 17th. 

 

Dale raced well in the 55+ and finished 10th - solid.

 

Kicked back the rest of the day watching various races.  Nutty how easy the pro's make the course look.

 

Sunday morning was a tad warmer and the course was pretty similar with a couple slight changes (making it a bit faster I thought).  3rd row start and much quicker off the line with a little aggression.  Moving thru the field pretty good and feeling great I was nearing top 10 when I wiped out twice in one lap in some loose dirt corners immediately dropping tons of spots.  Fought the rest of the race and continued to feel sharp, but only netting 18th.  Disappointing with the placing but encouraged by the sensations.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dale had another solid day and nabbed another 10th. 

 

Skipping the race viewing we jumped in the car heading south for home.  Great weekend and really looking forward to L'ville.

Couple days rest then it was off to Gateway Cross in STL on Wednesday morning, but... everything changed in a blink of an eye (or crack of the back).  Woke up unable to stand straight as there was a sharp catch pain in my lower back.  I have a history of this hitting me a couple times a year and typically I go straight to my chiro and later that day I am 100% good to go.  The problem that morning was we had to leave early (before he was open) and I went up anyway hoping it was loosen up and I'd be able to race.  So off I go with Nate, Ira, and Dale to STL.

Got to a sloppy wet course and after a couple laps warming up and unable to move dismounted I called it a day and became a spectator.  Super bummed as I was feeling sharp leading into this and hated to watch my rivals duking it out and not participating.

Not a huge deal, get back to Bolivar, see my chiro and get ready for Boss Cross on the weekend; good plan...  Thursday session with Dr. Tweedy loosened things up (but it was the worst he had seen me and wasn't positive about the weekend), but by evening time I was locked back up.  Friday he wasn't available so I decided to rest/relax for the weekend staying home and regroup.  That was a hard thing to do as Boss Cross is such a great series and I love the EH Young park courses.  Oh well, what can you do?

Monday morning session with the chiro has me feeling pretty decent (not great) and was actually able to take a decent spin yesterday and snag a run this AM getting in some stadium/bleacher work.  By the time I got back home the back as seizing up again so another chiro session this afternoon is in order.  My hopes, fingers crossed, is to keep making progress and be able to participate in the 360 Cup races this weekend in Lawrence, KS; that is my hopes, but reality may say otherwise. 

This is jacking with me more mentally than probably physcially as I started the season as fit as I've ever been early on and now it seems so far away.  I know I'm not a joy to be around at home and am trying hard to keep it together, but I not doing a good job at that right now (and that frustrates me more than the racing aspect of it).  Got to get a grip on myself soon



... and we're back! '12 Cross Begins

Just like that I'm back in the saddle (literally) racing 'cross and smiling ear to ear.  Spring and summer went well, training felt pretty solid, weight is 8lbs below this time last year, new bike, but until you toe the line and get one (or two race) races under the belt it's hard to know if everything is working.

Received my new ride for the season on Wednesday; went with the Blue SL as I am a firm believer in if it ain't broke don't fix it.  This means I have loved every aspect of my 2009 Blue Norcross that I stuck with the same exact geometry and excellent product, but upp'ed it to the SL with Sram Force.  I simply love the feel and support I get from SRAM so was really glad Blue had that option.  Want to thank Britton at Volker Bicycles in KC for working with me and Blue to make this happen - I am a fan! Bummed I cannot support their Manions Cross races this weekend, but heading to USGP Madison instead.

This past weekend is the Missouri kickoff weekend race(s) for 'cross at Hermann with Jeff Yielding's Dogfish Hermann Cross.  It's always been a quality event and a good test to see how the fitness and mostly your bike driving skills progressed (as he likes a 'turny' kind of course). 

Ira, Nate, and I loaded up the 'race machine' and headed out Saturday mid-day.  We met up with Dale, Ryan, and TJ at the venue and settled in the afternoon.

So good to see familiar faces and chat with friends I hadn't seen in a while.  For the most part 'cross folks are so nice and fun (for the most part).

Nate, Dale, TJ, and Ryan were up first in the Cat 4 race and all looked pretty solid.  Was fun watching Nate 'experience' his first taste of 'cross race participation. 

I was up next in the Masters 45+ event and after a good prep and warm up it was time to toe the line.  Quality field had me concerned how it would turn out, but quickly any bits of doubt were gone as I felt really comfortable and in control during the race.  Had two mechanicals and one spill (driver error - me), but each time was calmly able to rejoin the front of the group relatively quick.  Typical Yielding course layout and after some swapping of paint in the end I was fortunate enough to have good legs in a two-up sprint to take the win (by a tires width).  Good racing for the front 3-4 of us.

Ira was up next in the Cat 3 field and after setting 2nd he double flatted (grabbed my pit bike) and finished 7th or 8th.  Bummer as he looked pretty good early on.

Although pre-registered, I skipped the Open race in lue of hoping to finish well the following day and hold on to the points leader's jersey.

Uneventful night at the Hermann Motel and Sunday morning the legs were talking to me... sigh, it was going to take a bit to loosen up.

While Dale and Ryan headed by home the night before, it was Nate and TJ lining up in the 4's.  Both rode really well and TJ ended up with the win.

They just kept going up...

Spung the legs out pretty well and before you know it I was on the line trying to defend the Source Endurance points lead.  Sunday's course was pretty much the same as Saturday with the notable addition of the 'going to the top of the stairs' - this was brutal and with the exception of Mt. Krumpit at Jingle Cross the hardest dismounted climb probably I've done in a 'cross race.  Most folks were not looking forward to this, but I typically do well the more time off the bike during races so I thought this was too my advantage.  The race went pretty close to the day before with five of us off the front keeping a decent pace (for the most part).  As the race progressed with each time up the stairs I felt more and more confident that I was in a good position to contend for the win.  On the last lap I upped the pace leading to the stairs (to ensure I had a clear path up) and by the top I had opened a significant lead and was able to keep the pressure on and gather my second win (and the points win for the weekend).  Also took the 'stair primes' both days racking up a little more swag to take home.

Crusty made it over the Sunday and he and Ira raced next in the 3's.  Ira washed out in the first lap rendering his bike unridable; frustrating weekend for him.  Crusty rode well and finished mid-pack.

With slightly frazzled legs I jumped in the Open race for a 30 minute bit of intensity and that's exactly what I got.  Pulled of after five or six laps (was 6th at the time) as my body was starting to fatigue and little errors were creeping up; didn't want to dump during the 'bonus' racing so packed it up and headed home.

Great two days with friends and racing.  Up next Dale and I are heading to Madison, WI for the USGP opener. 

Game Face

Think there were four dismounts per lap

Day 1 Podium

Day 2 Podium (and overall)

MO State Crit Champs



It's been a while I know but outside of training, a trip to Deb's folks in South Datoka, and routine life not much has happened.

It's so much fun knowing 'cross is just around the corner which makes the training/riding seem so much better.  The Bolivar crew (five of us) have the SBU 'cross courses dialed in and seems everyone is going well.  Ira is far better for this time of year than I've ever seen; I expect a solid year for him. 

'Cross bike was ordered and ETA is Sept 1st; looking forward to my first year with a 'pit bike'.  MWI have some great 'sponsors' for the upcoming season and I'll detail as item arrive.  As mentioned in prior posts the kuatracks.com NV is incredible!  Looks super slick on the back of my new race vehicle ('12 Ford Focus - 38mpg) and the ease of loading/unloading is amazing.

Prime parking at State Crit

  

Dialed in my 'cross season thru State Champs (but with all things with kids it is subject to change):

• Sept 15/16 - Dogfish Hermann 45+ and Open
• Sept 22/23 - USGP Madison 45+
• Sept 26 - Gateway Cross Cup 40+ and Open (non-elite)
• Sept 29/30 - Boss Cross 1/2 40+ and Open
• Oct 6/7 - 360 Cup 40+ and Open
• Oct 19/20/21 - Ruts n Guts/Showdown at Sunset/Ruts n Guts 2 (Tulsa) 40+ and Open
• Oct 27/28 - Boss Cross 3/4 40+ and Open
• Nov 10/11 - USGP L'ville 45+
• Nov 23/24/25 - Jingle Cross 45+
• Dec 1/2 Boss Cross 5/6 40+ and Open
• Dec 8/9 Jeff City Something/State Champs

* after this a quick break then on to Nationals (Madison, WI) and then Worlds (L'ville - Hotel already booked)*

This is where I insert (much like with all aspects of my life) how awesome Deb and the boys are to let me engage in this lifestyle and be a goofy wanna be racer; incredible!

Back to present day...

Sunday I headed up to Jeff City for the Masters 40+ State Crit Champs.  Needed to grab a handful of these leading into 'cross to get my body dialed to the suffering.  I've always heard this was a cool course and just had never done it before; my loss as I thought it was not only a solid course, but a cool venue to let us use the Capital area.



Like the way the picture caught the falling rain

Cool temps and rain (literally began on the start line and stopped as we concluded - not kidding) was not representative was the summer we've had and that's a good thing.  Not sure on the number in the field, but appeared a decent turnout.  With no expectation other than suffrage we were off.  Surprisingly the course was not super slick (or maybe I just avoided diving in every corner) and the group moved along pretty well.  I felt pretty good and was able to keep in the top half of the field, but found little to no punch or zip when the pace would get stoked; simply rode hard and would bridge back on the front group lap after lap for the first 30 minutes.  After that it seemed my legs loosened up and things went much better.  JBowes took a spill later in the race and I thing that was about the only issue for our group; that caused splits all over the place and luckily I was able to work well with a couple other guys and grasp on to the leaders.  Before you know it the lap cards were out and with 1 to go I was in 3rd wheel (that didn't last long)...  Not willing to dive the corners like most others I quickly shot back and cruised in at the tail end of the lead group.  Didn't check my finish prior to departure, but it didn't really matter as I got what I needed - race speed and testing the system.

**Both race pictures snagged from Don M?; thanks**

Fun catching up with a couple guys I hadn't seen in a while (MFrench displaying his dismount skillz with road shoes - nice) and before you know it I was heading back home.

Up next is the Sedallia Crit at the end of the month then if it works out right a couple days of the Gateway Cup in STL the first weekend of Sept.

MWI is riding Castelli gear this 'cross season and the below is a shot of our regular 'kit' tops.  I think they are pretty sharp.  The best part of Castelli is access to the San Remo Speedsuits/Cyclocross two-in-one outfits.  These things are sick and hopefully will be in before Hermann.

Home front wise, both little boys head back to school Thursday and Jake to college on Monday.  That summer went fast!  Ian's playing with a soccer team (diversifying) in SGF while D is staying with YMCA soccer in Bolivar.  Jake just picked up his 4th long board (designed for long distance usage) and plans to make several long weekend trips around Missouri and neighboring states.

Tour of KC

So last weekend was the Tour of KC and my first crit's of 2012.  I was super interested to see how I would feel since I've tackled no true intervals of intensity and have spent most of the spring on a mtb.

Ira joined me for the two days of racing and come to find out these where his first crits... ever!  He was stoked as his fitness has been solid. 

I had originally planned to race both days in the masters field, but since Ira was going off at 4:40pm on Saturday and the masters was at 11am I decided to switch up to the 4's to make a much better travel day.  Either was fine with me as the whole weekend was a check of the system and had little to do with trying to obtain a top finish.  I really like crit racing and typically will do 5 or 6 per year, but as I discussed with Ira I don't think it's my cup of tea to focus for a season (but thank goodness there are are a ton who do, which makes racing fun).

I love the Longview course was it's tighter than usual and with 8 turns and a couple slight risers it makes for a selection as the races develops.  The temps were pretty warm, but not near as hot as it's been in the past.  Quick warm up with Ira and the 'cross bikes (that's right, it's what we both ride year 'round) and it was time to toe the line.

***Elizabeth Rangle gets credit for the above photos***


Good group of front guys kept the pace decent and steady, but most of all clean (no nutty cutting on turns or pushing folks off wheels - nice).  I made sure to keep in the top 5 or 6 and took a handful of turns up front; was able to maintain my place in the group without ever being under pressure.  Few digs here and there by some folks, but the top 10 were keeping it all togehter.  With three to go a group of six were moving away from 4 or 5 behind and then out of nowhere we had officials on the course neutralizing it all and stopping us at the start/finish line.  Quick explanation was a wreck brough emergency vehicles on to render support.  I was slightly disappointed to hear how many folks were complaining of the stoppage, but it's a hobby race and when someone is injured it takes 100% priority over pedaling a bike.  After close to 10 minutes it was time to race for the remaining three laps, but an interesting this was how many folks reported to being 'with' the front group as there were close to 15 now on the line (while the others were being staged with time gaps).  Not a huge biggie, but sort of funny to listen to guys justify their position to the officials.  Kuddo's to the officials for doing their best.

Off we go and quickly it was pretty much the same folks driving the race.  On the last lap up the final riser I was in the top 7 or 8 when a guy tried to cut the corner (instead of riding the same line as was taken every lap before) and BAM!!! straight into the curb right in front of me and another guy.  It was spectactular as his bike shot up one way and somehow he shot up another - literally said 'Awesome' at the moment it happened.  Luckily there was room to swerve inside for the both of us and kept rolling.  Ended up 7th on the day and have no idea how that happened as I had no zip or pop for a sprint at the end.

Ira rode well and ended up not to far behind; more importantly he had a great time!

Stuck around for a bit to catch some of the Mercy-Kuat guys in action before heading off to meet up with teammates Crusty and Alyssa for a Sushi Feast.

Up early(ish) for a spin from host Crusty to the Lee's Summit downtown crit (8am start) with the Masters.  Nice spin of 15 minutes from his house let me grab a handful of warmup laps prior to start.  Fast, FAST course with 5 open/wide turns and all flat.  Several big boys lined up in the masters field which made for a steadily fast pace with little 'let up' during the event.  Surfed without being under pressure at anytime and with 1 to go drifted to the back to get out of the way of those wanting to win (no pop or zip = why even jack up those with).  Even at 8am it was warm, but not near as hot as it would be for the rest of the races thru out the day.

Cleaned up back at Crusty's, got Ira up and going for his race at 1:40pm, and enjoyed watching him suffer (just kidding, he did great). 

Packed up and headed home with a great check of the system which let me know my fitness feels ahead of where I was at this time last year and with two months of tuning/sharpening the engine 'cross is going to be a blast this year.

Originally planned to hit Tour of Lawrence, but with the temps forcasted and a positive 'systems check' at TofKC, I started a 10 day 'down period' 100% off the bike and any type of excersise.  This will let me mentally and physically 'flip the switch' to full on 'cross prep.  Fun things equipment/sponsor wise on the horizon for MWI and I don't remember looking forward to a 'cross season so much.  Might be I am now 45 ('cross race age) which puts me in a new class or that I just love this sport and it's growth/appear more and more each year.

On a side note:  Ian played up in another 7th grade shootout the other day and went off for 27pts (his team scored 36 total) going 7 for 11 from the 3 line - nuts (he's 11)!

Waffles Anyone????

Yesterday was the latest edition of the Waffle training race put on by the Mercy-Kuat boys and as usual it didn't disappoint.  Pretty good turnout (maybe 20+ in the A race) with most of the SGF area kids in attendance.  Pretty civil affair with a few instigators (mostly Eric Haynes) whipping up the action, but for the most part the group stayed together and sorted out things up the dam hill on the 3rd (of 3) lap before the finish.  PK took the win in a sprint for the line and I trickled in a bit back around 6th or so. 

The temps were pretty decent and not near as hot as I expected.  Good workout on the legs and as always a solid bunch of guys. 

My boy Ira is riding the best I've ever seen and reached the last climb with the main group which is just an indicator of things to come in 'cross for him this fall. Him riding at a good level is only beneficial for both of us as we start the turn for 'cross season; I'm crazy stoked!

The Huffster was out on the scooter heckling and giving out some pointers and took the below shot.

Pre-registered for Tour of KC this weekend in the Masters and after last night I feel pretty good about the two days of racing.  Now don't mistake 'feeling good' as meaning on the sharp end of the group, but more as hopefully sticking somewhere near the main field...

Ian had a Shootout basketball event yesterday wherein he played up with a 7th grade team for four games and he played really solid.  The standout point was in the first half of the 2nd game he went 5 for 5 from the 3pt line and finished the game 6 for 6 and only missed one shot (a little floater).  I think for the four games he was 11 for 17 from the 3 line and handled the ball well.  He had a blast but was dead tired after a busy day on the hardwood.