Redneck Cyclocross Weekend

Sat, Oct 30 Psycho Cross, Dick Lane Velodrome, Atlanta Ga
While warming up on the short, tight, and technical "Psycho Cross" course, I found myself in a paceline behind 2 drag queens, and followed by the Incredible Hulk, which begged the question: Am I back in Key West? A short time later, in the second row of the Master's 35+ start grid, I found myself wedged between 2 guys nicknamed "Farmer G" and "Hillbilly Dave", and I knew I was no longer in Key West; a glance down at the red Georgia mud caked to my tires confirmed my coordinates. This week, I moved up from the 30 min CX4 group to the 45min Master's race, thus signing up for an additional 15min of self-induced mutilation. The start whistle blew, and I launched out of the hole, holding onto 7th position up the hill before making a series of curves and bunny-hopping the curb onto the grass track and then into the the woods where I was greeted with tight, technical, dirt single track and the ubiquitous yellow tape marking the course. Out of the woods and running full gas downhill behind the velodrome bleachers, we shoot onto the concrete track and take a half lap, negotiating a chicane up the embankment midway. Before turning into the velodrome's grass infield, I head up the banked track, crossing the Sprinters' Lane before turning back down and gathering momentum that carries me through the first two turns in the grass. And so it goes for 2 more laps, an exhilarating, all out ride, up and down, in and out of dirt, grass, asphalt and the concrete velodrome track. A kaleidoscope of colors and textures navigated by riders in all sorts of costumes. On lap 3 my brake cable slips while negotiating a tight hairpin turn in the woods, and I go straight through the yellow crime scene tape marking our course. While untangling myself, Hillbilly Dave admonishes me not to cut the course. I tell him I plan to return precisely where I exited, 'cuz "My Mama didn't raise no cheater". He bellows out his best hillbilly laugh and I think we've bonded...Race highlight: On the last lap I catch the guy on the Cannondale that passed me on the first run-up, only to lose a 2-up sprint to him by an inch.

Women's Race: The buzz in the women's race was: Who is the short chick with the pink SEW jersey and where did she come from? Why, it was none other than TEAM headstrong's own Cristina Lindsay, lining up in her first 'Cross race. Before the race, I tell Lindsay where I think the best spot on the start grid is, and she makes a beeline to the spot. The start whistle blows, and she rockets out of the hole and up the hill, leaving 11 women in her wake wondering: Who IS this chick? By the end of the first lap, Lindsay has opened a 20 second gap on the field. By the third lap, her lead is reduced to 5 seconds. On lap 3, she extends it to 12 seconds, but on lap 4, she takes a spill negotiating a hairpin turn coming off the grass onto the slick concrete on the velodrome infield. She manages to remount, still in the lead, but is caught and passed on the steep run-up by the Georgia 'Cross Series leader. Tenaciously, Lindsay locks onto her wheel, and then dives through the inside of the last dirt turn out of the woods before flying down the hill and onto the track, once gain leading the race. Life is good, until...she drops her chain. While struggling to put her chain back on, 3 women pass her, and then finally she re-mounts and pushes hard in pursuit, but it's too late; only 2 laps remain and it's not enough time to pull them back. Even so, I think everyone in the field now knows who the short chick in the pink jersey is...

Sun, Oct 31, Life University, Marietta GA
At last, I'm back with my tribe, the Master's 45+ group. However, I'm extended a cold reception, relegated to the back row of the 23 rider start grid because this is my first Georgia 'Cross series race and I have exactly 0 points. The whistle blows and I get an absolutely awful start, stacked behind guys who are having difficulties clipping in while the leaders disappear over the hill. I ride aggressively, trying to pass riders and close the gap on this sketchy, gravel covered course. I nearly overcook some tight, downhill turns, locking up my brakes and sliding through the gravel, but I manage to keep the rubber side down. This course also has another heart-stopping downhill on asphalt roads, past the start finish, before entering an off camber grass section above a large pond, where slightly irritated geese honk at us. I hit the grass section doing about 25mph, and as I enter the slight left turn into the off camber section, I hit my brakes to reduce my speed and the next thing I know I'm sliding down the grass on my left side and headed for the pond, prompting several geese to begin their annual southern migration. By the time I remount, and rejoin what's left of the race, I'm dead last, and now it becomes a game of how many riders I can catch. I relax, and actually ride really well for the rest of the race, passing several riders....Race highlight: Catching the guy in the brightly colored Spiderman costume from the M35+ group and scoring a moral victory for the black-and-white TV Superman generation.

Race results: Perry: 12th/22 Sat; 16th?/23 Sun
Cristina 4th/13 Sat

News Release

Hampstead, NH. After a year of speculation among riders and teams throughout the South East in regards to the performance by TEAM headstrong, the origin of the TEAM's suspected supernatural powers has been uncovered.

This photo tells it all.

As an aside, local coven members were envious when it was uncovered that Teenie and RM were riding all new carbon fiber broomsticks!

Looking forward to the coming season...

Hi everyone. My season substantially wrapped up this year with a hard day at Ironman Louisville. I wrote a few thousand words about my experience and posted it here for those of you on Facebook. Be warned...it's a little heavy. The day did not go as expected.

I have enjoyed a few months of relaxed riding and no real "training". For the coming year my primary focus and training will be geared towards road racing. Plans are laid and I am excited about returning to purposeful training very soon. I am also excited about being a part of the TEAM. Thanks for the invitation.

Important Dates are Set

The Freewheelers have announced the date for The Assault on Mt Mitchell. It will be Monday, May, 16th, 2011. Also, Glenn Thrift has moved the SC STATE RR to coincide with the US Pro Championship so it will be on May 29th, 2011.

Look for 12 Hours at Tsali to fall in May as well. WE ARE GOING TO BE BUSY IN MAY!

I hope it works so a fella/lady can do all 3 but I know I'm going mountain biking! I had thought I would be on the B or C team for Tsali but based on my new found, skills acquired at the TEAM headstrong Mountain Bike Skills Clinic, and some practice, I might 'up' my aspirations?? Thanks to Debbie and Sam for all the great teaching!

Oh yea, I forgot to mention. I have a new Specialized Epic 29'er Bike coming soon from our wonderful sponsor, Carolina Tri. Of course, Teenie is getting a new bike also........An SWorks Era for the Teensanator. We are an Equal Opportunity Household.

Off Season..... I am NOT training

Beautiful day up at Bent Creek. Randall told me he does not start training until next week, so I took him out of the parking lot into a 5 mile climb up some wet, leaf stewn, rutty, rocky single track. Randall is thinking "Bird this is supposed to be an easy day". But of course that led to a gnarly descent down an even rockier Green Lick trail. 2 and half hours later, and too weak to put the bike on the top of the car (that 29er is just not as light as advertised.... Randy?). And Randall is thinking about Bird miles and time.......

Bent Creek Big Loop by jlimbird at Garmin Connect - Details

Toy Organizer

With everyone sharing what they're doing in the off-season, I thought I'd show you what we did last weekend. We've been planning to build this for some time now, and decided to forfeit some pretty nice ride invitations to finally put it together on Sunday. Steve and our friend Tripp did a fantastic job. It turned out better than expected, and our toys are safe and organized. And now, back to the fun!

Gone Fishin'

I was off the bike last week for 5 days. I went to TX on biz and did a little side visit with my Dad. In the past, I called him Paul, his first name. Teenie started calling him Pops a few years ago and that felt good. Pops and I went fishin' on Lake Belton. It was a beautiful day and while the fishin' was good, the catchin' was pretty slim. We got two keepers.

About half way into the afternoon, with the sun warming, I dozed off. Between short cat naps, I sort of just let my mind wander. At one point, I said, "Pops, we've been fishin' together on this lake for 40 years." (I wondered how it could have passed so fast?) Pops said, "About that." Maybe 40 years did not seem quite so long to him?

When we got in, Teenie reminded me it had been 47 years.

Pops is 85 and plays golf about 3 days a week and still fishes often. Guess that is where I got it?

A WALK IN THE DARK

I walked in the dark for 7 days and 6 nights along the 77 mile Foothills Trail, extending from Table Rock to Oconee State Park with my teammate and friend, Emily. If you have never read the book, "A Walk in the Woods" by Bill Bryson, I highly reccomend it. It captures the ups and downs of the author as he hikes the Appalachian Trail. What I did this past week was a complete walk in the dark. I have never really camped except once along the Natchez Trace Parkway in mid July a few years ago in 100+ degree weather with fellow cyclists as we biked the Trace Parkway. After one night of "camping" out after riding 100 miles we decided that the rest of our bike tour would include more comfortable night housing, also referred to as the Holiday Inn Express.

In typical Weinacker fashion, I stubbornly jumped in full throttle and signed up for a week in the woods.

What Emily and I did is considered to be ultralight backpacking/camping. We had very modest means. Our hiking poles served as our tent stabilizers. You learn to be very resoureful in the woods and everything seems to have a double purpose. The first day was our strenuous day as we were dropped off at Table Rock for our little adventure. We hiked and hiked, approx. 13.5 miles along very hilly terrain with packs weighing approx. 25lbs. The supposed water source and "campsite" were not exactly positioned as we had thought. And, to top it off, a thunderstorm was lurking in the area. Night approached quickly and fearless Emily ran around at dusk throwing up the tent, pumping water, and positioning the bear bag. I felt so inept because I didn't know how to do ANYTHING! That night I had vicious nightmares as I lay like a mummy in the dark. Positioned between us was the hatchet that Emily would use and the small bear spray I would use if we were attacked. Emily's dog was on high alert all night barking and growling at noises and movements deep into the woods. I held tight to my bear spray like a child would hold its pacifier. Luckily, dawn broke and we were still alive. :)

The typical day would consist of waking up with the daylight and breaking down camp. Before this could occur, we had to have our coffee. Emily had brought a small stove and we would boil water for instant coffee and hot oatmeal. The temperatures were far colder than I had anticipated so the hot steaming coffee was a highlight each and every morning. I enjoyed blowing into my coffee cup so the steam would hit me in the face. I didn't want to let go of the metal cup as it warmed my hands for the start of the day. After our morning ritual we would walk, mile on mile, step beyond step, absorbing the vast beauty of the day's hike. We passed gorges and thru thickets, over streams, around Lake Jocasee, soaking up the sunlight as we walked, talking some, but enjoying the quiet as well. There was no need to talk most times, most communication was unspoken. For almost two solid days we didn't see another hiker on the trail. The woods were ours for establishment. Along the way we had friends join for day hikes or evening meals, this was great fun and we looked forward to PEOPLE! (and food, i'm not going to lie).

The life of a hiker is tough. You walk all day, doing the work of the day. You get to camp and you know what the reward is? You get to work more, pumping water, setting up camp, building fire, finding a place for the bear bag, and you do all of this rather quickly before the night captures you. At the end of the week I became slightly more useful and could help with the duties of camp life and eventually my walk in the dark becamse somewhat more light.

I am extremely thankful to have had a tour guide and leader in Emily. I trusted both her and her vicious attack dog, Jinx (about as vicious as a kitten in a child's arms, but I pretended so I

felt safer, haha). I learned so much about camping/hiking as I journeyed in the woods. It also served as a reminder of how blessed we are with all the little comforts in life. Running out of TP on day 3 was not cool :).

Emily and I completed 3 marathons this week as we hiked the Foothills Trail. I got to hold my first snake! She was stung by 4 yellow jackets. I got a blister on my pinky toe. She is going to lose her big toe nail. I got to hear trees talk!! This is what I call an awesome stay-cation. Enjoy the beauty of your backyard. Go take a hike!

Back to School...

Fall used to mean to me a change in weather from oppressive summer heat to cool mornings and comfortable afternoons; the smell of cut grass and football season; and the first day of school. Today, I still enjoy the change of weather and the smell of cut grass, but now it's Cyclocross season, and the first race is like the first day back in school...

Sat, Oct. 16 We are racing at some abandoned golf course on the outskirts of Greenville, SC. The fairways are no longer fair, but overgrown with 3 foot high weeds through which a race course has been cut. Night lights which once illuminated the driving range still stand tall, but several of the lights have been shot out by semi-skilled target shooters honing their craft. There are 2 races today: a 30min "B" race for CX 4 and Junior racers, and a 60 min "A" race for basically everybody else, including Pro1,2,3, Master's 35+, and Women. A few of us wily vets understand that 60 min of 'cross is too much to ask of our bodies on the "first day of school", so we jump in the CX 4 race. 22 of us line up at the start, and I manage to grab a spot in the front line of the start grid. The whistle blows, and I get a great start out of the hole, with 5th position going into the first corner. There is a long, gradual downhill straight away section, with the smoothest line on the left, and I hold to the front group as we approach a series of uphill switchbacks before climbing a rutted hill and entering "the Maze". The Maze is just that; a series of narrow lanes bordered by yellow tape with slow, technical turns. I jump hard coming out of the Maze and accelerate down an off-camber curved section, almost overcooking it and narrowly missing a hay bale before dismounting for the double barriers. I remount and accelerate hard again through a series of off-camber straights before crossing the first sand trap, which I opt to run through. By this point, my heart rate monitor is screaming at me as it passes the 165 bpm red-line, so I settle into a slower rhythm...and immediately I'm passed by 4 crazed college guys, sporting Clemson kits and covered in tattoos. I remount and make it to the next sand trap before I'm absorbed by the second group. A short time later we dismount for the steep run up, shouldering our bikes as we plod up the hill (after spending much of the last 4 months on the Furman track, I can't honestly call this running). A sketchy downhill on asphalt golf cart roads follows before a short, steep, rideable hill and we cross the Start-Finish line for lap 1. And so it goes for another lap, 5 of us in the second group trading places as we accelerate on our favorite sections, then dropping back on our weaker ones. As we come through the Start/Finish and begin lap 3, I jump hard from 2 places back and open a small gap on the group. I push hard down the long straightaway and hold it going up to the maze. The group breaks up behind me as 2 guys push hard to catch me. I manage to hold them off for the next lap and a half and finish tired, but happy.

Sun, Oct 17 Day 2 at the Golfing Ghost Town, and the course is a bit wetter this morning. The same cast of characters shows up at the line, the whistle blows, and like Bill Murray in "Ground Hog Day", we are off once again...only this time things are different. It's no longer the First Day of School, and unlike yesterday, when we basically rode a time trial, today people are racing this thing aggressively. I get a weak start out of the hole, maybe 10th out of 20, and now I've got my work cut out for me. As we enter the first downhill straight, the group lines out to the left on the smooth line, and I charge down the right on the bumpy line. I manage to pick up 3 places with this strategy before I become "That Guy You Don't Want Riding Next To You in a Crit", and dive through the inside of the second turn. Despite my efforts, 4 guys get away, and I am stuck in a group of 10, and for the next 4 laps I enjoy the best racing I've had in many years. Attacks come out of every corner with do-or-die chases countering. We dismount at full speed and fly through the sand traps...and not everyone makes it. On the penultimate lap, I make another move, this time from the back of the group, through an impossibly narrow gap on the edge of the long straight. Elbow to elbow I use my momentum to fly past the group and shut the door on the right turn to the Maze. I manage to stay away on the last lap, but I drop my chain and lose a spot before I get back on and hold off the rest of the group.

As G said, like different layers, everyone has their ideas on how to enjoy the beautiful fall weather...I certainly enjoyed my weekend.

Results: Sat 7th/22; Sun 8th/20

So happy to be a part...

Just now able to post on the blog and I wanted you all to know how excited I am to be a part of another great year for TEAM Headstrong in 2011! It's gonna be a great ride!

What did YOU do this past weekend?

Ahhhh...the off-season! A chance to do whatever we choose. This past weekend, Chandler, Max and I went camping to Bearcreek Campground with a group of 8 families mostly from Greenville. The plan was to do part the Virginia Creeper Trail, which I have never done. Before the trip, we knew only one of the families. It was an email snowball effect invite, started by Nathan Gilreath, who, as it turns out, lives about a half of a mile from us...but we met him for the first time this weekend! Nathan and his wife, Mary Beth, have 3 small children, including a 10 week old newborn! How awesome is that to plan a trip like this when it would be seriously more easy to stay home all cozy with a brand new baby? You gotta love these people already! I could go on and on about the fabulous people we met.

We weren't really ready for the cold weather we faced, waking Saturday morning to 29°, nor did we have reservations for the shuttle bus, which runs people from Damascus to Whitetop, as it was booked up months in advance. Once in Whitetop, the Virginia Creeper trail descends gradually about 1900 feet over 17 miles into Damascus, which is what makes that section such a popular, family friendly ride. Trying to figure out logistics for our own shuttle over coffee in the 29° Saturday morning weather, we came up with a plan that Chandler and I would park our car in Damascus, and ride our bikes to Whitetop, where the other families would meet us ready to ride. When everyone got to the bottom, Chandler would shuttle all the dads back up to the top to retrieve thier cars, so they could in turn drive to the bottom to retrieve their families and bike gear. It was the perfect last minute plan, aside from the fact that Chandler and I had to ride "against traffic" uphill for 17 miles, when many of the people riding downhill had perhaps rarely ridden bikes. As you can only imagine, there were certainly some precarious moments.

All the families were at the top, getting ready to go. Our group had herds of little people on little bikes, trailers, child seats on fronts of bikes, and child seats on the backs of bikes...and toward the end, some of the trailers were carrying bikes as well as children! I think the youngest rider to make it the entire way on their own bike was a little girl, about 4 years old, once again confirming that girls do indeed rock! :) Honorable mention goes to little Christian, 3 years old, who made it about 8 miles! That is, on his own bike, no training wheels!!!! It took us 1:15 to ride up, and more than 4 hours to ride down. And the kicker is: EVERYONE had a fabulous time!

I can go on and on about how much fun we had this weekend, but I just wanted to share a little bit of it with you guys. I know that some of you rode, some of you visited friends and family, and some of you hiked many miles (how many, Weinecker and Emily?)...it would be cool to hear about some of those things. It's kinda like sharing our "layers"! :)

Team Tony

You guys have not heard much from me lately but have busy cycling not just racing much. This past weekend i did a 222 mile ride over two days, exactly 111 each day. It was to benefit a young man that works for me at the bike shop that is a 7 year brain cancer survivor. The Duke brain tumor unit is responsible for his survival. We pray each day that it stays that way. 43 riders started at Ormand Beach and rode to south of Clermont though some Florida hills . Then the next day we finished in sarasota after another 111 miles. It actually felt better that i thought except my butt was sore. Wanted to let everyone know Team Headstrong is doing good things off the race course as well. Any donations to Team Tony can be sent to him c/o village bikes 3898 s. osprey av sarasota, fl 34239. Randall and Christina have met Tony and can relay how focused he is. He actually walked home from Duke last year to prove to himself he was a survivor. On the bike he has to ride a tandem because he has no peripheral vision on the left side, neat young man to be around. will keep you updated. Will forward pictures of ride when i figure out how to do it. Thanks, Ed

Acadia.... Travels to Maine

Speaking of taking a break.... Anne and I headed up to New England to meet my brother and sister-in-law in Maine for a weekend of camping at Acadia National Park..

We did take our rode bikes and did some scenic riding around the park and climbed up Cadillac Mtn fighting gusting winds of 40mph.  It made for some interesting descending on the exposed roadway overlooking the coast.

We also did a very gnarly hike up The Precipice and then descended down The Beehive

(The Precipice Trail is the most challenging and well known hiking trail in Acadia National Park with an exposed and almost vertical 1,000 foot climb. It is designated as “strenuous” and is only recommended for physically fit and experienced hikers who have no fear of heights. The Precipice happens to be home to many endangered peregrine falcons.)  Needless to say I felt right at home...

Anne and I did a spin on the Skyline Drive in Virginia on the way back to North Carolina.   Looking forward to casual riding through the fall.  

PS the Blue Ridge is beautiful right now so get out there and enjoy a hike, a spin, or a mtn bike.



What we think about , we bring about!!

Teenie has been talking to us about goals for 2011 and that is very appropriate for this time of year.

Our daily thoughts are very important as well. The next couple of months, I think about the season, the races I will do, the training, the success, the effort and the fun. I have disciplined myself to have thoughts of success. I worry very little if at all.

Now, some see the Maddox's as really positive people, I hope. We are positive but there is much more to what Teenie teaches than just 'staying positive'. She teaches how the mind works.

What I have learned from her is that my current thoughts determine my future. If you could crack open my head(and it was not empty) and get out my thoughts, you could foretell what would me happening to me in about 6-12 months. I think you are that way as well. Our fore thoughts are actually goals!

You see the issue? If I am worrying, I am visualizing negative or bad outcomes. Therefore, worry is just like negative goal setting. If I think about bad stuff happening, it likely will. I still do this some but when I catch myself, I take immediate action. When I was new to this stuff, I would try to reason with myself but no more. Today, when I find myself in worry, I just replace the thoughts with pictures of success in the future.

Controlling my forethought has played a powerful role in my life and in bringing me the things I want. You see, it brought me you. I thought for over one year about TEAM headstrong, starting it, the fun we would have, the people I would race with and hang with, the laughter and the success.

If Teenie is right and our current thoughts determine our future, then the best question is: What are YOU thinking about TODAY? Is it what you want for life in 6-12 months on and off the bike?

See you out there.

RM

Cyclocross in Greenville ???

Yes, it's true !!! This weekend the Spinners will be hosting their annual 'cross weekend out at the abandoned golf course. I did the Sat race last year, and the circuit had a bit of everything. There were several riders that attacked the course on mountain bikes, so even if you don't have a 'cross bike, you are good to go...and the weather should be spectacular...so no whining about wet and muddy conditions!

http://www.pre-reg.com/Users/RacerMain.aspx?Type=1&EventID=562

TODAY, I REMEMBERED WHY I STARTED BIKING

I love to race bikes. I love to TT, road race and stage race. Heck, I even like Crits! But, it has been a long season and I guess I am finally tired of racing.

Faced with a choice of a crit race at Brookwood Church or going with my best biking buddy(Teenie) for a 62 mile roundtrip from Furman to Saluda, I opted for the latter. Man, am I glad I did!

We went up at a pedestrian rate, often riding side by side, talking and enjoying the country side. We had a light meal at the Bakery(downstairs). We turned it back south and aired it out on the descent through the Watershed. We paced on River Road past the new Cliffs GC, being built on the Saluda River, and let up a little to recover on the stretch between Hgwy 11 and 276. Reaching 276, still feeling strong, we could smell the barn. Like a couple of race horses, Teenie and I were in a dead run. I pulled the downhills and the flats and Teenie took the front on the uphill sections. We remembered past times when these rollers meant pain and anguish, but not today. Today, this was pure joy!

I see myself as a bike racer, plain and simple. I love to race and train. Today, however, took me back to my roots. Like most people, before becoming a racer, I was a rider. I loved to ride bikes and I still do. No gun, no finish line, no time goal, no maintaining any HR or power band. We did not even have the pressure of a group pace...........just the bike, the road and the beautiful fall SC weather and country side.

We have a few more weeks of this before fall comes to a close. Don't miss it. The 2011 season will be on us soon enough. Fully recharged batteries will serve all of us well.

See ya out there.

RM

Goals - more info

G made a comment on a past posting that prompted me to think more about goals. Ever hear someone say, " I don't set goals." Then there is an excuse put forth. This is very inaccurate. You see, everyone ALWAYS sets goals. Goals are nothing more than fore thought. Each us does think about what we are going to do prior to doing it.

If we are not proactive in setting our goals, we are like a computer program. We have a DEFAULT setting and that setting is the status quo. So, if we don't proactively think of goals, we are actually goal setting to maintain the status quo. If we set no new goals for 2011, you can bet it will look a lot like 2010.

This is why most people live like Bill Murray in the Ground Hog Day. They live the same year, the same month, the same day, over and over again. This is a very comfortable way to live but I prefer adventure over comfort....how about you?

Kimberly Morgan Joins TEAM headstrong!

Dear Future Teammates:

It is with great excitement that I accept your invitation to join such a dedicated and skilled group of athletes. I watched you ALL during the 2010 season and was very impressed with your performances and your work ethics, but most importantly, your support and encouragement of each other. I will be joining at the "Membership Level" in hopes to ride and train with you, learn from you, support you, and celebrate with you throughout 2011!! As you know, I am fairly busy when certain "events" roll into Greenville, and I appreciate you all extending me the invitation for the second time:) Currently, multisport has my attention and my curiosity is perked by the possibilities of combining 2 of my passions: running and cycling (and in that order, as well.) In 2010, I completed my first ever Sprint Triathlon in a little over an hour and would have won the "Novice" category had I had enough sense to even sign up for the "Novice" level! HA! (Can you be too new??) I also won my AG in my first ever (and only this year) Duathlon!! So, with 2011, comes more miles and a new focus! I read over and completely agree with the Team Guidelines and look forward to seeing you all very soon!!

Kimberly Stokes Morgan
CCES Conceptual Physics Instructor
Team Headstrong!!
USA Professional Cycling Championships Volunteer Director '06-'12

'Tis the Season...

...for Cyclocross!

For those wanting to dabble (or more) in Cyclocross this year, there are now two circuits to choose from, one in North Carolina and one in Georgia, with a third series rumored to be starting in Charleston. Wed training has already started here in Greenville, and I will be jumping in my first race of the year Oct 17 at the Monteluce Winery in Dahlonega, GA. The highlite of the Southeast 'Cross season is the Hendersonville UCI race weekend, which takes place this year on the weekend of Nov. 20-21. For more info, check out the following websites:

www.nccyclocross.com

www.georgia-cross.com

All In...

"The Ditch" aka the Intracoastal Waterway, Myrtle Beach, SC

Many people go through life with a bulging portfolio of risk aversion, content to hedge their bets and take the safe route. Life becomes a low-wire circus act performed from a Barcalounger, a remote control in hand and an oversized safety net beneath. However, if you seek the true answer to one of life's burning questions, be it athletic performances, business ventures, or personal relationships, you have to push all your chips to the middle, lay your cards on the table, and go all in...

October 2 2010, USTA Long Course National Championships, Myrtle Beach, SC

"Y'all are swimming in the Ditch tomorrow?" asked the barman at dinner the night before the race. After my confirmatory nod, he replied "Y'all are crazy, they's (sic) 'gators and water moc's in there." He forgot to mention the smaller critters...

6:45 a.m. As customary, I arrived early at T1, had my body marked with race numbers and age, set up my gear, donned my wetsuit and went down to the water. Most people burn with the anxiety of pre-race jitters at this time, but I always find it tranquil by the water, and so I calmly reflect on the year and the 165 podiums we put together as a team...and hope to add one national team tri-suit to that record. A young boy approaches me and says "Mister, didn't you hear? They cancelled the swim." Incredulously, I head back to T1 where the racers are gathered, listening to the announcement. Due to "water quality issues" (e colli), the swim has been cancelled; our Long Course Triathlon National Championships had just become a long duathlon. The new format would consist of a randomly ordered line of athletes running barefoot from the swim out point across the timing mat at 3 second intervals and into T1 to start the race. By the time I shed my wetsuit grab some water and enter the line, 1000 of the 1400 starters have already lined up...and the wind begins to build.

8:50 a.m. After chatting extensively with the athletes close to me in line, and a few bathroom breaks, I finally reach the front of the line and sprint barefoot into T1 where I slap on my helmet, grab my bike, run into the bike mount zone and execute a near perfect cyclocross mount. My race has finally begun. The bike course consists of 2 loops of a 28 mile circuit, much of which is on the smooth surface of highway 501, which the race organizers pulled strings to have closed to motor vehicle traffic for the race. I execute my plan, taking it up to 200 watts initially, and then gradually build to my target of 220 watts for the next 2.5 hrs. The wind has built to 15mph, and an occasional gust buffets my rear disc and 1080 front wheels as I fight for control of my bike. I come up on rider after rider, entering the back of their 20 meter "no draft" zone, surging to within centimeters of their rear wheel, and then slingshotting past them, all within the 30 seconds allowed for passing. I finish the bike leg feeling strong, and hitting within seconds of my 2hour, 30min target split.

11:22 a.m. I charge out of T2 and onto the run course feeling strong. The air temp is a balmy 71 degrees and I know I can lay it all on the line, not having to worry about heat stress. Although my legs are heavy from the bike, I know they will open up, and I force myself to maintain a fast tempo of 7:40/mile (10k pace + 20seconds per mile), which is 20 seconds per mile faster than my target race pace. My legs do open up as I pass the first mile aid station, and I feel strong and comfortable, having completed endless half mile repeats at this pace in training. I tick off the miles at this pace, depositing 20 precious seconds in the bank every mile and taking on water every other aid station. Despite feeling good, I slow to target pace at mile 8, as I begin to feel the cramp hounds nipping at my calves like the dogs that chase us on the ride to Saluda. If I can just hold my target pace to the end I'll qualify...Mile 10 comes, a significant point where I normally focus all my energy and concentration on finishing strong. Today, however, the cramps move up to my quads, and despite feeling energized, I have to slow to avoid a full blown meltdown...and then it comes. Mile 11, and my left quad seizes. I force myself to slow and relax...but then the stress shifts to my right quad and it too seizes. And so I push ahead, finishing the last 3 miles in this spasmodic shuffle, and cross the line at my overall target time for the bike and run legs of the race, which given a decent swim split, extrapolates to my target time of 5:05, a number posted all over my apartment for the last 365 days.

There are 3183 triathletes ranked in the 50-54 male age group in the US. 58 of those athletes qualified for, and entered the Long Course National Championships. The best 20 of those athletes qualified for the 2011 World Championships. Last Saturday, in Myrtle Beach, SC, my last 365 days came down to 5 hours. Those 5 hours came down to 3 miles and one simple truth: In 2010, I was 6 min away from being one of the best.

Final results: 25th/58

Off the Bike

Well, with the season winding down, I thought I would learn a little more about our team mates and what they do 'off the bike'.

Cristina Lindsey spends time helping young women(girls) find their way:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wkTlzsAhtNY&feature=youtube_gdata_player

You can see she carries the same passion to this that she brings to TEAM headstrong.

Keep it up Linds..........