Here is another team that Teenie and I play on.

This is hilarious!

Coming Back

The Theme from Rocky may be the new TEAM song? Patrick is back on a stationary trainer. Emily will be pedaling soon with happy feet.

As for me. A picture is worth a thousand words.

Hey, Sylvester Stallone has nothing on B&W guys like us! We are headstrong.

The Spring Series is 12 weeks away.

See ya out there.

CX Nationals in Bend, Oregon

I am writing this on behalf of Cinthia (red hat) because I know she will never be able to share her experience with you due to pure physical exhaustion. For those who didn't know, she traveled this past weekend to Bend, Or. with her college for Cyclocross Nationals. It probably was Cinthia's 60th and final cycling race of 2010.

The stress began flying out from Charlotte through San Francisco. They landed in Bend and no luggage and none of the bikes had arrived. 24 hours later with various small airplanes there bikes and bags would arrive. If they would have flown one day later they probably wouldn't have been able to pre ride the course. Most of the bags were soak-en wet and she told me that everybody had to throw their cloths in the dryer.

Finally race day (Sunday) arrived and the division 1 women had the first race at 8:00 am. From each team the top 3 count for scoring in collegiate racing. Cinthia was very proud to have Carla Swart (will represent South Africa at the next Olympics) and Erika Zaveta (reining collegiate mountain bike champion) on her team. The big question was who would finish 3rd from the team. This was only Cinthia's second year at cyclocross. The race started with a massive pile up. Carla and Erika got away, but Cinthia was caught in the middle of the bike pile. After 1 lap Carla and Erika are in 3rd and 4th, which is also where they would finally place, but Cinthia is 20th. Cinthia starts passing people left and right moves up further and further. The race ends after 4 laps and the officials have problems identifying the women placing 5th and beyond because of all the mud. Cinthia would eventually call me and tell me they had lost again to Fort Lewis. Last year 2nd in CX, in the road omnium 2nd, and in mountain biking 3rd. I asked where did you finish and she didn't know. The results took for ever and finally they were posted and Cinthia got 10th! For the first time they had beaten Fort Lewis and Cinthia cried! One place one point made the difference. Another example to never give up and give everything for your team.

Getting back was even worse nightmare. The got up at 3:00 am., eventually getting into Charlotte at 7:00 pm. Again no luggage. The luggage came with the next flight from SF. 10:00 pm the final stretch of a very long trip back to Banner Elk, NC. A blizzard was waiting for them at home. 60 mph winds. At the base of the mountain they had to ditch the trailer with all the bikes and their luggage. Finally arriving after midnight, the wind was so fierce the girls had to hold on to one another walking back to their house. Still motivated after all they were national champions!

UWBL #2

The weather cooperated for UWBL #2, which to me is one of the more critical aspects of these rides. Mel, Joe, Ray, and I were there enjoying the civilized temperature before the temperatures were predicted to plummet for the next week.

I see these rides as great training rides for me. Some may say the pace is too fast for this time of year, and certainly for many, it is, but I see it as an opportunity to practice riding efficiently in a group. The more effiencient I can be, the less work I do...something that appeals to me, as you all know. :) I think "training" this is as important as training pure fitness. December is the "no attack zone" month which really makes sense, however there was a recent decision to have a zone about 35 miles in for Cat 4/5 men and women. They called all interested parties forward in the group before the zone, allowing them to eventually separate off the front and go for the glory. Quite honestly, I think the pace was fast enough. The zone went on for what seemed like forever. Shortly after there was a store stop which also seemed to go on forever. But, holy cow, after the stop the pace really picked up. I'm sure that some of the people that took part in the intermediate sprint were regretting having done so. Perhaps Ray can comment on that?! :)

Coming in on Grove Road we passed Teenie, Linz, and Lara coming in from their ride...also enjoying the snippet of good weather but at a much more civilizied pace. It was a great day for a ride and it was so good that many of us were able to take advantage of it. Let's hope for many days like this this coming winter!

TEAM EVENTS from the DS Point of View

The dates are up for three early season team events (see column to the left):

Greenville Training Series

Rock Hill Omnium

SC State RR

Please mark your calendars and set your training schedules.

I hope we have a strong start at the GTS. This is a training series and should be managed as such. If we get most everybody out for a couple of the six races, keep the wheels on the ground, learn some team tactics, get acquainted and reacquainted with our team mates, it will be a plus. Sure, we are going to the podium but that is secondary.

Rock Hill is the first big Omnium of the year. I personally think this is a great venue and one race in which I hope we will strongly participate. This fits many of our riders very well. Last year, only Bird made a showing with 4th in the RR. That was last year. This is our opportunity to stake out our ground. The Male 50+ team has huge opportunities as well as both Women's classes. By April, our young male's team members should be coming into fitness, although not yet peak.

RHO will be an 'A' race for me for the first time and this year will be my 5th year to participate in the RR. I know it will be an 'A' race for others. Let's make it count! Fielding a strong team can aid in that.

State RR - This will be the weekend of the US Pro Championship. What more can I say?? I want one of those jerseys that Teenie and G got last year!

You all have lots going on but let's put some priority on these weekends........we are counting on each other.

KRYPTONITE

I tried not to make a big deal of it but I had back surgery yesterday. Most of you know I have suffered through months of severe sciatic pain.

Surgery was pretty easy but Teenie said they used Kryptonite to put me out. Many of you called or texted and I really appreciate it. I only remember 3 things from yesterday and 2 of them were me puking. Today, I am home and much better.

Thanks again for your love and support! My apologies if you did not know this was happening.

See ya out there soon.

RM

early season

Starting to plan early season race schedule and was wondering if any of the team was heading to Florida in February for The Race For Humanity. It is scheduled for Feb. 12-13. in Dade City. Last year some of you came down. Curious if anyone going to come again this year. Hope to see some of you soon. Ed

UWBL Dec 4, 2010

Kicking off another season, the UWBL 2010/2011 rides are underway.  Mel, Joe, Brady, Ray, and myself braved the cold to join the A ride for a 60 miler "tempo" ride.   Great seeing all the "names" out there.  After mountain biking in 36 degree weather it felt rather warm on the ride (Joe and I shed our jackets a short way out).

However, we missed our team mates.....

Never stop moving.......