March 2011 Blog Posts (4)

This was my first year making the trip down to the Bakersfield area for the Keyesville Classic.  This grassroots event has taken place for many years.  Recently they began running an "all mountain" class, which combines results from the XC race on Saturday and the Short Track and Downhill on Sunday, all raced on the same bike.  At $69 for all three races, how could I…

I made the trip down to Southern California last weekend for the first of the national pro series races.  These races are the real deal, with close to one hundred pros from around the country.  This is where you test yourself against the fastest guys in the country (and Canada and Mexico).  A huge start group, short laps, and lots of fast guys makes the dynamic very different than local races.  You fight your way through the throngs in the beginning and then settle in to do battle for as…

It seemed that I got up on the wrong side of the bed. The daylight savings time change the night before, meant one hour less sleep. Despite not having ridden or done much the day before, I slogged through breakfast, not feeling entirely rested. Thankfully, Shiloh drove in the dark, while I tried to snooze, waiting for light and a clear mind.

As is often the case, I dreaded the start. Lining up in the second row, I searched for inspiration, attempting to simultaneously stay relaxed and…

Training is coming along pretty well in preparation for my first peak period around Napa Valley Dirt Classic and Sea Otter.  I have been getting my training hours in, but lacking a bit on recovery time.  My 2 year old son, Simon, is so full of life that he rarely sleeps through the night.  Though I miss him if I haven't seem him for 4 hours, I sure could use longer stretches of sleep!

On a day of intensity training last Thursday, I had my first down day of the season.  I tried my…