Back to Canada

So we've made it home. All tired, but happy with our races and the experience gained. Somerville was an experience in itself, to do a crit race of that level will undoubtedly help my racing dramatically, even though I only held in for half the race. I was much happier with my racing though, and have learned more valuable lessons and put others learned the day before into play. I managed to get a decent start position (near the middle of 220 other riders) and was much more confident at speed - both for cornering and generally riding tits out with 220 other crazy guys. I learned that you MUST stay near the front, not too close so that you get sucked into chasing, but close enough that you are in the vortex of a draft. The last 40 guys or so are all suffering and strung out single file. Plus you have to jump that much harder out of the corners. I also witnessed a lesson in race controlling. The race was fast, like ridiculously so. But none the less, Navigators managed to get their train to the front and wind it up starting with about 3 to go. Launching an Aussie rocket who did not disappoint. Pretty cool to be lining up and rubbing elbows with some of these Pros. I will say I was much less nervous today, and mentally much more in the race. Good. Again hot though, which sapped a lot out of me. I need more time in that kind of heat I guess. But again, an awesome trip, and huge thanks to John L of the Echelon Project for pushing us to do this and helping out so much. That man is a hard man. Definitely the oldest guy in the pack, but also one of the smartest. Now time for more hard training and then down to Charlevoix this weekend, plus a massage tomorrow. Awesome.
Plus a shout out to Geoff for finishing 51st. F&(*$ing wicked sweet) and Steve (we know you finished little buddy)

Harsh lessons in New Jersey

So Pro crit racing in the states is fast. Like really fast. Add that to some serious smog and some seriously hot and humid temperatures (which my body has definitely not adapted too yet) and you get Sandy getting blown off the back. Didn't even last half way. But to be fair, I'm a little upset, I know I could have suffered a little longer. I let myself get mentally beat before I even started, I wasn't in the race. But, lesson learned, and time for vengeance tomorrow in an even tougher crit, the NRC Tour of Somervile. Even faster, even more guys chasing that finish line. There where 125 guys today, 220 tomorrow. Yes 220 guys in a crit, thats a bloody field. If only the weather could cool down a bit... In the end, one member of our team finished, tough little Steve-o. The guy road himself stupid. He was so out of it, he started asking for a feed/bottle at about halfway before realizing how hard it would be let alone not aloud at 60km/h. Oh well, time to take the lessons learned and fight for some wheels.

Bootin up the old computor after a light spin and massage...









Special Needs Captain Joel attempting to see what the ruckus is about...








Bear attack! I got the f*&^er good...








Cap'n John driving the ol' pimp mobile. Me taking a rippin good pic...

New Jewsy

So we have arrived safely here in New Jersey. A little less than 7 hours after leaving O-dot, we have arrived here in the land of humorous Italian accents. Although I have let to hear a Sopranos style accent, I'm sure they're coming. After John came by with our pimp mini van, we loaded 4 bikes and 5 pairs of wheels into Phillipe's little Toyota Yaris, pretty damn impressive I must say. After packing ourselves into our respective vehicles, we hit the road and cruised down here. With only one gas/food/photo stop, we entertained ourselves with bike mags, movies (on the van's built in DVD player) and making fun of each other. After arriving and settling into a incredible hotel "suite" with 2 bedrooms/bathrooms, living room and kitchen. Sweet. A quick spin of the legs and dinner in preparing as we speak. With a former baker as our team leader, we are eating like kings and learning all the tricks of the bike racing trade. All the little tricks you don't think of, I just learned that you should always get race organizers to cash you prize check at the race site if possible to avoid having to explain to the lovely border guard folk how you where making money in the states and therefore an illegal alien. Shit, never would have thought of that until my strip search and finger printing. I'm off to eat and prepare for our first race tomorrow, I'll update as stuff comes. Ciao

Time for the first jump into the deep end

So, I am actually packing the day before a race. This is quite unusual, though to be fair, the races this weekend are not my "usual" either. Bookbound Criterium on Sunday and the NRC Tour of Somerville on Monday. These represent my first jump to the rung of "professional" racing in North America. Now I use that term loosely, but maybe I'll refer to it as a race that will be covered in VeloNews. Needless to say, after a hard week of training, I have now spent a decent portion of time mentally preparing, and now packing and making sure everything is working perfect. Nothing helps calm my mind down like polishing my bike and going through all my mental lists. New bar tape, fresh rubber, and some swanky new ceramic bearings in my Ksyriums. Kick ass, now all thats left is to ride fast and suffer like Kiwi climbing Fortune. Hopefully my legs co-operate and the trip goes well, I'll try to update from the road for this our first real big team trip. Thanks to Gary at Ottawa Honda for the sweet minivan for the drive and some gas $$. Gonna be a helluva weekend. And to top it off, I've booked myself for a massage with DeVeer on Wednesday morning to "flush out the legs". Wicked sweet. Off to pack more and double check...

More doping news

Well this week even with a wicked Giro going on, is unfortunately getting more and more depressing as a cyclist. Aside from one of the toughest Giros' ever, more admitted doping is coming to the surface, even after the wake of Operation Puerto. Now involving the old Telekom team of the 90s, several riders have come forth (good on them for admitting it I guess) including both Rolf Aldag and Erik Zabel. Now These are 2 riders that I formerly held in very high regard, and still do to a certain degree. Zabel has always been somewhat of a hero of mine, a very understated rider, always in the mix, and still riding strong enough to podium at last years world championships even with god knows how many years of racing under his belt. Apparently he made a surprise appearance at one of the Telekom press conferences after dropping out of the Giro (unheard of for this man of steel) and confessed, while crying to using EPO for a week during the Tour in the 90s. The fact that he admitted it, while in tears nonetheless, and has stepped up to accept the consequences shows the mans true character. It is truly unfortunate that he had a moment of weakness, but as he stated, he wants to set an example for his son who is now riding as well. I fear this will spell the end of another otherwise great cyclist's career. Thank you for your honesty, but when will it end? All this will cost many other cyclists their jobs with sponsors pulling out faster than you lose a $20 at the rippers. I have had enough, I put in many hours of hard work, and would not like to know that I was beaten at the line by a doper, but at the same time. I was clean.

Summer is here

After a good aggressive loop race last night, I woke myself up nice and early this morning to ride out to Manotick to meet up with Keir for a nice long pre-work ride. Nothing starts your day off right like 100km with a few hard 5 minute efforts in the sun. Needless to say, my form seems to be coming along nicely. I am feeling very comfortable with any distances encountered so far and my speed seems to be coming along nicely. Which is reassuring with Tour of Somerville this weekend, followed by the Charlevoix stage race in Quebec the next weekend, then one final weekend here in Canada before taking off to Europe. Exciting times. At the same time, its time to continue to ramp up the training to prepare myself for this adventure. Tomorrow is looking like another gorgeous day so I will be attempting to cut out of work early to get in a few hours with Erik L on the bike before heading to my second tt of the year. With my motivation high, due to a "prime" offered by my team manager for any team rider to beat him and a burger on the line from a co-worker, I will have to make sure to keep the miles pre-tt at a easy pace. Needless to say, I am pumped for this weekend, but not yet nervous. But that is fairly typical for me, I probably won't realize what I've signed up for until my warm-up or perhaps while lining up of the start line. Other than that, I must complete some baking in time for the weekend in order to have some nice fresh food to eat while racing, I have become somewhat accustomed to fresh baked goods while riding lately ;) I'll try to update soon with info on many bets on the line for the tt and hopefully someone will post pictures from Niagara Classic soon... Ciao

tales from the wind

With promises of sun and fine weather, myself and several teammates decided to make the trek down south to the Niagara Classic, a Canadian National Calendar race. Waking up the morning we were to leave with an itch in my throat, I became very careful for the drive, drinking tea the whole way and trying to rest as much as possible as it would not be an easy day the next day. After arriving in Hamilton, we settled down and called it a night, Shawn was racing at 8:30 the next morning and I wanted to get as much rest as possible. The next day, after a good breakfast, and the same scratchy throat, we headed out the the race site. After a "detour" (we got on the highway in the wrong direction) we finally arrived at the race site, just as the rain was clearing into a cloudy and cool afternoon. After signing in, we discovered that the race start was at 1, not 1:30 as we had thought, so ran to the car and threw on our kits. Arriving at the start line just in the nick of time, we lined up and made small talk with other riders we haven't seen in some time. Right from the gun, 2 riders took off and the race went single file. I managed to slot myself in about 6th wheel and swore silently to myself as I began coughing up a lung. Taking the advice of a rider much wiser than myself, I went into the race with a game plan. Which helped a lot when the going got tough. I told myself that because of the sickness, I would sit in for the first half, make sure I was in any major splits and generally get a feel for my legs. The first time up Effingham, hurt, I won't lie. But as I looked around and began to pass riders, I realized that I seem to still be riding much stronger than many around me. I noticed this too in the flats and the windy gutter sections. This gave myself confidence a huge boost, I now new that I could still play a part in this race. With my teammate Steve up the road in the break (which would eventually win the race) I make the mental decision to save myself for the last 2 laps as I was still not breathing all that well with all the coughing and phloem. As I anxiously watched riders try to bridge up, I became more anxious, but stuck to my plan (top 15 paid out after all). After a brief talk with Mr. J Hall, I learned that I had somehow missed poor Steve getting dropped from the break and then from our pack. Shit. Finally the last lap came around, with several riders just off the front that had been dropped from the original break or where trying to bridge themselves, I made my first move by bridging up to a promising move with Magi and J Hall. Working well, we discovered that there where still enough of the usual Ontario wankers who where happy to chase but not race themselves to bring us back. As the pack began to close the gap, J Hall quickly told me "This is the time to go by yourself." So without thinking I took his advice and again launched myself. Caught again, just before the base of Effingham, and hurting I stayed top 5 and followed the first attack at the base of the hill leading to the line. With visions of another top 15 Ontario Cup finish dancing in my head, I dug deep and accelerated with it. Looking back we had gapped the field and where now pulling in the finish line. Happy my race, and with legs to spare (maybe I could have been with the break...) and happy with my form even while sick, I awaited the results to see if I had made my first Elite payday. After changing and gabbing some chow, I discovered that I was 17th. Two flippin spots from the money. Though according to pedalmag.com I am now actually 16th, so to make matters worse, I am now 1 spot from the cash. Next time I'll be there, I now have some anger and unfinished business.
The plus side is the training is working. I felt strong throughout, had no problems riding in the gutter, the wind, the hills, or attacking. Even without being in the break where I wanted to be and know I could have been, I have taken many positives from this race. That means more to me right now considering I leave for Belgium in a less than 3 weeks. Only a few more races to go, and some more quality training. Next up, Tour of Somerville NRC race in New Jersey then Charlevoix, QC.

knackered in the rain

So hard day today... Decided to head in to work early to be able to skip out early to get in a few miles pre-crit. Rain be damned, I need to become harder before Europe. So snuck out of the shop around 3 with Steve-O and Geoff and headed into the Gats. After deciding to do a reverse loop (up Blacks) we quickly encountered a dead man. Seriously, the dude was dead on the side of the road, looked like he had a heart attack cresting a hill. Luckily some motorists had also just pulled up and called an ambulance as we checked his vitals. Cold, and quite dead. After the proper authorities arrived, we were allowed to continue our ride, slightly shaken up but also with the company of local strongman JS. After working on my power big ringing/low rpm'ing up the climbs in the rain, we proceeded to separate for our different routes to the crit. Arriving at the crit minutes before the start, I quickly jumped in, forgetting that I had not eaten anything all ride, which was now approaching 3.5 hours. Deciding that I wanted to get 5 hard efforts in and then spend the rest just riding some tempo and playing pack filler, I launched up the road to bridge up to a solo Mr. Boocock. After catching him, we decided to attempt to inflict maximum pain on each other, he had also just finished a long ride. Unfortunately for us, other riders began bridging up and our gap continued to open. Realizing that I may be in for the long run, I began to work. After some time, I realized my mistake (other than the pain, I was running a little low on fuel). By this point the brake was of decent size, so I began to sit out some turns, and decided that I would not let go. As the attacks started near the end, I spent my last remaining bullets closing gaps and trying to not get popped. This worked until about 5 laps to go, when the pack began closing the gap, with 3 riders now ahead of us. Finally, I sat up and got swallowed by the pack like the rest of the break. Like I said, I'm knackered. Needless to say, I'm off to bed. But will see you back on the road again soon.

Motor pacing and other tales of hurt

So, being the social animal I am, I spent a good portion of my Friday evening riding my bike behind a motorcycle. Even missing part of the Senators game by doing so. But on the other hand, with the amount of hurt inflicted on me by the wonderful Westy, I should see some serious gains to my riding. 2.5 hours of riding (1.5 hours behind cruel Westy) and 100km later, I was knackered, sipping a beer and watching the remainder of the game. For the most part, I stared at the little BMW logo on the back of the bike and prayed that a stop sign would come. On the other hand, for some reason it was still fun. Yes, I know, if you don't ride a bike/race a bike you will undoubtedly find me to be nuts. Thats cool, I can deal with that. My name is Sandy, and I am a cyclist. To make it more interesting, the Senators game went to double overtime, plus a little celebratory drinking after and BAM, its morning and I've agreed to a "tits out" loop of the park. Basically, several of us met, and agreed to attack each other senseless on every climb. No matter how small. It hurt. But again, in that good, fun, crazy ass cyclist kinda way. Plus we managed to "end up" at the local bakery and coffee shop for some energy for the ride home. Nice day in the sun.
On a separate note, over a team steak breakfast Saturday morning, we received our sweet new team kits. Classic Belgian styles. Pictures to come of that soon. I have also just finished registering for the NRC Tour of Summerville and Bookbound Criterium at the end of May. Should provide a whole new level of race-hurt. Max field of 220 guys, all going for the 50 mile speed record. F*@^ing eh. Just finished watching a close 1-0 win for the Sens, life is looking good right now. Crit tomorrow, hopefully preceded by a good ~100km ride to make it extra tough. More details to come through the week, and of course some pictures of the new kits.
Ciao

why I dislike time trialing

So, tts still hurt. Even riding on a fine new Steven's tt stead, they suck. But apparently I need to at least become proficient at them to be a cyclist, or at very least make some time cuts. So setting out today, I became very aware that I must learn to suffer on my own better. I have been working on my bridging skills, and must now work to somehow translate that into solo riding out and back towards some random line across the road. Fun. On the plus side, my bike is sweet, and although I know I could have put out more power, it should just be a matter of riding the bike more and actually riding tts. Seems simple enough, the only problem inlying in the fact that I feel like a bloody tri-geek riding the bike. So the moral is, ask me to go for a run after my ride, and I'll punch you in the baby-maker. On the other hand, the Sens are making a valiant stab for the cup this year, another win, 1-0 for us vs. the Sabres. Rock on. Not really enough time so far to work on this make bread project, hopefully after the hammer fest of a Sunday ride planned. Recovery week coming to an end now, and time for that final build towards Belgium. Kinda scary actually, only like a month to go before my European oddessy. Shit. Time to get down to some seriously hard work. I'm off to hit the sack, time for another early morning ride. Did you know that there is sun at 6:30 in the morning, neither did I until this year. More on that later... Ciao

Midweek ramblings

So, the sickness has past, as has the first beautiful training weekend in quite some time, and a new week has begun. This week for me will be one of recovery and reduced volume. I must now begin adding more intensity in my build for Belgian racing. With this in mind, I made my way up to the first A loop of the Gatineau park this Tues evening. With a huge group meeting me at the start, I and some leftover phlegm from my cold still residing, I made the conscious decision to not do too much work early on. Hitting the first climb, I began to move up through the pack towards the front group, finding my legs to be feeling in good shape, I had no problems moving through the field. Approaching the Fortune climb, I was pulled to the front by my friend JS of the Calyon team, with a smile on his face as he told me that I "wanted" to be at the front. After a good tempo climb (I feel better and better about my form every time I ride just by watching people around me!), I decided that I had had enough and was time to do some work. The ride ended fairly safely (for this group) after some good hard work by several riders. After the ride, I made my way down to the local depaneur and then to the river to enjoy a few "recovery beverages" and a baguette with cheese with several other riders from different teams.
On the food side of things, I have successfully started making my own yogurt again, and am now back to working on the baking my own bread project. I am currently working on finding a good simple, and healthy recipe. On a separate note, if any of you out there know of how to make the little Euro pastries you get in a race musette in Europe, or what you call them, please let me know. I am so terribly sick of Power Bars and the like, I would kill for a good recipe for something like that. All for now, next up my first tt on the new tt bike. Wait for news on whether Sandy no longer hates tts! Maybe even enjoys them....
Wait thats a scary thought. But hopefully I at least don't suck. More on that after the tt.

Sun, hills, wind and some tunes.

What an wicked sweet training weekend. Glad that flu passed quickly. Sun, about 15 degrees, and some wind. Well, the wind wasn't sweet, but it makes you hard, so it evens out. Set out Saturday morning to meet up with les boys Keir and Jamie up in the Gats. Took the long way to get there and managed to track them down eventually. After some riding around in the hills, I discovery they had never been to the Chelsea bakery. This alarming bit of information, launched you henceforth to said bakery. After some of the most delicious treats you have ever laid eyes on (a cinnamon bun and ham and brie croissant for myself) we the proceeded down the street to the local coffee shop for some espresso to re-enforce us for the remainder of the ride. After finally managing to leave the Gatineaus, I then showed les boys some of the many bike paths that traverse Ottawa, eventually popping us out by the airport. Cruising back roads from there to Manotick at 45km/h, I began to worry about my choice of riding with them, as I would then have to ride solo into the wind to get home. Deciding that it was a good day, and I had some awesome new tunes (courtesy of several CBC radio 3 podcasts, which are incredible and should be checked out by all at http://radio3.cbc.ca/) I then decided to attempt to minimize the direct headwind by taking the longest possible route home, and riding mostly with it as a cross wind, but occasionally hitting me head on to slow me to a crawl several times. After just over 6 hours and 165km, I finally made it home. Just in time for a nap before watching the Senators trounce the Devils! After some mandatory celebration in the form of copious amounts of alcohol, I met up with my teammates Steve and Geoff for a nice 4 hour ride in the hills today. Luckily the sun was out, and no one was particularly interested in pushing the pace, so we continued along, picking up more riders along the way. Riding the gorgeous Macgregor lake loop on the Quebec sided proved to be the perfect hangover cure. 4.5 hours and 135km later, I now sit here in the sun typing this and drinking a cold beer. Quite content with myself, my fitness and life in general right now.
The next project for the week will now be to start baking myself some homemade ride fuel and learn to bake my own break. Nothing beats fresh bread in the morning I've decided. My morning ritual needs to be expanded, currently it involves an Americano, a grapefruit, some toast and some homemade yogurt with granola. Thats how to live! More information to go on this project as available, perhaps even some pictures of the end result. Until then, go enjoy the sun...

Midweek update

So after a gorgeous weekend of racing and riding, and the usual Tuesday night crit yesterday, I am feeling a little under the weather. Woke up yesterday with that little tickle in the back of my throat, did the race anyways 'cause I'm dumb like that, and have now woken up with a somewhat runny nose and a sore throat. I blame a tough weekend and a shop full of sick co-workers. What a bunch of wankers, I told them to not breathe near me! None the less, I spent the crit working on my bridging skills and then yelling at sketchy riders regarding their riding skills, such as the group of Cycles Marinoni kids who kept sitting up in the middle of the pack and looking behind them, and the crazy duchebag wearing a tt helmet trying to push his way out of the gravel should back into the pack. As for now, I'm popping zinc lozenges and drinking liters of tea, all in an attempt to not feel too bad tomorrow for my first ever motor pacing session. On a plus side, the weather has been glorious as of late, and according to those ass monkeys at the weather network (if you can believe them) should continue for some time. Which would be nice, cause baring the continuation of this damned sickness, I intent to pound out a mega-hard weekend. I may even follow the trail of Keir and start baking my own ride food, I'm running out of expired Power/Cliff bars...