Hampshire 100

I'm not sure why I thought this 100K MTB race would be a good idea. I don't remember that last time I have put that kind of miles in on the mountain bike (I don't think I've even gone that far on the road bike this year). I guess last year at the Wild Cat Epic 100, and the Vermont 30, but that was a year ago...

And I *think,* if I recall, last year I had done that thing where you ride your bike lots and lots in order to prepare for an event... I think it's called "training." Yeah, training. I didn't really do much of that this year. Oh well, what's the worst that can happen, right?

ECV TTT: Three To Tango - four to start...

Throwing together a last minute Team Time Trial squad was easy. Finishing intact - not so easy. Jamie and I teamed up with two seasoned time trial friends on the Velo de Mer team - Shawn Gavin and Scott Carrier. These guys make going fast look, well - easy. Jamie and Scott are the very epitome of tall, skinny, ass-kicking cyclists. Shawn is too - just not as tall, but holy christ his engine is the strongest of anyone's I get to ride with. If, that is - you call sucking wheel "riding with"...

With no time to warm up, strategize, or otherwise sort things out - we were off, heading north on Route 1A out of the Hamilton / Wenham high school, in lovely Essex County, MA. Shawn on the front, Scott next, myself, and Jamie anchoring the rear. I felt as though I looked like the odd man out - somehow similar to that of a rat in a boa constrictors body - you know, the big fat lump in the middle of a sleek reptilian body, partially digested but still large. And lumpy..

That Old Spark

So you may all know that I broke up with bike racing in the spring. Instead I've had a summer affair with drinking and other forms of debauchery...and damn has it been fun! The past couple summers have been spent training for what felt like a million races leading up to the 100 milers. I knew I needed a serious break from all forms of bike racing and I think it has been good for me.

But...I got my first issue of Cyclocross Magazine today (thank you David). While perusing the articles and bike porn, I noticed that I was getting a little excited. (I've heard porn can do that to you.) Maybe I even noticed that old familiar racing spark. Can it grow and turn into the fire needed for competing again? We'll see...

Asbury Grove Duathlon

There are many things I look for in a race; fun-factor, entry-fee, proximity to home, and of course, my availability (damn work). So, when a fun race, with a $5 entry fee, happens about 3 miles from my house, AND it's before work, I'm there.

I don't consider the fact that about 5 miles of running is involved, and I haven't run in months... that level of detail is irrelevant.

3 tips from last night's Gran Prix of Beverly

In preparation for the crazy-fast race last night, I worked hard to be as not-ready as is possible. I hadn't ridden much these last 5-6 days, I was up late the night before working on the car (new exhaust manifold & hardware) and had all the requisite kinks and aches from the home-mechanic under/over car gymnastics - and so on. Not making excuses, but interesting to point out that some weeks rock, and some roll....