The fat lady is singing on the 2007 racing season and I have spent the past few days reminiscing over what was a big year for me. I grew up and started riding big boy wheels, I went way outside what I have been doing on the endurance scene and stepped up one rung on the freak ladder. I made some new friends and generally had alot of fun.
I have also been looking at 2008 and following suit on my 2007, 2008 looks to be another breakout year for me. I will begin in January with a few early season Cyclocross races, the Icycle in February and general base building for bigger fish that are to be fried later in the year. I won't take the early season races to seriously. They are just for fun and to gauge my fitness except for the Icycle where I will go there to just drink beer and ride my bike some with a number plate attached.
Probably the biggest thing for me is the 2008 National UltraEndurance Series (NUE) of which I plan to hit 5 of the 8 events (Cohutta 100, Mohician 100, Wilderness 101, Fools Gold 100 and the Shenandoah 100). That ought to be a hoot. Five races, 500 miles on a singlespeed.
Also on the list are the Bakers Dozen 13 hour race, 12 Hours of Tsali, the Burn 24, the Cowbell Challenge (aka 12 hours in the flaming woods of hell). I dunno, it gets a little foggy after that.
I have come a long way since the 2000 24 Hours of Snowshoe (thanks Rob - I think).
I am sure I'll find more creative and interesting ways to inflict pain on myself as the year goes on but for now, I guess I'd better train some huh?
Speaking of training. I have taken a couple of weeks to just ride my bike before I get back into structured training beginning Dec 1. The first 8 weeks will be base building and I plan to stick to the plan so to speak and build a base instead of riding my ass into the ground like I usually do.
I will sling some weights around and focus on my core muscles as they usually get hammered during the races.
I have more stucture in my training than I have had in some years. I feel that it is necessary for me so I can arrive at the Cohutta in April in the best form I have ever had.
That's the plan anyway.
So here's to a Winter of trainer rides, dark,cold, wet night rides and hours upon hours of riding at 130bpm.
Speaking of training. I have taken a couple of weeks to just ride my bike before I get back into structured training beginning Dec 1. The first 8 weeks will be base building and I plan to stick to the plan so to speak and build a base instead of riding my ass into the ground like I usually do.
I will sling some weights around and focus on my core muscles as they usually get hammered during the races.
I have more stucture in my training than I have had in some years. I feel that it is necessary for me so I can arrive at the Cohutta in April in the best form I have ever had.
That's the plan anyway.
So here's to a Winter of trainer rides, dark,cold, wet night rides and hours upon hours of riding at 130bpm.
1 comment:
Training... that's a bad word that should only used by sailors and bearded ladies.
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