My first Cat. 2 race as a Cat. 2 was very no I mean VERY hard! The race was in Madison on the same course as when I first started racing. It was very windy and the temperature was in the mid 40's with bits of sunshine.
I was very back and forth on whether to race or not, to the point where Tammy said "I wish you would make up your mind". Why? The weather looked to be a wash out, and then as I kept an eye on the radar it seemed to be getting better. Finally I said lets go, I know she didn't really want to go, but she came anyways, what a trooper.
The course has a 2 small rises and the finish straight had a headwind. I started in good position, but the pace was so fast and hard that I started going backwards very quickly. I did my best at trying to stay in the draft and out of the wind. I remember looking at the clock and I have only been racing for 9 minutes and I already feel like quitting. I was eventually all alone and I still kept going. I eventually caught 2 others and I was working with them the best I could. They were punishing me too on the rises, lap after lap. I believe they quit after a while. I just kept pushing on, I paid to race so I figured I should at least get a workout in. I was lapped twice, the first time I was able to jump back in and hang on for a little while before being shelled again. And the second time they lapped me I was pretty cooked and only had another lap to go.
I can't be completely disappointed in the race. I did get a new personal best 20 minute power and a 5 minute power. I would had a new 60 minute power too, but I was finished at just over 58 minutes. All I can say that was a huge eye opener for me and I have a lot of training to do to just become a pack fodder. This racing will only make me stronger right? RIGHT!
Here are the results.
http://www.usacycling.org/results/?permit=2013-1767
I am looking forward to next weekends double header, Menomonee Falls on Saturday and back to Madison on Sunday.
Monday, April 15, 2013
Monday, March 25, 2013
Sunny..Cool...Wet....Windy.....Snowy
Saturday I went for a ride leaving the house at 9am. I rode 3x25 minute tempo's and the rest endurance, except on the hills of course. I really wanted to ride with Jeff M. but my time was restricted a bit. When I left it was certainly cool out, but I did have plenty of sun helping it feel a little warmer.
I went through Lomira, Theresa, and Campbellsport. The route was great with plenty of rolling hills. I rode for 62 miles with 3.5 hours in the saddle. I was pretty wiped out after that, so wiped that I thought I wouldn't be able to recover at all for my ride for Sunday.
Sunday I checked my accuweather and forecast was cloudy with plenty of wind. Temperature was cool again, so I dressed the same as I did for Saturday, because that was perfect. I am all set to go and I open the garage door and guess what? It is SNOWING! I was already dressed ready to go, so I went. It didn't take long and roads were wet. I kept going and the snow was starting to accumulate on the roads. I rode almost to Beechwood before heading back south. As I was getting closer to home the roads were just wet. I rode for another 30+ miles with just under 2 hours in the saddle. My bike was trashed, covered in sand and slush.
I spent a couple hours cleaning my bike and replacing a rear derailleur cable. This is my final week of base 3 training. I have a power test on Thursday and I feel as if I am getting stronger. Looking foreword to start my building part 1 of training. Also looking foreword to the criterium practices that start in two weeks. Now if the weather would just turn around, winter is OVER now leave!
I went through Lomira, Theresa, and Campbellsport. The route was great with plenty of rolling hills. I rode for 62 miles with 3.5 hours in the saddle. I was pretty wiped out after that, so wiped that I thought I wouldn't be able to recover at all for my ride for Sunday.
Sunday I checked my accuweather and forecast was cloudy with plenty of wind. Temperature was cool again, so I dressed the same as I did for Saturday, because that was perfect. I am all set to go and I open the garage door and guess what? It is SNOWING! I was already dressed ready to go, so I went. It didn't take long and roads were wet. I kept going and the snow was starting to accumulate on the roads. I rode almost to Beechwood before heading back south. As I was getting closer to home the roads were just wet. I rode for another 30+ miles with just under 2 hours in the saddle. My bike was trashed, covered in sand and slush.
I spent a couple hours cleaning my bike and replacing a rear derailleur cable. This is my final week of base 3 training. I have a power test on Thursday and I feel as if I am getting stronger. Looking foreword to start my building part 1 of training. Also looking foreword to the criterium practices that start in two weeks. Now if the weather would just turn around, winter is OVER now leave!
Monday, March 11, 2013
Soggy Weekend
Saturday/Sunday was the 2nd Annual Local Boys Training weekend. Saturday was suppose to go out to Holy Hill and Sunday would be along the lake towards Port Washington. The starting point was Wheel & Sprocket in Fox Point at 9:30am.
I new it was going to be a small showing because it was going to be a wet one. As I was getting closer to the start point the harder it was raining. When I arrived there were three others , bet they left early on their own. I was a bit early, I arrived shortly after 9am. I was dressed and ready to go early, nobody else is there yet. 9:30am passes and I said to myself just wait another 5 minutes, and if nobody shows up then pack it up and go ride in the basement. 9:34 Tony shows up, ok, I said if nobody else shows up I am going home. He said ok, let me get dressed, as he was getting dressed Erik came rolling down the road. Alright lets ride then. At this point it has pretty much stopped raining, but the roads where very wet.
We headed towards Theinsville then we were headed towards Cedarburg. I picked something up in my rear tire and it went flat. I changed the tube and checked my tire and didn't see/feel anything in so, I put a new tube in. We proceeded to Cedarburg and stopped at a gas station for food. At this point my feet where very cold. Erik had purchased some feet warmers, they didn't every help a little. We then proceeded back. Half way back and my tire goes flat again. So, this time I just put some air into it to see it that would just get me back. It didn't, so I pulled the tire off again and this time I found something in it and pulled it out and put in another tube and on our we we went. We finally got back and I just wanted to get out of my wet clothes and warm up.
Sunday I rode in my basement. I now that it is only March, but Erik riding me off his wheel. I know he racing soon, so he is prepared for that. I am only in the tempo phase of my training and will be for the rest of March. April I start up my intensities so we will see what happens.
Upcoming, Saturday I will be doing a JDRF TTT, I am certainly not trained for it, but I will give it my best shot. They are short, just over 6 miles I think, and if you win you keep racing other teams. I have no expectations. I am hoping to get outside on Sunday morning, but not sure if it will happen. I am going to the home show with my wife on Sunday. Hoping to get outside soon though!
I new it was going to be a small showing because it was going to be a wet one. As I was getting closer to the start point the harder it was raining. When I arrived there were three others , bet they left early on their own. I was a bit early, I arrived shortly after 9am. I was dressed and ready to go early, nobody else is there yet. 9:30am passes and I said to myself just wait another 5 minutes, and if nobody shows up then pack it up and go ride in the basement. 9:34 Tony shows up, ok, I said if nobody else shows up I am going home. He said ok, let me get dressed, as he was getting dressed Erik came rolling down the road. Alright lets ride then. At this point it has pretty much stopped raining, but the roads where very wet.
We headed towards Theinsville then we were headed towards Cedarburg. I picked something up in my rear tire and it went flat. I changed the tube and checked my tire and didn't see/feel anything in so, I put a new tube in. We proceeded to Cedarburg and stopped at a gas station for food. At this point my feet where very cold. Erik had purchased some feet warmers, they didn't every help a little. We then proceeded back. Half way back and my tire goes flat again. So, this time I just put some air into it to see it that would just get me back. It didn't, so I pulled the tire off again and this time I found something in it and pulled it out and put in another tube and on our we we went. We finally got back and I just wanted to get out of my wet clothes and warm up.
Sunday I rode in my basement. I now that it is only March, but Erik riding me off his wheel. I know he racing soon, so he is prepared for that. I am only in the tempo phase of my training and will be for the rest of March. April I start up my intensities so we will see what happens.
Upcoming, Saturday I will be doing a JDRF TTT, I am certainly not trained for it, but I will give it my best shot. They are short, just over 6 miles I think, and if you win you keep racing other teams. I have no expectations. I am hoping to get outside on Sunday morning, but not sure if it will happen. I am going to the home show with my wife on Sunday. Hoping to get outside soon though!
Friday, March 1, 2013
FTP Test
Last night was my functional threshold power test. I have been getting a little stronger and noticing that my training rides where getting a little easier.
I had a number in my head that I felt was achievable as a goal. The warm up went really good and I felt strong. I started my 20 minute test a little hard, which is normal for me. I only perfect one of these per year. So, maybe the next one will be better, from wise, and will be at the end of March. I was able to hold 5-7 watts higher than my goal. But, after the 10 minutes I knew I had to back it down a little other wise I wasn't going to finish. I kept going, just not pushing as hard for 3 minutes. This allowed my body to recover a little and then I picked it up a little to the end.
I did the best that I could have done, not leaving anything on the table. I actually pushed my body so hard that as I hit 20 minutes I threw up. I have thrown up on the bike before, but never inside. I was in the basement and my wife heard me up stairs. She gave me a crazy look when I up stairs. Ok, anyways, as the results go I am very pleased. I went up 16 watts putting me at where I was last year at this time. Actually I am up 3 watts from last year. Very excited about this since I first started training January 1st. Where last season I started in December 1st. Goal for the end of March is to gain another 10 watts and that would put me at the highest point I was last year.
I am not a very strong rider when it come down to power to weight. I am not built like a true cyclist, my upper body is too big. I wish I could loose my belly fat! I feel I eat right, but just can't loose the belly fat. Hoping that I can trim down more once I am riding outside more and commuting to work.
I hope the weather starts to get better. I have some training rides that are suppose to be outside with a group. Actually it is next weekend, called the Second Local Boys Training Weekend. It is Saturday and Sunday. Ride time details: Both Rides will be leaving From Wheel and Sprocket North Shore.
Saturday March 9th - 9:30am roll out time from Wheel & Sprocket North shore (Lake Drive).
... *Destination*= Holy Hill
*Duration* = Should be about 5-6 hrs
*Distance* = 70mi (pending)
*Pace* = Moderate early then some efforts on the climbs under threshold and Tempo home.
Sunday- March 10th - 9:30am roll out time from Wheel & Sprocket North shore (lake drive.
*Destination* = Port Washington (flat route) with mostly pace-line work and high cadence intervals.
*Duration* = 3.5 Hrs.
*Distance* = 60mi (pending)
*Pace* = Moderate early, high cadence pace-line efforts then just some nice spinning to round out the ride.
Lets not forget about the coveted town line sprint efforts.
Should be good rides, looks to be quite a good group of guys coming. Feel free to join in if you would like.
I had a number in my head that I felt was achievable as a goal. The warm up went really good and I felt strong. I started my 20 minute test a little hard, which is normal for me. I only perfect one of these per year. So, maybe the next one will be better, from wise, and will be at the end of March. I was able to hold 5-7 watts higher than my goal. But, after the 10 minutes I knew I had to back it down a little other wise I wasn't going to finish. I kept going, just not pushing as hard for 3 minutes. This allowed my body to recover a little and then I picked it up a little to the end.
I did the best that I could have done, not leaving anything on the table. I actually pushed my body so hard that as I hit 20 minutes I threw up. I have thrown up on the bike before, but never inside. I was in the basement and my wife heard me up stairs. She gave me a crazy look when I up stairs. Ok, anyways, as the results go I am very pleased. I went up 16 watts putting me at where I was last year at this time. Actually I am up 3 watts from last year. Very excited about this since I first started training January 1st. Where last season I started in December 1st. Goal for the end of March is to gain another 10 watts and that would put me at the highest point I was last year.
I am not a very strong rider when it come down to power to weight. I am not built like a true cyclist, my upper body is too big. I wish I could loose my belly fat! I feel I eat right, but just can't loose the belly fat. Hoping that I can trim down more once I am riding outside more and commuting to work.
I hope the weather starts to get better. I have some training rides that are suppose to be outside with a group. Actually it is next weekend, called the Second Local Boys Training Weekend. It is Saturday and Sunday. Ride time details: Both Rides will be leaving From Wheel and Sprocket North Shore.
Saturday March 9th - 9:30am roll out time from Wheel & Sprocket North shore (Lake Drive).
... *Destination*= Holy Hill
*Duration* = Should be about 5-6 hrs
*Distance* = 70mi (pending)
*Pace* = Moderate early then some efforts on the climbs under threshold and Tempo home.
Sunday- March 10th - 9:30am roll out time from Wheel & Sprocket North shore (lake drive.
*Destination* = Port Washington (flat route) with mostly pace-line work and high cadence intervals.
*Duration* = 3.5 Hrs.
*Distance* = 60mi (pending)
*Pace* = Moderate early, high cadence pace-line efforts then just some nice spinning to round out the ride.
Lets not forget about the coveted town line sprint efforts.
Should be good rides, looks to be quite a good group of guys coming. Feel free to join in if you would like.
Monday, February 25, 2013
February Outside Ride
I was asked if I wanted to ride outside this past Sunday by Ryan P. I said sure, why not, suppose to be sunny and in the 30's.
I rode my older bike and I am glad I did. The roads are still kind of shitty, wet, salty, and some snow & ice on certain parts. Ryan rode to my house and then we headed out.
We rode for two hours, and it wasn't to bad. It was great to get outside. The future forecast doesn't look to be to promising either. Feels like winter is never going to end.
I have a power test on Thursday, looking foreword to it, hoping for some gained fitness.
I rode my older bike and I am glad I did. The roads are still kind of shitty, wet, salty, and some snow & ice on certain parts. Ryan rode to my house and then we headed out.
We rode for two hours, and it wasn't to bad. It was great to get outside. The future forecast doesn't look to be to promising either. Feels like winter is never going to end.
I have a power test on Thursday, looking foreword to it, hoping for some gained fitness.
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
Commercial
I was in a commercial last year for the Tour of America's Dairyland. Check it out, click on the link and then scroll over to the Tour of America's Dairyland video.
http://video.discovermediaworks.com/wmmb_wdn/player.htm
http://video.discovermediaworks.com/wmmb_wdn/player.htm
Monday, February 4, 2013
Testing
On Thursday January 31st I did a power test. It has been a long time since my last test. I believe my last test was late summer.
I started with my warm up and after that I wasn't feeling very confident on the number I was tyring to achieve. The test actually went a little better than I thought. I am on track from last season. I am really hoping to improve quite a bit more for my next test at the end of February.
Training has been going ok. My legs don't like to do the constant Z2 rides for a long period of time. They get really tired and sore, not really sure what that is from? My February plan has less of this and a little more intensity, so I am looking foreword to see how my legs react to it.
I recently bought a new set of wheels. I bought the Bontrager Aeolus 7 D3 Clincher. They are full carbon and 70mm deep, can't wait to ride them outside. Karrie from Extreme Ski and Bike sold my Easton wheels, so this is why I bought a new set. Here is the link to the wheel I bought. http://www.bontrager.com/model/11015
I will stay consistent with the training and test at the end of the month.
I started with my warm up and after that I wasn't feeling very confident on the number I was tyring to achieve. The test actually went a little better than I thought. I am on track from last season. I am really hoping to improve quite a bit more for my next test at the end of February.
Training has been going ok. My legs don't like to do the constant Z2 rides for a long period of time. They get really tired and sore, not really sure what that is from? My February plan has less of this and a little more intensity, so I am looking foreword to see how my legs react to it.
I recently bought a new set of wheels. I bought the Bontrager Aeolus 7 D3 Clincher. They are full carbon and 70mm deep, can't wait to ride them outside. Karrie from Extreme Ski and Bike sold my Easton wheels, so this is why I bought a new set. Here is the link to the wheel I bought. http://www.bontrager.com/model/11015
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