Reflections in the Rain

Fall always seems to be a time for reflection. It is the end of a long season of highs and lows on the bike. It is a time when my lifestyle changes from high octane to slow and steady, and sometimes still. The rain has come and it is time to bundle up for a long wet training ride were the only thing that keeps you pedaling is the thoughts of your defeats the year before and the friends that are slogging along beside you. Or it might be time to just bundle up next to the fire with the one you love.
This past year of racing has been, by far, the best one ever. As I think back on it, a lot of things changed this year. I started a new training program with a new coach that understands me. I started racing with the best team ever with teammates that ride as one unit for one overall goal. I even picked up a new bike that is amazing. I achieved a few things that I had as personal goals, including winning the state crit championship, winning the overall omnium at AVC, upgrading to a Cat 1 on the Road and getting some of my teammates to race on the track. Next year will be even better.
It has been a while since my last blog. I have been busy taking three weeks off the bike and then starting to ride again. Andrea and I went over to our good friends at Sellwood Cycles and picked up a pair of Kona Paddy Wagon fixies for winter training. We also purchased gym memberships and have started weight training for the first time. I'm planning on getting huge. Lastly, I have mastered playing Wii Sports while riding on the rollers. It’s the best way to keep things interesting while keeping the RPMs up.