Quick Update

This past week has been a busy one. A lot of things going on at work... which is good but other (minor) things fall by the wayside. That can be an issue for the other (more important) half of my life.

I have been trying to recover from my Deer Trail efforts while continuing to build my fitness. Had to dig pretty deep to pull that intensity this early. Looking back through the past couple of weeks of training I feel like I am at a plateau in my fitness. At least things aren't starting to slide... yet. The season priorities are still a ways off so I shouldn't be too discouraged. I still have time to get those Watts a little higher.

On Tuesday during my ride I came across a small herd of deer, just hanging out and taking a break. You can see them in the photo, mostly laying in the greening field. It was fun to stop and watch the peaceful seen for a few minutes. Look at that blue sky!


Yesterday I went out to find a new bike trail I had heard about. It was really nice. Quiet and had a nice view. I am suppose to lead a "recovery" team ride Monday the 4th out of Golden, I think I'll use this route. I hope we have a good turn out but I am not going to hold my breath either way it will be a good time. If your interested and in the neighborhood, feel free to join us. There is a team board meeting after the ride, those are always fun.


On a more positive note, parts are arriving! Pictures soon, very exciting!

Next race - looks like it will be Lookout Mountain this Saturday. The race doesn't really suit me but at least I wont suffer too long.

Deer Trail - 2009

This past Saturday morning I hooked up with a couple of teammates (Jeremy and Rick) and carpooled out East to Deer Trail, CO. A small town east of Denver that has been gracious enough to host a bunch of Lycra clad, carbon fiber loving, two wheeled, front range crazies. The site of the first 2009 road race (nearly the first mass start race as everything else has been canceled due to weather).

The weather, compared to last year, was calm and warm! (10-15 mph winds, starting temp ~38 F) We had an 8:30 am start, with 74 pre-registered riders. We arrived with plenty of time to get our numbers and gear ready. Organizers were passing out two numbers, one for your jacket and one for your jersey (as apposed to each side of your jersey like last year). Simplifying the clothing selection for the day. This year I went with the standard kit, knee warmers, arm warmers, a base layer, standard fingerless gloves and my good wind vest. It proved perfect.

My goals for this race, don't expect too much. Last year I finished 6th, I figured it was all down hill from there. I didn't know how my fitness would hold out, this would be the test. I wanted to get more comfortable in the pack, work on my positioning in the group and give pointers to my team to try and help as many of my teammates get to the end as quickly as possible.

The race rolled out of town at a leisurely pace. Another teammate rolled by me and asked if they always raced this slow. We were about a mile out, I told him to shut up and enjoy it, it was going to heat up soon enough! The course profile had almost not flat spots. Nothing but short rollers. The 43 mile race gained over 2000 ft in elevation. The pace picked up on the climbs setting the ground for a hard up the hills easy down the other side kind of race.

This race is basically laid out in the shape of the letter L. Out and back on the lower section then out and back on the upper and finally out and back on the lower section to the finish. A key to this race is good positioning on the 180 degree turn arounds. The first guys make it through easily and sprint up to speed, the tail of the group is still breaking to get around. Then they really have to chase. Life is better at the front.

A guy went of the front at the first turn around. My first though was, now way dude, see you in a little while. But his teammates didn't chase him down (that happens a lot), a couple of them were actually strong enough to stay at the front and block. Since this was a cat 4 race, none of the other teams knew how to organize. Therefore there was no organized chase, making the blockers job even easier. To my amazement, the dude stayed away and won by about 20 seconds.

As for me, I managed to stay in the lead group until nearly the last climb. I had to close a couple of gaps and my position could have been better at times. I see some areas I need to improve my fitness but I have time.

Finishing time: 2:01, Place 18th of 67 finishers, Normalized power: 286W, Max: 1148W, distance 43 miles, average speed 21.1 mph, max speed 40.2 mph

Final Identification of "The One"

After narrowing my choices, I've continued to push forward and identify the correct bike for me. My number one choice, as described in previous posts, is the Ridley X-fire. The first two priorities have been met; 1. It's a good bike, received good reviews. Preferably by people I know. Race proven, not necessarily pro level (that can be sponsorship of really good legs) and 2. It looks good, it calls to me. Now to widdle down the final two priorities; 3. COST and 4. It has to fit.

Cost:
I will keep this short and simple. As I described in my previous post, the Ridley x-fire is undergoing some changes in the coming year (described here). First off, its US distributor is changing and second it will be going to a tapered head tube (1.125 top, 1.5 bottom). These changes are going to happen sometime around June 2009. The current distributor has permission to sell the bikes until June and the new distributor can't talk about it until June. So, that means if I want last years bike "2009," they are looking to get rid of them and I can get one for the price I want to pay. If I wait for the new bike in June "2010" there are some unknowns, 1. price (actually I've heard it wont be much higher than MSRP on the 2009) and 2. availability.


So, I am going to pull the trigger now. Get last years bike, "2009," while I know I still can for the price I want to pay. Later this year, during CX season, there might be newer bikes out there but I believe this bike will be more than good enough for me.



Fit (finding the right size):
The Ridley comes in 48, 50, 52, 54, 56 and 58 frame sizes. The bikes that I currently have are a 60cm Trek 5200 and 58cm Trek XO1, I have also had a Bianchi 58 road bike. Trek frames read big, they measure center BB to top of seat collar making the frame size bigger than it is. So, my initial guess is I need something like a 56 or 58. However the 2009 x-fire frames that are readily available are 50, 52 and 54. At first glance it looks like bad news. However, upon digging a little deeper, Ridley frame sizes are way big for the frame "number" just the opposite of Trek!

Wow, could it be. It looks like the 58cm Trek Xo1 I've been riding has a geometry that is close to the 54 X-fire. Seems like a big jump! So, I went to my LBS that had the bike and we mocked up the frame with my fit dimensions (saddle height, reach, offset etc.) Looks good. We even tried to determine approximately what a 56 X-fire would look like, it looked too big. The biggest change between what I have been riding and the new bike, besides moving from a warn out all aluminum frame and fork to sweet candy carbon is the wheel base. The X-fire will be shorter by 2cm, approximately 3/4 of and inch. I am no bike geometry expert, but I know a shorter wheel base makes the bike turn faster and if it helps me get around the hairpin turns like at the Colorado State Championship race last year, I'll be moving up the ranks.

So that's it, I'm lucky. All my priorities are met by this bike. Its a good bike (I haven't heard from anyone that doesn't like it, and those that have one reach out to me saying -it's worth it, go for it.) I love the way it looks, beckoning me to ride it. Cost is right and there is a frame size that will work.

Check back for posts on my purchase.

Narrowing the Choices

I have a short list of CX bikes I've been looking at. This is how I'm going to start pursuing the purchase.

My priorities in selecting this list:
1. It's a good bike, received good reviews. Preferably by people I know. Race proven, not necessarily pro level (that can be sponsorship of really good legs)
2. It looks good, it needs to call to me.
3. COST
4. It has to fit.

1. Ridley X-fire

Pros: The company (They are a Belgium company that got their start making CX bikes. Not road or mountain bikes. They did so well at the CX bikes now they make everything), all carbon, raced and recommended to me by pro riders, beautiful bike (its calling to me!).
Cons: There is a change to the frame coming in 2010. They are going to a tapered head tube and changing US distributors in June. So, you can get deal on the 2009 but the 2010 will be "improved".

2. Bianchi D2 Carbon Cross

Pros: The Bianchi Axis CX bike has been around for a while and it has been popular. The carbon version is new and it looks great. Reviews have indicated the ride is good.
Cons: It is new, no deals. Weight is good but the wheels it comes with are not so good.

3. Giant TCX

Pros: Price could be right. Have a friend that says it's good. Carbon fork with aluminum frame. I think it would be ok if I couldn't find a lighter carbon bike in my price range. I like the way the bike looks.
Cons: Askium wheels (wow they're heavy), aluminum frame.

4. Felt F15X

Pros: Price could be right. Looks like a well spec'd bike.
Cons: Almost can't stand to look at it (paint job sucks). Cable routing and top tube aren't what I want.

Others:
Van Dessel Gin & Trombones: seems pricey but a lot of folks had them this last season. Bike looks great.
Yeti ARC X: I like that it's a Colorado company. Great looking bike, if it fits. Limited sizes. I don't think a compact frame would work well for CX. A lot of people use them but I'm skeptical, one of the other bikes may be better.
Cannondale: Great looking bike (paint job), cable routing and top tube make me think this is a bike to complete their sales catalog. Good components and BB30!
Orbea: Team sponsor. Not marketed in US but I could get one. I met a pro that raced one last season, he said "its nothing special, get the Ridley!"

Obsessed and Distracted

To the typical person I'm sure my obsessions seem... excessive and freakish. Even to people typically concerned with these kinds of things it may be over the top.

You may be wondering what is this dude worried about, what has caused his wife to say "Just hurry up and buy it, you haven't slept well in a week!" A new car? Major home improvement? More kids? New business? ...... Nope, more serious. The purchase of a new bike. Not just any bike, a cyclocross bike.

While much less expensive than any of the other choices above, it is a deeply personal decision. With a limited budget, I want to get it right. I have been working to get budget, justification (I mostly had that) and support for this purchase for years. I will be striving to maximize everything.

Yes I know that cyclocross season is months away but there are deals to be had. I can save nearly a 1/3 on last years bikes/frames. I know there will be changes coming out on 2010 bikes but you have to pull the trigger at some point and money saved is money saved. How much impact will the future changes have on next years bikes anyway. As long as there isn't a revolutionary new material or system, I should be good.

So, what bikes have I been looking at? What are my requirements? Well, lets start with what I currently have; an old all Aluminum frame and fork. The components are a splash of shimano, with all the major groups represented, 105 shifters, ultegra front derailleur and Dura-ace rear derailleur. What am I looking for; a lighter ride, some carbon to take out the harsh vibrations in a race, more responsive, faster around the tight corners and a good fit.

My choices are basically aluminum frames with carbon fork and maybe carbon seat stays OR a full carbon bike and fork. Full carbon may be a little more expensive but if a deal is found it might not be much more and it could be worth it. As for components, I will be making the leap. SRAM here I come. Probably rival, they're lighter than ultegra and just received an upgrade this year. Force if the price is right but I am not seeing much of a reason for that upgrade. Put that money into other areas, perhaps that carbon frame I described.

What are some frame intricacies I want. Top tube routed cables. Why? Mud in Colorado isn't such a problem but we do end up running most of our races in short sleeves; maybe the exact position of the cables is key but I have cut up my arm carrying the bike, forearm on the down tube with a metal cable smashed between my arm and the frame. Besides the cable routing, a flat area under the top tube for my shoulder. Why? I will have to run with the bike on my shoulder, why not get the comfort that is available. These little improvements on a CX bike show me which manufactures are paying attention to the racers. Comfort is important in a race that can be so uncomfortable.

What am I going to get? Keep checking for updates. I am pretty close to making my decision. Keep watching for photos.

Which Holiday?

Went to my parents house this past weekend for the religious holiday....

Pop quiz, were these photos taken during Christmas or Easter?


Answer: Obviously Easter, we don't get this much snow at Christmas

On a lighter note, I got in a little father son time while watching Paris-Roubaix on the web.

Food is Better in Bed!

I have been having a lot of fun with the kids this week.

On Tuesday our four year old, Kailee, stayed up and watched TV with us. She saw someone get breakfast in bed. Later that night she comes to me and says "Dad, I want you to bring me breakfast in bed, after I sleep,.... with the blue tray. I want waffles, blue yogurt and milk." At first I didn't know quite what to say, so I said " uuuuuuuuh.... OK."

So the next morning I set out to see if she would remember and stay in bed. Guess what (I think she was really tired and sleeping, but she was in bed). So, I got out the blue tray, got a fresh waffle from the morning stash (mom was making some), blue yogurt and milk. I went up stairs and let her have breakfast in bed. When I walked in the door she as a little dazed and confuzed at first. But when she relized what was happening, she smiled, turned her head slightly and said "Dad,..(smile).. I love you." So I sat with her while she ate. It was a truly heart warming experience for me.

This morning Kailee decided (on her own) to repay the favor. She came our room and woke up Mom. Ask me what I wanted for breakfast and told mom to go make it, while she snuggle with me. :) Mom was a party pooper and said she had to help. So off they went. Only to return with the blue tray and french toast! Nice.

Nate (2 yr old) even helped me eat my breakfast, thanks bud.

When I was done, we all went downstairs. Nate grabbed his pancakes off the table and headed up stairs. Initially I was quite concerned, where was he going with all that sticky syrup? So I followed. He jumped in our bed, fixed the pillows so he could sit up and ate the rest of his breakfast.. in bed.

These two never cease to amaze me!

Some Slickrock Photos

Stick rubber, Stick

Weeeeeee

Up, Up and away!

David was all smiles.

That's as close as I get.

Done.... well almost.

The Moab Rides - Mountain Bike Rides

Amasa Back -
This was our first mountain bike outing. It is the least technical of the rides we hit and has some of the most breath taking views at the top. We did a 20 mile loop out of Moab returning from the top of Amasa via Johnson trail. A technical drop off the north side of the mesa.

First view at the top is spectactular

The trail travels along the top of the cliff.

You can see into Canyon Lands NP from the top.

Slickrock -
This is a Moab must! I haven't found another trail like it. The constant up and down on the rock is so much fun and a great workout too. The entire landscape is amazing. Great views!
Photos to follow, I have to get them from David.


Porcupine Rim -
The same day we road Slickrock we hit Porcupine rim. Melissa shuttled us to the top to save time. This is another classic Moab trail. Technical because of the drop offs and rock gardens that can drop you into the meat grinder. Last time David road this trail, he left part of his molar on it. That would not be the case this time. We were killing it and having a great time. We had a couple snow showers move through during the ride, making things even more beautiful.

The trail has a good climb to start with but then drops back down to the Colorado River.

The climb has a number of technical sections.

The view at the top is amazing.

The return trip is a blast!

Don't go too far right!

The Moab Trip - The road rides

Wow! What a beautiful place. The scenery for both the drive to Moab and in and around Moab are just amazing!

This was my third trip to Moab, unfortunately it ended up be a little cooler than during my previous visits. Not such a bad thing but we were tent camping and the wind and cool temperatures made us a little less comfortable.

I took both my road and mountain bikes for the week. I was able to get in a couple of long road rides.

Arches National Park
On Tuesday 4/1 we went on an out and back trip through Arches National Park. It was so beautiful. The views and rock formations are amazing. Basically the route is a rolling out and back. Riding your bike through the park is a great way to take in all the beauty.




A friend of mine, David, joined us for the ride. We had a great time.

This was one of the only hills I got ahead of everyone.

Colorado National Monument
On Thursday the weather was looking like the best day to go to Grand Junction and ride the loop through the national monument. We road from the Fruita side, up onto the rim drive and round. The roads were fantastic and the view and ride.. amazing. What a beautiful place. The map below is the same route we took but we started at the Fruita entrance. If I did the ride again I would likely do it the way the map shows, the descent into Grand Junction was steep and had a lot of gravel on it. The Fruita side was smooth like glass, would have been a great descent. But we might of missed some of the scenery, the Fruita canyon is fantastic!



Riding up through the tunnels

Looking back down on the Fruita Canyon climb.

Proof it had recently been really cold.