2009 BAR/BAT Summit

I went to the ACA meeting this afternoon, concerning BAR/BAT and masters racing.

Interesting. This was not a voting meeting but a meeting to give the board information and feedback about moving the ACA forward. It was interesting, I basically just listened so I could get a feel for were they are going and to make sure it was right for my team.

Although it was never stated, I believe the problem statement(s) are as follows:
1: ACA does not have enough chief judges that can handle the fast pace, closed coarse, crits. Only a few (3) chief judges are available to handle this work.

2: The only growing group(increasing number of annual license holders) are SM 35-44 cat 3 and 4 and SM 45-54 4's. Based on the number of new memberships from 2001 - 2008 this group has 45% of the ACA's growth. There is NEED for new categories for these racers. Specifically SM35+/3 and SM45+/4

3: The new categories will increase the racing day, making it too long and putting too much strain on the (3) chief judges and other race staff.

Solution:
Appears to be creating the SM35+/3 and SM45+/4 categories and splitting all the categories into three. Only one group of categories will be BAR/BAT and the others will have to wait until the next race. The ACA board will begin working on this starting tomorrow.

My opinion:
God for bid something happen to these three chief judges. No business I have been associated with would allow its future to be controlled by so few. This has got to be a reason to test other timing technologies (timing chips). I know the ACA knows about them. This approach to solving the problem will reduce the number of races people have available for their categories. Perhaps that will mean better turnout at the races we have, pushing up demand. As demand goes up, I believe the price I have to pay at each race will to. 2009 is going to be interesting.

I think I will just have to be a good consumer, check the races I am interested in and determining what will work best for me.

It's not over

This photo was taken today. Kailee must have rebroken her arm while
wearing her cast. The doctor says two more weeks in a splint and
light duty.

She broke it at grandma's after a fall while sledding during the first
snow this year.

I feel bad for her. We have all been so excited for her to get it
off. Doctor says she will be fine.... Once it heals.

Ahhhh

Got out for a little ride today. Nice and slow. Picked a new route I've never been on. It was a little windy but for January I will take it.

My Kerkove attempt.

Busy Day

Yesterday just got away from me..

I was planning to ride outside. The warm temperatures were calling my name. But the hurricane force winds changed my mind. When I looked outside all I could see was 2008 Deer Trail RR. That race was epic. Why was it epic, because you would only ride in those conditions because it was a race or you were caught in it. It is not something you would look outside and say "sweet, a cow just blew by... I am going for a ride."

So, I hit the gym yesterday evening. I have never seen this place so full. Of coarse, I've only been at this gym for about 2 months. It is the new year... what was your resolution? Out of the 15 or so treadmills, I was the only one running. ......Are you kidding me? I only ran for 10 minutes to warm-up, there were people walking for 30 minutes or more. Why would you get a gym membership to walk on a treadmill? And as for the machine weights... they need to make them without any seats! It becomes a social hour camp ground. I wanted to say.... "Pull on the thing or get out of the way!" I am glad I spent most of my time in the free weights. Things seemed to be moving in there.

Thankfully the family was tolerant after I made it home a little late. After dinner we watched one of the kids favorite shows... "Planet Earth." They love the one about the Deep Blue Ocean. You would think they would like some good ole cartoons but no, they like watching fish eat each other. Maybe that's why my daughter won't eat meat?

Rollers

This past Christmas (08) my folks go me a pair of rollers. Training on rollers really can improve your bike handling skills. Giving every road rider what they need... The ability to ride in a straight line. Especially if reaching for a water bottle or looking around. I've ridden on a pair of rollers in the past, however it has been a couple of years.

This morning I was doing some high spin intervals. My legs actually felt really good. I was getting my cadence up over 150 rpm. My peddle stroke was pretty smooth. After down loading my power meter I noticed my legs weren't just feeling good, I was actually getting some power out. I was thinking I was just breaking in the rollers or something. Maybe the power readings are off but this last Saturday I did a similar workout. Today however, I was stronger. Nice.

I included a short clip from the training video I have been using. Check it out.

Weights

I hit the gym this morning for a little weight lifting. Coach says I need to move into lifting heavier weights. So today dropped the number of reps and increased the weight. I felt pretty good. Didn't want to hurt myself so I didn't max out or anything. But I was working. To be honest, I was worried about how much I would be able to lift. This phase is not going to last long so I was happy with the amount of weight I could lift. I will be working to push that number higher in the next couple of weeks.

Hopefully with the extra strength I am getting, I'll be flying come spring!

Addiction ... Its not so bad, is it?

I was back at the velodrome today. I took another class. This one was so much better than earlier this week. On Tuesday the class was too big and I didn't get enough laps in. This time, our instructer Paul had it all dialed in. We were riding lots of laps and working on paceline drills. In addtion to the drills he had planned I was able to work on the skills I felt like I needed. I was feeling very confortable on the track by the end of the hour.

After words, I hung out and passed my track certification. That means I can show up and ride when the track is open or sign up for a race series. I will be keeping my eyes open at what is happening.

The family showed up to cheer on Dad. They took a couple of photos and a movie. Enjoy.

Dude leading the pack.

Just warming up, getting ready to jump on the track.

A couple of laps on my own, got in a good workout.

Cute things kids say....

Last night while the family was going into the store, Kailee noticed a "star" by the moon. I explained to her that it was not a start it was a planet. She said "Mom, that's a planet, like earth." I said "Yes, I think it's Venus." Kaliee said "Mommy, that's were Karen lives, in Veniox."

How was your trip home Karen.

Back to the Grind

Went back to work today. Needed to get a head start catching up on the few developments during the holidays. Also wanted to get away from the family as I have not been feeling very good. Another gift from Christmas activities.

I rented The Sound of Music for my daughter. She has not been into movies lately, but she is eating up all the singing. Dancing all over the living room. It is fun to watch...her.

I am heading back to the Velodrome tomorrow to get my track certification. I will miss the CX race. I was pretty cooked at the end of the season. I hit a race every weekend this last season. So I am going to take a pass this time. Hope everyone has fun. The weather looks like it will be getting more crossy as the day progresses.

Happy New Year

Well, it's hear. 2009. It is always an exciting time to look forward.

Today was great. I pedaled on some roads I have never ridden. They've been there but I have missed them. It was a super ride. Riding around early when the streets were still empty was fun, relaxing and satisfying.

All of the in-laws got together for a super lunch at my wife's brothers house. All the kids had a super fun time. Four of them are separated by one year. It gets exciting. They are all finally reaching and age were they interact and play with each other. I am always happy when they get together, I was never able to be with my extended family as often as we can. Nate was asleep before we got out of the cul-de-sac. Lunch was awesome! It was nice to get together and I enjoyed the conversation.

Happy New Year Karen.... I hope your travels to your new family went well.