Weekend Trips And Sore Legs

Since I'm technically in my off season, I've been trying to get out of town every other weekend with the wife. During these away trips, I always try to get in some cardio.  In October we went to Durango, CO for some awesome microbrews and great food in this fun mountain town.  I strongly recommend Steamworks Brewing Company for some amazing beer and food.  During that trip, I woke up early and was able to spin for an hour on an exercise bike, and then run for 30 minutes on a beautiful trail along the river.  This last weekend we found ourselves in Boston to enjoy some seafood, and you guessed it, more microbrew!  FYI, Shipyard Pumpkinhead with a glass that has sugar and cinnamon on the rim is amazing!  I delayed my workout until Sunday, and slept in late so I decided it was best to rent a bike for the wife and run along side her on the bike path that goes around the bay.  Although the views were great and we both enjoy ourselves, I know I was going to pay for running an hour.  Today I looked like an old man hobbling around the office.  The things I do for CX.  We are going to try to do another weekend trip in early December, and then going to spend a couple of days in Vegas over new years.  I know, the life of a flight attendant's husband is a rough one, but I tough it out somehow.  

In other news, the CX bike is back in business thanks to the compact crankset I use for road riding the majority of the year.  I swapped out the 50 for a 46 tooth, and the middle is the same with 36.  I was planning on getting a 39-53 for road riding anyway so it all worked out.  Plus, it was good to get the green machine up and running for a spare bike in case I run into anymore mechanical issues at the races this year.  I really want to take CX to the next level. I'm definitely going to cut next years' endurance season a little shorter so I can switch gears to CX sooner.  I may even upgrade the frame to carbon next year too... maybe.

The Green Machine Lives Again

This last Sunday I really pinned the start of the CX race!... that's because I was pinning down a line of plastic for the starting lanes of the race that was going on that day. After that, my duties for the next three hours were to make sure the course was in good shape after and during each race. Felt good to get out there and volunteer. Cycling has given so much to me, so it's only right to give back every once and awhile. After course marshalling for half the day, and the fact that the venue is were I train weekly, I knew every turn of the course. My race was later in the day and I felt pretty prepared. I was quick off the line and was fifth to the singletrack. The leader wasn't too far off the front, and I knew that I was faster in the corners than everyone in front of me. Considering the course was pretty much all corners with little straight aways, this course catered to me. Things were looking up for me to grab a top finish... and then I heard a snap. Suddenly my pedal was hanging at an angle. Like a car with a blown cylinder, I was giving it gas but not going anywhere. Game over. Didn't even get through the first lap. I had stripped out the threads of my left crank arm were the pedal screws in and it was just hanging by a few threads. Second DNF of the CX season due to mechanical. I was really hoping this was going to be my redemption race after my poor performance during my previous race. I had a solid two weeks of training, and had cut some weight. Guess I'll have to wait another two weeks to try to redeem myself.  At least the race was free, and I'm glad I volunteered regardless.  Well, with the CX bike out of commission I have no choice but to bring the Green Machine back to life!  This was my first bike; a 1999 Trek 6500zx.  Through the years I have replaced just about every part on this bike.  The only thing that remains is the frame and the headset.  Before I bought my CX bike, I transformed this 26" mountain bike into a cyclocross monster!  I took it out for a spin tonight at the CX course.  I was quite surprised how well it ripped!  I should of had this beast in the pit area during the race.  I might not of been able to get a podium, but I could of at least finished.  Lesson learned.  In the meantime, I'll keep training hard.  Another podium spot is in my reach, just need to keep pushing.  Next race!

The Green Machine is back!

I guess I don't know my own strength...