Added another cyclocross training plan

I have added a new CX training plan to trainingpeaks.com.  This is meant for intermediate level riders, Cat 2 MTB or Cat 4 Road racers.   Contact me directly, or buy them from Trainingpeaks.com

Cyclocross Training Plans are now available.

New Cyclocross training plans are available.

This is a 12 week CX (Cyclocross) plan for advanced road or MTB racers to  prepare for the short efforts of CX races.  The plan includes many high intensity on bike workouts, core strength for balance and agility,running and dismount/mount practice.

Each week is 6-9 hrs worth of workouts, every 4th week is a rest week.

For best results, before starting this plan, a 8-12 week base should be completed.  If coming off a road or MTB race season, allow for 1 or 3 weeks rest/transition before starting this plan.

Contact me directly or get your plan from trainingpeaks.com

Trick or Treat

In our neighborhood, we have a Halloween tradition.  The Sunday afternoon before Halloween we do trick or treating.  This is done during the day because the really scare creatures are less likely to attack us.  I’m talking about Coyotes, Bears and Mountain Lions that like to come out at night.  Also, it’s much warmer during the day.  This past Sunday was the annual gathering.   It was snowing and cold, but the kids and people handing out the treats still has a great time.

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Old Man Winter has come early

This past week has brought a lot of snow.  At my home, 30inches.  This means that unless it warms up for a period of at least a week in the 50′s and 60′s my local trails are closed until April or May.   It’s unlikely that the weather will get warmer since  the highs have been in the 40 and 50′s for the last 4 weeks.

Last Saturday was my last mountain bike ride, even then there was a couple of inches of snow on the north facing tails.

Since then I have been on the trainer, ugh!  I’m looking forward to iceless roads and warmer days.

26in tube in a 29in wheel

While out on a ride with one of my ‘Niner friends, he got a flat.  The new tubes stem busted when it was getting pumped up.  This was the last 29in tube in our bags.  We did have an extra 26in tube, so we used that.  We had about 30 miles to get home, so we hoped this would work.     It was all dirt road and asphalt home, but the dirt road had lots of rocks and other tire damaging objects.  Amazingly the stretched and held air all the way home.

It’s good to know that a 26in tube will work for a 29in tire

Snow!

It snowed for the first time this season.  We got the full amount stated in the forcast, 3in.

I’m not ready for the riding season to end but I know it’s snow going to last long.  We could have 3-7 more weeks left.  I’m hoping for at least 4-5 more weeks.

Fall Classic – Breckenridge CO

I signed up for the Fall Classic XC Race this Sunday, Sept 13.  This is one of the best XC courses around.  There is a lot of climbing from the start, but also some good single track, and a long descent at the end.  There is stated 26 miles for the course.

Last year I was mentally and physically done by this time, and didn’t feel my legs from the start.  Once at the top my freewheel was locking up on my Mavic CrossMax SL wheel.  I didn’t know the problem when it happend, but I was off the big a few times trying to figure it out.  I ended up 12th out of 15.  I’m hoping for a top 5 for this weekend, but  with low registration for the MSC races, I might be the 5th person on the line at the start.

It’s All About Performance

It\’s all about performance.

Mountain Lions

These three beauties were spotted in Golden Gate Canyon State Park, North East Corner.  Ironically, this is near my favorite trail named after the beast, Mountain Lion Trail.   I only make my way over there a couple of times a year, but I spend most  of my riding and training in the parks western side.

I ride in this park knowing there are dangerous animals that can kill me.  It won’t stop me from riding there, but I will be even more alert then normal.

My new mtb

As I mentioned earlier, I got a Trek TopFuel 9.9 SSL.  I wasn’t sure how I would adjust to the bike, but I seem to be adjusting just fine.

I’m not going to give a full review, but I will say a few things about the bike

• I’m noticing that I’m climbing faster or more efficient.
• I’m descending slower, most likely because I’m learning the suspension.  New shock and fox.  I hope this will improve as I get used to the bike.
• It’s a full 1lbs lighter then my Specializes s-works epic.
• I’m liking the remote lockout for the rear.
• Still playing around with the front lockout remote.
• It sure is pretty.