Bicycling is the source and the cure of all my problems.
Dave Cole
The excitement has since passed, but I'd like to recall for you what has become a meaningful event for me. I have raced only three bike races in my life. Two of them were WSBA sanctioned criterium races and I had fun, but I got whooped. At least I finished the second race, and by the way, I've heard that that particular course is a really hard one. The third race is the one that matters. I almost didn't go. I'm glad I did…
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Caught the Cycle U Street Sprints at Cyclefest during my evening ride tonight. Cat 1 racer Adrian Hegyvary (pictured above in blue) took the win with some fancy tire sliding in the turns. (Dave and I took a paceline class from Adrian earlier this year and he seems like a pretty cool guy.) Looks like he also has a blog documenting some European race exploits form last year.
At the very same time that angry cyclists were battling cranky automobile operators me and the wife were relaxing in the grass at the Marymoor Park Velodrome watching the Friday night track races sipping cold beer and eating hot dogs. And here's the deal: track racing is awesome! I can't imagine a cooler place to be on a sunny Friday evening.
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This article is Part I of a series, to read part II, see Mountain Bike Racing is Awesome.
Last night I entered my first XC mountain bike race. Late in the season, as usual. Haven't been training, as usual - although lots of recreational riding. Lots. I studied up, asked plenty of questions. Thought I was ready - and I was ready - as ready as anyone will ever be for their first race. That's what I learned. It's about experience. About what's in your head more than what's in your legs...
Read the rest of Mountain Bike Racing Sucks.
BMX makes its Olympic debut August 20. 15 foot jumps!
Last night I had one of the scariest moments of my two years in racing.
Read the rest of Terror
This article is Part II in a series, to read part I see Mountain Bike Racing Sucks
I'm kind of pissed that I keep figuring this out at the end of the season, but like I've said before - this time I mean it. Racing is hard, but it is worth it. This week I entered my second ever mountain bike race and improved my standings 1000 to 1. What that means is that I finished the race this time, and had a blast, as opposed to last week, when I blew up after one lap, called it quits, and then had to live under the dark shadow of shame and regret for the next 167 hours…
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Rumors are running rampant that the 7 time tour champ is coming back. If true, he'll be racing in 9 races with Astana for the 2009 season. In addition, he'll be racing for no salary or bonuses and all his internal testing results will be available for the public. It's been a crazy year for cycling, but this one takes the cake. Viva la Lance.
Great article in Vanity Fair on this whole return of Lance business. Should be interesting…
This Saturday (9.27) Second Ascent and Team Group Health will be hosting the meet the team ride. Meet the team rides are lo-key no drop rides around the south end of Lake Washington. Rides are open to riders of all skills interested in racing and looking to join a team next year. It's a great way to casually put in some miles and get to meet a group of people who share the same interest in cycling.
Read the rest of Come Ride with Second Ascent
Let's be clear, I'm a big fan of Tyler Hamilton and was sadly disappointed when he was suspended for blood doping. Whether he was guilty or not is something that really doesn't concern me. He did his time and should be allowed to race, just like David Miller.
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The Tour de France marches on, even while doping still mares this year's race. Today they introduced route for 2009 and oh baby is it a hot one. Very different from previous tours and quite an interesting route and a very hard final week. I imagine there's going to be a lot of carnage on the way to Paris in 2009.
Read the rest of New Year, New Tour
