The first one usually sucks

So last weekend was the first race weekend of the season for me. A collegiate race in Columbus, Oh. The weather was supposed to be decent and 50 degrees. However it ended up being under 15 and windy. Alvin and i went out and rode for about 2 hrs before the race to get some extra miles in and get warmed up. It didn't work. It was so damn cold, i couldn't stay warm. The races started pretty quick, i got myself to the front in the first lap of the race. Alvin and Dave weren't as lucky. They got stuck behind a bunch of guys who had no business being in the A field and had to close a bunch of gaps and got gassed early on. There was only about 30 people left after 20min. I attacked a few times and crossed to some breaks but i really didn't have any snap at all. I thought i pulled my quad at one point and it scared me a little, i didn't want to push it on the first race so i sat up and pulled out of the race. It was so cold i was numb all the way down my legs. They canceled the next day due to ice storm. This weekend is supposed to be at Depauw in Indiana, but the forecast is for 30 and snow, so that will probably be a bust. It's ok, there is plenty of racing ahead.

Kinda figured it would happen

So, I have 3days until my first race of the season. I've made it through below zero and single digit temps for a month and a half, and now just as the weather is getting nice and it's time to race, i have the flu. Tara got sick last weekend and sure enough i caught it from her. She is feeling better though so that makes me happy that she isn't suffering anymore. If i can get the body aches and fever to subside, i will probably still ride with a sore throat and cough, but we'll have to see. I've been watching the Tour of California religiously since it started on Sunday. The race coverage has been ok, with exception to the first day. Unfortunately I saw the results for stage 3 and a couple of guys i know didn't make the time cut. Brain Dziewa and Scott Stewart must have had a bad out on the tough course, but i have to say it is pretty darn early to be doing a race that hard with that many good riders for the first time, so big props to them. Also, i am happy to see local Priority Health team being so aggresive and putting themselves in the race everyday. With Ben Jaques-Maynes in 3rd overall, Sheedy with the KOM on the first day and then Omar Kem up the road on stage 2 they are doing a great job of proving they belong there. Well, hopefully i'll be feeling better in teh next couple of days and hopefully have a race report for you.

Great ride....Weathers looking up

Today was practically a heat wave, we he 30 degrees!!!! I went out with Alvin and did 3hrs at a pretty good pace. We got hit by some good snowstorms, but the temp was great compared to what it has been. Alvin is continuing to impress me with his strong riding, he has really come a long way in the past few years. Our new team bikes should be in this week, so that will be awesome. Getting new bikes is like Christmas for me. In other news, my buddy Brian Dziewa is making his Jelly Belly Pro Cycling debut at the Amgen Tour of California. I'm wishing him the best and hope he has an awesome race. When i started racing in 2004 Brian raced Collegiately for Mizzou. Brian always helped me out and gave me some pointers and was very supportive. I was excited to see that he signed with Jelly Belly this year. So, help me root for him and his team.

Rollers, outside, rollers outside.......rollers rollers rollers

The crappy barrage of harsh winter weather just keeps coming and coming. I have been splitting my rides up, doing an hour on the rollers inside, then suiting up with many layers and heading out for 2 or 3 in the single digit weather and then coming back and doing another hour on the rollers. Honestly i am sick of both. Freezing outside is just as bad as the mind numbing rides on the rollers. I just can't wait to see some 50 degree days. The first race of the year for me is in a week and a half in Columbus. Hopefully the weather will clear up enough for it to happen. If not Depauw will be the first week. Just help me pray for some warmer weather.

Team Meeting

Today, Team Lathrup had thier first team meeting. Primarily set up to introduce Jeff Hamilton and Alvin Nordell to the rest of the guys. It was great to see the team-mates again. I miss racing with them and hangin out. Everyone is looking fit and motivated. I think it is going to be a hell of a season this year. Jeff and Alvin are going to fit in perfectly with the group. They are both strong and will fit into the team well.

Brrrrrrrr........It's so cold out

So, the weather hasn't gotten better it has gotten much much worse. Yesterday i tried drving homw to see my folks before the season starts and i made it to Grand Rapids and the HWY Patrol closed the road due to a 50 car pile-up. The roads were horrible and very slow going. So needless to say i didn't make it home. The temp today will hit a blistering 4degrees. And thats not including the 15mph wind. I have spent all week on the rollers and am gettng a little tired of sitting on my bike inside. I was finishing my ride today and happend to switch my computer to the trip setting and realized i have ridden 375miles on the rollers this week. That is horrible. I feel i am slowly going insane. The weather needs to lighten up a little bit so i can get outside and get some sprint and interval work done. Well, it looks like the weather is suposed to clear up near the end of the week.......Hopefully...