I am currently in central Washington along the Columbia River just east of Cascade Mountains. The reason is I am on my first business trip, and I have the weekend in the area. Tomorrow, I will probably go see Seattle and I will do some site seeing in the area I am staying in. The area is a high desert and is quite beautiful.
Last weekend, I raced the Pur Tour. I managed to stay attentive and went with every move that looked threatening. In the closing moments of the race, I was dealing with craps which prevented me from playing the finish of the race for the win. Also, I raced a mountain bike race in Lake Hope State Park. I had stale feelings from my legs from the race at the Pur Tour, and I am lacking the technical skills from lack of time on the trails this year. I had a bad start and messed up technically a lot so after a while I turned it into a ride rather than a race.
Till next time
Ciao
Friday, August 8, 2008
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Finally some pictures
First off, I won my first race back in the States at the Blue Grass Games in Lexington, KY. I put myself in a two man break. I took the win by winning a the two up sprint.
Here are some photos from the last race. I tried to catch the feel of a race in Belgium but its almost impossible to catch in photos. To truly get the experience you need to be there live.
This is a typical scene at a race. Older men kitted up rolling around. Some random 8 year olds fully kitted up. Full race caravan.
Here are some photos from the last race. I tried to catch the feel of a race in Belgium but its almost impossible to catch in photos. To truly get the experience you need to be there live.
This is a typical scene at a race. Older men kitted up rolling around. Some random 8 year olds fully kitted up. Full race caravan.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Quick Post
I am back in the States and have been since Friday evening. My bike missed the flight from Philly to Cincinnati on Friday but I picked it up from the Cincinnati airport Saturday morning.
I have been busy visiting Mom and Craig and seeing Uncle Sam, who was out for the weekend from Dallas. Monday, I started full time life at Turner. Also, I have been busy settling back into normal life. I will try to post some pictures in the coming days.
Ciao
I have been busy visiting Mom and Craig and seeing Uncle Sam, who was out for the weekend from Dallas. Monday, I started full time life at Turner. Also, I have been busy settling back into normal life. I will try to post some pictures in the coming days.
Ciao
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Last thoughts before leaving
I fly back to the States tomorrow (Friday).
Amsterdam was interesting and I will leave it that for now. The last race went okay. My legs were exhausted and I was not into mentally. It was the coolest course. We had 400 meters of pave (road made of large stones).
I know this is quick and short but I will try to post pictures soon and give a better details.
Ciao
Amsterdam was interesting and I will leave it that for now. The last race went okay. My legs were exhausted and I was not into mentally. It was the coolest course. We had 400 meters of pave (road made of large stones).
I know this is quick and short but I will try to post pictures soon and give a better details.
Ciao
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Possibly last post from across the pond
This might be my last post from across the pond. If it is my last post from Belgium, upon my return I will be posting pictures on the blog some time after my return.
I can now say I have had a beer from each of the 6 Trappist breweries in all the world. All six breweries are located in Belgium, and I only visited the Abbey of Saint Sixtus. Each of the six trappist breweries are operated by the monks and are considered some of the finest beers of the world. Personally, I agree with the statement. The 6 trappist breweries are Westvleteren (made at the Saint Sixtus Brewery), Chimay, Orval, Westmalle, Rochefot, and Achel (made at the Saint Bernardus Brewery). The beer from Westvletern is best of them all but unfortunately it is only available at the brewery itself. Unfortunately for those of you back home, I will not be taking any home with me.
For the latest tourist action, I went and saw Brugge, again. Brugge is simply an amazing city to go visit because most of the architecture is still stuck around 1400. I saw some of the Primitive Flemish artwork this time in Brugge. Some of the artwork was kinda of disturbing but really cool to see at the same time. With the amount of time spent in Brugge, I am going to have to watch the movie "In Brugge" when I get back to Cincinnati. I did see Ghent and was impressed with the city. The architecture is more modern by a couple hundred years. I did visit a castle in Ghent which was pretty cool.
For the racing, I have discovered it takes me about 2 solid days to recover from each race I enter. During the latest race in Gistel, near the coast to the north sea, it felt like my legs were laughing at me. It was the worst race I had over here so far. After I got done racing, I rode over to the sea and checked out the coast in Oostende. I did another race close to Brugge on Saturday. It didn't go so well but I am hoping for a good race on Monday during my last race over here.
My plans for the rest of the trip is to race one last time, and visit Amsterdam. I get back into Cincinnati on Friday evening. I might try to catch a juniors (17-18 age group) before leaving but I will have to wait and see on time.
I can now say I have had a beer from each of the 6 Trappist breweries in all the world. All six breweries are located in Belgium, and I only visited the Abbey of Saint Sixtus. Each of the six trappist breweries are operated by the monks and are considered some of the finest beers of the world. Personally, I agree with the statement. The 6 trappist breweries are Westvleteren (made at the Saint Sixtus Brewery), Chimay, Orval, Westmalle, Rochefot, and Achel (made at the Saint Bernardus Brewery). The beer from Westvletern is best of them all but unfortunately it is only available at the brewery itself. Unfortunately for those of you back home, I will not be taking any home with me.
For the latest tourist action, I went and saw Brugge, again. Brugge is simply an amazing city to go visit because most of the architecture is still stuck around 1400. I saw some of the Primitive Flemish artwork this time in Brugge. Some of the artwork was kinda of disturbing but really cool to see at the same time. With the amount of time spent in Brugge, I am going to have to watch the movie "In Brugge" when I get back to Cincinnati. I did see Ghent and was impressed with the city. The architecture is more modern by a couple hundred years. I did visit a castle in Ghent which was pretty cool.
For the racing, I have discovered it takes me about 2 solid days to recover from each race I enter. During the latest race in Gistel, near the coast to the north sea, it felt like my legs were laughing at me. It was the worst race I had over here so far. After I got done racing, I rode over to the sea and checked out the coast in Oostende. I did another race close to Brugge on Saturday. It didn't go so well but I am hoping for a good race on Monday during my last race over here.
My plans for the rest of the trip is to race one last time, and visit Amsterdam. I get back into Cincinnati on Friday evening. I might try to catch a juniors (17-18 age group) before leaving but I will have to wait and see on time.
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Fun
For the latest tourist action, I went to Ieper to visit the In Flanders Field museum yesterday and visited the Abbey of Saint Sixtus Brewery in Westvleteren. According to some people the monks brew the best beer in all the world. I must I say if it isn't it really really close. I tried all three beers (Blond, Bruin 8, Bruin 12). The best one was the Bruin 8. Lastly, you can only buy the beer at the brewery and no where else in the world. It was well worth the trip and highly suggest it to anyone who enjoys a good beer and is in Belgium. For the In Flanders Field museum, it was absolutely amazing to see. The museum is in Ieper, which is about 14 kilometers (approx. 9 miles) from Westrozebeke, and the museum is about the battle grounds of WWI. The museum concentrates on the battles that took place in the area I am staying in. In fact I am behind the German lines in WWI with Roeslare, about 10 kilometers (approx. 6 miles), being the resting place for the Germans when they weren't on the front lines. Close to 700,000 soldiers died in the area during all of the battles that took place in this area during the Great War. It is amazing to see the area today considering how destroyed the area was in 1918. Almost all of Ieper was complete destroyed and they rebuilt it to look like how it did before the war. The trees replanted were planted in a military manner. For the rest of the trip on the tourist side, I should make it to Ghent and Amsterdam, and I might make another trip to Brugge.
For the racing, I raced in Poelkapelle, on Saturday, I had my best day racing here, yet. It was the first day of racing/riding in the rain here. The trip just wouldn't have felt complete if I didn't race in the rain over here. Once again, I just missed the winning move. I blew up in a bridge trying to get up to the move as it was forming. It is nice knowing I can ride at the front of the races and try to make in the move. The next day I raced in Mooslede-Slypskeyelle, and I discovered these races are too hard to race on back to back days. I got popped early in the race, but after another hard bridge attempt early in the race. My legs didn't feel as good as they did as the previous day. Today, I managed to get in the money places again. I road away from the group I was with in the last 3 kilometers. I barely got in the money.
For the racing, I raced in Poelkapelle, on Saturday, I had my best day racing here, yet. It was the first day of racing/riding in the rain here. The trip just wouldn't have felt complete if I didn't race in the rain over here. Once again, I just missed the winning move. I blew up in a bridge trying to get up to the move as it was forming. It is nice knowing I can ride at the front of the races and try to make in the move. The next day I raced in Mooslede-Slypskeyelle, and I discovered these races are too hard to race on back to back days. I got popped early in the race, but after another hard bridge attempt early in the race. My legs didn't feel as good as they did as the previous day. Today, I managed to get in the money places again. I road away from the group I was with in the last 3 kilometers. I barely got in the money.
Friday, July 4, 2008
Racing and Paris
Since the last post, I have raced three times. I raced in Jonkershove-Houthulst, Beveren-Leie, and Kuurne. In Jonkershove-Houthulst, the course was pancake flat, strong winds, and a few turns. I got caught behind some people who getting dropped from the group and got dropped with them after I tried to get a across to the group. I managed to solo to about 26th spot out of about 60 starters. The next race in Beveren-Leie I managed to bridge up to the second group on the road, which would eventually join the lead group, but I blew up once I got up there and dropped back to the pack. I was happy knowing that I can make the group selection, but need a little more strength to stay up there. Also, I need to remember to sit back a little bit after a hard bridge. The latest race I did in Kuurne was an American style criterium, and my legs felt horrible, and I couldn't do a thing and dropped relatively quickly. One thing I have learned about racing over here is when you got bad legs the field will let you know and you will get dropped fairly quickly. Another thing is the racing is extremely aggressive. No matter how large of group you are in you are riding hard and if the group is too large you are guaranteed that someone will be attacking, its awesome.
For the tourist action, I went and saw the national cyclist museum in Roeselare. It was cool to see bikes from all the ages including some bikes ridden by some the biggest names in the sport. Also, I spent a day in Brussels. I wasn't too impressed with Brussels especially in comparison to Brugge. Almost immediately upon arrival, the group I am with got to see the start of some festival celebrating the return of a tree that was stolen by the Flemish giants. I don't know more that this other than it is a major piece of the history of Brussels. On June 30th, I got to ride portions of the Tour of Flanders. It was a lot of fun to ride some the bigger climbs of that race, Koppenburg, Murr de Huy, Bossburg, and many others. I did stop for some coffee at the cafe at the top of the Murr de Huy. On July 1st, I rode the last 80 miles of Paris-Roubaix. For those of you who don't know, its a race that goes over some of the nastiest rodes known to man. The worst sections can only be described as someone dropping rock in dirt and calling it a road. People have said riding over the roads feels like someone put a jackhammer on the front of your bike, but I don't think that accurately describes it. It is something that needs to be ridden to truly understand it. For the guys who actually race it, I always had great respect to them, but it is even greater know. By the time I was done with the ride, I was having a hard time gripping the bars with my arms screaming at me over any little bump in the road. I know believe the last 300 meters of cobbles ridden in that race is cruel and unusual punishment, even though they are smooth for being cobbles. The reason being after the beating your body has taken the small bumps scream at you. My hands finally don't hurt after three days of recovery.
The day after riding Paris-Roubaix I traveled to Paris and spent about 24 hours in Paris. I tried to hit all of the major tourist spots. I will post more pictures when I get state side again. Paris was amazing to see it. I tried to see as much as I can and I think I did a good job of it.
I should be racing again tomorrow.
Ciao
For the tourist action, I went and saw the national cyclist museum in Roeselare. It was cool to see bikes from all the ages including some bikes ridden by some the biggest names in the sport. Also, I spent a day in Brussels. I wasn't too impressed with Brussels especially in comparison to Brugge. Almost immediately upon arrival, the group I am with got to see the start of some festival celebrating the return of a tree that was stolen by the Flemish giants. I don't know more that this other than it is a major piece of the history of Brussels. On June 30th, I got to ride portions of the Tour of Flanders. It was a lot of fun to ride some the bigger climbs of that race, Koppenburg, Murr de Huy, Bossburg, and many others. I did stop for some coffee at the cafe at the top of the Murr de Huy. On July 1st, I rode the last 80 miles of Paris-Roubaix. For those of you who don't know, its a race that goes over some of the nastiest rodes known to man. The worst sections can only be described as someone dropping rock in dirt and calling it a road. People have said riding over the roads feels like someone put a jackhammer on the front of your bike, but I don't think that accurately describes it. It is something that needs to be ridden to truly understand it. For the guys who actually race it, I always had great respect to them, but it is even greater know. By the time I was done with the ride, I was having a hard time gripping the bars with my arms screaming at me over any little bump in the road. I know believe the last 300 meters of cobbles ridden in that race is cruel and unusual punishment, even though they are smooth for being cobbles. The reason being after the beating your body has taken the small bumps scream at you. My hands finally don't hurt after three days of recovery.
The day after riding Paris-Roubaix I traveled to Paris and spent about 24 hours in Paris. I tried to hit all of the major tourist spots. I will post more pictures when I get state side again. Paris was amazing to see it. I tried to see as much as I can and I think I did a good job of it.
I should be racing again tomorrow.
Ciao
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Hello from Belgium
First off, I don't think I will be able to post as much as I was hoping to be able to do. This is the first time I have been on the internet since arriving. Belgium is simply an amazing place to be at right now. The weather has been nice since arriving (highs in the low 70's). I am staying in a farm house near Westrobeke in the provincie of West-Vlaanderen (West Flanders). The guys I am traveling with are all great. I am mainly on my bike when I head out and have not spent much time in a car since being in Belgium.
For the racing, I have done two races so far. In the field for both of the races is the outgoing Belgian amateur national champion. The first race was a kermese in Oostrozebeke. I don't think I have ever hit the brakes so hard or heard so many squealing brakes heading into a turn as I did in Oostrozebeke. Also, I don't think I have ever sprinted so hard out of a corner as I did in the first race. Every time I came out of a corner if there was a small gap when I hit the gas to get up to speed the gap would remain constant even when I was going as hard as I could. My teammates over here mentioned the same experience as I did. Needless to say the first race was an experience and I was happy to have it done. I didn't do so well, managed to last about 35k (approx 21 miles) of a 117k (approx 70 miles) race. Considering my lack of training for the year as a result of school and some jet lag in the legs I was pretty happy. The second race was a American style criterium in Staden about 70k (42 miles) in length. I managed to hang on and actually be able to attack during the race. It was a great experience. It is a amazing to the locals come out and truly support a race and you can see how much they enjoy the sport.
For the tourist activities, I haven't done too much so far with getting over here and settling in for the month. On Monday, I road over to a cemetery from a battlefield, Tyne Cot, from WW1. Also, I road over to the Kemmelburg, and it is hard the descent off of it is just nutty. On Tuesday I spent the day site seeing in Brugge. While in Brugge, I saw a few churches, a brewery, and the Blood of Christ (brought back by a Flemish soldier after the Second Crusades). The churches are simply amazing.
This weekend, I might be racing three times and probably be visiting Brussels.
For the racing, I have done two races so far. In the field for both of the races is the outgoing Belgian amateur national champion. The first race was a kermese in Oostrozebeke. I don't think I have ever hit the brakes so hard or heard so many squealing brakes heading into a turn as I did in Oostrozebeke. Also, I don't think I have ever sprinted so hard out of a corner as I did in the first race. Every time I came out of a corner if there was a small gap when I hit the gas to get up to speed the gap would remain constant even when I was going as hard as I could. My teammates over here mentioned the same experience as I did. Needless to say the first race was an experience and I was happy to have it done. I didn't do so well, managed to last about 35k (approx 21 miles) of a 117k (approx 70 miles) race. Considering my lack of training for the year as a result of school and some jet lag in the legs I was pretty happy. The second race was a American style criterium in Staden about 70k (42 miles) in length. I managed to hang on and actually be able to attack during the race. It was a great experience. It is a amazing to the locals come out and truly support a race and you can see how much they enjoy the sport.
For the tourist activities, I haven't done too much so far with getting over here and settling in for the month. On Monday, I road over to a cemetery from a battlefield, Tyne Cot, from WW1. Also, I road over to the Kemmelburg, and it is hard the descent off of it is just nutty. On Tuesday I spent the day site seeing in Brugge. While in Brugge, I saw a few churches, a brewery, and the Blood of Christ (brought back by a Flemish soldier after the Second Crusades). The churches are simply amazing.
This weekend, I might be racing three times and probably be visiting Brussels.
Monday, June 16, 2008
Weekend
On Thursday, I went back up to St. Marys for the next few days. That evening I rode over to Minster to ride with the group over that meets at the church. It was good to ride with them, again. The only problem for me was the fact I had a hard race the night before at Ault Park and the sleep deprivation I had gone through the last month and a half.
Since I didn't walk for graduation, my mom decided to throw a graduation party. It was nice to see everyone. My mom surprised me by inviting the guys I used to ride with in Minster. It was a nice surprise and it was nice to see everyone before I fly over to Belgium.
Saturday, instead of walking for graduation, I went to my cousin's wedding. Congrats to her and her new husband.
Sunday, I raced my third mountain bike race. I don't have the technical skills needed to ride well in the sport class. I had a good start but faded after a few crashes. Eventually I got feed up with the race and felt like giving my bike a toss. So, I figured it was good idea to quite.
Today, I am helping with the RAAM time station in Hamilton, OH. It has been an interesting experience. Its been great seeing the riders. More interesting is the people who randomly checking out the race from curiosity.
Since I didn't walk for graduation, my mom decided to throw a graduation party. It was nice to see everyone. My mom surprised me by inviting the guys I used to ride with in Minster. It was a nice surprise and it was nice to see everyone before I fly over to Belgium.
Saturday, instead of walking for graduation, I went to my cousin's wedding. Congrats to her and her new husband.
Sunday, I raced my third mountain bike race. I don't have the technical skills needed to ride well in the sport class. I had a good start but faded after a few crashes. Eventually I got feed up with the race and felt like giving my bike a toss. So, I figured it was good idea to quite.
Today, I am helping with the RAAM time station in Hamilton, OH. It has been an interesting experience. Its been great seeing the riders. More interesting is the people who randomly checking out the race from curiosity.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
I am done
At about midnight last night, I finished taking my last exam (it was online). As long as I passed all my classes, I am done with my undergraduate degree. It feels good to have the weight off of my shoulders for now and I can relax for a little bit. I mean relax for a few weeks.
Since my last post, I have gotten very busy with classes. I have been operating on sleep deprivation since the last post. As a result my racing suffered. I had some bad shows in the races I was doing. I even got to start a UCI 1.2 event.
Tonight, I will be racing at Ault Park. Tomorrow, I head up to St. Marys for a few days and will ride with the Minister group. Sunday, I am contemplating between road racing and a mountain bike race.
Ciao
Since my last post, I have gotten very busy with classes. I have been operating on sleep deprivation since the last post. As a result my racing suffered. I had some bad shows in the races I was doing. I even got to start a UCI 1.2 event.
Tonight, I will be racing at Ault Park. Tomorrow, I head up to St. Marys for a few days and will ride with the Minister group. Sunday, I am contemplating between road racing and a mountain bike race.
Ciao
Saturday, May 3, 2008
No Calvin's Challenge for 2008
For me, the three previous years I have spent twelve consecutive hours on a bicycle eight days before Mother's Day. This year is a different story with my absence at this year's Calvin's Challenge, which is under different management this year. I am glad to see someone stepped into fill the shoes of promoters after John and Ann McKinely and wish them the best of luck of continuing a great event. I do miss being at the event but it is best. With my time in school winding done, I am busy and don't have the time to dedicate to the event. Plus, I am trying to concentrate on my regular racing for a little bit.
Calvin's is the one of the two cycling event that I can say I have grown up riding the event (GOBA is the other but I haven't done it since I was 15). I did Calvin's for the first time at age 14 where I did 107 miles and set the 10-14 age group record that has been beaten. I consider that my hardest year although I did the my smallest mileage amount that year. The reason being is I was inexperienced and didn't train like I do now days. It might be my proudest Calvin's taking in those factors. The next time I did it I was 16 and came in a bit more experienced and was able to complete 199 miles and set the 15-19 age group record. The following year, at 17, I manage to spend over 200 miles with the big boys, including Mark Heckman and Danny Chew, finished with 242 miles, to smash my record from the previous year, and meet Bennet. I spent the next two years in absence to concentrate on my regular racing. I returned in 2005, age 20, with the UC Cycling Club in hopes of trying to help of setting a new overall record, but it wouldn't be a reality due to 25 mph winds all day. I road 242 miles and finished tied for the overall win with Bob and Adam on the tandem and Danny 'Million Mile Man' Chew. This might be my most memorable Calvin's because of helping Adam get through his longest day on the bike in such rough conditions. 2006 will probably be know as the year of the super bonk. That year, I greatly misjudge my energy efforts and had a big bonk hit me at about 220 miles into the event. I manage to survive to the finish with a small amount of recovery to ride 256 miles. With luck, I managed to remain tied for the overall win that year and I tied Mark Heckman's 20-24 age group record. In 2007, John and Ann decided to do their last Calvin's. Initially I told John and Ann I wasn't going to be in attendance, but when I found out what the UC boys were planning, I wasn't going to let them do it with out me. The UC boys set a goal of trying to get a new overall record set. We met nearly perfect conditions for the opening six hours and road 140 miles in the opening six. Then a storm struck with strong winds that would last throughout the rest of the day. I missed out on the overall win because my stomach felt like it was full the rest of day, and I had a hard time eating or drinking in the later part of the event. I managed to break Mark Heckman's 20-24 age group record only a week after he won Athens Twilight (arguably the biggest non-national championship criterium in the nation). Over the years, I have been fortunate to have my dad there for support every year.
I do intend to return to the event someday. When I do return, it will more than likely mean I have begun to take ultramarathoning more seriously. I may do it just because I miss Calvin's and make it my only ultramarthoning event for that year. If I do it while taking ultramarathoning more seriously, it will mean I am working on trying to qualify for Race Across America (RAAM).
Ciao
Calvin's is the one of the two cycling event that I can say I have grown up riding the event (GOBA is the other but I haven't done it since I was 15). I did Calvin's for the first time at age 14 where I did 107 miles and set the 10-14 age group record that has been beaten. I consider that my hardest year although I did the my smallest mileage amount that year. The reason being is I was inexperienced and didn't train like I do now days. It might be my proudest Calvin's taking in those factors. The next time I did it I was 16 and came in a bit more experienced and was able to complete 199 miles and set the 15-19 age group record. The following year, at 17, I manage to spend over 200 miles with the big boys, including Mark Heckman and Danny Chew, finished with 242 miles, to smash my record from the previous year, and meet Bennet. I spent the next two years in absence to concentrate on my regular racing. I returned in 2005, age 20, with the UC Cycling Club in hopes of trying to help of setting a new overall record, but it wouldn't be a reality due to 25 mph winds all day. I road 242 miles and finished tied for the overall win with Bob and Adam on the tandem and Danny 'Million Mile Man' Chew. This might be my most memorable Calvin's because of helping Adam get through his longest day on the bike in such rough conditions. 2006 will probably be know as the year of the super bonk. That year, I greatly misjudge my energy efforts and had a big bonk hit me at about 220 miles into the event. I manage to survive to the finish with a small amount of recovery to ride 256 miles. With luck, I managed to remain tied for the overall win that year and I tied Mark Heckman's 20-24 age group record. In 2007, John and Ann decided to do their last Calvin's. Initially I told John and Ann I wasn't going to be in attendance, but when I found out what the UC boys were planning, I wasn't going to let them do it with out me. The UC boys set a goal of trying to get a new overall record set. We met nearly perfect conditions for the opening six hours and road 140 miles in the opening six. Then a storm struck with strong winds that would last throughout the rest of the day. I missed out on the overall win because my stomach felt like it was full the rest of day, and I had a hard time eating or drinking in the later part of the event. I managed to break Mark Heckman's 20-24 age group record only a week after he won Athens Twilight (arguably the biggest non-national championship criterium in the nation). Over the years, I have been fortunate to have my dad there for support every year.
I do intend to return to the event someday. When I do return, it will more than likely mean I have begun to take ultramarathoning more seriously. I may do it just because I miss Calvin's and make it my only ultramarthoning event for that year. If I do it while taking ultramarathoning more seriously, it will mean I am working on trying to qualify for Race Across America (RAAM).
Ciao
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Spring racing
Last week Sunday, I went up to Gettysburg, OH for a race. Although, I unable to produce any result due to me racing like an idiot (what else is new). It was nice seeing some people I haven't seen in a while like Roger, JayWo, and John. It rained on us while we where there and it was nice to begin to fell my power return.
Today I went to Spring Valley, which is near Caeser's Creek State Park, for a race. The course was a nice change to what most of the course have been this year. The reason being we actually had a 800 meter climb. I was able to keep contact with the main group up the climb. Towards the end, the group was trying to catch a rider off the front. Of course, I lent a hand and rode myself to the point I was unable to contest the finish with the top of the hill at about 200 meters from the finish. I am starting to become very happy how my form is beginning to progress with my power starting to return. Hopefully things are progress really good for coming into some good form towards mid-June.
For school, things are starting to get busy with the middle of the quarter just starting. Unfortantly for me this means multiple homework assignments, mid-terms, and a senior project presentation. I am looking forward to three weeks from now when it will all be done.
Below is some pictures from today.
Today I went to Spring Valley, which is near Caeser's Creek State Park, for a race. The course was a nice change to what most of the course have been this year. The reason being we actually had a 800 meter climb. I was able to keep contact with the main group up the climb. Towards the end, the group was trying to catch a rider off the front. Of course, I lent a hand and rode myself to the point I was unable to contest the finish with the top of the hill at about 200 meters from the finish. I am starting to become very happy how my form is beginning to progress with my power starting to return. Hopefully things are progress really good for coming into some good form towards mid-June.
For school, things are starting to get busy with the middle of the quarter just starting. Unfortantly for me this means multiple homework assignments, mid-terms, and a senior project presentation. I am looking forward to three weeks from now when it will all be done.
Below is some pictures from today.
Friday, April 18, 2008
Earthquake?
So, apparently some people felt the earth shake here in Cincinnati earlier this morning. I slept completely through it and I am actually disappointed by it. I know I am weird. At times, I have thought it would be cool to go through an earthquake that doesn't do any damage to property just to experience it.
On the bike, I got forced to take an extra rest week when I developed a cold after the Vandervort's Corner race two Sunday's ago. With it raining last Sunday, I opted to skip racing and concentrate on getting over my cold to be able to concentrate on training this week. This week, I began my shorter intervals to make the final process of getting ready for the hard racing of the summer. Today, I was so happy to get out mountain biking for the first time in over a month. I went to England-Idlewild for around 3.5 hours of riding time. My back took a beating over the 3.5 hours, but on the upside I am noticing an improvement on my technical skills. This Sunday, I will be headed to Gettysburg, OH for a race.
For school, I have only 53 days till I take my last exam of my undergrad degree. No, I am not counting down. I am looking forward to finishing with times I don't look forward to finishing. The days I don't look forward to finishing are days like today. Its really nice out, I don't have many classes, and I get enjoy the nice weather (I bet I am making some of you jealous). Next week is the first round of mid-terms hopefully they go well, especially the Electronics II mid-term.
Lastly, I have missed being on campus in the spring over the last 3 years because of co-op.
Ciao
On the bike, I got forced to take an extra rest week when I developed a cold after the Vandervort's Corner race two Sunday's ago. With it raining last Sunday, I opted to skip racing and concentrate on getting over my cold to be able to concentrate on training this week. This week, I began my shorter intervals to make the final process of getting ready for the hard racing of the summer. Today, I was so happy to get out mountain biking for the first time in over a month. I went to England-Idlewild for around 3.5 hours of riding time. My back took a beating over the 3.5 hours, but on the upside I am noticing an improvement on my technical skills. This Sunday, I will be headed to Gettysburg, OH for a race.
For school, I have only 53 days till I take my last exam of my undergrad degree. No, I am not counting down. I am looking forward to finishing with times I don't look forward to finishing. The days I don't look forward to finishing are days like today. Its really nice out, I don't have many classes, and I get enjoy the nice weather (I bet I am making some of you jealous). Next week is the first round of mid-terms hopefully they go well, especially the Electronics II mid-term.
Lastly, I have missed being on campus in the spring over the last 3 years because of co-op.
Ciao
Monday, April 7, 2008
Yea, school
Not much to report, this time around.
With one of classes down for the quarter, I am beginning to see the workload starting to pile up. Although it isn't too bad as yet. I started to test my senior project last week and working out all of the bugs of it.
I went racing Sunday. With Texas Roadhouse missing only one guy from their squad, I tried to find myself in the move by watching everything early but my body could take it quite yet. Its too early in the year for me still. My power and strength are improving about as planned.
Ciao
With one of classes down for the quarter, I am beginning to see the workload starting to pile up. Although it isn't too bad as yet. I started to test my senior project last week and working out all of the bugs of it.
I went racing Sunday. With Texas Roadhouse missing only one guy from their squad, I tried to find myself in the move by watching everything early but my body could take it quite yet. Its too early in the year for me still. My power and strength are improving about as planned.
Ciao
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Spring Break
This year spring break was simply amazing. I traveled to Greenville, SC to visit Dave with Justin. As expected, the riding was amazing doing such climbs as Saluto, Ceaser's Head, and Paris Mountain. Unfortantley for me, my rear shifter died on me just before taking off for the trip. So, I had my cross bike along and got some good low cadence work outs on the climbs. Also, during Greenville's Tuesday night worlds at the Donaldson Center, I was able to get a really good high cadence workout in.
To my pleasure, Greenville has some amazing places to eat. This suited us well with the amount of riding that was done. Also, I was able to get out and ride in shorts and short sleeves for a few days which means I am beginning to get my great tan lines back. Also, I was able to recharge my batteries for school while I was down enjoying myself.
I am currently back in Cincinnati getting ready for my final quarter as an undergrad student. I am excited about finishing school and hope this quarter isn't going to require too much of a work load.
Here are some pictures from the week:
The crew at the top of Ceaser's Head
Lunch break
Celebrating Justin's B-day
View from Paris Mountain looking towards downtown Greenville
To my pleasure, Greenville has some amazing places to eat. This suited us well with the amount of riding that was done. Also, I was able to get out and ride in shorts and short sleeves for a few days which means I am beginning to get my great tan lines back. Also, I was able to recharge my batteries for school while I was down enjoying myself.
I am currently back in Cincinnati getting ready for my final quarter as an undergrad student. I am excited about finishing school and hope this quarter isn't going to require too much of a work load.
Here are some pictures from the week:
The crew at the top of Ceaser's Head
Lunch break
Celebrating Justin's B-day
View from Paris Mountain looking towards downtown Greenville
Friday, March 21, 2008
11 down, 1 to go
Well, I am now within one quarter till graduation. Exam week just finished today buy I have been done since Wednesday. I am glad to be done with quarter and looking forward to relaxing on the bike during spring break.
I will be starting my traveling for the year this weekend with heading home for Easter. After Easter dinner, I will be headed to Athens to crash at Justin's place before we head to Greenville, SC to spend some time training and visit Dave. I am looking forward to training in SC for a few days. I just wish my rear shifter didn't decide to break on me this week on the road bike. I already have the parts on order to rebuild it (one of the main reasons why I love Campy).
Hopefully I will get a mid week update up to let the everyone know how nice the weather is done there in comparison to Ohio,
Ciao
I will be starting my traveling for the year this weekend with heading home for Easter. After Easter dinner, I will be headed to Athens to crash at Justin's place before we head to Greenville, SC to spend some time training and visit Dave. I am looking forward to training in SC for a few days. I just wish my rear shifter didn't decide to break on me this week on the road bike. I already have the parts on order to rebuild it (one of the main reasons why I love Campy).
Hopefully I will get a mid week update up to let the everyone know how nice the weather is done there in comparison to Ohio,
Ciao
Saturday, March 8, 2008
Yay, white death
So, I have decided to start to blog since I will be traveling around so much this year.
Some major traveling points this year will be Greenville, SC for spring break, Arkansas in early May, possibly Michigan for Memorial Day weekend, Chicago a couple of times in August, St. Louis for Labor Day weekend, Grand Rapids, MI in September, possibly Kansas City (for Cyclo-Cross nationals). All of the traveling is a result of me trying to my racing to another level this year. Although I am looking forward to seeing those places, I am incredibly excited about my trip to Belgium to race and visiting Paris and Amsterdam while I am over from mid-June to mid-July. The trip to Belgium will come days after my graduation from UC with Electrical Engineering degree. I am excited about graduation, and my entering the 'real' world especially with my recent signing on with Turner FMS. It will be a national traveling job which I look forward to to doing.
If you want an explaination of why it got cold in Ohio during the last week of February, just look below:
You are seeing that correctly......I actually won a sprint from 150 meters out. I don't know if these has ever happen on a bike for me. In fact, my UC teammate, Adam, was the judge and was confused by what happened (for those of you who don't know, I am well known for my lack of sprinting capabilities). Too bad it was for a mid-race preme, but I will still take it.
Since the white death has decided to visit us in March, I am looking forward to mountain biking tomorrow to try to keep the cabin fever at bay.
With one week left in the quarter, I will have a busy week of classes ahead of me.
Till next time,
Ciao
Some major traveling points this year will be Greenville, SC for spring break, Arkansas in early May, possibly Michigan for Memorial Day weekend, Chicago a couple of times in August, St. Louis for Labor Day weekend, Grand Rapids, MI in September, possibly Kansas City (for Cyclo-Cross nationals). All of the traveling is a result of me trying to my racing to another level this year. Although I am looking forward to seeing those places, I am incredibly excited about my trip to Belgium to race and visiting Paris and Amsterdam while I am over from mid-June to mid-July. The trip to Belgium will come days after my graduation from UC with Electrical Engineering degree. I am excited about graduation, and my entering the 'real' world especially with my recent signing on with Turner FMS. It will be a national traveling job which I look forward to to doing.
If you want an explaination of why it got cold in Ohio during the last week of February, just look below:
You are seeing that correctly......I actually won a sprint from 150 meters out. I don't know if these has ever happen on a bike for me. In fact, my UC teammate, Adam, was the judge and was confused by what happened (for those of you who don't know, I am well known for my lack of sprinting capabilities). Too bad it was for a mid-race preme, but I will still take it.
Since the white death has decided to visit us in March, I am looking forward to mountain biking tomorrow to try to keep the cabin fever at bay.
With one week left in the quarter, I will have a busy week of classes ahead of me.
Till next time,
Ciao
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