Case of the Mondays

Not sure if you guys have been following the IPoint Premium RootBeer International cycling week, but its been pretty exciting.

Former SBer Adrian Gerrits finished in 2nd place for the top US Amateur and 4th overall in the pro 1/2 field.

Considering the competition, field, and difficulty of this event, this is HUGE!!

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I finally got back in the saddle this weekend and logged a decent amount of time. It never ceases to amaze me how fast fitness is lost.
I actually had to get off my bike and sit on the pavement for 5 minutes on Saturday to avoid passing out after climbing Gibraltar. I did not have Sexy Wiexy's derailleur adjusted right and my gearing was limited so it was a tough climb. I felt kind of silly lying on the side of the road, and I remember thinking, "I hope no one I know comes by and sees me like this." Then I remembered the first time I made it all the way up Gibraltar when I had just started riding. It was on an old steel framed centurion. I had made an attempt prior, but had only made it to the no shooting signs before I conceded that the top could be no more then 1 or 2 minutes away. I decided I better just turn around and tell everyone I knew (people at the restaurant I worked out who, except for one, really don't care one bit about cycling or Gibraltar) that I made it to the top. The second time up I was with my Chilean friend Manuel. He was a triathlete and when I told him I climbed Gibraltar he got excited and told be about his "Wednesday Gibraltar challenge", which consisted of him riding up Gibraltar on weds. I decided I would go with him. Five minutes into the ride he was out of sight and I was struggling along. I passed the no shooting signs and as I continued up I was in horrific disbelief. The road kept going and going and going and going. One pedal stroke at a time I contemplated suicide. It was literally one pain full stroke after another. I never thought I would see Manuel again and I was sure with every stroke that I would have to turn around lest I collapse of a heart attack. In what felt like an eternity, I remember rounding a bend and seeing Manuel on his bike eating fig newtons and waiting for me. I stood up on my pedals and found a strength I didn't know existed to finish the climb strong and sprint to my Friend. Water never tasted so good. The feeling of accomplishment was tremendous, endorphins flooded. I persevered, despite the negative garbage that my mind was trying to feed me. I made it to the top and was hooked.
On Sunday Sexy Weixy headed up torro and ladera after Worlds and we got to talking about the first time we worked up the courage to come out and ride Sunday Worlds. It was a struggle to hang on, then we got dropped on the way back.
It is fun to look back and track progress. Cycling has changed my life in so many positive ways it is unbelievable. I find my spirituality on the bike.

But enough of that mumbo jumbo- back to the facts jack.

I am glad I was forced to take a little break. It came at the right time as I will be putting in heavy miles and a lot of climbing to prep for a couple late season Road Races up north and then Everest challenge. I am excited to race in the 3's. From what I hear team tactics take a bigger role in this category. So I am really excited to learn and experience that aspect of the sport.

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My Mom has had a rough go of it this season. Just a week ago she re-injured herself running. Not sure what the particulars are but she hasn't been able to run since then. It has been 2 years since she has really been able to run with any kind of consistency because of injuries and life obstacles. However, she has been looking better then ever in the water! When ever one door is closed, another one opens up. Plus she could run 10 miles with her eyes closed so this has really been a blessing allowing her to focus on swimming and cycling more.

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In other new, just in case anyone was wondering, I think I might be allergic to tomatoes. I know, I know what you are all thinking: "Oh no, not tomatoes." I will be sure to give the the play by play as more is revealed. Be sure to tune into the 24 hour solo nationals next weekend in WI. Todd Carpenter, AKA El Bandito, AKA Bandit will be there representing SIREN BICYCLES vying for a podium spot. Todd was a former teacher/ mentor turned life friend of mine so be sure to send fast thoughts his way.

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See you on the road!