Ducks in a row

Every day that comes and goes, we're one day closer to that first race. No matter how fit or trained an athlete is, nothing can really prepare them for what they'll experience that first day of the season. For me, I've learned to relax and take whatever result I get. It just seems the harder I work, the harder I suffer that opening race. Maybe it's because I never feel like I'm where I should be and it makes it that much tougher. I don't know. What I do know, is that I've put in the work and I'm excited to see where this season goes - and not only for myself, but for the exceptionally talented riders on the Honey Stinger/Trek squad.
(we're missing a few faces here)




I recently read a quote from Eddy Merckx, on Trek teammate Jeff Schalk's blog, stating that the secret to riding fast was to 'ride lots'. This is, and always has been, my theory. I don't pretend to be a doctor or coach, but I know what works for me. I actually don't ride 6 hours a day, but I ride because it's fun and it's a huge release for me. I'm not one to look at and analyze data from every ride because for me, it doesn't always translate. I've tried it, and it wasn't good. I had times where the numbers were great and I was getting dropped, and times where I should have been dropped per the numbers, but had a great day. (With all that said, I know of a couple riders who've won big races by analyzing the numbers!) Personal reference for sure.



After attempting to organize photos on my computer, I ran across a couple fun ones from last year. I figured it would be good to share one since my new team director, Len Zanni, is not only the boss, but he's also qualified in 'tearing your legs off-ology'! (seen here about to throw down the attack...)



I'm really enjoying the company of the team. Not sure if it's good or bad yet, but I found another partner in crime who's pretty much up for any adventure. I have a feeling Colin Osborn, along with training bud Josh B will be pushing me to my limits on training rides, night rides, and in races.



Thank you Devon Balet for the photos and night ride out at camp.

Honey Stinger/Trek Team Camp 2011

Although I have yet to snag all the photos from the weekend, I can try and paint a picture of what our camp was like.

Riding mountain bikes with a bunch of great people, a lot of food, more riding, more food, good stories around the campfire, some night riding, nutella in a tortilla, more stories around the fire, more riding and so on...



More photos coming shortly.

I will say that this group of people is certainly a clan that I'm proud to be a part of. Treating me - and the other newbies to the team - like family, I felt like I was at home. I think it's going to be a good year!

From the 'White Roads' to the Cobble Stones

After a couple weeks of working in the beautiful countries of Italy, Belgium and France, I'm back home and staring straight into the eyes of the fast approaching cycling season. With a new sponsor and new team for me, and some inspiration drawn from spending time with arguably the best bike racers in the world last week, I'm feeling ready and confident to start the season.

With our team's training camp kicking things off next weekend, I'll get to meet all my new teammates and get a chance to do a ton of mountain biking. I feel stronger than I ever have coming into a season and I have some lofty goals, but I'm also realistic. My other work could keep me on the road for a significant amount of time this summer and an injury is always a possibility, but I'll just take it day by day and enjoy the experience.

With the first major goal of the season to repeat at the Growler - all the way to my hopes of a great finish at 24 hour nationls in October, it's a long season and it's important to remember to have fun, win or not win.