Well, it seems like time flies by when you are having fun, or something like that. At least that is the way it seems when you are riding in 40+ degree temps in February in New England.
While the mid-Atlantic states have been getting pounded pretty hard with snow, here in New Hampshire, it has been a balmy 40 or so and I have been taking advantage of it. I’ve been out on the Pugsley a couple times, but that really hasn’t been much fun. With all the warmth, I just end up riding through the slush. Then on the weekends, been out on the roadie, putting in the time and mileage required for some 24 hour races..
Other than that, I have been working on figuring out my race schedule. Every time I think I have it figured out, I change my mind and think something different. I think I have it figured out now though.
Last year,I did a whole year of endurance races. That took a LOT of time to train for. It always seemed like if I wasn’t eating, sleeping or working, I was on the bike. And some of the time, I was doing my eating on the bike. Yes, I love to ride my bike, but I also want to spend my time doing other things as well. So this year, in hopes of having a better cyclocross season, I am dropping some of the endurance races, now only doing 2 24 hour races, adding some shorter XC races and signing up for something completely different.
I have always been a roadie and feel that I am pretty strong when it comes to certain things. That, along with the short time span of suffering involved in cross racing, has me believe that it is time to get out the road bike, get me some snazzy shoe covers, a cool aero helmet and do some time trialling. This year, I am going to be doing the Maine Time Trial series. It has 13 races, a final and should be just the right amount of torture and pain needed to whip me into shape for cross season. At least that is the plan, so let’s hope it works out that way..and no, I most likely won’t be getting an aero helmet….or will I??
