States

Yesterday was PA States. Seeing as it was just my second 'cross race of the season I figured I would be fairly fresh. Another good day to bust out of my skinsuit. I started warming up on the course and noticed that there was only one barrier section and no run-ups. It was pretty twisty though so I knew that blazing speed was not necessary.

Now let's go back to last week. In that course there were two sets of barriers, two run-ups, and a sand pit (this year it was rideable but last year the sand killed your brakes if you rode it). During the four dismounts per lap (I think I did 7 laps) I must have aggravated my "special" muscle. It was really a discomfort thing not a big deal.

Fast forward to Wednesday. I was walking my dog Skellington. Sometimes he likes to run so I run with him. I felt a little tweak in the special spot. I hoped it would be better by Saturday.

Now back to Saturday. During my warm-ups I like to hit the barriers with some speed to get a feel for what they will be like in the race. I did just that. I felt a "pop" in said "special" area. I raced anyway. Hey, I'm not some pansy football player or something.

From the start I was chasing. I missed my pedal and was stuck in the back. These things happen. Now not to give away my training secrets (like anyone reads this anyway) but I've been working on 8 minute and 20 minute TT drills so I felt confident that I could chase down most of the riders in front of me. Some of the others I knew would have too big of a lead by the time I got up to them. I picked my way though traffic. Passing little groups of riders here and there. Every time I hit the barriers though my special area hated me. With about three to go I heard the announcer talking about Vegan Rob being in 5th. I could see him and knew how many people were in between. I was sitting in 11th. I put in another big effort and got within 10 yards of Rob's group of four riders. Just as I was about to make contact the whole group took off. That move demoralized me. I had just put in a huge effort just to get close and had nothing left to respond with. One rider that I had passed earlier managed to get around me. I was just hanging on. When I crossed the finish line I felt pleased but also disappointed. I know that I raced well but if I had a better start I could've been in the top 5. Overall 10th. I don't think anyone could beat Zach (C3). He doubled up with the Collegiate and B's State Championship.


Big ups to my man Bad Andy (C3) too. He took the Elite field for (at least) his second PA State Elite title.

I have some exciting news about the Wonderland race...I finished 6th! (out of 7 finishers).

Looking ahead, this Saturday is the PA State CX Championship. I made the wise decision to drop back into the B race which is set to go off at 11am. I checked the weather forecast and it looks like another wonderful day for a 'cross race. I think the high was 35.

To get there...

Google Maps – 1401 Lehnert Road, Allentown, PA 18052

My only hope is that everyone else gorges on their T-day feasts and are all still bloated. I'm not feeling very fast.

Please Dewald Don't Hurt'em

I made a little trek across the city to Wonderland 'Cross yesterday. It was a beautiful day for a 'cross race. The wind was gusty, temps hovered around freezing, and there was even a little snow falling. Perfect weather to bust out (of) the skinsuit.

Let me just say that even though I haven't been racing, I have been training. Also, let it be known that I had no delusions of being anywhere near the front at the end of the race. Hey, I was racing A's. My goal was to not get lapped.

At the start line there were only 8 of us but they included guys like Ryan Dewald, Kyle Wamsley, and Jed Schober. I knew it would be a long day. As with any race that has a low attendance the start was uneventful. Actually, the gun when off and we all sat there for about a second or two looking at each other. When we finally took off I took up last place behind Kyle. I figured I'd be there anyway so why ruin someones race. To my surprise Kyle was moving slow so I passed him and a guy from Engin on the barriers. I flew over those barriers faster than I ever had before. I felt like Sven Nys, Neils Albert, or Lars Boom (soon to be Jeff Bahnson, no pressure Jeff). Pick your favorite. I was in the pace line with the front of the race in 5th! For about 2 seconds. I let a gap form while we were riding into a headwind and I just couldn't put the power down to keep up. I redlined. Kyle and the guy from Engin showed no mercy when they passed me. I was alone. I decided the best thing to do was to not get lapped, which I managed to do very well until two laps to go when Ryan came up on me. He'd be the only guy to get around me though. I'd have to say for my first A race I was pretty pleased with my performance. I had a good race and I had a lot of fun trying to hang with those guys. The best part was that I wasn't even last. Seventh out of eight. I just wish I had raced the B's race too. I love the Wonderland course.

Little Chad gets a Tattoo

For a few years now I have been throwing around the idea of getting a tattoo, but as we all know it is some thing that after its on you you can't change it. I never got one due to me not knowing what I wanted or even where to put it. I am a big dreamer, and most of the times I listen to my dreams. Well 3 months ago I had a dream, a dream about a tattoo, I knew where I wanted it and what I wanted. With in a week I had it drawn up and getting it done. When I went into the shop, I showed him my dream. It is a bike, but if you are not a cyclist you may not realize it right away. So I went in not expecting to get much from the artist, I mean came in with shaved legs, wanting a bike on my ankle. But as soon as I showed it to him, he was so excited! He said that he has always wanted to do a bike, and proceeded to ask me what Cat. I was and what bike I rode. All of the sudden I felt all my fear disappear. I knew he had that same passion as I did. I knew he would do his best. I told him I wanted it on my ankle because that way I can show it off but also cover it up if I ever make it to the higher ranks. As I was laying there while he was tattooing (which feels like lactic acid build up) me we talked about him racing in Colorado, and having about 4 bikes, what cleats he likes, and so much more. It felt like I was in a bike shop. After it was done I asked him what I needed to do to take care of it, and he said with a laugh..."For once I can tell a customer to take care of it like road rash and they understand what i am talking about."

After a month I was due for a touch up. After he was done, he said "Hold on, I have some thing for you." He goes in the back and brings out a small Cannondale bike model. He said "Here you go. I found this at a store and thought about you so I got it for you." I am all ready thinking about my next tattoo. As for me, who went in not thinking they would understand, turns out they understand more about me than I do. I have a feeling this friendship will be a lasting one.

The beat goes on...

The Allied Milk Cycling team has realized the dreams of yet another fine young rider. The rider formerly known as Fort James has inked a deal placing him in the center of the finest mountain bike team in the nation.

So apparently this is what sleep deprivation does to me.

Seriously though...James is a fine rider, person, and ambassador of the sport of cycling. He is heavily involved with the Delaware Special Olympics TT and is a regular volunteer at any MASS event. Dairy King James plans on competing for a podium in the MASS Sport Single Speed overall.

'Cross season is still going. Jake has a full schedule for the next 4-5 weeks and I will be finally getting out there at the Wonderland 'Cross in good old Lancaster on the 22nd. If you want to see me get my butt handed to me go here...


Directions: From Rte. 30 and Rte. 340 (Old Philadelphia Pike), proceed east on Route 340 for 0.5 miles to 2nd traffic light and turn right onto Oakview Road.Go 0.5 miles and turn left onto Hobson Road (before Rte. 30 intersection).Continue for 1.1 miles on Hobson Road (straight through stop sign at HarvestRoad) to East Lampeter Community Park entrance on right. If traveling from points east on Rte. 30, turn right at 2nd traffic after Dutch Wonderland Amusement Park onto Harvest Road, turn right at stop sign, and go 0.8 miles to Park entrance. Please park in designated parking spaces only.Google Maps or Mapquest: 2320 Hobson Road, Lancaster, PA 17602 .


I will be racing in the A group which is set to go off at 12:45. 60 minutes that will probably feel like 600 minutes.


Shawn had to have surgery on his thumb but is healing up nicely. He should be back to training at the end of December.

While I've been slacking...

Jake has been hitting his first 'cross season hard. He started in the C's but has already moved up to B's.

Check out his very own blog here: http://chicksdiggeologyjake.blogspot.com/

In other news...

It looks like Shawn will be working the pits for the rest of the season. At the very least he dislocated his thumb and has bone chips. Most likely he stretched or tore tendons though. Good thing that there is only about 3 weeks of racing left.

Also, I just got a call from Ronne saying that Jeremiah had to leave work in a hurry. His wife Kim, who is also a rider but had to sit out the season, is pregnant and was due 11-7. You figure it out. My guess is that he will be a daddy very soon. Jeremiah plans to start his little boy on a strict training regimen so he can race for the Allied Milk Cycling Team very soon.

A bicycle built for two...

I've taken the last few weeks off from racing and honestly, it's been nice. I've had weekends to actually do other stuff and/or relax. I've still been riding because there are a few races that I want to do yet but I think everyone on the team is about where I am right now...tired. If you think about the thousands of miles we ride all season while balancing our families and jobs it really is a large chunk of our time. I'm not complaining because if I didn't love it, I wouldn't do it.

As for the team...It looks like we will be changing some of our sponsors (we got some pretty good offers). As I mentioned before the money sponsors are all back which makes us super proud. For me it makes all the sweat, blood, and trashed parts worth it, knowing that we have their support for another season (especially with these crazy economic times).

We are still searching for new riders. If anyone wants to race for Allied Milk Cycling next season feel free to contact me by posting a message in the comments. I promise I will not post your e-mail address. Stupid spammers!

The picture is of Staci and I riding our tandem. It's a blast riding with her so I asked her to marry me. She said "I guess." Hey, I'll take it.