Anyone still got this in their news/RSS feed? Its been forever :)
If you're still reading, I'm still aging and cycling!
Lots of things have changed since I last posted.........
ya care?
God Bless,
DB
Friday, December 5, 2014
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Clutch...shift...release...
Wow...more than a year since the last post? That's just crazy...
At the time (early 2011) I was focused on track and IC3 juniors. Now, I'm a retired track racer and have replaced my track bike with a used mountain bike. I've rediscovered my youth and dirt skills from the BMX days of my teenager-dom :P
I blame Jon and Todd. Or give them credit, depending on how you look at it.
What's really cool is that MTB is making me a stronger roadie, and the road rides have me to the point that I can do 3 hours on trails full-bore and still have some in the tank. Cross-training is a good thing. I wonder what would happen if I actually hit the weight room once in a while...
As far as the IC3 juniors, almost all of them have either moved up to the Matrix junior team (congrats to them!), or are moving out of state. I only have 2 left...very sweet girls that are just beginning their cycling careers :)
I've quit fighting the beltline...I'm hovering at 170 when I should be 155-160, and I'm ok with it. If I lose some, great...but I'm not going to try to force it anymore. If I see 175 I'll pay more attention...
I don't feel 43, which I am, so that is a good thing.
Ride safe folks.
Kevin
Rider to pray for: OT and the fam.
At the time (early 2011) I was focused on track and IC3 juniors. Now, I'm a retired track racer and have replaced my track bike with a used mountain bike. I've rediscovered my youth and dirt skills from the BMX days of my teenager-dom :P
I blame Jon and Todd. Or give them credit, depending on how you look at it.
What's really cool is that MTB is making me a stronger roadie, and the road rides have me to the point that I can do 3 hours on trails full-bore and still have some in the tank. Cross-training is a good thing. I wonder what would happen if I actually hit the weight room once in a while...
As far as the IC3 juniors, almost all of them have either moved up to the Matrix junior team (congrats to them!), or are moving out of state. I only have 2 left...very sweet girls that are just beginning their cycling careers :)
I've quit fighting the beltline...I'm hovering at 170 when I should be 155-160, and I'm ok with it. If I lose some, great...but I'm not going to try to force it anymore. If I see 175 I'll pay more attention...
I don't feel 43, which I am, so that is a good thing.
Ride safe folks.
Kevin
Rider to pray for: OT and the fam.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
I'm not dead!!!
I'm just lazy :)
Sorry about the lack of posts...its been a busy year.
Apparently, when you actually work out, get serious and lose pounds, and then train smart...you ride better.
Have been doing all of the above since last January, and last Saturday I had my best road race ever at the Copperas Cove Classic. No idea what place, as I was OTB. But...I rode harder, faster and smarter than ever, and actually finished the race in a small group and ahead of quite a few other riders.
I have 615 miles in this month, including 5 metric centuries (one more planned for Saturday). Doing this, along with core exercises has allowed me to go much longer than before. And I feel pretty good. My lower back pain issues are taking longer and longer to crop up on rides, if they do at all. This tells me the issue is fitness, not fit.
My focus for 2011 will still be track, the BikeMS DFW and the IC3 juniors. Road races and crits are just for fun and training.
Cyclists to pray for:
Pappy's dad
Gary's dad
FlyGuy's wife
Richard's daughter
My son
DB
Sorry about the lack of posts...its been a busy year.
Apparently, when you actually work out, get serious and lose pounds, and then train smart...you ride better.
Have been doing all of the above since last January, and last Saturday I had my best road race ever at the Copperas Cove Classic. No idea what place, as I was OTB. But...I rode harder, faster and smarter than ever, and actually finished the race in a small group and ahead of quite a few other riders.
I have 615 miles in this month, including 5 metric centuries (one more planned for Saturday). Doing this, along with core exercises has allowed me to go much longer than before. And I feel pretty good. My lower back pain issues are taking longer and longer to crop up on rides, if they do at all. This tells me the issue is fitness, not fit.
My focus for 2011 will still be track, the BikeMS DFW and the IC3 juniors. Road races and crits are just for fun and training.
Cyclists to pray for:
Pappy's dad
Gary's dad
FlyGuy's wife
Richard's daughter
My son
DB
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Rolling in the right direction
Aging cyclists need every advantage they can get!
I bought a copy of the Cyclist's Training Bible by Joe Friel late last year (November?), and have been following most of the principles all through the winter. I started with taking a serious look at what matters to me as far as results and races. I decided that my 'A' races are:
October - January were my base months. Most of my friends started ramping up before I did after their base, as they are competing in a variety of road races and crits well before my season starts on April. This is Texas...there is no off-season for a cycling addict.
In February and March, I've been building strength, intensity and endurance...both short and long. I need to be able to respond to frequent short bursts of speed as well as be "fresh" at the end of a 50 lap scratch or unknown distance race. Recovery days and weeks have been very helpful in this process, as much as I'd rather get out there and ride.
As a test, I did do the season opener of the TNC in the C race, which is now open to Cat 4 as well as the 5 and juniors it has always been for. It went well. 25 minutes and I sat top ten or five pretty much the whole race. Closed a gap, hid from the wind properly, took a pull or two here and there when it suited me. I was still top ten on the final lap when I slowly drifted back and out of the pack intentionally. Winning was never on my mind and the first race of the season is no place to crash and ruin the year. There was a crash up ahead of me 5 seconds later. My acg speed showed 24.6. The B race runs 25.5, and the C race used to run 22.5.
My fitness is exactly where I was hoping for. My weight this morning is below 160. 5 pounds to go to my goal of 155 by April 2. I might make it, maybe not. But its much better than 173 or so on January 1.
I'm feeling very strong, and tomorrow begins a recovery week for me. Luckily I have my recovery weeks on the same week I am on call for work, so my real rides rarely get interrupted.
The peak or first A race is Friday, April 2. I may not win, or even place...but I'll know I was ready. With any luck my competition will be at a different level of ready than me.
All of this is fun for me...but glorifying God is the real goal. Ya'll help me keep that in focus, k?
Cyclist to pray for: Everyone racing in horrendous weather in Fayetteville, TX this weekend.
DB
I bought a copy of the Cyclist's Training Bible by Joe Friel late last year (November?), and have been following most of the principles all through the winter. I started with taking a serious look at what matters to me as far as results and races. I decided that my 'A' races are:
- April and May Track racing
- Masters Nationals in September
October - January were my base months. Most of my friends started ramping up before I did after their base, as they are competing in a variety of road races and crits well before my season starts on April. This is Texas...there is no off-season for a cycling addict.
In February and March, I've been building strength, intensity and endurance...both short and long. I need to be able to respond to frequent short bursts of speed as well as be "fresh" at the end of a 50 lap scratch or unknown distance race. Recovery days and weeks have been very helpful in this process, as much as I'd rather get out there and ride.
As a test, I did do the season opener of the TNC in the C race, which is now open to Cat 4 as well as the 5 and juniors it has always been for. It went well. 25 minutes and I sat top ten or five pretty much the whole race. Closed a gap, hid from the wind properly, took a pull or two here and there when it suited me. I was still top ten on the final lap when I slowly drifted back and out of the pack intentionally. Winning was never on my mind and the first race of the season is no place to crash and ruin the year. There was a crash up ahead of me 5 seconds later. My acg speed showed 24.6. The B race runs 25.5, and the C race used to run 22.5.
My fitness is exactly where I was hoping for. My weight this morning is below 160. 5 pounds to go to my goal of 155 by April 2. I might make it, maybe not. But its much better than 173 or so on January 1.
I'm feeling very strong, and tomorrow begins a recovery week for me. Luckily I have my recovery weeks on the same week I am on call for work, so my real rides rarely get interrupted.
The peak or first A race is Friday, April 2. I may not win, or even place...but I'll know I was ready. With any luck my competition will be at a different level of ready than me.
All of this is fun for me...but glorifying God is the real goal. Ya'll help me keep that in focus, k?
Cyclist to pray for: Everyone racing in horrendous weather in Fayetteville, TX this weekend.
DB
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Whoopin up on the young'uns....
Some standing start Kilo times from this afternoon's track workout
Landon - racing age 15
Lap 1 - 25.18
Lap 2 - 22.23 - Fastest
Lap 3 - 25.79
Lap 4 - 27.84 - Slowest
Total - 1:41.04
Christina - Junior
Lap 1 - 28.19
Lap 2 - 24.20 - fastest
Lap 3 - 27.06
Lap 4 - 29.13 - slowest
total - 1:48.58
Jon - Brand new Cat 4, 28 yrs old
Lap 1 - 28.41
Lap 2 - 23.60 - fastest
Lap 3 - 25.50
Lap 4 - 26.71 - slowest
total - 1:44.22
Kevin - Cat 4, 2 yrs track exp, racing age 42
Lap 1 - 24.84 - slowest
Lap 2 - 21.21 - fastest
Lap 3 - 22.80
Lap 4 - 23.29
total - 1:32.14 (Junior gear - 48x16)
For reference:
Current Elite Kilo winning time (2009):
1:02.8
Current Masters 40-44 winning time (2009):
1:08.1
Juniors only do a 500M tt at Nats...not a kilo.
Landon - racing age 15
Lap 1 - 25.18
Lap 2 - 22.23 - Fastest
Lap 3 - 25.79
Lap 4 - 27.84 - Slowest
Total - 1:41.04
Christina - Junior
Lap 1 - 28.19
Lap 2 - 24.20 - fastest
Lap 3 - 27.06
Lap 4 - 29.13 - slowest
total - 1:48.58
Jon - Brand new Cat 4, 28 yrs old
Lap 1 - 28.41
Lap 2 - 23.60 - fastest
Lap 3 - 25.50
Lap 4 - 26.71 - slowest
total - 1:44.22
Kevin - Cat 4, 2 yrs track exp, racing age 42
Lap 1 - 24.84 - slowest
Lap 2 - 21.21 - fastest
Lap 3 - 22.80
Lap 4 - 23.29
total - 1:32.14 (Junior gear - 48x16)
For reference:
Current Elite Kilo winning time (2009):
1:02.8
Current Masters 40-44 winning time (2009):
1:08.1
Juniors only do a 500M tt at Nats...not a kilo.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Off season musings
Hello dear readers!
Yes, its been since October since my last post. That is only because there have not been any significant riding events since then, unless me on the trainer is "significant" :)
I forced myself to back off November - January, helped along by a big mileage week in November where I really aggravated my neck muscles. Dr. appointment, drugs, chiro, stretching....still have soreness. I can stop riding and feel better, or just remember to stretch and work the core every night and get where I need to be. I chose the ride/stretch route.
January was the last of the "base" months for both Landon and I, and we are in a 2 month build period, of increasing intensity. We are both targeting the April 2 season opener at the Superdrome. I am also leading the charge of the IC3 - I am Second team for this year's BikeMS. My 'A' races this year are Friday nights at the track in April/May, and Masters Track Nationals in September. I'll do a crit here and there, and may be a road race just for kicks, but the focus is all track for me.
Major goal for the year: put the IC3 jersey anywhere on the podium at Masters Nats, any event. Please God by giving Him all the credit!
I've been working on weight loss since January 1, where I started at 172. This morning saw me at 165.2. I'm 5'8", so I have another 10 pounds to go to get to what I feel is a good race weight. The CDC says that 125-158 is a "Normal" weight for my height. Calories in/out is the only way to lose. Counting my calories the last few weeks has been a painful reminder that I eat like a pig :(
We have a great year ahead of us, all praises belong to God for without Him, we are nothing.
Cyclist to pray for: Chris and Scott. Continued successes.
DB
Yes, its been since October since my last post. That is only because there have not been any significant riding events since then, unless me on the trainer is "significant" :)
I forced myself to back off November - January, helped along by a big mileage week in November where I really aggravated my neck muscles. Dr. appointment, drugs, chiro, stretching....still have soreness. I can stop riding and feel better, or just remember to stretch and work the core every night and get where I need to be. I chose the ride/stretch route.
January was the last of the "base" months for both Landon and I, and we are in a 2 month build period, of increasing intensity. We are both targeting the April 2 season opener at the Superdrome. I am also leading the charge of the IC3 - I am Second team for this year's BikeMS. My 'A' races this year are Friday nights at the track in April/May, and Masters Track Nationals in September. I'll do a crit here and there, and may be a road race just for kicks, but the focus is all track for me.
Major goal for the year: put the IC3 jersey anywhere on the podium at Masters Nats, any event. Please God by giving Him all the credit!
I've been working on weight loss since January 1, where I started at 172. This morning saw me at 165.2. I'm 5'8", so I have another 10 pounds to go to get to what I feel is a good race weight. The CDC says that 125-158 is a "Normal" weight for my height. Calories in/out is the only way to lose. Counting my calories the last few weeks has been a painful reminder that I eat like a pig :(
We have a great year ahead of us, all praises belong to God for without Him, we are nothing.
Cyclist to pray for: Chris and Scott. Continued successes.
DB
Monday, October 26, 2009
Treachery at its finest!
"Old age and treachery will overcome youth and skill."
Saturday was the annual "Sprint Clinic" at the Superdrome hosted by former US National team member Jeff LaBauve.
I attended this clinic last year and got enough out of it to make it a mandatory class for myself and anyone I coach that races Juniors or Category races (not for Youth A/B).
This year I brought Landon with me, since he is already showing promise as a sprinter and has never even seen a Match Sprint event much less competed in one. I geared my bike down to a 48x16, which is the maximum race gear for Landon's age group. I wanted to do the drills with him myself so that he didn't get paired up with another inexperienced youth, at least at first.
After we worked through the Slingshot and Razor drills, plus a 200m TT, it was time to get real and and do some racing!
My goal here in addition to the ever-present one of having fun was to show him not just how to ride 2 laps slowish and one lap all out, but to expose him to things other racers will do to him in a real competition.
Our first attempt took off with me leading him out. First lap...pretty dull. Just me looking over my shoulders at him. He was changing positions enough to keep me guessing and switching where I looked from, but never tried to jump me. Second lap he faked an acceleration on the back straight but I faked back. I started to take him uptrack going into 3, and had him almost to the rail into 4 when I used that wonderful thing known as gravity (and my well-developed descending muscle) to jump. By the time he was able to respond, change directions and get moving I had a decent gap and was hammering for all I was worth. The little bugger nearly caught me at the end but I managed to hold him off.
Not so much in the second race. He lead this one out. With 1 1/2 to go, he had rolled up high and I was down and back. He dove and we were headed for the same spot in the lane at the same time, so I backed off to avoid a nasty crash (or his first lesson in head-butting). I knew that his speed was going to be too much for me to slingshot him...so good job in whipping Coach Kev!
Had some other fun racing against Erin P heads-up and then a 5 person 3 lap scratch.
My legs were shot the rest of the day and the next.
Cyclist to pray for: Pat. He could use some work...
DB
Saturday was the annual "Sprint Clinic" at the Superdrome hosted by former US National team member Jeff LaBauve.
I attended this clinic last year and got enough out of it to make it a mandatory class for myself and anyone I coach that races Juniors or Category races (not for Youth A/B).
This year I brought Landon with me, since he is already showing promise as a sprinter and has never even seen a Match Sprint event much less competed in one. I geared my bike down to a 48x16, which is the maximum race gear for Landon's age group. I wanted to do the drills with him myself so that he didn't get paired up with another inexperienced youth, at least at first.
After we worked through the Slingshot and Razor drills, plus a 200m TT, it was time to get real and and do some racing!
My goal here in addition to the ever-present one of having fun was to show him not just how to ride 2 laps slowish and one lap all out, but to expose him to things other racers will do to him in a real competition.
Our first attempt took off with me leading him out. First lap...pretty dull. Just me looking over my shoulders at him. He was changing positions enough to keep me guessing and switching where I looked from, but never tried to jump me. Second lap he faked an acceleration on the back straight but I faked back. I started to take him uptrack going into 3, and had him almost to the rail into 4 when I used that wonderful thing known as gravity (and my well-developed descending muscle) to jump. By the time he was able to respond, change directions and get moving I had a decent gap and was hammering for all I was worth. The little bugger nearly caught me at the end but I managed to hold him off.
Not so much in the second race. He lead this one out. With 1 1/2 to go, he had rolled up high and I was down and back. He dove and we were headed for the same spot in the lane at the same time, so I backed off to avoid a nasty crash (or his first lesson in head-butting). I knew that his speed was going to be too much for me to slingshot him...so good job in whipping Coach Kev!
Had some other fun racing against Erin P heads-up and then a 5 person 3 lap scratch.
My legs were shot the rest of the day and the next.
Cyclist to pray for: Pat. He could use some work...
DB
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