Weekend Recaps

Sorry folks, there hasn't been much in the way of blogging juices the last two weeks. Now that I'm working the Studio gig and the ABD gig I don't have many minutes left in the day...

Of course, that's not to say there haven't been some newsworthy happenings. I did my first race of the year, if you'd like to call it that. In the results of the uphill TT prologue at the San Dimas Stage Race you'll see my name fifth from the bottom (I can't believe I beat four people), but in the following day's road race results you will not see my name. Apparently, 5 or 6 hours a week of training does not a competitive Category 1 rider make. At least the Bird said I looked good when I ran into him before the race. 

Then the day after my DNF I had grand plans to ride from my house over to Agoura Hills, a great 3.5 hour ride that takes in mountains and the ocean, ...only to have my rear wheel completely seize up on me 45 minutes from home while I was on Mulholland Drive. I always rock a frame pump and saddle bag, but not cone wrenches! So for only the second time in my 14 years of riding I had to call someone to pick me up. The first time it happened I was in Phoneix in the days before cell phones, and I hobbled to a gas station to 1-800-COLLECT my Grandpa. The tendons in my knee had gotten so swollen I could hardly bring my knee over the top of the stroke. I was off the bike for over two weeks, and then two months later I was in Belgium racing with the National Team. So maybe having to call for help is a sign?

After the weekend of not-so-good riding and training I did the usual commute to work, and then on Thursday did a weekend trip on back to Chicago for a couple of meetings and the John Fraser Memorial Time Trial. It was great seeing everyone at the event and I'm very happy that the weather cooperated for us. 

So, now I'm back here in sunny SoCal and this weekend the White brothers will be joining me for the Island View Criterium and the NRC Garret Lemire Memorial Grand Prix. I've never done the Island View race, but the GLMGP is a great course and I think the boys are going to have a solid race. It will be good for them to mix it up with some of the P-R-O's before heading down to the SouthEast Crit Series at the end of the month. Stay tuned here and at the ABD/GEARGRINDER Team site for updates.