Shame On Ice

Mental Health

2011-12-10T09:13:00.000-08:00

How is yours? With today’s declining economy, bleak future and uncertainty my mind is in a constant worry. But, it’s not the for mentioned problems that make me worry, it’s far simpler than that. I’m worried about my own health. It should be no surprise to my friends that I’ve been in a dark place for over a year. Riding the waves up and down not really being able to pull up to where I was a few years ago.

It seems that the hardest thing I have to do in a day is just waking up. I love going to work and riding, but I could stay in bed all day till work started and not even look at my bike. Having my good friend Phillip here for a few days opened my eyes a bit that they way I have been living wasn’t me.

I though coming out here to Tucson would have easily fixed my problem. But I guess it’s not as simple as I thought it was.

It’s time that I take ownership that all is not right and try to change it. I know it’s not going to be easy and in fact may take a long time. I do feel lucky though that I have great friends and family to keep me smiling throughout the day and heading down the right path.

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I wrote the above 9 days ago. Since, I've been riding the "pride spiral", applying to school, looking for places to live in Wichita Falls and most importantly riding my bike. Ready for the fun to begin. Who am I kidding... I'm already having fun!

Sick.

2011-11-17T12:16:00.000-08:00

I've picked up a cold. I've done nothing but sleep and go to work for the last week. It's so nice out here too. Sucks.

So...

2011-11-10T09:03:00.000-08:00

This essay is garnering more attention off line then expected. I have 2 pages down. I'm going to cut that dawn to make it "Perfectly clear to you." (A FB Customer) So It's going to take a little longer than expected. If I'm getting this much attention it needs to be solid and well written.

The Shootout Ride

2011-11-05T10:47:00.000-07:00

I didn't do it again today. Part of me needs to do it for the El Tour De Tucson, the other part doesn't for the reason of over training. I'll go next week to see where I'm at and then December comes around I'll try and make it every week.

Dating tip #7

2011-11-03T09:01:00.000-07:00

Always leave the door open to a relationship. Even if one is ending, you may want to pass through that door again someday.

This advice is brought on by the simple fact that I went on a couple dates with a girl who was moving away. We had fun. Now she’s back again. It’s been a couple years. Maybe we’ll go on a date again, maybe we won’t. Who am I kidding… we will.

I work?

2011-11-01T10:29:00.000-07:00

No really I do. I'm a day time stock boy at a grocery store out here.

Busted

2011-10-21T12:19:00.000-07:00

Seems like baby jokers are getting popped left and right. I race against them every day. Most do some amazing things that only motorbikes can do. So it doesn’t surprise me. But I know why they do it and to be honest don’t get that mad when they do. We live in two different worlds. I have some education and will have a nice job someday. It’s true I’ve gone and raced in Belgium, but at no point did I believe I could make a career out of racing my bike. Race at the top level sure, but make money? No.

You grow up racing your bike. Maybe you start when you were 6 or 7. Sure you’re good and won a lot of races. Then you start thinking you could make a career out of it, but you’re not winning as much anymore. What are you going to do? You don’t have an education, maybe didn’t even finish school. What are you going to do? Go work in the factory with your parents or take something to keep you in the lime light of winning. To be honest it’s a simple choice. Race all doped upped, see as far as you can get and once you get caught just go work in the factory and talk about the good old days.

Of course that's isn't everybody case. But I understand this scenario.

I’ll just keep on racing hard, putting the miles in, win once awhile and be happy. These others can be as stupid as they want.

Oh yeah… I got second in the uphill sprint on the Shootout ride once. The guy who won is now on a doping suspension. What an idiot.

As my hair grows so does my spirit.

2011-10-12T12:02:00.000-07:00

It's amazing how much a change of environment can have on the mind. Since coming to Tucson I've been busy all day, riding my bike, internship, making products and looking for a job.

I'm starting to feel really well and am looking forward to next year. I'm trying really hard to try and get an internship next summer and I'm going to do 2's races to finally get my upgrade points towards my Cat1. so I can do the bigger races we have planed.

Saturday I'm going to do the Shootout! I'm trying to get a little form for the Tour of Tucson.

Not going to over do it thought... it's a long season.

Do you think Leslie will contribute to Shame anymore?

2011-10-07T20:20:00.000-07:00

Here's a couple more pillows I've made.

2011-10-07T20:14:00.003-07:00

Made it!

2011-10-02T20:40:00.000-07:00

I made it to Tucson the other day. Went to my first college football game last night in Phoenix. It was Megan's sorority's family day. I went in with the game of hitting on the moms, then once I was all good with them I work on their daughters. It was fun... I got game when I don't drink too much. I've always found that I work best sober, I was never into the beer courage thing.

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I opened up a Etsy account to sell my beautifully crafted products. I like the name "yoU by Michael Lalla" we'll see where that goes. My first product is going to be a Chi Omega Duvet cover which I'll be giving to Megan. Hopefully those girls will dig it. I think they will.

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Riding started too. I'm up to 2 days in a row. I would like to make some claims here soon since I've never really been this low on the bike, but I've also never trained for real. And this is going to be for real. I have a few months and I don't want to waste it. We'll seeeee.

Gone.

2011-09-27T20:35:00.001-07:00

Once again I'll be on the road, heading west towards the great ball of fire.

See you there.

I'll miss you Minnesota.

Sometimes I make stuff, check out my Etsy page.

2011-09-26T15:33:00.000-07:00

Stuff like this.

Goals

2011-09-25T17:17:00.001-07:00

Do I have any? That's the question I've heard from all my good friends this past week. I do have them, it's just they've became lost this past year. I'm slowly finding them again. Here's a few.

Now:
Get to Tucson.
Apply to some internships. (Thanks Collin)
Find a part time job.
Ride lots.

One year:
Graduate college at MSU!
Work at my internship during the summer.
Find a job that doesn't feel like a job. I've been lucky that every job I've had has been fun and challenging. From working at the bike shop to a small publicly traded company, I loved it all. And would like to find that again.
Ride the scooter from Texas to Alaska.
Ride, race and win some.

Five years:
Make enough to help out my parents.
Find someone to share it all with.

What are your goals of me? Expectations? I would like to know, and please be frank.

Crazy?

2011-09-22T12:01:00.000-07:00

The other day a good friend said that the longer she knows me the crazier I get. I'm not quick sure what that means, but I think slaving everyday for a mortgage, job you don't like and working beyond your comfort level as crazy.

So if I'm crazy, society is even crazier.

She of course meant no harm, it just got me thinking about personal growth and the future. Who the hell knows? She might be right.

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I've been selling stuff on ebay the last few days. It's kind of fun selling stuff you don't want or use anymore even if it only sells for ten dollars.

Running has been easier. Taking the dogs out has been fun too. Boggie has some issues with fitness but he runs well. Alex could run all day.

Looking forward to Leslie and Theo's wedding and heading south.

New Start

2011-09-19T12:31:00.001-07:00

Over the last year I've had my ups and downs. Fighting mood swings, poor form and not doing well in school. I think I've had more days off the bike than on it. I didn't go into one race this year feeling fit. That lack of form I've found also transfers into other thing. Sex. To be honest, it used to be really fun, but it's now turned into an epic workout where in the end I always get dropped.

Well that has to change.

I've headed up north for Leslie and Theo's wedding and then I'm going to be heading down to Tucson for the fall and winter. First stop will be in NE to see Alex and family and then to CO where my long time friend Chris lives. We're going to do some "14s". Once I get to AZ I'll be getting a part time job and riding full time, then going back to school in the spring.

It's time I keep a little accountability on my workouts so I'll be posting them here along with my other battles. I hope you can enjoy reading about someone who has found himself in a dark place and is heading to the light.

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Sunday- Went again on another 25 min run. These things hurt, but I can already tell progress is being made. I think it'll only be a few weeks of riding in AZ to get me fit again.

Saturday- Went on a 25min run. Man that was hard, my HR quickly went into upper zone 2-3 and never came down. And I was hardly moving!!! It hurt.

Friday- Went on a 45min walk with Grandma.

Trade me!

2011-09-13T16:33:00.001-07:00

2011-09-06T23:47:00.000-07:00

As I head west a new beginning will occur. Beer will no longer be my sleep ad, tears will no longer be my friend and hope will replace emptiness. Give me your support, give me you strength, I'll not fail, for my life, our life, depend on it.

Remember life is good. The ups, the downs are why we live. If you’re not living the way you want, you aren’t living. So…. Make a change and live. What’s stopping you?

The decision is easy. It’s life or death.

I choose life.

You?

Change

2011-08-31T21:45:00.001-07:00

Into the sunset I go.

I've been reading past blog posts.

2011-08-14T21:02:00.000-07:00

I haven't felt "good" in some time. This year has sucked hard core, with few ups and a lot of lows and change would be nice.

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Being back in Wichita Falls hasn't helped. I can already feel myself slipping into a funk.

Super Week

2011-07-09T10:38:00.000-07:00

I though of going to Super Week was going to spark my interest to race and train again. While it's only been a day, all it has done is enforce the inevitable.

Definitely in a funk.

2011-06-29T13:40:00.000-07:00

I'm hoping my trip up to Minnesota for a few weeks will recharge my battery.

How do I get back what's lost?

2011-06-05T21:10:00.000-07:00

Later... for now.

2011-03-28T20:33:00.000-07:00

Just getting busy around here and I am not able to write as much on this blog. You can find me here at the PACC Elite Team Blog or find my friends and teammates posting on Twitter.

Have a nice day.

Sex Appeal

2011-03-07T12:08:00.001-08:00

:)

2011-02-24T13:41:00.000-08:00

I’m finding out lately that there’s a direct collation of how well I do racing and how well I do in school.

From first to last.

2011-02-21T20:13:00.000-08:00

I'm taking another week off the bike.

5 Snow Days

2011-02-09T10:20:00.000-08:00

So far I think we've had more snow days then school days. It's been really hard to ride in Da Falls. Everyone of the fast guys in town are not doing anything either. Good thing it's a long season

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Not much has been going on. Going to race this weekend with about 4 hours of training in 3 weeks. That one should be "fun." I'm trying to get upgrade points so I can race NVGP this year. I still think the Red Jersey is obtainable for myself or someone on our team.

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I want to go back to LA. Burbank more specifically. Myabe over spring break and get some races in.

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I bought a new pillow the other day. I think I had the same down pillow for over 20 years. I ended up getting a down alternative side sleeping pillow. It's taking some time to get use to.

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Ricco is an idiot.

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Here's to the road.

Finally!

2011-02-03T15:53:00.000-08:00

Able to foam roll all the way through my IT Band! Stoked. Going back to the Gold shoes till I get my new ones.

Argg

2011-02-02T19:20:00.000-08:00

I have ridden twice in the last two weeks. My knee hurts and there seems to be snow on the roads.

2011 Terra Footwear Bicycle Line

2011-01-23T08:43:00.000-08:00

Man... they look fast this year!!! At some point I would like to go back to race/help the team.

I've...

2011-01-17T20:23:00.000-08:00

been lame on these posts. Sorry.

Trip Recap

2011-01-08T15:44:00.000-08:00

Man I haven't posted anything really... I thought I was going to ride straight through the break but I really didn't. I took about a week off to live and it felt great.

I would like to thank Megan, Andrea and Forest my extend family. I had a great Christmas and a great time with you all. Thank you. Now I have one week left till training camp then a week after that school starts and our first race of the year.

People in this world are truly nice. The key is to surround yourself with people who truly care and want to see you succeed.

Here's to 2011! It's started off awesome already and I see it only getting better. ;)

In L.A.

2011-01-01T21:41:00.000-08:00

What now bitches? I guess that's the new saying here... rather vulgar if you ask me. :)

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I'm not sure I'm ridding enough out here but I feel great and the heart rate comes down quick. So I guess I'm doing okay. But the more important part is my heart and mind are getting on the right track for success again.

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Grandpa I know you like reading my poems. I'll post one soon.

Still Training

2010-12-28T20:22:00.001-08:00

I've been having a good time training. Doing long hours and chilling a lot with Jordan. I can't wait till next year starts. I should be going really well and I know the team will be strong.

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I've also been seriously considering finishing off my degree at the University of Ghent in Belgium. I figure... happiness is way more important then cowboy hats and D-bags.

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Also when I get back to Wichita Falls I may ignore you... it's not that I don't like you it's just I have to try and isolate myself from all the negative crap being flung around. I would also appreciate some help in this task from my good friends. :) Thanks in advance.

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Good friends, good grades, racing angry and winning bike races, here's to 2011

Training

2010-12-20T18:31:00.000-08:00

Day 2 & 3

2010-12-13T11:27:00.000-08:00

Rode 5 hours yesterday at zone 2ish. Climb a mountain 12 miles at 12%. Now I'm helping Megan move into her place. I guess Jordan and I are going to do a group ride tomorrow then the shootout Saturday. I don't plan on doing to may group rides... They go too hard this time of the year. I think I'm going to go check out the U of A too sometime soon.

Day 1

2010-12-11T23:18:00.000-08:00

4 easy hours on the bike ending with hottub, red wine and a couple cute girls.

Plano Athletic Cycling Club Elite Team

2010-12-07T08:41:00.000-08:00

Have I told you how excited I am for next year? I haven’t been this excited before about bike racing since going and racing in Belgium. With the amount of support we’re getting I expect we’ll be winning some races. I mean we even have a Wolf PACC Team van! I can’t wait till next year to start. Off to Tucson Friday!

MSU Black approved bike. I can't wait to get back on aluminium. We all know how much I loved my CAAD5 and 6.

These will be nice additions to our team kits.

2010-12-01T18:58:00.000-08:00

Another night goes by
I find myself again staring up at the starry sky

Wondering where you are
Wondering who you are

Someday we will be
Holding hands next to the sea

So I’ll keep staring up at you
Knowing that when you look up to the sky
You’re also staring into my eyes

And you feel the same as I
In love with the starry sky

Long Weekend.

2010-11-29T09:37:00.000-08:00

Terra flew down for Thanksgiving. We saw a young sheep pop out of its momma at Francis's farm. Went to Mt. Scott and hit up Meers Burgers. Went to Denton and hung out with Adam for a bit... but he told us to come back in five minutes. Went to my friends Terv's house to relax and chill closer to DFW. Ended the weekend playing Dance Central on the X-Box Kenekit thing, tweaked my knee doing it. We woke up at 3:45am and I drove Terra back to the airport.

The best part of the weekend? Was finding Terra a yarn shop in a small Texas Town. I went in for a bit then decided that a couple Highlifes were in order on the town square. It was a good week thanks Terra.

Now I have to get back on the bike and study for finals.

Performance.be

2010-11-22T17:57:00.000-08:00

I need to try and get some of this stuff over here...

2010-11-22T17:24:00.000-08:00

My Savoir is my bike. With every pedal stroke I smash the Devil down. My Holy Water is beer. With every bottle consumed I kill the pain you’ve caused. My Holy Land is Tucson. My path is Victory. Let the rebirth begin. Stay alive, stay Black.

2010-11-19T19:24:00.000-08:00

Time will pass. Scars will heal. I can't wait for the night I stop dreaming of you.

2010-11-15T14:28:00.001-08:00

Test

Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.5

MSU Black Cycling Team?

2010-11-15T07:38:00.000-08:00

Bringing fun back to collegiate cycling. Sounds good doesn't it? Some support is already in place and some small sponsors are interested. We'll see.

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Other note... this last weekend was the end of the season PACC party. We got in some good rides and had an elite team presentation. It was really fun and I can't wait till next year. Stay tuned.

Love > hATe

2010-11-06T19:08:00.001-07:00

Dating tip #6...

2010-11-05T13:07:00.000-07:00

Break.

2010-11-02T09:15:00.000-07:00

Once again I'm taking a break from the blog. I have some stuff to figure out.

See you on the road.

Waiting

2010-11-01T13:04:00.000-07:00

Watching the time go by. Every movement, every second feels like an eternity. Are my eyes deceiving me? Is my watch even working? Waiting, waiting, waiting for what? Time wont stand still, it wont stop the confusion, the pain. The confusion and pain will just slip into history. All it takes is time. Why is it going so slow? Days will turn into nights and I'll still be waiting, even if you're never going to be there. Why? Because spending just thirty more minutes with you is worth waiting an eternity.

PACC

2010-10-30T17:44:00.000-07:00

Looks like I found a home for the next couple years unless I go proooooooo. I like the riders and the support is looking to be awesome.

I know there's haters out here, it wont be hard to find us. You can find us on top of the podium.

WOLFPACCFIGHTNEVERDIES

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It's going to be a good year. I'm excited to stay in this states this summer. But have no fear... after I'm done with this school thing I plan to go back to Belgium for a year... maybe put some roots down there... we'll see.

I would also like to thank Max and Jim (RBM) for the support they gave me last spring and fall.

Pipe Dreams...

2010-10-27T15:26:00.000-07:00

are fun. Unless of course you think they're true.

It has been confirmed. 16 riders from the list below have accepted offers from MSU. Look for the cyclingnews.com press release soon. Not sure where the existing riders will be going. Ideas?

Vuelta a Chihuahua

2010-10-24T17:39:00.000-07:00

MSUs team director went there to recruit. I wonder who'll be coming to Wichita Falls and MSU next year?

My guess?

Ivan Basso
Roman Kreuziger
Alexandr Kolobnev
Andy Schleck
Frank Schleck
Peter Sagan
Manuel Quinziato
Daniel Oss
Juraj Sagan
Oscar Freire
Alexandre Vinokourov
Francisco Mancebo
Samuel Sanchez
David Garcia
Beñat Intxausti
Christophe Le Mével
Serafin Martinez
Rui Faria Da Costa
Jose Ivan Gutierrez
Josep Jufre
Christophe Moreau
Gonzalo Rabuñal

Damn MSU cycling is going to kill it next year! Well yeah...

Back in school and on the bike.

2010-10-17T07:17:00.000-07:00

Feels good.

The bags...

2010-10-11T21:51:00.000-07:00

under my eyes do not even come close to describe the exhaustion I'm feeling.

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It was really nice seeing everyone back up in MN. It's been a hard week for everyone and pulling together really made the day a little brighter. While the weekend was mostly somber I did hear some great news, so there's some yin yang stuff going on in the world.

I think I'll get my books back under me fist then the bike. My motivation to ride/race has never been so strong. Maybe in the spring I'll be able to pull out the "Full Rav" in a race. Just for Bob.

I'll be in MN Friday morning, staying till Monday evening.

2010-10-07T08:44:00.000-07:00

Visitation THURSDAY, October 7 from 5-7 PM and Memorial Service SATURDAY, October 9th at 1 PM all at David Lee Funeral Home, 1220 East Wayzata Blvd, Wayzata, MN 55391. Lunch to follow the memorial service at the American Legion at 949 East Wayzata Blvd, Wayzata. Memorials preferred to Minnesota Off-Road Cyclists (MORC): www.morcmtb.org. David Lee Funeral Home Wayzata 952-473-5577.

Obituary in the Startribune.

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I know we haven't talked in awhile Bob. But I miss you greatly.

R.I.P. Fun Bob

2010-10-04T10:29:00.000-07:00

I woke up the other night

My heart ached

I now know why

It was you’re way of saying good bye

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I like to think Bob gave his life up for us all to see. There’s more to life then what we see.

I'm not enjoying this.

2010-09-30T19:25:00.000-07:00

I miss :)

Dating tip #5

2010-09-28T21:05:00.000-07:00

Just because you’re dating someone or have "hung out" a few times doesn’t make you their boyfriend/girlfriend.

The levels are self-explanatory.
-Girlfriend
-F’in Lady Friend
-Lady Friend
-Just a friend

Start at the bottom then move up… you get the point. Sometimes levels may be skipped or total disregarded. But is not cool to say you have a girlfriend when really she’s just a lady friend and vice versa. You both have to be on the same page. And for my lady readers out there just place “Lady” with “Guy” or “Man”.

Dating tip #4

2010-09-27T07:24:00.000-07:00

Always have pancake mix, eggs, milk, bacon and orange juice on hand.

Just got internet

2010-09-26T13:51:00.000-07:00

Doing well in school for some reason.

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Riding sucks, One race left. Maybe have a new TX team next year. So then I think I'll do summer school.

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I'm still feeling a little bummed. Haven't felt "right" in about a month.

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Man-sion Is looking very cool with my early 90s "Silver Bullet" light up sign. Met the folks next door the other day at like 2 in the morning... played beer pong with them till about 5. ;)

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I'm trying to get back on track, but it's hard to find the rails again.

I still need to get some more art. But you get the idea.

2010-09-12T16:26:00.000-07:00

Bummer Dewy

2010-09-10T16:08:00.000-07:00

You've always been nice to me and I hope this is just a small speed bump in your life.

TUEs suck... I know.

Sorry...

2010-09-09T22:27:00.000-07:00

about the lack of posting. I really need a pick me up.

Started...

2010-09-02T19:17:00.000-07:00

to move into the Man-sion. There's no power there yet so I won't be able to sleep in it till next week. I'll take photos as soon as I get it all set up.

I will have a house warming party which will include a Table Hockey Tournament.

1st place $220.00
2nd place 12 pack of RedDog (if over 21) or ...
3rd place $10 gift card to Taco Bell

Anyone can enter but only MSU cyclist are eligible for prizes. Entry is a good time.

What is that in the sky?

2010-08-31T17:02:00.001-07:00

Final poem, not for you, but for me.

2010-08-29T15:36:00.000-07:00

I wrote one. Posted it. Then decided to keep it to myself.

Thinking about growing my tat.

2010-08-26T16:34:00.000-07:00

Dating tip #3

2010-08-26T16:29:00.000-07:00

Communicate openly.

It was a beautiful night on the hill to watch the sunset.

2010-08-25T18:22:00.000-07:00

I hope you like them.

2010-08-23T13:59:00.001-07:00

1st...

2010-08-22T10:49:00.001-07:00

of next month I'll be moving into the man-sion.

In Texas

2010-08-19T21:15:00.000-07:00

Belgium Round 2

2010-08-15T01:44:00.000-07:00

So it’s the last race today. I have to look back this time and think I did better. While I didn’t get the top 10s I wanted I was able to race my bike and finish in the money a lot more. In fact I finished more times in the money then I didn’t. So I’m a little more consistent. Which I think is stronger.

The second time around has been a lot better with my fellow races too. It seems they know me and I get a little more respect. No one takes wheels from me anymore because they know I won’t open a gap. The fast guys try and help me out and I have a lot more fans telling me good job and shaking my hand after races.

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Last race report

147 starters and the first race was to the start line… Which I didn’t do, I just hid behind the fans with a Beveren 2000 rider and at the last second we jumped out in front. Okay sweet, I got a good start! I stayed around the top 20-50 the whole race, which was really important because of the rain and small roads with a lot of turns. I would say about 30 min in it was over for around 90 riders. It wasn’t too hard to move up and be towards the front so I was doing really well. Then with 7 or so to go I began having problems. I’m used to racing with a little caffeine in me. Well today I went beyond a point that was safe. I feel a little embarrassed but I think you should know that stuff could kill you. After around 15min of not feeling my legs and having my heart trying to rip out of my chest I had to pull over. I stopped on the side of the road for a min or so and let my HR come down Then I jumped in a small group and finished 48th. I’m kind of pissed because the race wasn’t hard. I was feeling really well. I was walking a fine line and during the race I went over it. I was the last rider to come out of that group. Not really how I wanted to end my final race here. But at least I’m alive and I learned a lot.

This has been a hard trip. I can't wait to be home. :)

7 days.

2010-08-11T00:55:00.001-07:00

...

2010-08-09T00:09:00.000-07:00

I saw some fool riding a TT bike the other day.

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This guy who got 5th place was racing West Flanders kermesses a few weeks ago.

21st

2010-08-07T09:59:00.000-07:00

I got to watch my friend get second. I was in the "feild." about 10 seconds behind. It rained the whole time. It took me like an hour to warm up and I had cow poop for dinner.

The thing is... I'm NOT the team sprinter. I'll take it though, I was cramping the last 20kms.

Next race Tuesday.

28th

2010-08-07T03:46:00.000-07:00

I'm AWESOME at mid pack finishes… The race course was an easy 3 turn wide roads slight downhill on one side flat then slit uphill with a tail wind. 75 racers started.

The races was going as planned, kind of. A group of 7 got off the front early. I made the main field split with about 20 riders. But as you know… that’s way too big. I was always rotating through hard and we were catching the front group. I was marking the Post rider and saw he was kind of ready to really make a go. He tried a few time earlier too. After I did a hard pull he went with a few other riders. I though no big deal they aren’t going that fast… all you had to do was follow the wheel in front of you. Well they were gone. The next lap the guy in the below picture went to the front on the hill side and started to pin it in his 53/11. I though he was just pulling though, but when I looked back I was the only rider on his wheel so we gave it a go. I think he was a little toast so I didn’t go that hard when I was on the front, we stayed away for about a round… maybe if we had 1 other rider we could have caught the front. Well our group of about 20 went back to the peloton… LAME. So I sprinted for 15th and got 28th and 10 euros.“The thing is… I’m the team sprinterrrrr.”

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I race again today. I think I only have about 3 races left here. HHH should be fun. ;)

It’s called research

2010-08-05T13:56:00.000-07:00

If you want to come to Belgium go to this website and start contacting people. Make friends, learn a little Dutch/Flemish and race your bike lots on a Belgium team or on your own. It really is that simple. No need give thousands to USA Cycling or any other all inclusive “racer houses.”

Anyone can come here. Really, it’s not a big deal. Racers/Trip Organizers/USA Cycling make it out hard to get here (you know only “elites” can come here) so you have to use their services. And with the lack of options that leaves you paying monopoly prices.

Okay?

Dames

2010-08-05T06:04:00.001-07:00

Sights

2010-08-05T05:52:00.000-07:00

I hope these things are safe to eat... I've had a lot.

I heard a million little voices... think I didn't? This was just a quarter of the dudes yard... creepy!

14 days till...

2010-08-04T00:52:00.001-07:00

The power...

2010-08-02T10:00:00.000-07:00

to establish a break is unbelievable.

I was in the winning move. I followed a few wheels to get there then had to pull through. It was me, a Post rider and a guy who wins all the time (and won this race) and some other guy who dropped out of it like I did. They were pulling through by me at least 2-3kms faster… I was hanging on for dear life. Sadly I only stayed with them 1 round. While establishing the break we were going F'in hard!

Another small group of 5 bridge up a few seconds after I lost contact. There was no way I could get back on that group. In fact I don't even remember them passing me... I think I blocked out about a few kms of racing.

I was also off the front at the start for a round... maybe if I didn't do that I could have stayed in the break. I think I got it all figured out now.

I got 30th place and 10 euros.

Dear Family,

2010-08-01T09:20:00.001-07:00

Skype!

Big gears

2010-08-01T02:15:00.000-07:00

Check this dude out in front of me. He’s always in his 53/11 and almost always makes the breaks. But not this time… I was following him during the race because he doesn’t accelerate that fast, he just motors along and is easy to follow. I think he’s some sort of former Mt. Bike national champion.
My first race back will be HHH and I’ll be racing for RBM. I have to work towards my Cat. 1 upgrade too, I've got that win and a few other points but not that much… I just haven’t been focusing on getting points. It doesn’t help I’ve spent more time here (where it doesn’t matter) as a Cat. 2 than in the States.

First I need to find a place to live...

Next couple years should be a fun time. Maybe I’ll graduate in that time frame too! As of right now… I think maybeeeeeee Rachel will beat me to it. HAHA Oh geez.

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Thank you Sean Brown for letting me use your shades all summer! I think I may get some Radars or Split Jackets when I get back.

Congrats Jen!

2010-08-01T00:14:00.000-07:00

Steep learning curve.

2010-07-29T13:58:00.000-07:00

Most of the riders I’m racing against have been doing this for 10-30 years. Most start when they are 7-11 years old. They have done this type of racing day in and day out for years. I got… 5 months, pick up little things here and there, learn who is the fast guys and find out how not to get punched (like today, I was the one who screwed up). These past few races have giving me enough confidence to know that I’m physically able to ride at the front. But race? I still have a lot to learn and I’m not going to learn it over a couple summers. Maybe if I was here full time.

Nothing in the states can prepare you for this type of racing. It’s just easier… with too much team tactics. More of a chess match. Here? Is more like a boxing match; you hit, they hit, you hit, they hit... till someone goes down.

I’ve never felt or have been this strong. Ever! And what did I do with that strength with 2 rounds to go and it was all together? Nothing… If I would have raced like I did two days ago I would have easily been in the front. I sprinted/coasted for 37th place (10 euros) and felt like I didn't even race. LAME. I still have a few races left maybe I can pull something out.

I’m happy about my form, but mad. I need to start “punching” and get angry more, like the winners do.

Dating tip #2

2010-07-29T02:03:00.000-07:00

Make sure your room is clean. Also make sure your bed has clean sheets and is made every morning.

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20 days till my heart and body are one again. :)

20th

2010-07-27T13:23:00.000-07:00

Moving in the right direction again. My group of four almost (2 of the fast guys crashed and we gave up a lot of time) caught the front group of 7... it only took us an hour and I think we would have caught them in 30 more minutes… after a failed attempt to keep it going me and that dude in red Peit were caught on the last lap… I would have got my first top 10 if we stayed away. Still learning.
I like this picture

The anti-doping van.

2010-07-26T10:19:00.000-07:00

This is the first time I've seen this baby. They tested the top 3 and a couple dudes who dropped out on the first lap. I guess a few weeks ago 15 amateur racers were sent on a 2 year vacation from racing.

Surfing the wave of form.

2010-07-25T02:45:00.000-07:00

Cool woman.

2010-07-22T09:40:00.000-07:00

She's been at most races the past two years and hands me bottles and cheers me on. and she knows more about racing than I do. I also saw a fight today on the bike right in front of me... a few blows were landed, even to the face, it look rather intense. Then I cut one of the dudes off (the dumb one)... I had to, he let a gap open... HAHA

Who is going to race today?

2010-07-21T13:59:00.000-07:00

I really didn't. So maybe I will tomorrow.

The dude right in front of me won the race. I got 34th...

Guess who?

2010-07-21T04:03:00.000-07:00

Finally got his/its passport and jumped a flight to Belgium to cheer me up? Think he/it didn’t?

One more time.

2010-07-20T06:21:00.000-07:00

I kept telling myself this last race. I’ve been having a hard time lately with the heat, mind and races. So in this race I figured I could take a small step in the right direction and when I feel like I’m dead I was going to go one more time. It came… with about 5 rounds in. After covering an attack the group caught us and started to attack. As the single file peloton was going passed I saw the tail coming quick. I gave her a 10 second effort and caught back on. At that point the race slowed down a lot! But they were attacking on the front. (What they do here is send a teammate or two up the road, then a teammate in the peloton would sit up on the front and on these small roads you can’t just follow wheels to get by. So… I just waited and we finally caught everyone, I think… I couldn’t see much from my tail gun position… I ended up in a small group off the back and we were stopped by the men in blue. I got 33rd out of 46 and 10 euros. It was hot, I drank 5 bottles in 50 kms.

I think this year is different than last. Last year I just tried to hang on as long as I could really. This year I find myself going for it more. While I don’t finish as many races I’m racing my bike harder. It’s hard trading pulls with past Elite Belgium Champions, former pros and soon to be Protour riders.

Next race tomorrow.

Mint!

2010-07-19T01:08:00.000-07:00

My new coffee table, it cost me 10 bucks and a 12 pack of Premium.

Long ride

2010-07-17T01:22:00.001-07:00

So my coach thinks that with my recent sickness and drop in weight I may not have enough fat to support my muscles. I'm finding it really had to gain weight...
Name this climb.

Jef Planckaert's memorial
Poor little girl.

Me and my invisible wall

2010-07-15T11:25:00.000-07:00

Where are you?
I can’t see you, but I sure can feel you.
You’re coming aren’t you?
Why?
If only I could see you coming.
I could bunny hop or take a turn.
But you would just move too.
Can I climb over you?
Man I’m screwed.
Just hit me already!

I guess you already did.

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I’m going on a long ride tomorrow to find a way over.

The racers...

2010-07-13T14:24:00.000-07:00

go from elite to Protour here.

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Today I bridged to the front group of about 15. This group "formed" after 3 corners and about 1km into the race. I held onto that group for one 8km lap. Then I had nothing left and quit the race. Most of them stayed away till the finish.

Next race is Thursday.

Beker van België race report

2010-07-11T04:38:00.000-07:00

So this race is the coolest of them all here in Flanders. It includes a lot of the climbs as the Ronde van Vlaanderen and is 160kms long. The race started with 191 starters including a bunch of riders who have committed to Protour teams next year. The first big hurdle of the day would be going into the Oude Kwaremont. My experience last year told me an early break would go up the road and I wanted to be there before the climb which is 45kms into the race. I tried many times attacking and bridging and being on the front in many breaks before I had to take a rest (I should be on video somewhere). I started to move back up before the Kwaremont but the speed is so high and the boxing match was in full swing. I think I went into the small roads in like 120th... My race was over. I started the cobbled section of the Kwaremont doing an F'in track stand and had to unclip once. Stupid. I also crawled the Paterberg. Last year when I was on top of the Kwaremont I was in my big ring. This year I could barely pedal. It was a super-hot and frustrating day.