I made the short jaunt out to Warda with teammates Nick and Dustin, and lady friend Cupcake early Sunday morning.  A good massage the day before by Katie Cully from Performance Wellness ( set up a session with her if you need a massage!), some nice relaxing the rest of Saturday, a very good Caveman dinner consisting of raw London Broil, beets, rutabaga, avocado, a tasty raw salad Colleen put together, and some cooked cabbage, augmented with some decent sleep left me feeling about as prepared as I could be for the 28 mile race Sunday afternoon. It was cold when we arrived, but I knew that a little norther couldn’t overpower the Texas sun on such a nice spring day and it warmed up quickly as the sun climbed higher in the sky. A nice Caveman breakfast ( 4 raw eggs, 1 pear, some trail mix, and Colleen’s homemade energy bars) 3 hours before race start proved to be a good way to start the morning. I toed the line with 24 other racers in the Pro/Cat 1 category as the gun went off at 11am. We had a nice long stretch of pasture and ranch road to spread the field out. Some days you have it, and some days you don’t. This gorgeous Sunday aftenoon, I was closer on the “have” side of the scale than the “don’t have”. After the pace settled down a bit from the initial sprint, I still had quite a bit of octane left in the tank and saw a chance to go to the front of the pack, and so I did!! Outsprinting the fastest guys in the state is not something I’m accustomed to, but it felt good to have my few seconds of glory as we rolled by the expo center and team area. I felt the NOS start to fade after such an effort, so I fell back to midpack before we hit the singletrack. It was cool being in front, but in retrospect sitting in the pack would’ve probably yielded a better position heading into the singletrack. Once you hit the singletrack, there aren’t too many places to pass, so it is quite easy to get passed in the sprint by a rider who might not be the best rider in tight twisty wooded areas and get slowed up by them as the lead riders begin to build a lead.  Such was the case here. No matter though, I was still recovering from the sprint. Lap 1 seemed to be about finding a rhythm and holding steady. Laps 2 and 3 were all about relentess attacks to bridge up and pass as many riders as I could. The 4th and final lap was about holding off the riders I passed on the last 2 laps. They were hungry to have that spot back, and I was starting to cramp on the climbs.  I was riding extremely well through the twisty woods, the fastest and most efficiently I ever had. This is where I was able to open up the gap on passed riders and close it on riders ahead. On the long open straightaways, the 29er Raven tires I was running were just absolutely killing it. Then came the up/down roller coaster sections that criss-cross a bluff on the ranch a number of times. Right now climbing is my number one weakness, and this is where I was losing time to other riders.  Almost all the climbs have a 180 degree turn at the top, and you can see how close riders are behind you. I was the rabbit this time, and I could see those dogs getting closer and closer. About a 1/2 mile before the Finish line, there is a straightaway that runs behind the campgrounds. One of the dogs finally caught me there and tried to take a bite on the inside left, but I wouldn’t have any of it.  I beat him to the entrance into one last short section of singletrack and held steady, knowing 100% well that I could outsprint this pooch after the turn onto the ranch road and 100 yards to the end of a hard fought race and well deserved top 10 finish. A perusing of results indicated that I was only 2 1/2 minutes from the top 5. This finish was a huge moral victory for me, and another huge victory for the Caveman diet. I’m always reluctant to state that I am in as good as shape as I was before getting injured last February. It has been a long, hard march to get back to that level, but I think it’s pretty safe to say that I have not only surpassed that amount of fitness, but am healthier and wiser than I  ever imagined I would be. Not only that, this is just the beginning. If I don’t ever think I can hang with those top 5 racers, then I probably never will. Deep inside, I know I can, and I know someday I will. With hard work and the right tools, you too can accomplish your goals. Don’t let setbacks get in the way of your goals. And remember, eat like a Caveman!

Here are some pics online from bobcat13:

http://bobcat13.smugmug.com/gallery/7726572_iTdcG#501812847_2brju

http://bobcat13.smugmug.com/gallery/7726572_iTdcG#501792180_23ESd

Other race notes:

• Thanks to Patty B for loaning me his shades. I left mine in Austin.
• Congrats to Cupcake for taking 3rd place in the Cat 3 women 30-39!
• I did not buzz my legs for this race. I think i was somehow faster because of this.
• The exta speed might also be attributed to the mustache I’m growing
• The new Salsa Moto Ace 17 DEGREE flat bar was freaking awesome. I like this bar even more than the Syntace 16 D bar. Review on tech corner coming soon.

The little success I had at the nighter on this beast of a bike actually inspired me to give it a try at a real race, the Thursday night Crit at the driveway. I had to haul butt to get out there from downtown since work matters kept me later than wanted, but I made it, if a little winded and already worked a bit.  Once again, I rolled up to the line right as the race went off. This year they are offering a 4/5 Category (beginner) and being a Cat 4, I could’ve hopped in that one, but that’s not the caveman way, so I hopped in the 3/4 Race (Intermediate) instead. From the get go the race was a gut bustin effort for survival. All I could do was hang on for dear life at the end of the pack as we snaked around the course. A short course with lots of turns meant very little opportunity to recover. It also meant lots of accelerating as we came out of the turns, a demand that this clunker of a bike is not really well suited for.  I eventually caught my breath and a little bit of life in my legs, progressing to mid pack. It was short lived though as attack after attack ensued up front and took it’s toll on the slow, dropping ’em like flies, yours truly included. I didn’t have a watch, but I’d say this occurred about 28 mins into the 40 min race. I let the pack lap me and hopped back on to finish at the end of this 35+ sized field. It’s not a position I’m used to in this race series, but not a bike I’m used to racing either. I felt like the bike and I held our own just fine. Some more strength and interval training (AND SLEEP THE WEEK BEFORE) and I’ll be ready to lead the attacks before you know it. Check out a pic someone snapped from the race:

That is pretty good side view telling me that the frame is definitely too small. That is probably part of the problem too. No worries though, I’m working on finding one that will fit! It’s off to Warda this weekend for some good ‘ole XC racing. Last time I was there I won the 12 hour, so perhaps I’ll have another good showing this weekend too. We’ll see.

Last night I took to the Tuesday nighter on a new steed, at least, new to me. The bike that would carry me to glory on this slightly balmy night would be my newly acquired 1991 Diamondback Centurion Momentum. I found this bike at a pawn shop a few weekends ago, and while it wasn’t the nice 80’s Trek or Schwinn I was looking for to setup as a new commuter/touring bike, I figured it would meet my needs until I did find one. Besides, I had probably visited 15 different pawn and thrift stores that day without any success and I was pretty demoralized as I rolled into the last pawn shop I planned on visiting that day and there were no bikes sitting out. A closer look revealed some bikes hanging up inside. I went in to check it out, and there she was, this technical marvel from 1991, a mid grade race bike at the time. Lugged steel, 14 speeds, downtube shifters, heavy wheels, and older but reliable Shimano components including biopace chainrings. The frame was a bit small for me at 53cm (I normally ride a 56cm) but after maxing out the seat and stem heights and tilting the handlebars up, I got it to fit alright. Luckily the bike came with a really long stem so that helped too. I never really intended to race this bike, but the more I rode it around town the more it dawned on that I probably could. Two things would have to change though. The night before I swapped out the handlebar for a wider more ergonomic one, and the saddle+ seatpost from my fixed gear so that 40 or so miles in the saddle would be more bearable. The bike dropped around 2 lbs with those upgrades, but was probably still around 24 lbs (compare to 16 lbs for my Trek). Weight didn’t matter this very night, because I had it firmly rooted in my head that “It’s not about the bike”. It’s really quite amazing what you can accomplish when you go into something with great confidence. I somehow missed the group ride heading out there, so I did the 9 mile cruise to the course solo. That was enough time to tell my body that something wasn’t setup right on the bike. My caveman intellect suspected that the saddle was still a little too low and too far back. Unfortunately, I didn’t have time to tweek it because the A group rolled out right as I got there. The thought of easing into this vintage bike racing thing by starting with the B group had crossed my mind, but that’s not really my style when I’m healthy and looking for a good workout so I took off with those guys. Some dingbat had to attack halfway up the first climb and then I found myself drafting some other dingback who didn’t know how to stick a wheel and that was the end of the A group. I wasn’t ready to chalk up the failure to an old heavy bike though, because “It’s not about the bike”. Instead, I chose to blame the lack of sleep I had the past 5 days, and the lack of food I had consumed during the workday-plus the aforementioned saddle issue. I stopped and got the saddle dialed in correctly while the B group caught up. I was sitting comfy in the middle of the pack until the 2nd lap, when I felt like these guys on bikes 10 lbs less and $3,000 more than mine just weren’t riding to their potential up the first climb, so I showed them how to do so. I crested the hill and pulled for another ¼ mile or so before getting slightly winded, so I sat back in until the next opportunity for attack. We again reached a section that the pack just wasn’t riding to potential on so I went to the front and got that train rolling. A few riders happened to notice the “turd” (as one guy called it) that I was riding, and I’m sure felt pretty shamed. I pulled really hard that go round and then there was a series of counter attacks, so it was tough just trying to catch a wheel, but I managed. I had to forgo the third lap to get back into town and hang out with a good friend that was visiting. Those turkeys better be glad I had other priorities, or else the Diamondback would’ve had them crying like little girls. So, I think with a properly sized frame and a few component upgrades, an 80’s lugged steel bike isn’t out of the question for future races. It was more of a workout (that is the intent though, right?), but it was somehow more fun racing against all those 20 speed carbon bikes, all the while reaching down to my shifter levers to click into a new gear. Always remember the Caveman ode, that less is more.

First off, I’ve updated an important page in my health tips section: nutrition. check it out here

Next, just wanted to wish you all a happy Monday. So many people dred going to work on Mondays, but just stop and think how much better life would be if you actually welcomed Mondays with open arms? Get rid of all that negativity and stress and welcome Monday as the start of a new, beautiful, productive week.  Hope everyone had a great weekend, I know I certainly did with all the SXSW festivities in town and the hearing Randy Travis at the Austin Rodeo sunday night with my little cupcake. Peace out.

Caveman

Bicycle racing has long known been an expensive hobby, and not for the folks with shallow pockets. That’s not to say I have deep pockets ( I certainly don’t), but I make other sacrifices instead. I don’t buy fancy clothes, don’t have internet at my house, don’t have cable, don’t have a cell phone, just generally don’t spend money on anything but food, bikes, and bills. Plus I have generous sponsors! I don’t like talking about how bad the economy is because I am an optimist, but I can’t deny the obvious effects its having on racers this season. Many are getting creative with travel and lodging, and making do with components from 5 years ago, while others are simply bowing out and saving the cycling expenses for more necessary living expenses. It saddens me to go to the Texas race forums and learn of another compadre who has lost his job. There is one member on the TXBRA forum who goes by Recession Racer. I get a lot of amusement reading his post. In a lot of ways, he is my kind of guy. He believes in doing less with more, camping instead of hoteling, carpoolling, etc, etc. Here is recent post that was well worth my time to read:

Recession Racer (RR) is Here

This Big ‘Ol Racin Weekend is Somethin
RR Awards Maybe Forthcomin
Lookin for a True Blue Penny Pinchin Racer
No Posers, Fiction Rides or Drama Chasers – Just a Placer
Just Smoke the $10K Fantasy League
On Something Resembling Battle Fatigue
Help RR Scan the Field – Blue Collars don’t Concealed
Bike Porn Blingsters Just Might be Revealed
Vote and Cheer the Underdog with Lowest Cost per Placing
Now That’s A Champ at Recession Racing

I recently acquired a 1991 Diamondback Centurion Momentum road bike. A nice classic ride. steel lugged frame, 14 speeds, downtube shifters, arraya rims, and biopace rings. A great example of early 90’s race bike. It doesn’t compare with my 2005 Trek Madone, but it’s really not a bad bike. I feel like I could totally race it against modern carbon frames and flashy uber light components. I plan to give it a try at the Tuesday nighters this year, and maybe even some thursday crits. If I even come close to a top 10 I should definitely get the lowest cost per placing award.

I also plan on doing a MTB race or two on the KHS singlespeed, completely stock! I won’t expect a top ten racing Pro/Cat 1 with that thing, but if my time is faster than the Cat 1 age groupers, then there is something to be said for that. Race entry fees and travel/lodging are costs to be paid for racing, but honestly, I think more people put more money into their machines and gears. If I can accomplish the same feat as you on $300 steel clunker rigid singlespeed vs. your $3000 super savvy carbon frame, well then, I’m actually accomplishing more than you, and at a fraction of the cost. I would even argue that I’m having more fun too! That’s what racing is supposed to be about, fun. Don’t forget that. If the racing cost do get too high for you to afford, just remember that racing is not life, but staying fit and having fun is! You don’t need a race to ride a bike fast.

Caveman

As surely as the Sun doth rise,

As surely as the salmon make the dangerous annual ascent upstream to spawn,

As surely as the rabbit runs from the dog,

So did the lycra clad warriors of Austin assemble in the holiest of Texas pavement on their carbon and alloy steeds to valliantly battle on the battlefield they call the Tuesday Nighter.

I was feeling good this pleasant Tuesaday evening, and so I embarked upon this painful journey with the A group at 6:01 pm. The pace was frantic from the very start. A 1/4 mile incline allowed a group of 15 or so to get away. A slow moving water truck and oncoming traffic delayed the chase group even more, setting up an absolutely  furious effort to catch them, which, while it was the fastest lap I have ever turned out there, failed to do so. After a while we settled into our own pace with 25 or so riders. I was warmed up by the start of lap 3 and was able to initiate some bridging efforts and attacks, the last one of which with about 1 mile to go. I couldn’t hold it and fell back in formation with enough time to recover for the sprint, in which I took 3rd. So, it appears I have my road racing legs back, and I have the nighter to thank for that.

The course was pretty much like I called it, only a bit worse. Traffic was heavier, the locals were very vocal about not wanting us there, the road had more and larger cracks than last year,  there were crashes, and there was a drunk driver who pulled out in front of the lead A group causing come broken bikes and broken bones. Luckily the a-hole didn’t get away, and I don’t think anyone was seriously hurt, but all these conditions are conjuring talk of ending the nighter or moving it elsewhere to more favorable conditions. I knew it was only a matter of time before this would happen. It will not deter me from going though, at least until such actions are enacted. Sometimes change is good, sometimes its bad. Long live the Tuesday Nighter.

Tonight marks the return of one the most cherished cycling traditions in Austin- The One, The Only, Tuesday Nighter . Often imitated-never duplicated. Highly envied by non-Austinites. Daylight savings is here, and we’ve got sunlight to race with until 8pm now! I will make the group migration to those hallowed racing grounds in southeast Austin. We will conquer the hills, battle the wind, battle each other, try to avoid wheel destroying cracks in the road, and circumnavigate the traffic, which has steadily grown each year as urban sprawl gradually makes its way towards this sacred 9 mile loop. Some will survive and finish with the pack, others will be dropped like flies and left to wander home by themselves with their tail hanging between their legs. Whatever the outcome, every racer will have good time and get a good workout, and rest easy that night knowing they took part in history.

My new beginnings actually began yesterday as I hit the streets and hike and bike trail for an easy 2.5 mile jog to start my training for triathlon season. A good caveman dinner and some good sleep later, and I was ready to hit the water this morning for my first real swim of 2009. It felt good to be back gliding through the water and settling into a rhythm that I could hold for laps on end. A glass of 5 raw eggs and an apple were a great way to fuel up for the work day. A co-worker and I got to talking about running yesterday and we both agreed that barefoot running or at least running with race flat shoes was the best way. I couldn’t remember the name of those toe shoes I’d read about, but a little research later I found them: http://www.vibramfivefingers.com/ A little further research found a review on these shoes, of which had a comment by a website that promotes running barefoot! Awesome, this is exactly the kind of running a caveman needs to do. On the site, their was an article about walking barefoot as much as possible and how it will heal all kinds of foot ailments caused by wearing shoes. So as of today, I will walk barefoot as much as possible. I’ll still carry a pair of shoes with me though, because they’re often required to enter most businesses. I encourage you to give this some thought too, and hopefully some practice. Ditch the shoes, and enjoy your new freedom!

Keep an eye out later this week for some updates to the health tips section (finally!) and the Tech Corner. I had some time during my Bar H trip this past weekend to do some writing. Speaking of the race at Bar H, not much exciting to report. I didn’t have a bad race, but I didn’t have a great race either. Fasting and hard workouts the week before and camping out in 24 degree weather Saturday night left me a bit tired Sunday morning. Race course was too short anyways. A winning time of 1:37, my time of 1:48. Normally the winning time for a cross country race is around 2 hours even. I was just getting warmed up at the end! This weekend family is in town for camping, and I will likely compete in Tunis Roubaix. Happy Wednesday.

Greg

God painted the bluebonnets in the fields
By a tough little scrub oak on an East Texas hill
And he plucked the star from a lone star sky
And he put it in the twinkle of a cowboy’s eye

The wide open spaces he made wild and free
Texas as far as any eye can see
And he made her sons grow tough and strong
They still cry when they hear a sad song

No place but Texas
Would I ever roam
No place but Texas
My home, sweet home
No place but Texas
My home, sweet home

When I die I hope they bury me
By the Pedernales River ‘neath a white oak tree
Where I can see the longhorns graze
And the cactus flowers blooming in the morning haze

No place but Texas
Would I ever roam
No place but Texas
My home, sweet home
No place but Texas
My home, sweet home

Amen to that Willie, amen.

Happy Texas Independence Day, ya’ll.