Lucy in Hee-Haw hat

Lucy in Hee-Haw hat

Easley Sapp Education

I'm fat and out of shape and Josh, John and Aaron can climb fast.

My bike looks nice at sunset

The gravel is nice on smooth down by the river.

I saw a Camel.

Easley Sapp Education

I'm fat and out of shape and Josh, John and Aaron can climb fast.

My bike looks nice at sunset

The gravel is nice on smooth down by the river.

I saw a Camel.

quick post

I'm at work, this better be quick. Lucy was a huge hit at a work function yesterday. Here's a picture of her. I also had this weird dream that the punk rock band L7 had a website with the same name as my blog, which is a stupid name. L7 is a cool name, though. I also had dreams about all these Lincoln folks I once knew, Matt Gersib, Kevin Wilkins, Mitch from the bike shop, hippy Paul. Where are they now? I guess I sort of looked like a hippy back then, too.

quick post

I'm at work, this better be quick. Lucy was a huge hit at a work function yesterday. Here's a picture of her. I also had this weird dream that the punk rock band L7 had a website with the same name as my blog, which is a stupid name. L7 is a cool name, though. I also had dreams about all these Lincoln folks I once knew, Matt Gersib, Kevin Wilkins, Mitch from the bike shop, hippy Paul. Where are they now? I guess I sort of looked like a hippy back then, too.

Training in Springfield

I don't know how long its been since I've enjoyed riding so much. Years. Since 1995, maybe.

I've been putting in some real quality miles down here in Spring-patch. My father-in-law, Gary, is a huge cycling fan as well as my brother-in-law, Scott. They have tons of bikes in his garage. They know how amazing it is that Dmitri Konyshev is still riding because they were following cycling back in 1989 when he got 2nd to Lemond at the World Road Championships.

Konyshev was in a couple of breaks at Roubaix, one of the four events Gary had taped for me off of OLN. I just watched Valverde win Liege. That was one hell of a finish. I'm in cycling heaven down here. We have extra hands to help out with Lucy, and wish I could stay a few more days.

Training in Springfield

I don't know how long its been since I've enjoyed riding so much. Years. Since 1995, maybe.

I've been putting in some real quality miles down here in Spring-patch. My father-in-law, Gary, is a huge cycling fan as well as my brother-in-law, Scott. They have tons of bikes in his garage. They know how amazing it is that Dmitri Konyshev is still riding because they were following cycling back in 1989 when he got 2nd to Lemond at the World Road Championships.

Konyshev was in a couple of breaks at Roubaix, one of the four events Gary had taped for me off of OLN. I just watched Valverde win Liege. That was one hell of a finish. I'm in cycling heaven down here. We have extra hands to help out with Lucy, and wish I could stay a few more days.

Bicycling

I got a late start to riding this year, and somehow its made my spring training rides even more pleasurable than usual. First of all, I'm not even the slightest bit burned out--in fact, all I can think about is bikes right now. Secondly, and I think this has something to do with the first bit, by the very nature of my busy schedule right now, my rides have to be packed with quality workouts. This decreases some of the boredom I've found recently with long endurance type rides. I used to love long solo miles. Now, I only prefer long miles with a group. For some reason this spring has also been extra beautiful, perhaps it is because I'm seeing it all through the fresh eyes of my daughter. The simple pleasure of just being outdoors on a bike, or hiking with Lucy, has offered a completely different perspective on what the turn of the seasons really mean to me.

Speaking of groups, I've decided to amp up my speed and get down to 185 or so before I start doing the Tue. night rides. Sunday I did an old speedwork workout that used to just thrash my legs: 1 minute on, 1 minute off, to hell with recovery, for 30 minutes. If one is not properly exploded by the time the 30 minutes are up, than you aren't doing enough work. Anyway, this should get me ready for Tight-Pants Tuesday by the middle of May. I really miss the social aspect of it right now, but I know it would demoralize me currently, though. It would be so sweet to be able to perform on those rides like I did in 1999 and 2000 (actually take pulls, instead of attacking off the back.)

Bicycling

I got a late start to riding this year, and somehow its made my spring training rides even more pleasurable than usual. First of all, I'm not even the slightest bit burned out--in fact, all I can think about is bikes right now. Secondly, and I think this has something to do with the first bit, by the very nature of my busy schedule right now, my rides have to be packed with quality workouts. This decreases some of the boredom I've found recently with long endurance type rides. I used to love long solo miles. Now, I only prefer long miles with a group. For some reason this spring has also been extra beautiful, perhaps it is because I'm seeing it all through the fresh eyes of my daughter. The simple pleasure of just being outdoors on a bike, or hiking with Lucy, has offered a completely different perspective on what the turn of the seasons really mean to me.

Speaking of groups, I've decided to amp up my speed and get down to 185 or so before I start doing the Tue. night rides. Sunday I did an old speedwork workout that used to just thrash my legs: 1 minute on, 1 minute off, to hell with recovery, for 30 minutes. If one is not properly exploded by the time the 30 minutes are up, than you aren't doing enough work. Anyway, this should get me ready for Tight-Pants Tuesday by the middle of May. I really miss the social aspect of it right now, but I know it would demoralize me currently, though. It would be so sweet to be able to perform on those rides like I did in 1999 and 2000 (actually take pulls, instead of attacking off the back.)

Approved training plans

First, I’d also like to give a shout-out to my brother. Here he is stringing out the field at the Regional Collegiate races in Columbia, Missouri: March of 1998. He was racing for Indiana at the time. The mid to late 1990s were halcyon days for both of us on the bike. He appears to be breathing through his nose. He also looks to be making some Marion guys suffer, which was and is always nice to see.

I’ve decided that training for the crits down at Hotter N’ Hell as well as some other August races and the September crits over Labor Day will truly prepare me for cyclocross season. I’m hoping that Josh reads this, because I’d like this to be a butthead approved cx training plan.™ I’m also doing the NEMO triathlon in September. I'm uncertain if this will be approved. I was actually out at Grindstone on my cross bike a few days ago and got stoked for the practice workouts of pain in the fall. Damn those are fun.

I’m also doing what are called “Sprint 8” workouts twice a week on the bike, just to see if they have much effect. I’m sure everyone has read about them, I’m dubious about them helping endurance, but I used to be a good sprinter, so I’m hoping they will help me in that category. I don't have any time for endurance type workouts, except for dragging myself home from the tight-pants ride on Tue at 15 miles per hour.

Approved training plans

First, I’d also like to give a shout-out to my brother. Here he is stringing out the field at the Regional Collegiate races in Columbia, Missouri: March of 1998. He was racing for Indiana at the time. The mid to late 1990s were halcyon days for both of us on the bike. He appears to be breathing through his nose. He also looks to be making some Marion guys suffer, which was and is always nice to see.

I’ve decided that training for the crits down at Hotter N’ Hell as well as some other August races and the September crits over Labor Day will truly prepare me for cyclocross season. I’m hoping that Josh reads this, because I’d like this to be a butthead approved cx training plan.™ I’m also doing the NEMO triathlon in September. I'm uncertain if this will be approved. I was actually out at Grindstone on my cross bike a few days ago and got stoked for the practice workouts of pain in the fall. Damn those are fun.

I’m also doing what are called “Sprint 8” workouts twice a week on the bike, just to see if they have much effect. I’m sure everyone has read about them, I’m dubious about them helping endurance, but I used to be a good sprinter, so I’m hoping they will help me in that category. I don't have any time for endurance type workouts, except for dragging myself home from the tight-pants ride on Tue at 15 miles per hour.

Lucy hamming it up

Lucy hamming it up

J. Mascis

Is still a guitar God, and Lou and Murph were on last night also. Dinosaur still plays at fantastically loud volumes. Youch. What a great show, though.

Check out the first act of last night: http://www.priestessband.com/. These guys killed us all, too.

J. Mascis

Is still a guitar God, and Lou and Murph were on last night also. Dinosaur still plays at fantastically loud volumes. Youch. What a great show, though.

Check out the first act of last night: http://www.priestessband.com/. These guys killed us all, too.

CBC

Ever since I moved back to Missouri, and for a short time in 1997 when I was here between seasonal jobs with the U.S. Forest Service, I've proudly ridden in a Columbia Bike Club Race Team jersey. I definitely haven't been one of the more active members, and in fact have been in and out of the radar over the past 7 years or so.

I've always found CBC to be the nicest club I've ever ridden with, however. I think I've taken it for granted too long. Even though I'm pretty much just concentrating on 'cross anymore, its inspiring to see how well we are doing on the road this year. CBC is certainly experiencing a rennaissance. I'm hitting the meeting on Monday. I need to start giving more back to this sport that has always meant so much to me.

In other news, my brother in law and I are going to see Dinosaur Jr tommorow. I haven't seen them in like 13 years. Last time they freaking blew my ear-drums out. Since I'm an old man now, I'm going to wear ear plugs. J. Mascis apparently looks like Mr. Potatohead with grey hair.

CBC

Ever since I moved back to Missouri, and for a short time in 1997 when I was here between seasonal jobs with the U.S. Forest Service, I've proudly ridden in a Columbia Bike Club Race Team jersey. I definitely haven't been one of the more active members, and in fact have been in and out of the radar over the past 7 years or so.

I've always found CBC to be the nicest club I've ever ridden with, however. I think I've taken it for granted too long. Even though I'm pretty much just concentrating on 'cross anymore, its inspiring to see how well we are doing on the road this year. CBC is certainly experiencing a rennaissance. I'm hitting the meeting on Monday. I need to start giving more back to this sport that has always meant so much to me.

In other news, my brother in law and I are going to see Dinosaur Jr tommorow. I haven't seen them in like 13 years. Last time they freaking blew my ear-drums out. Since I'm an old man now, I'm going to wear ear plugs. J. Mascis apparently looks like Mr. Potatohead with grey hair.

Bailage.

What was formerly known as the John Bowder’s Easley/Roubaix Classic will be in session again this year on Thursday nights.

I bailed on the Reverend last night, thinking that there would be storms, but it turned out to be one of the most beautiful evenings of the year and I took Lucy for a run in our new jogger. Forgive me Reverend. Lucy loves her jogger though!!!

Anyone interested in the John Bowder’s ride (Probably called the Sapp-Roubaix or something like that this year):

It starts at the church at Sapp, heads toward MM on Nashville Church/Andrew Sapp road, off of MM hits some gravel before Easley, and then up Easley hill back to Sapp for another loop. If you have the proper tires on the gravel is totally do-able and I actually just use Hutchison Clinchers and have always been fine. The gravel is usually just a pretty smooth drit path. This ride, coupled with TPT (Tight Pants Tuesday) would be all the training you need during the week. I plan to alternate TPT with the Bowders ride. Hope to see some folks out there at Sapp, Thursdays at 5:30 pm! I know Josh came out a few times and stomped all of us. Greenbeans, Reverend, and Bowders will also be out there to put the hurt on.

Bailage.

What was formerly known as the John Bowder’s Easley/Roubaix Classic will be in session again this year on Thursday nights.

I bailed on the Reverend last night, thinking that there would be storms, but it turned out to be one of the most beautiful evenings of the year and I took Lucy for a run in our new jogger. Forgive me Reverend. Lucy loves her jogger though!!!

Anyone interested in the John Bowder’s ride (Probably called the Sapp-Roubaix or something like that this year):

It starts at the church at Sapp, heads toward MM on Nashville Church/Andrew Sapp road, off of MM hits some gravel before Easley, and then up Easley hill back to Sapp for another loop. If you have the proper tires on the gravel is totally do-able and I actually just use Hutchison Clinchers and have always been fine. The gravel is usually just a pretty smooth drit path. This ride, coupled with TPT (Tight Pants Tuesday) would be all the training you need during the week. I plan to alternate TPT with the Bowders ride. Hope to see some folks out there at Sapp, Thursdays at 5:30 pm! I know Josh came out a few times and stomped all of us. Greenbeans, Reverend, and Bowders will also be out there to put the hurt on.

Cyclocross in the Spring?

I was just thinking that what makes cyclocross season so nice is how short it is. I was just measuring out the road season and it’s pretty much 9 months out of the year, 12 months if you are an Aussie. Cross season is only really 3 months long. Anyone can race 3 months and not get burned out. Also, the races are short, which is nice.

Damn I love cyclocross.

Cyclocross in the Spring?

I was just thinking that what makes cyclocross season so nice is how short it is. I was just measuring out the road season and it’s pretty much 9 months out of the year, 12 months if you are an Aussie. Cross season is only really 3 months long. Anyone can race 3 months and not get burned out. Also, the races are short, which is nice.

Damn I love cyclocross.

Training Plans

First: let me give a shout-out to Metzdorf, Kersha and Oz. Meeting up with you guys was exactly what I needed today to get me more motivated for the season. It was incredibly nice to talk with Jason about Dillon, too, and swap some new father stories. I even dry-heaved on a hill, which is a sure sign that I'm willing to suffer again in the Spring. I've got to get out to the Tue night rides by May so I can see all the Columbia folks again. We have such a great cycling community here.

I was thinking of the way my seasons have gone since 2004. Its usually:

April - June: Jump into Cat. 3 crits with inadequate fitness and too much fat and get dropped half way through the race or finish near the very back. Swear I'm "never going to race another crit again."

July: Do the 110 mile Kirksville century ride with my brother and have a horrific melt-down in Bevier. In an overheated haze, swear that "the road is too f*cking flat" up to Kirksville. Swear that I'm going to "skip the race next year and play badminton all July."

August: Drink beer and curse the heat. Hardly ride at all.

Sept: Do the NEMO triathlon in Kirksville. Swear that I'm going to "Specialize in triathlons or duathlons next year." Within a week realize that I generally despise tri culture.

Oct - Dec: Ride cyclocross bike. Race cyclocross bike. Have a blast on the bike. Do Butthead's Grindstone cx practices and nearly take out many dogs and hippy chicks. Keep having a blast on the bike. Realize cx is a lot like road racing was back in the 1980s, before every Cat. 3 asshole thought they were going to be the next Lance Armstrong. Drink good beer. Make peace with cycling once again for the simple fact that there is still some fun in bike racing--found in the cyclocross world.

Anyway, I hope this year will be vastly different and that I will love every moment on the bike. I don't think that's too much to ask. I'd love to do well in a road race again.

Training Plans

First: let me give a shout-out to Metzdorf, Kersha and Oz. Meeting up with you guys was exactly what I needed today to get me more motivated for the season. It was incredibly nice to talk with Jason about Dillon, too, and swap some new father stories. I even dry-heaved on a hill, which is a sure sign that I'm willing to suffer again in the Spring. I've got to get out to the Tue night rides by May so I can see all the Columbia folks again. We have such a great cycling community here.

I was thinking of the way my seasons have gone since 2004. Its usually:

April - June: Jump into Cat. 3 crits with inadequate fitness and too much fat and get dropped half way through the race or finish near the very back. Swear I'm "never going to race another crit again."

July: Do the 110 mile Kirksville century ride with my brother and have a horrific melt-down in Bevier. In an overheated haze, swear that "the road is too f*cking flat" up to Kirksville. Swear that I'm going to "skip the race next year and play badminton all July."

August: Drink beer and curse the heat. Hardly ride at all.

Sept: Do the NEMO triathlon in Kirksville. Swear that I'm going to "Specialize in triathlons or duathlons next year." Within a week realize that I generally despise tri culture.

Oct - Dec: Ride cyclocross bike. Race cyclocross bike. Have a blast on the bike. Do Butthead's Grindstone cx practices and nearly take out many dogs and hippy chicks. Keep having a blast on the bike. Realize cx is a lot like road racing was back in the 1980s, before every Cat. 3 asshole thought they were going to be the next Lance Armstrong. Drink good beer. Make peace with cycling once again for the simple fact that there is still some fun in bike racing--found in the cyclocross world.

Anyway, I hope this year will be vastly different and that I will love every moment on the bike. I don't think that's too much to ask. I'd love to do well in a road race again.