GREAT DAY FOR A GROUP RIDE (but i got dropped)

The first part of getting faster, is showing up! By this I mean, you have to show up to the bike races, or group rides. Even when you know that showing up is going to be rough on the ego. That is what I did today on the team Sunday ride. Even with the miles starting to add up in the training log, there have been very few major efforts yet this season. I had heard the gossip, that some of the guys on the team are already flying. Bishop even had a strong 2nd place showing at the first Conn Day race of the season (nice going). So just holding onto the tail today would have been reward enough. THIS DIDN'T HAPPEN. I got dropped early and often! The few glimmers of good form were book end by gasps for any available air, and me flailing all over my bike, while watching the group pull away. It's a sinking feeling loosing the draft, and seeing the group leave you for more "time trial" practice. For those of you that have never felt the suck of going backwards, good for you! For the rest of you, just keep showing up. Eventually "they say" you get better. Just cuz it's not working for me, there still might be hope for you.........Ty

CAN YOU SPORT A SUNGLASSES MIRROR AND STILL BE COOL?

My poll question of the week. If you wear a mirror on your person, or hang one off your bike, can you still be in the "cool" bike racer club? I have a friend who has a trucker sized mirror on his otherwise beautiful Felt road bike. It looks out of place, and ruins the lines of the bike. But he swears by it, and feels much safer while riding with it on. So if you feel more comfortable with it, and it helps you ride your bike more, isn't that a good thing? I also began thinking, will this rearward looking appendage really make a difference when the pickup truck shoulder brushers come calling? Yes you'll know there coming, and when to flinch, but that's about it. This summer one of my goals is to ride more with my oldest son. So in an effort to be more aware of traffic, I bought a mirror that attaches to my glasses. On a few of our 2 up rides, I have used it, and was quite impressed as to how it worked. So much so that I have even used it on several of my solo rides. I have to admit that the "style factor" goes way down, and there is no way at all to make it look good. I will never be able to wear it in large groups. As my fragile ego would never hold up to the torment. So if you see me all decked out euro style pretending to be the player that i'm not, the reminder to you will be hanging from my glasses. The good news for most of you is that i'll probably never see you behind me in said mirror. But if I do..............Then chances are, you have one on too!!!!!! Ty

A GILLIGAN 3 HOUR TOUR

A three hour single speed tour today of the surrounding gravel roads. Started off smooth, but as the day warmed up into the 30's, the edges began to soften up. So by the end of the journey, MUD was the name of the game. The new fenders are now paying dividends big time! The other problem, is that county road crews have been out in full strength re-graveling all the area farm roads. While I'm sure the farmers and country dwellers are thankful of this, my cross bike with the 34mm tires and no suspension was all over the place (or maybe just my handling skills). With one gear and new "mushy" gravel, some of the hills were massive undertakings. But not one car passed me the whole time! That and the new wool socks I got, made for warm tootsies and some fun spring base miles. I am getting the itch for a good group ride. Anyone with the same thought, give me a ring. Extended forcast for the weekend is for 50's! Ty

RE-RUN GETS READY FOR THE TOUR

Re-run (Thomas) and I are heading for the tour this summer! Well TOMROV anyway. With 3 months to get ready, he is doing his part to be in ride shape. The weather outside has been for the dihard riders only. So his base miles are being put in on the trainer. I'm impressed with his moxy so far. As all riders know there is nothing that drains motivation more than slogging away on a trainer in the basement. Thanks to Greg at Harper's, a new shorter stem has made the bike fit as good as can be expected on a hand-me-down frame. I'm trying not to be Earl Woods and start touting him as the next "Tiger" of the sports world. Just a dad and his son spending 3 months training together, so they can enjoy a weekend of bike riding in June. He'll have pleanty of time to get ready for the real tour next year! Ty

NEW TRAINING GROUNDS

Hiked some double track today, and it looks prime for good cross practice when conditions go dry. I've been in the hunt for a much longer training trail. The few local parks that I used last year are good in a pinch, but circle after circle can get a bit tedious. I'm trying to connect some trails that I use with gravel roads, or just one big off road circuit. The goal is an hour or even better lap. If I do find the "magic" course is anybody out there interested in a LONG DISTANCE cross race??? Like the Iron Cross in Pennsylvania, or the Three Peaks cross race in England. Maybe a 2 plus hour mass start cross race. Don't know, still looking, could be fun. I don't want it to be just a gravel race (we have plenty of those), or a single track mtb race, so that's the challenge. But I think I can find it given some effort. Let me know your thoughts. Ty

FIRST "OUTDOOR" RIDE OF THE YEAR

So heavy my truck might have trouble towing her.

Not pretty, but very effective at keeping me dry.

Missed the great temps yesterday, and was not about to do the same today. A solid two months off the roads has "I think" finally broke my burn out funk from last season. I once again could not wait to turn peddles. With road conditions a pot hole mine field, and puddles and road grime in full swing, I opted for the lead sled of my stable. My single speed, a Greg Harper classic, is the Frankenstein of bicycles! The family tree of this bike splits from untold whereabouts. Countless hours of dumpster diving and rummaging through the "vast" Harper back room inventory have gone into her creation. Ugly, Heavy, one gear, but also indestructible and reliable, and I love riding her! Forgot what headwinds felt like, and what happens to thighs when the road points upward. So it was good to get the first ride out of the way. With daylight savings just around the corner, the group rides are not far behind. Ty