Sunday, March 16, 2008

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

3 comments:

gman said...

There is speed with numbers.
The more riders, the faster the pace.
The ride is only as fast as the tailgunner.
No rider left behind, too far!

Gman

Chad Bishop said...

If you embrace the power of 'yellow' my son, the sun will shineth upon your brow, and the wind will flow mighty against your rump.
---
Yes, please show up as often as you can, it is much better to have as many as possible at training rides and your anti-yellow attitude is entertaining.

Pete Basso said...

Like you said in your post, keep showing up and you'll get faster. For three years, (four counting this winter), I've been chasing one of the faster Cat 1's in IA around as a training partner. Although this guy can step on the pedals at anytime and ride off the front, (and often does), it has provided me with a goal to stay hitched on his wheel everyday we train together. As a Cat 5 he had patience with me, As a Cat 4 I was glued to his wheel but dropped from time to time now as a Cat 3 I'm riding with him on every ride and even taking pulls.

I single handedly credit this guy for making me faster, although my pride suffered at first, my confidence in the races has grown immensely. There is light at the back of the peloton. Keep working and you'll see the rewards.

Good luck out there!