Tuesday In The Dirt and Some '06 Thoughts

Decent ride at Boyce tonight. Not long though. Only 1:15/12 miles of single track.
My cassette is shot on the El Santo. It's the classic new chain/worn cassette = aggravation. But it was a great night for riding. I just had to push some harder gears than I wanted with my knees a tad tender. I'll be heading back tomorrow for a longer ride on the Titus. God bless two bikes, 'cause I have NO cash for cassettes right now. F-Bomb!

Been thinking more about next year and my goals. I plan on pretty much the same schedule as this year with hopefully some more 6 hour and marathons as my finances will allow. Not sure where the closest NORBA will be. Snowshoe is done. It would be great if they came back to Seven Springs. I'd also like to venture somewhere new to race like out West. Hopefully Wifey and I can get back to Crested Butte this year. It would be cool to schedule the trip around doing the Leadville 100 or something. Altitude would be a BIG problem. I've ridden at 8,000+ Feet many times, but RACING might be a one way ticket to pain.

I would also like to be more streamlined with my planning and pits. The Element will be used to sleep in and I'd like to find my own pop-up tent to use for pits. Have Wifey or my Dad for nutrition and stick more to my two bike plan. One goes down, grab the other and go. Tom was great this year helping. But not sure he'll be in to another year. I on the other hand can't imagine NOT doing another year of racing. That's the problem with getting older. Everyone (including me) has kids and other responsibilities. Wifey is great though and I know I can rely on her for help. Thanks babe!

Fitness wise, I have the endurance, now I need to work on sustained speed if possible. I think doing a few XC races through the year might help as well as doing a better job of avoiding "junk miles". More work outs in my LT zone and more interval and power training should help. But what the hell do I know. More research needed.

Other Stuff: The new Death Cab For Cutie CD "Plans" is great. They're one of my faves. And if you like them I know you've checked out The Postal Service. That one has been in my rotation for over a year or more. Good stuff. I'm a sucker for good hooks with some "sad bastard" lyrics.

Time for bed.

Later