Wheels, Smoothies & Guidance

Shot down to Dirty Harry's on my lunch hour to have them take a look at my wheels. Front wheel, as expected, is fine. But Scott concurs that the rear is indeed cracked in 2 different places. So they kept the wheel and are in contact with Bontrager/Trek to try to get me a new wheel. They believe it won't be an issue, but said at the very worst the rim would be replaced. Either way if it saves me from spending cash on new wheels right now

The Bontrager Race rims, are pretty notoriously a pretty low budget, low brow set of wheels. But until the cracking issue, I never thought about them. Just rode 'em. Sure, I'd like high zoot set of Mavic wheels or at least some Ultegra/Open Pros, but why spend that high zoot jing on wheels that will never get raced, or probably even see a group ride when I can spend that money on race fees, nutrition and guidance?

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I mentioned a week or so ago I picked up a blender to start making some smoothies. First couple attempts were OK, but nothing to write home about. I had some small successes, but recently I came up with my fave recipe so far, and I've been all over smoothies like a fat kid with a gravy shake!

Here's my fave one so far...

• 5 or 6 Frozen Strawberries (about 1/2 cup?)
• 1 Banana
• 1 Peeled Navel Orange
• 1 Scoop of Hammer Soy Protein
• 5 or 6 Ice Cubes
• A dash or two of water (about 1/2 or as needed)

I had never thought about putting a Navel Orange in a smoothie, but did some Googling and sure enough there are Smoothie Heads out there doing it. So GAME ON! Chop that beeeeotch up! Seriously, this smoothie is so tasty! Banana/Orange/Strawberry friggin' goodness!!! Just ask Vilgax!!

Stats: 279 Calories, 2g Fat, 54g Carbs, 8g Fiber, 28g Protein. Because I don't use yogurt or milk in this, it cuts back the calories and allows me to have a piece or two of whole grain toast with it if I choose. Or on a big ride day, some toast with some peanut butter for a little more Oompf™

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LINK UPDATE- Dave Harris and Lynda Wallenfels can now be found at 2-epic.com.These two kick "training" up to a new level. I think they may be the only folks on earth using power meters, performance models, charts, etc., to race single speeds! Sure is interesting to watch.

Speaking of Lynda, I'm excited that I have a "consultation" coming up with her in the near future. Sometimes you need to be guided in the right direction of how to make the most of what you're trying to do with your racing and bounce some ideas around with somebody who actually knows about endurance mountain bike racing, not just "bike racing".

I've been in touch with LW in the past and she's always come through with some sound advice that made sense, but this is the first time that I'll get the chance to really pick her brain on my goals for the season. I'm not doing full blow coaching. Just a consultation to get some guidance on the season. Sort of like a female, mountain biking, enduro freak, Obi-Wan Kenobi. If that makes sense? I need to find the "force" for my racing. :)

I REALLY though my schedule was "set" last week. Yeah, that's gonna change a bit. Looks like I might hit more of the shorter M.A.S.S. Enduro races and maybe even (gulp) do a "team" (relax, it would be a Duo!) event or two so as not to F with my "A" races.

I do have to double check the M.A.S.S. schedule. It appeared (rightfully so) that there was some grumbling on the message boards about many of the races only being 4 hours when they used to be 6, and one or two may be change back to 6. I hope this happens. Would make my drives worth it and keep me within my "don't drive longer than the race is" rule.

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Got 1:15 of spinning and weights in tonight. Off tomorrow to hang with B-Man and relax. Hope to get SOMETHING outside on Saturday, but it all depends on the weather of course.

Later.