If It Wasn't For Me..
I started the much put off project of getting a bike up and running for the trainer this winter. I'm trying to pry parts of the old shot-to-shit via 5 years of sweat on the trainer Jamis Nova (AKA "Booger") and seeing what I need to get my old Trek frame/fork up an gooing. Right now I think I just need a chain, cables, bar tape, cassette, and maybe a new front derailleur. Do I really need brakes on a bike that will never leave the trainer? I too embarrassed to even show the state that Booger is in right now. Heep of rust, salt, and grease.
The thought of riding the trainer right now could make me stick a shiv in my throat. I really hope to avoid it at all costs this year, but I know by late November/December I will need to get some indoor work outs in, and by February I'll be needing to throw down some intervals.
I've thought about trying rollers for something new. So if anyone has any recommendations of some AFFORDABLE ones, I'd be interested in hearing about them. Also any tips for increasing resistance? I think I saw last year Kerkove was using a towel or something to add drag to the roller.
Of course I need to get my mind straight and see what kind of racing I'm going to do next year. I want to be more focused on the season. Do I want to do 3 or 4 races in the N.U.E. series, do I want to do an early season 13 Hour Solo (Bakers Doz. I hope!!), The Big Bear 24 and then something at the end like Seven Springs (or other 24?) Both formats have their advantages, but I can't do 'em all. This bod's not cut out for it. Then again Don P. is bustin' my non XC racing ballz to do some W.V.M.B.A. races, so I might try to rock the Vet Sport mid pack in a few races next year.
On the subject of XC, I woner how many local races (if any) will be adopting the new U.S.A. Cycling class system for mountain biking? If you havent heard it's very similar to the Road classifications. The MTB classes will be Pro, Cat 1 (Expert), Cat 2 (Sport), and Cat 3 (Beginner). Semi-Pro is gone. Then of course there are age classifications within said Cat. They say it will help streamline thing for promoters and create more competativeness to help get talented Semi-Pros to the Pro ranks for larger classes. Not sure if all that will happen, but it will be interesting to see if local race promoters like the fine folks from M.A.S.S. or W.V.M.B.A. will incorporate them.
Lastly I leave you my fave listen of the week on iPodious- The band is called The Courteeners. They're turning out some great tunes via Manchester England and have an fine CD called St. Jude. Not sure if it's available in the U.S. (I don't think) other than on Amazon and what not. Not sure you'll dig 'em, but right now I am. At least until next week.
Off the bike again tonight. Gonna keep this one going all week. At least until Saturday. I need to get my leg back to normal and my bod feeling right. So I'm loading up on water, juice, fresh vegetables and protein. If nothing else my colon will continue to turn out the morning goods.
Later.
posted by Jason @ 8:37 PM
2 comments
2 Comments:
Dude, I think you should avoid the trainer for the moment. The weather is still warm, and there are tons of opportunities for night riding. Particularly Frick, and regardless of what people say, you can get away with riding at Boyce at like 7-7:30 when it's dark in the fall.
You aren't racing cross, and even if you decide to do some Month Of Mud races for fun (which I absolutely think you should), you've already got all the fitness you're going to have for the next 4 weeks. So quit worrying about "training" and have fun riding. Play around, go on some group rides, try riding stupid weird things, and maybe go on some epic leaf covered trips. Get some studded tires (or do as I don't and fall on your ass) and ride in the snow.
As far as trainer sessions, I feel you. I forgot how late I get done with things when grad school is in session, so I'm going to be putting my time in too. Although I think for the most part, you ought to not worry about things like tension, resistance, etc. and just sit and spin on the thing for as long as you feel good. (I don't think you need brakes, or even a front wheel).
Hopefully you'll do some of the WVMBA races next year, and maybe do some of the Michaux races. My plans are for Michaux, W101, some other 100s (Mohican? Shenondoah?), making cat 3 road, and we'll see what else.
And as far as winter intervals are concerned, I don't think you need to be really concerned with them until March. Before that, if you're looking for a way to get some speed back in your legs there is this once a month...
http://www.nwgasorba.org/the_snake.html
I hear you man. Not worrying about the trainer now. Just need to make sure January doesn't come and I find myself with no bike on the trainer.
I think you would rock a race like the W101. Someone your size will fly up those hills. Especially when you ditch the FS and roll a light weight scandium/carbon 29er HT ;)
Good luck getting your bike back together.
BTW I picked up that book you mentioned your lady was reading (The Athletes Way). Not too bad. I dig some of brain shit that he talks about. Visualization, meditation, etc.,
See you soon.
j
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