'09 Race Geekness (12" Wintry Mix Version)

Wheels are SERIOUSLY in motion for the 2009 season and I have to say I've not been this stoked for a season in a while. Don't get me wrong, I look forward to and LOVE every race season, but this one just seems new and different, even though I plan on doing many of the same races as in years past. I'm not sure why?

I guess I feel pretty good about my potential fitness, and I'm TOTALLY psyched about my race bikes- the ever popular, much velo-sturbated over Salsa Dos Niner and the spanky new, direct from Salsa, yet to be built because I don't have all the parts yet Big Mama. I'm also pretty excited for doing more new N.U.E. Series races and less Solo events. Hell, I'm already officially signed up for 2 hundies-Mohican and Lumberjack, hotel rooms booked, etc. I dig the Solo thing and I of course look forward to the LBD in April. I've waffled a lot this winter on race plans but I have to say I have no real desire (this year) to go beyond the 13 hour mark. Solo 5, 6, 8, 12, and 13 hour races - you have my attention. 24? Not this year. Maybe it's the money, maybe it's the lack of enjoyment, or maybe it was the DVT scare that I still believe stemmed from Seven Springs? Who knows?

What I do know is that 2009 is all about the BIG RIDE! The 100 mile race, Marathons, all day ride in the mountains, and underground race shenanigans with my fellow race geeks. Then of course I'll be throwing in some "one-hitters" in the form of some XC races down in W.V.

I'm also pretty happy to finally have met some friends and teammates who are into the same kind of racing that I'm into. AND are into the idea of traveling to races together and sharing expenses. That takes some of the cash guilt out of the season, and just makes the race experience even more fun. Looking forward to sharing the joy of pain with those guys this year and introducing them to that which is known as "The Hundie"! I know I'm looking forward to them RE-introduce me to XC racing. Should be a fun season.

Gotta go, poop to do, Wintry mix on the way, and I got me a personal day tomorrow, to lay around and be a jag off all day. OR get in some spinning and core stuff? Hmmm.

Later.