Schedules, Goals, And Ideas

It happened today... Today was the day I looked at my potential race schedule and said- "This just won't do!" I need to get my races and goals prioritized! I know what types of races are most important to me. My "A" Races are Endurance Races- The solos, the hundies and anything over 40 miles on dirt. The "B" races will be my attempt at XC racing for the first time in what I believe is 6 years. The "C" races will be Cross races and anything in between.

OK, so I now have my races prioritized, now I need to focus on my goals for the season:

1] I would like to qualify for the NUE Series. Even if I'm DFL, I would like to get 4 races 100 miles races in. I think it would be cool to hit some new venues, see some new places, ride some new trail and meet some new folks. This will involve some travel, but that can be half the adventure of a race season.

2] I want to do at least 2 to 3 Solo events. They will be under 24 hours and I want to do well. I don't care about winning, but smelling a top 5 spot would be nice.

3] I would like to finish high in the W.V.M.B.A. points in Vet Sport. Whiv-Im-Ba races are some of the toughest on the east coast and as I mentioned above, my ass hasn't done a "ballz out" XC race in about 6 years. The trouble here is that I really don't know WHAT to expect of myself AND I need 5 points races to qualify. Working 5 races in amidst the planning, build and recovery time of an endurance season in going to be tough.

There are a couple XC races that I plan on doing that are sanctioned by W.V.M.B.A. but are non points races. Frig! I won't be disappointed if I don't do well or qualify. My main goal is to try to get faster, but doing fast races with faster people.

4] I plan putting together a few low key "large spirited group training rides" where the one who does the best gets some cash money. Some of you know about this already and will be getting more details as the season progresses.

5] Number 5 is bike and race related, but not really a "race goal". I realized today that I love the creative side of things when I can work on the creative things I WANT to work on (ahem- BIKES!) That's sort of why I blog so much. I love the writing, taking pics, creating my banners, etc. ALL in the name of bikes and endurance racing. I have an idea that I hope to bring to fruition in 2009 or worst case 2010. It will involve a LOT of what you see here on The Soiled Chamois but I want it to be bigger than me. It might even involve YOU too. I might just be riding some evening spin endorphin high, but I feel like I MIGHT have something just different enough to work and be fun. Much to think about on #5.

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So having blathered on about the races, this is schedule. It looks like a lot, but keep in mind there is NO WAY I will be doing all of these, especially all the XC races. I just need 5 points races from those. I haven't got the time or talent to pull all of this off. Got me a Wifey and B-Man too. This is just thinking out loud, throwing shit against the wall type schedule planning.

The races in BOLD are Enduros and they take first priority over all else. And remember "A" does not mean I plan to try to "win" a race, it just means those are races I that will need/get the most attention from me in terms of prep, build, focus, and recovery.

01/31: Snotcycle XC (C)
03/08: Camp Hilbert 5 Hour (B/C, just want to test the legs)
04/05: Wilderness Challenge XC-No Points (C)
04/18: Leesburg Bakers Dozen 13 Hour Solo (A)
05/03: WVMBA Challenge at Mountwood (B)
05/17: WVMBA Tour de Lake XC (B)
05/30: Mohican 100 (A)
06/20: Lumberjack 100 (A) OR 06/21 WVMBA Applachian Classic XC (B)
or
06/27: 12 Hours of Cranky Monkey (A)
07/05: WVMBA Race To lil Moe's XC (B)
07/19: WVMBA Valley Falls XC (B)
07/26: WVMBA Little Beaver Challenge (B)
08/01: Wilderness 101 (A)
08/16: WVMBA Dirt Derby XC (XC) or 8/15: Fools Gold 100 (A)
08/30: WVMBA Black Bear Race XC (B)
09/06: SM100 (A) or Seven Springs Solo (A)
If out of N.U.E. "qualifying I'll just do 7 Springs.
09/20: WVMBA Henry Clay XC (B)

Thanks for letting me fling mental race poo tonight. Tomorrow- Bike choices and gear. The fun stuff!

Later.