What Now?

I went for a ride at Boyce today and felt "OK" but I can't say I'm feeling stoked about my fitness for this Saturday. The trails of Boyce Parke are a strange beast. Part of the trails were so dry that the earth was cracking, other parts had pockets of deep mud and/or slick clay and roots. On one little dip that's covered with roots my front tire shot out from under me and the next thing you know I'm off the trail and over a bank in mix of sticks, thorns, and God-knows-what.

Boyce used to be my favorite local places to ride, but with each ride I do there this year I get a little less enthused about riding there. Part of it's me. Part of it is the trail conditions and weather, and part of it is just boredom. I've been hearing good things about South Park from my friend in Mo'Town, maybe it's time I gave that a try?

Jezzzus! I was antzy today. I mean I JUST finished XXC v.3, I have a race coming up, fading fitness, a race bike that's in the shop, no job, and to top if off- the Tour is not on! My God how I long for the siren song of Phil and Paul's voices. Not that I'm that much of a Euro Road Dog, it's just that when the Tour is on, everything is right in the world. When the Tour is over there is nothing. Baseball? Please. I used to dig it, but I just can't watch it anymore. Pro football teams are reporting to camp! Dear Lord I'd rather shoot myself in the face than watch, hear or listen to ANYthing to do with pro football. 300 lb. steroid freaks and criminals? No thanks.

Sure Pro Cycling has it's flaws, and I by no means am it's biggest fan, but I long for a day when we can watch NOT just the Tour, but the Classics, ALL of the Grand Tours, UCI World Cup Mountain Biking, and Cyclocross. Yeah, I know there are web casts of the races, but half of them never work and even when they do, I really don't want to sit at my desk and watch a race. I will say this- BIG PROPS to Cyclingdirt.com for how they covered the U.S. MTB Nationals this year AND most recently the UCI races in Mt. Saint Anne. Damn good stuff. Maybe the BEST of the possible two (?) web sites dedicated to XC racing.

Cycling Videos on CyclingDirt

The only thing I would recommend to Cyclingdirt.com is that they offer some .mp4/movie/quick time downloads of the races. It would be bad ass to be able to download them, make a compilation and watch all together. I know that's a bit greedy, but I AM a bit greedy. And I love to watch me some bike racin' when I'm not racin' myself.

Today I made the "executive" to f*ck the tent for the 101, and sleep in the xB. For one thing I gotta say- I hate camping! OK, I don't HATE it, but when I need sleep I hate it. And have you ever tried to sleep in a field of 40o endurance freaks, half of whom are enjoying some fine libations? It's not easy. The last time I did the 101 my friend Rick hooked us up with a place to stay. It was the condo of some PSU Art Proff. that had a generous collection of vintage gynecological equipment. I slept OK then, but not that great, 'cause I kept having the feeling that Rick was gonna sneak up on me with that vintage speculum!

But I will make the best of it. I'm going into the 101 with only the hopes of besting my '07 time which was just awful due in part to HIGH heat, humidity, and bonk. For this one I'm going in with an open mind. Hell I may even take my camera with me on the race. The riding in the State College area is beautiful, not to mention I'll need some "content' for Issue #4. ;)

Gotta split. The house is empty right now and I want to enjoy the peace.

Later.