Sunday, March 11, 2012

Time to race!

Hard to believe, but here it is...March 11, 2012, and the 1st weekend of the 3-week ABR Spring Training Criteriums in Pleasant Prairie, WI, sponsored by Kenosha Velosport. The weather for these early-season races is always unpredictable, but the forecast for race time today is mid-50s with moderate (11-12 mph) winds.

I enjoyed a great off-season, and am coming into these races with more miles under my legs than I ever have in the past. Thanks for that, in large part, is due to the Computrainer classes put on by Bicycle Heaven and taught by Patrick Fasse and Rob Kelly. On a twice-weekly basis from December to the present those guys put us through some killer 90-minute or two-hour workout sessions that pushed me harder than I ever could have pushed myself sitting on the trainer in the basement.

And now it is time to see what effect that training has had on my ability to post up some results. My biggest problem in the past has been fading on the last lap of the race. I'm hoping that the strength picked up from these classes will allow me to better conserve my energy during the race so that I have plenty left in the tank for that final sprint.

So, what are my goals for 2012? Podium finishes. Never in my racing career have I ever climbed up those steps and put my arms in the air. I badly want for that to change this year. And, depending on what kind of results I post up, perhaps an upgrade to Cat 3? Bicycle Heaven already has a great 3 squad, and several 4s are on the verge of movin' on up. I'd love to be a part of that group.

Keep reading to see how it all shakes out. For now, its time to race.

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