Morning Spin

Took an easy morning noodle around Bear Creek Park and was able to watch the sunrise. Ready for the weekend, time to race. Escape mediocrity!

Good Bye Friend

17 years of service!

Weekend ahead

I have been thinking alot about the race this weekend. Not from the stand point of nerves or of my ability, but from the state of racing in CO. I consider myself a decent racer and tend to have a positive outlook. Since moving to CO, some of that has changed. Living in Austin I was the president of my bike club and rode with a great group of teammates. I have tried many times to join a club or team to no avail. A lot of that has to do with the fact I am not finishing in the top 10 in every race or that I don't toe up to the line every weekend. Just plain frustrating! I believe I have talents that any team would like to have. Oh well!

High country excursion

Headed to the mountains for a weekend out of the heat. I think everybody had the same idea. The trails were packed with avid cyclists knocking out miles climbing Vail pass. I rode from Breck to Vail, roughly 63 miles on Saturday. It was a pleasant way to spend the day. Sunday brought a grueling but short ride up to Hoosier pass in cold, damp conditions.

As I get older the rides I do in the mountains really help calm my soul. The expansiveness of the wilderness with the crisp air and clear blue sky make me realize that life will always be good. On that note: HAPPY BIRTHDAY to ME!!!!!

The worst has happened!

To all cyclist their morning hit of coffee is what gets them out the door. Well, I have to say my coffee maker is gasping for breath. It has been part of my cycling routine for going on 17 years and has traveled from Marshalltown, IA to Houston, TX to Austin, TX to Denver, CO. Looking for a new coffee maker is harder than buying a bicycle. The technology has changed so much to complete such a simple task. It will probably take me the better part of the next few weeks to purchase a replacement.

I was able to get out for a easy spin this morning without a stout cup of joe. Heading off to the mountains for some long miles and to escape the heat.

Climbing back into shape

Rode in the heat, climbing over 7 miles up along highway 40. The legs were weary from doing hill repeats the day before but I felt solid. Hopefully Salida will be a good race for me.

Heat!

Boy is it HOT! I am suppose to go and do a long climb this evening. 104 on the back deck at its hottest.

I'll update the climb later......

The bike feels good..

I am back at it on the bike and it is feeling good. I did race this past weekend and that did not feel good, but I haven't been racing every weekend since March like the rest of the pack. I am planning on doing a road race in Salida. I am stoked!

It has been a hectic July and the rest of the summer looks to be the same.

Thanks

Pictures

I have figured out the whole picture thing and now will be posting more.



Freewheeling ride in Austin, Texas.













Matt at Michigan Bluff, mile 55!

Looking strong coming out of the aid station.

Is recovery overrated?

Tried to ride the Firecracker 50 two days ago and had a bad day. I am still reeling from the fact that I was unable to finish. The legs had no juice!! They are still tweaked from the effort with my brother. Will spend the next few days trying to recover so I can salvage what is left of the racing season.