Finding Rhythm

School started last week! Which means I have 4 days in which I have a 3hr chunk of time to complete all my domestic duties (training, wrenching, etc.). It adds a bit more rushing around but it is a good exercise in time management. 'Cross training starts in earnest tomorrow.

So far we have been able to commute to school on the Tandem for most every trip, 3 round trips per day. I am on the hunt for a Burley Piccolo trail a bike to make the commute easier but they are not easy to locate.

In other news.....

If you have not made plans for late April 08, then TIv4 should be written in. Looks like GTed and Mr Pals are teaming up to bring us yet another great Iowa gravel adventure.

Por Los Runners

Just wanted to give the wife some props for running up Pikes Peak this past weekend in a time of 4:12.50. She placed 124 out of 485 female runners. Her next big run in Imogene Pass which is from Ouray to Telluride.

Next phase

With school starting next week, an increase in the available training time will be focused back to the dirt. Lots of 'cross practice with more days playing in the dirt than on the tar. The ACA has put up an awesome fall schedule of 'Cross events. The plan is to finish up the season in KC at nationals or take a mid-season swing out west for sscxwc. The travel for this cross season will be greater than in the past with weekends in Breck, Frisco, and Gunnison.

I can't wait to read this new rag dedicated to only one thing. Also, check out this site from Breck 'cross contingent, I am liking the Lion of Flanders logo. I will be flying some Crossniac colors this season.

The IRD is getting back together slowly. I have been riding the Waltworks mostly with a set of Speed King Cross tyres (700x35) pushing a 32x14. I am toying with the idea of mounting a set of drop bars on the Waltworks but still undecided.

I am not sure if I am more excited about 'cross or that the kids are going back to school.

Hiatus

After a quick trip to Iowa and Chicago, back in the foothills with preparation for the start of school and 'cross taking up much of my time. Brief recap of the trip: Heading east into the humidity that is the midwest making a stop in Lincoln to pillage the farmers market eating all things unheathy. First visit was M'town where we played tennis, rode bikes, ate sweetcorn, and visited ISU. Then on to Chicago with a stop in Dubuque to ride the tram and eat pizza. In Chicago we rode bikes, visited downtown, boated, and drank beer. All in all a great relaxing end to the summer.

Getting the 'cross bike built back up, decided to add gears back on with the idea of actually trying to have a decent season. The Waltworks will be called into service as my backup bike and for those few SS races. The 'cross specific workouts have begun with the first race in Breck only a month away.

Time to stock the fridge with Hoegaarden! (and some PBR)

Midwest

Marshalltown Sunrise