Groundhog CX

Gene (40+), Luke(30+), and i (50+)did the masters race. 1 of us in each category. 15 total in the race 5 in each cat. we did ok, i dont know how Luke and Gene did in their cat and over all. I hung in ok, wasnt last, but on the last lap about 100 yds from the end, the rear wheel picked up a branch and it snapped the rear derailleur off, i started running-walking, but the guy (only 1, damn) behind me passed me. i got to the road that is the last part of the lap, got on the bike and Jon gave me a push, then i propelled myself by pushing on the road with my right leg like i was on a scooter. anyway i finished DFL, but i finished. now i have to get a rear derailleur and hanger. First race and i broke.

Jason, Aaron, Gene and Jon raced the Senior open, didnt take long for Jason to lap most of the field and some of them twice. He picked up first place by a big margin.

the following race was the classic-open, cross bikes only, Jason signed up and took this race with almost as big a gap as the prior race.

2 First's for Jason, Great job man.

Too fat again.

It's been so long since I've posted and I'm heavy again. I've got to lay off the beer in the off season.           Like that will happen anytime soon, maybe for a little while anyway.

Picked up a cyclocross bike in Dec. I went to a few races in the fall to watch and it looked like great fun. Racers are very laid back, having a good time. Oh, and they do beer hand-ups, I'll fit right in. Been riding local hiking trails and gravel-snowy roads for training. my first cx race is Feb 20th. Tour de Groundhog near Springfield Il.
So I've 4 weeks to shed a few more pounds, i also need to get out and practice running barriers, that should help get some weight off.
Also, I'll try to keep this blog a little more current.
later
Karl

Winter Doldrums, feeling tired, lazy and fat. Hurry up Spring..

Roto Q Rings

I bought a set of time trial rings awhile back, (May) on the advice of a friend. I also did some research and found some good write ups on various cycling sites.
I also came across a place that had the rings on sale so i decided to get a set for my road bike. The TT rings are 54-42 and the road bike is compact so I ordered 52-36 for it. The installation was easy, they provide good instructions. They also recommend riding 300 miles or so in position 3 to get used to them, then move them to a position that works for your riding style. I skipped  that and went to the masher (less cadence) position (4) from the start.

I've used them all season and i do feel they have helped me get a little more power to the road and i haven't felt any unusual knee or leg pain. Haven't used them on any long steep climbs yet, we'll see how they do next spring at the SI training camp.

Working on setting up moble blogging

40k Time Trial

Did my first 40k time trial yesterday, it was near the town of Paw Paw. Luke, John Betenia and I left Rantoul at 5:30 for the drive up. We made it with plenty of time to reg and get in some warmup time. The weather was good and wind was fair. We took off from the start 1 min behind each other. I was feeling good and was hoping to have a good result. Never having done 40k, i didnt know how hard i could go and still have enough to finish. i finished in 1hr 5 min. and had energy left, i could have rode harder. oh well, now i know and will work harder on the next one.
Ave mph was 23. I'm going to work to break an hour by Drubers race in Aug.

Put on my Q rings on both bikes today, hope i can get some speed from them.

Cracked

Man, did I crack last evening during our ride. Did ok till the rise going into Monticello then it seemed like nothing was there, no power, no anything. All I can think of is that the heat (90* plus) did me in. I've never been able to take it well for long. I'm racing this Sat and the temps are supposed to still be up there, hopefully I'll get to go early before it gets too hot.