New TT build

Behold my new TT bike.  I have spend a whopping 6 minutes riding this thing (in 2 minute sections) and am racing it tomorrow morning.  No fitting, no workouts, no nothing.  This is a good idea, no?

Cherry Blossom Stage 1: Crash

Yep, starting another stage race this weekend.  Coming off San Dimas I knew I had the legs but just not the luck.  My goal was to change that this weekend.

Picture from San Dimas

Found this photo from Stage 1 at San Dimas.

photo courtesy of Annette--SDSR Media

San Dimas Stage 2--I killed it today

I straight up dominated today.  I had read several reports (1, 2) from last year's race so I expected this to be a tough race not nothing out of my grasp.  This course is notorious for cross winds and natural attrition due to the climbs.  Also, the KOM and Sprint points on the line tend to keep the field together.  Looking at it, I didn't think it would be that bad.  Plus, I had some business to take care of after yesterday's sub-par TT.

So, race goes off, the pace is high but not unbearable.  "The climb" comes and goes.  If this is considered a climb these people need to go ride some 'real' roads.  Yes, there's a small 13% pitch in there but this thing is short.  Next lap is the KOM.  Speaking of which, the KOM is about a 200m before the summit and descent so all the climbers immediately sit up before actually cresting the summit.  KOM 1 comes and I'm with the lead group.  Everyone sits up and I attack off the front.  I get my gap on the descent and they let me just ride off the front.  The tailwind pushes me all the way through the finish line and I'm gone.  The entire field just sat up and looked at each other, waiting for someone else to chase.  Over the next 6 laps I built up a 4 minute lead and I think the field forgot about me.  40+ miles off the front, in the wind.  I'm now holding the overall with a 2:37 lead over second place.  Assuming I can just finish the crit tomorrow I've got this thing in the bag.

Right.  Want to read what really happened?  Jump past the break...

San Dimas: Glendora Mountian Time Trial--Disappointed

Today reminded me of one thing:  I need to work on time trialing.  I know I have the physical strength, now I need the mental component.  I went into this race with both a time and wattage goal, I didn't hit either.

a look at one of the switchbacks

San Dimas Stage Race: holy crap, this is happening

Here I sit in Southern California, still amazed that this trip is actually happening.  When I was initially presented with this trip proposal I thought "yeah right, there's no way that could happen" and then things started falling into place.  Next thing I know I'm on a plane and then riding along the California coast.

You know those places you see pictures of with palm trees, resorts on the ocean and surfers everywhere?  This is it.  Ok, I'm a few months early but you get the picture.

PSU Collegiate RR

Been sitting on these pictures for a few days with the intention of writing something in more detail but I realize that's not going to happen.  Below are a few pictures from the collegiate race last Sunday (3/20).  I used this race as practice and finished 9th out of 19.  The major accomplishment was staying with the group and learning exactly how these guys work together--good prep for San Dimas.  Well, enjoy and I'll keep you updated as to how San Dimas goes.  

All pictures taken from Wheels in Focus.