Back on the bike, and in the gym, and on the mat...

Yesterday was a good day. It started with a yoga class at River City Bikes. Nothing like 75 minutes of stretching and strengthening to get the day started right! I can really feel the difference that yoga has made in my cycling; my core is stronger than ever, even if my legs and lungs have some catching up to do. Yoga will be my secret weapon this season. Thanks to Ellee for getting me started and keeping me going!

I set out for what I thought would be a nice 3-hour ride in the afternoon. It turned into a 5-hour ride. The one big climb on the course was gravel. Well, it should have been gravel, but recent rains made it more like mud. Thick, sticky mud. It was a long slog up that hill, and it turned into kind of a long slog along the ridge line as well. Good training, but it did mean I coasted in slightly after dark.

A few quick bites of food, and it was off to the climbing gym! I started climb outside this summer and really enjoyed it. Climbing indoors isn't quite as much fun; I don't like following the established routes. But it is good cross-training, and I look forward to doing some more challenging climbs outside in 2010. So it was 2 hours in the gym, climbing and hanging out with friends.

Training starts in earnest next week. My post card didn't get to Iowa in time, so I don't know if I will get to race TransIowa this year. If not, I might look for some other long distance event to fill that hole.

And so it begins...

I sent in a postcard to register for Trans Iowa. Assuming I get in, that means a winter of training. At least I won't be training alone; Ellee wants to ride along and plans to contest the Dirty Kanza, another race to which I hope to pay a return visit.

The white singlespeed cross bike was sold, and a nice Surly Long Haul Trucker took its place. I am using it for commuting, but also hope to do some touring with it as well. I have less than 100 miles on it so far, but it seems like a solid bike. Heavy, but solid.

I plan to use this space as I have in the past; stories about training and racing. Now that some races are on the schedule, there should be more bits and pieces to share. If that sort of thing interests you, stay tuned!

Mexico Riding Pictures

Just a few shots of riding in Mexico. Note the jank bikes. Note the maintainance being done on jank bikes. Notice Joe and Ellee still out riding (and enjoying) bikes!

Greetings from Mexico!

I am taking some time off the bike.

For the next little while, I will be traveling around Mexico with my girlfriend Ellee. While we might get to ride bikes one in a while, I won't be training on the bike in any way while I am here. This will be the longest I have spent not training in years. Part of me is sad, because there are lots of places down here that would be great on the MTB. On the other hand, lots of old injuries are healing and I expect to get back to the states in a very well-rested condition.

I have sketched out a race schedule and a training plan for 2010. I'd like to revisit some old spots (TI, DK) and enjoy some new challenges as well (Tahoe, Big Bear) but nothing is really set in stone yet.

So, expect to see very little in the way of updates here over the next couple of months. When I ride, I'll post something up. Otherwise, my focus will be on other things. If you want to know how my non-riding life is fairing, check out Facebook. I'm at least updating status every couple of days.

Take care,

Joe

Cross Bike Pics and Specs, 54cm, $1500/obo

Frame: Raleigh Rainier, aluminum, horizontal dropouts, 54cm TT
Fork: Easton EC90x, carbon
Wheels: Used 2004 Mavic Ksyrium, round and true
Tires: Used Specialized Armadillo
Crank: Used Shimano XT, 44t single chainring
Cog: Chris King steel 15t
Post: FSA Alloy, white
Bars: FSA Alloy, white, ergowing
Stem: Kore, White
Seat: Shimano Pro, white/black

Bikes for Sale!!

I have two bikes for sale:

1. 2008 Kona Hei-Hei 29er full suspension MTB. $1500/obo

It has mostly XT parts, upgraded saddle (Selle Italia Flite) and rear wheel (Mike Curiak-build Hope Pro II on Bontrager Mustang rim). The fork has been bumped up to 100mm, and fork and shock were recently serviced. The bike has been ridden on some tough trails and has taken a tumble or two and bares some scratches as evidence of that fact. Shifts great, pivots are solid, and has many more years of service left.

2. Raleigh Ranier single speed cross bike $1500/obo

Brand new frame, fork, handlebar, stem, seat, seatpost, brakes, levers and tape. The only used parts are the wheels (2001 Ksyriums) and crank (2007 XT). It is set up with 44/15 and road tires now, but I could put almost any gear combo you might like and I have a few newish 'cross tires that could go on there as well. I've had the frame for a while but only just built it up. It has less than 50 miles on it, and they have all been on the road.

I'll post pictues of both a bit later, or you can send me a note at partridge dot joe at gmail dot com. I'd like to sell them to a Portland local, but will ship at the buyers expense.

Thanks! Help a brother fund a trip to Mexico!!

Cream Puff Pictures