Putting in the effort

Well its that time of the year that we get all excited to get out and ride our bikes in the nice semi warm weather, except for Nathan and Lindsey. Everyone else on the team has been on a ride with me sometime this year I believe. I have been trying to put in as many miles as possible. Especially since the MTB race season has already begun and the next race is two days away, hence the reason I am sitting at my computer resting and not out riding.

So far we have taken advantage of the good weather. I have been hitting the mtb trails pretty hard lately and even some gravel road rides to get some good long hill training in. The only problem is that I tend to overdue it. Riding about 12 out of 14 days was a bad choice. I needed rest and didnt give my body any, as a result my body shut down and became sick. So I took a much needed 6 days off and picked up right were I left. We have gotten in some really good road rides also. Not to many long distance ones yet but a lot in the 20-30 mile range. It is hard when the sun goes down so early.

Good news to report, Brad picked up a sweet new Giant road bike. Great decision for him, the old Lemond was a bit ugly in my mind, but he liked it and that is all that matters. Aaron is coming on strong as well. He believes that he is in better shape already this year then at the end of last. He has put in countless hours on the trainer while there was snow on the ground and to cold to ride outside. Whatch out for Aaron! Mary picked up a new Salsa Mamacita 29er!! I am glad to see another 29er out there, get rid of the small wheels! I hope she likes it. Doug finally got fitted for his road bike, which was way out of whack from what i understand. He should be ready to roll now. Plus with that awesome new headset and carbon handlebars on the Superfly carbon 29er, he should be ready!

No excuses for not having time to ride! Doug and I rode last saturday at 5:45am with the lights on. That was awesome. I bought a new set of lights and was itching to try them out. I am very happy with the set that I bought. Everyone should try a night or early morning ride!

Enough for now

Jay

New MS150 team!

We have setup an official "Schlafly Cycling" MS150 team this year. Please follow the link and sign up. We are hoping for 20 plus members this year. Lets do all we can to reach our goal!

http://main.nationalmssociety.org/site/TR/Bike/MOSBikeEvents?team_id=203835&pg=team&fr_id=12981

Jay

Training Update

Well the weather is getting warmer and it has been great to get outside and ride! I am pretty tired of riding the training rollers in the basement, getting up early every Saturday morning to run and go to spin class, and to spend countless hours in the gym on the treadmill, stair climber, or bike.

The past few weeks have been great! Got a few good rides in with Aaron, one was after a 1 hour spin class followed by a 4 mile run, then a 20 mile bike with A. Brad and I have had a few good quality rides on the road, Jeff went with us once I believe. I had a great ride with Chris Stitz, a bit faster than the others but what else would I expect from an Expert class rider. The only problem with this time if year is that I get to excited to ride outside and cannot turn down the opportunity to ride.

I tried to ride Lost Valley last weekend but some spots were very sloppy. Needs some more time to dry out! It is the start of themountain bike race season this weekend,the UFD series now. I raced St Joe last year in the beginner division and took third with Jason Pryor takins second and KeithWeinkein taking first. This year I have to race sport or marathon with the faster crowd which will be good for me!!! It will only make me faster! With all the rain I am a little up in the air if I wil make the 1.5 hour drive to ride a mudfest.

I have been riding a lot lately and working hard in the gym so I hope it pays off! I am feeling a little sinus infection or cold coming on, it usually only happens to me when I train to much and don't give my body enough rest, typical me.