Quick Night

About six hours ago I got home from changing the store around with Ben and Brian. Now I am up and I know Ben is up because we are meeting for our 6am ride. Anyone interested, let us know for next week. I love getting a 3 plus hour ride in before work, but I have a feeling that today I might be dragging a little at the end of the day. Today is the last Community Education class that we host in the repair center at the shop. Next classes start in June; make sure to sign up early to save a spot.
Specials thanks to Jenna for helping last night too. (Brian's Wife)

Dirt in March

I have to say this is the first time that I have been on dirt in the month of March for a very long time. I hit the trails early this morning accompanied by Brian and Jesrin to the south end trails. Plum creek, I must say, is riding very well. With the morning temperature below freezing the trail was solid but I would have to say that during mid day I think it would still be OK to ride with out any damage to the trail. The North Loop trail on the other hand, is a trail that needs to dry out before riding. Some have attempted and it has resulted in many ruts in the trail. For now, we just need to stay off.

As far as training progresses, I think that I am in a pretty good position for the year. Right now though, I can tell that my legs are not recovering as well. The only thing that has changed with training in the last few weeks has been a incremental increase in hours, but not quite enough to make that big of a change in the way I feel. My only conclusion is that shop is at a very busy time and it is go go go. Being on my feet 12 straight hours day in day out, will do it I think. I am not going to complain because fitting and getting new people on fancy bikes is a ton of fun.

With the busiest time of the year in full swing, I am going to be putting my non bike related hobby aside for the season and restart with it again in the fall. This past winter I started throwing pottery again for the first time in 13 years. I must say it was the most relaxing thing I have done in a long time. Too bad I just don't have time to do it anymore this time of year. Here is a picture that Angela took of a couple pieces.

Already looking forward to next fall to get back to the studio. I have a list of stuff that I want to make.

Spring Time is Near

It's Raining, It's Raining, and riding must go on. Well, that is- riding must go on but it will be downstairs. This is the most crucial time to take care of one's self is when the temps are still low for riding outside, training time increases, and when there is still some flu bugs going around. For me, I would normally go ride in the rain, but when the temps are chilly and the training hours are stacking up, I head downstairs on the trainer to make sure I keep training on the quality side.
Speaking of quality, last weekend I was able to achieve some great early morning riding before work. Sure was nice and I am now on the bike full time after 3 hours on Saturday and 4 hours on Sunday.

Sunshine

I have been putting off getting on the bike for about the last month for couple reasons. It is not because I don't like to ride, but skiing has been wonderful and I feel mentally it will be good for me with the long hours that I will be putting in this year.
Yesterday though, was a bike day. How could I resist with the sun shinning and with the tems near 40 degrees. We, Matt N. and I, rode out to St. Joe to explore the new Co Rd 51. I can't wait to do a little hill time trial on that with a road bike. Very nice. I also noticed that the county has done some improvements to Wild Wood ski area on 51. Looks very nice. Hopefully I can make it out there for a ski before we lose all the snow.
The ride from there lead us to some grave for a while and popped us out West of Avon. Just a few hills in there which felt great.
Finally back home with a good almost 4 hrs, I had a 3 minute pit stop, and I was off and running to finalize some year end ski room stuff at the high school. More on that soon.

Riding tip for early spring riding: Bring plenty of nutrition products with, even if you think, "I won't eat all of that."