Somewhat Idle

I hate this time of year, with the shorter days and longer hours at work it makes it super tough to get a ride in. I will ride in just about any weather but sometimes weather plays a part in that role as well. I am trying to focus that frustration into goal oriented thoughts and future training plans but it's tough when there is so much good food around this time of year. Right now I feel like a dog on a chain when it comes to riding my bike, going for a ride and doing a training ride are totally different and I want a lot of training. It is super early but after a year of hardcore riding it is hard to not want to rip your legs off every chance you get.

I also hate that so many races have their regestration so early in the year, I understand they need to get the ball rolling and I totally respect that. I just don't like the fact that I won't know my schedule for sure serveral months out so it makes it tough to commit to some races. The biggest factor for me is I may have to go ahead and pay several hundred dollars in January to register for the races I want to get into and that can be taxing in itself. It's the way it is and I'll deal with it but I can still complain!!! I have not nailed down many races for next year for sure yet, the only one for sure I plan to do is Dirty Kanza, I will try to get back out to Indiana next fall to do that 24 hr again. I would like to do 24 hr of Wausua but it falls on inventory (for work) again so that would be super tough, but hey I might not be working there when that race rolls around. I had some early thoughts about trying to qualify and race at Nationals in Idaho, that would be an experience that I would love but I'm not sure that will happen this go around and that is okay.

I don't know exactly yet but I will probably have a different look next season, I won't give any details until I have decided for sure. No this change doesn't involve a change from 26" to 29" (Although I haven't thrown in the towel on that one), I could really use 3 more inches..."I was in the pool"!!!

I figured I better post something on here since it had been awhile and the last thing was about my pup, who by the way is laying across my neck and chest as I type this.

She's A Lover

I know this is a cycling blog but our pup will be spending some time with me on the trail (plus this is my blog!!!), Selma is getting bigger everyday. She is able to jump on the couch with ease and this morning actually made it up on our bed, she had to get her rear feet on the frame but she made it up all by herself.

Right now she is laying on Jonas on the couch, I think he is using her as a heating blanket. I let her lay on my chest last night while I was on the couch, she was nice and warm. There is no doubt she is a pup, when it is time to play you better be ready to play...she is a hoot.

Just Hanging

I purchased a new saddle for my cross bike, a Fizik Airone. It was scheduled to arrive on Tue or Wed but it still hasn't arrived so I am hoping that it will get here today. I guess the USPS forgot that I am the only person on the planet and they have other things to deliver as well!!! Not a big deal I just want my new toy, what am I 8 years old....I must have grown up. I bet Santa has the Postal workers humping it this time of year, he better not be sitting on my saddle. I'm going to be pissed if it smells like sugar cookie and hot cocoa farts, I plan to put my own savory blend on it (I don't know why nobody wants to ride my bike when I offer it).

Off Is On?

I know a lot of guys are still racing and their fitness is awesome right now but I am in my off season, I would rather be racing cross but work just isn't allowing it right now so I am doing what I have to do. I can't complain because I have done a lot of races this year...but I always want more. I went out and rode the loop today, it took me almost as long to get dressed for the ride as it did for the ride (and it wasn't real fast!!!). I wanted to make sure I was warm enough that the ride was enjoyable, I have done enough rides when the temp is anywhere from 10-25 degree's and I have gotten so cold that I hurt something fierce. I wasn't going to look at my computer to see what my avg was but as you can probably guess I ended up looking. The ride started out into the wind that was blowing out of the West/North West, it wasn't the strongest wind but it was still pretty stout. After being off the bike for nearly 3 weeks this was my 4th ride in 5 days and my legs were reminding of that as I was grinding into the wind. Taking into consideration the extra efforts this week, the wind, and the cooler weather I guess my avg wasn't too bad but I have to remember it isn't always about numbers. I am getting saddle time and burning calories, I can tell I am burning more calories because I am hungry all the time it seems. I was eating all the time while off the bike but I wasn't hungry...just bored, or maybe I am just used to eating all the time.