Well it's that point in the year really when it's time to make some tough decisions. Life is full of decisions, and heck there are a ton more decisions that carry more meaning than the ones I will make for 2013 for my cycling season, but they are decisions none the less....
Like the decision of my focus for the next upcoming season. Of course to do that ya have to reflect on the season that has passed. So let's do that for a short bit shall we? I would call the season a moderate success. I underachieved for a portion, and then got a few good results, but I'm a glass half empty kind of guy, so I see the failures more than I see the successes such as winning the Oregon XC Series Cat 1 19-34 Title, and winning a couple crits, doing well in some road races, and more importantly a podium finish at the US Mountain Bike Marathon Nationals. That means I tend to focus on the bad, such as a lackluster finish at the Cascade Cycling Classic in which I finished 13th overall. Not quite what I wanted, but not bad considering the lack of time on a TT bike beforehand. But still I wanted to finish up there in the overall soooo bad, but all it's going to do is motivate me for next year! Speaking of next year....
I have decisions I have to make to ensure I reach my goals this time. Such as the possibility (more than likely) decision of leaving this place I called home for a warmed climate to build a better base for next season. But than there's the decision of what races do I truly want to focus on next year?
I've decided that I'm going to have a steady diet of stage racing to my 2013 calender because ya know what? These are the events that I love the most, and feel that with the proper training I could accomplish some things. Yes I love mountain biking, and the atmosphere that comes with it, but nothing compares to digging deep on a last stage to try to come out on top after a few days of racing. Yes I'll still race some mountain bike races, but the focus is truly going to be on the road stepping forward.
Nothing is 100% certain, but 2013 could be one wild ride!
-Austin Line
Monday, October 1, 2012
Friday, September 21, 2012
Marathon Natz Recap
So.....It's been awhile since i've updated this thing, but I vow I will get much better at keeping things updated from now on. Let's see what have I missed? Oh that race....What's it called? Oh yeah that's right....US Mountain Bike Marathon Nationals!
Let's just say the week leading up to them didn't really go according to plan....First off I was expecting the new 29er to be ready to rock and roll on Wednesday with the race being on Saturday....Well that didn't really happen, but it did get built! Only.....It was Friday the night before the race when it was done, but when it was all said and done it weighed in at an incredible 21lbs, and a quick spin on it cofirmed what I had thought....This is going to be one fast bike! With everything ready to go I went to "sleep" as I knew it was going to be a tough day ahead of me in the morning..
Well....The sleep was going good until my body decided ya know what? I'm going to wake up at 2 in the morning and not go to bed...Dang it.....So with around 3 or so hours of sleep I was wondering how this whole race was going to pan out...I arrived at the Wanoga Sno Park, and it was a brisk 43 degrees....Yeah....Wasn't digging the early morning temps that's for sure...I picked up my number plate, and then proceeded to keep warm in the confines of the car. Before I knew it it was almost go time, and I was excited yet nervous at the same time. Not knowing how my body was going to react at all, but I was optimistic.
Of course there was call ups for riders who have scored USA Cycling points, but of course being from Oregon, and mostly racing in Oregon that doesn't equal getting USAC points due to the fact we have the awesome sanctioning body of OBRA for our racing! But all was not lost because I was still in the 2nd row on the start. The gun went off, and it was a high pace on the double track, which is something I would become accustomed to in the opening few miles of the race. Originally it was a group of about 4 of us at the front setting a solid tempo trying to put some time into our rivals! As we got to one of the more steep climbs I soon learned the attacks were going to come flying....Yeah....Umm....No thanks, and my body just wasn't ready for such fierce attacks, and I decided ya know what? It's a long race, so I'll just set a nice solid tempo, so I don't end up blowing up, and having to charge the 45 some odd miles remaining on fumes....This was a great idea, but it also meant that I got passed by another few people putting me in 7th. It was at this point I knew I could try to rely on my endurance to bring me back in the game.
Slowly, but surely I reeled some of them in...I moved up two places on the flagline climb to put me in 5th in the category, but I wasn't really happy with that, and continued to try and see if I could catch anyone else...Of course normally a course with this much climbing isn't really my cup of tea, but I had to make the most of it. I was sure regretting not pre riding the course at all before the race....Note to self...Use make use of my close proximity to the race course..
I continued to plug along, and it was finally on the downhills in which I noticed the true capabilities of the 29er...Wow....You barely have to pedal to rocket downhill on these things! It's no wonder there the trend for around this area! The extra traction in the soft moon dust corners was just icing on the cake as I'm pretty sure I was rocketing through sections I'm sure I would have been second guessing at the same speeds on the 26er..
I didn't see any competitors for a long long time....That is until Dynamo hum...At least I think that's what it's called...I gotta get out and explore my backyard more....I saw a familiar kit from earlier in the race off in the distance, and I knew I had to catch him before we started descending again as I knew I had the edge there. So I plugged along on the climb keeping a decent clip, not over reaching, but not soft pedaling either. Just a nice solid pace. He bobbled, and made a mistake hit a rock, and I was able to squeeze by, and determined to to let him follow my lines, and pace off me I gunned it in an effort to put some time into him, and it worked! Yes...I was moving up in the race after all! After at least an hour or so of being solo passing nobody except some Pro Women who had started 10 minutes before our race.
I would have to say Dynamo is probably one of the most fun trails I haven't been on yet, and I really want to ride it more now that I know it exist! Diving through turns, and quick uphills followed by quick downhills, and some flowing turns...It was just all Central Oregon biking is about...I vow to return! But unfortunately the fun had to come to an end, and it was off to some more fire roads! Except these ones looked a bit more familiar than the ones in the earlier part of the race! Yes! I was getting closer to the Wanoga Sno-Park, which signals one quick loop, and I was finally done! I raced by the Sno-Park with an extra burst of energy because of it! Well...That, and the fact my mom, and some friends were cheering me on, so it gave me that extra bit of motivation to go that much faster even if my legs were on there last leg...No pun intended...
Finally....It was onto a familiar section! Tiddlywinks! I was ever so optimistic that I could possibly catch some more rivals if I put my local knowledge to use on the rest of the course of which I'm extremely familiar with! In fact last time I was racing down Tiddlywinks was Pickett's Charge, which I did well at, and had fond memories of how fast I was going on the dowhill...However this was not to be as my arms of all things were fatigued and didn't quite allow the control necessary to go downhill at the speeds I was accustomed to, well that and somewhere along the course I had burped some air out of the front tire, and now it was rolling over on itself if I pushed it a little to hard in the corners...Well....I really didn't wanna stop to give up any more time, so from then on out it was pure damage control....I knew that if I made it to the bottom, I could easily make it the rest of the way because funner is mainly uphill until the finish, and that's exactly what I did.
I have to say that was the hardest time I have EVER had getting up funner, and it may or may not have had something to do with the previous 40 some off miles, but still it just plain hurt! I suppose if I didn't feel this way then I didn't try hard enough then anyways right? So I gritted my teeth, and just grinded it out on funner determined to not lose anymore time, but not exactly expecting to gain anything either. Just expecting to stay neutral I guess you would say..It was a major relief when I got to the sno-park, and was so close to the finish..I was determined to give every last bit of energy I had, and went into TT mode on the asphalt to finish it off!
That was it....It was done....I was happy to have finished....All the hard work I had put in had come to good use as I finished 4th, which isn't exactly what I wanted, but hey it's Nationals and I gave it everything I had, and I got to go on the podium, so I'm happy about that, but next year I learned the Marathon Nationals are going to be in Sun Valley Idaho, and in one of the first weeks of July! I vow to be better prepared next year, and will be aiming for those stars and stripes! You can count on that one!
One thing I did notice was the tremendous support I received out on the course because I was a local! It seemed like every feed zone I passed I could hear people cheering me on, and calling out my name. This always gave me an extra boost to go that much faster, and I'm truly thankful for everyone that was out there supporting the racers. I couldn't have done it without you! I also want to thank my Mom, and Dad for supporting me so much, and allowing me the opportunity to do what I love to do. Then of course there's all my teammates who keep me motivated, and provide a positive atmosphere during the races. Of course there's everyone at Trinity Bikes who I wouldn't of had a bike to even ride without there help. Yes I'm talking about you Eric, and Greg! So everyone who has supported and helped me in this bike racing thing. This one was for you, but I vow it will only get better!
-Austin Line
Let's just say the week leading up to them didn't really go according to plan....First off I was expecting the new 29er to be ready to rock and roll on Wednesday with the race being on Saturday....Well that didn't really happen, but it did get built! Only.....It was Friday the night before the race when it was done, but when it was all said and done it weighed in at an incredible 21lbs, and a quick spin on it cofirmed what I had thought....This is going to be one fast bike! With everything ready to go I went to "sleep" as I knew it was going to be a tough day ahead of me in the morning..
Well....The sleep was going good until my body decided ya know what? I'm going to wake up at 2 in the morning and not go to bed...Dang it.....So with around 3 or so hours of sleep I was wondering how this whole race was going to pan out...I arrived at the Wanoga Sno Park, and it was a brisk 43 degrees....Yeah....Wasn't digging the early morning temps that's for sure...I picked up my number plate, and then proceeded to keep warm in the confines of the car. Before I knew it it was almost go time, and I was excited yet nervous at the same time. Not knowing how my body was going to react at all, but I was optimistic.
Of course there was call ups for riders who have scored USA Cycling points, but of course being from Oregon, and mostly racing in Oregon that doesn't equal getting USAC points due to the fact we have the awesome sanctioning body of OBRA for our racing! But all was not lost because I was still in the 2nd row on the start. The gun went off, and it was a high pace on the double track, which is something I would become accustomed to in the opening few miles of the race. Originally it was a group of about 4 of us at the front setting a solid tempo trying to put some time into our rivals! As we got to one of the more steep climbs I soon learned the attacks were going to come flying....Yeah....Umm....No thanks, and my body just wasn't ready for such fierce attacks, and I decided ya know what? It's a long race, so I'll just set a nice solid tempo, so I don't end up blowing up, and having to charge the 45 some odd miles remaining on fumes....This was a great idea, but it also meant that I got passed by another few people putting me in 7th. It was at this point I knew I could try to rely on my endurance to bring me back in the game.
 |
| Somewhere near Mt. Bachelor.... |
Slowly, but surely I reeled some of them in...I moved up two places on the flagline climb to put me in 5th in the category, but I wasn't really happy with that, and continued to try and see if I could catch anyone else...Of course normally a course with this much climbing isn't really my cup of tea, but I had to make the most of it. I was sure regretting not pre riding the course at all before the race....Note to self...Use make use of my close proximity to the race course..
I continued to plug along, and it was finally on the downhills in which I noticed the true capabilities of the 29er...Wow....You barely have to pedal to rocket downhill on these things! It's no wonder there the trend for around this area! The extra traction in the soft moon dust corners was just icing on the cake as I'm pretty sure I was rocketing through sections I'm sure I would have been second guessing at the same speeds on the 26er..
I didn't see any competitors for a long long time....That is until Dynamo hum...At least I think that's what it's called...I gotta get out and explore my backyard more....I saw a familiar kit from earlier in the race off in the distance, and I knew I had to catch him before we started descending again as I knew I had the edge there. So I plugged along on the climb keeping a decent clip, not over reaching, but not soft pedaling either. Just a nice solid pace. He bobbled, and made a mistake hit a rock, and I was able to squeeze by, and determined to to let him follow my lines, and pace off me I gunned it in an effort to put some time into him, and it worked! Yes...I was moving up in the race after all! After at least an hour or so of being solo passing nobody except some Pro Women who had started 10 minutes before our race.
I would have to say Dynamo is probably one of the most fun trails I haven't been on yet, and I really want to ride it more now that I know it exist! Diving through turns, and quick uphills followed by quick downhills, and some flowing turns...It was just all Central Oregon biking is about...I vow to return! But unfortunately the fun had to come to an end, and it was off to some more fire roads! Except these ones looked a bit more familiar than the ones in the earlier part of the race! Yes! I was getting closer to the Wanoga Sno-Park, which signals one quick loop, and I was finally done! I raced by the Sno-Park with an extra burst of energy because of it! Well...That, and the fact my mom, and some friends were cheering me on, so it gave me that extra bit of motivation to go that much faster even if my legs were on there last leg...No pun intended...
Finally....It was onto a familiar section! Tiddlywinks! I was ever so optimistic that I could possibly catch some more rivals if I put my local knowledge to use on the rest of the course of which I'm extremely familiar with! In fact last time I was racing down Tiddlywinks was Pickett's Charge, which I did well at, and had fond memories of how fast I was going on the dowhill...However this was not to be as my arms of all things were fatigued and didn't quite allow the control necessary to go downhill at the speeds I was accustomed to, well that and somewhere along the course I had burped some air out of the front tire, and now it was rolling over on itself if I pushed it a little to hard in the corners...Well....I really didn't wanna stop to give up any more time, so from then on out it was pure damage control....I knew that if I made it to the bottom, I could easily make it the rest of the way because funner is mainly uphill until the finish, and that's exactly what I did.
I have to say that was the hardest time I have EVER had getting up funner, and it may or may not have had something to do with the previous 40 some off miles, but still it just plain hurt! I suppose if I didn't feel this way then I didn't try hard enough then anyways right? So I gritted my teeth, and just grinded it out on funner determined to not lose anymore time, but not exactly expecting to gain anything either. Just expecting to stay neutral I guess you would say..It was a major relief when I got to the sno-park, and was so close to the finish..I was determined to give every last bit of energy I had, and went into TT mode on the asphalt to finish it off!
 |
| I'm gunning for those stars and bars next year.... |
One thing I did notice was the tremendous support I received out on the course because I was a local! It seemed like every feed zone I passed I could hear people cheering me on, and calling out my name. This always gave me an extra boost to go that much faster, and I'm truly thankful for everyone that was out there supporting the racers. I couldn't have done it without you! I also want to thank my Mom, and Dad for supporting me so much, and allowing me the opportunity to do what I love to do. Then of course there's all my teammates who keep me motivated, and provide a positive atmosphere during the races. Of course there's everyone at Trinity Bikes who I wouldn't of had a bike to even ride without there help. Yes I'm talking about you Eric, and Greg! So everyone who has supported and helped me in this bike racing thing. This one was for you, but I vow it will only get better!
-Austin Line
Friday, June 29, 2012
A whirlwind...
It seems like forever since I gave everyone an update on what I've been up to. The truth is it's been hard to sit down on the computer, and re-hash past memories between working, training, and more importantly racing. That's not to say I don't have anything to write about, because well....I do indeed. So let's see where did I leave off last? Oh yeah..I just finished a not so stellar Bear Springs race...So I guess it's time to talk about Chainbreaker eh?
Well let's see where do I start? I started off with a decent start, but the legs weren't really feeling to great to be honest, and the last lap was a killer as I was completely drained. Apparently the dust got to me, and hear got to me, and that was the end of that race unfortunately...I was still able to squeak out a 4th place finish, which I can't be to bummed about really...Well except for the fact that that bonk on lap 3 cost me a shot at the podium as I saw Doug Turnbull get ahead of me and my legs had no answer as he went on to beat me by about 12 seconds...Doh.....
Next on the race schedule was Spring Thaw...A race I have always enjoyed for it's grueling uphill battle at the start, to it's time trial at the top to the downhill at the end. All around it's probably one of the most fun races I do all year, and usually I can do pretty well there. This year...Well...My climbing was rather unspectacular...Something I need to work on more and more. But more so I think it was just more mental than anything as I pushed super hard towards the top, so obviously I had a little more in me than I expected. All in all I thought like I rode a decent race, but ended up finishing 8th or so...Not what I wanted, but the competition is usually pretty tough down there as well. So chin up, and I was ready for memorial day weekend, and the double header of racing it provides!
It starts off with a road race on saturday on the eastside of Bend called Bend Don't Break. I arrived and I was ready to go! After all it seemed like forever since I did a road race...I mean my last one was Cherry Pie...Doug LaPlaca came to me before the race, and talked about trying to get into a break with me, and of course I was like sure! Why not right?
Straight off the fun the attacks were furious and often. TAI Cycling were sending guys left, and right. I was doing everything in my power to make sure the break didn't get away without me, which would ironically cost me a little bit later in the race, but more on that later..Ryan Ness made a nice move on the 3rd or 4th lap, and nobodyelse was going to bridge up to him, so I was like well...I might as well get up there to help him to see if I can help make it stick. So that's exactly what I did...Unsure if it would actually work or not, so we traded pulls quite a few times and had a decent gap that we held for about a lap, and then the pack came roaring back with Doug LaPlaca coming to bridge back up to us, luckily he didn't bring the rest of the pack with him.
So it was the three of us trading pulls for awhile until poor Ness just couldn't do anything anymore, and eventually dropped back to the safety of the peloton. Just making LaPlaca and I more determined to ensure this move was the decisive one. Then the lead kept growing 32 seconds....1 Minute 24 Seconds....By the last lap we knew the Peloton would sit up and stop cooperating, and would go for the bunch sprint, which is exactly what happened.
LaPlaca made a solid move that I just couldn't follow because my legs were toast, and I have to give him all the credit...He was sooo strong out there, and there were times where I was doing everything I could in my power to just stay on his wheel when he made a pull..He truly deserved that victory, he had the better legs for sure. I ended up second, and honestly I was extremely happy with it! I raced my heart out, and my only worry was if I would have enough juice in the legs for the next day at the Sister's Stampede...
I was nervous when I arrived at the race in Sisters...Unsure of how my legs would react after the hard effort the day before, and unsure of where I would end up because of that....Interesting tidbit...Mr. Eric Helie...AKA....The man at Trinity Bikes who runs things....AKA....My Boss...Made a comment about my back tire looking a little low, and said something about getting a flat....I shrugged it off, and was like eh My tire pressure is fine, this is what I usually run. Neither of us knew how right he would actually be in the end...
I headed to the start line in the front because I knew getting a good start means starting at the front with the big dogs, and it makes the race so much easier when you're racing from the front instead of in the back. I know this from personal experience. To my surprise my legs were feeling amazing for the 2nd day in a row! I got a nice solid start, and was with some uber fast guys so I knew I was doing pretty good in my category...Keyword would be was....I got to the rock section, which literally is only a few more minutes from the finish line, and then it happened...The tire went instantly flat, and my heart sank....All that work....For nothing I thought....There was no question about it....I was extremely disappointed...To be doing so good, and feeling amazing, and then it can all change in an instant. It's what makes the sport of Mountain Biking so tough sometimes, yet it's still what makes me come back to it again, and again. It just wasn't meant to be that day. I felt robbed, and abused, but I knew I rode my heart out, and that's all I could really ask from myself. What stung worse was when I got back and learned based off where I was before the flat I would of taken 2nd with some time to spare..
But there are positives in everything, and the positive out of this one was Bob Gilbert....One of my best friends....My brother from another mother made his first Cat 1 Podium since moving up! I was super proud of him! He put in a lot of hard work to finally get up there, so I was almost glad in a way that I got a flat, and it got him up there. It was a big confidence boost for him to show he belongs in the Cat 1's! I'm sure we should see him on the podium more often now! The smile on his face when he got on that podium was priceless...He looked like a big kid in a candy store....Nice job buddy! You earned it...
Well I'm getting a little tired, and I suppose I should leave some suspense for my next blog post, which will cover the last race of the series, and let's just say the series standings went down to the wire with some familiar foe...
Thanks for reading!
-Austin Line
Trinity Bikes Cycling Team
Well let's see where do I start? I started off with a decent start, but the legs weren't really feeling to great to be honest, and the last lap was a killer as I was completely drained. Apparently the dust got to me, and hear got to me, and that was the end of that race unfortunately...I was still able to squeak out a 4th place finish, which I can't be to bummed about really...Well except for the fact that that bonk on lap 3 cost me a shot at the podium as I saw Doug Turnbull get ahead of me and my legs had no answer as he went on to beat me by about 12 seconds...Doh.....
Next on the race schedule was Spring Thaw...A race I have always enjoyed for it's grueling uphill battle at the start, to it's time trial at the top to the downhill at the end. All around it's probably one of the most fun races I do all year, and usually I can do pretty well there. This year...Well...My climbing was rather unspectacular...Something I need to work on more and more. But more so I think it was just more mental than anything as I pushed super hard towards the top, so obviously I had a little more in me than I expected. All in all I thought like I rode a decent race, but ended up finishing 8th or so...Not what I wanted, but the competition is usually pretty tough down there as well. So chin up, and I was ready for memorial day weekend, and the double header of racing it provides!
It starts off with a road race on saturday on the eastside of Bend called Bend Don't Break. I arrived and I was ready to go! After all it seemed like forever since I did a road race...I mean my last one was Cherry Pie...Doug LaPlaca came to me before the race, and talked about trying to get into a break with me, and of course I was like sure! Why not right?
Straight off the fun the attacks were furious and often. TAI Cycling were sending guys left, and right. I was doing everything in my power to make sure the break didn't get away without me, which would ironically cost me a little bit later in the race, but more on that later..Ryan Ness made a nice move on the 3rd or 4th lap, and nobodyelse was going to bridge up to him, so I was like well...I might as well get up there to help him to see if I can help make it stick. So that's exactly what I did...Unsure if it would actually work or not, so we traded pulls quite a few times and had a decent gap that we held for about a lap, and then the pack came roaring back with Doug LaPlaca coming to bridge back up to us, luckily he didn't bring the rest of the pack with him.
 |
| Crossing the Finish Line at Bend Don't Break in 2nd Place |
LaPlaca made a solid move that I just couldn't follow because my legs were toast, and I have to give him all the credit...He was sooo strong out there, and there were times where I was doing everything I could in my power to just stay on his wheel when he made a pull..He truly deserved that victory, he had the better legs for sure. I ended up second, and honestly I was extremely happy with it! I raced my heart out, and my only worry was if I would have enough juice in the legs for the next day at the Sister's Stampede...
I was nervous when I arrived at the race in Sisters...Unsure of how my legs would react after the hard effort the day before, and unsure of where I would end up because of that....Interesting tidbit...Mr. Eric Helie...AKA....The man at Trinity Bikes who runs things....AKA....My Boss...Made a comment about my back tire looking a little low, and said something about getting a flat....I shrugged it off, and was like eh My tire pressure is fine, this is what I usually run. Neither of us knew how right he would actually be in the end...
I headed to the start line in the front because I knew getting a good start means starting at the front with the big dogs, and it makes the race so much easier when you're racing from the front instead of in the back. I know this from personal experience. To my surprise my legs were feeling amazing for the 2nd day in a row! I got a nice solid start, and was with some uber fast guys so I knew I was doing pretty good in my category...Keyword would be was....I got to the rock section, which literally is only a few more minutes from the finish line, and then it happened...The tire went instantly flat, and my heart sank....All that work....For nothing I thought....There was no question about it....I was extremely disappointed...To be doing so good, and feeling amazing, and then it can all change in an instant. It's what makes the sport of Mountain Biking so tough sometimes, yet it's still what makes me come back to it again, and again. It just wasn't meant to be that day. I felt robbed, and abused, but I knew I rode my heart out, and that's all I could really ask from myself. What stung worse was when I got back and learned based off where I was before the flat I would of taken 2nd with some time to spare..
But there are positives in everything, and the positive out of this one was Bob Gilbert....One of my best friends....My brother from another mother made his first Cat 1 Podium since moving up! I was super proud of him! He put in a lot of hard work to finally get up there, so I was almost glad in a way that I got a flat, and it got him up there. It was a big confidence boost for him to show he belongs in the Cat 1's! I'm sure we should see him on the podium more often now! The smile on his face when he got on that podium was priceless...He looked like a big kid in a candy store....Nice job buddy! You earned it...
Well I'm getting a little tired, and I suppose I should leave some suspense for my next blog post, which will cover the last race of the series, and let's just say the series standings went down to the wire with some familiar foe...
Thanks for reading!
-Austin Line
Trinity Bikes Cycling Team
Thursday, May 17, 2012
Bear Springs "Race Report"
Um where do I start? From the top? Oh, ok I can do that I suppose....It all started off rather unassuming when Shane, Bob and I piled into the little subbie, and onwards towards Mt.Hood where the race is pretty close to. Of course we may have been running a little bit late because someone who is usually always running late...well...guess what? He was running late. We basically got to the race venue just in the nick of time for Shane, and Bob to get off to the Short Track race they had signed up for...
When I say nick of time I really, REALLY mean it...They quite possibly did he quickest unloading of bikes, and getting chamoied up that I have ever seen....After all they only had about 5 minutes to get it done. Of course going this quick does have its downfalls...Like Shane forgetting to put on his number plate, so I had to pull off a nascar style pit stop to get his number on and get him back out there to suffer some more. All in all they did well...Although I did lose a bet to Bob that I made to him while he was racing....So yeah...I owe ya a dollar now...
After that it was time to set up base camp, and make some delicious and easy chicken pasta...Yup the best pre-race meal we could come up with the tools we were given. Of course we made a journey around the campground, and visited one particular group that had managed to create FIRE.......Yup...What do they say? If you build it they will come? Well yeah that's exactly what happened. Of course we somehow managed to get challenged to a duel in tomorrows race, and that was interesting...A duel you say? You're on! Of course we had to be the lame ones, and drifted off back to our camp to get some sleep...After all we had to prepare for our "duel"....
Let me tell you one thing that's super nice about camping at the venue where the race is taking place. You roll out of bed at a decent time (Like around 8 A.M.) and then mosey around the campground, while you know everyon else had to wake up uber early to get there, while we got our beauty sleep..Of course being there early definitely helps when nature calls because there isn't a big back log of people waiting to use them.
So we mosied around for awhile, and then decided to get suited up, and if I could describe the way my legs felt when I started to warm up...It would be Turrrrrrible...Yeah note to self don't expect my legs to cooperate when I already put 19 hours on them during the week leading up to the race. But hey what doesn't kill you makes you stronger right?
So about the race...It went...well....I finished, and that's all that's important right? I could write on and on about all the coulda, woulda, shoulda's but those are just excuses in the end. All in all there was just a bunch of people who performed better than I did, and that's the bottom line, but I do feel my legs are going to be stronger now after a week like that...22 Hours in the legs...Yup...I hope they get better...Next up: Chainbreaker!!! A race I absolutely love because it's a power course, and well I got the Powaaaaa!
Until next time,
-Austin Line
Trinity Bikes Cycling Team
When I say nick of time I really, REALLY mean it...They quite possibly did he quickest unloading of bikes, and getting chamoied up that I have ever seen....After all they only had about 5 minutes to get it done. Of course going this quick does have its downfalls...Like Shane forgetting to put on his number plate, so I had to pull off a nascar style pit stop to get his number on and get him back out there to suffer some more. All in all they did well...Although I did lose a bet to Bob that I made to him while he was racing....So yeah...I owe ya a dollar now...
After that it was time to set up base camp, and make some delicious and easy chicken pasta...Yup the best pre-race meal we could come up with the tools we were given. Of course we made a journey around the campground, and visited one particular group that had managed to create FIRE.......Yup...What do they say? If you build it they will come? Well yeah that's exactly what happened. Of course we somehow managed to get challenged to a duel in tomorrows race, and that was interesting...A duel you say? You're on! Of course we had to be the lame ones, and drifted off back to our camp to get some sleep...After all we had to prepare for our "duel"....
Let me tell you one thing that's super nice about camping at the venue where the race is taking place. You roll out of bed at a decent time (Like around 8 A.M.) and then mosey around the campground, while you know everyon else had to wake up uber early to get there, while we got our beauty sleep..Of course being there early definitely helps when nature calls because there isn't a big back log of people waiting to use them.
So we mosied around for awhile, and then decided to get suited up, and if I could describe the way my legs felt when I started to warm up...It would be Turrrrrrible...Yeah note to self don't expect my legs to cooperate when I already put 19 hours on them during the week leading up to the race. But hey what doesn't kill you makes you stronger right?
So about the race...It went...well....I finished, and that's all that's important right? I could write on and on about all the coulda, woulda, shoulda's but those are just excuses in the end. All in all there was just a bunch of people who performed better than I did, and that's the bottom line, but I do feel my legs are going to be stronger now after a week like that...22 Hours in the legs...Yup...I hope they get better...Next up: Chainbreaker!!! A race I absolutely love because it's a power course, and well I got the Powaaaaa!
Until next time,
-Austin Line
Trinity Bikes Cycling Team
Monday, May 7, 2012
MuddySlinger Racey Reporty
Like I said before I am going to catch up on these race reports before chainbreaker! So let's talk about perhaps the most well organized, insanely fun course, most slick conditions on the OBRA Calender..The day before we headed to corvallis to get our pre-registration done, and get a nice pre ride in. It ended up being one of the most fun warm up rides I've ever done with a nice climb followed by an amazing downhill that was a little slick to get ourselves prepared for the conditions we were set to take on in tommorows race.
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| Mandatory Post-Ride Picture |
Perhaps what made it the most fun was we had our photographer, and good friend Fletcher Jackson out to join us on one of his first mountain bike rides ever! He was a trooper in the slick conditions, and well....I think he may be hooked on it....Especially seeing how he now has a shiny new Marin Bolinas Ridger 29er in his collection now.
After the warm up it was off to Shane's dads to wash off the bikes, and ourselves, and of course to visit. Of course he had some yummy cheese and crackers for us to have, and he's truly a great host letting 7 people take a shower at his house. After we said our good byes it was onto the next destination...
Shane's madres! You see one of the things I have grown in love with is how good we have it when there's a race in Corvallis. I mean she sets us up nice a bed to sleep in, home cooked meals that are conducive to our cycling, and pretty much anything else you would really want! Including some not so friendly treats to slow ya down that little bit more :).. So after a good nights sleep it was D-Day...Time for some Mudslinger Action
Coming into the race I had mix feelings of what was going to happen during the race. I didn't feel like I had been riding to great as of lare, and I was definitely not hitting my training hours like I was supposed to, but none the less I was ready for another race, and whatever happens was how it was going to be. I did make the conscious decision to run some well suited mud tired though, as I knew from experience it was going to be a slick one, and boy did that turn out to be a good decision!
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| Get Dirty.... |
Basically for the rest of the race Shane, and I kept going back and forth, and let me tell you that made it one of the most fun races in a long long time! But through it all he even decided to help me out with some shot bloks! That helped me soooo much buddy, so on one of the last climbs I put in a dig and it was the last time I did see him until the finish. The climb leading back up to the finish was sooo painful yet so rewarding knowing I was just about done with the race, and as it turned out Shane rolled in only about a minute back so I was like perfect we finished right near each other, so let's hope we did alright against the rest of the field...As it turns out we did real good!
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| Did someone ask for a gunshow? |
Thursday, May 3, 2012
Echo Red to Red
Oh boy...Where do I even start? It seems so long ago...That's probably because it was, I may or may not have been slacking on this blog, but hey all that matters is I'm writing it right now right? This was the earliest mountain bike race I've done ever! Usually I wait until Hornings Hustle, which is usually a month later than this race, but it got cancelled this year. I decided to see where my form was for so early in the season, and in base mode. So we (Shane,Sean,Bob,Brian, and I) headed out for the first mountain bike race of the year on the OBRA calender.
After some long hours in the car, and some nap time for yours truly we were there in the dark, and a group of us saddled up for a little bit of pre riding during the night. It was the first time I've ever ridden during the night, so let's just say on unfamiliar trails I was often off the trail more than I was on it. By the time we got back it was time to get some shut eye for we had to race the next day!
Race Day! Um was I ready for it? Debatable...Was I going to give it all I had? Of course! It starts off with a neutral roll out of town and then becomes fierce once we hit the gravel road as it's no longer neutral. If there's one thing I noticed it was mountain bikers could use some lessons in pack riding from road racers...It was a bit sketchy...With all the slowing down, and speeding up...But everyone was able to survive the NEUTRAL roll out for the most part. Then it was on to the said gravel road where the pace ramped up to mach 10. Fortunately I was able to use my road racing experience to get myself in position in the lead group, but that didn't last long as soon as we hit some singletrack the field pretty much got obliterated. I was still feeling good, and made quite a few passes to move up in the field. I knew I was doing pretty good in my category because I was up there with some uber fast guys for the first 1/2 of the race. There was one variable at this race though...The wind! It was insane if you didn't pedal on a downhill you would slow down. That's how strong it was out there.
So yeah about that first half of the race...It was fantastic! Then I decided it would be a fun time to bonk right about now. I mean who wants to end up on the podium anyways? So the last half of the race I just tried to survive with my energy supplies depleted. I didn't survive very well apparently as I slid from a definite podium to a mid pack result. Something I'm not to proud of since it was my fault for bonking. (Note to self, start eating more during races) When ya bonk super bad ya get the weirdest out of body feeling ever. You lose all motivation to pedal, and even on the downhill leading into the finish I had absolutely ntohing left to pedal. Luckily the wind was a tail wind at that section and let me coast into the finish quite nicely. Not exactly the finish I was looking for, but it's a start, and another learning experience...Something I always usually get a healthy doses of during the racing season.
So that was Echo....I promise I will do better there next season!
Next up: Mudslinger.....
After some long hours in the car, and some nap time for yours truly we were there in the dark, and a group of us saddled up for a little bit of pre riding during the night. It was the first time I've ever ridden during the night, so let's just say on unfamiliar trails I was often off the trail more than I was on it. By the time we got back it was time to get some shut eye for we had to race the next day!
Race Day! Um was I ready for it? Debatable...Was I going to give it all I had? Of course! It starts off with a neutral roll out of town and then becomes fierce once we hit the gravel road as it's no longer neutral. If there's one thing I noticed it was mountain bikers could use some lessons in pack riding from road racers...It was a bit sketchy...With all the slowing down, and speeding up...But everyone was able to survive the NEUTRAL roll out for the most part. Then it was on to the said gravel road where the pace ramped up to mach 10. Fortunately I was able to use my road racing experience to get myself in position in the lead group, but that didn't last long as soon as we hit some singletrack the field pretty much got obliterated. I was still feeling good, and made quite a few passes to move up in the field. I knew I was doing pretty good in my category because I was up there with some uber fast guys for the first 1/2 of the race. There was one variable at this race though...The wind! It was insane if you didn't pedal on a downhill you would slow down. That's how strong it was out there.
So yeah about that first half of the race...It was fantastic! Then I decided it would be a fun time to bonk right about now. I mean who wants to end up on the podium anyways? So the last half of the race I just tried to survive with my energy supplies depleted. I didn't survive very well apparently as I slid from a definite podium to a mid pack result. Something I'm not to proud of since it was my fault for bonking. (Note to self, start eating more during races) When ya bonk super bad ya get the weirdest out of body feeling ever. You lose all motivation to pedal, and even on the downhill leading into the finish I had absolutely ntohing left to pedal. Luckily the wind was a tail wind at that section and let me coast into the finish quite nicely. Not exactly the finish I was looking for, but it's a start, and another learning experience...Something I always usually get a healthy doses of during the racing season.
So that was Echo....I promise I will do better there next season!
Next up: Mudslinger.....
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Cherry Pie Race Report
So, It's been awhile since I've updated this blog, and it wasn't for a lack of new things to talk about, but more of I just haven't sat down and put the fingers to the keyboard yet. So ummm...Cherry Pie...Yeah let's talk about that one.
My teammate Shane Johnson, and I had this race circled on the calender for awhile now, and we're literally counting the days until the first road race of the new season. Heck the first race of the year period. We decided to make a weekend out of it, and ended up heading to Portland on friday, but it was more like we we're in Estacada on Friday staying at Sam's parents house. For those of you who don't know Sam is Shane's better half. Anyways....Of course it was pouring down rain, after all we were in the valley. Shane and I wanted to get a ride in of some sorts. So we braved the weather, and were able to find a slight gap in the weather. With vague directions we were off, and were pretty much immediately confronted by a huge hill, which was then followed by some more hills until finally we decided hey this is supposed to be a recoveryish day, so let's go downhill instead. We did, and were then screaming downhill on wet roads with wet brakes, and for those of you who road bike the stopping power isn't to sufficient. Luckily both of us were able to make it down in one piece.
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| Amazing views on the recovery ride in Estacada, OR |
Still we had just one problem...We were about 15 minutes into the ride, and were already on the main highway to Estacada, which would of taken us back into town in another 15 minutes. We didn't exactly want to get in only 30 minutes, so Shane gave Sam a quick call, and she directed us to a road that was closed to traffic with gates on it. Perfect!
I would have to say you couldn't of dreamed up a better scenery, or terrain for a recovery ride. The road itself paralleled the river, but there was no traffic to worry about at all, and it was almost completely flat with amazing views to boot. There were dams, and fish ladders, but there was also little tiny Salamanders on the road as well. We had to be careful not to hit the poor guys. All in all one of the most relaxing rides I have had in awhile. We had our timing down perfect as well, because we were able to time it just right to get back into the house before the skies dumped some more rain down.
After that we were served some amazing Mexican food, which was then followed by an intense game of Scene It. For those of you who don't know Scene It is a movie trivia game. Of course me being the quick starter, I was out on a solo breakaway going for the glory, but unfortunately my youthful exuberance would succumb to Shane's extra few years of movie knowledge. I did seem to occur some relegations in the process....None of which helped me one bit, but hey he won it fair and square...Next Time sir....Next Time....
In the morning we were greeted by yet another fantastic meal, and were then off to Corvallis to pre-ride the course, which just so happened to be about 5 minutes from where we would be staying at. Perfecto! We met up with another teammate of ours Brian Buskirk to pre-ride the course. It was windy for the majority of the time, but that didn't stop us from having a good ride. I of course tested the legs a few times, and they didn't feel terrible, but they didn't feel really great either. This was a race I was training through, so the plan was to just use it to springboard my fitness for later in the year. I put in some solid efforts on the two major climbs, the last of which being where the finish was. I couldn't help being excited for the race ahead. After that it was off to Shane's Moms House AKA Alice.
I just have to say one thing about staying at friends's family members houses...The food is almost always amazing, and this weekend was no exception. Alice made us some amazing Spaghetti. The perfect meal the night before the race right? Then of course she baked a Cherry Pie since it was the Cherry Pie Road Race and all, and some amazing Rice Krispie Treats. Let's just say those last two items probably weren't the best pre race foods, but man they were so yummy..After that it was some T.V., and then off to bed to get some rest for tomorrow was Race Day!
I woke up with a solid night sleep in the books, and raring to get this race started! Filled up on some oatmeal, which was perfect as I like to keep things nice and light before the race. Also Juan Ramirez who would be racing with Shane, and Brian in the Cat 4's while I did the Cat 3 race showed up. So of course we had some fun pre-race antics to keep the mood fun, and cheery. Before I knew it I was on the starting line for the first road race of the year!
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| On the front in the first Road Race of the year |
It started off with a bang! No literally it started off with a bang as someones tire exploded in the peloton creating a loud bang noise. We were of course still in neutral roll-out at this point, but I don't think he ever caught up with the main field, because once the race referees said go it was on! I decided to take the wait and see approach, and was in the back for the first 10 or so minutes of the race, while everyone on the front wanted to show off there early season fitness. I was completely fine with this...Well until I got bored, and decided to see what it felt like to go on the front and put the hammer down a few times, and to my suprise it didn't feel to badly. So I continued to stay at the front for the majority of the lap, and heck I even was completely on the front for awhile, but I was completely fine with it because I came in with the mindset that I would use this as a training tool to better myself for the more important races later in the season.
I must be doing something right because when a few of the TAI Cycling team members finally noticed me in the new colors of the Trinity Bikes kit. They said that I was looking strong and lean compared to last year. Of course I thanked them, and we continued on our way to the first time up the climb where I probably gave it about 70 or so percent, but nobody came around me so I was like perfect! Maybe I could possibly have something to give to get a good result in this race.
The next lap I still made some pulls, and somehow when I was in the middle of the back apparently the peloton let one guy go off the front and create a gap. Once I figured this out I decided it was time to take some more turns at the front to try and catch him, but it felt like there were only a handful of guys who actually wanted to put in the work to bring him back, but that's road racing sometimes. I of course neglect all logical strategy in road racing, and often do more work than I really should, but that's probably the mountain biker in me screaming "this doesn't hurt...go to the front and put the hammer down!" We eventually reeled the lone breakaway rider on the top of the second to last climb, and I was in prime position to get a decent result as I was in the top 5 at this moment, but that soon changed, as nobody wanted to push the pace once we crested the hill. So of course immediately I get swarmed on both sides, and move back to around 15th or so..Great....Just what I wanted...Not!..Needless to say I wasn't in good position to duke it out for a top result once we got to the final climb, which was where the finish line was located.
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| After the Race, and all smiles (From Left to Right...Me Brian Buskird, and Shane Johnson |
Now I'm not the one to complain a whole lot in races, but we were warned to make sure to keep it single lane all the way to the finish at the starting line, but let's just say I absolutely hated that decision. As I was ready to accelerate but had nowhere to go as the whole road was full of riders on a narrow road. Oh did I mention this road was one of those smaller roads as well? Suffice to say I felt like I had the legs to go for it and get at least a top 5 finish, but I just had nowhere to get passed anyone. But all of that blame lies on me for putting myself in that position anyways. All in all I ended up 11th, which while not a result I'm proud of it's also a result I should of excpected, as this was the earliest race i've done ever. Not only that but this was a race I trained through which basically means I didn't take barely anytime off beforehand.
The biggest compliment I got was when someone from our race came up to me, and said "I really respect the way you raced today. You did your work at the front, and rode strong." That's about the best compliment I could ever hear from someone. I like to be the one who does work, and is still able to do decent, rather than sitting in the bike not doing your work, and sneaking up on everyone at the very end with some fresh legs. I have always been like that, and it will probably never change as I like to feel like I earned that good result during the course of the whole race, not just the end. That's just me though. I feel like this race could be a spring board for the rest of the season depending on how my training plays out for the rest of the year. Now it's onto Echo for the first mountain bike race! Oh wait....Echo already happened as I'm typing this....Well ladies and gentlemen that's a story for another day! Hope everyone enjoyed reading this as much as I enjoyed typing it!
And as always, Have Nice Day!
-Austin Line Trinity Bikes Cycling Team
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Past 3 Weeks
I feel like I've been neglecting the blog the last three weeks, but no more of that! The truth is there has been a bunch of new things in the past 3 or so weeks it's been hard to keep track of it all, and of course to eventually get it down in writing...errr...typing I guess? Well sit down, and make sure to crack open an energy drink of choice because this one is going to be a long one..
Let's start off with the new trails that will be at the Radlands very soon! For those of you who don't know, the Radlands is going to be a trail system in northeast redmond, and the trailhead is by the High Desert Sports Complex. You know the one with the BMX Track, RC Airplane Field, and some softball fields. I have to say I am really excited about this project that the Trinity Bikes Cycling team is a huge part of. There is truly going to be something for every skill level there from beginners to pros, but let's talk about the most recent trip I made out there.
My teammate Bob Gilbert, and I made the short trip from the home base out to the Radlands to meet up with Chris Dodson from the Central Oregon Trail Alliance to flag up some new trails to work on when we have our next trail build day. We spent approximately 5 hours wondering around like a small group of lost sheep scoping out all the technical features we could fit in to the new trails, and ya know what? It was worth it!
The phrase of the day had to be "That's a beautiful slab.", and it was for good reason. For those of you who don't know I'm talking about slabs of rock, which you can either ride up or down on your bike. There is going to be one section of trail with a rock feature littering the trail nearly the entire time you're on the bike, or at least that's what it seemed like when we flagged it out. I'm going to have to unofficially name this trail mini moab, and everyone will know why soon enough! But like I said before there is going to be something for everyone in this trail network, so if rocks aren't your thing, then there is plenty of other trails that will be smooth, and flowy for your riding pleasure.
All that being said we do need support from the community to make this happen quicker! The Trinity Bikes Cycling Team will be hosting a trail build day to continue improving, and expanding the trail system. It will take place at the High Desert Sports Complex on March 10th. I will have a link with more information as soon as it's up for everyone to check out! We need to get everyone out there!
Now let's move on to the following weekend. Sean Lewis sent out a text message to everyone, and before I knew it we were set for a Sunday breakfast followed by a ride up Gray Butte. Mr. Lewis as we now call him arrived right on time at 8:00 right when he said he would be there. The only problem? Well the rest of us were just waking up (Sorry Mr. Lewis). None the less shortly after he arrived everyone was up, and before
we knew it the aroma of eggs, and french toast filled the house, thanks to Shane of course...After we fueled up on some amazing omelettes, and french toast the 4 of us (Sean Lewis, Shane Johnson, Bob Gilbert, and I) were ready to shred it up on some Gray Butte action. For those of you who don't know it has some nice climbing in it...Not exactly the best idea after filing up on a massive amount of food, but it was largely agreed upon we would just take a nice easy Sunday ride. In fact, Bob and I joked that we would let Sean, and Shane beat us to the top of the climb after our 3 hour ride the day before, and for me 2 consecutive 3 hour days on the bike before that. Let's just say when you get a group of competitive cyclist together you can pretty much throw the idea of an easy ride out the window. Needless to say everyone was had there heart rate pinned to the max for the majority of the ride. I won't say who came out on "top", but I will say I wasn't going to let my long rides before this one be an excuse. At one point in the ride we were just riding into the fog, which gave you an odd sensation as you weren't to sure what was coming up next, but it was extremely fun as well. There was some close calls on the downhill with Shane nearly going down, and nearly careen down the side of the trail.
Hey wait a second, isn't that the 2nd crash in a short period of time Shane? Eh buddy? You need to learn how to stay ON the bike sir. All kidding aside it was a great ride that was mostfully mud free...Well until the very end, and our mostly clean bikes got covered in Mud. There was also a high speed downhill on a nice dirt road that reminded me of the Super D at Return of the Jedi in Merlin, OR...Oh boy, I'm excited to do that again! After all was said, and done it was time to head back to catch the Super Bowl, and of course enjoy some amazing Nachos! Hey....We earned it that day!
Now finally I'm onto the most recent....This past weekend! We were off to Salem again, only this time not for flagger training..Nope...We were going to OBRA Officials training! This time there was 5 of us crammed into the little Subie. It was Shane, Shane's other half Sam, Bob, Cory Tanler and I this time. Of course I completely forgot to call window on the way over, and I ended up sitting in the middle. Not exactly the most comfortable position with 2 other guys in the back seat. I took this as an opportunity to get my time trial position dialed in. Elbows together, shoulders in...Yup, you get the idea. All kidding aside we made the best of it, and before we knew it we were in Salem again!
This time I came knowing they would have all sorts of goodies to eat once we arrives, and boy did they! They took care of us with Bagels, Muffins, and an assortment of juice, and of course coffee..I was excited to learn more about what it takes to put on a race on the OBRA side of things since I will be putting on a race this year.
Oh I almost forgot! Trinity Bikes was there in full force, not only did we have Bob, Shane, Cory, and I there, but Juan Ramirez, and Sean Lewis meet us there. That's 6 out of 9 of the team members, not a bad showing at all...We learned the ins and outs of OBRA officiating, and scoring. Basically what it came down to was we need to get ourselves out there on some crews and learn from some first hand experience.
After that was done we needed to stretch our legs after the long cramped ride in the car. It was a brisk hour and and half ride followed by some Jack in the Box. Not exactly the first choice when you're an amateur cyclist, but hey we were hungry and a burger sounded good. After an amazing 1,500 calories with the water cooler of strawberry fanta. No Bob, It doesn't taste like syrup that sir is a lie. Before we knew it were back home, and next up on the plate? A 4 hour ride with Shane the following day.
We were determined to get at least 4 hours in on the bike, so we headed out on lost pine to Prineville, and then out to Prineville Reservoir. I severely underestimated the amount of climbing that would take, and what was supposed to be a zone 2 aerobic ride quickly turned into a threshold get to the top as fast as possible ride, before to long we had to turn around and head back or the 4 hours we were shooting for would soon become 5 or 6. Everyone knows the old saying "what goes up must come down?" right? Well, that 4 mile climb turned into a 4 mile downhill with the top speed being 59.8MPH according to the Garmin. That's right, faster than the majority of speed limits in Oregon.
Now I must confess I am a bit odd when it comes to on the bike hydration, and nutrition. Odd being that I can go for long distances of time without water or food. By long time I mean 3 or 4 hours. Of course not all of us are built that way, and Shane was out of shot bloks after we reached Prineville for the 2nd time, which happened to be at hour 3 and approximately 57 miles in. Needless to say Shane needed energy, and he got it in the form of a Snickers bar at the local grocery outlet. He said it was the most amazing Snickers bar he had ever had, but I know that was just because he was on the bridge of bonking big time. With Shane now fueled up we continued our way back to Redmond, and let's just say I still had energy left even without eating anything, while also having about half the water still in my water bottle. So of course I decided I would set the pace for the ride back, and I did just that. It was just that someone who will go unnamed didn't draft like he should have, and ended up yoying back and forth. When all was said and done we got back 20 minutes over the 4 hour mark we set, and at 77 or so miles.
Of course Bob was sitting there all kitted up, and hadn't gone for his ride, so I joked to him come on Bob let's go! And well we did...We went for another 26 miles with some steep hills thrown in. Let me tell you one thing those steep hills hurt real bad when you have already logged 90 miles in before it. It was the good kind of pain I was experiencing though! The kind that you know will make you a stronger cyclist in the end. By the time we got back I had put in 103 miles in five and a half hours. By far the longest ride of the season, and one of the longest rides I have ever done, but I'm sure with this 20 hour week of training I will get close to that mark again very soon! What doesn't kill you makes you stronger right?
Thanks for reading, and until next time keep the rubber side down
-Austin Line
Let's start off with the new trails that will be at the Radlands very soon! For those of you who don't know, the Radlands is going to be a trail system in northeast redmond, and the trailhead is by the High Desert Sports Complex. You know the one with the BMX Track, RC Airplane Field, and some softball fields. I have to say I am really excited about this project that the Trinity Bikes Cycling team is a huge part of. There is truly going to be something for every skill level there from beginners to pros, but let's talk about the most recent trip I made out there.
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| From Left to Right (Bob Gilbert, and Chris Dodson) Checking out the massive amount of trail options out in the Radlands in Redmond, OR. |
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| Bob popping a squat..errrr...I mean making a makeshift map of the trail. |
All that being said we do need support from the community to make this happen quicker! The Trinity Bikes Cycling Team will be hosting a trail build day to continue improving, and expanding the trail system. It will take place at the High Desert Sports Complex on March 10th. I will have a link with more information as soon as it's up for everyone to check out! We need to get everyone out there!
Now let's move on to the following weekend. Sean Lewis sent out a text message to everyone, and before I knew it we were set for a Sunday breakfast followed by a ride up Gray Butte. Mr. Lewis as we now call him arrived right on time at 8:00 right when he said he would be there. The only problem? Well the rest of us were just waking up (Sorry Mr. Lewis). None the less shortly after he arrived everyone was up, and before
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| Shane Johnson Trinity Bikes Team Chef making some yummy deliciousness. |
we knew it the aroma of eggs, and french toast filled the house, thanks to Shane of course...After we fueled up on some amazing omelettes, and french toast the 4 of us (Sean Lewis, Shane Johnson, Bob Gilbert, and I) were ready to shred it up on some Gray Butte action. For those of you who don't know it has some nice climbing in it...Not exactly the best idea after filing up on a massive amount of food, but it was largely agreed upon we would just take a nice easy Sunday ride. In fact, Bob and I joked that we would let Sean, and Shane beat us to the top of the climb after our 3 hour ride the day before, and for me 2 consecutive 3 hour days on the bike before that. Let's just say when you get a group of competitive cyclist together you can pretty much throw the idea of an easy ride out the window. Needless to say everyone was had there heart rate pinned to the max for the majority of the ride. I won't say who came out on "top", but I will say I wasn't going to let my long rides before this one be an excuse. At one point in the ride we were just riding into the fog, which gave you an odd sensation as you weren't to sure what was coming up next, but it was extremely fun as well. There was some close calls on the downhill with Shane nearly going down, and nearly careen down the side of the trail.
Hey wait a second, isn't that the 2nd crash in a short period of time Shane? Eh buddy? You need to learn how to stay ON the bike sir. All kidding aside it was a great ride that was mostfully mud free...Well until the very end, and our mostly clean bikes got covered in Mud. There was also a high speed downhill on a nice dirt road that reminded me of the Super D at Return of the Jedi in Merlin, OR...Oh boy, I'm excited to do that again! After all was said, and done it was time to head back to catch the Super Bowl, and of course enjoy some amazing Nachos! Hey....We earned it that day!
Now finally I'm onto the most recent....This past weekend! We were off to Salem again, only this time not for flagger training..Nope...We were going to OBRA Officials training! This time there was 5 of us crammed into the little Subie. It was Shane, Shane's other half Sam, Bob, Cory Tanler and I this time. Of course I completely forgot to call window on the way over, and I ended up sitting in the middle. Not exactly the most comfortable position with 2 other guys in the back seat. I took this as an opportunity to get my time trial position dialed in. Elbows together, shoulders in...Yup, you get the idea. All kidding aside we made the best of it, and before we knew it we were in Salem again!
This time I came knowing they would have all sorts of goodies to eat once we arrives, and boy did they! They took care of us with Bagels, Muffins, and an assortment of juice, and of course coffee..I was excited to learn more about what it takes to put on a race on the OBRA side of things since I will be putting on a race this year.
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| Sunset in the Valley from my perch on the bike |
Oh I almost forgot! Trinity Bikes was there in full force, not only did we have Bob, Shane, Cory, and I there, but Juan Ramirez, and Sean Lewis meet us there. That's 6 out of 9 of the team members, not a bad showing at all...We learned the ins and outs of OBRA officiating, and scoring. Basically what it came down to was we need to get ourselves out there on some crews and learn from some first hand experience.
After that was done we needed to stretch our legs after the long cramped ride in the car. It was a brisk hour and and half ride followed by some Jack in the Box. Not exactly the first choice when you're an amateur cyclist, but hey we were hungry and a burger sounded good. After an amazing 1,500 calories with the water cooler of strawberry fanta. No Bob, It doesn't taste like syrup that sir is a lie. Before we knew it were back home, and next up on the plate? A 4 hour ride with Shane the following day.
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| Shane Johnson after the majority of the climbing |
Now I must confess I am a bit odd when it comes to on the bike hydration, and nutrition. Odd being that I can go for long distances of time without water or food. By long time I mean 3 or 4 hours. Of course not all of us are built that way, and Shane was out of shot bloks after we reached Prineville for the 2nd time, which happened to be at hour 3 and approximately 57 miles in. Needless to say Shane needed energy, and he got it in the form of a Snickers bar at the local grocery outlet. He said it was the most amazing Snickers bar he had ever had, but I know that was just because he was on the bridge of bonking big time. With Shane now fueled up we continued our way back to Redmond, and let's just say I still had energy left even without eating anything, while also having about half the water still in my water bottle. So of course I decided I would set the pace for the ride back, and I did just that. It was just that someone who will go unnamed didn't draft like he should have, and ended up yoying back and forth. When all was said and done we got back 20 minutes over the 4 hour mark we set, and at 77 or so miles.
Of course Bob was sitting there all kitted up, and hadn't gone for his ride, so I joked to him come on Bob let's go! And well we did...We went for another 26 miles with some steep hills thrown in. Let me tell you one thing those steep hills hurt real bad when you have already logged 90 miles in before it. It was the good kind of pain I was experiencing though! The kind that you know will make you a stronger cyclist in the end. By the time we got back I had put in 103 miles in five and a half hours. By far the longest ride of the season, and one of the longest rides I have ever done, but I'm sure with this 20 hour week of training I will get close to that mark again very soon! What doesn't kill you makes you stronger right?
Thanks for reading, and until next time keep the rubber side down
-Austin Line
Monday, February 6, 2012
It's almost here...
So it's been awhile since I've made a post, and I thought that with the first race of the season approaching now is a better time than ever to make one. Of course just because I haven't updated this blog in a few weeks doesn't mean I haven't blogged at all...I blogged about our recent trip to the Valley for some flagger training, and since I don't feel like re-posting it. You can check it out here on the teams blog here..
http://trinitybikescycling.blogspot.com/2012/01/flagger-training.html
It's been a whirlwind past few weeks to be honest. I just completed my first week of Base 1 training, which is putting me right on schedule to be in top form for Mountain Bike Nationals in Sun Valley, Idaho and of course the Cascade Cycling Classic in my good old hometown of Bend, Oregon. To be honest the legs aren't feeling to bad after the 15 or so hours I put on them this week, so I'm extremely excited to keep this going, eventually building up with some high intensity stuff...Oh did I mention in two weeks is the first road race of the season? Yup in two weeks Shane and I will be heading down to Corvallis to test our early season legs..I'll be sure to let everyone knows how that works out. Although I'm not expecting much, I would love nothing more than to have a decent result down there, but it won't be the end of the world if I don't...If there's one thing I have learned it's that people who are fast in the spring usually are toast by the time summer comes around, which is when the racing really begins.
I have to mention one last thing before I wrap this post up. I have to give a huge thanks to Bob, and Shane. They are not only my teammates, but are two of my best friends whom I consider family more than anything. We push each other to train, and when were training we push each other harder than anyone ever will. There's an extremely positive vibe within the team right now because of that. We are expecting big things out of ourselves, and the team this year. Everyone better watch out for the blue and white checkers this year! The Trinity Bikes Cycling Team is going to be making some noise!
-Austin Line
http://trinitybikescycling.blogspot.com/2012/01/flagger-training.html
It's been a whirlwind past few weeks to be honest. I just completed my first week of Base 1 training, which is putting me right on schedule to be in top form for Mountain Bike Nationals in Sun Valley, Idaho and of course the Cascade Cycling Classic in my good old hometown of Bend, Oregon. To be honest the legs aren't feeling to bad after the 15 or so hours I put on them this week, so I'm extremely excited to keep this going, eventually building up with some high intensity stuff...Oh did I mention in two weeks is the first road race of the season? Yup in two weeks Shane and I will be heading down to Corvallis to test our early season legs..I'll be sure to let everyone knows how that works out. Although I'm not expecting much, I would love nothing more than to have a decent result down there, but it won't be the end of the world if I don't...If there's one thing I have learned it's that people who are fast in the spring usually are toast by the time summer comes around, which is when the racing really begins.
I have to mention one last thing before I wrap this post up. I have to give a huge thanks to Bob, and Shane. They are not only my teammates, but are two of my best friends whom I consider family more than anything. We push each other to train, and when were training we push each other harder than anyone ever will. There's an extremely positive vibe within the team right now because of that. We are expecting big things out of ourselves, and the team this year. Everyone better watch out for the blue and white checkers this year! The Trinity Bikes Cycling Team is going to be making some noise!
-Austin Line
Thursday, January 19, 2012
2012 thus far and something BIG
I've been put in charge of putting together a criterium that will be in Downtown Redmond. I am extremely excited to be putting together an event like this, and I feel it has the potential to become one of the better events to go to on the road schedule in Oregon. We're still in the planning process, and we will know soon the where and when very soon. We're looking to have the date and course set in stone as soon as next week. All I can say right now is it's going to be in downtownish area of redmond, and will take place in early August. If I had to say one thing about the courses I've come up with so far. It would be it's going to be a fast fast fast race. All you roadies better make sure you have this weekend open because it's going to be one heck of an event.
This is the last week of a lackadaisical schedule..Come next week it's GAME ON
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