Cycling Shoes

I recently invested in a new pair of road shoes. My old pair I used for about three seasons and they really never fit correctly. I used to have to pull the straps super tight to get them to fit just ok. The carbon sole began to separate and it was time for some new white Pear Izumi's. I didn't realize the importance that the proper shoe ( and fit ) could make. After just three rides I notice a super huge difference in power and control. I feel like I am In much more command of the bicycle. It really rounded out my comfort level. Not to mention the super increase of power especially out of the saddle. Also the proper cleat placement is crucial. If you have not checked your cleat position I suggest you do so. Even if your cleats were originally installed correctly they may have shifted over time. Your local bike shop professional can help you with a cleat retrofit I'm sure. I finally feel like I'm dialed in on the road bike. I ride a 2006 Fuji Team RC full carbon frameset,  10 speed Dura-Ace front and rear with FSA carbon crank and mavic cosmic elite wheels.

Can't Stay Away

After a recent life changing event ( all good !!) I have found the motivation to begin training on a higher level that I have been doing the past few years. I have dropped weight the last two weeks and I'm back under 185 . I have been super strong on the bike for how early in the season it is. So I decided to return to racing. I still plan to focus more of my riding time towards commuting and day tripping but something inside is telling me to head back to the MASS Series for another crack at a few of the races that I have tried to podium place. The memory of a field finish in Granogue twice, then a third start in 07 landed me a broken chain shifting into a lower gear on the last clime while I was sitting in 6th place (I had good legs and would have easily moved up a spot or two).This has my mouth watering. Ill be competing in the elite single speed division. The way it looks now I plan on doing Granogue , French Creek and Iron hill. I invite everyone to come out and experience some of the best grass roots racing in the country ! Being realistic I'll most likely have to wait for next season to get a shot to clime onto the podium ( Hoping ) but I will use the rest of this season and the races I mentioned to get in shape and make a comeback. We'll see.

www.masuperseries.com


John

Time to Suffer

I have been spending most of the winter off of the bike and in the gym. Working on the treadmill and some core workouts. The last 3 weeks I have just been resting. Getting strong for spring. Im getting older but I can still go as hard as I did in "07 (Yea right ) but only for 7 or 8 months. Not all year like before. At the end of last year I realized this. If you are stronger than your competitors you can win by riding easily while they drop all around you. Ha Ha. I know at least for me that's not happening anymore. This time of year just getting back on the bike I forget how much the first 20 rides can hurt. I feel stiff. I thought of writing about this topic half way through a early season roll around the Betzwood forest. I no longer race but every year about this time the preparation for the spring MASS racing series to begin gets me pumped . http://www.masuperseries.com/
There are hundreds of little things to learn about racing like tactics, nutrition, equipment, training and attitude that all need to be developed over time to become stronger than your competitors ( or friends ). I have learned that you need to be willing to dig down deep if you want to try to beat the others.The trick you must learn is how to "suffer through it" and be stronger than they are. I have many times beaten stronger riders because I suffered harder than they did ( or they missed a gear and I coasted by ). If you want to perform on the bike you need to prepare at least 48 hours ahead. Hydrate, Sleep, Carb Load and don't train too hard the night before. We all know that stuff. But there are no directions on how to suffer harder than the others.To me loosing is simply a lesson learned tought by others that have suffered harder than you! right?