It seems the New Year has long since past and another race season closes in. Being on top of the blog game clearly didn’t work out this fall so be on the lookout for a couple of backtracked posts on Collegiate Mountain Bike Nationals and Cyclocross Nats in Austin, TX.
As far as what’s in store for 2015 here are some of the highlights and changes on the way. It should lead to one heck of a year.
As far as what’s in store for 2015 here are some of the highlights and changes on the way. It should lead to one heck of a year.
Kelly Benefit Strategies Elite
I am fortunate enough to join the Kelly Benefit Strategies Elite Team based out of Baltimore, Maryland. This group of Cat 1 races comprises one, if not the, best amateur elite team on the East Coast. This year will be a huge learning curve as I join a road team for the first time. The group is made up of an awesome group of guys who have all raced at the top level before. I’m excited to learn and race with these guys throughout the year. Our first mini team camp in November reminded me how much I missed being with teammates all focused on doing the same thing. After just one brief weekend all the guys were clicking and I can’t wait to hit the race circuit with this group of guys.
Beyond having a great team to race with riding for KBS will open some big time opportunities to race some of the biggest races in the country including some races on the National Racing Calendar, the continental pro circuit in the US. The final schedule isn’t out yet but some possible races include Battenkill, Winston Salem Cycling Classic (NRC), Joe Martin Stage Race (NRC), Philly UCI, Killington Stage Race, Tour de Beauce, Northstar Grand Prix (NRC), and Elite Nats in Lake Tahoe, California.
Should be a great year!
Should be a great year!
FYC
For the meaning of FYC you’ll have to follow along the Dave Tevendale blog and excuse the language. While to some extent I believe there is plenty of truth in what he says, I’ve made the leap in the other direction. After looking over the strides I made by consistently riding over the summer and my general cluelessness to cycling training I hired a coach for this year. While I feel like I have a lot of crossover knowledge from running having someone that knows cycling and can give me a plan to follow should be a huge help. As much as anything it is about making sure I don't over train and that I have a reason to get out there door each day.
For me it was key to have someone that was not only good at setting a training plan but also someone that knew the business of cycling and the tactical side. I’m barely any more seasoned than your standard Cat 5 and learning how things works is as important as anything.
Considering that I picked up on a tip from good friend Tyler Cloutier to talk with Curtis Winsor out of Crozet. After two years on Pro teams (Kenda and Mountain Khaki, now SmartStop) Curtis is racing for KBS with me this year. He is a tactical master and has ridden at the top level and knows what it takes to get there. After working with him for 4 months or so I think it has been a huge benefit and have definitely seen big improvements. Plus who wouldn’t want to be coached by a former boy band member?
So FYC, but for now I’m going to stick with mine.
For me it was key to have someone that was not only good at setting a training plan but also someone that knew the business of cycling and the tactical side. I’m barely any more seasoned than your standard Cat 5 and learning how things works is as important as anything.
Considering that I picked up on a tip from good friend Tyler Cloutier to talk with Curtis Winsor out of Crozet. After two years on Pro teams (Kenda and Mountain Khaki, now SmartStop) Curtis is racing for KBS with me this year. He is a tactical master and has ridden at the top level and knows what it takes to get there. After working with him for 4 months or so I think it has been a huge benefit and have definitely seen big improvements. Plus who wouldn’t want to be coached by a former boy band member?
So FYC, but for now I’m going to stick with mine.
Santa Cruz Tallboy
Santa Cruz is helping me out again for the 2015 race season. After spending a year on the 29” Highball Hardtail I made the switch to full suspension for this year. The new 29” Tallboy reminds me of all the parts I loved about riding my full suspension Blur. It is hard to argue that it doesn’t have quite the speed factor of the hardtail but it has plenty of plusses. A super comfortable and confidence inspiring ride that pedals through the little rocks and bumps with ease. While I’ve only had the bike for a week can’t wait to continue testing it out. So far so good and I'm excited for the opportunity to race it this year.
Speaking of mountain bike racing, even with my eyes keenly focused on the road I will definitely find time to keep myself entertained on dirt. For now the only scheduled race is the USAC Marathon National Championships in Georgia, but I am hoping to get to some Pro XCT races, a possible Stage Race, and try out my first hundo in the Fall.
Diamondback Podium
Speaking of new bikes, I'm still anxiously awaiting my new Diamondback Podium team bike from KBS. It's going to be nice having a bike built within the last 10 years. I must say I'll miss having the oldest bike in the field but I can't wait to get a new race machine for the year.
BSlow Racing
Amongst all sorts of winter dreams and chit chat among friends the idea of BSlow Racing was born. Friends looking for teams to ride for and a new jersey to wear spawned the idea. While its officially fruition is still incomplete I hope to let you all in on some more info soon as I can. For now it'll stay as an idea in the heads of a great group of friends, but maybe by this spring it'll be the flag I'm flying at all my mountain bike races.
With that 2015 can begin, I know it needed my permission.
In order to hold you over between now and the first races in early March be on the lookout for event recaps from Collegiate Mountain Bike Nationals and trip details from the fiasco that was CX Nats.
In order to hold you over between now and the first races in early March be on the lookout for event recaps from Collegiate Mountain Bike Nationals and trip details from the fiasco that was CX Nats.