Vision Quest Coaching
The Recovery Ride
Today is supposed to be an easy 40 ride with a 2k sprint for fun competition, and drills tossed into the pot. Everyone is tired from yesterdays climb and we need a light day before 2 hard days on the road.
The day started easy enough. Floyd Landis showed up at camp last night and gave a talk. This morning we all showed up early and had our picture taken with him. Then Floyd rode with one of the groups on the recovery ride.
Our group left last and off we went on an easy pace. At about the 5-mile point we stopped and got our drill instructions. We practiced forward rotation, reverse rotation, and 2 man pulls. This is very similar to what we do on Sunday rides.
As we neared the sprint starting line we broke into groups and discussed strategy. My group was going to be led out by 1 of the coaches and then we would sprint for the finish. I would be 3rd but would help another member win the sprint.
As we neared the start line the tension mounted. Then bam we the race was on. One team sent a person ahead. I was worried about being left behind and tried to bridge the gap. Other teams came to the front it was a dash; we had 1k left to race.
At the 1K point everyone was pretty even. 3 teams had their lead-out man in front and we were racing. I was caught in no man’s land in-between groups trying to keep up, but keeping pace. Then we hit the hill.
The groups began to fracture at 500m. The leader on the left miraculously shifted in front of me and I had a lead out man for the last 200 meters. The sprint was on and we were all pedaling furiously. I stood up out of the saddle to produce as much power as I had, but the leaders were too fast. I came in third. Still a good showing but I used a ton of energy that I was saving for Friday.
Robbie, the group leader said cycling is all about suffering. I guess I will find out tomorrow.
The rest of the camp has been a gas. The other cyclists and triathletes are great and everyone is trying to help each other do the best possible. I am working very hard and I am learning a lot about riding. However I realize that I have a lot more to learn. When I joined I thought that riding was only about going fast, Who knew
The day started easy enough. Floyd Landis showed up at camp last night and gave a talk. This morning we all showed up early and had our picture taken with him. Then Floyd rode with one of the groups on the recovery ride.
Our group left last and off we went on an easy pace. At about the 5-mile point we stopped and got our drill instructions. We practiced forward rotation, reverse rotation, and 2 man pulls. This is very similar to what we do on Sunday rides.
As we neared the sprint starting line we broke into groups and discussed strategy. My group was going to be led out by 1 of the coaches and then we would sprint for the finish. I would be 3rd but would help another member win the sprint.
As we neared the start line the tension mounted. Then bam we the race was on. One team sent a person ahead. I was worried about being left behind and tried to bridge the gap. Other teams came to the front it was a dash; we had 1k left to race.
At the 1K point everyone was pretty even. 3 teams had their lead-out man in front and we were racing. I was caught in no man’s land in-between groups trying to keep up, but keeping pace. Then we hit the hill.
The groups began to fracture at 500m. The leader on the left miraculously shifted in front of me and I had a lead out man for the last 200 meters. The sprint was on and we were all pedaling furiously. I stood up out of the saddle to produce as much power as I had, but the leaders were too fast. I came in third. Still a good showing but I used a ton of energy that I was saving for Friday.
Robbie, the group leader said cycling is all about suffering. I guess I will find out tomorrow.
The rest of the camp has been a gas. The other cyclists and triathletes are great and everyone is trying to help each other do the best possible. I am working very hard and I am learning a lot about riding. However I realize that I have a lot more to learn. When I joined I thought that riding was only about going fast, Who knew
Comment
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Comment by Joe Wrobel on February 29, 2008 at 2:31am -
JAM
I have been enjoying your blogs.
Joe
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