Vision Quest Coaching
Metric Century
Today’s ride is suppose to help us get ready for the big race tomorrow. We are doing a metric century, 62 miles. The day starts with a tad of confusion. The initial schedule said we were supposed to leave at 9:30. However due to tri training we were moved to 8:30. That is a problem because it changes breakfast time. I like to eat at least 2 hours before riding. Luckily I am an early bird so I had breakfast at the regular time.
I ate breakfast with one of the bike mechanics. Each day after our ride, every bike is washed, lubricated and checked by a professional mechanic. The goal of camp is to make every camper feel like they are on a professional race team. My breakfast partner is a fun guy. When he was our sag support he cheered us on with cowbells and blasted oldies at all the rest stops. I felt like I was on the tour. We discussed racing and recumbent cycles.
All too soon I had to dress and prepare my day bag. Inside the bag went extra food and clothing. Dressed and packed I headed for my bike.
Like each morning we were briefed on the days ride, the sprint and the rules of the day. Before we left, Robbie handed out his secret carbo concoction. It is a mixture of rice, soy bacon, and eggs. It’s wrapped in tin foil and you carry it with you on the ride.
Briefed and carbo ready we rolled out. It was a cold and misty day. However the scenery made up for the early weather and we rolled through beautiful vineyards and ranches. At the 1st rest stop we broke into 2 groups. These stops are usually about 5mn and allow people to take off all the cold weather gear grab some carbs and pee.
I went with the fast group. There were 5 of us plus 2 coaches. Today we were fast. At times I felt I was shredded and was suffering. Other times I was strong. This is not unusual during a long ride. The key is to stay with the group. As Floyd said ride hard or ride home alone.
We hit the sprint some time after the 2nd sag stop without knowing we were racing. 2 riders were way out in front. We did not know the sprint was coming. The rides in my group tried to bridge the gap. But the leaders were too far ahead. Luckily no one knew the protocol so they slowed and we were able to catch them in the last 300 meters. It was a strong finish by the leaders and I grabbed 3rd keeping MJ at bay. So far this camp I have two 3rds and a 1st.
The rest of the day was suppose to be easy but we had 2 climbs. Both were for 2+ miles and very steep. They were tuff but in the end a lot of fun. I like conquering the environment. I feel a real sense of accomplishment.
After the climb and a quick rest while group reforms is the descent. I admit that I am inexperienced and a pretty big chicken, but I am working on my skills and my confidence. We received some great coaching. Basically descending is similar to skiing. Today my top speed was 41mph.
We are reminded at every meeting that cycling can be a dangerous sport. Today there were 2 crashes. 1 was not to bad, in the other an athlete had to go to the hospital. We have listened to lectures and stories; safety is on everyone’s mind. However we all want to win.
Tonight we will get ready for tomorrows big race. It is a handicapped race with the slower racers getting a timed lead. We are doing a 28mile loop along the Pacific Ocean. Tomorrow will be a really fun day.
I ate breakfast with one of the bike mechanics. Each day after our ride, every bike is washed, lubricated and checked by a professional mechanic. The goal of camp is to make every camper feel like they are on a professional race team. My breakfast partner is a fun guy. When he was our sag support he cheered us on with cowbells and blasted oldies at all the rest stops. I felt like I was on the tour. We discussed racing and recumbent cycles.
All too soon I had to dress and prepare my day bag. Inside the bag went extra food and clothing. Dressed and packed I headed for my bike.
Like each morning we were briefed on the days ride, the sprint and the rules of the day. Before we left, Robbie handed out his secret carbo concoction. It is a mixture of rice, soy bacon, and eggs. It’s wrapped in tin foil and you carry it with you on the ride.
Briefed and carbo ready we rolled out. It was a cold and misty day. However the scenery made up for the early weather and we rolled through beautiful vineyards and ranches. At the 1st rest stop we broke into 2 groups. These stops are usually about 5mn and allow people to take off all the cold weather gear grab some carbs and pee.
I went with the fast group. There were 5 of us plus 2 coaches. Today we were fast. At times I felt I was shredded and was suffering. Other times I was strong. This is not unusual during a long ride. The key is to stay with the group. As Floyd said ride hard or ride home alone.
We hit the sprint some time after the 2nd sag stop without knowing we were racing. 2 riders were way out in front. We did not know the sprint was coming. The rides in my group tried to bridge the gap. But the leaders were too far ahead. Luckily no one knew the protocol so they slowed and we were able to catch them in the last 300 meters. It was a strong finish by the leaders and I grabbed 3rd keeping MJ at bay. So far this camp I have two 3rds and a 1st.
The rest of the day was suppose to be easy but we had 2 climbs. Both were for 2+ miles and very steep. They were tuff but in the end a lot of fun. I like conquering the environment. I feel a real sense of accomplishment.
After the climb and a quick rest while group reforms is the descent. I admit that I am inexperienced and a pretty big chicken, but I am working on my skills and my confidence. We received some great coaching. Basically descending is similar to skiing. Today my top speed was 41mph.
We are reminded at every meeting that cycling can be a dangerous sport. Today there were 2 crashes. 1 was not to bad, in the other an athlete had to go to the hospital. We have listened to lectures and stories; safety is on everyone’s mind. However we all want to win.
Tonight we will get ready for tomorrows big race. It is a handicapped race with the slower racers getting a timed lead. We are doing a 28mile loop along the Pacific Ocean. Tomorrow will be a really fun day.
Comment
About
An Introduction to Solvang 2008 Online!
Badge
© 2009 Created by Mike Pollack on Ning. Create a Ning Network!
You need to be a member of Vision Quest Solvang 2008 to add comments!
Join this Ning Network