HOLY CRAP!!! Whoever said road racing is for pansies... yeah, keep it shut for now.
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Did someone say Holiday...
It has now been two weeks away from racing, almost the same off the bike and needless to say it couldn't have gone any better. Things accomplished in the past two weeks:
--Cracking from overtraining...check
--Resting becuase of cracking from overtraining... check
--getting a girlfriend... NOT! Thought I would throw some people off
--Compile enough purposeless blubber to hold me over through December and nationals which are in Kansas...Check check check!
--Eat brownies... check
--Eat cake...check --Eat brownies, cake, and pumpkin pie...mmmm check.
Finally it's time to stop the slacking off and get back to work. I can honestly say that three weeks without racing cross has made me a bit rusty. It's incredible to hear about the big dogs kicking us Midwesterners around in a few of the local races. With two UCI weekends in three weeks, I guess I picked a good three weeks not to race. It was also awsome to see Fulcrum coaching's very own BILL and TED also known as my boys DAN and DAVE show the Ohio spirit and love for big Berry Wicks at Louisville GP of cyclocross:
PHOTOS HERE
Now that I think I've thrown up in my mouth, I'm going to go to a stupid stupid group meeting so I can complain about how stupid I think this assignment for english is and say how stupid I'm getting becuase I'm having to do the stupid assignment... I have to wear a pink shirt for it too... stupid I SAY! As for the rest of the week. Off to the land where Honesy and Hops flow like a river, also known as Kentucky for the kickoff of the three week collegiate cross season at Lindsey Wilson college. If it's wort sticking around for I will but most likely it will be a four hour drive there then a four hour drive back, sleep, hour drive to cincy for the Gun Club Cyclocross which John Gatch and Two Johns Podcast is hosting then an hour drive back to say how very little I've actually accomplished over the past 48 hours at which time I will probobly go to sleep, doing no homework until morning giving myself enough time to wake up, eat, do homwork and get to class the minute before psycho Frag counts me absent... again.
LIVIN THE DREAM SINCE 1986...well actually things only got interesting since 2005 but whatever!
--Cracking from overtraining...check
--Resting becuase of cracking from overtraining... check
--getting a girlfriend... NOT! Thought I would throw some people off
--Compile enough purposeless blubber to hold me over through December and nationals which are in Kansas...Check check check!
--Eat brownies... check
--Eat cake...check --Eat brownies, cake, and pumpkin pie...mmmm check.
Finally it's time to stop the slacking off and get back to work. I can honestly say that three weeks without racing cross has made me a bit rusty. It's incredible to hear about the big dogs kicking us Midwesterners around in a few of the local races. With two UCI weekends in three weeks, I guess I picked a good three weeks not to race. It was also awsome to see Fulcrum coaching's very own BILL and TED also known as my boys DAN and DAVE show the Ohio spirit and love for big Berry Wicks at Louisville GP of cyclocross:
PHOTOS HERE
Now that I think I've thrown up in my mouth, I'm going to go to a stupid stupid group meeting so I can complain about how stupid I think this assignment for english is and say how stupid I'm getting becuase I'm having to do the stupid assignment... I have to wear a pink shirt for it too... stupid I SAY! As for the rest of the week. Off to the land where Honesy and Hops flow like a river, also known as Kentucky for the kickoff of the three week collegiate cross season at Lindsey Wilson college. If it's wort sticking around for I will but most likely it will be a four hour drive there then a four hour drive back, sleep, hour drive to cincy for the Gun Club Cyclocross which John Gatch and Two Johns Podcast is hosting then an hour drive back to say how very little I've actually accomplished over the past 48 hours at which time I will probobly go to sleep, doing no homework until morning giving myself enough time to wake up, eat, do homwork and get to class the minute before psycho Frag counts me absent... again.
LIVIN THE DREAM SINCE 1986...well actually things only got interesting since 2005 but whatever!
Monday, October 15, 2007
It's on paper...
This was the story that made the news here in Greenville... the roster is now complete but this was written a few weeks ago!
Pretty cool.
Greenville, SC – Hincapie Sportswear is proud to announce the formation of its new Under-23 Junior Development Cycling Team to be managed out of its home office in Greenville, SC. The Hincapie Development Team will consist of six to eight 15-23 years old development riders and three Elite racers. The Team is focused on promoting the sport of cycling through an experienced rider mentoring program that allows U23/Junior riders to race and train with experienced Pro/Elite cyclist. The mentors will provide guidance in every aspect of the sport including training techniques, racing strategy, nutrition and sports psychology. In addition to these critical skills, the experience will also help promote an active lifestyle with life-long benefits.
“We have promoted cycling on many levels from event promotion to race team management and this is the next step in our support of the sport,” said Rich Hincapie, Team Leader and president of Hincapie Sportswear. “My brother, George and I understand how far you can go in this sport when you have quality opportunities, and we’re proud to provide support to these talented junior cyclists. Two-time National Champion, Craig Lewis was a rider on our Hincapie Elite Team several years ago, and he recently signed a professional contract to ride with George on T-Mobile, one of the most prestigious pro teams in the world. In addition to Craig’s success, our Elite Team has also developed numerous National and World Champions, so we know the program can succeed.”
Rich and George Hincapie are both products of USA Cycling’s junior development program. Most leaders in the sport agree that the key to growing bicycle racing in the US is to develop junior racers from a young age. There are development programs locally that help introduce riders to bike racing, but the Hincapie Development Team will provide the missing link between casual competition and racing on the elite pro level. Racers on the Hincapie Team will be groomed and managed to help them graduate from the amateur ranks into the pro peloton. These opportunities will help these talented youngsters achieve their cycling dreams.
Hincapie Development Team Roster:
U-23 Development Riders
AJ Meyer- JR Cat 2, Cohutta, GA
Ty Manger- JR Cat 2, Griffen, GA
Ben Gabaldi- JR Cat 3, Jackson, MS; 2007 13/14 JR National TT & Criterium Champion
David Hutton- U-23 Cat 1, Monroe, OH; Furman University Student
3-4 Spots TBD
Elite Team Mentors
Rich Hincapie- (Greenville, SC) As a long-time veteran of professional and amateur bicycle racing, Rich will provide expert guidance on every aspect of the sport. Rich was an accomplished domestic professional before starting Hincapie Sportswear, and he still competes regularly on the Elite level.
Shane Weaver- (Greenville, SC) Shane has developed a reputation as an intense competitor and a savvy team tactician. His superior bike handling and solid training regimen have lead to numerous successes. The powerful Category 1 sprinter has amassed over 20 wins, including one National Championship and seven State Championships in his relatively short career.
Steve Carpenter- (Chattanooga, TN) This 20-year veteran’s racing resume includes three top-seven finishes at the Master’s National Road and Time Trial Championships, two Tennessee Best Area Rider Jerseys and multiple District Championships. He is respected throughout the Southeast for his time trial and climbing skills and his talent to motivate and coach riders of all ability levels.
time to get rippin!
Pretty cool.
Greenville, SC – Hincapie Sportswear is proud to announce the formation of its new Under-23 Junior Development Cycling Team to be managed out of its home office in Greenville, SC. The Hincapie Development Team will consist of six to eight 15-23 years old development riders and three Elite racers. The Team is focused on promoting the sport of cycling through an experienced rider mentoring program that allows U23/Junior riders to race and train with experienced Pro/Elite cyclist. The mentors will provide guidance in every aspect of the sport including training techniques, racing strategy, nutrition and sports psychology. In addition to these critical skills, the experience will also help promote an active lifestyle with life-long benefits.
“We have promoted cycling on many levels from event promotion to race team management and this is the next step in our support of the sport,” said Rich Hincapie, Team Leader and president of Hincapie Sportswear. “My brother, George and I understand how far you can go in this sport when you have quality opportunities, and we’re proud to provide support to these talented junior cyclists. Two-time National Champion, Craig Lewis was a rider on our Hincapie Elite Team several years ago, and he recently signed a professional contract to ride with George on T-Mobile, one of the most prestigious pro teams in the world. In addition to Craig’s success, our Elite Team has also developed numerous National and World Champions, so we know the program can succeed.”
Rich and George Hincapie are both products of USA Cycling’s junior development program. Most leaders in the sport agree that the key to growing bicycle racing in the US is to develop junior racers from a young age. There are development programs locally that help introduce riders to bike racing, but the Hincapie Development Team will provide the missing link between casual competition and racing on the elite pro level. Racers on the Hincapie Team will be groomed and managed to help them graduate from the amateur ranks into the pro peloton. These opportunities will help these talented youngsters achieve their cycling dreams.
Hincapie Development Team Roster:
U-23 Development Riders
AJ Meyer- JR Cat 2, Cohutta, GA
Ty Manger- JR Cat 2, Griffen, GA
Ben Gabaldi- JR Cat 3, Jackson, MS; 2007 13/14 JR National TT & Criterium Champion
David Hutton- U-23 Cat 1, Monroe, OH; Furman University Student
3-4 Spots TBD
Elite Team Mentors
Rich Hincapie- (Greenville, SC) As a long-time veteran of professional and amateur bicycle racing, Rich will provide expert guidance on every aspect of the sport. Rich was an accomplished domestic professional before starting Hincapie Sportswear, and he still competes regularly on the Elite level.
Shane Weaver- (Greenville, SC) Shane has developed a reputation as an intense competitor and a savvy team tactician. His superior bike handling and solid training regimen have lead to numerous successes. The powerful Category 1 sprinter has amassed over 20 wins, including one National Championship and seven State Championships in his relatively short career.
Steve Carpenter- (Chattanooga, TN) This 20-year veteran’s racing resume includes three top-seven finishes at the Master’s National Road and Time Trial Championships, two Tennessee Best Area Rider Jerseys and multiple District Championships. He is respected throughout the Southeast for his time trial and climbing skills and his talent to motivate and coach riders of all ability levels.
time to get rippin!
Sunday, October 14, 2007
The Roller Coaster Continues
Greenville... yeah Greenville.
I guess I can go ahead and announce the news since I don't want to wait any more and this weekend made things "official". Starting the new year off right there will be some big changes.
1. I'm moving to Greenville. I finally got my acceptance to Furman so I am on my way to a new place, new people and new... stuff. I'm super excited to get things kicked off coming off my Holiday after cross season.
2. Hincapie Development Team here I come. Rocking some awsome kits (you will have to wait and see) and a stacked team, I'm super excited to get this rolling. Rich Hincapie and Shane Weaver are heading up a multifaceted development team that is looking to make an impact. Ex-national champs, current national champs, U23's Juniors, guys who spent some time in europe. It will be fun. With the focus changing from piss on (pardon) local crap to NRC and Southeast big shot stuff, I'm super excited to get things rolling and start taking things a little more serious. I cannot wait.
As for racing. I'm tired. I'm thinking about calling it a season and just enjoying the cross for what it's worth. A good time, and nothing too serious. I probobly am going to change my ambitions and start focusing on the Southeast hoopla to come next year and just let cross be a release for me. As for here and now, I DNF'd last nights crit and had a really bad day. My legs have just felt sluggish lately, and I really think I may be getting burnt out. Luckily I have mr. Weaver and Scottie Weiss here to keep me company. P.S. Scottie drinks more coffee than me. As for now, I can't really say any more about much until later, so I'm going to run and have yet another cup of coffee to try and match Weiss' 7 cups yesterday. Here are some pics of Weavers condo he let us trash for the weekend!
Scotties steed
My Bed...
The LOOOONG ride to the course. I think it's less than 1 kilometer away.
I guess I can go ahead and announce the news since I don't want to wait any more and this weekend made things "official". Starting the new year off right there will be some big changes.
1. I'm moving to Greenville. I finally got my acceptance to Furman so I am on my way to a new place, new people and new... stuff. I'm super excited to get things kicked off coming off my Holiday after cross season.
2. Hincapie Development Team here I come. Rocking some awsome kits (you will have to wait and see) and a stacked team, I'm super excited to get this rolling. Rich Hincapie and Shane Weaver are heading up a multifaceted development team that is looking to make an impact. Ex-national champs, current national champs, U23's Juniors, guys who spent some time in europe. It will be fun. With the focus changing from piss on (pardon) local crap to NRC and Southeast big shot stuff, I'm super excited to get things rolling and start taking things a little more serious. I cannot wait.
As for racing. I'm tired. I'm thinking about calling it a season and just enjoying the cross for what it's worth. A good time, and nothing too serious. I probobly am going to change my ambitions and start focusing on the Southeast hoopla to come next year and just let cross be a release for me. As for here and now, I DNF'd last nights crit and had a really bad day. My legs have just felt sluggish lately, and I really think I may be getting burnt out. Luckily I have mr. Weaver and Scottie Weiss here to keep me company. P.S. Scottie drinks more coffee than me. As for now, I can't really say any more about much until later, so I'm going to run and have yet another cup of coffee to try and match Weiss' 7 cups yesterday. Here are some pics of Weavers condo he let us trash for the weekend!
Scotties steed
My Bed...
The LOOOONG ride to the course. I think it's less than 1 kilometer away.
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
Yellow Springs. Yeah...Yellow Springs
It's not too often you find yourself in a town like Yellow Springs. It takes a city with character and personality (very stoner character) to have a storefront called Dingleberries. But of course, it's towns like these that are happy to have us lycra clad fools running around on grass and jumping over bit wood boards! I'm living the dream, what can I say.
Again Ohio shed it's face of stupidity giving us 90 degree temperatures and singletrack. Dirt singletrack. Lovely dusty singletrack. I got the front row callup I was hoping for, but of course I blew it, like I always do. The first few laps were a little hectic but finally mid way throught he second lap things were starting to slow and split. I found myself in a good group of 6 or seven guys including Gamm and Rish, Keirin, Dave Emmig, and a few others. Again the cycling god's chuckled away as Rish and Swain of A&F decided it would be a splendid idea to bumper tag each other into a conveniently placed stalk from hell...Thank you breaks and bye bye good finish. I managed to squirt through but there was no luck, my day was finished. Knowing the two guys ahead of me in the standings were up the road I decided to play it safe and be a series whore and sit in with the guy behind me in the series standings, Dave.
Now at this point it got entertaining. As we road around all we kept hearing was "Go Dave!" and "Yeah Dave!" Finally I yelled at an unknown spectator saying "specify which Dave your rooting for you idiot!" Everyone got a kick out of it. In the end, Dave and I dragged it out for a wimpy 12th place finish, with me taking him by half a bike. Again I finished just out of the money, but for a stupidly open course with wallnuts of death strewn stupidly in all the technical turns, I was happy for the day to be over. After a coke and a cliff bar it was home sweet home.
Here are some pictures:
Dave and Dave
Dave and Dave again!
It was a bit hot!
Next weekend I'm off to the last road event of the year. Downtown Greenville Cycling Classic. I'll have an official announcement to make on Monday! Wish me luck racing with George Hincapie and Craig Lewis!
Again Ohio shed it's face of stupidity giving us 90 degree temperatures and singletrack. Dirt singletrack. Lovely dusty singletrack. I got the front row callup I was hoping for, but of course I blew it, like I always do. The first few laps were a little hectic but finally mid way throught he second lap things were starting to slow and split. I found myself in a good group of 6 or seven guys including Gamm and Rish, Keirin, Dave Emmig, and a few others. Again the cycling god's chuckled away as Rish and Swain of A&F decided it would be a splendid idea to bumper tag each other into a conveniently placed stalk from hell...Thank you breaks and bye bye good finish. I managed to squirt through but there was no luck, my day was finished. Knowing the two guys ahead of me in the standings were up the road I decided to play it safe and be a series whore and sit in with the guy behind me in the series standings, Dave.
Now at this point it got entertaining. As we road around all we kept hearing was "Go Dave!" and "Yeah Dave!" Finally I yelled at an unknown spectator saying "specify which Dave your rooting for you idiot!" Everyone got a kick out of it. In the end, Dave and I dragged it out for a wimpy 12th place finish, with me taking him by half a bike. Again I finished just out of the money, but for a stupidly open course with wallnuts of death strewn stupidly in all the technical turns, I was happy for the day to be over. After a coke and a cliff bar it was home sweet home.
Here are some pictures:
Dave and Dave
Dave and Dave again!
It was a bit hot!
Next weekend I'm off to the last road event of the year. Downtown Greenville Cycling Classic. I'll have an official announcement to make on Monday! Wish me luck racing with George Hincapie and Craig Lewis!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
