End of Year Musings

2008 is nearly on the books. Quite a year for me: new job(s), new home, new state, new friends, old friends, back to racing, lots of cooking, and a little bit of blogging. I'm pretty happy with the year and think that 2009 will top 2008.

So with 2009, big things are on the horizon. First and foremost, it is now official, I've inked an offer to ride with Activity, a Stuttgart, Germany based top amateur cycling team. After thinking that my euro racing dreams were over, this incredible offer came across the pond. So end of February, I leave the Unreality, and start with a training camp in Mallorca then racing season starts. Its going to be a whirlwind of excitement, energy, fatigue, cultural obscurities, funny stories, euro hawks & mullets, and lots of coffee. I'll be tracking my Euro Adventure Part Deux extensively through my World Wide Web pulpit. Not every exciting offer comes without some sadness. I'll be away from some very close people but without their support, I don't think I could take on this adventure in fullness.

So now I have to get prepared for the little New Year's Partay my lady and I are hosting at my place in Niwot. What's on the menu? A international selection of finger/small/tapas dishes. Potstickers, Maki, Empanadas, Guac, Salsa, and a surprise special desert.

So if you are in Boulder, get your butt over here and partay with the coolest cats on the Front Range.
Chow

The Votes are In!

Thanks to all who participated in the much hyped, BearClaw granola flavor. Gingerbread Man won a convincingly 64% of the popular vote, no electoral college bs here. And for all of you who prescribed to the focus group, your sweet surprise is going in the mail this week.

Weekend update...Skate skiing with my Sherpa on Friday was good. Got a few pointers on double-poling and it made a significant difference. Looking forward to more advanced and improved times on the skate skis. Put in a nice 3 hr session on the cross bike on Saturday. Roads were rather clear but I was wanting to get some extra strength in. Good sensations during the 12-15min strength efforts and the 2-4min VO2 efforts.

Sunday, I made dreams come true. Able to get in a 2hrs prior. Hit up the CO State Cyclocross Championship course. Did a practice lap...damn I miss racing.

Chow,
Claw

Cross-training Boulder Style

Training this week has gone pretty good. Battled a little bonk on Tuesday. Need to eat a little more as I'm not use to burning the calories b/c of the cooler temps. Better now than in a race. Won't let that one happen again. Yesterday, I hit up the North Boulder Rec Center. As with anything in Boulder, its a little over the top for public spaces. Strength is coming along nicely and I'm keeping lean.

Today, I did a little cross-training b/c it was dumping snow. I think we ended getting 5" after it was only expected to accumulate up to 2". So i hit up North Boulder Park and got my xc skiing on. Boulder Nordic groomed it and the masses were out. Well over 100+, mostly skate skiers. I was one of a few doing classic. Saw a bunch of junior nordic racers. For sports and outdoor activities boulder is definitely a child's paradise as well as the adult. So after an hour of classic work, I rolled home, only to see that the temps were in the teens. Got my warming sensations on with some tomato-turkey soup. It was goooood.

Picked up a used pair of skate skies at Sports Recycler in NoBo. Tomorrow morning before I make dreams come true in the bike shop, I will put in a good skate session.

Enjoy the pics...
chow,
Matthew

Seasonal Offerings

I've been told that I need to update, well here it is. The granola and muesli production is in full swing. Training is going well, and all is good on the Front Range. So what has your adventurer been up too? As the previous sentence stated, several things. As you might recall, over a year and a half ago I was experimenting with some energy bar production. After several focus group sessions and countless personal tastings while on the bike, I have gotten back into production. This time, my skills are more refined and I'm hitting the granola and muesli markets. Breakfast foods have always been dear to my heart. I didn't want to become a one-trick pony so i needed to have diversification in my culinary quiver. And I'm not going to pay for boxed cereal or granola that is way to sweet and ridiculously overpriced. Interesting enough, I would be more than happy to sell my granola for the gourmet price that it seems to attract nowadays. Along with granola, nature's candy, I'm pushing out lots of muesli as well. Now if you have ever read a euro cyclist eating habits you will notice the aforementioned many times along with choco spread(nutella) on fresh baguette. You now ask yourself, what is this potion that brings the good sensations the euro riders talk of? Well first off, muesli is a European version of granola. Whereas granola as we know it is often cooked in the oven and formed into clumps, muesli is cooked oats with different cereal grains and often times fruit. Or if you are in Belgium, little delicious choco shavings. Both are dense in nutrients and high in fiber which perform two duties: provide a full, long lasting energy as well as keep your inner workings in check. After getting back from my euro campaign last year, I was saddened to not find muesli. And when I did find it, I was quickly defeated by the Euro/$ trade deficit. How could something in Euroland cost $2.75 and in the US cost $6.00? Well the economist in me immediately thought Muesli arbitrage! But the foodie in me thought, hmm, I bet I could corner the muesli market and introduce this Euro delicacy to the masses so they all can have good sensations on the bike, in the office, on the run, or in sun(just a little rhyming for you). After much mind deliberating, I have started my muesli production. I like to consider it trial phase 1 and gourmet b/c production is highly limited until I source out my commercial kitchen space.

So, with the fall season being the uber best time of the year for foodies, I'm currently producing:
Apple-Spice Granola

Pumpkin Pie Granola

Almond-Coconut Muesli


As my techniques continue to improve and flavorings more advanced, I encourage you to sign up for my focus groups. What will you get? Aside from the spectacular experience of being part of the US Granola/Muesli market takeover, you get a free and delicious foods that provide you with good sensations that will better your life. Plus you get to provide feedback to me and help me take on this long-conceived venture.

Also, you need to check out the new poll and vote on a favorite flavor for the next trial period.

See the photos for what you can enjoy. And email me your name/address and I will send you out some samples.

Chow,
Matthew

Flagstaff Sessions

Flagstaff is the uber popular road that climbs up out of Boulder and toward the Eldorado Canyon area. Its also a testing ground for cyclists b/c its an unforgiving 7.4% for 5mi with stretches of 10 and 14%. My session included the Gregory Canyon to the Ampitheater which is 3.5mi, first 0.5 are 10% then its a cool 6.5% for the remainder. The protocol was for Strength intervals of 15min repeated 3x. Legs were feeling awesome, probably the best in months. I managed to put in a great workout and actually put out more power on the last one than I did the 2nd one. I also stayed seated the entire time which was a pretty good feeling. Nothing like some good 'ol power sessions on Flagstaff.

One guy tried to jump my wheel and hold onto the train at the start of my last one. I rode my steady but high pace and consequently dropped him just outside of 0.5mi. yesterday was just one of those days when the legs feel awesome and you just have to bury yourself multiple times to get the most out of the day. Today I hit the gym again for some weights and core work. 3 days in a row now of strength stuff. 2009 is going to be a great year =)

Bearclaw

2009 Tucson Training Camp

Here are the details...

Tucson Training Camp

Space is filling up so contact me quickly to reserve your spot. Discounts are available.
cheers,
Matthew

Weekend Redux

So its been 2 days since my last post...
Snow melted on Friday, except in the mountains. Today was warm and in the 60s.

We went on an epic 6hr hike yesterday. Left from NCAR(National Center for Atmospheric Research) and headed into the Flatirons and up Green Mountain West Trail. Took on the summit, then hit up the Bear Mtn summit. Bear Mountain was a little more precarious. You needed some bouldering skills, fortunately being of the year of the Monkey(inside joke for a particular reader), my monkey like traversing of small crevices and big rocks made it quite easy for me. The view was quite spectacular from over 8000'. Again, this is a trailhead that leaves from the city of Boulder...just amazing...I believe that yesterday was my longest hike ever. It was quite fast and we took on a lot of vert. But I'm happy to say that I didn't experience any soreness today. I guess I've finally acclimated myself to this transportation by two feet thing. I still think its weird.

Enjoy the scenes...

Back in the Game

So yesterday was my return to training or as I have deemed it, my "coming out of retirement." Yeah, you can laugh but I was retired from training for 2 weeks. Now the engine is fired up and ready to start getting my 2009 program under way. To kick it off, I did a time trial test on Hwy 36, the same tt course as the summer Boulder series. Effort was really hard. Since most of my time after the road season was tooling around on the cross bike and trying some cross races, my cadence has dropped significantly. But I've gained a lot of strength so now its time to put more strength work in and refine that buttery spinning so makes jaws drop, drop like the Eminem album or such. Aside from my lack of any sustained efforts in a few months, I had the pleasure of the cold front that was rolling into the Front Range. Gusts were in the 40-60mph range. One minute you are spinning out the 53x12 and moving along at 65km/h then you turn and you are at 17km/h in your 39x27 on a "flat" stretch of road. Now the going fast part is wicked fun, especially when you pass cars and decide that you can warrant your own lane since you are riding at or above the posted speed limit.

On Wed, I did an amazing 3hr hike in the Flatirons again. Went up Gregory Canyon, hit the Ranger Trail then back down to Saddle Back. Topped out at over 7500' I think. The hike was pretty good and it just makes me appreciate how lucky I am to have this in my own backyard, well the trailhead is in town =) Tomorrow, I'm going to do a longer route that takes in Green Mountain and Bear Mtn. Should be close to 5 hrs. My "sherpa" is planning on making us some sandwiches so its a sandwich warrantied distance.

This morning it snowed.

The coming out of retirement party last evening was quite delicious. The coach and her husband came, the roommates, and the lady were all treated to my culinary skilz. I believe they all reached enlightenment, atleast I hope through my flavors of India experience. I did Chicken Tikka Masala, Chana Masala, and Palak Paneer, Basmati rice, and homemade naan.

chow,
Bearclaw

Elite Rider

After lots of hard work and ups and downs, I finally received my upgraded license from USA Cycling. Now I'm a cat 2 rider. So the majority of my racing will now be Pro/1/2...Its a big step but one I've been working on and eager to enter for some time now.

On a side note, I'm hosting a sick "coming out of retirement" partay on Thursday here in the Unreality. I'm going to focus on the flavors of northern India. Should be a treat for me and all cool friends.

Also, here is a shout out to my brother Michael in Chicago. He reminds me of my inactivity of writing. I thank him and I hope that Chicago is friggin super cold all winter for him...b/c I love him =)

Retirement?

So I'm retiring for the next 2 weeks as a bike racer. No i'm not letting myself go, just setting myself up for a super good build period starting later this month. Rest periods are incredibly important for all endurance athletes. Its a time for one to reflect on the season's past ups/downs/lefts/rights. I really don't enjoy taking rest periods but I know its needed. One must realize the benefits of recovery, which what what typically seperates a professional from an amateur. Now I don't have a pro-contract but resting allows the body to rebuild and get ready for the next big training block. So like I said, I'm retired for the next 2 weeks.

Today I went and caught the Boulder Cup cyclocross event which is a UCI C1 race, ie all the big hitters and players in the US cross scene. Course was pretty sick. I think I would have done well in it b/c it seemed like a course the benefited riders that were strong and had good stamina. I usually lack on the technical running sections. Crowds were amazing. I got a nice view atop the run-up barrier section.

So to kickoff my retirement I have been busy back in the kitchen. Fall always seems to make me want to cook more. I guess the amazing fall produce and cooler temperatures make me want to spend more time in the kitchen whipping up culinary nirvana. Made my 2nd batch of almond granola yesterday. Why was I paying too much for store bought granola for so long?! I could be heading back into the energy bar business soon. Tonight I made Chili Tatanka. For all you non-Lakotan speakers, that means Buffalo Chili. Yep, the wild American Bison hit my plate tonight. Before moving here Buffalo was only scene on Western menus. Its almost a staple out here where elsewhere is a foreign commodity. It was pretty tasty. I got an idea from Kelly's sister Kim for the next Chili Tatanka. She thought my chili tonight tasted of mole, the delicious Mexican chocolate-chili sauce. I thought, I could get some ancho chilis(give a nice smokey/sweet flavor) and some nice dark cocao. Then add a little extra heat and it should be wicked retarded good. I'll keep you posted...

Chow,
Matthew

Velonews Article

Check out the Velonews article by Bob Mionski, resident bicycle law guru.

Part 2: http://velonews.com/article/84747/legally-speaking-with-bob-mionske---the-aftermath

Part 1: http://www.velonews.com/article/84505

chow,
Matthew

Mt. Sanitas, a pictoral genuis

Thankful to be in Colorado...

Today started off a little nippy, 26 degrees but it quickly warmed this afternoon to upper 50s/low 60s and not a cloud in the sky. Gotta love CO! Started my core strength stuff this morning. Its a ritual of mine, kind of a turn to focus on the rebuild. Next season is still a long way off and I'm still planning on a two-week, no-bike break but right now, I'm enjoying some good riding weather and having with my cross rig. I can definitely tell the cross thing has helped build the strength as the workout this morning was hard but I completed it which is a good sign. I'm going to do a lot of strength work this fall/winter which was a key component I missed out on last year b/c the focus was mainly on getting back into form and getting faster. In my own shallow assessment, I have noticed some definitional gains in the quads. What? Elite cyclists have finely shaped legs, so I need to start somewhere after nearly everything was lost last year.

As part of the cross-training I hike up Mt. Sanitas this afternoon. You can take in some of the sights below. Its a pretty strenuous hike for only being 3mi and the trailhead being in town. Get this, I road my bike to the trailhead. I thought that was pretty cool. Not many people out when i hit the dirt at 2:45, but by the time I returned around 4, the street was packed with about 10x as many cars. Only in Boulder do you get so many hikers on a Thursday afternoon. But the weather was pretty awesome.

Check out the new Velonews article, Legally Speaking. Bob Mionski, the author, is using the story of Diana and myself and our incident last year and the subsequent follow up. So you could say, I'm kind of a big deal now.
http://velonews.com/article/84505/legally-speaking-with-bob-mionske---the-brutality-of-the

Chow,
matthew

Hump Day Hup Hup

Wed cross worlds this morning. 35deg and nearly dark at 7:05 when I left the house to meet up with EK. The fingers and toes aren't ready for it just yet. Field was much smaller this week. Temps left the little boys and girls at home. Started out at the CU Research Park. Site of the CU Cycling short track. Pretty sweet setup. All kinds of jumps, burms, and steep climbs and one gnarly descent. Next we headed to the Elk Lodge. Handling is getting better but I still seem to lose too much on the twisty portions. I'm going to try something new next weekend. Less riding at steady pace and more of just accelerating, recover, accelerate. We will see. Dismounts are improving.

Tuesday I hit up the Boulder County Open Space trails. Its pretty flowy singletrack just out the door. Nothing super technical but its wicked fun on the cross bike. Saw one other crosser out. Did a lot of short intense efforts. I'm definitely seeing some good strength gains which should help for next year.

Weather is suppose to warm throughout the week. Heading to VeloSwap on Saturday to do a little shopping. If any has a request, chime in. The event has sick deals on all things cycling. Racing the Boulder Reservoir cross race on Sunday.

chow,
Matthew

Pain Cave and Sweet Libations

After months and months of no wild times, you know trying to be a good cyclist, I ventured out to my 2nd bar in Boulder, the West End Tavern. Kelly & Kelly(roommates and #1 fan base) joined me and my Gila adventure partner Eric, and his fiance, Lindsay. I made some sweet food before and we shared two bottles of a Cotes du Rhone and another nice French pinot. I love the french wine. West End was fun. I kept it classy and stuck to my pinot.

Before all the fun, I had to make my way into the pain cave. Yep, cross racing. Field was sickly deep, 106. I started in the very middle. Legs weren't super good and the course was just really damn hard. Crashed twice(not serious but it basically forced me to restart my pedaling and get back on the bike) and two chain drops even with a chain keeper,I will blame the mechanic on that one...umm thats me. Good times though. Kelly L. made it out with the King and Queen of the house, Pre and Aggie. She shot some nice photos and it was nice to have a cheering section as I was burrowing deeper into the cave. The plan of winning didn't work so well but ohh well. Everything should be good for next week.

For your viewing pleasure...

Friends and Family

Today was the big b-day, 28 years young. They seem to be flying by but every year seems to get better like a nice bottle of Bordeaux. This year is no exception. I have a great system of support from my family and friends, I'm living in a beautiful place, good health and no broken bones, and I am just enjoying life. What more could one ask for?

So what am I doing home on my birthday? Prepping to rip the legs off the field tomorrow in the cross race. Tomorrow we will celebrate ME and hopefully a nice result. Nevertheless, it will be a great day of riding my bike in the dirt fast and enjoying the company of my Colorado contingent.

I've got requests from a Chicago relative to post evidence of the craziness that will probably consume the night...like stupid crazy stuff. For a guy that will be buzzing after 1 beer it will be a good time...

Chow,
Matthew

Cross On Part Deux

Weather was all cross yesterday...misty rain, cold temps, and just damn dreary outside. I've always loved the nasty days. For me it always brings out my best because I know that everyone else hates it. Nothing like getting super muddy and wet on your bike. I think the race went better than the results indicate. Still waiting on that callup but to no avail. Next time I am going to register a little earlier so that atleast I can get a crack at not starting deep. As the gun went off, or the official's whistle in this case, I struggled like a newbie getting clipped in. Had to kill it to make back some spots. First few laps on the course were tough getting around the slower riders. Again, I felt super strong and could just power past people. Super fun=) Running portions and remounts are getting better. On the last turn, I caught a RockyMounts-Izze rider and gave him the Bearclaw look and sprinted past. He didn't contest. They have me down as finishing 20th. I thought I was more like top-5 or top-10. The only RockyMounts-Izze rider listed near me was 13th. So the results are suspect. Ohh well...

So my plan didn't go accordingly to plan but it doesn't always fall that way. Next weekend is a different story. I'm really digging the cross thing. Its such a different way of racing than road races or criteriums. A welcome change. The biggest difference is that I can just power by people and I don't get a reaction. Maybe everyone is on the rivet but in road races you never let stuff go like that b/c drafting is so important. Some might call me a sandbagger but I'm just having fun and I enjoy giving the look to people as if to challenge them to follow me. Its kind of fun. Totally demoralizing for the other but motivational for me.

The first racing with the next drivetrain setup was butter. can't go wrong with DA-9 in the mud. Single 42t with a 12-25 on the rear gave plenty of range. But i'm questioning the future of the SPD pedal on my setup. I spent way too much time trying to clip in. Cleat and shoe were getting all gunked up with mud. I don't think its completely a shoe thing since they are solid Sidi dominators. So I'm opening up for recommendations....

Bearclaw

Cyclocross...Check

No longer am I pure. Yes, I was crossified this past weekend in Frisco (el. 9100') and it was good. Painful but good. Rode up to Frisco with Derek Lauderback, sales monkey at the shop where I wrench. Goal was to just have fun, get a little dirty, and get the heart rate up. Plan successful. Didn't get a uber good starting position but I used my Jedi attacking skills and maneuvered my way up the first section to gain some spots. I knew I would have to drill it each time it hit the pavement climb portion if I was going to make up any positions. Course was pretty technical with a sick short descent through sandy stuff. My cornering got better as the race wore on, usually the opposite since you tire and your handling goes to sh**. Next tough section was the steep runup. Only about 30' but it was atleast 30-35deg and deep soft dirt. Unfortunately, my sick high school running skills were left back in 1998 so I lost a little bit on that spot each time. Carrying a bike and soft, deep dirt is something to work on. So laps went by and the pain continued to rise. Legs felt pretty good and I was always able to keep going harder and pushing past the pain to pick off more riders. The coolest part was dropping everyone in sight on the asphalt climb, about 400m. I guess my roadie skills are helping in the lowest cross category. If i can just work on some handling stuff and improvement my remounts and runs a little bit, i can definitely contend for the win. Finished a respectable 16th on the day out of mid 60 starters. Next race is this Saturday. Just a short 10min ride from the mothership. I probably have an enormous amount of readers following my writing and perhaps a few will be racing in the cat 4s this weekend. I'm going to lay my strategy out. Go as hard as I can in the beginning to stay with the leaders. Once they settle, I'm going to throw in some vicious attacks and try to break them. I know I have the fitness and strength to hang, so if I can just get enough of a gap then i can pick better lines and just power away which should negate my bikehandling setbacks.

Weather should make for a good one...40s rain/snow...dirty is fun =)
Chow,
Matthew

Getting My Cross On

Got my cross on yesterday morning. Decided to do the "Wednesday Morning Worlds," ie the esteemed Boulder cyclocross ride which drags young/old, novice/pros out do the parks of Boulder for some dirt riding, running, and mayhem. We had 20 in our group; apparently the other group had ~60. Good for me b/c I am uber amateur on the cross bike. We rolled around the Elks Lodge which was pretty sweet. Started off with a practice lap to see the entire course, basically a race lap for me b/c my remounting is quite suspicious. Race starts after we all line up and I'm in good position until the first remount. Ohh well, getting dropped by a 60+ yr old is something we all must do sometime =)

The key is I had fun, got a little dirty and only biffed it once. Heading over to the park this morning before work to practice on my remounts. Should be good. Brushed up on some cool online instructional videos for remounting last night. So it will be super easy right? =)

Chow,
Matthew

Rad Singletrakin' and My New Steed

Built up the new cross bike yesterday. "It's sick brah!" Kona Major Jake 08, yep the Kermit the Frog green paint scheme. I did some part swapping on it b /c I wasn't too happy with the build. So I'm hoping to unload some unused components on the market soon. If you are interested, I will hook you up with a sweet deal. I rolled old skool on it and went Dura Ace 9, or DA9. Going to run a single 42t on the front end with an FSA carbon crank and Salsa Crossing Guard chainguard. Std 12-25 on the rear. Until I make the jump to a tubular cross set, I'm going with my Mavic Ksyrium Elites. Served me well in Belgium and here so why not.
Parts Available: Mavic Kysirium Equipe wheelset (2008) (9miles on them), Shimano 105 shifter set(unused), Shimano Ultegra 10sp long cage rear derailleur, FSA Gossomar 36/46 crankset, FSA Mego Exo BB, 2 brake levers, Shimano 105 10sp chain, Shimano 105 10spd 12-25 cassette, FSA OS 150 handlbar(possibly available). Basically, you could build up your own bike except for brakes and frame, fork, headset with this. Will part out or sell the whole kitten. Email me for prices. If you are in Boulder, I will even build the bike up for you for a much reduced fee since I'm kind of a pro mechanic.

Now back to the Rad Singletrackin...Took the 10:10 bus to Ned. Staked my claim early so I could throw on the front rather than sardine my Titus in the underbelly. Wise move. We must have had 12 or more bikes on board. Got to love it here where you can take a bus to sick trails 20minutes out of town. Of course it would be uber-sick if you could ride out but that is a different entry. Working as a shop mechanic, you tend to see the same players all the time. Boulder is also very small so that lends to it as well. I unloaded at the bus stop in Ned and headed towards the high school since I had heard there was a trail leading to the West Magnolia trail network. After some pioneering and fortitude I came upon the treasure. Now this was my 2nd time on the trail network. Basically all singletrak but numerous interconnecting trails. It goes like this, ride in, ride around, get lost, enjoy the fun, the leaves, the air, ride around some more, and miraculously you turn out at the trailhead. Sweet! I wanted to get some more chamois time, so I rolled down West Magnolia Rd(dirt) and hit the Dot Trail system, Trail 606. UNBELIEVABLE! I had never been so gah gah over singletrak in my life. This was it, heavy tree cover, tight trail, and quite technical for this roadie. I'll admit that I did have to walk a few sections but my day will come. Each time i go out, I get better. No sense in trying to be uber macho and braking something then walking out the entire trail. Right? Well it didn't disappoint. There was no sign of life for miles, totally serene and just what I needed.

Later hooked up on West Magnolia and rolled back into town before cruising it back home. ~4 hours or so. Good climbing and strength workout. I'm going to incorporate more mtn biking and cross riding this fall hoping that the it will improve my climbing. If not that, I'll atleast have fun ripping it up on the dirt =)

To wet your whistle....
Chow,
Bearclaw

A Self Silhouette (this goes out to my elementary school art teacher who only gave me the purple paper once!)

The Changing of Times

The leaves are beginning to share their beauty that has been hidden since last year. Yep, its officially fall in Colorado. We still have temps in the 70s/80s but the mornings are cool and the colors are beginning to shine. Since moving west in 2005, I haven't really experienced a fall foliage since there is no such thing in San Francisco. The changing of times represents a new year, a changing of life, and rediscovering of comfort. Fall certainly has to be my favorite time of the year. Not just because my birthday is less than a month away...hint hint...but temps are a little cooler and life seems a little more relaxed.

Cyclocross season is in full swing here in The Republic. I will be taking part shortly. My new rig should be arriving soon. It's going to be fun, dirty and totally sick. Pics will be posted of the new addition to the quiver.

Today is my sister's wedding anniversary, so happy anniversary Lauren and Alex. This time last year I was cooking up a storm and recently released from my chain(ie neckbrace). Times have definitely changed....

For a small digression from usual banter on this weblog...when you are out with friends/boyfriend/girlfriend/wife/husband turn off the damn blackberry and no texting. If that call, txt, or email is so important why are you wasting the time with that other person? Nothing annoys me more than people who do this. So don't be that girl or that guy.

Digression over....

Chow,
Matthew

Colorado Beauty

Went out of my "element" on Sunday and did some hiking in Indian Peaks. Area that is just outside Nederland. Just over 2hrs. Some decent vert, nothing technical but fun. Yesterday, having the day off, I got back to my own. Rode 4hrs up to Lyons then to Peak to Peak then to Ward and down. Amazingly clear day in the mountains.

Now its back to wrenching today...Or as i like to say, "making dreams come true."

Beautiful Colorado Riding

Rode with Kelly's sister today, Kim. We did an epic post-season, I use the word epic b/c most people who have been racing are sitting on their arses. Not me, I still want to ride some before the weather prevents me from going to high. It was perfect weather today, upper 60s-low 70s. 161km. Heading south from the compound in Niwot to Arvada then up Golden Gate Canyon to Peak-to-Peak(CO-72) to Nederland then to Ward down Left Hand Canyon then home. 3600kjs at 5hr45min of ride time.

I had never done this climb before up Golden Gate Canyon but its a real good one. Very long indeed. But worth it. Going hiking manana...Ahh the Colorado life =)

Last Race and Some Mountain Training

Rode the last road race of the Colorado season yesterday. Great battle out on the Colorado farm lands. Belgian style with le perfume du manure and lots of wind. Got stuck in a bad position when the front group went in the combined p/1/2/3/masters 35+/women 1/2 field. Made the 2nd chase group after burying myself only to look back and see that the rest of the field was nowhere in sight. On th last lap, a DU rider went up the road. I watched for a reaction from the group but it was obvious they were blown. I attacked hard out to the left, bridged up and we rode together for the rest of the race. Probably about a 3-4min lead ahead of the group. With 500m to go, the rider with me tried to break me but getting out of the saddle with me on his wheel. I was right on it. He tried it again, and i was on it. With about 200m to go, I jumped and gave everything out to the far right(we were on the left side of the road. He wasn't able to follow my sprint and I was able to comfortably sit up with 4 bike lengths to go as I had a 4-5bike length lead. Now I would expect officials would get these results right. But ohh contraire...I was recorded as 7th overall, not 6th with the DU guy beating me. I didn't even bother to check the results for fear of a mistake. I only discovered it last night online. Policy is you can't contest after leaving race site. Stupid.

After we finished the DU rider told me he thought he could drop me. What he didn't know was I knew he was the stronger rider so I played it to look more fatigue and took shorter pull towards the end. Then when he decided to lead it out I knew I had it b/c he wasn't going to drop me by jumping out of the saddle. So for all of you trying to drop someone at the end, make the jump count. With the limited distance left, you have nothing to lose if you don't empty the tank. I waited till he sat after giving it a 2nd go, knowing he is going to need a little recovery and then unleashed. It worked and it was sweet after the work throughout the day.

Now onto fun riding. Eric Kenny and I did a nice 150k loop up to Estes Park via Loveland/CO-34 then down CO-36. Plan was to continue on CO-7 to Ward but we were already at 3.5 hours in Estes. The loop I described would be a great day. Legs felt pretty good today and the weather was perfect.

Here are some photos...they were all taken while riding

Long Awaited Update

Its been a little bit of time since my last rambling. Why you ask? Well, life has been crazy busy. Something to the name of WORK. Not really into it but I got to make the mullah to keep the dream rolling. Quickly recap the past few weeks....

Raced two crits back-to-back in Winston-Salem, NC, my birthplace. Didn't have the greatest of legs. Got punched by a rider in my back. Words were transferred, I filed a complaint with the ref. Now I am writing a letter calling for this jag'off's suspension from USA Cycling. I will keep everyone posted.

Parent's party cooking went well. It was a bit stressful cooking for 75 people but we pulled it off. I think I created a menu of flavors that encompassed SE Asia and pushed people into new culinary nirvana. The most popular dish was my mango salsa which was really only suppose to be a "munch" item. It was incredibly simple in technique. I was hoping that I would get more praise for the green curry. But ohh well, one can't discount praise. I've created a nice little name for myself amongst my parent's friends for my cooking. Maybe it will lead to something out here in Boulder....

Ohh yeah, I've been working a lot which has lead to a steep decline in riding. Since Aug 7, I have ridden 6 days(riding to work is not counted). 3 of those days were racing. Pretty good result at the Boulder-Roubaix which was an epic mudfest thanks to the nice storms we had. Course is 8.?? mi long with 80% being on dirt. A real hard man's course, Belgie Style. Muy Bueno for Me. I had 2 teammates with me in the lead group after we had torn up the field after 6 laps to only 7 riders. So we were looking pretty good. One teammate crashed out and broke his steerer. One was up the road so that left me to just follow the wheels to the finish. In the last turn, I jumped to grab the first attack on the final 1.5k. Unfortunately, my 28mm tires got stuck in some sand/mud which quickly drowned my acceleration. The 4 riders were able to get a gap that I couldn't close so I had to settle for 7th. Would have liked to give it a go for a podium spot but sometimes, weird stuff happens. Next day, I raced the North Boulder Park crit. Legs were done but I managed to stay in the lead group. Very fast and technical course. Old roommates, Jen and Trent were there to cheer me on. Good to see them. Then it was back to work until this past thursday. Got in a nice 3.25hr ride out to Carter Lake. Got a wave? from the Liquigas rider(Boulder riders know who I am talking about). Rode 4.5 hrs in the mtns yesterday. Met up with Shawn and Karl for some cafe in Ned. Good to catch up. Today i opted out of the crit. Just feeling tired all week. Did 4.5 hrs on the mtn bike in Ned. Rode the West Magnolia trails then got lost, then found my way back home. Had a good time. Technical skills are improving but still lack some panache on the rocky stuff. Opted to lock out the rear suspension on the Titus Racer-X. Was able to climb and ride through the rocky stuff much better. Maybe i'd do better with a hardtail. But I digress.

Here are some pics from the last few weeks.

The aftermath of the Roubaix, sans downtube waterbottle cage which broke and I had to rip off mid-race.

Chow,
Mathieux