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