missing

Since returning from my cross country adventure, I am once again gainfully employed and making quick work of yet another 'cross season. As I pedaled into Boston on August 6th, it seemed like cross season would never arrive and yet now it is almost gone. Somehow three and a half months and 16+ races later there is little to look forward to. The days are shorter, the temperatures are staying lower, and soon enough the roads will be littered with sand, salt, ice, and snow reducing my bike commuting opportunities.

As I rode in to work this morning I was thinking about why this year's 'cross season hasn't really thrilled me quite like years past. The results have been good and there certainly hasn't been a shortage of racing. I think the biggest difference this season compared to years past is the lack of camaraderie and the almost routine feeling of doing some events for the 4th or 5th year in a row with the same dry conditions as last year. The last two years I was fortunate enough to travel to some big events (USGP in CO in 2006 and USGP in PDX in 2007) and enjoy a lot of time with new and old friends in the process. This year I missed out on the travel partly because I couldn't justify the cost after 4 months without a paycheck and partly because it is not fair to my family after being away for 2 months this summer.

It's rare for me to be looking forward to road or mtb racing with 'cross races still on the schedule but I've found myself doing so this year. Most of all I'm looking forward to the return of my buddy. His presence was sorely missed this fall. He and his wife have been the glue that holds together so many New England friendships and they are without question the best teammates I could ask for. Without Mr and Mrs Zanconato I would not have met great people like Kenny and Matt. Heck, without Mr. and Mrs. Z I might still be in the Cleveland IHOP. I'm looking forward to the triumphant return of the Zanconatos and the revival of our band of 'cross racing misfits. They will uplift the spirits of the whole New England racing community.

Is it time for the 2009 'cross season yet?

cold

I managed to commute twice last week despite the freezing temperatures. This weekend's racing, although successful, was bone chilling. My toes took a long time to thaw out, going from numb, to painful, to tingly, to cold, to normal. Why do we make ourselves suffer through this agony? Sometimes I forget.

At least it's back above 30 for the ride home. It will be refreshing to commute without my winter coat tonight.

on my way

Here is a list of some of the things I saw while riding to work today:


- a crossing guard sitting comfortably in her brand new Cadillac Escalade while young children dart across a four lane road as if they are playing the old skool Frogger video game.

- a 9 year old child walking to school with a recently purchased cup of Dunkin Donuts coffee (could have been tea or hot chocolate I guess). I guess even 9 year olds need their caffeine to get moving in the morning.

- a full sized man on a tiny folding bike (with the saddle so low he looked like he was riding a BMX bike) with a huge suitcase sized backpack. I've seen this particular fellow 4 or 5 times now while commuting and I applaud his efforts but think he might want to try raising his seat.

- 10-12 other bike commuters. It was a nice morning for a ride.

putting my lights to good use

I commuted on the most direct route today. Although it is not as peaceful, it is 2-3 miles shorter and I think it was faster even with the major traffic intersections I had to go through. It was also hard to tell because I was commuting on the 'cross tires for the first time. 15 miles on knobby tires at 60psi is a lot less efficient.

Bring your lights and be ready to rumble tonight

not afraid of the dark

Monday was a great commute. I took the road racing bike with just enough supplies to keep me well lit for the night time ride home. I forgot how much faster a 17 lb carbon bike is than the 22 lb fender equipped steel commuter that I had been riding lately. The morning air was warm enough and the traffic was rather light as I zipped along my usual route to Waltham. When the work whistle blew at the end of my day I was initially tense about the ride home. It was 6pm and completely dark. With no other choice, I geared up, put on my highly visible white vest and rear blinking lights as well as my handlebar mounted light. My ride combines some unlit and lit side roads, some unlit busy roads, and some well lit city centers so I was switching between high beam and low beam on the NiteRider. The temp seemed a bit cooler than the morning ride but perhaps it was the lack of sun.

As I zipped through the darkest sections I was reassured by the high beam on the NiteRider. For a $150 light, it performs as well as I could expect. It is also exceptionally convenient because I rotate it from bike to bike on an almost daily basis. The 15 mile ride home in the dark was fast and enjoyable. For some reason the roads seemed a little quieter than usual which added to the enjoyment.

too early?

is it bad to leave at 4:30 on a friday if you've only been with the company for three weeks? i don't think so. i just want to be home by 6.

feelin' down

Once or twice a year I get a cold. Sometimes it is just a stuffy nose and sore throat, sometimes it is a full system meltdown. This week I have the stuffy nose and sore throat but hopefully nothing more. I skipped out on 'cross practice in hopes of limiting the amount that I weaken my immune system. I'm sure glad I don't have to get on a plane anytime soon. Traveling with a head cold is the pits.

Seeing a sign like this in New England would sure cheer me up.

just plain stupid

It's getting colder in New England as we seem to be skipping fall and going straight for winter. On Thursday morning my thermometer read 33 degrees when I left the house. I put on my windproof jacket and shoe covers in hopes of staying warm during the 15 mile ride. When I got to the Boston College area I caught up to a guy on a Bike Friday (with 16 inch wheels) who was equally dressed for the cold morning EXCEPT he was wearing flip flops. Seriously! Since when is wearing flip flops will bike commuting a good idea, let alone when it is 33 degrees outside. He rode at least 2-3 miles so it is not like he was just going to the end of the street or out for 5 minutes. I guess I just don't get it.