Still Winter in the Northwest

The days are getting longer in the Northwest and race season is quickly approaching.  There's almost enough light after work for a quick sunset ride but not quite.  It's a tiresome period of the year to train while holding down a regular job since so much time and effort is spent in a less then ideal environment. Dark, wet, windy, the garage, whatever it takes to ride those critical base miles.  However, misery is often shared by all the other crazy freaks in this town, training to race strong in Spring.  Bham has a great group of dedicated cyclists who are often the best source of motivation through those hard days on the bike.  In any sort of whether, you can usually find someone to roll some miles with you or at the very least meet you at the bar when you get back.

I'm working with Brian of High Cadence Coaching again this season after remaining motivated and successful through the 2011 season.  I'm often surprised that the volume of riding prescribed is less then anticipate but it carries a ton of structure and purpose.  This seems to work well for someone who works a regular job, has a wife and still wants a life off the bike.  The variety of Brian's experiences and willingness to share insight has been just as important in my development as the workouts he prescribes.

I consider Strava a growing motivator through these Winter miles.  I'm not a huge fan of social media or excessive technology in cycling but this site is pretty rad. Whether riding or running, it's simply a great way to hold yourself accountable, push for more time on the bike and support others who are doing the same.  I've found tons of great routes, climbs and back roads using this site.  Strava's now exploding with users and I fear it's simplicity will be lost in the pursuit of growth.  But for now, it's simply motivating to go after an occasional KOM or log another 100+ mile ride.

It'll be my first season racing in the Cat 1/2 field and I'm looking forward to all the new challenges that'll surely bring.  The early part of the season will be spent racing and adapting with a lot of single day races in Canada and Washington.  I'll mix in some fun/hard racing at the Tour of the Unknown Coast and Ski to Sea in May. The later part of the season (June/July) will be spent doing some epic stage races that I haven't done before like the Baker City Cycling Classic and Cascade Cycling Classic. 

Also in the mix will be some more mountain bike racing which will fire up this weekend with the Red 2 Red XC race in Echo Oregon, then Stottlemeyer in May and hopefully Methow later in the year.

March 11th, daylight savings is quickly approaching and all the whining will start to subside. Race bikes will come out, legs will be shaved and Tuesday Night World Champions will be crowned.  Until then, I'm off to Oregon for some MTB racing, sun and 60 degrees!