Jeff Yielding

2011 Break Down

2012-01-03T14:10:00.002-06:00

The goal from year to year is to improve right? And have fun and enjoy bike racing, all that is true too. But honestly the goal is to get better, faster and stronger each year until that maximum potential is achieved. I break up the year like this Winter training (12 weeks) Jan to April Threshold improvement round 1 (8 weeks) Threshold improvement round 2 (8 weeks) Cyclocross Training (23

2012 Tour of Hermann Registration Opens today

2012-01-01T07:43:00.001-06:00

Happy New Year Roadies - Registration opens at Noon

CX Season Comes to an End today

2011-12-31T06:27:00.001-06:00

That's it, called it an end to the season today for a few reason, mainly due to another round of sickness that I caught over the Christmas holiday. It's going to take a few days to get over this which will impact training and performance for Worlds that is less than two weeks away. I know many will say "just get well and go have fun at Worlds". I could do that but that's not how I roll. I'm

Veldrijden CX Race Report

2011-12-19T08:27:00.005-06:00

Mark French and his crew in Columbia IL did a nice job hosting a late cross race post State. These late season races are tough to get folks out to race as many have ended their season looking to candy and cookies as Christmas vacations approach. For others who are still working toward late season goals such as Nationals and Worlds that is not the case, we keep pressing on looking for races

Spanish Lake Bubba CX Race Report

2011-12-13T10:27:00.002-06:00

Another Bubba CX series is in the books ending at Spanish Lake this time. I've always like this place both for MTB and CX races. This year the course design had us going in the opposite direction from prior years and the unique use of the park resulted in the best Spanish Lake course I've raced on. Race started off fast with Dan in the lead. I had a poor clip so I was 5th wheel into the first

USA Cycling CX Ranking Down to 229.96

2011-12-09T07:46:00.001-06:00

Last time I posted about this stuff I was at 265.19. Two more races before Nationals to get it lower; I might be able to get it as low as 220 to 223. I'm staged 20th out of 70 riders right now and with today being the last day before entry fee goes up $20 bucks we should get a good idea who plans on racing. My goals for Nationals are to gain experience, race hard and score a <=15.

Boss Cross 4 and Mo State Race Report

2011-12-05T15:04:00.001-06:00

Boss cross series ended on Saturday, David Hedjuk had a the series wrapped up so I went with the Open race vs. 40+. Sunday was the State Championship, my goal after winning the 40+ jersey last year is a top three in the Open race going forward. Saturday went well despite the rain, cold and mud. The conditions were not all that bad really, good clean thin mud is what I would call it. Had a blast

Muddy Jefferson Barracks Bubba CX Report

2011-11-28T12:27:00.001-06:00

After missing last weeks race then having to take a few more days off the bike due to illness I was itching to get back after it. Finally things cleared up and I was back on the bike Wednesday with a few solid workouts before race day on Sunday. The awesome 60 degree weather leading into the weekend was long gone as it rained all day Saturday followed by a cold front that brought 40 degree

The rest of the season

2011-11-21T08:06:00.001-06:00

After Derby Cup I got nailed with 5 cold sores, ouch. I don't get them often and try hard to keep from getting ill, but this time I was not so lucky. And on top of that I can't shake a small amount of congestion in my chest. Those two put together has forced me get some rest before the final leg of the cross season begins. I skipped this past weekends events due to above info which leaves me

USGP Derby City Cup Weekend Report

2011-11-14T11:59:00.001-06:00

USGP Derby City Cup this past weekend was a blast all around. Lots of strong local MO riders there along with others from all over the Midwest and beyond. Dawndi came along with me on this trip so I booked a really cool Bed and Breakfast, The Columbine, near the University in a super old neighborhood known primarily for its magnificent Richardsonian Romanesque architecture. The room and

360/ Blvd Cup in KC Race Report

2011-11-07T14:56:00.000-06:00

Really good time in KC this weekend. Dawndi and both made the trip with a stay over at her Mom's place which made it easy for me to race and her to visit. And the dogs got to come along with us. 360 racing designed a challenging hilly course that I thought suited me well on Saturday with Boulevard Brewery team setting up a flat technical challenging course Sunday. Both courses in the same park

Boss CX 3 BMX Style

2011-10-31T11:45:00.000-05:00

Boss Cross 3 in KC on Sunday was a treat. Word came down from BC HQ that we would be racing at Raytown BMX park. I thought, cool, we might get to use some of the BMX track but was disappointed after reading no go on that one as there would be a BMX race there that day. Then come race day things changed and we did indeed get to use a section of the track! BMX Two races into the series David

Bubba CX 3 Race Report

2011-10-24T13:44:00.000-05:00

Imagine you're on the highway for a one hour drive. Get in the right lane...... now veer over just at tad and ride the rumble strip for then next 60 min. Toss in some hills and you have a taste of what Bubba CX 3 was like. It was a bumpy hilly affair. Two laps into the A race sitting in 2nd place the chain quick release tabs worked them selves loose from all the banging and aggressive abuse it

Bubba CX 2

2011-10-17T08:38:00.001-05:00

Things are looking good for Bubba CX in STL this year. Seems like the Gateway Cross Cup equipment has found it's way into the series which resulted in some major course creation tool upgrades. New stakes for one, gone are the 2 foot tall back breaker wood stakes, nice white iron fence and other small details here and there that make things look pro. It's a ton of work putting on a cross race;

Cross out Cancer Race Report

2011-10-10T10:05:00.000-05:00

A day spent in KC that I would describe as windy, bumpy, dusty, twisty, fast and hot. Cat 1/2/3 field was small but large on talent. I'll start with results first so you can see who raced. These guys made for an hour of action that saw allot of lead changes. Off we go with Tilford taking the lead never looking back as he was clear after the first lap. I hung with Tilford for a lap

Boss Cross 1 and 2 Race Reports

2011-10-03T14:01:00.002-05:00

Good times in KC was had this weekend at Boss Cross. The weather was just about as good as you can get in October; sunny skies, cool temps and no wind... awesome. It was good to see all the KC racers whom I've gotten to know better through the Hermann and Gateway Cross races this year, always friendly ready to serve out a high dose of competitive racing. Goal for Boss Cross is to take home

PICX 2 Race Report

2011-09-26T04:44:00.001-05:00

Cool course yesterday in Alton for PICX race number 2. Hilly and fast was the flavor of the day. The park was awesome, wide open with lots of facilities. When I arrived it looked like the turnout was great, big fields in the early races. I hear it was the best turn out ever for these races. The Open/ Masters 40+ was not a reflection of turnout on the day, the turnout was light but that did not

Gateway Cross Cup (Race Report)

2011-09-22T16:23:00.003-05:00

Took the day off work for the big Gateway Cross Cup in St Louis last night. Everything was set up super nice, course was great and all was in place for an awesome event. Team 360 was there and adopted me for the day letting me keep my bike and other gear under their tent. These guys are super friendly and have a passion for cross. Team 360 Set Up I got things started in the 40/50 race at 2

Dogfish Cross in Hermann Race Report

2011-09-20T16:44:00.002-05:00

What a weekend! The build up to cyclocross is one of my favorite times of the year. September nears and I know Dogfish Cross in Hermann is close, I always have high hopes for a great event. This year did not disappoint. Riders from all over the place came to Hermann to test their cross skills and fitness. I truly enjoy putting this race on. I have a deep seeded passion for

Cross Has Started (PICX Race Report)

2011-09-12T10:37:00.001-05:00

The crew over in Alton were nice enough to move their first race of the season to Sunday making it easy to schedule this as the first race of the season. The Men's Open A race and 40+ A raced together, I opted to enter the 40+ as I will take advantage of my age when I can :) Jay took the lead as we made our way around the short course at a somewhat conservative pace. Then the 2

Whats good for Cyclocross?

2011-09-04T17:41:00.002-05:00

I've had this quadrant analysis tool as part of WKO+ for some time now but really have not spent any time trying to figure out what it is or what it means. What is it? Quadrant Analysis: A means of analyzing powermeter data files to obtain additional insight into the neuromuscular demands of a race or training session. Looking at how it relates to cyclocross was my focus. First you have to

2011-09-02T05:25:00.000-05:00

It's about to kick into full gear! obj=new Object;obj.clockfile="9001e-gray.swf";obj.TimeZone="MX-CST";obj.width=288;obj.height=18;obj.Target="2011,09,11,14,00,00";obj.Title="CX%20Starts%20in";obj.Message="Message";obj.wmode="transparent";showClock(obj);

Tall Oak 6 hour race report

2011-08-29T11:59:00.004-05:00

What a turn out yesterday! Must have been the awesome weather and great event that Nick and his Team Redwheel folks put on. Mark Gullet and I again teamed up, coming off a 2nd place last year we were again looking to have a good race. Should have been third really with Chris and Tom having a mechanical. But this was a new year and a new race, and a new race it was. The super fast team to beat

Dogfish Cross Course/ Tires

2011-08-24T04:33:00.006-05:00

This past Sunday was spent in the Hermann Park doing full laps on the Dogfish Cross course. One I wanted to get a feel for this years layout and two testing new for me Dugast Rhinos tires. The course will be in the 5:30 to 6min lap range. Happy with course flow with features that will keep you on your toes. The tires were about a good as I think you can get. They hooked up so well I was

Train With Grain

2011-08-20T05:29:00.003-05:00

Bobs Red Mill has a sweet deal going on right now "Train with Grain" check it out.My package arrived yesterday. Participants receive an awesome training kit, packed with a delicious variety of whole grains – including Honey Oat Granola, 10 Grain Hot Cereal, Quinoa and 7 Grain Pancake Mix – as well as their choice of a sweet cycling cap or running hat (plus a few other goodies).

Cross Practice in Hermann

2011-08-15T05:05:00.003-05:00

Few of us in Hermann headed out to where I work Sunday, set up a short 2.5 min course and went to work. We do it right in Hermann, barriers and all. Helps when you have a shed full of CX race equipment too :) After a few 1 and 2 lap all out efforts followed by a 20 min race we shifted our attention to skills. I love doing this: carve out a small technical area that takes about 30 sec to 1

Cross Prep

2011-08-14T04:39:00.009-05:00

Yesterday I spent a good portion of the day getting stuff ready for the upcoming cross season. One item on the list was gluing on a set of Dugast Rhinos to a new set of Rokkit wheels. I enjoy gluing on tires but I'll be the first to tell you I'm no expert. I tend to get a bit messy so some extra precautions are needed. There are a ton of ways to glue on tires, here are a few things I do. All

Micro Bursts

2011-08-12T04:49:00.004-05:00

With the first CX race just 28 days away CX training is in full swing. The shift from heavy endurance, tempo and threshold training has shifted to higher intensity. The first week was tough getting adjusted but now some adaptation has occurred. One of my favorite workouts are Micro Bursts. I'm sure there are a million variations out there but I thought I would share what approach I take. Micro-

Show Me State MTB Bike Race Report

2011-08-08T05:58:00.002-05:00

2009 was the last time I was at this race, 2010 it was rained out so I was really looking forward to getting there this year. As I approached Columbia it looked like it may be a rain out again as a big glob of red on the radar was approaching. But it broke up just in time with only a few showers that did not impact the trails at all, actually the trails could not have been better. The rain

Dogfish Cross in Hermann Registration Opens Monday

2011-07-30T06:49:00.004-05:00

It's just about here, the race before the race. Monday 6am register for Dogfish Cross in Hermann, staging in order of registration.

Building a foundation for this years cross season

2011-07-17T15:04:00.005-05:00

Today marks the end of 27 week plan of base building and threshold improvement. This coming week will be spent resting and getting lots of sleep as I officially begin cyclocross specific training. Performance Management Chart below charts out what this year has looked like thus far. Overall I have raced less this year but have had some breakthrough numbers and solid results. This year I've

60 Days Til Cross Season Starts

2011-07-12T11:32:00.003-05:00

Season kick off is just 60 days away. Sept 11Things get rolling in Alton IL, part of the PRIDE series, then 6 days later Dogfish Cross in Hermann, then..... lots more

Dirt Crit #1 - A good spanking

2011-07-01T06:42:00.003-05:00

It's July, it's near 100 degrees, that means the dirt crits in St Louis are here.Last night was race 1 of 5. Lets just say I got a good spanking.Might use the cross bike with a 1.9 front tire next week?

Hellbender Weekend Race Report

2011-06-20T05:05:00.003-05:00

Jose and I spent the good portion of the weekend over in Rolla for the Hellbender Points Race . Saturday crit followed by a Sunday road race. (Masters Open)Saturday was good but a stretched out chain caused a skipping every time I would stand on the pedals. I had to stay seated for the entire race or risk falling off the bike. Managed 10th which was good enough for 1 point.Sunday was a 70 mile

MO State Road Race Report

2011-06-13T09:40:00.006-05:00

Dawndi and I had a nice weekend trip down south to Sainte Gen and Cape Girardeau this year for some antique shopping and the State Road Race.We started in Sainte Gen to check out some of the course, looked around a bit and had some lunch. It was French Heritage Days in Sainte Gen so some activities where going on like this walk to the church with people dressed like they did way back when.After a

Ballwin Days Cross Race

2011-06-06T10:41:00.003-05:00

Ralph and his crew put on a good show Sunday with the first Bike and Blues race as part of Ballwin Days.The course was a cross course for sure but we played by MTB rules. So a Le Mans style start began what was a 40 min race in some serious heat.The course was nice: pavement, sand, nice grass, stairs that were part of the park and the Green Monster. The crew did a nice job!Green Monster.In the A

Cross starts in 103 days

2011-05-29T15:47:00.004-05:00

ICC 3 hour solo MTB Race

2011-05-23T09:26:00.006-05:00

What looked to be yet another wash out for MTB racing turned out to be one of the best days of the week. The forecast for the week and weekend was bleak but the race venue dodged several showers/storms, even the night before. Some say it was due to the control race promoters had over the arch and some Jedi mind power; I believe they must have this power as the trail could not have been

Solo ride in the rain

2011-05-16T06:33:00.002-05:00

This weekend was wet, It rained all day Saturday and most of Sunday, and on top of that we did not get much past 50 degrees. Saturday was no big deal as I don't ride on Saturdays anyway. Rhetts run was a bust on Sunday for me due to the wetness of trails, did not feel like racing in the mud and I was looking for a high end effort which I don't get in conditions like that.So I mapped out a 75 mile

1 hour temp workout with a kick

2011-05-15T07:04:00.004-05:00

If you are looking for a tempo level workout with a kick to it, this is it. And it's a great work out to compare power files as you do the same workout over time.Start with a good warm upFor 1 hour set your pace to 76-90% of thresholdWithin the hour do a 10 second out of the saddle burst every 3 min @ 185% threshold (20 in all)I've done this workout now 3 times over the past month.My threshold is

Training Update

2011-05-02T08:56:00.002-05:00

This season I've tweaked the plan just a bit to build a bigger base/ training load before working on the high end stuff. With a good 12 weeks of base behind me and now 1 block of threshhold training complete things continue to grow and develop like I want.Lots of time in the endurance and tempo range.Just hit 73.3 CTL after Sundays ride. Hit a good 3 min effort and seeing solid 30 to 60 min

The Latest from the road/gravel

2011-04-25T10:55:00.002-05:00

Not much to report here of late, no races only rides. That will change in the month of May. Sunday starts a good block of racing with "that race", Rhetts Run two weeks later then nearthe end of the month Indian Camp XC. All MTB races and all 3 hour plus efforts. As long as the weather holds all will be good, hoping for the best.Lots of riding this time of the year, all I have to offer is the

My Tour of Hermann

2011-04-13T14:15:00.005-05:00

This year’s ToH I think will go down as the best in the short 4 year history for this event. What looked to be a wash out from a weather perspective early in the week turned out to be full on sunshine and warm temps. Maybe a bit too warm as many suffered do to the early spring heat that reach 90 on Sunday. . . The week leading up to race was smooth. 70+ volunteers were all in place, the lead

Tour of Hermann This Weekend

2011-04-05T06:29:00.003-05:00

Tour of Hermann starts in just a few days. I take a week of vacation leading up to the event to take care of the many small details remaining. It's a fun week as I get to see the town fill up with cyclists as they enjoy the challenges this event has to offer.I did race on Sunday, Muddy Spokes. OK race, nothing to write home about. Got what I wanted out of it and had a good time. Spent a few

Hairy Back Ride - First Day of Spring

2011-03-21T06:42:00.008-05:00

First day of spring did not disappoint! Awesome weather awaited gravel thirsty riders for the longest and final organized MO Gravel Grinder of the year.Alot of the riders are training for big mile events coming up like Trans Iowa (300 miles) and Dirty Kanza (200 miles). This ride is a drop in the bucket for them but provides them the much needed training.With that many miles riders get creative

Hermann Gravel this Sunday

2011-03-18T08:16:00.002-05:00

Go Here for More info

Rest week, blow out ride and I Tunes

2011-03-13T08:56:00.008-05:00

I'm sure there is a study somewhere on the effects of music and performance. For me, If I have some awesome tunes I know I ride harder and motivation is improved.But I hate to pay for music and I don't like to steel it either, so what does one do? Pod casts are the way to go.I subscribe to a number of house and techno pod casts that give me a new batch of downloads each week just before my

One Last Base Block

2011-03-07T08:41:00.004-06:00

Friday the weekend started off with a bang, that afternoon a freak hail storm pounded Hermann. Never have I seen that much hail come down, looked like it had snowed. Hermann smelled like cedar after it was all done with so many of the cedar trees getting hit.The weekend also brought from Hong Kong the new Revolution Cycles team kits. Took out the kit, wind jacket and vest for a good 5 hour gravel

Sunday Gravel Rides

2011-02-28T10:49:00.004-06:00

Right now and for many more, Sunday's are made for long rides. With all the local riders out and no desire to travel I opted for a solo ride here at home.Good thing I had my smart phone with a map app, the route I planned out did not go as planned. Creek crossing way to high and a closed road made for detours. And for some reason Franklin CO. has decided to pave some really good gravel roads.

Owensville Ride

2011-02-21T07:25:00.002-06:00

Fun day had in Owensville for the 50+ mile gravel ride hosted by the fine folks who manage the Therapy Source. I have to mention that that the facility there is awesome. Super clean with lots of quality machines, weights and more. The place looks awesome.Good sized group headed out with a police escort, how awesome is that?For me the ride was about getting in 4 plus hours at a set pace building

Sunday Muddy Sunday

2011-02-15T11:25:00.002-06:00

Awesome day of gravel this past Sunday. The melting snow made for a real mess. With temps so warm it did not matter my feet were soaking wet when I got home.New for this ride is the rear fender, saddle bag and rear jersey pockets benefited the most.

Gravel Ride in Owensville this Sunday

2011-02-14T10:01:00.001-06:00

Details Here

Yep it's still Winter - but not for long

2011-02-07T15:22:00.002-06:00

Believe it or not this is the time of year when the average high for the day starts to increase day by day. Sunday was a dirty snow/ice packed messy day, bike was trashed when I got home and my bottom bracket came loose half way in. By the time I got home the chain rings were so wobbly I thought they were going to fall off.Bike at the shop now getting that fixed and converting it to a 1x10.

Sun is out

2011-02-03T10:41:00.000-06:00

Photos from the Hermann Ride

2011-01-31T07:30:00.005-06:00

Best guess about 16 of us headed out for a 38 mile gravel ride in Hermann Sunday. Some had a more adventurous time than others. Some got lost, some had their butts kicked from the hills and some set a blistering pace. Good times!

Hermann Gravel this Sunday

2011-01-26T09:00:00.000-06:00

Conditions in Columbia are not as good and they would like, so no ride there.But we will hit the re-set button and ride in Hermann this Sunday.Ride starts at 10am 38 milesRoads will not be marked95% gravelWill have a map for all or print/download your own. Go here for mapWill start and end at Wings A Blazin 120 East 4th Street Hermann, MO 65041-1130They are open on Sunday, get a bite to eat and

Make a new plan Stan

2011-01-25T09:20:00.002-06:00

It's that time again to start making plans for 2011. I've made some changes to the training plan to accommodate a longer cross season and put a focus on building a fitness base higher than what I did last year. I’ll also focus on improving my FTP if I can.The plan is already in motion, only 227 days to go!MarchLost Valley XC 3 hourAprilHillsboro RRBone Bender XC 3 hourMayGreensfelder 3 hourRhetts

Molly is into CX

2011-01-24T08:55:00.001-06:00

Winter Roads

2011-01-22T14:38:00.003-06:00

What an awesome winter day out riding. With 9 inches of snow that covered the ground a few days ago it was a world of white. More snow on the way tonight and into Sunday. Not sure if I'll get outside on Sunday or not, but would love to get on these gravel roads again.Post ride meal.

Herman Gravel this Sunday

2011-01-17T08:16:00.004-06:00

Ride is CANCELLED - snow on the way starting tonight through Sunday 6pm, 3 to 5", not good. Get out and ride today.Go here for more info

Thats a Wrap

2011-01-08T08:01:00.006-06:00

Will forgo the race in KC on Sunday, with that the 2010 cross season has come to a close. There are a few changes I plan to make for the 2011 season but for the most part what I did worked resulting in my best seasons so far.Form, fatigue and fitness progress for 2010.The coolest thing for me this year is that I took home two State Championship jerseys; MTB40+ and one Cross 40+.Next up is Burly

It's not over yet:Epic Holiday Cross

2011-01-03T05:31:00.006-06:00

Headed West to KC for the Epic Holiday CX race put on by Mark and his crew in Parkville. Cool little town, I'd been there many years ago before I got into cycling.I knew the Men's Open field would be small, sure enough only 10 lined up for this one. Most hang up the bike after Nationals, I'm sure next year will be different with Nationals in early Jan and Masters Worlds a few weeks later.Shadd

Getting ready for Sunday

2010-12-29T07:18:00.002-06:00

What an awesome week this has been. The sun is out, the weather is warm and this weekend looks great for the Epic Holiday Cross in KC. Lots of snow on the trails yesterday, most of that will be gone by this afternoon, much of the trail will be so soft it will be like a horizontal hill.

Snowy Trail

2010-12-28T08:57:00.001-06:00

Good times on the trails.

Inside vs outside

2010-12-19T05:52:00.002-06:00

With lower than normal temps mixed with ice, what should be an easy to get outside previous week has turned into way to much time on the rollers stuck inside. Normally it takes a good movie or football game to watch to take my attention away from the sitting stationary for two hours. If I don't get that my mind starts to focus on wanting to end my roller ride. Once that happens the ride is

3 week peak plan before State (by the numbers)

2010-12-07T08:07:00.005-06:00

Some folks are numbers people and some are not, I am a numbers person. The power tap is a numbers persons dream and has been the best cycling tool I've ever used as I keep getting more out of it the more I learn.Last year I had a coach that basically helped me understand how to train with power, this year I went on my own for the most part using what was provided to me last year and mixed in new

MO State Championship

2010-12-05T13:29:00.004-06:00

Good solid field of Masters seem to be the norm in the KC area, with that in mind I made the 40+ State Race a priority race looking for nothing less than the jersey. So here we are, Championship Saturday on a cold windy day in Kansas City, MO. The course was the same as this years Boss Cross 1 with a few minor changes. I made it to the first turn 3rd wheel behind Stu and David Hejduk. After a

Bubba CX #10 Race Report

2010-11-29T09:21:00.004-06:00

Sunday brought to a close the A Race Bubba Cup and the last Bubba race in STL for the season. I had one thing in mind for this race; capture 3rd place overall in the Bubba Cup. With Scott Ogilvie in the 3rd spot with a 4 point advantage I needed:3rd place4th place with Scott in 6th or lower4th place with Scott in 5th we would tie.With a challenging course featuring long straights, a few technical

The Tape

2010-11-23T10:12:00.003-06:00

Photo just surfaced that shows the how long the section of tape was that stuck to my bike on Sunday. Dang! That's one way to keep people back.

MT Pleasant Bubba CX #9 Race Report

2010-11-22T09:20:00.004-06:00

Mt Pleasant is a unique race with a great setting at the winery set on the side of a hill. One of, if not the hardest race of the season. Last year was the first year at this venue and it kicked my but, I think I ended up 13th and hurting bad. This year I knew what to expect and planned accordingly.Couple of thing that made this event "special" and "meaningful". Wanted redemption from lasts weeks

MT CX on Sunday

2010-11-20T04:15:00.003-06:00

Sunday's Cross race at Mt Pleasant Winery.

Bubba CX #8 DNF

2010-11-15T06:04:00.003-06:00

Not much to report on yesterdays race. Woke up feeling good but the legs were heavy during warm up and never came around. The course had two big hills which is not good when you have heavy legs. I was not able to hold on to the lead group or the chace group and kept falling back; no power. I pulled the plug so not to totally destroy my legs so I could focus on a on this weeks training leading up

Flat Bubba CX #7

2010-11-14T04:56:00.003-06:00

You can have everything dialed in, nutrition, training, sleep; all things controllable. But you can't control a flat.Was feeling great Saturday up front with Josh, Dan, Scott and a few more I'm sure. Scott took the lead for what seemed like two full laps. Into the third lap Dan took over, Scott 2nd Me then Josh 4th wheel. We completed the upper field section then dove into the woods where Dan

Early AM is so much better

2010-11-10T05:17:00.004-06:00

Now that the time has changed after work training is finally over and shifted to the AM. I much prefer getting they day started with a good workout vs. waiting all day, just makes you feel better. Plus I think you get a better workout when you are fresh.Today the sunrise was awesome!

Bubba CX #6 Race Report

2010-11-08T09:01:00.003-06:00

The weather this year is just awesome, a bit dry yes, but the temps are just right. Some may say a bit warm and some may say they are looking for mud, but I'm sure we will get some of that before the end of the season.Speaking of the end of the season, we are now on the back side. Sunday was the 6th Bubba CX in a 10 race series, then State Champs on 12/4 followed by Washington CX 12/12. Things

Bubba 4 and 5 race report

2010-11-01T17:44:00.007-05:00

Weekend of racing was awesome. Both days the course was spot on.The last two weekends there have been some challenges beyond the control of course designers that have resulted in, lets just say, not the best of courses of all time. But Sat night and Sunday made up for all that and it seems we are back on track.Saturday night Jay and I coming to the line sprinting for 4th. He got me by about half

Bubba 3 in motion

2010-10-27T05:26:00.005-05:00

Bubba CX #3 Race Report

2010-10-25T10:48:00.003-05:00

Bubba CX #3 - With BT Epic on Saturday and the US Grand Prix races in KY Sat and Sun it was no surprise the A race was without some of the usual faces. Overall field size was low but the speed was still there.Course was super bumpy. When I got there and did a pre-lap I was not sure what to think, but thanks to the other races they smoothed it out a little, it ended up being a fun course. Looking

Friday Photos

2010-10-22T09:43:00.002-05:00

Season is changing quick, cool AM temps and leaves falling fast. Photos from this weeks training rides. Looking forward to the time change, I hate waking up and it's still dark out and I like to train in the AM to start my day.

Bubba Cross #2

2010-10-18T10:03:00.005-05:00

Photo courtesy of Dennis FickingerThere is a model airplane filed at this park, look close you can see one in the backgroundField of 27 lined up on Sunday for the 2nd of 10 races in the Bubba Cross series. Good start like yesterday and off we went.Strong fast first two laps with about 10 guys in the lead group flying around this road race like cross course. Soon Josh, Devin, Dan M, Jay, Scott and

Bubba Cross #1 (Series Kick off Race)

2010-10-17T06:16:00.005-05:00

It was dark, hard to see in some spots, gravel turns, narrow lanes, and lots of dust to fill your lungs; but it did not matter in the end, Bubba CX has started and we are off for a 10 race series!Got on the front row with a good start about 3rd wheel into the first turn. Soon Schottler, Josh and Jay had a gap on the front leaving me, Scott O, Dan Miller, Dr. Mark, Matt(?) from Mesa and two others

2010 Missouri Tourism Awards

2010-10-15T08:10:00.002-05:00

Last night Dawndi and I headed to the Union Station Marriott in St Louis for the Annual Governor's Conference awards banquet.Things got started with a nice reception followed by a very nice meal. There were people from all over the state of MO associated with tourism in one way or another including the Director of Tourism Katie Steele Danner . All very nice and dedicated to promoting the state.

PMC Check

2010-10-14T06:22:00.003-05:00

WKO+ Performance Management Chart I find to be a very useful tool. It's done a nice job of predicting how I will feel on race. I'm able to manipulate my training schedule to meet the desired level of form, fitness and fatigue. In general it's awesome.Here is my chart from May 2009 through yesterday. I had a good base build, slowly growing fitness from 34.8 in January this year to a peak of

Bad Math - Upgrade will have to wait

2010-10-12T12:52:00.002-05:00

I figured the upgrade requirements wrong, 20 points in a 12 month period or two wins to upgrade form a cat 2 to 1.Did not realize to get credit for the two wins the the field size has to be 40 or more and in your same cat or above.From USA Cycling.orgNote that if the field contains mixed categories (i.e. cat 3-4), then the number of starters is the number of riders that are the same category or

Cross Out Cancer Race Report

2010-10-11T05:07:00.006-05:00

Last trip out west to KC until state races in December. These races have been a blast over the past few weeks. Awesome competition and well run races, thanks to all the KC promoters for hosting these events.Today's mission was to focus on the Men 2/3 race and win as I'm looking to earn an upgrade. I need 20 points in a 12 month period and had 13 coming in to the race, but with a win that would

Friday Skills

2010-10-08T12:12:00.003-05:00

As you can see the park looks normal again. The wet grass this AM made for slick corners and a pain to clean off the grass clippings all over the bike when I got home.Time will change soon so I've shifted to early AM training sessions, yikes it's been cold this week.

Training Images

2010-10-07T11:29:00.006-05:00

I typically train on the Katy trail. I like it there, no traffic other than the squires, rabbits and spider webs. I can crank the I-pod and never have to worry about watching for anyone or anything.Training with watts it does not really matter if there are no hills, watts are watts. And I'm there for a specific purpose that only lasts a short time. For those 3 to 5 hour rides, forget it, I hit

Boss Cross #2 (end to a great weekend)

2010-10-04T07:58:00.006-05:00

Another fast and furious course in the opposite direction today.Good field again showed up with many of the same players from the day before. Did not get that great of a start as I was 15th or worse coming into the first turn. I need to get a little more aggressive so I can get closer to the first or second group into the first lap. I'm trying to balance not going off too hard so I have plenty in

Boss Cross #1

2010-10-03T07:08:00.003-05:00

28 Elite riders lined up for a windy, cool fast day at Boss Cross #1.I was about 10th wheel after clearing the botched up off camber first turn thing where several riders had to unclip before we could clear out the bottle neck, including me.Game plan for today was not to go HARD at the start, but to start strong then ramp my way up.Winkler, Jensen, Schottler, Price, Coe, Stolte, Marshall, Tilford

Two Race Weekend: Manions Cross Race Report

2010-09-27T11:28:00.004-05:00

Trip to Kansas City for the first ever Manions Cross. I headed West early and while driving thoughts of a two races started to enter my head. I would get there by 11 in time to to race the Noon Masters race (40+) then again at 2 for the Cat 2/3 race. Why not?The course was on the side of a hill which made for a fun and interesting layout. Half of it down hill, felt like a ski slop, the bottom

Manions Cross this weekend

2010-09-23T08:52:00.002-05:00

Looking forward to what the guys in KC have in store for us on Sunday. I hear it's hilly, see ya there.Manion's Cross

Hermann Cross Event Report

2010-09-21T17:52:00.000-05:00

Things are coming to an end for this year and what a year this Hermann Cross was. All was teed up to be a great weekend of racing and it was until 8:30pm that Saturday night, then things changed. Here is my account of the evening, times may be off a bit, but they are close.4pm – First race goes off, band is playing, grill is hot and ready for orders and the line at registration is full6pm – More

Hermann Cross this weekend

2010-09-16T04:44:00.003-05:00

The excitement is building as Hermann Cross approaches this weekend. Right now about 135 athletes will toe the line both Saturday and Sunday.Course is almost done, all the stakes are in the ground and ready for tapping on Friday afternoon. I'm trying to get as much rest as I can so I have a decent race weekend. Regardless it should be one heck of a race weekend.My goal is for each rider to walk

Pride CX1 Race Report

2010-09-12T04:16:00.003-05:00

Dawndi, Hadley and I packed up and made the trip to Alton on Saturday for the first cross race of the season. What a great feeling to have the season start :)The "A" race and last race of the day saw a surprise showing of Josh Johnson and legend Ethan Froese from Columbia. Jay Strothman was there and several others to round out a small field of 10 to 12 riders. Conservative start with Jay taking

Locked and Loaded for Cross

2010-09-09T04:25:00.001-05:00

It's just about GO time! Saturday kicks off the cross season with a PrideCX race in Alton then it's time to put the last minute touches on Hermann Cross and build the course. I've spent a lot of time thinking and re-thinking the course design for this year. Those that have been here in the past can count on a completely different yet familiar course with configurations I've never attempted

Cross Practice

2010-09-07T07:29:00.004-05:00

Hadley needs a cowbell.Cross only 4 days away!

Tall Oak 2 man 6 hour MTB Race

2010-09-05T05:58:00.004-05:00

Mark and I made plans at the beginning of the year to team up for this event after he joined the team. He as been riding well all year long and I'm was feeling good coming into the cross season, out chances of a podium spot look good. 19 two man teams were on the list. Most notable was last year winners Chris and Tom, Ethos team Travis and Garrett on their single speeds, Doug and his teammate

Tabata Interval Block Conclusion

2010-09-02T10:09:00.003-05:00

11 Tabata intervals over 4 sessions in the month of Aug have concluded. Overall a motivating and fun block of intervals.I don't like to keep doing the same type of interval workouts for very long as they get stale, and I think you can peak out what you can accomplish mentally if you keep doing the same thing over and over. Tuesday was my last Tabata session for this season.To keep track of

Getting close

2010-08-30T07:13:00.004-05:00

With Hermann Cross just a few weeks away the promotion side of things is in high gear.Posters when up all over town this weekend. I want to catch the Labor Day weekend crowd as I try to attract local and out of town spectators to the event.The "Shed" is ready to be unloaded. Banners are pre-loaded, sponsor towers created and much more.Look for "short barriers" like I did at State. You'll be able

Looks like Bubba CX is getting a face lift

2010-08-27T06:49:00.002-05:00

Looking around the Big Shark site I found some details regarding the 2010 Bubba Cross Season. All looked normal until I took a real look and found a few changes.Schedule9/18 Pre Bubba Event- Team Rev CX Clinic- Co-Ed 9/18 Concordia Seminary10/3 Pre-Bubbalogue- The Ronde von Evergreen Carbondale, IL10/16 Bubba #110/17 Bubba #2 Dawn of the Bubba (Night Race)10/24 Bubba #310/30 Buba #4 The Sprints