Big Makeover For MAC’s 2010 Cyclocross Schedule

You probably don't realize the warm fuzzy feeling I got from reading that headline in my twitter feed this morning. For one, it's a signal that cross season is almost here as organizers are starting to prepare their races schedules. Two, it means my favorite sub-culture of the sub-culture of cycling is growing, meaning bigger better races closer to my home. Here is the link to the article online

With that being said, the MAC series is the premier series for cyclocross riders in the mid-Atlantic seaboard area. This year they've expanded by leaps and bounds to include more races. Both the Charm City and Grangue races are full weekends and they have inclued the Whirly Bird race near Philly on the calendar this year.

What does this mean for me? It means that I no longer need to drive 5+ hours into the Northeast Kingdom for big races every other weekend this winter. Focusing on getting good results in the MAC series, along with the third round of the USGP, means that I shouldn't have to drive more then 2.5 hours for some high quality races with big fields of riders. However, I am still planning on going up north at least once (probably for the Providence race or the Cycle-Smart classic) so I can hang with the boy and girls of the Richard Sachs team (they'll also be at the USGP in NJ and at Natz).

Stay safe out there!
Captain Crunch

Gold Mine Rd.

Yesterday me and Jim went all the way over Gold Mine Rd. for the first time in over a year and a half. That ride is never easy no matter how much training you have in. Coming off a week of recovery I was really ready to hit the road hard. On the way out we faced a nasty head/cross wind. Working together we made it to Tower City in 2.5 hours even.

That's when things started coming undone for Jim. Climbing back from Tower City on the last two climbs I was able to put about 30 seconds on him in about 5 miles (half was climbing the other half descending). We regrouped at the top and began the 35 mile journey back home. The whole way I could tell he was starting to bonk. With 10 miles left I decided I was going to put the hammer down (ala' Spartacus style) and see what kind of gap I could get on Jim.

I was able to put 4 minutes into him in less then 10 miles. I was suffering, but then I thought if I was suffering Jim must have been suffering more. Overall it was a great ride. I'm glad I got it out of the way and know I can still climb the big mountains. That first mountain ride of the year is always kind of scary as you never know how your body is going to respond. My body has been good to me so far this year and I'm hoping that carries over the the impending cyclocross season.

Thanks for reading!
Captain Crunch

Spring Training update

With no road racing this year there isn't really much to talk about. I can tell you that I am riding better than ever in the spring. I laying down some of the fastest times I ever have on my usual training rides. This bodes well for the upcoming CX season which is the reason for all the riding I'm doing!

See you on the road!

Captain Crunch