Velochallenge

My brother-in-law has been hard at work getting ready for the launch of their new Web 2.0 venture. And finally they have launched their site “Glassdoor.” Go check it out and see the cool work they’ve done. For those looking for a new job or if you’re just curious they have all the information you need to manage your career – real reviews, ratings, and salaries from real employees.

Pain is the name of the game when it comes to Time Trials. So I decided to volunteer my legs to my 4/5 teammates and head down toward Corvallis for the OBRA Team Time Trail Championships.

The team component is a huge challenge with learning to ride cleanly with no brakes in a pace line, signaling, pacing efficiently and effectively. These items are key things we worked on, but with only one practice run two days prior to the race, not much improvement could be made. But, team time trialling is a discipline which requires a lot work and time comment to be effective. Even though the four of us were under-prepared our main goal was to have fun and enjoy the race.

On race day, we meet up at the staging area in Tagent early since both Jay and Alex’s had sons racing in the Junior race. So while the two dads assisted their kids, I set up my trainer to warm-up. We were scheduled as the 1st 4/5 team to go out of 11, going off at 12:46pm. Each team thereafter would start in one-minute intervals.

Walking around the parking lot gave you a good idea who the dedicated Time Trialist (TTs) were….all the latest go-fast gear was on display as people unloaded their cars and set up their warm-up areas.

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Well the boy’s finally on a schedule and the wife and I are finally getting some sleep. We’ve been quite busy since my last post (sorry about the grammar on that post, I was working on less then 4hrs sleep) :

1. I did the Kilo out at Alpenrose. (Not my personal best, but hey thats pretty good with only 4hrs sleep for the week.)
2. Both sets of grand-parents visited ( I can not tell you how helpful that was!)
3. Took the boy out to watch the first two stages of Mt. Hood Classic. (Hopefully the boy got some pointers. Slept most of the time but maybe he absorbed something through osmosis.)

So what’s next? Looking forward to this week’s OBRA ‘s Team Time Trial with three of my teammates. I’ve hoping I can hang in there, I’ve just let my teammates know that I’m going to be the one falling off the back when its time to push. I’m planning on staying on the entire time, being doing my 40K Time Trail workouts (suggested by Carmichael). Some nice hard workouts pushing myself just below LT and staying there for 5mins and doing 4 sets. Well, I should be at least semi-ready for Mt. Tabor Circuit Race.

So the little one’s just a little over a week old and where already seeing him grow like a weed. So far we have had a bout of jaundice and have slowly become accustomed to lack of sleep. So not much riding for me so far, I have gone out on a few short rides here and there but have not meet any team practices. Though I am taking care of my hill repeat workout by going up and down our stairs.

As a new father and someone who has not been around new born or babies in general a few things I’ve learned since the little one’s arrived:

1. Diaper changing – not as hard as you think, of course, unless you have a future sprinter on your hands who’s legs thrash about with every changing. While I’m still no expert, I’m slowly getting the hang of it.
2. Feeding – Feels like its constant, and takes much longer than one would expect. Ever 2-3 hrs he is up ready for his feeding which can take an hour easily from changing diaper, to feeding, to burping, to rocking, to finally putting him back to sleep.
3. Sleep – getting him to sleep, its a process but not much of a problem. After a feeding, burping, and rocking he tends to tumble toward la la land. For the parents – well grab it while you can!
4. Out and About – the diaper bag is one of the most essential components in a parent’s arsenal. It carries everything from diapers, wipes, bottles, formula, change of clothes (yes you’ll need them). As a cyclist the normal diaper bag just wouldn’t cut it. I found a messenger style which works perfectly which is a wonderful fit as a cyclist.
5. Teamwork – A new baby is a huge amount of work and is a team effort from both parents. I am unsure how single parents do it and applaud them. From getting housework done, to just plain eating a meal, takes not one set of hands but two. If you can get into a schedule and process your golden.

From my good friend who puts on one excellent track event in memory of a former “Rose City” Team member.

Top Ten Reasons to Race Track at Alpenrose:

10. Your lost powertap computer can be found on the track apron.

9. Team Astana has never heard of Alpenrose.

8. No worrying if your wheel change is a 9-spd, 10-spd, or where the
supportvehicle is. Or where you maybe left your spare wheels.

7. There are no hills.

6. You never have to turn right.

5. There is a bell to remind you when to sprint.

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