You can tell that people are getting the itch to start riding outside when the bike shop in my basement is full of bikes in need of FAST tune-ups. I have three bikes down there that need to get done before it gets warm. They need a tune-up, a rebuild, and a tweak to get them ready for spring. Cleaned up the DeRosa and the Amsterdam 3 speed special that I ride on Fridays and the shop will be closed for summer except for emergencies. The DeRosa just received new chain rings, new chain, and new cassettes this year. I like to change out the drive train every 4000 to 5000 miles. Things just wear out. She should be real fast this year.
I also pulled out my cycling bag the other day. I live out of a nylon bag for the summer when I race. Started to pack all of the cycling clothing and gear you could ever want or need. Shoes, socks, helmets, arm warmers and leg warmers, vests of differing temperature ranges, gloves to match, foot coverings, three to four pairs of shorts and matching tops, tubes, tyres, (that is the Italian spelling way), an allen wrench set, and safety pins. That should outfit me for all of the racing I will be doing this year.
With one day of outside training I am now ready for the first race of the year this Sunday at 12:55 PM. Sounds like I am going to have about 6 other teammates to help me out. If we can’t get a breakaway started and keep it away then we are doing something wrong. With 7 guys, come on! It is a simple strategy you send a guy up the road and let the others chase. Once he gets caught you send another and you just keep doing it until they all get tired out and the break “Sticks”. I sure hope I get in the winning move this time.
Stay tuned for the first racing report of the year next week and get out and ride your bikes! Matth@phfitness.com