Getting the racing season started (sort of)

Since I had the time and opportunity, I decided to do a mountain bike race today. I took part in BuDu Racing's West Side Mountain Bike Series at South SeaTac park. I haven't raced a mountain bike in well over 2 1/2 years so, combined with how early it is in my training season, my expectations were low. I was pleasantly surprised however. I raced in the sport category and although I started out near the back of the field, my lap times were consistent and by the end I had moved up to the middle of the field, finishing 10th out of 20 in my age group.

More encouraging than the results page though was how I felt during the race. I haven't done any real intensity yet in my training and have only been back on the bike for a little less than a month. I felt good on the what climbs there were and was able to push hard without blowing up. The work in the weight room over the winter paid off as well as I had very little fatigue in my upper body. The trails at South SeaTac were as fun as always and the weather man was wrong and it didn't rain. Oh yeah, and the new bike is a kick in the pants as well!

Is there anything more fun than a new bike?

Being the bike geek I am, I can't think of anything more fun than getting a new bike. In the "real world", some people get company cars, at the bike shop I work for, I get a "company bike". It's a Kona Hei Hei 29er. I got it put together yesterday and will take it for its first ride tomorrow at BuDu Racing's West Side Mountain Bike Series race at South SeaTac.

I know, I know, it's a bad idea to try out new equipment for the first time on race day (much less an entire bike.) Since I'm not a mountain bike racer (it's been 2 1/2 years since my last one), I really don't mind if I finish dead last. It will just be a fun day in the mud on my newest toy and hopefully the first of many, many to come.

Splat!

Monday, I got out for my first outdoor ride of the year. Today I went for another season first. I decided to fall down and go splat. I was rolling along enjoying a blue sky, sunny day when I encountered a refrozen patch of meltwater on a heavily cambered, shady bend in the road.

Its interesting how many things can go through your mind in a short space of time. "Hmmm that's an interesting sensation, as if my rear wheel is slipping. Hey, my front wheel is slipping too. Uh-oh, I'm going down. I hope I don't break anything. Well, I didn't break anything. Did anyone see that? Is the bike okay?"

Luckily it was just a bump on the hip as the slick road meant I just slid along without even tearing any of my clothing. Still, it was a great day and a nice ride.

Outside again!

I got out for my first outside ride of the year this afternoon. I know, I know, there are lots of people who don't let the cold, snow, and ice keep them indoors and off their bikes for the winter, but I'm not one of them. The roads around here have cleared enough and it was a sunny afternoon in the low 30s, a perfect day for spin on my Ritchey that I sung the praises of in an earlier post.

Its amazing how good it feels to do that first outing of the season. The little hills that will barely be noticed later in the season provide a perfect opportunity to stretch the legs a bit and think of all the work yet to be done. All the memories of the previous season and all the hopes for the upcoming season compete for attention in my brain. The best part is the scenery changes. It never does on a trainer in the garage or a spin bike at the gym.

I'm glad to be back at it and out on the road again.