The White Rabbit Cafe'

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Screaming Mimi's

I remember growing up, my dad would tell me his (WWII) War stories depending on the time of year. Most of which were in the winter. In the spirit of Velo Magic Iwill shard one of my favorites. The War was over, but there was a matter of returnning POW's to their government. My dad was one of the guys who got to see this through. On one occasion me became ill with a stomach virus. Not good considering he had to drive them home

The eleventh hour

     Photo:  Seton Hill Unv. /Greensburg, PA


Over this past year I reflected on the "Magic" of Cycling.  It's nice when that (Velo) Magic finds you.
Back in October while at a CX race, I was told that there would be a CX race at Seton Hill later this season.  To be honest I felt a little befuddled.  I thought, wait a minute, that's my race.  Going back to the early 2000's I took up the cause of grassroots cyclocross promotion and through the sponsorship of Seton Hill, and Speedgoat Bikes became the Promoter of Speedgoat-Crossing.  These were the first cyclocross races ever held in Westmoreland Co.  For 3-years Seton Hill picked the same date to have the race, Thanksgiving weekend.  Setting up the course was always treacherous.  Each year the weather pattern seemed to break from mild temperatures to cold, windy rain mixed with snow.

Here the same, 15+ years later we got cold blowing snow for the re-established Griffin Cross, at Seton Hill, presented by a new shop in town, Flat Tire Co.  Like they say, "Some things never change".  Once again, Seton Hill provided the opportunity to race going into Thanksgiving. 

to be continued ~vm

October

October

Transitioning from build-up to here letting it all out

Influx of sensation’s

Memories’ of the way things use to be

            Anticipation of Friday night drives out East

                        local High School Football games fade in and out of broadcast range

                        routine stops at Sideling Hill

                                    grab a coffee, something to snack, look at the souvenirs                                                          knickknack’s that I never buy 

            Blast the PA Turn Pike Commotion and the ever-ascending Toll Fees

                        Construction, single lane traffic, road closures, erratic drivers, big trucks

 

            Pain in the neck, pain in my shoulder, cramping, anxiously watching the clock

                        I really got to pee again, Nature Break at the side of the road

Reformation of the Standards

            Grass roots, volume, quality and quantity, those who can will

                        a local hot bed of competition with Regional and National accolades

           

Keep it simple

 not stupid

Though I revere the old ways

            New vehicles of change, refresh and endure.

2016 CX Season Opener

A lot has happened over the off-season.  Although I have mentally committed to making Cyclocross my primary sport and the focus of all my training efforts for the past few years.  This year I have fully committed to allowing myself to forgo the early Spring Road and Crit races.  In mid-summer I started my Transition to [CX] Base and did a block of LSD rides in August by targeting local Ridge Climbs.

Off-Season Overview:
Jan.  Hiking Trails                        Apr.  (some) Road        Jul.  Road/speed
Feb.  Hikes/some Trl. Running    May  LSD Road            Jul.  Run/Road/speed
Mar.  6-week Weight Training     Jun.  LSD/climbs           Jul.  Transition to CX

Last Week of July:
Hell Week:  Daily Running, Speed Intervals/Road, LSD/Wknd-Road 4+ Hrs.

Sept.  CX Camp
Sept. On CX Course Baseline Performance Assessment
Sept.  First CX Race of 2016 Season

To Be Continued...
Velo Magic

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