Well, I am winding down here in Belgium. I’m done racing for the season. I was supposed to race the World Cup in Roubaix, France this Sunday. But I’m not racing. Don’t worry I’m not quitting. I still want to race my cyclo-cross bike. I still want to improve. I still want to race at Tabor next year.

But for now – I’m done. I realized it during the race on Wednesday. I had no oomph. No get up and go. I couldn’t force myself to go hard. I couldn’t convince myself to dig that extra amount.

I guess I’m stale. Burnt out. Call it what you want. I’m simply done. I’ve never really felt like this before. In a way, it is a good thing it has happened. Now when I get home I can sit down with my coach and with Nick from Summit Consulting to discuss this experience. We can figure out what went right, what needs to be improved, and what needs to be outright changed. I don’t know if I raced too much. I don’t know if I should have taken a break during the ‘cross season. I don’t know if it is because I essentially came here without any goals. Don’t know.

I’m not going to stress about it. Every season is a learning experience. This has been a big year for me. I set a big goal. I didn’t achieve that goal but in the process I achieved many smaller tertiary goals. I’m a better bike racer and person because of these experiences. Champions aren’t built in one season – so this year is about groundwork.

So now what? Well, I’m here until Feb. 3. I’m going to keep riding. The weather is perfect. The snow is gone. The sun is shining. And right now, I’m still enjoying riding my bike. In fact today I went out for three hours. A great ride along the canal. I felt super energized when I got in. So I know my head hasn’t fallen off completely. Just a little….

So this is where I’m at. I appreciate your support and encouragement. It really makes a difference to know that so many people are following my progress and are cheering for me. Don’t worry – I’ll be back even stronger for the road season and even more determined and focused for the 2009 – 2010 ‘cross season.

Have a good weekend. Hopefully it isn’t too cold where you are and you can get out and enjoy the great outdoors. If you’re in Ottawa (where it is cold), go check out the roller rides that the West of Quebec Wheelersare hosting. Sounds like a decent way to start the weekend. (I believe there are Saturday morning roller rides in Aylmer…)