Yep, it is that time in the training cycle. The time when the training, focus, and mindset really shifts to preparing for the cyclo-cross season. As you may know once again we’ve done things a big differently this season – even less racing than I did the previous summer with a big focus on building a better and more powerful engine. This meant lots of long rides, lots of tempo efforts, with some sprint work-outs as well to tap all energy systems.

Now that it is July, it really does feel like “go time”. Time to start doing the down and dirty training, lots of double days, lots of time on the ‘cross bike working on ‘cross specific skills and just fine-tuning my energy systems. As crazy as this may seem, I love this period in the training cycle. I really really enjoy doing double days. I like seeing my numbers progressing, my skills becoming more and more refined and just simply getting out on my ‘cross bike more often. As for the running? Well, it is not my most favorite part but at least the work-outs are short and intense… (i.e. over quickly).

All the little things are coming together. Housing is sorted out for Belgium. Looking into vehicles. Checking out flights. Trying to finalize race schedules. Clothing design is getting finished. Lots of good stuff happening.

I’m feeling better than I did on the weekend. Suppose I was having a bit of a “poor me” party. But this isn’t how I operate. I forgot that everyone has “something”. The champions are the ones that handle their “something” the best and keep focus on the positives. So this is what I’m doing. Looking ahead. Looking forward. Feeling pretty darn psyched about the upcoming race season.

Health-wise, well, I’m trying something new in an attempt to put the ulcerative colitis in the background. I started on the Specific Carbohydrate Diet. This diet has helped many people who have ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s, celiac disease, and other auto-immune diseases. The idea is that some people (like me) have trouble digesting starchy carbohydrates (grains, pasta, rice, flour, sweet potatoes, potatoes, etc) – so when these are eliminated from the diet, the digestive system has a chance to heal itself. Now, I know you’re scratching your head right now wondering how an athlete can perform on a diet that eliminates carbohydrates… I felt the same for quite a while. But after some research and the power of the Internet, I’ve learned that I can combine this style of eating with the Paleo Diet for Athletes (one that many top cyclists follow) and this way I can fuel myself sufficiently. I’m only on day two of the Specific Carbohydrate Diet, so it is too early to tell how things will work out. But I’m keeping my fingers crossed that this change does make a difference.

In other news, well I’ve sold one Stevens Super-Prestige and I have another one to sell. If you’re interested, drop me an email and we can chat. I’m super happy that the first bike went to an awesome home and I’d like to do the same with this one. Funny, I suppose in a way I’m sort of emotionally attached to these bikes – they took me on some amazing adventures last year – awesome training rides, incredible races, and really were my ticket to a whole range of experiences, friends, and emotions that I otherwise wouldn’t have had the opportunity to experience. Who knew a bike could do so much?

Alright, time to ride. Slather on the sunscreen, fill up a couple of bottles, pull on your kit, and hit the open road – no life like it.

If you’ve been reading this blog for a while now, you know that I always try to be 100 per cent honest and let you know what is going on in my head, with my body, and my soul. Well, I have to say that some days it seems easier to gloss over reality and just write about how wonderful the bike is and how fortunate I feel to have this gift.

But honestly, this isn’t how I’ve been feeling these past few days. Nope, the past few days have been rough. Really rough. My body cracked on Friday and I literally couldn’t even will myself onto the bike. As you might know I’ve been dealing with an ulcerative colitis flare since May 19. (Yes a long time.) And finally this week the fatigue of battling through this, combined with a couple of long days, and some intense training rides – cracked me. Friday was tough. Really all I did was sleep. I wanted to ride but I just couldn’t. When I was awake I was in the bathroom – yes, this is really how it is.

I woke up Saturday telling myself that I would feel better and tried to get psyched up for my ride. I finally got on the bike by 10:00 (late for me…) and forced the pedals around. I told myself that if I felt like garbage after the 45 minute warm-up and 5 minutes of tempo, I would turn around and go home. Well, guess what? I felt pretty darn good during the tempo session. Good – time to get down to business and focus on the “meat” of my work-out. I got the ride done – not my best numbers, not my worst numbers, but it did feel good to have my body respond the way I wanted. The trade-off for this though was that the rest of the day was not that great. It was all I could do to drag myself to the grocery store and keep smiling.

I’m not telling you this to create a “pity party”. Quite the contrary – I want you to really look at your situation and consider how lucky you are. Just like you, I’m fortunate to be able to get out and ride my bike. There are so many people with ulcerative colitis, cancer, Crohn’s, etc. who would simply love to be able to even get out for a 10 minute spin on the bike. The body and mind are truly amazing – able to surmount pretty much any challenge there is – don’t forget this when you’re not feeling the bike – get out and ride for that person who can’t – it is amazing how great you’ll feel afterwards.

So, with all this said, it is time for me to get out for my ride. I had a great sleep last night. My energy levels are feeling pretty good. And lucky me I’ve got a three hour endurance ride on deck. Looking forward to working on my bike tan and checking out the country roads. Here’s hoping you can do the same.

I’ve made a major discovery. One that I’m sure will earn me mega-bucks and in the process will make the world a better place. Yes, I’ve found the solution to the anger, greed, unease, and ugly people syndrome that seems all too common these days. Yep, this is the big one – a sure fire way to get us all on the path to happy lives full of laughter, smiles and good feelings. Oh yeah, this discovery is going to change the world… Are you ready for it? Brace yourself.

The Bicycle.

That’s right, two wheels, a saddle, handlebars, a slick paintjob and you are on your way to a much happier and joyful life. Sounds simple doesn’t it? Imagine the freedom that this two-wheeler can give you. Having a rough day at the office – no problem – hop on your bike and clear your head. Kids driving you crazy – load them up in the bike trailer and go for a spin on the bike paths (or leave them at home with your significant other and go for a solo spin). Have some tension to work out – dig out your trusty ten speed and see how far and hard you can push your body. Craving some fresh air – perfect time to take the bike out and get your errands done in style.

See, I told you, I’ve made a major discovery. The ticket to freedom and guaranteed to put you in a good mood. I know it works for me. Twice this week the bike has been my saving grace. Digging me out of a funk and putting in my happy place. Tuesday saw me not so thrilled with the rain – no problem – I dug out my cyclo-cross bike and hit up my fave training grounds. Within minutes of being surrounded by trees, birds, squirrels and singletrack I was in a much better place – literally and figuratively. Wednesday was much the same – not feeling the chilly June air, I forced myself out the door and soon enough thanks to the speed of my road bike I was out on the open road ripping up some intervals – turns out the weather was perfect.

Ah, the bicycle. It can take us back to our childhood, remind of us summer afternoons spent “racing” around the block, riding to the swimming pool, or going out for an afternoon of “exploring”. Now as adults it really is just the same – an escape from the everyday and a chance to really be a kid again.

What are you waiting for? Get out your bike and go for a ride. You’ll be glad you did. When you catch yourself smiling be sure to soak it all up. Life is short – go ride your bike.