Well, it has started. The road racing season is fully underway. I know the racing season started a few weeks ago in Europe but for us living here in North America, the Tour of California kicks it all off. Lots of Canadian racers making their mark in this challenging stage race. Thanks to Cycling TV, we’re able to stay up-to-date with the racing action.

Came across this article about the women’s crit yesterday. Less so about the race, this article really highlights the differences between the pro men’s and women’s peletons. Anyway, worth a read.

Still no training for me. I had planned to start last week. But I got sick. The sore throat progressed to a double ear infection and swollen/infected lymph nodes. Sigh. So now I’m on antibiotics. Plan is to get some pedaling in late this week. I’m not in panic mode yet. More so I just want to feel my body moving again. Thinking of going to yoga tonight – don’t think it will do any harm.

Scheduled an appointment at OHPC to meet with JZ and get a strength and conditioning program worked out for the season. Plans are slowly taking shape. Looks like the mountain bike will get some good work outs this summer. I’ll be exploring some new trails (for me) in the Gatineau Park on my ‘cross bike. Doing some riding at Kanata Lakes. Getting in my share of quality road rides and races as well. It is going to be a busy spring and summer of building more fitness, more strength, increasing my technical skills, and building the all-important confidence.

Looks like all the local road teams are taking shape. Funny it is the same cast of characters, just shuffled around a bit. Some interesting new ventures. But as usual, it will be the tried and true who rise to the top. Any predictions?

To read another feature on Svein Tuft, check out today’s Globe and Mail.

Nice to see the Canadian press giving some attention to something other than hockey, baseball drug scandals and the 2010 winter Olympics.

Yep, that time of the year. Time to sell my road bike. I’m selling the frame and fork. Here are the details:

– Isaac Kelvin: read about it here (this will download a PDF called isaac_press_release_kelvin to your computer)
– size: 52 cm
– color: royal blue
– price: $800

I raced this bike for two seasons. It has been well cared for and maintained at The Cyclery.

If you’re interested, drop me an email at vickith@yahoo.com.

Pretty darn quiet in this little blog space. Nothing going on with training. Still getting things sorted with my coach and taking some downtime. As luck would have it I’m now down and out with a wicked sore throat. You know the one – hurts to swallow, ear aches, scratchy throat, fever, chills. Yep that’s what I have. Suppose it is a sign from my body that I need a break. But I’ve got to say, this rest thing is hard to do.

I don’t know how some cyclists do it – taking 2 – 3 months off. I’d really go crazy. Plan is to start back with some yoga this weekend. Get my strength and conditioning program sorted out next week and then start riding hopefully on Monday (assuming I’m feeling good).

I don’t have any firm racing plans for the summer. I’ll be racing for The Cyclery (I raced for this team last year and it is the perfect fit). Hoping to do the Tour of PEI and there are some races in Quebec and Ontario that I’d like to do. But we’ll see what happens. The focus has really shifted to cyclo-cross so if a road race doesn’t make sense – then it won’t happen.

I will be hitting up the trails on my mountain bike and my ‘cross bike. So if you have the patience and want to show a newbie some “mad off-road skills”, let me know. I’m in the development phase right now – what needs to be developed to make it to Tabor? So far on the list I have: improved technical skills, improved acceleration and explosiveness, improved overall body strength, and a better mental state. This is a pretty big list already but there is room for more. I’m looking to improve and now is the time to try different things to see what works and what doesn’t.

Okay, I’m out. Think I might have a nap. (Yah, I can nap in the middle of the day now… My company shut down on Friday (nice welcome back from Belgium gift! So I’m on the job hunt – no job is too small for this writer/editor. You can check out my resume if you want.) Okay enough of a shameless plug. Have a good one. Keep on keeping on.

If you read one other thing today besides this post, read this profile of Svein Tuft.

I can’t really say much about this guy that hasn’t already been said. I’ve never met Svein but he is definitely one of the best role models, that wannabes like me can have.

Anyway, just go read the article. Then get on your bike or your skis and give it all you’ve got.