This is the second cyclo-cross season that I’ve received tremendous support from The Cyclery. Vince has set me up with some sweet Stevens Super-Prestige bikes, tires, wheels, groupos – basically whatever I need, Vince is there to help out. I definitely could not be racing and traveling as much as I am without the support of Vince and his staff at The Cyclery. Steve is the top mechanic at the shop and he is quick to fix up my rigs and make suggestions on bike fit, tire selection, wheels, etc. This support from The Cyclery also translates to the road season for me. This summer I’ll be racing for The Cyclery again – I’m proud to wear the blue and white clothing and even more stoked to have The Cyclery logo on my Ottawa Cross clothing.

The Cyclery

With over 10 years in business, The Cyclery has established itself as one of the premier bike stores in Ottawa. The knowledgeable retail staff and mechanics are quick to find you the bike the best suits your needs can solve any issues you may be having with your current two-wheeler. Not limited to only road bikes, this Ottawa South store sells mountain bikes, cyclo-cross bikes, hybrids and commuters. You can also find a full selection of cycling clothing from the base layer through to hats, caps, and shoe covers.

As a specialist in cyclo-cross bikes, you’ll find the complete range of Stevens cyclo-cross bikes as well as ‘cross specific chain rings, wheels, brakes and tires. Be sure to check out the list of ‘cross products on the web site.

The Cyclery is a big supporter of the local Ottawa cycling community. Owner Vince Caceres is a strong believer in supporting the grass roots as well as elite cycling communities. For the past five years, The Cyclery has been a proud supporter of the OBC cyclo-cross series – providing prizes and support. Vince also provides a great deal of support to The Cyclery racing team and to the Stevens women’s cycling team.

Transitioning from the clear fall days to the winter is not easy. Not to worry – in the winter, The Cyclery is also home to Kiwi Mike’s Ski Service, run by the legendary New Zealander Mike Leach. Mike services and repairs all makes of snow boards, cross-country and alpine skis and bindings, as well as selling a comprehensive range of cross-country and telemark skis, poles, boots, wax and clothing.

Looking for that dream bike, or just need something to get you to work? Need the old machine fixed up — or fine-tuned for an upcoming competition? Or are you just looking for some accessories? The Cyclery has what you are looking for or can order it for you. We even sharpen skates in the winter!

Thanks so much Vince! Without your support Ottawa Cross would not be possible. Your commitment to the local cycling community and supporting our racing goals is awesome.

Impressed. Inspired.

Impressed by the local Ottawa ‘cross scene. Inspired by all the people who came out for one last race in the snow. Impressed with the friendships and barriers overcome through racing ‘cross. Inspired by the little kids hauling their bikes around in the snow and toughing it out for the whole 60 minutes. Inspired by the international ‘cross community and how people come together.

This weekend we were very busy getting the last of our trip details sorted out. Lots of emails and phone calls. Everything has worked out and we’re all happy. But best of all is realizing that we were all brought together through one simple thing – the bike. That bike you had with training wheels that you learned to ride when you were five really can take you place. How cool is that?

Just today I’ve been exchanging emails with a ‘cross racer who lives in Norway. Amazing. He wants to come to Belgium to race and hopes to be the first Norwegian to race in the World Champs in 2010. Inspired and Impressed.

Massive shout out to the OBC gang for another stellar local ‘cross season. I didn’t get to race in many of the local races. But those that I did were some of my most fun races of the season. I’ve written about this before. But what I really enjoy is meeting people, feeling their passion for their sport and seeing the kids out there racing. Makes me smile just thinking about it. I’ve posted a race report for yeterday’s race.

So this week is a busy one. We are going to Rhode Island for the last of the Verge series races. Home on Sunday night/Monday morning. Then off to Belgium on Tuesday. Lucky. So very lucky. Just reviewed the race calendar for our trip. Lots of racing happening. And for me lots of different types of racing. I won’t be racing at the World Champs this year but I’ll still get a good dose of elite women’s racing – three World Cups, Scheldecross, Azencross, Surhuisterveen, and Sint Michelsgestel. Throw in a bunch of races with juniors and masters and I’m good to go.

Alright, I’m off. Other writing to do. Listening to some retro Prodigy right now. Gets the blood flowing. Have a good one. See you in Rhode Island.

Please note that there will be only one race on Sunday at Mooney’s Bay.

The race will be at 11:00.

Dress warmly and bring a big smile, it is going to be a good day on the bike.

See you there. Remember one race – at 11:00.

This is how I describe this past week of training and recovering. Solid. Had a chance this week to get in a couple extra days of intensity. Felt good to go hard on back-to-back training days. I kind of missed this feeling. Race and recover is great. But I like to works myself over in training. Good thing I’m not self-coached or I’d be one of those bike racers who rides around at just below threshold all the time.

So one race on the calendar this weekend. Snow and Mooney’s Bay. Appropriate way to close off the local Ottawa ‘cross season. Of course, we could be looking at snow next weekend in Rhode Island. You never know in New England. Really looking forward to going to Rhode Island.

The first time we went to Rhode Island was three years ago. I was over the moon to be going to Rhode Island. I could have cared less about the racing. I really just was excited to “finally” be in Rhode Island. You see, way back in grade five, I did a report on Rhode Island. From that day I really wanted to go to Rhode Island. Kind of like how Mars is my planet, Rhode Island is my state. Ya, I’m a bit nutty some times. I remember when Marc asked me what the best part of the weekend was, I replied “Just being here in Rhode Island.” So, needless to say, I’m looking forward to going back.

Got a few more things stroked off the “to do before we leave for Belgium” list yesterday. Nice to be making some progress in that area. Really looking forward to being back in the house in Blauberg. It will be super smooth to be going out on the Tuesday and Thursday training rides and joining in on the big team ‘cross training on Wednesdays. Also will be nice to see our friends that we’ve made over the years. Think one of the first stops we’ll make is at the bakery. Then to the grocery store next door to say hello to our very helpful Flemish language teachers.

Did a nice recovery ride this morning. 90 minutes flew by on the trainer. Guess I’ve got my brain around the trainer now. I remember last winter when I was doing three hour trainer rides and then I’d do a 60 minute ride – the 60 minute ride would seem like it was over before it started.

Speaking of being over before it started – I better get back to some other typing. Or this day will be gone before I know it. See you on Sunday. And don’t forget Wednesday night at the Rideau Curling Club.

Not much going on right now. Just the usual stuff. Training – on the trainer. Endurance ride today. Time went by very quickly. (I discovered Californication…) Racing here at home this weekend. So the usual Thursday night scrambling of packing, cooking, and bike cleaning won’t be happening.

So really it is rather quiet here. Not that I’m complaining. Gives me a chance to get organized for the upcoming trip. Been making lists of things still left to be done. Trying to figure out the minimum amount of non-cycling clothes I can take. Bought a couple of magazines for the trip – hard to buy English magazines in Belgium.

See. Really not much. Sorry. This is a bit dull today. I’d post links to some cool action out there on the WWW but, all is quiet today. I think a lot of you are eating turkey and spending quality time with your important people.

Funny, I have two sites. This one (obviously) and this one. I worry that one day I’ll get them confused. This site will be full of words about knitting, recipes, and the work-from-home life. The other site will be consumed with training, racing, and motivation.

Okay, well really that’s all I’ve got. See you tomorrow? It will be more exciting. I promise. (Maybe I’ll just make something up.)

Happy Thanksgiving to those of you in the south. Happy Thursday to the rest of you.

Sunday. Mooney’s Bay. Be There.