Got in on Friday to Rhode Island after an uneventful drive. We left a bit later than normal since some smart research by Marc and Steve determined that it is dark here by 4:30 p.m. – so there would be no pre-riding on Friday. Had a pretty chilled out Friday night. The usual – supper, race bag prep, and some television.

Saturday came early. We wanted to get in a few guaranteed laps so we hit up Goddard Park for 8:00 a.m. Early but the smart move. We managed to get in a few laps – with Marc helping me out with lines and the sand strategy. Thanks Marc. After the pre-ride I chilled out in the van until Marc and Steve’s race at 10:30. Gave me lots of time to drink my thermos of tea and get my numbers pinned on.

Marc and Steve’s race was pretty exciting today. Some new faces at the front (feel better Kurt), a few crashes, and lots of action in the pit. Steve rode a solid race – I’m not sure of his official result -but it was definitely in the top ten. Marc had a good ride today but a hard crash set him back a bit. I hung out in the pit and got to catch up with Josee, Steve R., Ken S. and Alex. There was lots of craziness in the pit today – one guy came in yelling – grabbed his bike and proceeded to knock over about 10 bikes. Another guy came in yelling quite loudly demanding his bike. Then a super calm and poised Dan C. came in and switched bikes – super calm and collected. Calm and collected won out with much less energy wasted.

After the guys’ race it was back to the car for me to warm-up my toes and get some pre-race stuff done. Switched some wheels around. Switched layers of clothing and then got ready to pre-ride again. The course had changed a bit since the sun had warmed up the ground and a couple of corners had become quite soft and broken in. Didn’t really get much more than a lap and a half in since the schedule was pretty tight. So I’m super happy I got in the two early laps. Then it was back to the car to put on the race clothes and get ready to go. Did a few openers on the road and made my way to the start. Awesome to see Sarah C. from Ottawa racing with us today – congrats Sarah on a great race.

I’ve written a race report and posted it. Suffice it to say – it was a good day on the bike for me. I overcame a bad start to finish in 8th position. A couple of things to change for tomorrow – better gearing so I can accelerate better and more aggression on the start. But overall, I’m happy with the ride. Best result ever in the New England Verge Series. Thanks for all the cheering and support out there – it really makes a big difference to hear your name yelled.

Had a good cool down and made my way to the gazebo to meet up with the gang. Discovered a great post-race meal/snack – oatmeal and yogurt – I made the oatmeal with water, mixed in a small container of yogurt and put it in the fridge – it cools into kind of like a pudding like texture. Highly digestible, good carbs and protein and just a little bit of sweetness from the yogurt.

It is Marc’s birthday on Monday so tonight the four of us went out for dinner. After a bit of driving and wandering we found a really good restaurant in Providence. We chased our Italian meal with some dessert. A nice change from eating leftovers from the night before in our hotel room. Happy Birthday Marc! Thanks to Steve and Josee from the nice dinner.

Tomorrow will come quickly so I’m off to bed now. Thanks again for the cheering. Shout out to Mark R. for a great race today – so nice to see someone pumped about their ride. Looking forward to another fun day at Goddard Park – word has it that day two will feature lots of twists and turns and a much longer sand section (glad I got my running legs in New Jersey). Amazing to see so many people out racing and cheering today. I’m most impressed with the size of the women’s 3/4 field (congrats Josee for racing today) – amazing growth in this category with some pretty strong women racing. Gorilla man was out again – heard he had to get a new pail to bang on as he broke the other one in New Jersey!

Okay – to bed I go. See you tomorrow. Lots of racing action in Portland as well this weekend. You’d think the season was just starting with the enthusiasm and numbers we’re seeing this second weekend of December.

Last weekend of big domestic travel. Hitting the road in an hour an a bit to make the trek down to Rhode Island. Last of the New England Verge Series races. Totally looking forward to it.

I realized I haven’t written much about these upcoming races. Suppose it is because my head has been full of lots of other “to do” lists, etc. So this weekend. What am I aiming for? What do I want to get out of myself on the bike? Well traditionally I haven’t raced well at Rhode Island. First year I raced in RI I did okay on the first day but really did not have fun the second day on the ice and snow (I dropped out). Following year, this was supposed to be when I made the move to racing elite. Nope. Didn’t happen- I cracked under some crazy fear of racing with the elite women. I raced the first day in the 3/4 category – and raced very badly. Second day I warmed up – but didn’t start… Missed RI last year – we were in Belgium racing.

So this year. This year, it is going to be different. New category. New race courses. New me. One thing that has been missing from my ‘cross racing this year is the acceleration out of things – corners, barriers, technical sections. I haven’t been doing that “stand up and really dig deep to get the speed back” thing. So this weekend it is all about this. Getting back up to speed fast and hard. Oh and looking ahead is important – especially with all those trees.

Got my SRM installed on my spare bike – thanks Marc and Paul D. So I’m curious to look at the power numbers this weekend. If conditions are good, I’ll put the head unit on and see what it captures.

I’ve written about this before, but really I can’t say enough about the cycling community. As you know I’m going to Belgium and while there I’ll be racing in three World Cups. Well because of the scheduling, Marc can’t come to these races. So I’ve been pretty much contacting everyone I know to arrange transportation to and from the races. And I’ve just got to say Thanks. Thanks to the people whom I’ve never met who have responded to my emails and have helped me out by pointing me to another person or given me suggestions on lodging, etc. I really hope to repay the favors.

Alright dudes, I’ve got to go. Still a few things to stroke off this morning’s “to do” list. Have a safe trip to RI – looking forward to seeing you there. If you’re not racing this weekend – well hopefully you can enjoy some nice down time with your family (try to stay away from the malls – sure to be a very crazy place).

Last night marked the end of the local Ottawa cyclo-cross racing season. A massive crowd of racers, parents and spouses of racers came together at the Rideau Curling Club for the OBC Cyclo-Cross Banquet.

I can safely say this was a great night. I thoroughly enjoyed hearing Bob read out the participation stats for this booming cyclo-cross series. Most impressive where the numbers of women, girls and boys racing this season. This is awesome. This is what the sport needs – more participation especially from the young ones. Bob made mention of the junior boys who raced this year – these guys really have come a long way. Only a few years ago, I could lap these guys – not anymore – they lapped me on Sunday.

This night is really about recognizing the tireless efforts of Bob, Cheryl, Ian and Rosemarie as well as recognizing the winners of each category. The categories ranged from girls under 12 to Masters C. Again – this is awesome. Patty K. wrote a great cyclo-cross poem that she shared with us – thanks Patty! (Very brave to get up in front of all those people and read a poem.)

The evening culminated with the raffle prizes. Once again The Cyclery and Eurosports each donated a frame – congrats to the winners. As well, The Cyclery, Eurosports, Coca-Cola and other individuals donated raffle prizes. Thanks so much for the great donations.

I had the chance to speak with a lot of people last night. And all I can say is – Thanks. As you know we’re leaving for Belgium on Tuesday – your kind words, enthusiasm, and support will go far in keeping me in the mix while racing with the best. Marc and I thoroughly appreciate your thoughts and words.

A treat was getting to spend some time catching up with Mrs. Fraser. I’ve known Mrs. Fraser for a while now – probably 14 years. I don’t see her often. But she always remembers me and has great stories to share about Gord and his racing days. Mrs. Fraser and her husband started the OBC cyclo-cross series a long time ago (I think in the ’70s). It is most impressive that this series has lasted so long – especially since it is completely volunteer run.

I didn’t get to do many races in the OBC series this year. But those that I did were some of the most fun races I’ve competed in this season. Thanks for making my Sunday mornings.

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.