Product Experience: RacerMate CompuTrainer vs. Wahoo Fitness KICKR and Snap

The BTC
photo credit Jay Westcott

We have converted our garage into a make shift spin studio affectionately called the Bike Torture Chamber or BTC for short.  We have four CompuTrainers (CTs), a Wahoo Fitness KICKR, and a Wahoo Fitness Snap.  We normally use PerfPro Studios as a means to provide our interactive training sessions.  This is normally done through their organic workouts or Sufferfest videos.  We have also started using Zwift running it through an Alienware’sgaming box so we can have two athletes on Zwift Island at the same time.  While the end result – having a computer create trainer resistance based on some training profile is constant – the training experience across these different products varies.

DC Rainmaker provides an excellent product review of both the Wahoo options and the CompuTrainer.  We provide more information about the product experience – after many hours of sweating profusely and pedaling to nowhere in the BTC. 

I bought my first CT in 2008 and within minutes had it connected to an old Dell laptop spinning to RacerMate’s original software.   As the first firm in the market, CT excelled at the actual product and, with little competition, did not have to develop quality software to accompany the trainer.  As electronics moved from wired to wireless, the CT still requires 120v plug and the computer.  Could you pack up the trainer and take it to a race to warm-up, nope not unless you dragged a Honda generator around with you.

Once I settled in DC, I got two buddies and my future wife to buy CompuTrainers, set them up in the garage, remodeled the garage, and the BTC was born.   We used RacerMate’s software and I dusted off old computer skills to code a program to sync with a Sufferfest video.  Setup was again with the software the weak part. 

Then I found PerfPro, which opened up a different experience and helped the BTC earn that second word, torture!  Now we had a platform that worked great for us.  Then Drew (PerfPro) integrated Sufferfest videos and the four of us could ride to Revolver or Angels or Hell Hath No Fury.  Friday nights became Bad 80s Movies night on Netflix, the winter went by much faster. 

The next item that came out was the Wahoo Fitness KICKR.  The appeal of this was that you could remove the rear wheel and it attached to the trainer, eliminating wear and tear of the wheel – especially if you used the same wheel to spin inside and train outside.  I went to Freshbikes of Arlington and bought one.  The KICKR is about the same price the CompuTrainer.  I already upgraded the computer system, so the ANT+ technology was easy to use (and we did not incur any extra cost on that front).  The first Wahoo KICKR was dead out of the box.   I exchanged it at Freshbikes, took it home and discovered that the second was also dead.  I called Wahoo. Their tech support was fantastic.  They diagnosed the problem as a possible sensor and wanted to replace it before sending the entire unit back to Georgia.  (The Wahoo KICKR is about 45 lbs, so moving and shipping is not the easiest.)  I received the sensor, installed it, and it worked occasionally.  I did really try and tried for several months to get this to work, but could not.  I ended up trying for a few minutes then setting it aside, sliding the CompuTrainer forward and was IMMEDIATELY back to working out. 

KICKR in use, but CT in stand-by.

The KICKER sat in the BTC collecting dust.  Technical support called me to follow up and was surprised to learn that I just gave up.   Wahoo immediately sent me another trainer with a pickup tag on the first.  I eagerly set that one up and it failed.  Technical support was johnny-on-the-spot again and diagnosed that there was some type of interference in the BTC which was causing the problem on the third KICKR.  They had me do a beta firmware upgrade and the problem was solved.  Two years later and it is still running without issue.  So I fibbed a little in the first paragraph, this is kind of a review. 

The difference on the feel between the CT and the Wahoo?  Not much.  I will say that the KICKR feels a little more realistic and it does “coast” better than the CT due to the Wahoo being a direct mount to a cassette.   Can you take the KICKR to a race to warm-up?    Well it would be just as easy as the CT and your little Honda generator, so the actual answer is no.  If you are Team Sky, are sponsored by Wahoo, and have an RV with a generator - you are golden.  For most of us, it would not be practical.  Oh did I mention they weigh 45lbs??

In the last few months, Wahoo introduced the Fitness Snap.  From the commercial, the Snap appears to not need a cabled power source.  The athlete is pedaling along, in the middle of a room, without any cords.  We thought – finally – something to take to races!  When you go to their website it does not talk about needing 120v.  Was it possible that Wahoo Fitness figured out a way to have a rechargeable battery on the trainer so you could charge it and move it?  I guess since my lawnmower, weed eater, and leaf blower all have a 56v battery, Wahoo could too.  NOPE.  Bad assumption.  The Snap still ties you to a power outlet.  You don’t have to have a computer like the CT, but you still need 120v.

New addition:  Alienware Gaming Box

I unboxed the Snap, set it up in the BTC and nothing.  It does not work, tech support says it is probably interference.  So I am going to have to troubleshoot and find out what is going on.  Right now I am working on Zwift since they came out with a Richmond course.  My configuration this morning??  Wahoo Fitness KICKR, Alienware game box, and Zwift software.  Took me about 2 minutes to get the CompuTrainer up and running using ANT+.  I spent 2 hours getting the Wahoo KICKR to work.  I had to go to BestBuy and get a 6.5 foot USB extension cable to drag the Suunto ministick almost beside the KICKR to pick up the signal.  But after that was done I had a great hour long spin.

Zwift Richmond course while watching the Vuelta

I know I said the KICKR was working without issue for the last two years but I bought the Alienware gaming system so we could run two sessions of Zwift at the same time.  They did not develop a multiplayer version so I have to have multiple systems.  I was trying the KICKR on the new system. 

What does all of this mean?  The CT is a tried system that I can get to work immediately.  One CT is seven years, another is 4 years and the other two are about 3 years. I have a spare in case one of them needs to be repaired (Side note:  a friend of mine has a CT from their first year in business….and it still works).   I have only replaced one load generator the entire time.  Wahoo Fitness, if it works, it works great, but … it doesn’t always work.    

We continue to spin with the mixture of CTs and the one KICKR.  Since we have people spin in our garage, the CT is more convenient since the ease of entry/exit for the bike is faster and does not leave one with grease on the hand from removing a rear wheel with a dirty chain.  We also know that the CT is more likely to work.

UPDATE:  9/3/2015

Last night we were able to get the Wahoo KICKR and Wahoo SNAP both working.  We had the KICKR going through our main system and the SNAP through the Alienware gaming system.  I am assuming that getting the extra long USB extension cable and stretching in over to the Snap decreased the interference.

Next tech idea to work on?
Zwift / PerfPro / CT / Wahoo al working in harmony.

Should I hire a coach?

The end of the road racing season provides an opportunity for reflection.  Regardless of the degree of success this season, we always want more.  From faster TT times to causing pain in the peloton, we start thinking about 2016 and what we should do differently.  For many, one question is whether to hire a coach.

The average racer will buy a $1500 wheelset with the promise of gaining speed without much hesitation.  The decision on whether to hire a coach can take the athlete months of internal deliberation.  At a local time trial I overheard a few cyclists somewhat bragging that they had bought a new Shiv and Zipp front 808 and rear disc to try and shave seconds off of the TT time.  After the race I was curious to see what they had “bought” as far as time goes.  They had successfully gained 20 seconds on their last effort so it moved them from 9th to 8th place.  Without knowing much about the athlete, but looking at their size and knowing the course, without a doubt a properly executed training plan could have easily shaved off far more than 20 seconds.    If we define the return on investment for the cyclist, hiring a coach may yield a greater value than equipment.

A few years ago, while leading a discussion about the importance of an annual training plan, someone asked me who I had as a coach.  A quote from Sir William Osler came to mind, “A physician who treats himself has a fool for a patient.”  Within a few weeks, I too asked myself, should I hire a coach?  I had made all the investments a cyclist could make, except one.  I am no fool.

Once you decide to hire a couch, you should have a good understanding of what to expect.  I use the term “hire” because you are paying the coach for their time and expertise.  Reflect on the number of hours you expect the coach to spend on you on a weekly basis.  Then extrapolate that to the full 4 week phase or month.  Divide the cost by the hours and ask yourself is it a good deal?  Am I paying too much?  Or the proverbial, you get what you pay for.

There are tons of books on the shelves that have basic training plans.  You can actually buy some of our training plans on our website at a very reasonable rate.  These plans are quite popular and are a good starting point for someone new to racing and training.  However,   the static training plan cannot take into account your fitness background, currently abilities, time restraints, illness, injury or other disruptions.  A coach considers all these variables when developing your personalized training plan.

Stock book plans and downloaded plans are what we consider a “fire and forget” plan.  The athlete just takes the plan and executes.  When challenges to your training schedule or uncertainty about the best way to execute the workout arise, the athlete does not have any resources to assist.  A coach not only provides objective feedback on training progression but also adjusts the training plan keep the athlete on track.  Your coach will help you set goals and set up your season – from training to the race calendar – to increase the probability of success.

As you make your next racing year resolutions, commit to success and efficient training. Hire a coach!

The Dog Days of Summer and Interval Training

During the winter, we complain about boring hours spent riding indoors, going nowhere.  As summer arrives, the trainer becomes a forgotten friend, a distant memory until that first outdoor interval workout.  Despite the boredom, riding indoors provides controllability seldom available on an actual road.  Riding indoors during the summer….well….is something we all want to avoid. 

Read below for some tips on maximizing the probability of interval perfection while on the road and keeping that trainer on vacation.

Tip #1:  Terrain

 If you are doing a Zone 1 (Active Recovery) workout, picking a mountainous route is not ideal. The same rule applies for a harder workout, such as FTP coast downs (basically a 10 min Zone 4 workout in watching power is EXTREMELY important). For both, having a stretch of relatively flat road for solid 10-12 minute effort is necessary.

Tip #2:  Consistent Pedal Velocity

A smooth power stroke at the same pedal speed provides a much smoother power output, which is easier said (or typed) than done.  Use your recovery rides to practice your pedal stroke. 

Tip #3:  Garmin setup

 I recommend three things.

• Set your Garmin to measure data in 3 second intervals

• Use your lap button when executing specific intervals that are less than one hour (FTP/LT). Trying to use the lap button on a 2 hour endurance ride will end with frustration, since it is using average power.  

• Setup your screen for the workout that you are attempting to do. No need for HR if you are targeting power. You may not need the time of day, temperature, etc. Setup the Garmin for exactly what you are doing, the fewer the items on the screen the better. ALWAYS keep cadence data, because in power workouts, cadence is always important.  

Tip #4:  Get into the spirit

Know the spirit of the workout. If you are going out on a Zone 2 Endurance ride, I suggest that you setup the Garmin with speed, distance, time, cadence, and normalized power. At the end of the ride make sure your normalized power is in your zone 2 range. If it is, then you probably met the spirit of the workout.  For the FTP coast downs I mentioned earlier, the workout consists of several 10 minute FTP efforts. Setup for AVERAGE power, you hit lap and over two minutes get your average power to your FTP (we will use 300 for easy math). Then you soft pedal allowing your average power to drop 10 watts (don’t pedal too softly because you want this drop to occur no faster than 20 seconds). Once your power is at 290, you are up out of the saddle with little less than a sprint raising the average power back to 300 watts. Once it says 300 watts, soft pedal to 290. Continue to do this until you have reached 10 minutes on the lap timer. Then rest. So over the 10 minutes you have averaged 300 watts, but you will see power in Zones 2,4,5, and 6 when you look at your trainingpeaks account (or whatever software you use).

One final thought. Execute the spirit of the workout and do not obsess over every pedal stroke or power number. Training workouts can have a steep learning curve. When you upload your files, be sure to provide a brief commentary – did you feel like executed the workout to standard?  Did your RPE tell you 300W but your power meter noted only 190?  All of this information, from the objective power data to the subjective commentary, enables your coach to best assess your progress.

When Math is Simple but not Easy

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2013, more than 60% of adults aged 18 and older in the United States were either obese or overweight. That same year, Americans spent more than $60 billion annually trying to lose weight.[1] Strange diet and exercise ads litter the internet and television, promising a “magic bullet”, allowing one to lose weight with only three easy payments of $29.95 plus shipping and handling.

At the end of the day, weight loss is a simple math problem. If the following inequality holds, one will lose weight:

Chuck in March 2015

Calories In < Calories Out

My selection of the adjective simple is deliberate. I overheard someone at training camp snidely commenting on a statement from one of the nutrition lectures (from Lori Nedescu). “She said it was easy. It is not.” This snarl comes from the misuse of adjectives – simple and easy are not the same. The nutritionist referred to the math equation and the athlete to the difficulty adhering to the constraints of that equation. The math is simple. Implementing the equation is not easy.

In March 2015, my husband weighed 212 pounds at training camp. As a cyclist concerned about watts per kilogram and married to another cyclist who likes to do hilly road races, he announced his intention to reach 175 pounds by September when he toes the line at U.S. Masters Nationals. He has made similar statements in the almost four years we have been together. He achieved short-lived success by implementing some draconian diet plan, but the results did not stick.

This time it is different. Why?

Math.

For the first time, he tuned out the “bright shiny thing” diet books or plans and focused on both sides of the equation, both of which required a great deal of lifestyle change.

Calories – out: With his military job and time spent on Kylecoaching and cycling team responsibilities, training was at the bottom of the list in terms of importance. In his desire to make USMES a success, his training (and mine) suffered greatly. However, he knew this needed to change. In my opinion, his calorie-out success comes from three items:

1. Accountability: He hired Damian Ruse (SPC Coaching) as his coach and uploaded his files daily.

2. Priority: When we would arrive home after work, we immediately hopped on the bike before he would check email or social media.

3. Variety: He hates the gym. I stated my desire to return to my weight-lifting regime and he said he would go with me. I have heard that before. This time he actually goes…complaining….but he is there with me.


Calories – in: The food side of the house is always the hardest. Chuck’s calorie-in achievements come from these three concepts or actions:

1. Signaling: A friend of mine who is a personal trainer who I greatly respect once commented to me that his clients who struggled to lose weight needed to learn to be hungry. We eat for some many reasons beyond fueling our bodies for the rigors of life. Chuck learned to be hungry…that his desire for food X wasn’t because his body needed it but because he wanted it. He learned to say no.

2. Data: Using a diet tracking app on his phone (myfitnesspal), he logged everything that he ate before he ate it. Since this app is on-line, his food entries are there for all to see.

3. Exclusion: Chuck, as many do, loves comfort foods and food variety and we all have many food buttons from our experiences in childhood and beyond. In order to maintain race weight and health, certain restaurants are no longer frequented by our household. Period. No more 5 Guys, la Madeleine, and other places I would rather not admit I have frequented.

Above all, Chuck benefited from the advice of a subject matter expert on nutrition, Dr. James Weinstein. In the beginning, Chuck went a little crazy with the calorie counting. (and little is used loosely – completely might be better). Jim guided him from “Eating under 1000 calories/day is my goal” strategy to one which is sustainable for both the athlete and those who love him.

Chuck and friend Jeffrey on May 31st 2015

As of the beginning of June, Chuck weighs 186 pounds and his race results show great improvement AND the completion of the mother of all hilly road races….Tour of Tucker County. He is healthier and no longer eats my chocolate. We no longer disagree about riding after work or on the weekend when not racing. Now if I can only convince him that getting a dog somehow is part of this process…..#lovehomerweinstein.


[1]Geoff Williams, “The Heavy Price of Losing Weight”, http://money.usnews.com/money/personal-finance/articles/2013/01/02/the-heavy-price-of-losing-weight.

Race Report: McDonald’s Tristate Criterium - Chuck Kyle

Race Report

McDonald’s Tristate Criterium – Huntington, WV
Category 3-4 CriteriumCategory Masters 40+ Criterium 

May 30, 2015

Late Afternoon races

To really emphasis this race, I have to start with shutting off the alarm at 4:30 AM, getting up at 6:39 AM and Dana saying, “Let’s go!!”  After a 407 mile drive, we ended up in my hometown of Huntington WV.

As I drove from DC to Huntington, the day was looking better and better. My daughters, Brynne and Shannyn, both texted to find out when I raced.  By time we arrived in Huntington, I was in a great mood and ready to take on two back-to-back races. 

When the course opened to pre-ride, the anxiety of the other riders in the 3/4 race was evident, as most of the field lined up far before the official call-up.  At the beginning of the race, Ben Kuhlman (Pro Mountain Outfitters ) toed the line beside me and we talked about last weekend’s Tour of Tucker County.  Ben mentioned he heard this crit was fast.  Little did I know that this statement was foreshadowing of his race plan.  When the official said go, Ben was off.  So I at least got a good warm-up chasing him the first half lap.

The afternoon was sunny, hot, and windy.  As the whistle blew to start the race, it was close to 100 degrees. The course is flat and non-technical, a rectangle with left-hand turns.  On the back stretch there was a pretty good tail wind and then the final stretch a good head wind.  Luckily, the town of Huntington had repaired any damage from a cold and snowy winter and the roads were virtually pothole free.

From a picture of the start/finish line, you would think the McDonald’s TriState Criterium is part of the NRC.  The crowd is great, the competition is good, the purse is outstanding but the fields are small.  If they could only get more teams to come into town this would be a great venue, but a 7 hour drive for a crit is a bit much for MABRA and VACA based folks.  A Saturday Crit and Sunday TT might be a way to make this a two day event and make that long drive more palatable.

My goal for the CAT 3-4 race was to get a good warm-up for the Masters race and not to be dead last.  I figured that by setting the bar that low I would not be disappointed.  I sat in for the race, didn’t burn too many matches, and waited for the final sprint.  The last lap, I was happy to be poster fodder, ended up in the bottom half of the field during the sprint finish.

The Master 40+ race was a little different.  I wanted to improve upon my finish at the Tour of Somerville. I have been pleased with my last few races and wanted to give my daughters and my dad a good race result.  I started off with the three basic rules for crit racing:  1.)  Line up on the front line. 2.)  Stay in the top quarter of the race.  And 3.)  execute a plan  The plan was with 2-3 to go, go off of the front.

One of the neat things about this race, teams actually show up and execute a plan.  Texas Roadhouse was one such team.  Over the first three or four laps, they attacked until one was successful.  Three TRH riders and two from other teams would manage to stay away for the race.  I was in position to cover each of the breaks but I did not think something would stick in the first half of the race.  With that said, for the next 15 or so laps, TRH pack riders moved to the front and slowed the field.  I was not in the position to either attempt a bridge or drag the field back, so it was obvious that the field would be sprinting for fourth place (one of the break-away riders had floated back to the field).  With seven to go, I was on one of the TRH wheels (Lance Fagerburg) and another TRH rider came up and told him he had the field sprint (they had already locked in 1-2-3 now they were just adding more money to the split).  Now my strategy changed.  Stay on Lance’s wheel and I did.  The next two laps were all about high speed survival and squeezing through holes I can’t believe I could make.  Came down to the sprint finish and I rolled across the line 3rd in the field print, 7th overall.

Lesson Learned?? Race like I am on Lance’s wheel.  Just not something that I have done in the past.

Race Report: French Fries and the Rolling Thunder..... - Dana Stryk

Race Report

The French Fry Crit (McDonald’s TriState Criterium), Saturday, May 29^th, Huntington, WV:

Jenette William and Dana
after the race

Chuck’s hometown puts on a race every year.  The promoter, Jeff’s Bike Shop, does an excellent job and must have some incredible sponsors.  The course is a flat, 4 left turn rectangle with open corners and decent pavement. I have raced the past two year, finishing 5^th and 8^th.  In the past, I have tried to create break since the field has one woman in particular who is an amazing sprinter (by the name of Jenette Williams – who races in our area from time to time).  This year, with still-rebuilding-from-traveling-to-Mongolia status, my goal was to sit on her wheel, let her pull me to the line and then pray for divine intervention.  Jenette has a nice steady wheel a^th – short of my goal of a podium but happy with most of my race.  I made enough to cover race fees and pay for dinner.  I only wish they would offer French Fry premes…..

nd I stuck to her like glue until she drifted to the back of the pack where, given the crashes in previous years, I did not want to be.  There were attacks but nothing stuck.  With 2 to go, I made mental notes as to where I needed to be on the final two turns.  Into the second to the last turn, I lost Jenette’s wheel but had a clear shot to the line.  I ended up 6

Millers School Age-Graded RR:

The 35+ and 45+ Masters women raced together.  As our start time neared, the skies darkened and thunder could be heard.  Chuck, my soigneur (what else should the newly retired do??), changed

VACA State Podium

wheels for me.  Two years ago, Mother Nature’s wrath was sent upon us and I promised that I would not race anything other than aluminum wheels when I could hear thunder.  Of course, switching from 303s to 101s ensured we were dry, a sacrifice about which I am joking but will take credit for the dry conditions.  Our race was shortened to 2 laps – I believe all the races in the afternoon were shortened. Normally, the shortened length would anger me since I fare better when the course is harder. However…this year I was happy that it was shorter.

I think the group stayed together until the first time past the finish line and slowly our numbers dwindled.  This year our races have become interesting in terms of who is willing to work and who sits in.  I was worried about having enough fitness to do work at the front, so I was among those hiding.  Sue and Amanda (ABRT) attacked the field multiple times as did Jenette (from the aforementioned French Fry crit), but everything was chased down.  By the time we hit the final stretch, we were a total of about 12 – with 4 (including me) in the 45+ category.  I knew where the attack would happen and it did – at that point, I honestly could not suffer anymore and watched the group ride away from me.  Janelle (Colavita), who won the 45+ race, was behind me at the time and I just let her go.  I can give a litany of excuses….off the bike due to family obligations last week, lots of stress from travel and other things….but at the moment when I needed to gut it out just a couple more meters, I could not.  Janelle and Patti (both Colavita) had a great race and congrats to them for the top two steps on the podium.  I ended up 4^th for MABRA and 2^nd for the VACA 45-49 age group.

Next up:

We will head down south for the Chesapeake Criterium (which is the VA State Championship) and the PLT TT, to get a little TT practice before ToWC.

Dana

Racing and working, the endless struggle - Dana Stryk

I am a PhD economist with the State Department and provide both education and training to our diplomats.  Recently we started offering classes abroad at post – which is an amazing opportunity for me as an economist but huge challenge as a cyclist with respect to training and maintaining acquired fitness as I traverse time zones and cultures.

Jeff Cup:After some great training in Tucson in March, I went to Dubai and Doha to teach Data Analysis and the Economics of Energy.  Traveling with my bike was not possible so I was thankful for the 24 hour gym and jet lag which meant I was awake when the rest of the UAE and Qatar was asleep.  The experiences were amazing but….after 14 hours on a Qatar Airways flight from Doha without a single open seat, I arrived in DC less than 12 hours before Jeff Cup.  More importantly….I left about 90 degrees to return to winter.  My inner lizard (named Lizzie) really does not like cold, let alone the taunting of warm weather for about 2 weeks and then cold.  Lizzie and I decided Jeff Cup was a bad idea, got on the trainer and discovered we left legs and lungs in Doha.

Sea Otter:

Liz and I targeted Sea Otter as the first race.  The weather should be good and I would have enough time to gain back some fitness.  The first race was a crit on the Mazda Laguna Seca speedway.  About 40 women were in the field and the course– two almost 360 degree turns that brought the field to a track stand.  The field stayed together.  I popped off after getting pushed into the railing on one of the turns and I just decided it was a nice day to TT instead.  My fitness was ok but I was still not pleased.  The rest of the week was spent pedaling along 17 Mile Drive, ignoring the call to tee off at Pebble.

Tour of Page County:

Road Race:  Unlike last year, where people attacked throughout the race, the pace for three of the four laps was recipe-exchange inducing.  The field had some very strong women, but only a few seemed interested in racing more than for the final sprint.  I tried a couple of times to get away as did Sue (ABRT), Michele S. (Bike Stop), Laura (James River Velo) and a few others but…it was not a race until the final kilometer.  I finished 6^th.

Time Trial:  I like the TT course and had a good warmup.  The roads were wet and I found myself nervous about the handling of my bike on the wet pavement.  I thought I was ok until my 30 sec. person behind me passed me.  We usually TT around the same pace, so I decided to use her for a rabbit.  Once the road sloped down I realized I was a big chicken and backed off.  Arrggh.  8^th in the TT (my rabbit was 3^rd…shoulda, woulda, coulda I guess)

Crit:  Sue from ABRT mentioned her plan to jump at the start of the race, which was my plan so…she jumped, I followed and after a couple of laps we had about 8, then 6 and then 5.  The rest of the field was broken up – with an eventual chase group forming of about 8.  I popped off the pack and chased back as a preme lap bell rang…I should have moved to the very front but…did not.  I popped off again, this time for good, with about 6 or 7 to go.  Now I needed to stay away from the chasing group.  On the penultimate lap, I heard Chuck yell…they are catching you…you have to bury yourself.  Even Mimi (the chief official) cheered for me at some point when I was in no-man’s land.  As I made the turn to take the hill for the last time, I heard Chuck yelling…stand…you have to stand. Obviously, he could see more than I could, so I sprinted up the hill, safely in 5^th.  Afterwards, I saw the 2000 pictures that Sophie’s mom (RC Velo…junior) took (kid you not 2000) which allowed me to see the race unfold.  Good thing I stood and sprinted….

While I was mad at popping, I was happy that my fitness seemed better.

Argyle Time Trial:  I selected the 23 mile option.  Due to the lack of a road marshal on a turn, most of the juniors and women did a TT of variable length.  Wendy (Colavita and a name you all know) also did about 23.  Sue (ABRT) choose the 30 mile option.  Since I was the only W1/2, it did not matter. 

Time to fly to Mongolia.  Dulles to Bejing to 6 hours in the airport to Ulaanbaatar – 23 hours of traveling and I was in the capital city of Mongolia.  More indoor cycling.  Ulaanbaatar to Seoul to Tokyo.  At the Imperial Gardens, I saw hundreds of cyclists but it seemed in poor form to knock someone off their bike so I could ride.  More indoor spinning.  Lots of good food and great experiences but fitness dwindling every day.  Tokyo to Dulles to start the hardest recovery from traveling I have ever had.  The 13 hour time difference and 14 hours in coach…I wanted to cry when I thought about my race season.

So – what better way to reengage than…wait for it…the Tour of Tucker County?  I blame jet lag for my decision.  Not sure what possessed Chuck to suggest it. Hell must have frozen….

Tour of Tucker County:  You know it will be bad when the race director asks who is new and who has any idea of what is in store for them…56 miles with 2 climbs of note….and of course, ending on a nice ascent.  I told myself the last climb was only a Cat1…my legs have collected HC summits in the Alps and Pyrenees.  I can do this.  I did it but it was not pretty.  We rolled with the Masters men and I became reacquainted with God through a prayer during some of slight descents at the start of the race.  I soon realized that trying to maintain that pace would call into doubt my ability to finish so I slowed down and found another in my race with whom to work.  To be polite about this…she was unhappy that she would be off the podium and got into the car at the feed-zone.  Time for a 20 mile TT without water.  Once I finished, I must have been delirious for I apparently posted on FB that Mike Stearns looks good on a bike…most important lesson learned….secure cell phone in the RV before leaving for the start line….

Tour of Somerville:  I wish my legs had three races in them but after Tucker, I was so tired that I decided to focus on Somerville.  I want to race Masters Nats in September and thought this would be the better of the two races (Ft. Ritchie being the other).  I really liked Somerville last year, despite crashing in the final corner on the final lap and wanted to attempt to remain upright this year.  My goal for the race was to overcome my inner chicken and position myself in the middle of the group if not toward the front.  The first few laps I was again in the back…sprinting to maintain contact after the second turn.  The race had the same feel as last year – after the start/finish sprint out of turn 2 then slower for the rest of the lap.  Sue (ABRT) was also in the race and I tried to stay on her wheel.  At one point, Laura Van Gilder attacked and found myself in a small group chasing.  The bubble thought on that pic, “OMG.  I am chasing LVG.”  Midway through the race, Sue jumped when I was on her wheel.  After a momentary pause, I gave chase and the woman behind me shouted that we had a break.  I figured I would die before I would give up getting Sue’s wheel.  I caught it, we had a little break for half a lap and we were back together.  Racing while starstruck is hard to do!  A women went off the front with about 10 to go – she was literally caught with 5 meters to go.  I managed to finish with the pack.

Next up:  The French Fry Crit (McDonald’s Criterium) in Huntington, WV (Chuck’s hometown) Sat and Millers School on Sunday.  Hope the legs are there from Tokyo!  Chuck is racing the 3/4 35+ at Miller's School - so we will be there all the day.  Look for the RV if you need a place to hang out.

Dana