VELOPIX

2011-12-18T20:02:00.002+01:00

Nearly the end of cross season. All summer waiting, planing races and then it passes in a blur. There is always the elusive "one last race" before the knobbies are put up to wait for another season. Today we finally had a proper modder when the course is clearly defined by a brown ribbon of tracks with a promise of traction and forward motion hidden at the edges. Riding on the edge this late in the year is the way to survive. The day can be fast gliding on top or fatigue can be extra bit pulling on the back wheel.

There might be one more race.

2011-11-06T16:31:00.004+01:00

One of the best features of 'cross is how a great course makes the day. The club course in Woerden is one of those. There isn't anything which stands out-a standard loop through a city park-but the the creative way of winding around a small mound is clever and challenging. I've never raced here in the dry, a different flavor I'm sure, even without rain the course was greasy as always. Thought for the day--slow down to go faster. All the little turns added together create lost seconds for charging in too deep. A smooth line is needed except for the muddy climb. That's just in the saddle pushing hard. As most weeks no worry where I finished, just good to pin a number and go fast.

2011-11-02T21:44:00.004+01:00

Going to a 'cross race is really about what you see that isn't racing. The course is often 3 to 5 deep all the way around and more at the prime spots; to find a good view is the race before the race. The best are taken during the U23 race, maybe before the pro women's race you might land one. But once there no moving before the elite men. I've stood in snow and rain and wind to hold down a prime viewpoint-move and it's quickly filled.

Even before that is the trip to the race. Jonathan Page rode to the race with family in tow. Amy D needing a bike held for a moment. Christine riding the trainer but always smiling. An American accent in a land of Flemish, I'm sure some wonder about the fan from across the pond. Why stand in the muddy field all day? There's a pack of pint sized Sven's during the pre race warm ups!

After the race a stop for dinner. Walking back to the car we saw something in a shop window. The fan dressed as Eddy needed to do some quick shopping on the way home.

You can watch the race from anywhere in the world. Seeing it requires a field to find the dreams.

2011-11-01T21:42:00.000+01:00

2011-10-31T21:27:00.007+01:00

The veld driving season is going by in a blur. Is it really November already? Of course that means real cross weather is just around the corner. No racing this past weekend, all the local districts had their championship races and those of us without a Dutch license have a training weekend. Of the course the weekend before had plenty of training-first race at the 'berg in Utrecht. A double weekend on the only hill in town; Saturday and Sunday on the same course. And it wouldn't be any fun without a different inschrijven program. My American license got me an "upgrade" of sorts-a euro off the non club fee but I had to race with the amateurs rather than masters. Not only a little more speed but a full hour. But it's all good training. After a weekend of just riding looking forward to another double race weekend. But off to the Koppenberg tomorrow. Worth taking the day off for.

2011-10-16T12:39:00.004+02:00

Despite the early wake up call on a Saturday racing in Serskamp, Belgium is one of my favorites. The course is fun, up and down around the apple orchard. It's a proper race with announcers keeping the crowd informed between the "best of the 80s" mix on the PA. Each lap I'm reminded of being the American at the local race--certainly not a fast American! But good enough; 15th on the day and not lapped. I'll take that and €5 prize money. Of course that was consumed as a burger stop on the way home.

The race reminds me of why I love racing in Belgie. Despite being just a local race there are plenty of racers showing up in campers and box vans; a paying crowd watching. The seniors at sign in confirming you have the right number. And as I've had the pleasure of seeing over the years hospitality of the people. A lady came out of her house as I was finding my jacket in the car and offered somewhere warm and dry to get cleaned up. Tempting but on a warm fall day just good to be in the sun. A long day for certain but a good one.

Sunday brings a race closer to home; round two of the local series at the Hillversum club. A big group on the start line of a tiny course. Truly amazing what can be done in the space of a football field. A long enough lap but after five rounds I was getting a bit dizzy with all the turns. Yesterday's packed sand replaced by slippery grease; difficult enough to pass on made even more so while sliding around. A good day, no worries where I finished as the legs were still heavy from yesterday. And home in time for lunch; maybe a quick ride before watching the World Cup on TV.

2011-10-09T20:47:00.007+02:00

After a long wait 'cross season has finally started! As most years I have plans to be fit and fast at the beginning of the season. I don't remember this happening for several years despite my love of field driving. This year the lure of a new bike and even more tools for pre and post race should have brought extra motivation for speed. But not to be--I race for fun. Of course in Europe the "fun" is still about racing.

Saturday's race in Montfoort should have been a perfect one for me. Mud, mud and more mud. Of course being the American here gets a last place call up-58th on the grid means a tough day passing on a tight course. No pit crew equals one mud packed bike after a lap. A lackluster warmup turned into a "no go" kind of day-while fun there was certainly no race in the legs. Happy to survive with only a few crashes and 37th by the end.

Sunday a fresh start at the MNC series. Back row start again, I don't receive points (darn foreigners!). Caught behind a few crashes and slow going on the first lap. After two laps I can see the group a long way off and a big gap in the middle. Unlike Saturday I had some drive; chasing forever but managed to jump up a group or two. Got one just on the line. No idea where I finished-really doesn't matter. Nice to feel like racing again.

2011-08-21T08:16:00.009+02:00

Is the season over or summer just beginning? A rare sunny day came out for the last sportiv of the year. The Ardennes were in full summer green and a great day to be riding. This ride lets you know what's in store from the beginning, a good leg opening climb 6km in sets the day up. Barely a flat road for the next 80km. Either up or down, while not alpine enough of either to make the legs ache too much but still provide a big smile on the down. These are the roads of LBL, a certain Phil has a lot of white paint marking his roads. The route card doesn't show three step bumps to get over in the last 10km-lots of riders going backwards. Turning back onto the start road I saw a new smile, one of joy replacing the nervous version four hours earlier. A first sportiv done for one rider, end of the summer season for another.

2011-08-14T20:43:00.013+02:00

While my friends in the US are already relearning dismounts and counting days not weeks until the season's first race those of us 'cross the pond are just starting to think about the season. Not that we're all on holiday here, cross season doesn't start until October and real racing a month after that. Of course a less than summer like August helps get the spirit, if not the legs rolling. Before racing a few long days on the road are to come but time to start getting dirty again.

A family event in the afternoon is a great excuse to pedal around the Strijbeek woods. A voice greets us while unloading, the Dutch 50-60 mater's champion is just back from a morning ride. He notes our fenders, a must for the wet sand. The area is great for riding; paved paths, some forest singletrack and leg busting climbs. Climbs? In western Holland? The climbs here go on for hundreds of meters in all directions, you just don't go uphill. No the climbs here are the endless millimeters climbing the depth your tires sink into the sand. When legs no longer can push forward a quick hop to the path gets a few meters of recovery to catch your group.

Knobs covered in fresh sandy mud for the first time this season. Soon every weekend will have a split personality, clean days for the mind and muddy days for the soul.

2011-08-01T19:42:00.001+02:00

Laundry time.

Thanks to Zach for the design and the good folks at Vermarc for making it happen.

2011-05-16T10:39:00.004+02:00

De Gouden Flandrien

Can you wear a special jersey if you didn't earn it? The debate is a lively one, for those of us not fast enough to earn rainbow stripes or the leader's color is it OK to pull one on? And for those of us who dream is there a chance to earn such a cherished piece of fabric?

In my favorite part of the world there is the chance to earn such a jersey. The task is simple-three loops, 250km. Finish in less than 15 hours. I've ridden each loop on it's own and many combinations of all them. But to tackle them in one day is an undertaking. The day stays busy--eating and drinking along with keeping a watch for the route arrows. Up and down, over 25km of kasseien, 25 named hills and many more rises without fanfare. I didn't spend much time in a group, after the first hour nearly everyone is on a solo journey for the day. The head doesn't fill with great thoughts after a few hours, you're numb to the physical requirements. In the last hour you look for the familiar sights to know the journey is nearly done, a few kilometers left and whatever is left in the tank can be spent.

At the finish the mind comes back. What took ten hours is a blur of a few minutes; seeing the special people waiting at the finish, having a photo taken to show the day happened. Fatigue prevents the moment from sinking in.

Tomorrow I can pull on the jersey. It was earned. (top photo by CRVV)

2011-04-17T09:58:00.005+02:00

Where has the spring gone? Seems like yesterday I has looking at the calendar and checking off races to go see and sportifs to ride, now it is time to look forward to cross season! Just a blur now. I've certainly gone to fewer races this year, even Paris Roubaix was seen only via TV this year. The upside is riding more and less time in the car.

And isn't riding what it's all about? Yesterday I rode the Peter van Petegem Classic, 150km of ever back road between Oudenaarde and Brackel. A really great course, rarely a car on any of the backroads and the short sharp hills making the legs not want to recover today. Like all good rides in Flanders the route cuts back and forth over the countryside, hard to tell which way you're riding at times. And most important a perfect recon for the Gouden Flandrian just 4 weeks away.

2011-04-10T19:50:00.000+02:00

2011-02-26T20:25:00.004+01:00

A hard day opens the Classics season at the Omloop. Wind, rain, grit, more rain pelted the men and women for hours on end as they crossed the Flemmish countryside. Some passed the hard right at the Molenberg's base, more than a few decided the N60 would be a better option to a hot shower. My plans were washed away as well-plans of watching on the roadside by bike seemed like a good idea. Some club riders I pedaled with early had the sparkle of a season opener in their eyes riding to Haaghoek replaced by long faces passing a car window later in the day. Today was a day for the tough, hopefully putting a little in reserve will prove a wise plan a month from now.

2011-02-06T19:52:00.000+01:00

2011-01-16T19:41:00.004+01:00

First and Last

The first race of the nieuw jaar and the last of the season. The Sunday series is winding down, only two left before everyone takes a breath and starts their road season. Some guys (and gals) going fast-maybe they are going to the Master's Worlds next week. Some, like me, needing a little push to get the year started after a few weeks off the bike. Thankfully a nice and rather warm January day to race around the clubhouse in Hilversum. Although the season did not go as well as would have liked I think I raced more this year than in the last ten. Maybe having a supporters club as all proper racers here do has something to do with that.

Time for a transition. The skinsuit is hung until the fall, thoughts turn from 45 minutes to 4 hours in the saddle. Only 70 days until the pilgrimage to the Flemmish hellingen . . .

2010-12-26T20:23:00.001+01:00

Zolder WC

2010-12-12T20:36:00.000+01:00

The last cross race of the year. Heavy. Mud.

2010-12-04T18:21:00.000+01:00

2010-11-28T18:34:00.002+01:00

Rider from Amerika, your race was today. The race in Drongen is the one I truly look forward to, not only was it my first race in Europe but the organizer is a true friend. So there is some extra motivation to race well. But on today's frozen field in Flanders speed was not along with the good spirits. The course is more challenge than meets the eye--a basically flat ride around a field with two run ups. However simple the mud has the ability to grab your wheels and the frozen air stung the lungs. Not a good day on the results sheet.

But that really doesn't matter. Seeing my friends at the race, voices I know and having extra support makes the day a good one no matter where the placing is. I've certainly raced better this season and while the race circled on the calender since summer did not end as expected I can say I went home a winner. Thanks to my friends for the day.

2010-11-07T19:06:00.002+01:00

Mud. Cross racers "like" mud. I did until the first crash of the day. And then the second. Today's race was about staying upright on a tight training course. A decent ride. A lot of cleanup.

2010-11-01T21:17:00.002+01:00

Koppenberg 'cross

2010-10-27T20:45:00.001+02:00

2010-10-17T14:44:00.005+02:00

Many clubs in the Netherlands have 'cross training every weekend, which are better than going to the national races. Why? You get the same suffering for only 2 euros, courses which are certainly hard and a good time. Plus home in time for lunch!

Today's parcours was at the cycling club in Hilversum. The course is their "permanent" course, most clubs have a training course they use during the week for practice. In a space roughly the size of a football field there was a sandpit, stair run up and enough turns to make you dizzy. But like any good course plenty of room for passing provided you were willing to rail the next corner at speed. Run or ride the sandpit? With a 180 turn going in any traffic and off the bike was the plan. No clue were I finished, a good day of training and feeling better as the season gets underway.

2010-10-09T20:14:00.006+02:00

Round 1 of the veldrijden season is in the books and a great start for the year. The day's race as Serskamp had everything needed to get the mind back into the cross world-good weather and a great course. The course winds around an orchard, always up or down and keeping speed is the key. A seemingly new rule change puts me in the Masters A races this year-one group higher than last. With that and being race one I was a bit nervous on the start. Thankfully I didn't hear a "rider from America looking to add international flair to the podium." called on the loudspeaker. Of course that didn't get me out of the back row on callups so the usual traffic jam and I'm at the end of the line. Took a few laps to get back into the rhythm of racing-once the nerves are gone it's a good place. Ended the day with goal #1 of the season checked off-finishing the race without being pulled.

Best part of the day-racing for first American! There are two Americans in the Vlaamse Cup. Every trip past the finish line I hear Dan's name called out, he had 50 meters on me all day. Almost closed it down at the end but wasn't to be. Maybe next week.

Rider from Amerika, your season has started.

2010-08-20T22:13:00.004+02:00

As we rush through life, with all the distractions around us, it is easy to forget what makes it magic. How the simple things enrich us, make each day special and give us moments which are more than fleeting memories. As your day goes by be sure to enjoy these with more than a gone second-those instants are what is really important in life.

Mr Bert joined my life only one year of his seventeen. I'm thankful for each day. Rest well my friend.

2010-07-04T15:02:00.001+02:00

2010-07-04T14:58:00.000+02:00

2010-07-01T10:02:00.001+02:00

Where did your ride go today?

2010-05-11T22:39:00.005+02:00

2010-04-14T22:59:00.001+02:00

2010-04-05T13:03:00.004+02:00

Seeing a race in person is far different than watching on TV. Sure you can see the race completely, not stand at the top of a hill in wind/rain/sleet for an hour hoping the FDJ supporters flags do not spoil your view (which you arrived at that coveted place an hour before the wind/rain/sleet) only to move across the road at the last minute when the flags are in your view. You don't have to worry about driving to the next spot, finding a parking place, run like a madman hoping the race hasn't passed (why can't I hear the helicopter???) but not knowing what has changed since the last place you saw the race. Then after the last spot you don't need to find a place to see the finish, let alone stand in a total stranger's garage watching the finish on their TV (of course someone passed the frite cone around so it must be good).

Watching the race on TV you see it all. Moto shots, copter shots. But something which will never happen on TV is a rider stopping right in front of you with a dropped chain. I've put on many dropped chains since I started cycling, either on the road or maybe fixing your bike in the shop. I put Frank Hoj's chain back on. It only took a few seconds. But I didn't watch it happen on TV.

2010-04-05T13:02:00.005+02:00

It was a beautiful morning. Riding in the car to Ninove someone commented on the blue sky as the sun came up. I only saw the gray building on the other side of the car. I'm sure others saw the sky split as well, rain cape came on just as we rode to the start. A short ride the day before showed good legs and hopefully a fast time for the Ronde sportive, I knew a five hour ride wasn't possible this year but felt I could be close.

As the kms ticked away the sky kept changing personality. Rain, wind and even sleet was on the menu, at the top of every climb you could see sun on the next berg but reaching that point of brightness was not meant to be. Wet cobbled climbs were parking lots of bikes, I found myself click stepping on three this year. Finding a rhythm never seemed to happen, the new route seems more chaotic than the past. Go fast for a few minutes and slog along when the legs went dead.

The sun finally came out on the way to the Muur-at that point I could have been inspired or just wanting to reach the end as I rode at my best for the day. At the steepest point, nearly around the last left a rider fell in front of me and the line comes to a stop. Saw two friends at the summit, faded on the Bosberg, drove hard for the finish but was a half click short of a good kick home. Six hours and change this year--the hardest 150km I've ridden in a long time. To watch the pros add an extra 100km in fifteen minutes more is humbling.

When is next year???

2010-04-05T13:00:00.004+02:00

Just some random photos from Easter Sunday in Flanders . . .

2010-03-29T22:01:00.002+02:00

The finest 520km of road in the world is on the horizon. The faithful are heading to the helling of Vlaanderen and the pave of Roubaix during the only week of racing which really matters. This journey on two wheels has reached post 100. For those who started at km 1 thanks for sitting in, to anyone joining in welcome along. The finish is still far away, there is no time cut.

2010-03-28T10:45:00.004+02:00

One week until the Ronde sportive.

2010-03-21T20:43:00.005+01:00

Sportives are not races-until they are. Out on the road you go from group to group, sometimes forward and sometimes back. Maybe an attack or two will liven the pace, a hill or cobble section and everyone has their dig. These groups make the day at the ride-riders you'll never know again sharing the day. It takes awhile for these to form-the kits you see at the 10km point are never the same ones you see 10km from the end.

The magic group always seem to form at 25km out. Seven to ten at the most, a hard section and each group looses a few but gains a solo. Riders dangle off the back, a passing wheel might get you back. Or not. Somehow everyone knows where the ride ends-it's not at the end really but the point which everyone agrees we're finished. As that point draws there is an urgency-the stronger go to the point and drive, the crafty find a way to stay. Somewhere that line not on a map becomes a point on the road-the mad dash and there was a winner. But no arms up. You've just finished a day in the wind, heard the announcers voices only in your head and wrote your own story at the end of day.

Saturday I was in my group, 20km of wind left to battle. A section of cobbles, we're on the dirt edge. A split, time to jump across the stones to the other side. One follows, dig hard but the group is still together. The line drives past houses, down a bike path; another fading rider and I trade pulls to get back. There's an industrial park, know we're almost done. 45kph lined out, up a rise and then everyone sits up. It's still 5km to go on the map but we all knew it. Someone crested the hill in Baarle first. We all finished a good day.

2010-03-09T19:55:00.004+01:00

Is it just four weeks until the Ronde? Sportive season starts next week, with the long winter the smell of embrocation is mixed with desperation. Cutting back on race viewing this spring-there are kilometers to catch up on. Quickly.

2010-03-01T21:22:00.000+01:00

2010-02-20T19:08:00.003+01:00

Kilometer 0. Every season starts there. Europe has finally awoken from the endless winter and snow is reserved for the edges of gardens. At kilometer 0 everything is strange, pedal strokes are chunky squares, that perfect fit is far from comfortable and a saddle is a painful perch for the first outing of the year. So it begins, a quest to regain fitness lost two months ago in only two hours. Despite a helpful push from the wind-blowing right for a change-muscles are not ready to fire at 30kph. Gentle, there are still six weeks before the first objective of the year. Even though it's the most important until September.

At kilometer 50 that changes. Someone comes from behind, the wet roads made his presence unknown until a shadow reveals another soul looking for fitness. "Hoi" but no response. A pass is made in a corner and at kilometer 52 thoughts of easing into a year are gone. The next ten kilometers are ridden at the limit of a 39 tooth ring, desperate to hide any objection of recently woken legs. We pedaled side by side, no exchange other than knowing the time to go is already here.

2010-01-22T20:18:00.003+01:00

where to begin. The new year has flown by, literally as much as figuratively. I've been halfway around the world, driving all over Europe and finally got to ride my bike today. Flanders is 9 short weeks away-YIKES!!! I'm not ready. Sunday is my last 'cross race for the year. As a wrench, racing was done long ago. Roubaix already a memory.

Rider from America, your year has started.

2009-12-28T09:35:00.002+01:00

Nacht Modder

A busy weekend in the pits. Day after Christmas and there's nowhere to be but Zolder. Warmer weather has exposed the ice under the snow so a "hot lap" heading to the pits just means not falling down. Busy day for the racers but a slow one in the pits. Sunday night in Diegem was a different story--the day's thaw made for the mud which sucks your shoes off. Added challenge of a night race--long day waiting for a lot of work late into the evening. Washing bikes was an adventure-two washers for the whole field so the que was deep. Not as deep as the mud you had to wait in with the bike, in places 25cm deep. Smart move by Kevin Pauwels' crew, they avoided the line by holding the bikes in the overspray and finishing with a bucket course side.

Good news is Jeremy had a good race--we've got the program running smooth. Best that racers just focus on racing and not the other things. The sun is up today, tomorrow we'll be back in the mud again.

2009-12-21T19:28:00.004+01:00

Having snow in Holland is just like in Virginia, anything more than pretty snow makes the next day difficult. But there's something special about the silence snow brings to a city at night. And despite the depth there are still bikes just rolling along.

2009-12-21T19:16:00.003+01:00

Is this why they call it the "pits"?

OK, so it really isn't that bad. It's only snow, wasn't that cold and the sun came out at the end. As much as I like pitting at cross races days like this can go bad in a hurry. Cold hands can make even setting pedals tough, bikes need to be wiped off in case there's a change to do and you watch the big screen to see if your rider has a fall. As a friend pointed out-they show the leaders (aka wherever Sven is) and the crashes. Life in the pits isn't all that bad on a snowy day in Belgium.

2009-12-13T21:24:00.003+01:00

Rather than racing Saturday I took advantage of a something which doesn't exist in the US-a veldtoertochten. During the winter months in Holland and Belgium there are plenty of "tours", 3.50 euros for a semi marked 45km course with a soup stop in the middle. Not a race, just a way to spend a few hours riding in the woods with a few hundred other riders. Fast guys, old guys, cross bikes, mtbs with fenders and fun in the mud.

Of course there's always a hill or section when the speed goes up, nothing wrong with that. A great day riding from my house, meeting friends at the start, waiting for some while having a cup of soup, finishing with a non contested "sprint" and 4km home on a very muddy cross bike. All the while riding the trails I can never seem to find when I leave home solo.

2009-11-30T20:24:00.006+01:00

rider from america, your season is over . . .

A year ago I wrote about my first foray into the deepest pain cave in the world, local cross in Flanders. A year ago I was humbled by old men, older than me, who rode faster than I ever imginained possible when I first took up the sport of cross.

A year later and I am still amazed at the speed. At Drongen I rode slower thru the mud pit than the 13 year olds. There was no moving in the brown slop. I couldn't see the entrance to the cave-there was a glimpe with a good start and then the slit closed entering the pit. A very dehumanizing experience to line up every week with only the goal of not being lapped, once champion of my home state. Only a few more races left this season but no realistic hope at form to reach that goal, a meger one at best.

I'd still rather be last here. You never get better until you're at the bottom. I'm hoping to get a third crack at that little race off the E-40.

(photo by Rollo Tommassi)

2009-11-29T21:43:00.000+01:00

2009-11-19T20:22:00.000+01:00

2009-11-11T20:11:00.002+01:00

Today is a day to remember all of those who have served and the many who have sacrificed so we can enjoy the peaceful corner of the world most of us live in. The reminders of conflict are still visible all over the world-here's wishing one day the need to do such things to mankind will end.

2009-11-07T17:52:00.002+01:00

What would Roger de Coster do?

The 'cross season swings back to Holland this weekend and a traditional Dutch race. Can mean only one thing-zand. Zand and a motocross track to go with it. Most motocross tracks in Holland are sand with a clay base, perfect for 500cc machines to cut several foot high berms to eat 32c cross tires as a snack. Add water, stir and a sticky mess pulls wheels backwards. Approaching the sand downhill thoughts of the great Belgian de Coster, what line did he take? Certainly one better than mine. A day spent wishing for a pit bike and better legs.

My goal is not a UCI point--just don't get lapped is plenty. Roger wouldn't.

2009-11-02T20:40:00.000+01:00

2009-10-25T21:52:00.004+01:00

It's just a hill. Twice a year it is the place to be in Flanders. The cross racers only ride halfway up the Koppenburg as most know it, as soon as they reach the middle of the cobbled monster turn right and back down. Only to come back up via the field. Cross the stones at the top and a decent that would be difficult on a mountain bike, much less 32c tires. Sven won-the CanniBaal is back.

I spent the morning with a smaller crowd in a much flatter location. A typical local race in Belgium-find the bar with the numbers, the course running up and back thru a field and behind the church. I've forgotten just how fast the races are here. Even running the barriers into a headwind hurt. A post and I tried to share the same space for a moment, the post won. Placing me on the ground and solidly at the bottom of the Master's B results.

2009-10-17T14:16:00.006+02:00

VDB Forever

Last Sunday I rode by the "FrankyBoys" bar in Oudenaarde-odd I've never gone in. Just a tavern on a street corner in a little town in Belgium.

Tuesday the news was everywhere. Whatever your opinion of VDB his passing marks the end of a generation in the sport of cycling, hero or hated. I saw him race by me once, only once.

VDB neit god but was larger than life. I'll be stopping in next week when I'm in Oudenaarde. RIP VDB.

2009-10-12T20:52:00.002+02:00

Ruddervoorde SP--Sven is back. Nothing else needs to be said about the race. The venue is like most 'cross courses in Belgian, middle of a field on the backside of town. A couple of man made "hills" to make a runup and a dropoff. But in the middle of the field is a perfectly built track of cobblestones exactly the width required by the UCI for a cross course. I wonder how they got there?

2009-10-10T17:24:00.002+02:00

Is it 'cross or fishin' season? These two guys aren't sure, a bad exchange and someone's spare ended up in the lake.

Mud was on the program today. Sliding around the city park in Monfoort, NL was a lot of fun, no traction to be found even on the pavement sections. Thick grass filled muck made a hard day at the office-accelerate, brake, slide, balance, turn, slide, accelerate, slip, lean, brake maybe 10,000 times over. Called up 70 something and last, passing just 10 guys over 45 minutes felt as good as a win.

2009-09-26T16:53:00.010+02:00

Veldrijden

'cross season has officially started. The lakeside race in Harderwijk is a transition of sorts, although we're racing on soft fat tires the course could really be a last fast kick on pavement. A crit on grass and dirt, no mud despite water all around. Take out the maze across a small field and it's four corners with a sprint. The unique feature of the course? A run up into and out of a semi trailer. Or spectators coming by boat.

My race? It was good to turn the legs over at speed again but my only high point was not being lapped. No ranking in Holland means a call up at the back of 60, no chance my heavy early season legs were going to pass a long line at full speed.

2009-09-05T19:38:00.005+02:00

I don't know who this is but he is about to finish the Birkebiker, a 92km race in Norway. One of 22,000 (yes, that many) people who start. Riders not only face the rolling terrain but also carry 3.5 kilograms extra-in honor of a cross country skier who carried a Norwegian prince over the mountain years ago.

2009-08-22T19:00:00.004+02:00

where has this year gone? It seems like yesterday was February. Now it's almost September.

I pulled out the 'cross bike today. Kinda forgotten how to ride one-you can forget how to ride a bike. Bouncing low pressure balloons over dirt seemed strange after a summer of pure pavement-can't think how many turns ended far wide of their intent. But it comes back, as does the pain of shouldering and missing a dismount.

2009-08-07T12:55:00.004+02:00

Now that it's August we can officially look forward to 'cross season. And the Classics aren't far behind. Above is a little teaser of things to come--Arrenburg in the summer. The 'cross schedules are up. Last year I was ranked 602 out of 690 'crossers in Belgium. Need to move up a little there.

2009-07-24T22:06:00.000+02:00

2009-07-24T22:01:00.000+02:00

2009-07-21T21:14:00.005+02:00

It's been an interesting day.

This morning, reminding everyone being an ex pat in Europe you have a morning then a really long disjointed afternoon with another morning which never quite reaches an evening but ends at a point even though the day isn't over, I received a note from the person I've known the longest outside of my family. A lot of me comes from this person, I hope they approve. Well one thing leads to another and I feel somewhat caught up with a lot of people I've missed over the years.

And to the person who started this--you're not a decade behind. You reminded me again of the importance of the real things in the world. Thanks as always.

I'm headed off to see Le Tour for a day, hopefully some of the new old friends will join me.

2009-06-28T19:12:00.006+02:00

The Tour of Flanders Museum presented a unique event today-the "Retro Ronde". Rules are pretty simple, your bike needs to be at least 20 years old and mostly original. Aside from the vintage bikes from days gone by the riders are the real draw. Everyone in period wear fully looking the part. A light 30km ride was in store around the flatter side of Oudenaarde. I took a spin earlier in the day on my modern bike-the not so retro cobbles of Belgium are a rough ride on any vintage.

2009-06-28T19:10:00.000+02:00

2009-06-21T10:58:00.003+02:00

Have been super busy of late with no time to post, plus lack of any real adventures. But some snippets:

-don't forget your frame pump when training on thin race tires in the rain

-recovery time off the bike is a good thing

-'cross season isn't that far away!!!

-tour? Although I might be going to watch the TT just can't get excited about 3 week races

and at McDonald's in France they say "bon appetit" when serving a Big Mac.

2009-05-31T20:05:00.004+02:00

Everyone has a place they go to reset the mind, mine is Gent. Just big enough to find something new every time but small enough not to loose itself. Of course seeing a beach volleyball pit in the middle of the city square was a new one. I had planned on two days of cycling around roads which are becoming very familiar but Saturday seemed better spent as a lazy tourist.

Sunday's ride had a little incident. And I thought Americans were the only ones who didn't know how to ride smart on a bike path. Tip of the day--going downhill do not take the blind corner on the wrong side of the path. Someone who hasn't had a reset could have been there instead of me . . .

2009-05-24T15:48:00.003+02:00

beat to the bone . . .

A busy two weeks. Spent a few days with my family, always good to be home with the parents and Gracie kat. Mom serves up the best food on the planet. Of course the days go too fast and then back to Chicago for a few days in the office and the world famous bone ride.

The ride is quite simple-Milwaukee to Madison and back. A short 160 miles (that's about 250kms for the metric). This year saw a smaller than average group set out into the high heat, 80+!, and an evil 20mph crosswind. In trying to avoid last year's miscue of not drinking enough early and cramping I ended up soloing into Madison after an ill timed bottle fill. Even holding the follow car wasn't enough to get back on in the wind. I played the wheelsucker card on the way back after getting dropped once, got me to the BP stop. Of course with 2 miles to go a little rise got the group racy but I'd had enough by then-heavily sunburnt legs said no and so I took it easy to the finish. Better than last year but not what I wanted-should have been on form. Only 360 days 'til next year.

2009-04-26T19:10:00.006+02:00

There's a side of being a pro racer which isn't seen much. It isn't prime time with thousands of screaming fans, follow cars with your spare wheels or having Phil and Paul call your name in the last 100 meters. For a lot of pros, especially the women, there are days spent trying to log into your email and finding a good training route in a place you've never been. Hopefully you've found a good host house and can do laundry. Staying in the living room while the rest of the house goes about their daily routine while yours is anything but. What these racers have is focus and determination to succeed and hopefully the right luck to make it happen, sometimes with a little help from people they didn't know a few weeks ago. My new friend Sara is one of those racers-best wishes to her for the rest of the season and beyond.

Thanks for dropping by, we'll leave the light on for you.

2009-04-19T18:03:00.003+02:00

Another classic Classic season. A few leftover Paris Roubaix photos-we rode the last 100km Saturday. Notable was my first flat at Roubaix, four trips to hell before a flat. RdeV would be proud. P-R is fun for me-despite being battered I came out of Hem with good legs and made the full gas run to the track. For those of you who saw Cycle To here's the photo I was taking.

Yesterday we rode the 150km Amstel sportiv, of my four "classic" rides certainly the most hectic. Narrow roads, far smaller than the Belgian Flanders, with steep descents. Combined with 12,000 people on the route makes for some very dicey riding. The Ardennes Classics wind out the season, for me attention turns away from racing and to riding, enjoying the summer and looking ahead to barriers and muck.

2009-04-12T21:22:00.000+02:00

2009-04-12T21:17:00.003+02:00

2009-04-05T21:43:00.000+02:00

2009-03-28T21:17:00.003+01:00

The E3 Prijs served up a prize-rain, wind, cold, hellingen and a sprint.

2009-03-26T22:21:00.008+01:00

One week until the Ronde. Living in Europe it's a little different than past years-I'm not scrambling to pack a bike box or worried I haven't ridden enough for a fast sportiv with 18,000 people. Strange sitting here wondering if I should make the drive Saturday for the E3 race or just ride around the Dutch countryside. Hmmmm. . . .

For those you making the trip be sure your first viewing of the Ronde is at PDG Bikeshop in Baarle. Forget the start-the real morning fun will be at the shop as the race speeds by 60km in. Where you go next is up to you-when you hear this sound the race isn't far away.

2009-03-21T20:14:00.002+01:00

First of the Belgian sportives today-the Omloop Passage Fitness. This is the warmup ride for the Ronde van Vlandeeren sportiv ride. At 132km it's nearly the length of the Ronde ride but fewer hills. Starts with a good game of Belgian pinball coming out of Gent--the first 20km or so has you riding in the street, on the raised bike lane, dodging cars. Lots of fun and very nervous riding in the group! Once outside town you turn south for familiar turf-hitting the kassein (pave is a French word) at Haaghoek rattles the bones and sharpens the mind for the hills to come. The route goes up a hill outside Brakel which doesn't see use in the Ronde-the Pottleburg. More of an Ardenne hill-just a long drag which doesn't seem to end. Off to the Molenburg and full throttle to Gent for a 28kph average. Will be good for the Ronde.

Finished the day watching Milan San Remo at PDG Bikeshop in Baarle. World's best bikeshop.

2009-03-08T20:45:00.006+01:00

One month until the Ronde. The Lion of Flanders is training on the Muur.

2009-03-02T08:48:00.000+01:00

2009-03-02T08:44:00.000+01:00

2009-02-22T13:22:00.001+01:00

Why do I have the munchies in Amsterdam?

My knowledge of Amsterdam is what tourists know-they have it all. Museums, canals, history along with drugs and window girls. I’ll confirm they have all those things. Strong is the visual of tourist trinkets only to be outdone by a stronger smokeable plant aroma. Oddly enough you can’t light a cigarette in the koffieshops of Amsterdam, have to go outside for that. The Red Light district on Valentine’s night was quiet, couples out watching the twenty something boys watching the old men coming out of the glowing door frames. Girls of all ages, sizes and persuasions posed in red frames tempting anyone on the street. Maybe a winter chill, most of the doors had curtains closed all night. Or maybe it’s a part of the city’s history going away.

2009-02-01T20:45:00.002+01:00

2009 Worlds

Cross worlds (a week late). Belgians went home happy with a win. Dutch went home with a win but not that happy. People were 5 deep all over the course. The waffles were warm and tasty. The frites were hot and covered with mayo. It was cold. It was loud. The unexciting parts of the course had people 5 deep. It took us nearly 2 hours to get out of the parking lot. Someone said 'cross isn't "huge". It's big enough.

58 days 'til de Ronde.

2009-01-27T20:11:00.001+01:00

Excalibur has been drawn

2009-01-18T23:55:00.002+01:00

Pitting at Roubaix (yes, that Roubaix) was anything but boring today. As normally happens at Roubaix the clouds opened twice-the first time to pour water and then to let the sun shine on the race. Seems to be a tradition in the concrete bowl. Riders either had it or not today. As I walked to the pit the sound of mud suction came with every step, Jeremy Powers lost a shoe to the mud on a run up it was so thick. Sue Butler took a face full on the first lap but soldiered on to finish.

When the mud is this thick it's just as competitive at the bike washers as it is on the course. When you run over with your rider's bike a line has already formed and everyone wants to be next. The trick (don't tell) is hang your bike next to the guy washing. Help him by holding the wheels off the ground so he gets done faster-then it's your turn. With riders pitting twice a lap you've got about four minutes to dash to the washer (30 secs), wait (a minute), wash (2 minutes is slooooww) and dash back while carrying the clean bike, shifting into the right gear, drying off the seat and shifters, spotting your rider just hitting the pits and getting in place for the handoff. Then do it a dozen more times. Stress is high-as water goes every direction people forget to shut the hose off. Today a fight almost broke out by the washer as mechanics from two teams hit a boiling point after an impromptu facial scrub was given.

2009-01-04T21:19:00.002+01:00

So what's it like to work the pits for Christmas 'cross week? Cold and boring. That's right-I said BORING. Normally at cross races I'm running about the course looking for good photo spots which I'm sure there were this week too. But I've been in the pits for the Cyclocrossworld.com guys, making sure bikes are in the right gear to be handed up for going fast. With Belgium in a bit of a chill this week those of us in the pits spend time carrying bikes from the truck to the pits then back and forth across the pits for an hour then back to the truck. Doesn't that sound glamorous? I got excited Friday as there was, gasp, a bike to wash. Of course I say all this with full sarcasm as had the thermometer been a couple of degrees higher elbows would be sharpened at the power washers, cordless pumps humming with tire pressure adjustments and chaos in general. Boring can be a good thing.

The photo above, the only one I took all week, is in the pit at Treuven today. The race was held on the grounds of a museum. I doubt we could ever race around the grass at a museum in the US. The course looked like a lot of fun, racing in a loud bowl.

2008-12-30T23:53:00.003+01:00

One more for the year.

This week I've been helping out racers Jeremy, Jamie, Ryan and Georgia and watching Dusty (their mechanic) keep a lot of stuff in order for a few days of Christmas 'cross in Belgium. Has been really great to have Americans in the hood-they are a fun group of folks. Being a little under the cloud layer hasn't given me the energy to do heavy lifting-which I feel bad for-but being around them has raised my spirits. Dusty and I have had bikes a ready in the pits, thankfully not much changing, and all four are racing well. Sorry no pictures this time-energy focused on making sure racers are taken care of. But to watch not only them and other racers and friends who made this trip help each other for the passion of their sport is the best way to leave the year. Thanks to them for leting me hang out in their world for a week and thanks to everyone who has dropped by since this little blog started.

2008-12-28T20:32:00.002+01:00

A slightly belated Merry Christmas to everyone. My Christmas Day reminded me how, no matter where in the world you are, the important things are your family, friends and pets.

See y'all next year.

2008-11-30T18:26:00.010+01:00

"rider from America, your race is finished now"

500 meters short of my goal, I was lapped. The Drongen-Baarle race is part of a series in Flanders, this isn't like your local US race. This is real-the metal fencing around the course, a PA going all day between songs by the Go-Gos, sign in board, icy cold rain, mud with no bottom and racers focused. The course is simple, up the road with scary drop into the woods and then an attempt of running back up, around the field, behind a house and back to the road. A small crowd of all ages out to watch as racers speed by the E40 highway. A nice lady who spoke no English trying to ask me about my race as I sorted kit in front of her house. Families supporting racers, youngsters washing bikes and then getting on trainers for their race. My race? I had a call up in the back row, "the rider from America", my normal slow start, tangled in the mudpit crash, a chase, feeling rims bottom out with silly low pressure. Laps 2 and 3 passing riders, feeling good, hearing my name on the PA in better English than I speak. Lap 4-no gas, I just need one more lap. Lap 5 I hear a shout-leader coming by. Enjoy the moment, I've now raced cross in Belgium.

2008-11-23T22:17:00.005+01:00

SuperPrestige Hamme

Until today I had no idea what cyclocross was about. I've won state titles in my day, raced in subzero windchill and seen the hoopla of CrossVegas. None of that matters today. Hamme was my first trip to the homeland of cross-Belgium. It is what they tell you. The crowds are five deep all around the course hours before the Elite race. Icy wind turning into a whiteout on the second lap. The tunnel of noise as Sven rides down main street Hemme. The beer tent overflowing with people. The passion kept this small part of the world from freezing over today. Five hours later, my fingers are just warm enough to type het leven was vandaag goed.

2008-11-22T19:58:00.000+01:00

sneeuw

2008-11-15T14:44:00.004+01:00

Fiets Was

Now I know why the Belgians and Dutch are so fast in cross. In the woods are horse/bike paths-bikes have strip of pavement, horses have a sand path. Riding two hours in the sand path puts the hurt on, it's all power. And I no longer worry about sand washes at speed.

Of course that means cleanup. Mostly older couples and young families live in my building, certainly no other bike geeks. And so the American with a workstand, bucket of soapy water and a garden sprayer creates quite a site. About halfway done with washing and there is a group of older folks watching with amusement. Of course my limited Dutch doesn't go far to explain what the gizmo holding the chain does or why I have five different brushes in the bucket. A "rennened fiets" (racing bike) isn't common in town so anything with drop bars gets a close inspection from the men. A few offers to ride it were turned down-maybe next time.

2008-11-09T19:40:00.012+01:00

Pijnacker WC

Bart "dancing over the barriers" Wellens

Boom and Alberts ups the steps on the last lap

Zdenek Stybar shows the value of a clean bike in the right gear out of the pits

The stairs. They're steep and evil.

This shifter is no longer under warranty. But Red just keeps on ticking.

Women's winner Hanka Kupfernagel cross one of two floating bridges on the course. A flyover, stairs and bridges. That's using the terrain.

How close do they get? The guy in black got clipped and spun around. The rider just wants out of the wheel sucking muck.

Frites, mayo and flyovers. Must be 'cross season.
Ketchup for the American in Holland.

2008-11-08T17:40:00.003+01:00

Livin' the dream . . .

The sun came out in Holland! Ok, it came out a little yesterday but that didn't count. Today was a beautiful blue sky filled day. Windy but who cares? Why such the big deal? I've ridden my hour back and forth to work this week in thick pea soup, driving wind and rain plus pitch darkness both directions. So to see the sun lifts the morale quite high. Plans for a cross bike ride in the woods quickly scraped and three hours of living the euro pro dream commenced. In Holland most roads have a fietspad (bike lane) next to road, if there's one you have to ride there. I know some scoff at the idea of training on a bike path but here it's the way to go. They even line the paths with trees like the roads. Famous last words, "I'll leave the camera at home". Mistake, scenery is beautiful with lush green manicured everything. They love to garden in the Netherlands and everyone has a fantastic garden.

The downside? Well it was still a bit wet which means cleanup. I like washing bikes, have a bucket full of wacky brushes each having a special job. But every day the bike is covered in sand and filth. Where's my mechanic?

2008-11-02T18:43:00.003+01:00

SuperPrestige day in Holland. One word-fast. These guys ride in the woods as fast as a pro crit in the US. It's really amazing. And then there's what you don't expect. If someone told you lunch at a Euro 'cross race would involve 4 courses, candles, wine and a lounge act would you believe them? Well if you scored VIP passes then it's true. For everyone else the Belgian frite truck and beer tent provided a snack. I'll post a few more photos this week-Neils took no prisoners today and Lars isn't far behind.

2008-10-29T20:19:00.004+01:00

Today was the start of paperwork day. The paperwork to work in Holland-and I don't officially work in Holland yet, we're very clear I WORK in the US but am visiting here with all my stuff as though I'm living here currently-is very involved. Thankfully other people are handling the permit part. My part was to get the process rolling today by getting a BSN number, the Dutch equal of a Social Security number. It's quite simple, walk and then slip slide across the frozen Stradhaus plaza while watching a 60 year old guy ride a bike no hands over the same black ice. Once inside there's a screen asking you what you want to do today. It's in Dutch-as it should be, they speak that here. None of the words where the 20 I know so far so I pressed what looked close. Out comes a number and then you wait until the number comes up. I explain to the lady what I'm there to do. Neit. I guessed wrong, she showed me which one. Wait again, get the proper desk. I filled out a form written in at least 15 languages asking all kinds of questions you can't ask in a US job interview. Back to the desk-one of my US documents, which in the US I was assured was correct, wasn't. At least I can get a number but have a week to get the correct document from the US. Thankfully time difference allows mom to fix that one back home in a day.
Thanks mom.

We'll talk about opening a bank account at a later date-no, I couldn't do that today either. Speaking of talking, everyone I've met here speaks great English and when I say I'm trying to learn Dutch they shake their heads and say, "Dutch is very difficult, it will be very hard."

2008-10-24T18:46:00.003+02:00

Onthaal aan Holland!

I'm now living in Harderwijk, Holland. It's about 80km east of Amsterdam and it rains a lot here. And as you can see it's really Holland, there's a windmill. Far so living in Europe has been about getting over jet lag, trying to not to convert every distance or money amount into what I'm used to and setting up the house here. None of the 96 cubic feet has arrived, hopefully customs will be good to me and I'll have a more than a suitcase next week.

The big challenge so far: the grocery store. Stores here are much smaller than what we're used to in the States. There aren't 20 choices of everything, one or maybe two options is all you have (or need). The expectation is you go to the store 2 or 3 times a week and keep little on hand. And there are no bags, bring your own. Part of the trick is figuring out what I'm buying so it's pictures and guessing. I bought some instant tea tonight which looks nothing like what we're used to but was quite good. The Nutella and waffles are next.

2008-10-11T20:32:00.003+02:00

96 cubic feet ready for Holland. In this pile are three bikes, four wheelsets, a big tool box, parts, more bike clothes than real clothes and not much else. A big move means time to purge the stuff you don't use. And make a trip to Ikea on the other end for new furniture.

Next post from Europe . . .

2008-10-04T19:08:00.004+02:00

One of the many Chicago traditions is where to put your stuff. As in, what items left outside mean. In the snowy months summer lawn furniture in the street marks your parking space once you've shoveled every time the plow comes by to bury your car. When moving out ditch the old stuff in the alley by the dumpster. Once out it's fair game. I put some things out today and within 15 minutes a guy was loading them up. I offered the rest of my furniture in exchange for help moving it. He said no-nobody wants to work that hard.

Saw famous people this morning while out for a spin-sorry I missed you guys for pancakes. Haven't had much riding of late so take every minute I can get.

10 days to go. . .

2008-09-28T15:37:00.004+02:00

Just back from 'Vegas and the annual bike craziness. The short version-'cross Vegas was awesome; lots of loud rabid fans all over the course, Lance showing up was a plus but TJ, JP, JP2, Treefarm and the big guns made the race, Frischi is class, a good time had by all. The crit race was a snoozer; crits just aren't the fun event either as a race or spectator. If you're in Sin City go see Love, it's awesome. Talk about a revolution . . .

2008-09-21T22:54:00.002+02:00

A mid pack kinda day . . .
I didn't feel super for today's race, not that I expected too, so lined up mid pack for the start. They decided to send all the masters off at the same time-good thing I picked the inside for the start. Lots of stopping and massive acceleration off the corner as what had to be 70 or so battled for the holeshot. The next 44 and a half minutes came and went. Stayed mid pack, only one miscue trying to pass a lapped rider over a barrier. A fun course despite lack of any terrain to make a fun course out of-hats off to the race crew.

next 'cross race will be in Europe so need to get the legs going faster. What has been no motivation to train hard all year showed today. I'm thinking there will be some motivation once accross the pond.

Back to packing-amazing how hard it is to throw stuff out. Things I haven't touched in years suddenly can't go away. Had to call in the reinforcements to help remove the mental block of toss and burn. This move will be good-a new start with a lot less stuff.

2008-09-19T02:04:00.004+02:00

I am not worthy. The new 'cross bike arrived today. Carbon. Light. Quick. It's go time. I'm out of shape but will look darn fast. A world champion winning bike for a mid pack masters racer.

2008-09-13T22:00:00.002+02:00

Rainy day notes . . .

So I'm home on a Saturday for the first time in ages. Want to ride (just overhauled the Cervelo). And it's raining buckets. Big ones. So I'm in the house looking at a pile of moving boxes that just don't seem to be packing themselves. Oh well, I still have three more weeks.

House is quiet as Gracie has moved in with mom and dad, wasn't fun coming home sick from Europe and no cat to greet me. She's got it good there, softest living a cat could have. I'm ready to move too-we have a day on the calender now. Rather than get the important stuff done I'm scouting 'cross races to go see when I get there. Koppenburg 'cross is on the list.

New 'cross bike coming this week, I'll get in a race or two before leaving although I have no fitness. Too much travel and then the monster cold I caught at Eurobike have made the season a wash.