21 April 2009

Powerman Alabama!

If you weren't in Birmingham this past weekend, you missed out on a good time. It was Powerman Alabama, my favorite race in the US. I skipped this race the past two years for lame reasons that I don't remember. Now that I came back, I was reminded of all the great reasons I love it. Its mainly the people--they're so darn nice, polite and caring! As you might know, I'm from Georgia, which has some "Southern Hospitality." But without a doubt Birmingham, Alabama, is the Capitol of true Southern Hospitality. Go there and you'll see.

My Mom drove up from Florida and picked me up at the airport on Friday afternoon. We checked into the hotel--the people there were super nice! Then I went out for a run up the hill by the Vulcan. I remember coming here once as a kid (before its recent reconstruction), so its always fun to come back. Its a gorgeous view over the city and just a good ole relaxing place to be. Plus it is fun to learn about the local iron ore history--worth the trip when you visit. The legs were feeling good despite just traveling all day long.

On Saturday I went for another easy jog, but this time on some of the flatter streets downtown. After breakfast, I got on the bike to check out the new course. I got a bit lost getting to the transition area... trying to find a map since I forgot to print one out at home, doh! Luckily, I ran into another Elite athlete, Kathryn Kasischke, who was smart enough to bring a map! The course was fun as it weaved through the warehouse district, then Sloss Furnaces, then newer skyscrapers before finishing by historic Kelly Ingram Park. Unfortunately, about half the roads were extremely rough and bumpy...which makes for a rough ride on the bladed aero bike! After checking out the course, I just HAD to go cruise by the home of Confederate Motorcycles. Yes, being the "geek/aficionado of fast toys on two or four wheels" that I am... well, their industrial avant garde motorcycles definitely are high on my lust list. So, I took a photo of my current 'chopper' in front of their place:
{photo coming soon!}
Saturday evening was the mandatory Elite athlete meeting. Usually these are a bit tense. I'm always a bit anxious (but that just means I'm still passionate, yes?). Almost everyone seemed happy and chatty. It seemed odd (since unrelaxed is the norm)... but really just made me happy to be racing with those athletes. It pretty much sucks that there are so few duathlons, it will be a while before I see many of those folks. Regardless, we just have to do the best with what we have and be thankful for that. Speaking of thankful, I was given race number 3. I was super stoked. To be racing the number 3 in Alabama is pretty darn cool.

Race morning came soon enough. The weather was looking gloomy. Would it rain or not? I wasn't in the mood for rain, but kept remembering that I've race well in the rain. The race start was tame for a bit, then the runners lit it up. [Note to self: get your a$$ running faster!] I came into transition in 4th, about 2mins behind the next guy. Onto the bike, I felt fast even if a bit rattled by the 'bama Pave. Before I knew it, I had 3rd place in my sights, it was Matt Russell, the defending Elite Du National Champ. I passed him and put the hammer down to get out of his sight as quick as possible. It must have worked, because after a while I couldn't see him yet I could see 2nd place just ahead of me. So I focused on getting ahead of him. I was able to do that, but not enough time since he was a silly fast runner. I came into T2 in second place, and started off on the second run feeling rather sluggish. After about a mile I started feeling better, but by then I was back to 3rd place. I knew I had to run good to hold that position. Basically if I wasn't in agonizing pain and out of breathe, then I wasn't running hard enough. Somehow I was able to maintain that to the finish for 3rd place. I'm pretty happy since that is my best ever finish at Powerman Alabama. But I still feel disappointed that I didn't run faster. It is what it is and I'll take the good and the bad to be stronger next time.

On a really disappointing note, one of the female Elite athletes cut the course [went straight instead of doing a proper out and back section]. Course marshals and spectators saw this happen and informed the referees & race management. Unfortunately there was no timing mat on the course and nothing could be done since the athlete in question told a big fat lie to cover herself. Its a shame that people this disgusting are in our sport. Its a shame that cheats like this are taking away from the true honest athletes. Karma will always come back, and you know what they say about payback...

After the awards, I convinced Mom to go to the Barber Motorsports Museum. This is a beautiful new museum full of hundreds of really cool motorcycles, plus a few cars and one bicycle. Some of the most exotic motorcycles in the world are here. Plus they have one of three Lotus 108 track bikes built for Chris Boardman's individual pursuit gold at the '92 Olympics. These three are very special in that they have a single sided front fork and single sided chainstay! Very sick bike indeed. I didn't get to see the Birmingham Museum of Art, but I'll save that for my next visit.

08 April 2009

Phantom Canyon

A while back Rapha had a contest to help select some of the most epic & spectacular rides in the US. I submitted one of my personal favorites here in Colorado: the Phantom Canyon loop from Colorado Springs. I got lucky and they selected it among their chosen few to ride with me this summer. I'm excited to do this ride again, especially with the Rapha crew. Its a pretty tough 125 miles, with the biggest arse kicker being the 28mile dirt climb up Phantom Canyon up to 10,000something feet. Then you still have about 50miles home and it ain't all downhill. I've ridden lots of places and done lots of climbs, and Phantom Canyon is really unique. You see a few slices of Colorado. Plus the climb itself makes you feel like a real old timer bike racer [exactly like those vintage Tour de France racing posters!]. If you ever get a chance to ride it, do it.



Speaking of chances, 'Bama is like 10 days away. Been riding and running pretty well. Looking forward to getting there and enjoying springtime in the South. Most definitely looking foward to the chance to race well.

01 April 2009

Zoot Suit Riot

Remember that song? I've picked up a sweet sponsorship from Zoot. I'll be sporting their clothes, shoes, and wetsuit this season. I've only tried on the wetsuit, but it is off-the-charts flexible. Can't wait to swim in it! No April Fools about that. The clothes are awesome; unfortunately we've been getting hammered with snow lately... so not able to get as much use of those just yet.

Otherwise, just slogging away. I think its like 3 weeks till 'Bama. I should probably do some training, eh?