Jan 09 2008
Abstinence
With the exception of commuting on a fixie, I still haven’t touched my bikes since Hillsboro. I’m actually quite happy for that. I needed a break and I still just don’t feel like getting on a bike yet. All 3 bikes are quietly hibernating in the basement, protected from the harsh UV rays we get during the winter here.
I’m trying to stay reasonably fit by going to 24Hr 3 times a week during lunch. I spent about 3 months last winter weight training and really felt the benefits during cross. I felt I had much more power and control through tough sections. Yes, I gained about 5 to 7 pounds during that time and I’ve already added a couple more so far this winter, but on my 6′5″ frame it’s hard to tell. I’m only 205. If I want to get faster I can either drop weight or gain strength. I chose the latter. I already feel skinny enough. Maybe I should set a goal for heaviest ‘A’ racer.
24Hr (downtown) is a nice enough place. Clean. Plenty of equipment. The people, other members and staff, are nice enough. We’re going through the crowded January ‘New Years Resolution’ phase that generally lasts a little into February. I get a deal through work which makes it easy to join and quit month by month if need be. The big bonus for me is the sauna. I love saunas. I like hot tubs but I really love saunas.
I’ll be motivated to ride soon enough. I still haven’t made a firm plan for the year. That’ll come soon enough. I’m not sure how much I’ll do during the first half of the year but I plan to be fully ready for Master A’s by October. Until then I’m thinking of more brewing, maybe some disc golf here and there, a few more ski days, and whatever else seems like fun.