Training

Leading up to the Epic Summer, I have been doing a ton of training and racing with a local team, Team Abundance. I train about 10-13 hours per week. I had been racing with the team until last week, 21 Jun 08.

The 21 Jun race was a criterium event at the Newmark Center near Dayton, Oh. It was a great, fast race until the last lap. About 1/2 way round on the bell lap, a few riders ahead of me got a little squirrely and touch wheels. Down they went. I had no place to go and ramped up the rear wheel of one of the downed riders going approx 24 mph. I went endo, landing on my head and left shoulder. About 6 other riders piled on; 10 or so in total went down. I think I got the best of it, some road rash and a broken left collar bone (2 small fractures and one clean break). I appreciated all the help I received from my team, Team Dayton and Dark Horse in getting back to the car and notes of encouragement this past week. You can view the cool x-ray from my Facebook page.

With 3 weeks to go before leaving for France, I was concerned this trip would not turn out as I planned. I stayed off the bike this week, tried to rest the shoulder and iced it down every day. Today, 29 Jun, I did a 90 min trainer rider, averaging 315 watts. I have decent range of motion and did a few standing intervals on the hoods. With 10 days to go, I think I'll be ready and look forward to sharing my ride through the blog. I want to thank my coaches, Jamie (Captain Insane-O) and Ryan (Stretch) for helping me elevate my fitness level; my team for all the awesome support and some truly inspirational racing this Spring and Dave and Bob at Wheelie Fun (best bike shop in the world) for helping me prepare my ride.