Flipitty Flop

Flip-and-flop. The newly white, pasty, shaved legs struggle with the weather. One day they are free of hair and out turning in the sun. The next they are covered under layers of clothing. It sucks and yet these few days past have reminded me that the Wisco winter still has its grips on us.

My legs are screaming for sun, legs twittering, and fingers tapping. Two weeks till I flirt with dirt!

Out,

Sturgie

Durand Durand

The anxiety of the mind as to whether your ready or not can keep a rider awake during the nights. The Durand Road Race can be just that. Its the first race of the season and the weather is typically horrendous. But on Saturday, the rain and wind held off to make this first race goodish.

This years race had some attacks but no real threats that made us worry. From the get-go, our hibernated legs twitched at the need to test our conditions. But for the most part, I either led or sat comfortably at the front of the pack. On the first lap the hills came and I was able to climb my way to the lead as we crested each hill. The pack would string out and then yo-yo back to about 15 riders. This would happen throughout the course of race with some attacks here and there that carried no burden of worry.

By our last climb and with 2 miles left, the pace picked up and I felt the urge to bust out but knew that I needed to position myself for a top five finish. We turned on to the last 1000 meters of the race and and Mark Long decided to attack. I was able to fend off the attack and stick to his wheel. 500 meters left and I looked back to find that we created a 10 second gap from the field. It was just Mark and I. In the end he won the sprint and I coasted to a disputed 2nd place.

I raced it better than I could have imagined. Typically I only place within my age group, but to place 2nd in the overall field is quite a confidence booster if I may say. I'm stronger this spring but still have a ways to go. Next up will be the Cable Off-Road classic in may.

After her run race on Saturday, Nikole joined me at the road race to give some much needed encouragement. The fun of having her on the side of the road throughout the course is a great boost. Thanks hun for the pics and support...your a rockstar!

Saddle Sage,

Sturgie

Racing Practice...

Growing up I couldn't articulate the feeling the I got jumping on my bike and riding through the random thoughts of a random forest in northern Wisco. The thoughts bring back the moments of bliss as the cool air whispers in and out of my brain box. I can't wait, just like the scrawny kid peddling nervously along side the Chippewa river years back.

It was a hard-bitten ride on Tuesday with wind gusts of 35 mph. Eight of us braved it and I hopelessly hung on wanting to find the reliance before I kick start the year.

Saturday I will fit in the first race of the season. Yesterdays race is gone and I hope only to conjugate on what I did the previous.

Until then - asphalt for now,

Sturgie

speedy

I've been on the bike because the the body is ready and willing. But first you must clear out the webs and get the bike ready. After the much needed honeymoon I've been focused on spinning the wheels and building a base on the bike.

I've noticed that my rides are smoother and much longer in the early part of this season compared to the seasons past. I credit the fact that I was on snow for a good three and a half months and am entering this bike season in pretty good shape. My legs are stronger and I'm focused on the races ahead.

Last week put in nine hours on the bike which included the first Tuesday night ride of the season. The body is getting used to the saddle time and hopefully by the Durand Road Race I'm able to feel strong and confident.

This week I hit a couple of things put a damper on my training. I had to serve on jury duty for the first time and wouldn't you know it I got picked for what was supposed to be a two day trial that ended up being three days. It was interesting and educational and yet I don't want to do it again. If you are curious just go here. And the rain/snow/sleet/freeing rain/30 degree weather is not helping. Oh well you roll with what is dealt.

Aaron