I Am Missing Out

Oh man am I missing out. Cyclocross is not up and coming. It is here. I really wish I had some races that I can say I did. I know a lot are in West Virginia, but at least to have done a few would be great. I would love to have a sweet cross bike, sweet cross shoes, sweet cross gear, and some sweet cross races under my belt. I envy those guys getting out there in the cold, rain, mud, and muck. I want battle scars and a battered body.

Philippe Gilbert

Even my favorite rider, Philippe Gilbert couldn't resist the lure of cyclocross. I suppose if I want to ride like Belgian cyclists, I would most certainly race their beloved sport of cyclocross.

I'm thinking about subscribing to this Cyclocross Magazine. Oh wow. I am reading their explanation of "Why Cyclocross," and I am sold. In fact, I already was, but it's nice to read. 

I'm excited to look into shoes and other gear for next year. I will race cyclocross next year. Can't wait.

Pretty Bikes

My bike is lovely. I love her curves and perky stiffness, but she's not my dream bike. She sure rides like a dream and I don't want to replace her unless I find myself sponsored or with a lot of money.

Here are a few bikes I would love to ride, race, and just look at:

2011 BMC Impec

1. This BMC bicycle is  probably THE bike I would love to be riding the most. The immense detail and incredible technology is astounding. This look behind the scenes on BMC's racing site shows the real perfection that goes into each bicycle BMC makes. I am drooling.

2011 Scott Addict

2. This Scott Addict is like the suave, older brother of my 2010 Scott Addict R3. I love the paint job on this bike. I think this bike is simply beautiful. I love how it rides and I know it is one of the most respected bikes out there. I also know that they will probably not be on the pro circuit next year. I hope that does not discourage them from continuing to make cutting edge bicycles. 

2011 Cervelo R5CA

3. This Cervelo bicycle is unbelievable. I was lucky enough to hold and feel this bicycle's frame and components. I am breathless thinking about how light this bicycle is. It looks so simple. It looks like it will snap when put under such stress as racing. I also know that they sell for around $10,000 as complete bikes. I cannot believe I almost forgot to add this one to my list. I would love to experience a bicycle like this. I know it is the future of racing bicycles in light weight and performance. 

It takes money, sponsorship, or a lot of wins to get on a pro team (yeah... sponsorship) that will get me on a bicycle like any of these. I guess I should keep training and dreaming.

Footwear off the Bike

I am happy to say I am still training. What keeps me going is the fact that I know this will all pay off in the Spring. I want to be better... blah blah blah. I just mean to say it seems tougher some days than most to get on the saddle.

Anyway, I want these shoes. I'm not sure which I exactly want. They will last for years, so I have to see which I really want to spend my money on.

Bean Boots by L.L.Bean®, Gumshoe

or

 Bean Boots by L.L.Bean®, Men's 6"

  

I need something for the winter having gone through the past four without any type of water/weather proof shoes. 

I don't suppose anyone will have any suggestions?

What It Will Take

I have often wondered what it would realy take for me to become a pro. Let's just say, in a hypothetical sense of an ideal life where I am a cycling phenom. I did some searching and finally found what I needed here. Yikes. I really don't feel like going into the numbers even though tonight is daylight savings with an added hour. I just need to win and keep placing well. I want to be great. Who knows how far I can go.

I've got a long road ahead and a lot of people to beat. Maybe one day.

Training Body and Mind

I am a student cyclist. I am in the middle of my training and studying cannot be on the back-burner. This weekend I have some serious riding and some serious studying to do. I have been wanting to figure out a way to let me keep a book in front of me while riding. This is a fairly easy problem to solve. I need a music stand.

I need a stand that's simple and sturdy. This one looks to be my savior.












To be honest, I probably won't be getting it, but I feel like I need something. One day at a time.

Winter ahead

Folks, I just might need to up my game when it comes to winter cycling apparel. I wouldn't mind grabbing a new jacket for the cold. Chilly, windy weather has come with the November month and I am feeling left out. 
This jacket doesn't seem too bad. I Think I might bite the bullet and get this Descente jacket, but we'll see.

I was also thinking about how I need to find my winter cycling gloves real fast. Arriving in class with frozen hands is getting old real fast.

Belgian Cyclists

To me, Belgian cyclists are inspiring. I love their grit and go get it style of riding. They ride through all kinds of weather and show everyone how to finish a race.

Here is a short list of Belgian cyclists that I enjoy watching.

1. Philippe Gilbert. He is my favorite cyclist and the most inspiring to me. I want to ride, attack, and win like him. I love how specialized of a rider he is. Races he enters, he does his best and pushes harder than almost every other cyclist on the road.

2. Tom Boonen. He is a solid cyclists and always a contender among the best. He is a marked man in almost every race he goes to. I want that feeling.

3. Niels Albert. This guy is a cyclocross machine. Every cyclocross race I catch, I see this guy tearing it up in the mud. I see him giving his all every race. I hope to be channeling this guy's toughness next year when I race on the road and when I try cyclocross for the first time. I'll be honest, I usually see this guy in the chase, but that's just it. I don't expect to be in the front. This guy is a champ for sure, but he never gives up.

I know there are many many more Belgian cyclists that are more than worth noting. These guys just make me want to take my cycling to the next level. I am humbled and excited for cycling every time I see them ride. They make it almost look easy.