Thanks for that bit of self indulgence Saturday.

Like most people who come here, I ride a bike. But I also like to race.  I started with BMX, and I used to race DH quite a bit. While I was satisfied with my results and spent many a day riding my brains out, it was far from a serious attempt.  I really just wanted to have fun and didn’t really train, I only practiced quite a bit. I liked to race DH and had a nice formula that often ended up with me being $250 richer and my palette pleased as well. I always awarded myself Victory pizza at Brio’s in Phonecia, N.Y., after a good result  (when that was the case).

I raced at Plattekill park in Roxbury, NY not too far from Brio’s.

It’s been a few years since then and I haven’t raced in a while, but I have to admit I have again caught the bug. Since I like shorter events, I figured I would try track (velodrome) riding. I did, and it was fun, but more difficult that I had imagined. I probably shouldn’t count on any pizza for a while.

The big problem is motivation on a daily basis. I have some, but not much or sometimes too much and don’t want to rest.  I like to ride and do well at races, but I may be afraid of hard work on a bike. I feel positive and I have been at it for a few weeks now.  I jumped when I was given a  chance to race with a NY based team Pink Rhino Racing 

I have been working hard and decided to post my training diary here in my blog.  Track racing requires more than the confidence to “pin” the jumps and a good snap is far from a win though I hope my modest resume will help to some extent.

I have a spin bike as well as rollers for the road and track bikes, some wood boxes for plyometrics as well as some basic gym stuff like a bench press and a weight bar.  The idea is to get three-four good sessions a week with some stretching and yoga mixed in.  Can I up my game in the time I have to work with?  I think so.  I may need some encouragement along the way, but I can do it. It’s winter, what are my choices? Get better or get worse… That sounds heavy.

Ill keep you updated on my progress and may be if you see me doing something stupid, someone will speak up.

Kayla rounded up some nice photos of sparks flying as Matt and I move some metal. Check out this photo set!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/frankthewelder/11997227533/