Moab 2006

3h 46m 01s
66.52 miles
17.66 miles/hr
First day of training camp. Unfortunatelly we woke up to overcast skies, and windy conditions. We wanted to save Dead Horse or Arches for a sunny day, so we decided to do the Potash Road Route. We had hoped to take it all the way to I70, but it turns out the road got pretty bad with about 15 miles to go, so we turned back. I'm happy to say that my fitness wasn't as bad as I though it was going to be. I stayed with the main peleton for most of the first section, when I did get blown out by the Pro 1/2 and super stong 4/3's, I managed to hang on with the middle group, which also included a 2 who was building base. Avg speed for the first half of the ride was 20.1 mph. In any case, I felt strong.

On the return I was feeling strong, but eventually got popped by a couple of teammates on a hill(Orlando an Dean), and got stuck in no mans land. Being that I was stuck by myself, I sat up and waited for the 3rd of 4 groups, and took turns taking the long pulls. As it turns out, one of my superstrong 4's who will be cating up, was in this group, so I didn't feel as bad for being dropped by the guys I had worked with for a while. My average return was much slower, but it gave me a chance to get to know some of my teammates, and just take it all in. I was definatelly satisfied with my effort. Highlights: On the way out in the paceline, it was a blast to be cooking along at 26mph, and then when you pulled out to move back, having to let 19 riders pass you before you can get back in. That was awesome!

3h 21m 45s
48.62 miles
14.46 miles/hr

2nd day brought sunny skies, little wind, warm temps, and lots of climbing in Arches National Park. For those that have never done this ride, it's an absolute must do, top 10 rides in the US. It has a ton of climbing, but the views are incredible.

WE had a good warmup from the Motel to the park entrance, but my legs refused to wake up. As soon as you enter the park, there is a good climb, to the pullout for pictures. Can't say that I did well. Anyways, back downhill, to the next climb. Even in the pace line, I just didn't feel it. So I sug in and held my own pace. I was fortunate enough to catch most of the team near the crest, and bombed downhill. All be it, being a heavy guy is somewhat disadventagious, it was awesome on the DH because I was able to hold, or pass the bulk of the group. That was fun. Max/ w/out pedaling was 45.4mph. Yee Haw. Anyways, I wanted to stay with the front group on the last major climb. (think 5-11%) for about 6 miles. Unfortunatelly I got popped, nad stuck in no mnas land again. Oh well, at least the scenery was amazing.

The return was very much like the first half. Awesome downhills, but Cracking like Humpty Dumpty on the hills. After being in no mans land on the last hills, I saw our girls that were behind, and I decided to sit up and sweep. Always more fun to ride with, then to ride alone! Thanks for letting me play ladies! I was disappointed that I didn't have the same fitness that I did on day 1, but that gives me a goal to get near.

The weekend as a whole was incredible. I got to know some of the teammates that I hadn't ridden with yet. I got to see some teammates that have gotten super strong since last year. I got to asses my current fitness... Not great, but not bad either. and finally got to ride in an amazing place, with a great group of people!