Training « Spoke Fiend

Percy Owens Clinic

Last week I drove to Woodbridge BMX for a clinic put on by Profile Racing and former world champion Percy Owens. I was told by a rider at my last event that I would walk out of that clinic twice the rider I was. I have to say, I think he was telling the truth. The clinic was great. Percy and local pro Lee Moses stuck around longer than I think any of us expected. After 2.5 hours of hard riding my legs were begging to stop. We covered gates, pumping, passing on the berms, and the rythmn section. Mid way thru the clinic I found myself actually catching air as my confidence grew. I can't wait for the next event now and see what a difference it has made in me. For anyone on the fence about going, I can say without a doubt that it was arguably the best $20 I've spent in a long time.

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June 11 (A big serving of humble pie)

Today marked the debut of the GHP. The bike is amazing, it truly is...problem is, I'm not. I'm not nearly close to being respectable yet. But, knowing how infuriatingly competitive I am, I'm sure that will change.

As for the races... Let's just say I had no chance. I was racing the #1, 2, and 6 35-40 in the northeast in my class. Me, I was in my 2nd race. I'm having real regrets about racing novice instead of rookie because I know I could have competed for the win in the rookie class. Instead, I finished 4th out of 4 with a mouthful of dust.

So after the woodbridge race was over I found myself hungry for more. I was starting to feel more confident on the new bike and was hoping to redeem myself. To make a long story short l drove 1.5hr by myself to race under the lights of Winchester bmx only to be turned away by a sharp and sudden downpour.

Bit, there is no denying, I love racing and can't wait for the next event

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May 31 (22 miles / 1:21:00)

I've been such a slacker. A colossal slacker. I could blame the rain, work, etc, etc. But the fact is ive just been lazy of late. I'm less than a month out from a 100 mile race and I'm less prepared than the last time I rode.

With that being said, I rode a relatively strong 22 miles today.

Will I ride next week? Hard to say because there is a bmx race next weekend and I can't deny it. I love bmx more.

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May 20th

The warm weather has arrived here in DC and with it brings the opportunity to pedal to work. It's only 4 miles each way...but it's certainly better than nothing. So....2 days of sun brought 2 days of riding. I love it.

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May 16th (MY BMX DEBUT)

After many months of talk and speculation, I finally made my bmx debut today. The forecast called for rain, but Adam and I decided to make the trip to Woodbridge anyway. Recognizing a couple of fellow old timers, the track director immediately walked over and introduced himself and advised us to get out there and start practicing. We probably road for 2 hours straight....which in hindsight was likely a mistake come race time because my legs were already noodles. A couple of observations from the recent outing.

#1. The jumps are huge. I was not anticipating that.

#2. I suck at gates big time

#3. Falling really doesn't hurt when you're all geared up.

So....all in all it was a great outing. I can't wait to get back at it. In fact, I'm already scheming about what my next build is going to be. I'm 99% certain it's going to be a GHP XXL frame.

First Race

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April 26th (The National Mall)

Rode to the National Mall area today with Sarah and Josh. Super leisurely ride...but it was blazing hot out so it did take its toll. Hard to even qualify it as riding, but I averaged 9.4 mph for 158minutes of riding.

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April 25 A new NBL rider is born #532

Went to the Freedom Nationals today....came home with a NBL registration and official plate number. I also got Adam to join as well. So...no more excuses. It's time to enter my first race and see what sort of bmx'er I really am. As for the race itself, it was a great event. Tons of people tons of action. If you can believe it, there were 50+ yr old riders in the event.

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April 21 (45min spin)

Thankfully..after 2 weeks of getting my ass kicked by Sharkweek and having no life what so ever...I finally got back on the bike. The class was great. Felt good to turn the pedals again. I also found that channeling all of my work frustrations into energy provided an endless supply. I actually lifted some weights after the class because I was still so worked up.

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