Well in the past 2 weeks since my previous post I've settled into my new house and have got back into the routine of training. Now comes the long base hours on the road, in preparation for the 2012 season.
Although winter's right around the corner here in the States, I'm fortunate enough to be staying just outside of LA, meaning that the winter is pretty mild, which makes for perfect riding! The days are getting shorter but it gets super hot. Which brings me onto the topic of the final round of the US Cup Series which was held around an hour out of Orange County.
So last Saturday night before the series finale of the US Cup, Johnny Muller his girlfriend, Mari, and I went out to an awesome italian restaurant in Laguna Beach. Laguna is a really beautiful place, boardwalks on the beach, all shops within walking distance, almost like Stellenbosch, but with the benefit of the ocean right there at your door step.
Being in full swing of my base training, I decided to just go out and have some fun out there. With this race doubling up as both the series final and State Championship race, a couple of local pro's came out to take on the heat and battle it out to see who would be victorious at the end of the day. Among the favorites was team mate Ben Bostrom and the always fast, Sid Taberlay. As the day progressed it got hotter and hotter, and by the time it was my race, the heat was literally hair singeing.
Before I knew it we were lined unready to tackle 3x10mile loops of fun. This was pretty much the closest I was going to be to the front of the race the whole day. Right from the gun I had an absolute blast. The course was filled with some really cool flowing and fast single track that always kept a smile on my face. Half-way through lap 2 I met up with Johnny Muller on the side lines, stop for a chat, looked at some photos he'd taken and carried on with the ride. The heat was unreal, people were suffering from dehydration and cramping before the completion of one lap. Most even pulled out due to the raw heat out on course. Meanwhile, up front, Team Mate and super bike legend, Ben Bostrom, was killing it and eventually brought home the win ahead of Dana Webber and Sid Taberlay. I ended up coming in around 30minutes after them.
A huge thanks to Sho-Air and US Cup for putting on such a good event. It was really top class. A big thanks to Ty Kady aka HB.
This weekend is Spooky Cross, a cycle cross event sponsored by Sho-Air. I'm lucky enough to be helping out with Todd Wells which should be a really cool experience. Spooky Cross is a really big event so all the top pros like Ryan Trebon and Adam Craig should make an appearance too. I then head up to Big Bear for a week or two wear I'll do some altitude training and hang out with my very close friends, the Williams'.
Until Next time
B
Saturday sunset at Laguna Beach.
Striking a pose for Johnny.
One of the awesome shots Johnny captured at the gnarliest section of the track.
photo courtesy of Kathy Burcham.
