Cyclocross, Skiing, Some Music, Bend, mountain biking, oregon bike racing, Bend mountain biking, Coffee, trails, Bend Oregon, did I mention cyclocross!...
There's been a lot of racing around in the snow going on in Bend lately. From the Crossaflixion races to some impromptu training races there's been good prep should the national cyclocross championships be snowy.
It's been a little down time in the racing schedule which has been nice. It's felt a whole lot more like winter and the end of the season, but with USGP races this weekend, and cyclocross nationals just a short two weeks away, it's anything but the end.
Training has gotten harder and harder, daylight shorter, skiing looming around the corner. How do you find the motivation? The upcoming races are some of the biggest of the season and I expect them to be ridiculously fast, thats certainly been motivating.
Thanksgiving was a welcome break from double race weekends and traveling over to the valley. We were able to get in some skiing and rest and still find time to train. The latter part of the week found me up in Canada doing intervals off the coast of BC in the southern gulf islands. My secret training grounds for the week, it was a beautiful, relaxing, and very hilly place to get some training in.
It's the final push. Riding in the garage at night after long days of work, keeping healthy, staying on top of work, keeping equipment running (big props to Sunnyside Sports), it's all coming together. Best of luck to all of you traveling and getting ready around the country. We've got it comparatively easy here in Bend, but we'll be getting it ready for you. If your season is done, well, congrats, enjoy it!
We have a saying in Bend about this, you'll see the bumper stickers. It's about trying to buy local (from small locally owned businesses) whenever you can. If we support the businesses that support Bend and make it a great place to live we are also helping ourselves.
There are a ton of great local restaurants, bars, brew pubs, grocery stores, bike shops, and more. There are also a ton of folks coming in from out of town for Cyclocross Nationals. How great would it be if they could support some of our local businesses too. There is a ton of information to be found on the visit bend site for all matter of things from accomodations to meeting spaces, so check there if you are looking for a comprehensive list.
On the other hand Bendcyclocross.org is a place to find reccomendations, share inside tips, and ask questions about these local businesses, a source of where to eat, drink, hang out, etc. during nationals.
This is not a comprehensive list by any means, there are a ton of great local businesses, these are just a few of the favorites spots we frequent. It is an attempt to share favorite spots that we know to support the community and that we like to go to. It would be great if you share your own inside knowledge and leave comments. Chances are if you live in Bend you have some favorites too...share them here. I'll update the post as more comes in. Without further ado here are some of our favorite local spots.
Food: Jacksons Corner - Amazing food (handmade pasta, sandwiches, wood fired pizza), great casual atmosphere, awesome beer selection, very reasonable prices. We eat here more than anywhere else in Bend. Deschutes Brewery- The beer is amazing, food is amazing, tons of options, right downtown. Chow - A great breakfast spot!They serve lunch too. Parilla Grill - Burritos, cheap, healthy, PBR tall boys for $1. Sparrow Bakery - Stumptown coffee, pastries, and excellent sandwiches. Not far from the old mill. Kebaba - Amazing middle eastern food, tempeh burritos, falafel, lots of veggie options...sooo good. Taste of Thai /Thai on the Fly - Hard to find, super extra friendly delicious take out thai, cheap.Next to the expresslube in a little shack...really. Pizza Mondo - Downtown Pizza Ariana - Upscale Mediterranean 900 wall - Posh downtown, good happy hour Brother Jon's - Sandwiches, beer, mac and cheese. Nancy P's - Baked goodies
Coffee/Tea: Thump - Our go to coffee shop, Stumptown coffee, espresso, baked goodness.Big bike supporter. I was worried about coffee in Bend till I found this place. Strictly Organic - Excellent, local, organic. Try the Sunnyside espresso blend. Don's favorite. Towsends Tea House - If you're into tea...Downtown Lone Pine Coffee Roasters - Tin pan alley excellence. French pressed goodness.
Groceries: Natures - In the wagner mall on 3rd st. Health food, juice bar, vegan goods, teas, herbal medicines, local meat and poultry, bulk goods. Devores- Small grocery, deli, produce, take out, veggie and vegan options. Newport Market - Great beer and wine selection, gourmet groceries, cheese, bakery, more. RileysMarket - In Northwest Crossing. An easy deli/market stop before rides along Mt. Washington or up to the Phil's system.
There's all the typical other grocery stores and a Trader Joes as well. You'll see em. Rays and Safeway are close to the old millon 14th.
What else are you looking for? leave a comment and we'll help out.
(all photos pdxcross.com) The early morning sun glittered and reflected off fresh snow that still lay on the side of the road, bright blue and blinding white, not what one thinks of as cyclocross weather.
A lazy sat morning gave way to a hurried ride over to Seventh Mountain for round one of the Crossaflixion Cup. I arrived early and bundled up. I took over the microphone duties for the rest of the morning, with a little time to sneak in a ride on a really tough but fun course. The morning started out with a bit of snow, some ice, and a little mud. However, by mid day riders were rolling through looking like they had crashed and were more and more covered with mud.
It had warmed up a lot and thawed out significantly by the time the A's started. The field had spread apart by the time we reached the bottom of a long descent. A double track climb led up to one of the toughest run ups I have done...it was a bit absurd, nearly impossible to really run and finished on a slight hill that forced you to remount on loose uphill gravel while you were completely exhausted. Sunnyside had some great results with multiple wins and lots of podiums. Wade put on a monster chase after flatting and definitely got my vote for gutsy ride of the day. Veronica took a win, Chad took a win, Joanne took a win. Sunnyside was a force to be reckoned with!
Despite being tough, it was a fun course and it was a good tune up for cyclocross nationals which could dish out some very similar conditions, minus the giant run-up. If you're in Bend on the 28th, be sure to check out the second race of the Crossaflixion Cup. Info Here.
Barton Park, it's a love hate relationship for many people. The hate usually involves long run ups, sketchy muddy off camber and out of control descents...As for the love, while it's the same. I was psyched to see a good descent and a couple of good length run ups as well as some tricky mud and rocks in the woods. I raced hard, not as fast as I wanted, but it was what I had after a previous days race. There were riders I should have fought to stay with and others who I was glad I caught, but it was a tough, hard fought race that was a great end to the crusade series.
I will take a weekend or two off from the racing and traveling, but keep on the training and intervals. We have been doing double race weekend for the last month and have barely been home long enough to get anything done. It's feeling more like ski season, but I am gonna make sure to set aside time and motivation to train hard for the next couple weeks leading up to the USGP races and cyclocross nationals.
Ruth after a muddy one, she says she's smiling because the race is over. I think she is smiling because she is in onto the secret that is cyclocross. This was Ruth's 4th race ever and it was a tough one. Nice job Ruth. Thanks to Serena for sharing and thanks to Mark for the photo.
Balanced, one foot in the pedal, rain blowing, shivering, anxious, waiting. The first puddle comes as a shock to the system, splashing, spraying, feet soaked through. Slipping out of control as vision is blurred by mud, rain, and the spray of tires. Chase harder, head down, the faster you go, the sooner you'll warm up. Jump off the bike, jump back on...go hard. Wind comes head on, tires fight for traction, slippery corners, gravel, beach sand, rain, puddles, it's cold. The puddles get slower and deeper, the mud more sticky. Riders crash, feet go numb, spectators shiver.
Cyclocross in Oregon, it doesn't get much better in my mind. To me, this is what cyclocross should be. When the conditions turn to cold, rain, and mud it's a battle of wills. Not only do technical skills, and fitness come into play, but shear will power becomes equally important. Who can push through the suffering, who can put their head down into the wind and cold and push the pedals over just a little harder. It be can hard to continue as the cold creeps in. Riders stop or drop out because they can't go on. Equipment is pushed to the limit.
Both races this weekend dished out tests of will. It was a battle, but we do it because we love to battle, to fight the voice in our heads, to push through when it gets the toughest, to shut down the pain.
I have always thought that one of my strengths was the mental aspect of cyclocross, my ability to push through pain. I can only hope that cyclocross nationals in Bend will dish out the kind of conditions that will make it tough...rain, snow, mud - bring it....you can blame me.There was plenty of pain this weekend, this is not to say that it wasn't a great weekend of cross, just that it was a tough weekend of cross.
Saturday's state championship race was a tough one indeed. I went backwards off the start trying to find the warmth, trying to settle into a pace. It was slow going and I was not happy with my start. I put my head down though and found a rhythm, warmed up, and moved forward. In the end I know I went as hard as I could, I would have liked to finish better, but I was glad for the effort and a fun race in the mud.
Sunday was a blast. Riding around the course with teammates it was clear the course would present all the challenges possible. Lots of technical off camber sections that were a gamble, long fast sections out in the wind, run ups, slogs through puddles, wheel sucking mud, miserable weather, it was all there. I had a good start and pushed across the long section of road. I made it through the first couple laps and avoided a lot of trouble spots and crashes. I caught up to some fast riders I hadn't been with yet and stuck to their wheels...chasing...chasing....chasing. I took advantage of others mistakes and crashes, each time pushing a little harder to open up gaps, I rode smart, I took chances and crashed, but I recovered fast. I told myself to go harder. I played the mental games, and in the end it worked out well. I had a great race and was really happy with how it went.
Shivering cold we got things packed up and into a warm car for the long drive home after another long weekend on the cross bike.
It needs to be mentioned that my teammates are the best. YOU GUYS AND GIRLS ARE THE AIR IN MY TIRES. Everyone was cheering, helping, encouraging, sharing tips, getting warmed up together...amazing. Plus - Team Sunnyside absolutely killed it. Great races by the whole team in some seriously tough conditions. Multiple podium appearances on Sat...including two state champions. Sunday the team was equally impressive. It absolutely poured on the women making for some of the toughest conditions on the day. It was awesome to see the women out there battling the elements and grinding it out.
Ruth made her 5th appearance and showed that she can handle some of the trickiest and toughest conditions and still hand an ass whopping to the beginner women. NICE!
I'll throw more photos and links up as time allows. That's all for now.
The offical guide is out, including a story of team Sunnyside sports own Don Leet. If you are in Bend for cyclocross nationals, stop by Sunnyside Sports (the best bike shop in Oregon by far) and visit with Don, he is a wealth of knowledge and will be happy to help you with anything.
CX magazine has an article up on traveling to cyclocross nationals in Bend...Some good pts about getting bikes here. Check it out. Definitely give sunnyside sports a call for all your nationals needs.
I'll get a post up on restaurants and good local food options for any out of town folks that might read this.
And, hey just drop a comment if you have a question.
I am lucky enough to have some neighbors who are also teammates. It is also lucky that these neighbors have a warm, bright, comfortable garage with lots of trainers. I am especially lucky that I have teammates that are willing to cram into said neighbors garage to suffer and sweat thorough some tough intervals together. Intervals on a trainer aren't really fun to me. One has to be feeling pretty motivated to sit on their bike in a garage, ride, and push themselves continually. I think it's one of the weirder things we cyclists do..."riding to nowhere" Ruth calls it. I realized this evening while suffering, gasping for breath, that this training is really a team effort. It's getting dark at 5:00 and as much as I want to be riding on the road and outside when it's beautiful and warm out; work, chores, and many different things keep that from happening. Yet, the riding and training have to continue. With another month of crusade races, USGPs, and cyclocross nationals all still ahead, there is still work to be done. It's a lot easier to get on the trainer and push when you are there with teammates doing the same; mutual suffering. So thanks teammates, I would have a harder time motivating to get on that trainer without you.
Such a fun weekend of racing and hanging out with teammates. It all seems a haze right now, and I won't detail it all out, but here's the quick breakdown. We camped out in Eugene Fri night and rolled into Astoria around noon on Sat. Got on the course and checked it out, lots of slick mud and tricky corners mixed with a little climbing and some bumpy sections...A tough course. I was feeling rested however and psyched to be in Astoria for the weekend. I got the worst starting position possible, but told myself just to let it all out going down the hill and hammer up the climb to see how that positioned me. It worked out well and halfway through the first lap I had moved to the middle of the pack and was feeling strong. I picked folks off here and there mostly on the technical stuff and on the bumpy climbs. I tried to pick it up a bit as the laps wound down and had just got around a few folks as I was coming in for what I thought would be my last lap. Turns out Wicks was not too far behind me and I was done. I was fine with that, it had felt like a long race, I had put out a lot of effort in the last lap, and I was in a good position at the time. Turns out I was in just the right positon and finished in 18th...enough for one point which means call-ups. No more luck of the draw on the start posion. I was tired, happy, and muddy. Drove a short bit to Seaside where the team had a house rented. Had a great dinner with teammates, hung out, watched RAD... got psyched on some bike dancing and helltrack. A beautiful morning at the beach with lots of coffee, cleaning bikes, and getting ready. Rolled over early to do some heckling and check out the costumes. The fog burned off and it was another beautiful afternoon for a bike race. Still lots of mud and a few course changes to make things interesting. The course still had some technical twists and turns and plenty of mud, but added a bit more climbing and a short bit of pavement. I was feeling tired and sluggish, but told myself I would go all out and just enjoy what came of it. Most folks were in costume and the crowd was total chaos, it was amazing. A good start position helped me get into a good spot to start, but I was feeling tired and hanging on for the first couple laps. I settled into a pace towards the middle of the race and started catching folks on some of the climbs. I was riding with a group of three or four riders who were going at a good pace and kept me chasing. I was worried that with two to go it would actually turn into the last lap and so put out a huge effort on the climb and dropped the group I was with, I managed to ride smooth through the tricky stuff and up the pavement climb towards the finish, but I must have pushed it hard enough that Wicks wasn't close and I ended up out on one last lap. I was feeling pretty destroyed, but was determined not to let the group behind me catch up, so again I put my head down and suffered through knowing that I needed to hold on. I was riding alone, but started to see riders ahead as I finished...pulled in a 19th place and was just really happy with the effort I was able to do. I am feeling a ton stronger than the first few races and happy with finishing in the top 20.
It was a great weekend with lots of teammates and everyone doing really well. Ruth had a top 10 finish on Sun coming in 8th with the star trek skirt costume on a tricky course...Seriously awesome.
It's only Mon night, but I am already plotting and scheming for next weekend. The whole time change thing is gonna force me onto the trainer a whole lot more, but so it goes. I'll try and get some short workouts in outside.
Check out Serena's recap, Don's report and an awesome photo of our costumes, and check out all the great photos at PDXcross.
This blog is part training journal, part race reports, some writing, sharing, and photos. I hope it gives some insight about training for cyclocross nationals, teaching, and balancing all this out with bike racing. Please comment and share your thoughts.
"But if you don’t get it, this bonus, you can go home full of denial, and live out your years.Great waves can pass unnoticed outside your door;stars can pound silently on the roof; your teakettle
and cosy life inside can deny everything outside..."
-William Stafford-
from:The Methow River Poems- Is This Feeling About the West Real
There's been a lot of racing around in the snow going on in Bend lately. From the Crossaflixion races to some impromptu training races there's been good prep should the national cyclocross championships be snowy.
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