Compton Ass Jerrys Stuff

Crash and Burn!

2010-06-17T15:34:00.000-07:00

It is bound to happen if you race or ride a bike long enough..... You will crash at some point. Even when it's no fault of your own, People get edgy when they see someone go down and can not regulate their reactions. The past weekend was Le Tour De Mont Pleasant. We had a team plan to ride for Trae, as it was his hometown race. I had no issues with riding for him and burying my aspirations for a weekend. In the criterium, one of the MCG guys crashed on the first lap right next to me...... my reaction was just hope that he slides to my outside and soon enough I had averted one mishap..... As the race went on a Priority Health guy (Alex) went solo and the gap stayed anywhere from 15-30 seconds the entire race. After going to the front several times and getting very little cooperation to bring Alex back, we were resigned to the fact that it would be a field sprint..... Coming into 5 laps to go another Priority guy took off and I was in the pain cave.... But that is when you learn to dig deep and just ride yourself blind. The move he made wasn't coming back, so I decided to sit near the front and wait for the sprint.... Well it is not easy to sprint when you go into a corner 4 wide and the guy on your inside crashes and slides directly into the perfect exit line..... So I just drifted further out and let him continue his asphalt surfing..... I may have kicked the guy on the way by "inadvertantly". By the time this was said and done the race was 5-10 seconds ahead of me and the was 250 meters left...... So needless to say I just cruised in and was already focused on Sunday.
After some beer pong and fun at Trae's on Saturday night we began the road race to clear skies, which was nice. From the gun it was ON.... I have never been in a road race that was just guns blazing from the word go. Later I found out we averaged around 30 MPH for the first 15 miles, which is sweet. Right around the 15 mile mark I see people acting stupid..... this was due to a crash at the head of the field and I was sitting in the middle recooperating after an attack I made. I was in perfect position to thread the needle between Collin's bike laying ahead of me to my left and his body to my right..... Then I felt a hard thump from behind. Someone ran into my back wheel and sent me directly into Collin's downed bike. I hit his seat or seatpost and went for a ride. I saw the asphalt coming for me as I headed face first into the ground. I put my left arm in front of my face to protect myself..... I don't remember hitting the ground or feeling pain. My first thought was, "Shit, now I have to chase back on." Before I was even on my feet I was grabbing for my bike in a tangle of bikes laying around me. I got my bike up to realize my chain was wrapped around my pedal, my hoods were both bent facing the opposite side of my bike, and my front brakes were rubbing.... I got my chain on in about 15 seconds and took off. I adjusted my brakes on the fly and wrenched my hoods back into a normal position. I was in pursuit of the group and they were flying along. I probably lost about 75 seconds in the crash. I redlined it for about 5-10 minutes and got within 15 seconds only to see attacks go right at the moment when I thought I would make it back. At that point I was DONE. The race went up the road and I couldn't help my team in any way for the rest of the race..... EPIC FAIL! Soon after I realized that my elbow was throbbing and there was significant pain in my forearm and elbow. I ended up stopping and waiting for Collin who had crashed also, and we rode home in groups that started behind us.
I guess it could have been worse, but when you crash like that and brake a insignificant bone, the least of your worries is what may be broken. I was more concerned with doing my deed for my team. On Monday I went to the ER to find out my radial head has a crack in it and I have a broken bone in my elbow. So much for being the one who doesn't crash.............

Kensington and Cone Recap

2010-05-11T11:46:00.000-07:00

This past weekend was a first for me in it being that the Tour of Kensington Valley and Cone Azalia were on back-to-back days. So we left for Kensington Metropark at 5 am and arrived to less than customary bike weather. Temps were in the 40's and clouds were looming, not to mention there are reports of up to 40 MPH wind gusts. Knowing this I figured not many people would really want to race their bikes, but I did! So, I figured....... hell, why not go right from the gun???? Well I got a small gap and realized my shifter was still toast and sat up to see how things would develop. Not even a mile later and Trae (teammate) rolled off the front, in what wasn't even an attack. So, for all of the SC boys we just had to guard the front and make sure no one tried to do anything to bring Trae back into the group. As the race neared the halfway point, I literally was thinking to myself that the weather was rubbish and wanted to call it a day, which was a first for me in any race. Next thing I know, we are going through the dicey gravel turn-around and coming out I see a massive gap. I did not hesitate and thought to myself, THIS IS THE MOVE! So I went and bridged solo to a chase group of 2 or 3, one of whom was my teammate Todd. I went right to the front and laid it down. I saw that there was still a group of 6-7 ahead of us and Mark was in that group. I literally made an effort that I thought would make me explode, but about 90 seconds later there we were. The group had 11 guys in it, 3 of which were representing SC Racing. So, doing the math I realized we had 4 out of the top 14 guys in the race. From that point on, it was touch and go. There was no way I was going to work with anyone in our group to jeopardize Trae's lead. Once we realized that everyone had dropped out after our group got established I took it upon myself to try and drop guys who had just sat in all day long. Well, it worked for the most part, as we came to the last climb with 7 guys left in our group and I figured Mark could do his thing in the uphill sprint. So, I jumped off the front about a mile before the last climb only to get caught halfway up the climb. From there it was just hold on for the ride as the "sprint" was coming up. I did my version of a slow motion sprint to the line and we came away with 3rd for Trae, 6th for Mark, 8th for myself, and 12th for Todd. So, all in all, Trae, Mark and myself got paid and picked up some good points in the point series. After the race we went and spent some time at our sponsors shop...... which I will not comment on.
With lack of sleep and proper rest, the next morning we were up at 8 am and Zach Maino prepared a excellent breakfast of eggs toast and fruit. Big thanks to him for the hospitality and putting up with our shit. We got to Cone Azalia late and hurried to get ready. I have never arrived at the staging area for a race so late. No warmup, no gloves, no knee warmers...... very unprepared. Cone is always a crapshoot anyway. If your lucky enough not to puncture, then maybe you have a decent shot. That is if the gravel and dirt sections do not destroy your legs during the race. From the gun one of the leadout boys hit the gas, and knowing that I do not like to sit in the back in the gravel sections I joined him. One thing led to another and after the first gravel section we lost about 7 guys from the race due to punctures. From that point on it was just a race of attrition. I tried to attack countless times, only to see none other than one of the Leadout boys chasing me down. One time I actually heard a "guess who" from one of them as he came up to join me. There were times in the race when we would be doing 30+ MPH and times where we would be doing 13 MPH. Needless to say it was frustrating. Anyhow, as things progressed we lost Trae and Nate to flats in the gravel sections. So it was left to Mark and myself, and Mark had told me his legs were fried. I on the other hand was hurting, but in no way was I going to race for second place. It came down to 10 guys left coming out of the final dirt section. I made a little dig and the group was like flies on shit. It would come down to a sprint and being one of the lightest guys in the remaining riders, not exactly ideal for me. One guy who sat in for the majority of the day hit out at the 1K to go sign and it was single file from there. I realized then that even getting onto the train of the first four guys was hard, so I would not be able to stand up and sprint. I did my seated grind to the finish and the Leadout boys took 1-2, while I was left taking a 5th. Mark came in right behind me in 8th, and Trae rode solo for 11th. Nate also came in solo a few minutes later for 13th. All things considered it was a good weekend for us on the SC team and we got some feedback on what we can do better for the coming races. Congrats to the 2 boys from Leadout racing for going 1-2 after laying down multiple attacks and covering my every move. I may have started most of the aggression in the race, but they finished it off.

The musings of life

2010-02-28T16:33:00.000-08:00

Thought I would post a quick update about life. School is going well.... I mean as good as it could for being on Spring Break. My schedule isn't too rigorous, but the classes I do have keep me fairly busy. I am taking graph theory and even though there is a lot of homework I am enjoying the content in the course. The other class I have currently is Technology in Secondary Education and other the the professor the class is ok..... The only thing that makes the class ok are the people in the class and the friendships you develop with those in your specific content area. I never thought I would make solid friendships based upon classes that you have in common with others.

Riding has been going very well. I just got done with a rest week after 4 really solid weeks of training. Despite the weather I have been out and accomplished every ride with improved results compared to last year. I guess that is what this sport is about afterall, not winning or proclaiming how good one is, but rather the intricacies that go into progressing on an individual level.

Life always has its ups and downs, but as of this past Friday things seem to be looking up..... Im not going to go into detail on this, but I really enjoyed this past weekend and can not wait to see what the future may hold. Hopefully it turns out the best for both of us. Oops.... kinda gave a little away there. Hope everyone who reads this is doing well, and I am sorry for my secretiveness. I just believe truly good people only deserve the utmost respect. So that is the reason for my sealed lips.

All things relevant

2010-01-10T00:25:00.000-08:00

So it has been a long time since I last posted on here. So I must give a quick update on school, riding and life in general. First off, school is nearing the new semester again. Last semester I took one history elective to finish my history minor. All my other classes were for my mathematics major. I took Math 3300, 3400, and 3500. Math 3300 is Modern Algebra (Abstract Algebra) and whne most people think of Algebra they think of it as very simple.... This class was brutal. The entire class was based on Ring Theory and Group Theory and used Mathematical Proofs to attain one's ultimate goal of gaining some knowledge of Abstract Algebra. Long story short, I was happy to get through the class rather unscathed. I have an old friend who took the class 3 times to get a D and we can just say I did better than that the first time through. The other two class were Math 3400, which was fundamental concepts of geometry was basically proving Euclidean Geometric axioms and Theorems and looking deeper into Desargues Theorems..... There is one other Mathematical genius that we studied but I am at a loss for his name currently. Math 3500 is teaching of middle school mathematics, and while I did not learn a lot about my own techniques used in mathematics, I did learn how others may approach their mathematical thinking. I ended the semester with my worst GPA since starting this second degree..... 3.25. This coming semester I am taking Introduction to Graph and Mathematical Models and Computing Technology in Secondary Education. After that I have 2 classes remaining for this degree. The end is in sight.

Now onto the riding. I took a month away from cycling (well mostly) to just clear my head and relax while the holidays were in full swing and I was studying for finals. I did maybe 5-8 hours a week during this month when I needed an escape from life. In the past few weeks I have either been on the trainer or outside for at least 2 hours on a bad day and up to 4 hours on a good day. Note to all cyclists who want to ride outside in the winter *make sure your breaks dont freeze up while descending and wear plastic bags over your feet (under your socks) and also I have been putting surgical gloves under my winter riding gloves. These things help greatly in keeping the wind and wetness off your feet and fingers. This is key to staying out on the roads and not getting the dreaded frostbite.

Life is good other than that. I mean I don't really do much else then ride and school (that I care about). So to everyone who reads this I wish you a happy and safe 2010.

Getting back to being me

2009-07-13T21:32:00.000-07:00

So I know it has been quite a bit, but here I am. I am alive and kicking. I was in a rut for a bit, but it is weird what a little time away from everything can do for you. First of all I want to comment on how I felt about the Superior Bike fest..... Day one was a crit and I was ready and I had tappered properly to compete at full capacity. Problem is when you do not check your tires before racing, you may feel like complete shit. I was involved in two crashes which I did not get hurt, but I was questioning WTF was wrong. All I will say is racng on 65 PSI will never happen again. I cant blame anyone but me for overlooking that fact. Day 2 I got within 4 seconds of the break and my body wouldnt let me go further, even when the eventual state champion comes by and says "Get on my wheel". Thanks Greg, but I couldnt do any more at that moment..... Messed up the sprint by thinking it was further down the road and the rest is history.... my fault again. Day 3 I tried bridging to the 2 guys up the road and again..... blocked... I gave up on myself this day. I just did not have it and the best racers showed who they were for that weekend. Kudos to those who did well. This past weekend though was a different story. BTR was a home race of sorts for me, a few miles from where I reside. As Bill Gallagher put it, " I fired off bullets like a true cowboy." I did everything I could to get away and FINALLY it worked. Wona $40 prime and ended the day in 6th place. I started the second breakaway and ended up paying for my efforts, but alas it was worth every second of effort. The WMU newspaper even had a picture of me in it when I read it this morning. So all is good, and there may be more good news ahead. Cheers!!!

Kensington Recap

2009-05-18T14:55:00.000-07:00

So another race is in the books. What a difference two weeks makes. At Cone I felt unstoppable to some extent. Kensington is a different story. I did not mind the wet and little bit of chill. At the start line I realized I still had my cycling cap under my helmet and did not want to race with it on, so I took a few extra seconds to take the cap off and departed shortly after the rest of the racers left. Once I got up to the group I realized that a break was already up the road. Well I didnt even see it go and they were gone all day. Once things got going and I got a little warmed up I decided to start making some moves to see if anyone would go with me. Well I got clear with en elite mtb'er for half a lap, then 3 guiys bridged up. I was constantly being told to chill and pull through less aggressive. I had a feeling that this move would not last, so as soon as the field was on our back I took off again and spent a lap solo. Needless to say I got brought back and the race from there was negative. Everytime I went I got marked, but when other guys went it was an instant gap for them. Oh well, that is bike racing. Not satisfied at all with the race, but will move on and try my best at the next one.
On another note, why is it so hard for people to admit they made a mistake or did something wrong. I always admit my flaws and errors in what I do. I guess it speaks to the kind of person you are dealing with when they do not want to even acknowledge that they did something to hurt you. All I can say is those people will get what they have coming to them. Karma works in mysterious ways.

Cone Azalia and life

2009-05-03T14:11:00.000-07:00

So I guess I have been away for a little bit from this thing. Well I finished up school with a 3.89 again and started the summer training rather shortly there after. I did do the Wednesday night ride and felt better on the bike than I have really ever. I went a little hard, but I was hoping I would be alright for Cone today. So I woke up today and did not do anything specific this time for Cone. Its always a crapshoot anyway. I knew I just wanted to make it as hard as I could for everyone else. I literally tried to get away 10 times and got some freedom for a while, but no one really wanted to put in some hard miles. After a crash and losing a bottle, which was all the water I had left, I decided it would probably come down to a field sprint....which I suck at! I stayed attentive, but not enough to watch fellow Kalamazoo buddy Mike Jones sneak away in the last 5 miles. His efforts paid off as he won. I was left getting brought back with 2K to go and then weaving in and out of traffic for the field sprint. I ended up handling myself rather well in the sprint and got 4th, less than .3 seconds from 2nd place. Not too shabby for a little fella like myself. Kensington is up next and I can not wait for that race. Kudos to all!

realizing things

2009-03-31T17:49:00.000-07:00

Looking back on this past weekend, I realize I did not really give a full race report. Here is how it went from a first person perspective. Warmed up and never really got "warm", yea it was cold out. Decided to go skinsuit with armwarmers only, which in hindsight was a bad decision. Got to the start line with 3 minutes to spare. As I was being held to start I realized I was in a HUGE gear, but thought I could turn it over...... nope. I actually had to unclip and the clip back in after starting, which was embarassing. Anyhow, I got underway and the first 5-6 miles was downhill and tailwindish. This is the only place I did not feel like I was in a rythym on the rolling hills. At the first turn I decided to take it rather easy, as the roads were wet and I did not want to take a chance of dropping it in a corner. As I started the middle third of the course I got into a rythym, the kind where you arent really hurting, but also not comfortable.... On the back section of the course I picked off 4-5 people who started 3-4 minutes ahead of me at least and could not see anyone else up the road. I knew coming home it would be hard, but my manhood was starting to freeze and I decided protecting that for about 2 minutes was better than having frostbite. I probably lost 15-20 seconds in that time, but it was worth it. Turning for the final stretch I was greeted by a nasty headwind and an uphill battering to the finish. I was still in the rythym and I felt good. I cruised over the rollers rather easily trying to save something for the finish. I arrived at the final corner to an even nastier headwind and just soldiered on. I got to the climb to the finish and gutted my way up it....it is really hard to shift when you are out of the saddle on a TT rig. I got done and a teammate told me I looked like hell. Not because of the effort, but because of my frozen manhood, can you say sick to your stomach??? I decided I wasnt gonna wait for the prizes I may have won and chose to go home and warm up in the truck. I spent 30 minutes of the drive home with gloves, and 4 layers on top with the heat on full blast. You learn something from every race no matter how long you do it for. Lesson learned this time is dress warmer than you think you will need, it may come back to bite you. Luckily everything in my nether regions is ok :)!!! I bid you all adieu!

Fisk Knob

2009-03-29T15:57:00.000-07:00

Race Report #1 for 2009. I did Fisk Knob earlier today and it went rather well. Despite the 33 degree weather and wind and snow while racing it was pretty decent. I decided to go skinsuit and armwarmers, which turned out to be my biggest mistake. All I will say is in that weather with that much wind, one should protect their manhood at all costs. It got so cold in my lower regions that I felt sick to my stomach. I got done and Dave Baar asked me if I was feeling alright. The answer was all over my face. Anyhow, I cruised through the first half and knew I had to save something for the harder second half. I did not really feel pain or over extended at any point. It was a good rythym ride and I felt rather at ease for the first effort of the year. We will say that the times were much slower this year, but yet I was faster than last year. It was a good day and hopefully I will have some pics to post soon. Remember keep your manhood warm and you will do a much better Individual Time Trial :)!!!!

Spring Break ......ending

2009-03-06T12:55:00.000-08:00

So my Spring break is all but over for another year. Really did not do much that warrants a posting. I took from Thursday to Tuesday away from the bike and just had zero motivation to go out and freeze my ass off. Also got a bit of a cold that jumped up and bit me for a few days, so I really just slept 13 hours a day and then worked 5-6 hours at night. Then Wednesday I said the hell with it and went out for a ride. The past two days have been amazing for this time of year. I actually was riding in just bibs and a jersey on both days (for an extended period of time that I can not disclose) and it was phenomenal. New tan line is already in progress for the new season. Not to mention the tan line I still have from last year. Other than that I am just looking forward to starting the racing season and finishing up this batch of classes. I am not worried about the classes to be honest. Afterall, if you put in the work the rewards will come. On the racing side, I am opening up with Fisk Knob on March 29th and then some STS races just to get back in the flow of racing. Then I am headed down to Florida and Arizona to visit my sister and some friends and do some good racing and training. All I have to do now is get the TT bike put back together and things will be all systems go..... Good day!!!

Spring Break

2009-02-25T18:57:00.000-08:00

I am officially on my Spring Break...... After 3 midterms in 6 hours my break has begun. Today I had a proofs midterm, a statistics midterm and a geosciences midterm. All went rather well and I am expecting 85% or better on all of them. In between the statistics exam and the geosciences exam, I had what I would rate the best ride in about 6 months. The kind of ride where I was hammering the entire time and felt no pain. Hincapie calls it "no chain". I literally felt like I was sitting in an easy chair. After all my midterms, I then went to the library to help the misses study for her discrete structures exam tomorrow. I wasn't much of a help though, because I was just BEAT. I didn't tell her though, because I hate bringing her down. So for the nest 10-12 days I am riding, working, and going away with Emily to a secluded place for 2 days just to get away from everything and everyone. Keep it rubber side down.

Relaxation

2009-01-30T21:56:00.000-08:00

So I had my first proofs test today and I am thinking it went rather well. It dealt with set variance and mathematical logic. I just hope my grade comes out nicely. Other than that I have been plugging away on the trainer and have even gotten out a few days in the past week. It sucks though when you get home and can not move your fingers for an hour afterwards. Anyhow, things are definitely looking up and I can not wait to have the semester be over with already. 4 weeks down and only 10 to go, not including spring break.

What do you get??/

2009-01-28T19:26:00.000-08:00

What do you get when you trust someone?
What do you get when you give a person second chances?
What do you get when you believe someone?

LIES, all you will ever get is FUCKING LIES!!!!

To those of you who speak the truth like myself, kudos. I may be a little fucked in the head at times, but at least I do not lie.....EVER!!! To those of you who lie, I hope you burn and rot in hell!!!

Riding is going real well. PEACE MOTHER FUCKERS!

New Happening

2009-01-21T19:35:00.000-08:00

So today I was out riding and experienced a first in my riding career. Now I have ridden in some cold and miserable conditions and have seen a lot. Today it was 18 degrees with the wind chill and was not too bad for the first 45 minutes. I was heading back in to finish up on the trainer so I didnt completely freeze and I am just cruising and listening to some tunes. A few miles from home a car came up behind me (45 mph zone) and proceeded to not slow and keep going right past. Usually not a big deal, but it was today. All I saw for the next 10 seconds was slush everywhere. In my face, all over my body and all over my bike. I have no idea how I kept the bike upright goin 22 mph without being able to see at all. After the "smoke" and slush had been dispatched onto me, I had enough left in me to give the guy the finger for a solid 30 seconds. About a mile down the road I see his car stopped at a light and knock on his window and verbally assault him while brushing my clothes off into his open window. One good turn deserves another I thought. Hope all is well with everyone!!!

Back to school

2009-01-18T20:55:00.000-08:00

I have been back in school for 2 weeks and all I have to say is it may not be nearly as stressful as last semester. I have Mathematical Proofs, Statistical Analysis for Engineering and Science, Special Education for my education classes and U.S. National Parks and Monuments. Needless to say it is a full load, but I am not worried. Cycling is going good. Other than the weather I am still highly motivated and we will just say very lean. Been getting in some good rides, albeit indoors. Other than that I have no huge complaints on life. Im just looking forward to racing in the summer and making the most of what I have done this offseason. Oh yea, almost forgot. I got accepted into the Honors College here so now I will be taking honors classes so that may make them a little harder. Until next time keep it rubber side down. Peace!

Christmas is over....YAY!!!

2008-12-28T20:02:00.000-08:00

Another christmas has come and gone, which is great. I hate holidays because I am a very routined individual. I went home on the 23rd and after 5 hours of driving arrived at my parents house with Emily in tow. She met my parents and my dad was his normal deranged self. Then I took her to her parents house on Christmas Eve and met her mom. On the way to her parents place we almost died on I-94 near the Little Mack exit. All I will say is hydroplaning and semi's do not mix. Somehow I managed to keep my truck in one lane and not get us killed. Then I spent Christmas day at home until 3 pm and took off to avoid the weather and traffic the next day. Good thing I did because it rained all day the next day. Now I have been back in Kalamazoo for a few days and riding has been progressing. I did my first workout today just to hurt a little bit. It wasn't extravagant but it was something to get the legs burning again. That is my update for now, I hope to keep this up at least once a week for the remainder of the year and cycling season. Peace!

Grades and Life

2008-12-18T12:58:00.000-08:00

So I got my grades on Tuesday for the fall semester and I was sure I was not going to get a 4.0. I did however end up with a 3.87 with three A's and one BA, which is like a B+/A-. That is WMU's ridiculous way of giving grades. Considering all the bullshit I had to deal with during the semester things turned out rather well. It is hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel when you are immersed in school work, but many people helped me through the semester in different ways. Emily helped me take my mind away from everything by just being her and I find myself thinking what if this one could be "the one".....Yeah big revelation. My friend from my education classes Justin helped me stay ignorant through classes and never take anything too seriously. Next semester I am taking Mathematical Proofs, Statistics and Probability, US Monuments and Landmarks, and Special Education diversity. After this spring I will have completed my history minor and my education classes and will only have 7 math classes left to take. It is going by much fater than I thought. Finally, I am back on the bike, albeit not too seriously yet. I am just going to enjoy non-structured riding for the next 6-7 weeks and then do a little before the spring training series races. I talked with a pro cycling friend last night and realized that while cycling may be a big part of some of our lives, it is not what life should be about. That is unless you are a pro that only has that to look forward too in life. Be well and enjoy the holidays!

Done and Very Little Fun

2008-12-10T17:53:00.000-08:00

So the semester is over and I am happy that it is done, but my one final was kinda a bitch to say the least. There were 10 problems total involving nullspaces and column spaces and eigenvalues and eigenvectors and all that good shit that no one really likes, unless you are a math dork like me. I was gonna put some of the questions on here and may below, so if u can solve them then feel free. So Tuesday I decided to hop back on the bike for the first time in 9 days and I felt like shit for an hour and then felt good the last hour. Problem is the reason I felt bad was I have an upper respiratory infection and maybe strep. My girlfriend has been sick and I have been around her a lot, but it is by no means her fault. Maybe I will just swing my way through it. Anyhow I think I ended the semester with three A's and one B. That final in math really fuct me in that department. Thats why I go to school though now, this degree I am there to actually learn and not just sit and hope for the best. Anyhow here are a few math questions to sink ur teeth into.

1. For what values of Y1 and Y2 would this system be consistent?
a)
{1 2 3} = Y1
{-2 -4 -5} = Y2

b) Find all the solutions to the set that make Y1 and Y2 consistent

2. Find the determinant of the following matrix

o o o 2
5 4 2 0
0 3 0 0
8 7 6 0

3. calculate the dimension of span (X1, X2, X3, X4)

2 6 4 8
6 -1 1 -1
4 4 3 11
-8 2 -1 3

4. Consider the following matrix and determine the following.
1 2 1 0 2 7
1 2 2 -1 3 12
1 2 2 -1 4 15

a) Row reduced echelon form

b) The basis for the row space and its dimension

c) The basis for the nullspace and its dimension

d) The basis for the column space and its dimension

5. Can the following be linearly independent in R4?
3 2 1
-1 1 1
4 3 1
2 -1 1

6. L: v->w is a linear transformation
Prove that the Kernel of (L) is in the subspace of V

7. L is on R2 which rotates 45 degrees counterclockwise and reflects the result about the x-axis. Give a matrix for the resulting solution based upon the standard basis e1 and e2.

8. If L is a linear operator that maps R2->R2 then solve for B if
A= 2 -8 and V= 4 2
1 -4 1 1

my hint to you is use V-1 A V. (This hint was not on the test though)

9. Find the eigen values and eigen vectors for the associated matrix.

-2 2 2
0 1 -3
0 1 5

10. Let @ be an eigenvalue of A and let x be an eigenvector belonging to @. Show that @^3 is an eigenvalue of A^3 and x is an eigenvector of A^3 belonging to @^3.

I used @ in #10 because I have no lamda on my computer here. If u have answers post them up, if not then have fun trying to solve.

Less Than a Week

2008-12-02T09:31:00.000-08:00

Here I sit, sick as a dog with less than a week to go in school. Things have been super hectic the past 14 weeks, but its nearly over. I never thought it would be this hard being full time at school, doing a preinternship 10-15 hours a week, riding 10-15 hours a week, and working 15-20 hours. Not to mention doing all of this while holding a 3.87 GPA going into finals. I actually only have one final that I am concerned about. In my Native American culture class I need a 20% to lock an A up, and in my education classes, I have 100% thus far for both. Math is a different story when you get to this level. I have experienced my first semester where I will not get a solid A in a math class, but with all that is going on I am rather at ease with that fact. In riding terms, I have decided a week to ten days off is needed and I got sick at the right time. This is my first break since March really and it feels weird to not be out riding everyday. The weather has not been cooperating so I am pleased with my decision. One final note to those who still read this thing. I met a wonderful woman and am very pleased with her. I do not know how she can stand a crazy asshole like me, but she is a great girl and I hope things progress accordingly. Who knows what will happen over the next few months with school and the like, but right now other than the vomiting today I am feeling pretty well. I am off to finish off my education classes for the semester today so I bid u adieu.

When???

2008-07-23T19:18:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I think to myself when did I become smart? The facts are that I act like a moron and act like I don't give a shit, but I may afterall. Today I went online to check how much my classes would be costing me. I look at my school email and see an "award letter" and I open it. To my disbelief I received a grant from WMU for my mathematics success and all the other moneys was from scholarships. So right at the moment I am pretty happy.
On top of all this Le Tour was very exciting today. Carlos Sastre has been in the GC picture for the past 5-6 years since leaving ONCE. When I saw him attack on Alpe D'Huez I was thinking he went to early. Once he got brought back by the GC contenders he went again and never looked back. It is really great to see someone who deserves to wear yellow finally achieve it. The CSC-Saxo bank team did what T-Mobile never could, they played their cards to perfection. Now this is where I get a bit brash and cocky. I did say previously that Evans, Menchov and Sastre would be on the podium in Paris. Sastre has the lead and Evans and Menchov are better time trialists, but Vandevelde may be a bit to far back to get a top 3 in Paris. So I guess I should be a DS or psychic. I also did mention Freire for the green jersey, although I was thinking Hushovd had a better chance, but with the lack of pure sprint stages, which Cavendish owned, Freire is looking even better.
Finally, I did a race this past weekend and that is all I will say. I have never ridden a TT so slow in my life, honestly. I have only ever been caught by one person and that was Josh Tarrant, but that changed on Sunday. I got caught by my 3 minute man, enough said. Smart guy is off!

Superweek was good

2008-07-13T20:02:00.000-07:00

Ah so the first two races of Superweek are in the books. I am back in Kalamazoo after a good weekend in the "hood" aka Blue Island, Illinois. I couldn't tell you what the second city was because I just felt like racing. I will say that I have officially ridden a race in the hood, which is nice. The first race was in Blue Island, and Baar warmed up and said that it wasn't a good area to warmup in. So I did not listen to his halfhearted warning and warmed up while he was racing. Lets just say Detroit is a dream compared to this area, and I saw what the projects look like. Anyhow, I chose to head back and warm up around a parking lot for a bit then hop on Boer's trainer for 5 minutes. This being my second trip to Superweek I knew it would be fast. The first race was HUMID and hard. Standard 4 corner crit which was one mile in length. We were hammering around the course and the first time I looked up an hour had passed. A group of 5 got away and the field was content to let them go, as was I. I didnt feel particularly great but still managed a top 25-30. Baar got 9th in the 30+ and Boer was behind me in the 3's. Day 2 was good except for the fact that the hotel did not have Versus, so no Tour watching. I slept like a small child and we headed to the race around noon. The race was held in an almost finished suburb, in which none of the houses were yet owned. At half a million dollars it was no wonder why. The course was shitty to say the least. A Half mile crit, with the slight uphill being into a headwind and a sharp corner with some dirt in it to make it interesting. I felt blocked from the day before but still good enough to move up easily most times. Nothing got away till about 12 laps to go and chaos ensued. I saw Boer shoot past me and head right to the front. He had a gap, but the guys with him would not pull. With 3 to go there was a big crash and the field split, so for the last 2 laps I was chasing to get to the back of the group. I almost made it and came in 5-10 seconds down on the winner. After the finish I did 2 cooldown laps and see Boer bloody and dirty. I had no clue he was caught in the crash. But with 3 crashes in the last 3 laps it was hectic to say the least. All in all a good weekend as the races were well above any you will see in Michigan. I would venture to say that not many guys would finish these races at all. Twice as long as most crits around here and much faster. Anyhow, it was a good weekend hanging and racing with Baar and Boer. And if you have never traveled with kids I would highly recommend it. Chris' sons made me realize racing is so unimportant in the big picture. Just to see his kids get enjoyment running through puddles kept me relaxed and made the time pass. I would say this was the best racing weekend I have had all year long. PEACE!

Tour de France

2008-07-08T10:59:00.000-07:00

So I have been spending the last 4 days doing nothing more than work, riding, and watching the Tour. Yeah exciting life huh! So I decided for the first time to make a fantasy team of Tour de France riders. Here is my team for Stage 4 that I chose.

David Millar
Fabian Cancellara
Cadel Evans
Stijn Devolder
George Hincapie
Jens Voigt-
Christian Vandevelde
Thomas Lokvist
Carlos Sastre
Marzio Bruseghin

Not to bad of a day with my team getting 3rd, 4th, 5th, 7th, 8th, 9th, and 11th.

Might as well name a street after me....

2008-07-01T21:13:00.001-07:00

If they did it would be called 15th street. I raced rockford this past weekend and felt good heading into the race. The first few laps were rather hard and all of a sudden I feel like everything is extremely hard and nearly getting dropped. I came over the Maple Street climb and took the left and headed into the dicey right hander I almost lose it. Luckily the curb stopped my bike from going to the ground and I look down and realize I had flatted. I did not panic and knew I could get a free lap. I went to the wheel pit and got my teammates spare. I have been riding a Ksyrium Equipe rear wheel due to the hubs on all others being shot, and who would have thought a wheel with a powertap on it would be lighter than the wheel I was racing on. I get my wheel on and wait to get back in the group and right after I am in the group the break of the race goes. I think to myself oh shit because I missed the break, but had a teammate there so I was cool with that. We did get really close to catching them but no one wanted to close the last 10 meters down, so I figured hell I am not going to be the guy to ruin Boer's chances. After a few laps their lead grew to 25 seconds and I was just trying to sit pretty and wait until the closing laps. A crash in the last 15 minutes nearly derailed all my plans, but I snuck around that safely. Moving on I was feeling good coming into the last few laps, sitting up front and out of trouble. With a little over a lap to go Taylor Birrman gave it a dig and literally was 5 meters in front of us the whole last lap, and everyone jammed up the hill. I eased back waiting for Taylor to get caught and put myself out of contention for a good placing, so egg on my face. I was eager to race the TT the next day, but a respiratory infection dashed those hopes and I have not touched a bike since the race on Saturday. I really need to grow some balls and just stop thinking so much while racing. Fuck it, it is just a bike race though.

Winning stuff is good...

2008-06-15T21:52:00.000-07:00

So this weekend went well and I won some shit. The race held in Allen park was hot and I heard a few corners were a bit sketchy due to the road not being in prime condition. We started the race a bit late due to the time schedule being a little off and my legs had cooled a bit from the warmup. So I did what I do best to warmup after about 4 minutes I jumped and no one went with me. After a lap solo I heard a premium lap announced. For those of you who do not know, a premium lap is where the promoters give away free swag for incentive to liven up the race. I looked back and saw I had a decent gap, so I thought hell I might as well make this move worth it. The swag ended up being a set of Ritchey pro slick race tires, which is very nice as I hate buying tires. The group brought me back and about 8 minutes later another premium lap was announced and I jumped before the last corner, and knew I had a gap. This time I knew it was an umbrella, but did not want to waste energy for it so I figured if I can coast across the line and still win it then it would be cool. I looked back and saw a guy coming but did absolutely nothing to stop him. I am not just saying this because he beat me, everyone watching will tell you I stopped pedaling and looked back. Kudos to him though. A few minutes later I did a half ass attempt to see if anyone wanted to start some action and to my surprise it ended up being the break of the race. It was myself, Alan Antonuk, and a Wolverine rider (sorry dunno ur name), I think its Cody Brown. For the next 15-20 minutes we had anywhere from 30 seconds to 20 seconds, then people started jumping across to our break. Right before we got caught again another premium lap was a can of Jittery Joes coffee. This one was easy as I just rolled through on the front and took it uncontested. After a few more guys were with us everyone seemed unwilling to work anymore and I can't blame them. The last few laps were a blur as I was trying to recover a little bit from my efforts for the day and the sprint was upon us. Although someone crashed right next to me it was a successful day. I had fun and won some goods. I was 14th or 15th, the photo finish was very close. Hell I even had time in the first premium lap to sit up and straighten my number for the promoters and officials. It was a good day and a good race. I spent nearly 60-70% of the race off the front in breakaways be it solo or with people. I will say one thing though, Alan Antonuk is going to be a hell of a rider within a few years. Adios to all until Rockford. I love a strong mans race..... Ciao!

End of the Road

2008-06-10T07:30:00.001-07:00

Well, after a few years of posts I am not using this webpage as a means of passing on information anymore. Reasons for this are listed below.

1) This webpage was created for friends and family
2) I get comments from those who I have not said more than 50 words to in my life.
3) It would be easier to just call my parents and explain what happened to them
4) I really do not want some people to know about my life and thoughts on cycling

OVER AND OUT

Torrential Racing

2008-06-08T18:30:00.000-07:00

Today was the State Road Race Championships and it did not disappoint. Not only was the course longer than previous years, but the weather would make things interesting. Here are the reports lap by lap for my race.

Lap 1- Sat pretty and did nothing to see the front.
Lap 2- Chris (my teammate) attacked and got a gap, so I sat on the front and slowed things down for him.
Lap 3- all together and the fireworks began. A break of 2 easily rolled off and stayed away. While this was being done I got in a 2 man break with a South Lyon guy who obviously does not know how to work well in a break. He was pulling through trying to show me he was in better condition, little did he know he would finish behind me.
Lap 4- after being brought back I stayed active and got off the front again for a longer break.
Lap 5- Chaos ensued with 12 miles to go, and it was obvious that no one wanted to let me get any open road. Torrential downpours made things dicey so I sat up with 400 meters to go. Still ended up 15th which tells you how the race was shattered.

After the race I spoke with the promoter and rae official. We were instructed that in case of lightning the race would be neutralized. I assumed that the lightning that was prevelant in the last lap would make this statement true. I was wrong and what I thought would be a 4th place finish turned into the race official doing what he would like and did not seem to care about the riders well being. This is my opinion and should not be taken as bashing. I know when conditions are dangerous and this was above any conditions that I have ever ridden in.

Total miles for the day: 103
Place:15th
feeling after realizing that the field knows who I am: angered, but surprised.

My own worst enemy!

2008-05-27T20:33:00.000-07:00

I am sitting here a day after the Gaslight Crit and kicking myself. There is nothing that compares to racing and feeling tremendously good. I have been playing the conservative game just to get back in the swing of things. Well yesterday I wanted to rip and I was ready, but I played the wrong tactical game and came up short. Nothing was wrong and everything went well. I was sitting 4th wheel going around the 140 degree turn with a lap and a half left. On the backside I was still sitting pretty until right before the same turn we got swamped from the left and the right. All of a sudden 20 guys are in front of me and the race ended with a bitter taste in my mouth. You live and learn and I guess I put myself too close to the front with too much of the race left. Oh well life goes on..... To those of you who may have said on your left or right during the race I will not apologize. It is not my job to let you in or help you move up if my bars are in front of yours. That is your job to make your own race.

Kensington recap

2008-05-18T19:25:00.000-07:00

Ah so the first road race of the year for me, and I can say I am happy and unhappy. As all of us cyclists know, one can not be completely fulfilled unless a "W" is in your bag. Going in I had mixed feelings, would the race be hard or would it be easy considering the hills and the extra distance to cover. I chose to stay conservative and see how things played out. First few laps went by without a hitch, a few small breaks, but nothing that would stick. On the 5th lap on "snot hill" I felt good, so I gave it a go and got a 10-15 second gap. Knowing that no one was on my wheel I figured what the hell, but this time I did not go all out or even near. I knew the field would bring me back, as I did not feel incredibly snappy. So I plugged away for 5-6 minutes until I felt the field right behind me. After that I realized each lap our field kept getting smaller and smaller. I thought to myself how the hell can all these guys get dropped and I have done very little work on my bike this year????? Then I remember that I have an incredible endurance background. Nothing else happened each continuous lap, more dropped riders, even guys who weigh very little and have beaten me all year until this point. Onto the last lap, I felt that I needed to have good position coming out of the turnaround to secure a good result. I shift down and hear a crazy noise which I would later find out was a chainring bolt falling into my chain and out an the ground. Forgot to tighten the chainring bolts down as I was told.....oops. Coming into the last 5k I realized there were 2 guys up the road. It was so hard to distinguish who was in our field and who we were catching that had been dropped from other groups. Then I look up and see a mass of cars at a standstill and hope to get through safely. During our meandering through the cars a few guys tried to pull a quick one and gain some ground before the last time up snot hill. Approaching snot hill much slower than I would have liked, I had to stand and really put the power to the pedals and for the first time in my life my legs felt like I was being electricuted by a tazer. I am not shitting you, it was awful, from my quads to my hip flexors. Must be some residual power I lost not racing last year. I stayed on the group and gave as much as I could to the finish, grinding past people while staying seated through the whole sprint. I came in 16th, but the sensations I got reminded me why I love this sport. I am also dissappointed I did not fair better, but did better than most. Onto the next weekend of races.

Note: None of the aforementioned details are excuses, they are what happened and to be honest I did not have what it took to win this race. The best rider won from our group and Kudos to him for sneaking away and staying away.

Good vibrations

2008-05-14T21:15:00.000-07:00

Since my last post I have found out what is wrong with my bike. Lets just say the Ksyrium SL rear wheel I have is toast. Everytime I would freewheel this wretched noise would come from somewhere, so after buying a whole new drivetrain I realized this was not what was causing the noise. Oh well, I really needed some new components and it feels great to have some crisp shifting. Tonight I went to the Wednesday night ride, and this was one of the most low key Wednesday night rides I can remember. I got my workout in and did not expend much energy at all. I was hell bent on sitting up coming into the final sprint, which is uphill. Then I was sitting 6th wheel so i decided to give it a dig. Even though I was really overgeared I still felt surprisingly well. Every week, I am getting good sensations and the riding is progressing very well. Tomorrow I will join my pal Alvin for our semi-monthly coffee shop ride. Good Day!

Whew!!!

2008-05-10T20:36:00.000-07:00

The last few days have been good. The Wednesday night ride turned into a massacre. We started with 25-30 riders and about 30 minutes in the carnage began until only 9 of us remained. Thanks to Hamilton, Myers, and the Birmanns. After taking the first sprint I was content to sit in until the last half of the ride, where I felt good and made a few decent pulls. Progress and patience are my two friends right now. After a few low key days on the bike I joined Alvin and Hamilton today for a ride. Jeff snuck away for a few hours to ride with us. Alvin had some tempo work and I did a nice LT workout (which sucked). All in all it was a very uptempo day on the roads with just us 3 and I came home with 62 miles in 3 hours. Then I headed to Mr. Frayer's house to work on my bike. Nothing feels better than a new casette, chain, bottom bracket and chain ring. I may even decide to keep this chain lubed and clean. Now while things have been going well I think it will be interesting when everyone shows up for the Wednesday night ride. When I say everyone I mean Josh Tarrant, Bart Carlson, Zach McBride, Mark Olson, and all the others. That is when I will see where I really stand, which may be a hard pill to swallow. Otherwise everything is chill right now, and I can not wait for Kensington.....

Stupidity

2008-05-06T17:36:00.000-07:00

So to start off I will talk about the riding, which has been going well. Last week, I caught the first Wednesday night ride that I could attend and it did not dissapoint. It basically was 10 minutes of a roll out, then 40 minutes of hard riding with half the group getting dropped, followed be on and off the rest of the way. I love that those who get dropped take a shortcut to get back in the group before the ride is over only to get dropped again. Coming into the last 10 miles or so are the usual hills that spread the group out and Alvin jumped a mile or so before the first, seeing that no one was going to chase I set out in pursuit. Usually when you chase and get on terms with the leader you sit on for a brief moment to relax and recover, but I went right to the front and pulled up the first climb, then let him take the decent, only to pull again on the second climb and right near the top I realize Alvin had eased off and about 5 guys come whizzing past and I collect the wheels of those five. Everyone regrouped and the ride ended up being a good motivator for me, as I have not put in much work at all this year. Now on to my personal stupidity that occured today after my riding. I went to Speedway to fill my gas tank, and as I step out of my car I see a piece of shit with at least 24 inch rims and a nice sound system. At that moment I thought, why do people put all this money into a car that looks like hell??? Then I realized I had locked my door......with my truck running. The joke was on me it seems. About a minute later I see an attractive blond about to pull out of the gas station and took a chance and asked her if she would drive me to my place to get my spare keys. To my surprise she was like yeah no problem jump in. She did not question a thing and come to find out she was a cycling fan who was from Italy and grew up near lake Como. I found it odd that she actually waited for me to get the apartment manager to unlock my place and retrieve my keys. She drove me back and would not accept the $20 I wanted to give her for her help, but I slid it in the car as I was exiting. After all this I never thought to ask her for her number, because she was really a cool girl, and with her thick accent and looks it made it all the more appealing. And she even was cussing in American as she almost missed the turn into the gas station to drop me off. I guess karma does exist and I have been doing something right.

Back in the saddle

2008-04-28T21:10:00.000-07:00

Its been nearly a year and a lot has occured, but I found life very dull without my trusty bicycle adventures. As many of you know I returned to school and have been doing well enough to earn a full academic scholarship if I maintain a 3.0 GPA. Currently I have a 3.94 with one BA that I would rather forget about, and I have yet to receive anything less than an A through Calc 2. That part of life is well, and I also have been serving tables now for nearly a year. The money is much better, but sometimes the stress sucks the life out of you. Onto racing though, and how I have felt thus far in my "comeback" to the scene. I began training about 7 weeks ago now with weeks of 7 hrs, 10 hrs and 11 hrs, but have yet to do any specific speed or anaerobic work. I decided to begin my racing with the Fisk Knob Time Trial near Grand Rapids. The first 12 miles was successful as there was a massive tailwind and I was rolling, mind you this was mostly downhill. The last 6 miles was into a dreadful headwind and it was miserable. I ended up riding 45 and some change for 18 miles, so all in all not a bad start. Then I proceeded to do 2 STS races in Ann Arbor and the first was horrible as I forgot how to corner in my time away and totally forgot about the accelerations out of corners. The second race was the last STS race of the spring and I felt like Hincapie (no chain), but I was told to sit in and get used to the flow of races again. This past weekend I traveled with Alvin Nordell, my recent training companion and race traveling buddy, and it could not have went worse. I worked 10+ hours the day before spending all of that on my feet, then ate a greasy pizza for a prerace meal. I figured I would not show any ill effects. When I got to the race and started to warm up, I still felt incredibly full and sluggish. For the first time in my life I produced a self-induced vomit scene, to try to lighten my stomach. This did not ease the problem, so I thought the hell with it and got to the line with a minute to spare. I started out and didnt feel particularly snappy as I would have liked. Long story short, I could not get on top of any gear all day long. It just was not my day I guess. During the ride, I did notice two gentleman 15 seconds ahead of me going back and forth in each others draft, and anyone who rides a TT knows you stay out of the draft of a rider, as to not get a time penalty. You know who you are and should be happy that two of you could not beat someone who has been training for 6 weeks. Anyhow, there are bigger fish to fry this summer and I am looking forward to progressing into where I once was on my bike. Hopefully I will maintain this over the summer, but in retrospect this blog means very little to me. OUT!

If anyone knows where pictures of the races can now be found please leave a post, as it would be greatly appreciated.

Revelations

2007-07-26T22:59:00.000-07:00

After all the bullshit that goes on in this world I have came to a conclusion........ I do NOT want to be a pro cyclist, I really want to be the best in what I endeavour.... and that is teaching children. I am so fed up with professional cycling and all that it entails. It makes me so depressed to ride everyday knowing that all those I look up to may be cheating. I trust 4 people in the cycling community, and those are Josh, Jeff, Alvin and Dave. They are like family to me and I consider no one else true friends. Until then keep injecting yourself trying to make a machine that is NOT you. GOOD LUCK!!!!!

Jeff and Josh "easy days" vs. Jeremy "easy days"

2007-05-22T21:34:00.000-07:00

So I am out cruising on a nice ride today just enjoying the great weather and I run into Jeff Hamilton. So I pull a U-turn and we proceed to ride for a while, and I immediately ask if he is going hard today. he says, "no just an easy spin." Now for those of you who do not know there are two people in Kalamazoo whose "easy days" are not so easy afterall. Josh Tarrant and Jeff Hamilton are just on another level, so their easy days are more of a decent tempo day. Back to the ride, after a bit I see this menacing hill in front of us and Jeff picks the pace up, and the climb was a stair stepper, up-false flat-up-false flat-up some more. Needless to say Jeff had to sit up for a minute and wait for me, but I had already ridden nearly 4 hours on the day. Anyhow I just wanted to clarify what easy to me and to others may be. I decided to ride until dark and get in a good 5 and a half hours today. So all in all twas a good day.

Are you feeling it evil???

2007-05-16T20:14:00.000-07:00

Today was the first day in very long that I was feeling it!!! Just effortless! Enough said. Other than that I have been working a lot and skipping out on morning rides, which must change soon. Last night I had an adventure that consisted of gluing a tubular on and it went well until I realized I forgot to place the nipple for the valve on first, but I took care of that. I probably looked like a jobber riding my Zipps at a group ride, but I had to see if my glue job worked. All systems go for Kensington now, but this is still a building race for me and I will be working for whoever is the strongest right now on the team, but I know I will soon be where I expect myself to be. 3 more weeks and I should be rolling HARD! Over and out dudes!

deposit

2007-05-09T23:11:00.000-07:00

Got a good workout in today. Went out and did the Wednesday night ride and missed the hammerhead festival by 5 minutes. I ran into Tony on the way out and a minute later he flatted so I decided to wait with him and we did the "B" ride. Wow I haven't been in a field of sketch balls like that in a long time and I really missed riding with guys who know what a paceline really is. Anyhow it was a good ride and I ended up adding an hour and a half after. Winona Lakes this past weekend was a disappointment as I only lasted about 20 minutes. I heard the announcer say we were going 40 MPH down the backstretch though, I just could not close any gaps and my acceleration is awful right now. It will all come back soon though. Dave did fairly well though just barely missing getting some cash. Thats it for now. Later dudes!!

#200

2007-05-02T20:27:00.000-07:00

Well this is post #200 as the title reads. Wow, today was a ripper. I have been riding really hard everyday to get into shape and I payed for it today. Not to mention the lack of calories in my body to try to lose weight. We started the Wednesday night ride and it started fast. About 15-20 guys got dropped in the first 20 minutes. It ended up slowing down a bit and then came the two decent hills on the course and the first one was no problem, then Josh, Jeff, and Zach went to the front on the second one and it blew up. At that point Taylors dad flatted and I didnt know whether to wait for him or try to bridge up to the few guys in front. Then the stars appeared and it was lights out. I never remember a Wednesday night ride being that hard, but I am also not in shape at all. Its so fucking frustrating seeing where I was last year and where I am now. I just have to keep riding and relax, it will all come. All I can say is that Josh is a goddamn cyborg this year and I see why he is winning races. It is all effortless for him it seems. Anyhow thats about it for today. Night night kiddies!!!

Positive

2007-04-17T10:58:00.000-07:00

Things are looking really good right now, even though I did skip class to go ride today, haha. I hate missing class, but it was well needed, and also well worth it. I also got some more great news from my Calculus class, which would be that I received a 94% on my 3rd test. The average was somewhere around 40% so this means a huge curve will be placed on it. Anyhow this shows me I have made a good choice in my career path, and only need a 42% on the final to get an A. All the work and sacrifice paid off, even though I really do miss training everyday for 3 hours and racing with my friends and teammates. Soon enough though fellas. OK, time for work kiddies. Yippee!!!

Fuck the freeze and the breeze

2007-04-04T22:39:00.000-07:00

Now I do not know how many people ventured outside today for more than 10 minutes at a time, but I did something very different than most. With no end of the rampage of snow in sight I chose to just have a go for as long as possible. Well it was a pisser of a day, and I mean wretched. I ended up spending 2 hours getting pummeled by the snow and wind. I can not remember the last time I was standing at a stoplight and almost got blown over, but to say the least I was alive and able to ride, so it was a good day. Anyhow, it is almost 2 am and I have to be up in 4 and a half hours for school so I am out. Get bent man!!!!

off season blunders

2007-04-03T19:19:00.000-07:00

So I realize that my offseason preparation has been very lackluster and I am finally understanding why. This offseason I have had a serious lack of motivation, cracked a bone in my pelvis falling on ice, and had mono which later turned into walking pneumonia. Good news is that I am on the mend though, and back to riding nearly every day. I notice form coming along very quickly, but will need to race soon to salvage the season. After next Thursday it will be smooth sailing for a bit and I will be putting in some punishing rides and hours. I know that I have let some teammates down by not racing collegiate, but I need to worry about me first, not anyone else. So that is that and if they have a problem with it then so be it. I have kinda realized cycling is not life, it is something 99.9% of us riders do for excitement and a little competition. So chill, and take er easy!

Recognize that

2007-03-12T06:50:00.000-07:00

Its been quite a while, but things are looking real good. My education class is seeming like I may have some time to have a life after this week and that in itself is GREAT!!! I have recently gotten back on the bike and I realize I am out of shape. I had a few months where I didn't really ride at all, maybe only once a week. I worry about the bullshit in life rather than just taking it day by day. So I am opening up the season in 2 weeks and I am excited. I may have to ride B's until I get some form or just get into race shape. Such is life I guess. On a really positive note, my "brother" aka Josh Tarrant won both races this weekend, which is huge for him. Finally this shows how strong he is, and no one can say he is not a good racer. He used his head to win, rather than just using his extreme power, and I can not be happier for him. Congrats big T!!!! Out for a cycle, then some Education HW and working late tonite. Peace homies!!!

BUSY LIFE

2007-01-19T12:36:00.000-08:00

Heres my schedule and the reason I have no life outside of work or riding.

Monday- Class 8-9
Math Lab 9-10:30
Ride 11-2
Work 4-10
Tuesday-Class 8-9
Math Lab 9-11
Class 11-1215
work- 1-8
Wednesday- Ride 10-1
Work-1-8
Thursday-Class 8-9
Math Lab 9-11
Class 11-1215
Ride 1-330
Friday- Class 8-9
Ride 10-1
Work 2-10
Saturday- Work or racing
Sunday- Racing or 4 hr group ride
Study ass off!!!

That may be why I am never on this blog anymore, but I will do my best to keep you informed. Later, off to work!

BOO for snow

2007-01-09T12:13:00.000-08:00

So I just got in from a ride and the current weather is Cloudy and Windy with a 30 degree temperature rating, which feels like 18 with the wind chill. Add in the wind blowing in my face while riding 17 MPH and I will say it felt more like 3 degrees outside (which I lasted 2 and a half hours outside). Other than that not much has been going on. School started yesterday and I am going to love my math class and I will find out about my Education classes later. Other than that I have to work 30 hours this week and take a MI Teaching Certification Basic Skills Test. So things are busy and racing starts soon enough. Off to work, I bid you adieu!!!

What are you???

2006-12-19T23:06:00.000-08:00

For the first time in my collegiate career I can proudly say I am a 4.0 student. That means all A's bitches. Now I know I may come off as an ignorant self righteous prick, but when it comes down to business I can get it done. Feel my wrath and feel my pain, as long as you feel me. Haha, maybe the blogging will get back to normal soon, but many things must be done before that can happen. Peace homies!

Ciolek

2006-12-14T21:48:00.000-08:00

Gerald Ciolek may be the future of cycling. Lets face it Petacchi is getting up there in years, Zabel has had his time in the sun and McEwen has got to be on the down swing. At 20 this guy is the next super sprinter. It may take a few years. but I suppose he will supplant all those big names. I still have high regards for Jens Voigt, because he is a true MAN and no one can dispute this, but Ciolek is the up and coming star. On my own riding, I must say things are looking good, I did do a nice TT ride on Wednesday and Averaged over 24 MPH for 3 x 20 minute efforts, so for thsi time of the year I am pleased. Otherwise, I got a 4.0 GPA and I am totally psyched for more math. Anyways I may be intoxicated, but I will get up early to get a nice 5 hour ride in. Cheers!

J Dubya

Leelanau

2006-11-29T17:30:00.000-08:00

Note the last event on the USA Pro Cycling Tour for 2007!!!

2007 USA Cycling Professional Tour

Feb. 18-25: AMGEN Tour of California – California (2.HC)
Apr. 7: U.S. Cycling Open – Richmond, Va. (1.1)
Apr. 16-22: Tour de Georgia – Georgia (2.HC)
June 3: Commerce Bank Lancaster Classic – Lancaster, Pa. (1.1)
June 7: Commerce Bank Reading Classic – Reading, Pa. (1.1)
June 10: Commerce Bank International Championship – Philadelphia, Pa. (1.HC)
June 17: Austin Men’s Invitational – Austin, Texas (1.1)
June 23: Saturn Rochester Twilight Criterium – Rochester, N.Y. (1.2)
June 30-July 7: Larry H. Miller Tour of Utah – Utah (2.2)
Aug. 19: USA Cycling Professional Criterium Championships – Downer’s Grove, Ill.
Sept. 1: The Cliffs USA Cycling Professional Time Trial Championships – Greenville, S.C.
Sept. 3: The Cliffs USA Cycling Professional Road Championships – Greenville, S.C.
Sept. 8: Univest Grand Prix – Souderton, Pa. (1.2)
Sept. 11-16: Tour of Missouri – Missouri (2.1)
Sept. 15: Tour de Leelanau – Traverse City, Mich. (1.2)

The Kill

2006-11-27T22:42:00.000-08:00

Today, while at work I was looking for something entertaining to read. I shit you not I stumbled upon an article of the Dave Zabriske of music and acting. The lead singer of 30 Seconds to Mars, Jared Leto was featured in Blender this month. He has the personality of really not giving a shit about what people think. The guy is pretty fucking awesome, not to mention he plays a good Steve Prefontaine in Prefontaine(1997). His quote is one to live buy, "I kill myself for my craft, literally". Honestly why are there not more people like this in the world, rather than those people who want you to hear all the boring bullshit going on in there lives like I am doing right now. Over and Out!!! Check out 30 Seconds to Mars if you are so inclined.

Eat some Doody!!!

2006-11-26T15:09:00.000-08:00

A picture os me Stine and Brad drinking Beer on New Years!!! Don't really remember this night!!

OLD SHIT!!!

2006-11-22T21:04:00.000-08:00

This was on the front page of the newspaper the day after my big WIN in HS!!!! Thanks Rod Greenwood for the nice laminated photo!!!
Running for WMU in 2000!!!
Drunken and disorderly!!!
PRE-MAC Meet in 2000!!!
Hot girl at the bar asked to see my tanlines!!!!!

Heres some old pictures of endeavors!!!!!

Time for a break.....

2006-11-21T19:18:00.000-08:00

A break from school that is. Ah, it is going to be refreshing, but I still have to work all week. I can not even go home over Thanksgiving due to the fact that my car is in the shop. I have the pleasure of having my transmission replaced. My car has been fuct for the past few months so it is needed badly. Nothing new in Good ole Kalamazoo other than some riding, and lots of that the past fews days, and also a bachelor party this Saturday. One of my old XC and track teammates from WMU is getting married soon and we are going to hit up the town this Saturday. This means many old friends and lots of tomfoolery. Its going to be a nasty night. Ciao!!!! I can't wait until all of my old boys are back in town. T-minus 4 days and counting.

Some more Favorites!!!

2006-11-13T22:07:00.000-08:00

Thumbs up before the Fury!!!
Ex CAT 3 Superweek overall champion defeated by ME!!!!!!
Boom, the legs are putting in WORK!!!!!
Leading with 1K to go at WMU Road Race!!!!!!!
Bombing at the Lansing Crit, with Alex looking on!!!!

Wow she is Beautiful!!!

2006-11-13T21:53:00.000-08:00

So I met this girl...... and her name is Taryn. And I am not even kidding this girl is absolutely beautiful. It was so bad that I did have to ask our 17 year old teammate to go grease the wheels for me. HMMMM, I am a damn sissy. Once she came over and we started talking I was just like hey can I get your number???? To my surprise she said yes. My roommate and best friend Matt said it is because I exude confidence. He thinks a lot of people mistake me for being cocky, and thats why he thinks women like me. "If you act like your special then some women may believe it, no matter what you look like." Awesome though. Other than that, school, work, yada, yada, got a 24 hour flu bug. But yeah Taryn is sexy, hahahaha. Over and out!!!! Thank Nicky for the comments on my paper, Love ya!!!

renew????

2006-11-11T17:39:00.000-08:00

So it was pretty chilly out today, though not cold enough for the winter booties yet.... I did have enough of non rain to get 2 and a half hours in and I felt really good, so I hit up some longer climbs that Kalamazoo has to offer. Other than that I have just been trying to renew my sponsorship with Maxxis, because lets face it there Courchevel tires are amazing. I think I got damn near 40 races and training on one pair of tires this past season. I already receiver confirmation that I will have my Sidi sponsorship again. So thats a good sign.
Tomorrow the big boys that WMU cycling has to offer has a nice 3-4 hour ride to do, which I look forward to with eager anticipation. I also have bowling league tomorrow night and a dreaded paper to write for Tuesday nights class. I chose to write the paper on the importance of recess in Elementary School. I mean lets face it, kids are getting fatter each year. So that is my plan of action. If any of you are reading this come out and support WMU Cycling Wednesday at the flagpoles, we have our annual ride-a-thon to try to raise some extra cash. OK back to work !!! Later Dudes

Some favorites and back at it

2006-11-10T23:32:00.000-08:00

Jer Bear Rollin at the WMU circuit race!!!
Mike Rabe Stage race after the bee sting on the hand!
AAVC Spring series race, going solo near the end to catch remnants of the break!
Trying to FLY at Ada!!!
Josh and myself at Purdue getting ready for the ITT!

These are a few of my favorite pictures from the 2006 racing season. As I have gotten back to training I have had the pleasant surprise of great happiness lately. Not to mention the fact that I have A's in all my classes this semester thus far. I also got a 95% on my math exam today, so Giddy up. The weather is really depressing right now.....RAIN. Its calling for snow tomorrow, so I may be on the cross bike or in on the trainer, but I want to ride so will do what is needed. Other than that, I already got my Christmas present and I am typing away on my brand new laptop. Now it is a super computer, but it is much better than what I had. Thanks mom and dad, you guys are awesome. I really can't wait for some home cooking at Thanksgiving. I also have been put on Adderal for my severe ADHD. I knew something was wrong, but this has helped a lot to just focus on what I need to do. The only problem is that I took the medication too late one night and spent 42 hours without sleep.
Anyways, on to another subject, I can't believe Discovery signed Basso. I mean I am elated that he is on a PRO TOUR team, but are they taking a risk of him not riding Le Tour or Giro???? Time will tell. Let me know what you think about the Basso situation if you would like. I also want to thank Doug Gatto for his season long dedication to taking pictures of everyone while they race. I am thinking about getting a digital camera so I can get some action pictures of Doug to return the favor. I also would like to thank Kevin Vichinsky, Andrey Bucharov, and Zolton Cohen for the pictures above as well. We have to give props to those who help us relive our sporting lives through pictures and or video!!! Thanks to all who do this. I AM OUT!!!!

Busy Life

2006-11-08T22:32:00.000-08:00

Ah, I feel like a new little boy. I actually slept in today, as I have been doing lately, and went to work for an hour, yes ONE hour, I realized it was too nice out to not ride my bike so I asked a favor of a co-worker and went for a 2 hour crusher. My fitness is still really good, but I did realize it is not as good as it was, so now the work starts. Today was the first day I wanted to ride and it felt great. I would like to thank Nicky, Jeff, Doug, MI scene man, and all of you who have encouraged me to keep plugging along. I actually took some medicine for my ADHD today and it helped tremendously. I sat down and did math for 5 hours straight. I have a quiz tomorrow so I want to get another 100%. I realized my cycling goals have also transfered over to school finally. I hate getting 90%, because that means there is room for improvement. I just can't wait for february and the first race of the year..... Schaboble Road Race. It should be a KILLER!!!! I hope to see you Nicky when you come to town this weekend, we can listen to some G-Unit, haha. Inside joke there. I am off to bed to sleep for 5 hours and go take that quiz!!! Peace and Love!!!

Want some Curry with that???

2006-11-07T22:25:00.000-08:00

So I realized why this second degree is putting it to me..... an Indian teacher who can not teach and can not speak english coherently!!! I am not saying anything about foreigners, because I know and like a lot of them, I just wish WMU would put teachers in classes who know HOW to TEACH. This teacher teaches us one way to do equations, then I get my book open later at night and I realize they have a different way of explaining everything. So I am left to teach myself, I do have a 92% in the class as of right now, but I have done it all on my own. Fucking balls.
I have been back on the bike though and it gets a lot of anger out, even when my idiot roommate and his drunken friends are playing video games and drinking while I ride the trainer. If I didn't ride I would be about 3 days away from sticking a goddamn pair of scissors through my skull some days. Other than that, I am just looking to ride as much as possible this winter and still do the school thing. I have a lot of friends who have been telling me to keep my head up, and even one well respected State Champion who invited me to dinner, so thanks to everyone for giving me the support. Hopefullynthese posts will get more eventful very soon, cuz lets face it, my life is BORING right now. Also the Michigan scene blog author, whomever you may be, great job with the blog and thanks for the kind words. My friends are waiting for me, I am just to dumb to see it at times!!!! As Jim Rome would say I AM OUT!!!! Oh yeah Giddy up COLTS, my boys Peyton, Marvin and Reggie Wayne are tearing it up for my fantasy team!!! Gotta love that!

Seen Better Days!!!

2006-11-04T17:19:00.000-08:00

So I know my updates have been few and far between, there are reasons for this and I am going to let my readers in on them. I have been really depressed lately and in all honesty I have taken more days off in the past 5 weeks then I have in the past 2 years combined. I just have been really down on how much debt I will be in after my second degree and really can't seem to get that off my mind. I know everything hapens for a reason and yada yada yada, but I can't help feeling lost. I have not had contact with many people lately and at this point I don't really know if I want to ride anymore! Time will tell I guess. I am OUT!!!

School, Weddings, Work and Bikes!!!

2006-10-29T22:23:00.000-08:00

I have been away for a bit and it has been NICE!!! I have been busy with school and work, but still had time to get out a few days and put some training in. The highlight of my week was a wedding I attended, which was a childhood friend getting married, and as her parents and my parents are best friends it was only right that I attended. I went with my best girl friend Nicky Smith and she is awesome, even though we made fun of the gay 5 year old all day, HAHA!!! Thanks again Nicky, U RULE!!! It was also awesome to see mom and dad, as they have become my best friends and I can talk to them about anything and we just sit there and laugh our asses off. So Saturday was Great!
Then Sunday I woke up to say goodbye to Nicky and go for a ride. At the beginning of September we had roughly 20 people/ teammates joining us on our rides. As it has gotten a bit nippy out the numbers have taken a hit severely and today it was just our top guns out together. Myself, Josh, Dave and Alvin all went for a nice ride and I realized I get a bit giddy when I get with those guys, I kinda get the urge to HAMMER!!! It is going to be a great collegiate season and I am starting full preparations now. I enjoyed the time off and will continue to do so, but I want those guys and myself to do something special as it is our last season as teammates for WMU. We are also going to start doing the TT work on some Sundays together, because if we all put the work in together I think we could put together some decent Team Time Trial performances. Life is pretty good, so I am going to go to bed and enjoy "the warmth". OUT!!!

Reality Check

2006-10-19T19:30:00.000-07:00

So I got a HUGE reality check today. I will not be done with my teaching degree until Spring 2010 (best case sceneario). That means I will be 28 when I get my 2nd degree, and I damn near quit today just thinking about that. Then a great person made me realize if I really want this then now is the time. I thought I should talk to my mom and dad and see what they thought, but Jeff really helped me make up my mind. Thanks Jeff. That is why I love cycling and every little aspect about it. These teammates and guys you race against are not just "guys on bikes", some of them just happen to be the best damn guys in the world.
I would also like to thank Louie for helping me get the cross bike in riding order. How was it you may ask??? I will just say I have gained so much respect for those who race cyclocross and mountain bikes. Needless to say I will not EVER talk shit to anyone who rides a bike again. Now I am positive the more I get on it and practice the dismounts the easier it will get, but its not as easy as it looks. Although I did "eyeball" my seat height and took an allen wrench with me on my ride, but I felt at home as soon as I was clipped in and I have never had that before with any bike. So thats a huge plus.
Last to mention work.....um well haven't been doing much of that lately. I have been focused on school 100% and getting advised and just making sure I am happy. Oh and napping has definitely been a priority lately. Now I have to go get ready for a math exam tomorrow and then out for a ride with the tough guys from Kzoo. PEACE!!!!

Tigers/ Cards

2006-10-17T20:52:00.000-07:00

Could this really happen??? At the beginning of the year I was joking with a few buddies. They ask who I have got this year, and jokingly I said well you can always count on the Tigers, and in the NL I really like the Cards. I am only 1 game away from being right. Saying this I know there are many of you shaking your heads, thinking to yourself "this no talent ass clown did not really say that." I jokingly said the Tigers, hoping that someday I would get to witness my favorite team from my first real passion in life do something great. Someone was listening because they are there and they really don't have stars on their team. Other than Pudge, it is a team of role players a la the Detroit Pistons. No one is "GREAT", but everyone does their part. Thats my schpeeel on the MLB playoffs.
Now on to even better things, I got advised today and realized the hardest part of my second degree is going to be the math classes. I just have to put in the time. My Education classes look to be pretty damn easy, but nothing is ever handed to you in life.
Finally I awaited my cross bike arrival all day long and at 5:20 I had to leave for class. So I made a call to my roommates girlfriend asking nicely if she would come to our place and sign for it if it came as my roommate was at work. Well there was a communication error and she ended up not coming over as she misunderstood me. Needless to say I got home from class only to realize that there is a missed delivery note on my door. Oh well, I guess I will just have to pick it up tomorrow myself. YES A NEW BIKE!!! OK enough of this newbies sad ass blog as one guest writer put it. The sad thing is I may be a newbie, but if you are reading this and take the time to comment it must be "worth it".

HUGE P.S. Kelly Wyckoff is 26 today and it damn near slipped my mind. Happy 26th Kelly and I hope to visit you soon.

Jackass 2

2006-10-13T21:29:00.000-07:00

So I just got home from my second viewing of Jackass 2. Louie and Josh and I went to see it and it was not as good if you know whats coming. Ah well, it was good to get out and do something. On another note i have not riden a bike in the past 5 days and I have to say it fells amazing to actually rest. I need some time to just lay back and chill, so this was a much needed break. Tomorrow I begin my preparations for next year, and as things look now, we have a very solid team for the collegiate season. I know that Josh will always be ready, but now Dave, Alvin and myself have to step up and put some points on the board. I also recently was involved in an online scam which cost me $493.00. I was bidding on a cross bike on ebay and I lost the bid, then I receive a second chance offer from the "supposed" seller. He told me I could get the bike for $450.00 if I sent the money via Western Unoin. I didn't even think about it until the day after I had sent the money. I have had to contact the FBI and the state Police to try to sort out the matter, but they say my money is probably gone and never to be seen again. So what did I do..... I bought another cross bike the day after and it should be in my possession by Tuesday. Other than that things are tremendous. I haven't shaved my legs in about 2 weeks and any bike racer will tell you that it feels somewhat awkward. Nevertheless it is also nice. School is great as I have nothing worse than a BA right now in any class. OK, I don't really wanna blog due to the fact that I have let all my emotions on my sleeve in the past, but I am trying to keep some things in. Some people can't understand it, but I have had a g/f for the past few weeks, but I just choose to take it day by day and not get to excited by one person. But thing are good and I am not worried about someone else as I have been in the past. OUT!!!!

Little Bits of everything

2006-10-07T14:28:00.000-07:00

You know how people tell you the worst qualities about you it makes you mad. Well today Josh and I went on a ride in the country. Usually I take offense to everything, but coming from him and what he told me about my riding and what I should do to improve my riding, I welcome it. He has told me so much this past year, but some times I was too hard headed to read into it. Today I heard everything for the first time. I look back and just wonder why the hell I didn't listen sooner. There are some things I need to do to improve and make some head way as a cyclist. Yeah its cool to be a local guy tearing up the MICHIGANSCENE as some terd is calling it nowadays, but there are bigger and better races to be at and compete in. I know I have things to work on and I am taking steps to do that.
Second, people who may tell you that you HAVE to take time off at the end of the season are crazy I think. If you love riding your bike or training, then hell train your brains out. True one can not train year round at the level needed to compete, but now my days are filled with class, ork and easy training rides, with a few races with cars mixed in. Today though was probably the best ride I have done in a VERY LONG time. There were litle bits of everything from closed off bridges to maneuver around, to chip and seal roads, to dirty roads, to perfectly brand new blacktop. Josh and I just headed southeast of Kalamazoo I believe and it was the first time since early February where I did not care where we were headed or how fast we were going. I really needed today to just clear my head and enjoy the great fall day that it was.
Lastly, I FINALLY received my last statement from my credit cards and the balance on ALL of them is NOW ZERO. It has been a hard year trying to juggle school, work and racing while the whole time worrying about being $12,000 in debt. It took 9 months to get out of it and a little help from mom and dad paying my rent for a few months, but hopefully I can pay them back in short order. I will just tell people this, if you have credit cards and expect they will never catch up with you, THEY WILL. I learned thsi lesson sooner rather than later and I am a better person for climbing and clawing my way out of debt. I have written enough for one day and you are all sick of me, so I am off to watch the TIGERS WIN against the Skankees, I mean Yankees. JETER WHO?????

What a team is made of!!!

2006-10-05T22:02:00.000-07:00

Here is part of a race report from the Tour of Leelanau. This is what we do in race situations when the team leader gets a flat. This is an unspoken rule in cycling and for once I did something correct. Can't wait to do it all again next year. The race is now a UCI event, which means not just the best in the state anymore, but the best in the nation and even domestic pros from all around the world. Here is what Jeff had to say about the middle of the race.

The race was all and more that all of us thought it would be. Hard Hard, Hills,
Hills, Long, Long!

Personally I had more misfortune in one race then I have ever had, but I am
thankful that I had teammates who believed in me and supported me along the way. After I
flatted around mile mark 50, John Rigdon came on the radio to tell guys I had flatted.
Jason Brake, Jason Rafeild and Jeremy all dropped back to motor pace me back. Jeremy
went as far as to offer me his wheel. What team support!

If I had to do it again, I would easily do the same for any teammate that I thought would have a better chance to WIN a race. Thats what we are there for is to WIN period. If I can be any help to anyone who can WIN on my team, then I have done my job. Most outsiders look at cycling as man against man, but the truth is Lance Armstrong would not have won 7 straight Tours without the one team he was on. That is why this is not an individual sport. OVER and OUT!!!

THE ZONE!!!

2006-10-03T19:06:00.000-07:00

Okay so today was one of those days you all read about. I went out riding and everything was effortless. I mean effortless to the point where I felt like I had no chain, soon enough that would ring true.
To start my day I had my first math test, and I scorched that mother. 95% and the one I got wrong was a error of not transfering a negative sign. So I was on top of the world and ready to go out for a ride, but ever since Leelanau I have not felt good at all. Just sluggish in everything, attacks, bridging gaps, and general acceleration issues. Well today was a whole other story. I figure I will hit out early and get in a nice 2 hour spin. Less than 25 minutes in and my body is all systems go. I mean everything from tunnel vision to not even feeling the effort to roll at 26 MPH( no wind to speak of). So I am getting this crushing ride in when all of a sudden I take a corner full speed and come out of it, stand up and put slight pressure on the pedals and BOOM. I immediately feel no resistance, so I figure I dropped my chain. I look down and my chain had just exploded and one link was shaped like a T. So I wait for an hour for a ride home and take a nap and after the nap I go to the bike shop. I had the chain for 15 days and it failed, so Josh called Shimano and they said they would warranty it. So I get home after buying a few goodies at the shop and decide to ride to class and leave my bike at work and hoof it the rest of the way. I get 1/4 of a mile and I feel the chain is not feeling normal so I shift to see if it is the gear I am in. All of a sudden it happens again, but this time I stopped in time to just mangle the chain, a few links being completely twisted. So now I am even more furious cuz I have to walk a mile and a half to class. Regardless there is something wrong with my derailleur or my cassette, or something in my drivetrain. So now I can't do the Wednesday night ride unless I use my TT bike. Maybe this is the lords way of telling me to take some time off after a long season. Just goes to show u a GREAT day can all go bad in the blink of and eye, or the shift of a gear. Hopefully this gets fixed before the ride tomorrow. Peace!!!

BTR Criterium and Birthday Recap

2006-10-01T21:35:00.000-07:00

So the road season in Michigan has now ended, but the last race was much harder than I had anticipated. The day started with Graham Howard attacking and me being the only one wanting to go with his move. Graham is so strong and it took a lot to get up to him. The race actually had only 15 riders, but there were no slouches in the race. So attacks and counter attackes were continuous. Three Priority guys got away with Greg Christian and we were the ones obligated to chase, I damn near dropped myself by trying to get Jeff back to the breakaway, but we reeled it in. Soon enough Jeff was away and I was in the position of having to just sit on, but Greg was a MONSTER at this race. He damn near single handedly pulled back the break with Jeff, Tucker, Graham and Ben. All I can say to Greg is kudos for riding like a bull. Nevertheless, I talked with Vince and told him I was gonna attack and to counter it if I got brought back. My attack lasted 3/4 of a lap and then right on cue Vince tried his move. I have no problem sacrificing my results for guys like Jeff and Vince, thats what a team player is. Well the sprint came and it seemed like no one wanted t hit out, then all of a sudden Dave Boboltz made the smartest move I have ever seen him make and he jumped HARD. It didnt work, but great job Dave. As I am not a sprinter I ended up 10th and Vince got 8th. Jeff rode like the man we all expect from him and ended up 4th after having to counter every move in the break. Nice job guys, its a true pleasure to race with these two riders and friends.
After the race I left after chatting with everyone from the 1/2 field. The turn out was poor, but thanks to those who came and gave their all. I then went out to celebrate my 25th birthday with MOM. We went and got some goodies from Sam's club and my mom spoiled me rotten. I also got a new IPOD and it is AWESOME. Then we had some lunch and mom made her way home. I found out where I get all my best qualities...... from my loving parents. How did I get so lucky in life. The rest of the night was filled with drunken debauchery. It had been 9 months since I got crooked. All I have to say to those of u whom attended the festivities is thanks, I love you guys more than I can express. I did end up running nearly 6 miles home in Doc Martens, which was a task to say the least, but drunkeness and driving do not mix, so I made the right choice. My quads are killing me from my little run at 3 AM, but I was in bed by 4:20 AM and awoke to a beautiful Sunday morning and went out for a 3 hour ride. Thanks for everything and everyone who made my birthday the best I can recall hands down. To my Sunrise teammates, thanks for everything all season and I can't wait for next year. To my friends, thanks for always being there even when you really can't stand to look at me. Most importantly to mom and dad, thanks for ALWAYS being there regardless of the shit I get myself into, I love you two more than I could ever show. I am sappy and tired so I am gonna go curl up in the fetal position and suck my thumb now!!! Thanks for reading. OUT!

Got my car fixed its my Birthday.....

2006-09-30T05:54:00.000-07:00

Ok, so in 3 hours is the BTR crit and I am just waiting to head over to the race. As it is in my backyard, almost literally, I am looking for a good result. My mom is coming over to watch the race today and I can not say enough about my mom, all I am going to say is most amazing woman EVER. I decided yesterday to buy Jay Rafelds Ridley Crossbow (cyclocross) frame, fork, headset, brakes, and a few other small pieces from him. I also oredered a 2006 Shimano 105 Groupset and some new pedals and shoes for a few cyclocross endeavors. It is not gauranteed that I am going to race cyclocross, but I am gong to get away from the road bike for a good month and just go out into the woods and be alone and hammer myself to exhaustion. Other than that, things are better than ever. I turn 25 today, but I still feel like I am 18, so we will just say I am 18 for the seventh year in a row. OK, I am gonna go shower and go out to the race, hopefully all goes well today! Take care everyone as I may take a hiatus from blogging for a few weeks! Later

Rain Rain dont go away!!!

2006-09-27T17:34:00.000-07:00

OK, so I have been a really busy tike lately. I actually have been putting a lot of time into my math class as I really want to understand every aspect of my future. So this has taken away from cycling ( not really though, theres always time for a ride), blogging but more importantly my TV and sleep time. I think I have gotten 6 hrs combined in 2 nights this week. So I went and did the Wednesday night ride tonight, thinking my legs would be shit, but I had some quality legs. One gentleman came up to me during the ride and said, "can you stop trying to rip our legs off." It was actually pretty fun with myself, Jay Rafeld, Jeff Hamilton, Taylor Birmann, and Ben Renjema came down to say hey and cruise with us. At one point I jammmed on the gas and it immediately started pouring, and not that piddly shit that u see outside called sprinkles. This was full blown Major Taylor RR 2005 rain. Most of you can recall that, haha. But I better stop this ranting and raving, I am pumped for my last road race of the season, and my birthday on the same day. Now it is off to Ludwigs for some math nerding by the 2 of us. Oh yeah, I may be getting a cross bike, be afraid, be very afraid!!! Later!

Hi, my name is stupid!!!

2006-09-21T08:35:00.000-07:00

I am sitting her after just getting out of math class and I just realized I muffed the quiz today. What a dumbass I am. We had to factor this polynomial. x squared - 15x +14. Me being the jackass I am and always being in a hurry, I think I got it wrong just because I lacked my thinking skills at the moment. It is really and easy equation though (x-1)(x-14). Damn me, I am so stupid. But now, it is time for work all weekend. I am so pissed that I fuct my math skills up today. Other than that I hate the cold, but riding must be done. Later terds.

Leelanau ROCKED!!!

2006-09-16T20:03:00.000-07:00

In one word, HOLY SHIT, ok so two words, haha. Well I haven't been on lately because I was sick and was unsure of how my form really was, but it came around in time. Friday night Dave and I headed up to his great aunts cottage and previewed a bit of the course with a narly descent. It was narly due to the fact that it was all tree covered and it was 8 pm so you really could not see going into the corners, not to mention the damn bird that flew at me on the way down, so needless to say I was worried about the race and what was going to happen.
Race day was full on, we suited up, hooked up our radios and got to the line really early and we were ready to go. I got lined up next to last years winner Nick Reistad and had a few Jokes with him. Thats the funny thing about cycling, everyone can chat and get along pretty well.
The race rolled out of town and up the climb out of Leeland, which was much easier than last year. Really the race did not get hard till the first KOM and I easily made it over there. Then I see a hand up, which means someone had a flat, and to my dismay it was Jeff our team captain. Me being the teammate and caring person I am I pulled over and told him to take my wheel, but the wheel truck was right there, so myself, Jeff and Jason Brake had to chase back on to the group which was rather easy. I was super pissed that the guys on our team watched Jeff roll back with the flat and no one offered a wheel to him, thats not team riding.
Anyways the race went over KOM number 2 and I was still feeling well, but at the third KOM, which was Tower Road ( named so for good reason) I found myself grinding up it in my easiest gear only to find I was the last guy over with the main group. Next thing I know a West Michigan Coast guy just sits up right in front of me. DAMN IT!!! I chased hard at 36 MPH (slightly downhill) for a good 8 minutes only to explode after not catching back on.
On the way up Tower Road I saw the LION OF FLANDERS flag and all I could think of was this was exactly like a European hard mans climb. For the rest of the race Jay myself and Rob Iser sat in and made a little tempo, but at one point "papa Tony" started yelling at everyone to work, but all the major players were up the road and we had no chance of catching them so I said, " Sorry God I am below you and I don't want to work anymore" as a joke. He got uber pissed at me and started berating me and at the 4th KOM he took off from the bottom. I bided my time and nearing the top I just shot by him like he wasn't moving. His reply to that was, "oh now you are gonna start working". All I told him was, "I know who is up the road and where all the Horsepower is and its not in this group." He commented something about him being a man and not a pussy. Needless to say, I didnt seem him after that. So we came to 80 miles and I started to look at my computer a lot on my bike. The last 25 miles were dragging ass, so I told Jay with 2 miles to go I was going to jump and make an effort. Finally that chance came and I went for it immediately getting a gap and blowing by Ben Renkema(National Champ and State Champ) after he got spit out of the main group. Well with about 1 kilometer left I got caught, but stayed right near the front. The sprint was more like a slow motion grind and I came in right behind Jay, around 35th place out of 158 starters. I was so tired, but I still managed a victory salute for the crowd just for fun. Thanks for the great commentary today Joe. This was the BEST and HARDEST thing I have ever done in my life. I can not wait for another go at it next year.
So my season is all but over now, there is still a criterium in KZOO on my birthday and I am going to do it for fun and enjoy the last dig for the season. I have learned so much from many people this year and proven to myself that I do belong in the field I am racing in. The only problem is that I want to train harder than ever and be a REAL factor next season. Thanks Sunrise boys for a great second half of the season. I would not trade it for anything. Also thanks to Ada Alltel boys for making me love this sport and still being friends when we see each other. Now I am off to sleep and work for a few hours before a three hour recovery ride tomorrow. Hopefully I will have some pics in short order. Also a huge thanks to the Sunrise support team for the great Feed Zone work today, other than the one dropped bottle I had it was PERFECT. Adieu!

911

2006-09-11T20:32:00.000-07:00

Five years after the terrorist attacks and I have changed a lot. Deep down I am the same guy I was 5 years ago, but I have different things to care about now. In 2001 I was contempalting not running anymore for WMU and trying to get healthy. I had so many injuries while I was running in college. I think I got to compete healthy maybe 5 times total. Since then I have found cycling and have had a job for the past 3 years. If you would have told me 5 years ago I would be acing a bike 105 miles this weekend I would have told you thats fucking NUTS!!! It is nuts, but it is really what makes me tick. The weather has sucked here the past couple days, which means full winter gear like arm warmers, leg warmers and jackets. Its too early for it to get shitty out.... or is it. Oh well, the riding has to be done. Other than that everything is extremely well. Although I hate little girls, aka girls who think they are women and are still little fucking girls in their head. Oh well, I have no time to worry about that as I work 35 hours a week and am taking classes and have to fit riding in somewhere. It is hard, but it can only make me a stronger person. OK, enough BS I have to wake up at 7 am for class and work all day and then riding on the trainer at night. Woo fuckin HOO!!! I have a potty mouth today, haha. God Bless America!!!

Ponder this!!!

2006-09-06T13:52:00.000-07:00

Cornering off of Maple Hill at Rockford!!! This is a new favorite of mine. Look at the cut in my claves!!!
The HOOTERS guy is showing the hurt face while I am just hanging out!!!
Josh, Ben and myself are in this pic, I am hanging out near the back!
Moving on up, this is another awesome pic, the calves are explodong again!
Digging to hold on, look at the head wobble I have going!

I have had a difficult last few days, actually the last week has been hard. I really wanted to race, but when it came down to it I realized how tired and worn down my body is. I can not even fight off a little cold right now. I took Monday and Tuesday and did not even look at my bike. Just a time of year that it is hard to get into a mode of normalcy for me. I am going back to school, which I found that I actually care about now. My first degree I got by sleeping through classes and just being a smart ass the whole time. Honestly I did not deserve that degree, so this one I want to work for and mean something. I really let my teammates down by not attending this weekend and that hurts me more than letting myself down. I just hope they understand if I had it my way I would race everday. The only positive that came out of last weekend was that I got to hear the live audio feed from the USA Road Championships. I was really pulling for one of the continental pros to win it, but the UCI guys had an arrangement and when is Hincapie going to lose in his home town??? Other than that I got out for a good 4 hour ride today and I was not to pumped to be riding but I just put myself through the pain to get ready for Leelanau. I am actually going to ride the trainer for 2 hours tonight also to get some more time in. I realized I race much better and feel much better when I train A LOT. What is A LOT you may ask, well for me about 20-25 hours a week. So heres to all my teammates, I hope I can repay my debts to you guys at Leelanau!!! OVER AND OUT!!!

Why do I still blog

2006-08-31T19:07:00.000-07:00

Crappy day all around. Had to stock a lot of beer and beverages for the drunken idiots in kalamazoo!!! what is a lot.... try about 600 cases of liquids, mostly 30 packs of brew. We did the math and it came to more than 10,000 lbs of lifting shit. So needless to say I had some shitty legs today!!! Oh well, still have some racing to do this weekend. Sorry I hate being on this right now and I have to wake at 6 am to work, so I am out!!! Peace Creeps...

Super Pissed

2006-08-30T18:48:00.000-07:00

OK, Now Jer Bear is not so pleased. First off, a shitty day at work. Then I come home to surf the web and realize the results are up for Rockford. I click the link in anticipation and to my dismay i find that I was placed 47th. What the FUCK??? Yeah i said it. I worked my ass off all year to get some decent results thus far and Rockford was a super hard race and I raced well. Only for some idiots to place me behind guys who were sitting on the side of the road watching the race. Nothing against anyone who raced, because I have a lot of respect for almost everyone in the 1-2 field, minus a few. I did not work all year for some "volunteer" to fuck up and screw me in the rear. Basically all i am saying is have people who are in the sport do the results, and for that matter people who have an education and can spell. Everyone on the sunrise team knows how I rode so i should not be dissappointed, but shit, if you are going to have a race do it right and if guys are off the back immediately, yank their asses. I can not believe this happens at races with such a huge following. I know how I did, and results now are meaningless to me. Why??? Because on any given day some pedestrian who is at a race to help out can dictate your fate regardless of how you did. Way to drop the ball, that is to whomever was in charge of the results at Rockford. I would like to give them a Karl Menzies double bird salute......
To top it off, today i started the Wednesday night ride and Jeff attacked straight away. I chased and then Jay and the cop bridged up to me. We caught up to Jeff and shortly there after I felt my bike getting a lil squirrely, and it took me a minute to realize my Maxxis Courchevel is coming apart...literally. I have raced and trained on them since February, so I can't be mad, just happy it didn't happen in a race. Luckily a gentleman was there to pump my tire back up and I made it 1 mile and it was flat again. So I called Louie and he came and got me. So the rest of my night consisted of me training on my Zipps. FUCKING A....what a day!!!

Its a new day!!!

2006-08-28T19:04:00.000-07:00

I was celebrating here because I heard a Michigan guy had won the race. Too bad it was Ben and not Jeff, but 2nd wasn't too shabby either, but they are both my pals nonetheless. After thinking about it and how the fella to my left is looking at me it was probably not the best idea to be looking away at this point of the finish!!!
Mark and I coming out of corner #8. I am on the far left of the pic.
Mark and John finishing at Downers grove.

Why is Jeremy so happy??? Because I don't have a care in the world. Everything happens for a reason and I am just pumped to get through work this week and race for 3 straight days. You would think I would be sick of racing at this point in the season, but Rockford made me realize I am coming into great form again. Today I had to slave away on the trainer for 2 hours because of the monsson that hit KZOO today. Oh well, its all gravy on this side of the state. Peace kids!!! Thanks to Katherine for the pics, aka Sunrise Sports Cycling Team #1 supporter!!!

Its Picture Time Kids!!!

2006-08-27T19:10:00.000-07:00

The 4 Amigos, oh u did not hear they added uno amigo!!!! After the national championship race!!!
Me at Rockford doing about 30-35 MPH, this is in the last 10 minutes or so and I look to be at ease!!! HAHA, little do you know it was a scorcher!

Here are a few pics from Downers Grove Illinois and the Rockford Criterium!!! Thanks to Mr. Boboltz for the Rockford pic and thanks to Mark Caswell and his wife for the Doners Grove pic. Thanks to Jeremy for looking so damn awesome, oh wait is it wrong to thank myself, NOPE didn't think so!!!!

THE ROCK!!!

2006-08-27T16:40:00.000-07:00

OK, so Rockford was awesome!!! Priority brought almost there whole pro team, minus Brent. Kirk O'Bee from Health Net made an appearance, and the best Michigan racers were there as well. The field was about 70 strong for 10 minutes or so. The first 15 minutes are so fast in Criteriums and this was no different. So plan A was to survive the first part, which i did rather easily. Last year the climb was excrutiatingly hard, this year I was big ringing it every time up. A group of the Priority pros got away and everyone was content with letting them show there pro team off, or actually not dumb enough to go with them haha. Halfway through I was feeling good, but it was HUMID OUT!!! So I put in a little attack up the climb and as I went by Jeff he asked who was left from our team and all i could say was, "you and me baby". The attack didnt go anywhere as I am not all that powerful. So I decided to sit in and wait till the end. The pace heated up real fast with about 10 minutes to go. I got popped off the group with 5 minutes to go or soand just cruised from there. I guess there were only about 25 finishers and I was somewhere around 20th. Not too bad for a kid with no talent in his second year of racing. Then i got to drive straight back to Kalamazoo and work from 6pm to 2 am and then get up and do it again from 9 am to 4 pm. I was not satisfied with my ride yesterday so i ent out for a nice 4 hour ride and did some hill work. Sad thing is it was more like a 4 hr tempo ride as I got in 83 miles. I also got to visit the ambulance after the race as I had heat stroke again. I have found something that a lot of athletes can't find.... The way to completely annihilate myself and go back and keep trying to find that zone that is just too uncomfortable for pleasure. I guess that has to be my best assett, so if I can get down to 135 lbs. and train consistantly the sky is the limit. I mean I have been racing for 2 years and have beat many guys who have been doing this for 10 + years, so should I be dissappointed in myself??? I guess thats what makes me an athlete, always looking for something more and never resting on what I have done or talking about what i think I can do. Let the legs do the talking, and hopefully they will speak loud enough for people to hear it. Over and out good buddy!!!

Its upon us

2006-08-25T18:38:00.000-07:00

ROCKFORD CRIT..... PAIN is all I remember from this race last year.. I believe I took 12th, but this year will be totally different as I am in the service of my teammates. Everything for them and if I finish then thats a plus. I felt really good today on the bike, maybe because I finally put my comp on after I saw how Graham did his up. It didn't fit on my K-wing bars so I had to mount it on my stem. I also redid my bar tape and I have to say white looks amazing. OK, I better get some sleep and get back to work. I hate working till 2 AM!!! BOOOOOOOO!!!! Over and out good buddy! Thanks for lending me ur car for the race Adam, as my car is not trustworthy!!!

Vuelta a Espana is a delicious third dish!!!

2006-08-24T19:10:00.000-07:00

I believe those are wings, cuz the man can FLY!!! Hopefully we see this A LOT!!!!
Can someone please give me a shot of Jack, or rub some ointment on my stomach?? PLEASE!!!
I wonder if Saiz or Fuentes can inject me on the fly??? Too little time to find out!!

So the Vuelta starts this Saturday and there will be guys slugging it out for the third Grand Tour of the season. Menchov, Sastre, and Valverde are my top 3, that is if Valverde can make it to Madrid in one piece. I would love to see Sastre win a Grand Tour finally, he deserves it!!! Anyways these guys up top will not be there, other than Petacchi, and I hope Ale-Jet turns on the turbo boosters, because watching him sprint is a ture work of art!!! I am OUT!!!

Quickie

2006-08-23T20:07:00.000-07:00

Thats me at the National Championships, but I don't look too happy to be racing!!!

Here is a quickie, because I think I got that pic from Downers Grove!!! Still waiting on a few from Jeff and John! Where the hell are the other pics fellas, hehe!!! Over and OUT!!!

Rockford is coming up!!

2006-08-23T16:35:00.000-07:00

Meet Karl Menzies, though he may not look like it this guy is a bad ass on a bike. More results than I can think of! He will be at Rockford and he will most likely be giving these to the field as he rides away!!! Photo courtesy of Garrett Peltonen! Hope you don't mind G!!!

So the Rockford Crit is this Saturday and I hear Karl "ten" Menzies will be there. This race is really one of the harder crits I have ever done in my breif cycling career, but it has a nice kicker in the middle of it to sort things out. At this level though everyone can pretty much grind up it and stay in the group as the second half is all downhill. Last year Ben Renkema blew the race to pieces in the first 4 laps. Hopefully this year I can play a hand, or maybe I will be working for the team. Who knows, but whatever it is I will have to be ready.
School is also about to start back up and Jacob and I have been talking about being co-presidents for WMU's cycling team this year. I just hope everything runs smooth like it did last year and we can raise some decent money for vans and hotels while on the road. OK, now I have some sponsorship proposals to work on for myself and the WMU team for next year so I am out!!! Me being a teacher is going to be scary for ur kids, don't ya think?

PHEW!!!!

2006-08-22T20:32:00.000-07:00

Ah so another day and an extraordinarily hard ride for a Tuesday! I met up with Jeff Hamilton ( cat 2 runner-up at Downers Grove this past weekend) and we did some good work on the bike. We did some hill repeats with accelerations after the crest of the hills. Hit 6th street up twice and he lost me 3/4 of the way up the last time. He can not only sprint but he can climb too. SCARY!!! Seriously though he put the hurt on me in a big way, but it is always good to ride with someone as accomplished as him. We had a good talk about what he expects of me next year and how much I can improve. I also let him in on the notion that it is easy to race aggressively like I do when I know my teammates can back me up if needed. I really enjoyed todays ride other than the smackdown I was given. It was just nice to get out and get efforts in with a true hard worker like Jeff. I just hope some day I can aspire to his level in the sport, but we will see. I am a little pissed about some things, but I got myself into it so I have to dig my way out! Other than that I am looking forward to Rockford and getting the hurt layed upon us by Manzies and O'Bee. Should be a bloodbath, but I am ready to suffer like a stuffed pig! OK, I have a lot to do and the day off tomorrow so I will be saying so long. Hopefully this pic from Downers shows up on here, if not I apologize for the inconvenience!!! OUT!!!

Downers was kind of a downer!!!

2006-08-20T18:40:00.000-07:00

Bensenville Criterium @ Superweek 2005
Bensenville again, cornering!
Same corner same place!!!
Downers Grove National Championships 2005!!!

So I have returned from Downers Grove in one piece, but the race was good, kinda!!! We got to the line early but I missed my clip not once, but 4 times. I never unclip my left shoe at the start and that may have been the problem. Regardless I had really good legs, but it was just hard to move up on the course. I spent 40 minutes coming from the back of the pack to almost the front, but not close enough. We averaged 27.5 MPH for the race, which isn't too fast, but I am just pissed I couldn't help Jeff out. Finishing races of this caliber are hard enough, but I have worked to hard to just be pack fill. Michigan boys went 1-2 in our race. Ben Renkema won and Jeff (my teammate) was 2nd, so it was good to have our jersey get onto the podium. I looked at the results after a cooldown and realized I was not in them, so I protested and received a fine for having my number "placed incorrectly" . Fucking beauraucratic dipshits. I got 21st, but the finishing camera did not show my number so who knows where they placed me. I sat up cuz I heard a Michigan rider won it and I thought it was Jeff, but got pissed cuz it wasn't. Congrats to Ben and Jeff, you guys make Michigan look really good in the sport. We got some sweet pics from a professional photographer and I hope he emails me them. Until then here are a few from Superweek and the National Championships last year. I was about 15 pounds heavier last season and you can tell. Oh yeah, I was so pissed at how I rode at Downers Grove I put in a 2 hour ride when I got home. So yeah I am not content. OUT!!!

Lots going on

2006-08-18T20:01:00.000-07:00

So I have had so much good news lately I have no reason to be depressed.... and I am super busy to boot! First off I want to say thank you to everyone who has believed in me and looked out for me in cycling, not just Josh, Louie, Dave, Jeff, Jay and my really close cycling friends, but also people like John Rigdon, Joe Lekovish, and I have to mention Doug Gatto for his seriously sweet pictures that he provides for all Michigan racers. Without all of you the world would be a much dimmer place. OK, I have found out some news about next year, but can't divuldge anything. All I will say is I love the team I am on and the guys I race with. We have confidence in eachother and thats all I can ask for. I also was asked to go do an interview for the Tour of Leelanau race with the promoter Steve Brown and John Rigdon in Lansing on Wednesday. I don't know if I can make it to the meeting though.
I also found out the 4 man 50 Kilometer TTT is a go!!! WOO HOO. Finally down to the big one.....DOWNERS GROVE. This is the National Championships of Criterium cycling in the U.S. I am heading out tomorrow with Josh Tarrant and doing the Elite 2 Race on Sunday. I have had great legs all year really and can not let this chance pass me by to have great legs again. I will admit that I have a problem accepting the fact on how much I have improved. I know there are still guys who are stronger then me, but it doesn't scare me or deter me from making the steps necessary to get to that level. Honestly with how everything has been going lately the only concern I really have is how much time I will put in to better myself when October 1st hits. I am not taking any time off after the season. Maybe a day here or there, but I WANT to get better and prove I can do some exciting things on a bike. There is just so much to look forward to, and beliving in something is the hardest thing to do. If you believe in something, I mean truly believe, then it is a miracle. AND I believe in myself!!! OUT!!!

P.S. Danielle I hope everything goes to plan for you and I have my fingers crossed, and bring ur bike with you for a little spin before you start running again!

A breath of fresh air!!!!

2006-08-16T20:52:00.000-07:00

So I feel a lot better these past two days. Got in some solid time on the bike Tuesday, and tonight Taylor and I battled out the first sprint of the Wednesday night ride with me claiming the victory. Honestly I do not think he ever came out of my draft. Regardless, I did not want to over-do it with just getting out of the hospital, so I cut off after the sprint and headed in and did a little tempo. Its weird how I have went from feeling like death to feeling normal in a few days. I guess I just take feeling normal or even good forgranted. I will not soon forget though how good it feels to ride my bike and be free. I realized how much I missed it when I couldn't move for 4 days. Anyway, the big show is this weekend. The National Championships in Downers Grove, Illinois. We are going to have a decent set of guys there for Sunrise and I have high ambitions, not because I am cocky, but because I am confident in myself and my teammates. Finally, teammates that I have complete confidence in, and I have to tell you it feels phenomenal. OK, I gotta roll to work at 7 AM. I may do a long post tomorrow. By the way, Happy Birthday Adam, and the dinner at the Bee's was awesome. Too bad my big mouth always gets us into trouble. Skeet Skeet!!! HAHA, later!

Doping and Diarreha

2006-08-15T08:36:00.000-07:00

So things are OK I guess with me. I have been to the hospital to sort the affair with my stomach out and have only ridden once since Friday. It makes me so mad because i want to finish the season well, but things happen for a reason and I have had a great season thus far..... better than I could have asked for I guess. We will see what happens.
Second, I will finally come out on my stance on the professional cycling doping scene. I am so depressed that the sport I love is scrutinized by everyone and they think we are all on something. While I was in the hospital the nurse gave me something into one of my IV's and it was second nature to ask her exactly what it was and what purpose it served. I guess it is very true that anyone can put something into an IV and you assume they are doing it to help, but people are shady these days and you really can only trust those you know very well. I just can not wait to feel better and try to get back to racing and competing. Its all up in the air right now. Later! Congrats to my good friend Josh who placed 3rd in the ITT at Hines Park and then him and Rob D. set a new course record in the TTT, nice job Josh. Sorry if I seem a bit down, its just really hard to not feel normal. Oeace!

Heres the low down

2006-08-11T14:15:00.000-07:00

UGH!!! Thats all I can really say about yesterday and today. I was fine while I was at work and then got home and showered and WHAMMY, I was incapable of moving. So why is this so??? Well I was working with insulation all day and got poisoned from it. I guess taking a warm shower after working with insulation is not good as the warm water opens up the pores. So needless to say I did not ride yesterday, but I did manage an amazing 45 minute death march today on my TT bike. I just feel completely annihilated and hope to feel better for the races this weekend. We will see where the lord takes me? Off to work Commies!!!

Wednesday night thrills and chills

2006-08-09T20:00:00.000-07:00

Blazing down the home stretch in an attack!!!
One of my favorites, check the backround (that tells you I am going FASTTTTT!)
Another one of my favorites, with the pack strung out!

So another Wednesday night rider in Kalamazoo has come and gone. I really did not intend on going to do it as I left work early today because I was sick. But I made some promises and I kept them. So I rolled out of bed after a long nap and still felt like shit, but gave it a whirl anyways. We did a 54 mile loop and it went by really fast until the last 7 miles when I started to cramp up and didnt feel to great. But I sucked it up and got on with it. What does a rider do when he is in pain and miserable..... never say die. So I got home and still felt like shit, probably because I can not eat regularly because of the intestinal virus I have. I will not use that as an excuse for my performances though. It does not affect my mind and thats more powerful than anything I have. Onto more Important things, I drank some champagne last night and may have made out and messed around with a girl who has a boyfriend. OOPS, but to make it perfectly clear she was the one who initiated things. I constantly wonder how I get myself into these situations (there is so much more to the story that cant be told due to its content and rating), but I cant regret it if the guy gets pissed at me. SHIT happens. On a final note I received my student financial aid award letter and I will not have to pay for school this year, as I received enough to cover my tuition and a little extra. OK overall summary is I am really happy, I just wish I didnt have that waterlike diarreha 4 times after the ride tonight. Now that I have made you vomit I bid you adieu!!!

Dont ask me

2006-08-08T17:18:00.000-07:00

Hanging near the back after an attack off the front!!!
Moving back up to the front!!!
Chill inspector!!
Moving fast down the home straight!
Honestly Graham and myself look rather bored at this moment!!!

Do not ask me what I think of Floyd Landis and the testosterone situation. All i care about is my image and that I am clean, but cycling may take it in the ass for this one!!! Here are some pics to lighten the mood!!! OUT!!!

This is not a test!!!!

2006-08-07T20:21:00.000-07:00

So Matt and myself are sitting around watching some MTV. More like reality TV that plays music here and there now, but thats a whole other story in itself. I hear a knock and I immediately think its Adam who has come over to leech our internet for free, so I begin hamming it up for him. I look through the view finder and it is Matt's lady friend. She comes in crying and all she has to say is, "Matt our kitchen burnt down today." Matt has to claw himself away from his CPU due to the fact that he is in the midst of a vicious game of World of Warcraft (NERD ALERT). Needless to say I began laughing and the culprit was Kearstons roommate who was making some fried chicken and decided to walk away for a minute. Note to all, when frying food do not walk away, also if you are a complete moron DO NOT walk away. BOO YA!!!

Strengths

2006-08-07T13:34:00.000-07:00

Early on and I am up front as usual!
MMMM Sweat is tasty!
Still up front!!!
Hanging out on the front!!!
Same as the last one!

So I have been away for a while because I have had no internet as I moved, but I am back online now. Updates will be more regular now I promise. So what have I been up to? Work and racing and thats about it other than helping lou and lindz move lately. I have some pics of Ada crit to post so they are here too. Thanks to Doug Gatto as he took about 12 pics of me during the race. I raced like a champ at Fenton and kept Jeff reasonably fresh for the finish. I covered 7 attacks that I could count and I rode tremendously well for the team. So Ada was coming up and I took a lot of advice from people and kept it cool at the beginning. Needless to say the race was hard, as we averaged around 29 MPH for and hour and a half. I tried to keep Jeff and Jay fresh by covering what I could, but I an was the big man of the day. I got caught behind a crash with 2 and a half laps to go and was the only one behind it to regain the field. I guess West Michigan coast had about 9 guys leading out Ben, so they truely deserved the win. I am just dissappointed I was in the wrong place at the wrong time and I could not help Jeff and Jay more at the finish. I will give more news later. Sorry if the pics are a little blurry as we were really cruising in this race. Out to ride now!!!

Heres a few more

2006-08-01T09:43:00.000-07:00

Corner #3 and chest hair team!!!
Survivors!
Fenton Road Race, riding next to my friend and teammate Jay!
Thats a good lean to get ready for the corner, look at the far left of the pic!!
The roar of the little beast!

More pics!!! I am OUT!!!

I am back

2006-08-01T09:35:00.000-07:00

Eat some chest hair, this race was a scorcher!!! This is whats left of the 68 starters!
Open jersey for extra comfort.
From up top please!
Very early in the race!
Corner #3

Havent had a lot of time lately, actually no fre time to be exact. No updates though, cuz I have to get to work, but there are some pics. I have done a few races since my last update and they were Lansing Common Crit and Fenton Tour des Lacs Road Race. Both ent well and I will give a full update later!

Bien Bien

2006-07-20T17:43:00.000-07:00

So I am all moved into the new apartment!!! Giddy up! I am also recovering from a big race this past weekend. It was a crit around the capitol building in Lansing and it was awesome!!! Brutal though, at about 96 degrees there were 68 starters. I ended up in the winning move of about 17 of us as I am told. I guess the rest of the field got pulled from the race because we were about to lap them nearing the finish. It was a good day, but I started to shiver with 7 laps to go, which means I had some heat stroke. BOO!!! I did well and keep improving which is the point of it all. Here is a sweet pic that Kevin Vichinsky took of me on Jays camera, thanks to both of you for this finding it onto my blog. One last note is Matt's wisdom ( roommate and best friend from HS) "Don't make me bite you......... (stern look) cuz thats what I do is bite. I also recently took some pics os my awesome tan lines and bikes for everyone to see. See ya bitches!!! OUT!

New Beginning

2006-07-14T21:51:00.000-07:00

So this is my last post from the blast furnace, the hellhole, aka 738 Academy street!!! Matt and I signed our new lease and moved some shit into the new place today. I was going to leave my bikes until the last thing was out of here, but then decided I never want to ride from here again. So all I have left to move out is my bed (which I will finally sleep in), my TV, my dresser and a few other random pieces of stuff that would not fit in my car. So Matt, Adam and myself rented a Uhaul for the excursion tomorrow. So it should be sweltering, but it has to be done. I will not miss this place once I am out, because of the heat and no AC, no TV for one year, and no one to talk to. I guess I really learned a lot about myself over this past year and I realized that people come and go through everyones lifetime, but family and true friends are the ones we should all be happy for. I can not wait to live with Matt and be a stones throw away from Adam. Hell we were like the three amigos through high school and grew apart a bit due to me always having athletic aspirations and them wanting to drink. It all comes full circle and they understand now why I do what I do..... because I love it. So here is to my two boys, sorry we can't have some cold brews tomorrow as I have a race in Lansing on Sunday. Soon enough though fellas. I wonder what the hell Louie has been up to??? I could really use a morale boost from him. The Great Ludwig Charlemagne Kuznia..... Where the hell are you dawg??? Ring it up!!! Sorry i dont have pics of the old place or the new place, I dont want to remeber the old place, but the new place is AWESOME!!! By the way Matt thanks for the help!!

Cant look back

2006-07-14T08:00:00.000-07:00

Never look back!!! Memo for the day!! So here is my story.... a bit late as I must apologize for having things to do!!! I am working at the Mart and its 1:30 AM on Thursday morning! Sam and I are outside and he is enjoying his Marlboro Medium TM ( there now I can't get sued for not trademarking the shit). A car of assholes aka "marines" pulls in driving erratically! I realize these are not guys to joke with as they are drunk and being dicks! So I walk in without saying a word. They make their purchases, while still being intollerable. As they are finishing up I realize a group of fellas who are regulars walk in. Well the regulars left their car running in the parking lot and one of the "marines" aka jerk-offs decides to heist it. The regulars walk out 5 minutes later to realize their car is GONE. So the cops are called and they show up to see what the situation is. Sam and I close the store up and we go outside and give the cops our info to see if there is anything they need from us. Suddenly one officer walks away listening to his radio. He then asks, would you guys like to press charges if we find the car?" One responds, "hell yes...... give em the electric chair." Then the cop is waiting for posterity, and lays it down, "well we found your car." "GREAT" is the response. Officer says, "problem is it is wrapped around a tree." "Did the guy just leave it and take off?" asks one of the regulars. The cop waits for suspense factor and says, "Um no...... He is still inside and we have to pry him out." So needless to say the jaws of life were used and as I hear the gentleman who stole the car is in a coma. So live everyday as it may be your last, because you never know when you may get too drunk and heist a car and go joyriding, haha. OOPS not to funny!!! But alas life is Great and I move out of the shit apartment today. I said good day!!!

Anger

2006-07-13T06:42:00.000-07:00

Waiting for a move to go!!!
Dave acting like I usually do, hey someone had to pick up the slack!!!
Ada Break!!!
Dave again, which is nice!!!
Driving it on the front, look at the gap forming!!!

So Lindsay sasy my blog gets angrier every week, HAHAHA!!! I am not angry, just mad at the world. I have a good post later but here these are. OUT!!!

I dont wanna

2006-07-10T19:55:00.000-07:00

I'll never fall in line, become another victim of your conformity. So I haven't been on this thing in a a few days due to work and trying to fit in rides when I can. I just haven't been very pumped about life lately. Fuck it. Have been too busy to care about shit. But I decided to wipe everything from the past...... clean slate. I am not gonna wonder why or how shit happened, it is a complete waste of time. So this week I am working my ass off, building a new cooler at work and such. Riding as much as I possibly can, and finally moving into a new place with Matt. Got the OK today to move in on Friday and I am jazzed about that. One thing that pisses me off though, I try to be a nice guy when I am riding and wave to recreational cyclists, cuz lets face it we both are riding bikes, but I look cooler with my team gear and sweet bike. So I wave at this old man today and the faggot doesn't acknowledge me, so I turn around and ask him whats the deal with the no wave. And he says "I hate you young punks and your team gear." So I ask him wow am I going to suck as much as you when I am old and decreped? He got furious so I turned around and continued on my merry way. If you see me out riding don't even acknowledge me, because I am done being nice. So yeah this Lansing crit should be fun. I was also just informed that we are going to have a "sweet living room". Cant wait for Saturday night to have some beers and hang out with my best friends, hell we are living in the same building so all is gonna be great!!! PEACE.

Coffee

2006-07-06T18:15:00.000-07:00

As I sit here with my delicious white chocolate mocha, I am pondering life and why I am enjoying so much of it lately. Here is the playback dawg!!! Wednesday night ride was a semi-go, I really did not want to do it because this is my "off" week, but I went out and after the second sprint, in which Jeff led me out perfectly, I slipped back and headed home. Got some hours in though. On my way home I decided to ride up "the Beast" or 6th street hill. Which has become much harder with the damn chip and seal everywhere in the area now. That would have been an interesting race had it not been cancelled. Then I wanted to watch the Tour but got bored and left Sacks place at about 10 PM. So today we started the new cooler at the Munch and it is coming along. I was told by a regular that my "chops" aka sideburns look pretty bad ass. HAHA, I was gonna shave them off but hell might as well keep them now. Got home from work via my bicycle and went out for a cruise with Dave, and it was nice and easy, a perfect ride actually. On our way home we met up with an old pal, EMIL IS BACK IN TOWN BABY!!!! He returned from Norway earlier this week and it was awesome to see him. He said he drank way too much beer while he was there, right on Emil. On the ride Steel called and invited me to a party at his place this weekend. I hadn't heard from him in a long time, since I lived with him, Stine, Cuttitta and Sacks. But it was good to hear from him nonetheless. Now here is where it gets interesting, I called kelly back and somehow we started talking about what you would do for money. Swim in a pool with diarreha or vomit??? Enough said there, I was off my rocker laughing so hard. What an awesome girl, hahahaha. Thanks for making me puke Kel. So how much would it take for you to swim in poo or vomit??? So yeah I have a big day of building a cooler tomorrow. I am working extra hours so I can purchase those guns and needles for the mass suicide I plan with the Al-Qeada later this summer, so wish me some luck. And if you would like to donate to my cause send me a check or call me. Thanks for becoming less intelligent by reading this, and you all thought I had something to say!!!! Fooled!!!

Wednesday- 5 Hours
Thursday- 1 Hour 30 Minutes. Road to and from work today. Saved some $$$$!!!

A few more for the kids!!!

2006-07-06T15:14:00.000-07:00

Shit Dawg, nice ass!! I mean Nice Bike. Big gear there Jer!
I have no idea, what the hell is that????
My mind was saying boo for the wind!!!! Still a hardass though!
Ok, this was when Doug was in the bushes...... literally

Its all about the kids, our future!!!
Thanks for the pics Doug!!!!

I always come through....well eventually

2006-07-05T12:05:00.001-07:00

Pulling hard into the wind, I eventually dropped Tim Saari a lap or two after this pic!!!
I told you I saw you lurking with the camera ready, spot on Doug!
Look at that magnificent bastard go!!! Those legs can deal out some punishment from time to time!!!!

Mike Rabe Stage Race pics. These are from day 3, and if you are lucky you may even see the toothpaste that was on my hand from the bee sting during the race. Idunno though I haven't really looked.