upgrades by default please.

Checking my email after work i discovered that the rumors were true, semi-pro is being done away with a pro upgrade come December 1st. Pretty cool after a season of mechanicals, illness, and just mediocre fitness.

"As a part of the email from USA Cycling reads: "The change raises several topics that all USA Cycling mountain bike members should familiarize themselves with – most notably the conversion process. The switch will be simple and automatic. Members currently categorized as Experts will automatically become a Category 1; Sport members will automatically be converted to a Category 2; and Beginners will automatically become a Category 3.

Members currently categorized as Semi-Pro may choose either Category 1 or Pro designation for the 2009 racing season. When renewing their license, Semi-Pro members will be offered an automatic upgrade to Pro throughout the 2009 licensing period which runs from December 1, 2008 to November 30, 2009. To take advantage of this upgrade, Semi-Pro members must purchase an annual license during this time as this automatic upgrade will only be offered during the 2009 season. Therefore, if a current Semi-Pro member does not purchase a 2009 racing license, he will automatically default to Category 1 status beginning on December 1, 2009 for the 2010 racing season. At that point, regular upgrade procedures will apply."

Basically i had better get a bit faster before the serious races next year. I have been slowly refining my training here now that i have a job. Riding at 6:30AM is strangely refreshing and my power #s are creeping back up at a speedy rate. That combined with being lighter will equal fast by early fall.

Speaking of power, Ergomo went belly up. That leaves me with no choice but to ebay it and find a new meter. I really can't go to a powertap after having THE POWER METER, so i will get something that maintains all the temperature, altitude, and other functions. I will probably be rocking the Garmin 705 with the new quarq meter. Running a 2x9 42/34 will make me go fast on my MTB, as they only have 130bcd so far.

Why not put it on the road bike? Because i am probably selling it. No worries, a new one will come after the MTB gets some lovin' and 700c disc wheels for road training.

Check out the poll, what bike should i get?

Two updates in one night!?

I just read this on velonews. Apparently Lance is coming out of retirement! i don't know how i feel about this. Lance is great for cycling, but if he fails in winning the tour his legacy will certainly be tarnished. At 37 years old, no one really knows if he has what it takes to win at the highest level again. If he won, that would truly be amazing, but i have serious doubts. Maybe it is just a rumor?


Don't do it Lance!

Settling in.

I've almost been living in Harrisonburg for a month. I wore myself down pretty good the first week and got sick in the second. I picked up a job at one of the local shops, and do other odd jobs. Meeting more people than i can remember from students at JMU to cyclists, and getting to know my housemates now.


My house, which was an absolute war zone upon moving in, has been cleaned up and is now fit for occupancy.

The terrain is everything i could ask for. The climbing is steady and long. 3000 vertical ft climbs at 7-8% grade. The mountains to the east and west are both full of great trails, and the mountains to the west i have barely explored. It is definitely making me a better rider. The rocks have been taking their toll on me.

But enough talk for now and some pictures: