AWOL

Been absent for a few weeks. Life has a habit of getting in the way.

Not much to report since the Crank Cracker. Other then have some new jersey's on the way. Oh, and upon the advice of coach have taken up paintball. Coach reminded me that I need something else to do other then train and race.

Well, training is going well, though like most things could have gone a little better.

Now comes the lead up to the 17th.

Crank Cracker

Sunday the 13th was the 2nd running of the Crank Cracker in the Don Valley. This would be my first race in 2 years and my first real bike race.

Ziggy of ZM Cycle and Fitness started this race in 2007 because he wanted to see more races in the Toronto area. The race was a low key affair similar to the races years ago, even old school timing. No chips used at all.

The course was a 5km loop that was done 6 times for those of us in the 30k distance. And of course 6 times up the Sewage Plan Hill. Sadly the previous nights precipitation kept most away from the race. Which was too bad as the course was fairly dry and rideable.

Since it was my first bike race I went in just to see how I would do nothing more. Wasn't planning anything other then to simply ride my own race and keep the RFM going at my own pace.

This plan was good as I was pretty consistent for the 6 laps. Which resulted in me getting the 3rd spot on the podium.

Standing on the podium.

The new Salsa bars where great and did their job well. With the bar ends really helped with the race and climbing.

Ping and Spoing

Must have torqed really hard at one point on Sunday's 5 hour ride. Busted 2 spokes during Monday's 2 hour session. Had to limp my way into work this morning. Felt good though after the 5 hours. Though sadly wasn't able to use the new bar as UPS dicked me around.

Now need to consult with C&F team to plan out some weight loss measures. Though it will be on conjunction with some higher volume training as well. Gotta remember that it takes longer to lose the weight then to gain it.

Sold my Planet X off and will be building for my buddy Andrew's girlfriend who will be riding it.

Tomorrow will take pic's of my new 29er and the mods.

Salsa

Few days away. Been lazy with the pic's but will start fixing that this weekend.

Ordered the new Salsa bars from the crew at Universal Cycles. Couldn't get it up here in Canada as no one is a distributer. But these are the bars,

http://www.universalcycles.com/shopping/product_details.php?id=15228&category=369

Should be good for some racing especially since now I can add the new position with bar ends. Now will increase my hand positions.

Have decided to enter the Crank Cracker race in the Don July 13th. This should be a fun event. Barely any training this year to do it. But hey, it's a crash course in learning the hard way.