Athlete Blogs
January 29th, 2010Weekly update, inaugural CCT team ride, snow *sigh*
Yikes, as I write this the westwood, nj weather do-hickey says 18 degrees. We are at the onset of a big old snow and ice storm here in mebane. And just yesterday it was 60 degrees out, no joke. Sometimes the weather is just mean, makes me want to be a swimmer or something. The weather is always good at an indoor pool.Things have been very busy here, so a rambling update will folllow, some cycling content, some not so much cycling, so proceed with caution.
Friday a week ago we (kristy, me, my bike) drove up to Northern Virginia (known as NoVA to mid-atlantic folks). We left mid-day and hit our hotel in Reston at about dinner time. Our #1 goal for the evening was a date at Sweetwater tavern in Sterling, VA. Our favorite place to eat/drink while we lived in ashburn, we have probably been there 150 times over the years. We had a tasty meal, and they were really great to us, with the manager being especially appreciative that we were back and drove all the way from NC to eat dinner there. Plus we filled up a grauler with their pale ale to take home (packed in ice of course). After dinner - back to the hampton inn for a good nights sleep.
The next morning Kristy dropped me off at the lovely home of Gary B. - aka the chartman. I had on hand our initial order of CCT clothing and was really excited to see his and Mike Stearn's reaction - not to mention Nancy's (gary's wife). Fortunately everyone really liked how things turned out and we all suited up for a ride. I hope i don't sound full of myself, but it's kind of neat to have a kit with my name on it (among others like fox news and thechartman.com).
Mike, Gary and I all did the same workout, on the same course. I was excited to see where Gary does his workouts, he is very much like me - a creature of habit. Same roads, same route, enjoys the routine. So I got to see his route - a 30 minute loop near the nations capital that was actually very good for riding - a few turns, only 2 stop signs which we blew through, and a nice longish 5+ minute climb.
While we rode, Kristy went to Jess Larsen's baby shower over in Severna Park, MD. Chris Larsen is a life long friend and they are having a baby in May - we are quite happy for them. Hopefully we will see them again, and unlike most couples who have kids and disappear, I suspect we actually will.
We started out of Gary's neighborhood, down a stupid steep hill, did his usual warmup and then hit it. Mike and I rode together, with that wheel sucker behind me most of the 40:00 interval (LOL!) and Gary not far behind us. We did our ride, regrouped, and then headed back to the house.
Nancy - who is a world class cook among many other things, had homemade soup, bread and other assorted goodies waiting for us. This I could get used too - but apparently I have to get in line behind their college aged kids on moving back in.
Naps were had - then it was on to a well orchestrated scotch tasting that Kristy, Gary and myself took part in. Lots of fun and something we don't get to do often - then on to a simply amazing dinner. I'd probably gain 20lbs if I lived there, which is a testament to Gary's willpower.
Kristy and I headed out the next morning after a night of game playing and relaxing - back to mebane, which always has a relaxing and soothing feel to it. Nothing like rolling into a small town you really love, where you got married, where you really want to be.
Sunday was nice, the weather said rain all day, but we got home, it was dry so I suck out for an easy recovery ride. No rain, felt like i stole the ride, and it was good to loosen up after a long drive.
This week was a rather boring one from a training perspective - some indoor intervals, couple of outdoor rides, but otherwise mostly work, travel to richmond, that's about it.
I had my Senior VP of sales for RSA in town for some meeting and a customer dinner, it all went very well, though the prep and such was a little stressful. The dinner was awesome, if you are ever in Richmond and looking for a great place for steak and a killer, I mean killer wine list - bookbinders is your place.
As I type this we are getting snow, even here in Mebane we are in for anywhere from 6 to 12 inches depending on who you ask, which is annoying at best. No riding outside for a while, and unlike the school kids, and my wife who is a teacher, the snow does me no good at all.
The first race of the season was actually set for tomorrow at a local car speedway - but no way it could happen with the weather - so next weekend it's on. Not sure if I'll be racing but I'm looking forward to seeing a client or two race.
Kristy is currently asleep on the couch with Cooper - I'm seriously considering not waking her up and seeing what time they both wake up. That could be interesting. I'm guessing if I leave them alone I won't see either until I get up to make coffee. Cooper is currently snoring.
Other than that - nothing else to report. It's e-motion rollers time when I wake up, probably for the next few days at least.
Hope everyone is doing well, hanging in there and getting ready for a fun filled race season.
Cheers,
pete
