Decisions Decisions...

With the season a mere 3 weeks away its time to start tuning up the machine that I will be racing on. Last season a acquired my trustie Tarmac 'Suzie' after my late trek madone had a losing argument with a car door. Alas, my humble steed Suzie did not disappoint in 2009; I have been very good keeping in top condition. Other than the regular upkeep which has pretty much been done already the only thing missing is some new tires to start the 2010 road season with.

Some racers are very anal when it comes to what tires they race and train on. Some have training and 'race only' tires, while others use the same for training and racing. Some train on one psi while race on a different psi, etc etc so on and so on. I typically use the same tires to train and race all year and replace them as necessary. For the last two season I have raced on maxxis detonators; personally I can't complain about this tire at all. Reasonable price at 35 bucks a pop, very grippy in the turns, great in the rain, and pretty durable(very rarely do I get a pinch flat). Once again I am considering racing again on them, but have considered different tires.

Aside from the detonators I have two other possible suitors. Vittoria Rubino and Michelin Pro Race 3s. I have heard nothing but good things about both tires, for both training and racing they are both great deals. Luckily I have found them to be relatively the same price; so I comes down to looking at the specs, aesthetics, and public opinion. So to all those reading this; give me some advice on which tires to race on for 2010. The right tire can make or break my season; or at least give me less flats while training. Whatever, the point is any sort of opinions and advice is appreciated. I plan to place my order to tires this week, so don't delay on suggestions. Also if suggest any other tires that are better let me know, so long as they are in my price range.

It may still be winter....

But the road season is just around the corner, the season starter at Rutgers is a mere 4 weeks away on March 6. In order to keep the brain from becoming fried from the mind numbing hum of the trainer and to remind of some nicer weather, I present the following video brought to you by a my very good friend herb of jvs.

New Team Kit for 2010

Here it is:


For this season we went w/ Hincapie Sports rather than Champion Systems. Personally I've never used Hincapie before, but from what I've seen so far they look to be mighty comfy.

Race schedule slowly coming together

After much waiting, the venerable Charlie Issendorf has finally released the title Sponsor for 2010 Prospect Park Series. For the past two years, Cadence Multisport has been the title sponsor for this racing series. This year Lucarelli & Castaldi will be the new title sponsor for 2010. Prospect Park racing has been the meat of my season for the last two years, and this year will be no different. Typically Prospect Park always has a races going Saturdays and Sundays, but it is always the "Cup Series" that draws the biggest, nastiest, hairiest fields.

It is in these races at Prospect that I have learned the most. This season I hope to go from the dark horse in the race to a marked man. Most of my races there last season, I was always a dark horse during the race with no one paying attention to anything I did. If I were a breakaway rider, that would be awesome...unfortunately that is not the case. No teamates = no leadout = not a good sprint position. Luckily I have several new teammates at Montclair and Stevens so I should have plenty of help this season, and with a little luck and planning I should be able to take a few sprints this season at one of my all time favorite venues.

As far as USAC and ECCC races; most of schedule is set. Unfortunately I won't be able to do all the ECCC races this season thanks to a heavy senior workload. Its bitter sweet, as this will be my last year racing in college. But such is life....
Less ECCC races means more NJ racing, which is great for me as it means less driving and not having to be up crazy early to get to races on time.

There has been lots going on at Stevens, especially since we are once again hosting our own race and co-hosting a race weekend with Princeton. Flyers for both will be out shortly, so keep your eyes open for those.

New Year, New goals

So with 2010 finally here, I guess its only inevitable that I post my goals for the year. Last season had plenty of ups and downs. My spring was so so, results really weren't there but at least I had a blast racing in the ECCC. The USAC season also had its ups and downs from beginning to end. Rather than post my lack of results, I will post what I learned this season.

1. Booze before a race is never a good idea
1.a unless you're totally having a blast with awesome teammates and could care less about the race the next day

2. Recovery is arguably the most important aspect of training, if your legs are tired from a long week of workouts expect to do poorly.

3. In the 4s, pack position is way more important than being fitter than everyone else

2009 was definitely a learning experience for me. By the end of the season I was a completely different racer from the one I was back in February. I go into the 2010 season as much smarter, fitter and disciplined racer. I really did learn a lot other than what I said, and really look forward to putting that into action this season. I'm finishing up base training this month and the powertap has really helped me become more focused and disciplined over the last few months. At this point it can only help as I move forward into Build in a few weeks as well as the coming races. As for 2010 goals, here they go....

1. Win 3 field sprints
1.a I learned last season that I'm definitely a sprinter and can knock around with almost anyone with no fear of crashing.
1.b I finally better pack position in crits, so that should translate to better position going into the sprint

2. Not miss races due to oversleeping and not leaving early enough
2.a I missed both the state road race and crit last season due to oversleeping and not leaving early enough to get there in time. No way that's happening this year

3. Help out new teammates at Montclair/Stevens with racing, training, etc
3.a tons of teammates between my club team and collegiate team. I will definitely help them out with everything I've learned and hopefully we can help each other out as the season progresses

4. Have as much fun as possible within certain limits
4.a don't do #1 from above

2010 looks to be a good season with some awesome races anticipated from both the spectacular ECCC and the awesome guys at Kissena

CO2 inflator recall

I thought I would share this, especially since I sometime get stuff from Walmart...

NEWS from CPSC
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Information and Public Affairs
Washington, DC 20207

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 17, 2009
Release # 10-081

Firm's Recall Hotline: (800) 213-4651
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

CO2 Bicycle Tire Inflators Sold at Walmart Recalled by Todson Inc. Due to
Risk of Injury

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in
cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall
of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled
products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: CO2 bicycle tire inflators

Units: About 24,000

Importer: Todson Inc., of North Attleboro, Mass.

rest of article can be found here

What does a predawn sub 30 degree ride feel like?

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