Getting ready for 2010

2/16/10

So guys it’s been awhile since I’ve had a chance to sit down and update but I’m here now so here goes!
Under the tutelage of Jesse Anthony, I’ve been doing ample amounts of winter training. Unfortunately, due to the local weather rides, outside rides have been limited. This of course is made worse by the fact that I despise the cold. Riding into the wind has never been my cup of tea. However, I have put lots of miles on the trainer and rollers. Some weeks have been light, 5-8 hrs, while others I have ridden up to 13 hours. All in hopes of being faster and fitter for the upcoming racing season.
I recently heard from one of the sales reps at Jamis that the new team clothing should be in soon, so with any luck I’ll have a fancy new kit to race in for 2010! Some of you may not share my enthusiasm but for a cyclist, new kits (jersey and bibs (lycra not spandex)) are like cake for fat kids. Don’t ask me why, it’s just nice to mix up the wardrobe and look freshy fresh!
In other news, I’m going to rebuild my mountain bike. I had been considering a whole new rig, possibly a carbon fiber 29er, but I don’t think the funds are going to be in favor of that this year. Between school and other things, I think it’ll be best to put a new bridle on the old pony. I test rode Cary Mead’s Gary Fischer Superfly, which had a superb ride and stuck to the ground like glue, but the steel frame did me well last year with the exception of Crested Butte, where the single track is way too rough for a hardtail. In research I found that pro mountain biker Julien Absalon rides hardtail 26” bikes almost exclusively and he is one of the most successful riders currently on the world circuit. So the decision is a new cockpit and mostly new drivetrain. Ritchey and SRAM? What do you guys think?
Well that’s all I have to report for now. I’ll be more frequent with my post from now on. SORRY MIKE

-Austin