Dairyland Dare 2008

Yeah...OK so I went to Wisconsin and rode on some hills. I ate some cheese and drank some beer. When in Rome right?

The Dairyland Dare 2008 was a heck of a fun time. I signed up for the 200k, but I had a feeling that I was not going to even remotely attempt that. I have not really been into distance/challenge rides this year. It's not that I don't like them anymore, but I just haven't been feeling like "I HAVE to complete this monumental task in order to feel good about my riding" anymore.

Anyway - this is better told in pictures: *I'll annotate later*

Let's get physical...

Not feeling super hot. I have a cold/virus that has been going around the family for a while. I seem to do OK riding once I warm up, but in general my ears sound like I have water in them and I am caughing up phlem every time I turn around. Nice right?

But....

I got on the scal this morning and it said 176.5. Boo-Yah! My goal for this season was 175. I have always said if I made it back to my 165 range I would be mopping people up left and right...but I never thought I could get there. Now I do think I can.

With Dairyland Dare the day after tomorrow (200k and something obnoxious like 15,000ft of climbing on 10%-15% walls they like to call "hills") I know I will be good for another handful of pounds coming off as long as I don't let my body try to put everythign back after the event....only what's needed.

Now....sucks to think about it, but I need to start thinking about the "off-season." Definitely time for cyclocross. I need to start thinking about stripping the cross bike from a commuter into a race rig.

Also - MJH2 from BikeForums (the guy in the red jersey in the Elgin Crit pictures) has been talking to me about joining up with Bicycle Heaven's team. I have kind of wanted to join up with them for a while. Looks like I just might do that. Turns out they have indoor trainer sessions all winter as well as they do some outdoor cross riding with lights....bonus.

...flying the "blue and turquoise".