race report: Cross Crusade # 1, Alpenrose Dairy, Portland

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by JesseD on October 5, 2010 at 10:27pm

Awesome race report Beth. I'm still working on my own issues but am shooting for a race or two at the end of the season. I've been riding to work and sitting on the trainer at night to get my endurance back up. Look forward to your next report. I was wondering what you do on your practice nights? I need to incorporate skill training again, do you have a set routine that you do? Thanks...

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Beth Hamon on October 6, 2010 at 6:40am

Thanks, Jesse. This year, I did things a little differently:
1. Around mid-July, I began making it a point to practice my dismounts by using that same motion whenever I came to a stop -- at the store, at the farmers' market, wherever. I started carrying my bike up flights of stairs (a favorite is skipping a level on the Eastbank Esplanade near the Rose Garden arena).
2. This fall I took advantage of a series of clinics offered by a local fitness center and taught by members of a bike club they sponsor. From them, I learned a simple cardio warmup that I now incorporate into my weekly cross practices.
3. I continued to ride to and from work every day for base miles.
4. I built a very humble practice barrier that collapses flat for carrying in my cargo bike. I took the barrier and my bike to my local park (see my photo album) and, after warming up. rode big circles around the park -- practicing sudden accelerations through the muddy softball diamond, off-camber riding at different speeds, and going over my barrier.
5. This is the biggest thing: I invited women I'd befriended during the short-track season to come and play on their bikes with me. A few showed up and we taught each other what we knew.
This Sunday I'm going back out to do it all again, probably for a good 90 minutes, and if any of my friends join me we'll repair to a nearby brewpub afterwards for refreshments.

I figure if I can schedule time for this once or twice a week in the next two weeks (when I don't have races), that will help me stay ready enough to handle my next race in 2 1/2 weeks.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by hellbelly on October 7, 2010 at 6:25am

I would love to have a huge scene like that out here...I must come visit!

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Beth Hamon on October 7, 2010 at 8:20am

Well, come on out. The PIR race is October 24 and there is sure to be rain and mud there.

• ▶ Reply