08_teambike_whitehoods

08_teambike_whitehoods
Originally uploaded by Chris Roettger

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MOVING (again)

You may have seen the new site. If not, quit checking here; we now blog right off our home page! Yay!

You will have to have to register (one more time), but the registration is good for both the site and the forums. For those who may want to share riding photos, we recommend Flickr and joining the TeamRevolution Flickr group.

We've chosen Flickr so that members can retain easy online printing options, yet we can collect and flexibly access our photo libraries. All we ask is that you tag your photos!

you think I don't know?

We're lame. I know. We're busy! It's almost 11pm and we're here working--that's how busy!!! I have three things:

This makes me feel like, "Why aren't we doing more?" we could be saving the world, but we're not. Sometimes, though, I feel like we're doing something. Bringing me to my second point.

We may be lame and running around in circles and riding bicycles. But this club, this big picture is something I, we, are passionate about. I'd like to document it; if for no other reason that to feel justified in my obsession. I get the feeling that other people are passionate too. If so, pleaseEmail me! with your candid thoughts or quotes or photos (if I don't have them already!).

Aside from just being busy from life in general, we're putting some time (mostly Sydney) into building our new site and its functionality. You can get a sneak peak here.

Yahoo...What a great start to the New Year

Everyone played well together....
A few quick pics about our Team get together over Dec. 29th and 30th
We came together, laughed, sprinted, and pacelined while we learned where team dynamics begin.
But check out a few photos.

Requirement #1 for 2008: You must be happy, and strong!!!(with your arms)
Requirement #2: You must DOG sit!





***Unfortunately, we do not have a photo right now for requirement #3, however, You MUST be able to dance, and be able to get your groove on!!
Be on the lookout for some stronger photos. (Hint, no dopers allowed)

1.5 days 'til X Games

Let's take a quick look at some more pics of Syd, in the Mud. Take a close loook and you see Catherine Walberg (Kenda-blk/red).

Why was Syd tired after the race...HMMM?

HO HO HO! Christmas is here already. The smell of pine, toasted sugar cookies, rich fudge, all accompanied by the sweater you open to which you can't seem to figure out which grin fits your enthusiasm.
This week has been full of anticipation and accelerated activities. Parties, company bonuses, shopping...

Lets take a minute to remember our week. Wednesday we had an awesome attendance to our meeting at Smoke Free House. Updates, details and photos coming soon!!!

Thursday we all came together to fit one more (at least) interval workout in before the Holiday., at Concordia Seminary.

See the sweat?
Count them..1,2,3,4,5,6,7, 8,,9 with me and 10 with the roller riding photographer.

See the sweat?

Tomorrow we ready ourselves for the arrival of the King in Red. (Elvis....you got the white covered and Johnny does the black)
Lift your glasses and shout a Merry Cheer!!!

Talk to you tomorrow or maybe after Santa's big performance.
C-

Spinning Tonight

Just wanted to get the map out there for anyone wanting to attend the trainer night tonight. Bring your bike and a trainer or call Carrie to see if we've got extras.

The meeting/social last night was awesome and we'll have some updates soon...stay tuned. Thanks to all that joined us!

**Also, it's worth noting that the "soapbox" issue, from last week is still getting comments and views daily. I encourage everyone to periodically check that. There's a new comment from a pessimistic "anonymous" skeptic. It got me hot under the collar in a whole new way. I almost deleted (because I have that kind of power, you know), but left it there. Criticism is everywhere and it's not healthy to deny it's voice. Even if it is lazy, apathetic and nonconstructive criticism...

Psycho-Cross Nationals

"There were hundreds of wrecks. At one point the announcer figured the average for each rider was running 3 spills every 10 minutes. Forks were broken, wheels flew off and it was just quite the eye opener for yours truly. In fact, the race winners were those who were able to keep the tire side down the most."
Read more of Syd's account at Sydspinnin

Syd managed a podium for her masters race (2nd!) and finished the women's elite (which is an accomplishment that should not be under appreciated). As Carrie and I frantically ran from sketchy corner to off-camber to the run-ups I was constantly thankful I was not riding, let alone racing, in these conditions. Nasty, nasty stuff.

In weather like this, the course changed constantly; from day to day and race to race. YouTube videos, posted by Jim Gentes (founder of Giro Helmets), is an excellent way to appreciate the race while not having to deal with cold fingers and toes at your anearobic threshold. It's worth noting that Mr. Gentes finished 6th out of 44 finishers and about 100 starters.

Kudos (a billion kudos) to all who stepped up to the start-line this past weekend. Maybe I'll have the guts by next year.

Hope

(wow, that's a hokey image!)
A quick update and thank you to all that have read and given feedback on this issue. We're excited about the positive talk that's happened and I give kudos to the mayor for being incredibly receptive to our suggestions and feedback.

There's still hope for the Tour of Elk Grove to give women two races that weekend. We'll keep our fingers crossed do some so heavy lifting to get a good show of women if that opportunity should arise.

While this issue is far from its solution, it's knowing guys like Luke and the women we race with and against are out there teaching, promoting and mentoring (sorry if that sounds too much like a pat on the back). In the meantime, we'll keep chugging away at building our communities where we live and ride and I'll keep the info, as I get it, posted here.

Soap Box

It's been a tough few days. I've rather suddenly taken a more political stance than usual. I've been in a few conversations trying to defend women's racing and it's continued support. After a heated conversation last year with the Tour of KC director about his negligence in properly addressing women's fields, I'm on the soap box again with the coordinator for the Tour of Elk Grove.

You can read the point of my concern here.

It's a difficult position to be in; to feel like you're running around, doing what you can to impact a larger issue. It's embarrassing to show at a race event crowded with men who've had to secure their spot in the race months in advance, to line up with 10, 20, and on the best day, 30-50 other women. Where race limits allow for 100 women, we're lucky if the field is half that size. It's equally embarrassing for a sponsor or race-coordinator, if not more so. So, then, what should I tell them? How can I argue?

I ask for patience. It's up to communities like ours to build the racers, to increase the confidence of women enough to stand on the line and learn to take a corner in a field of other women. What we have here in St. Louis may be fairly unique. Sometimes I like to think so; at times like these, I think it's unfortunate.

I was frustrated with Elk Grove's decisions because I felt like they made drastic changes without really asking a broad group of women and teams what their incentives were. I complained that, while increasing the prize money, they REMOVED a race from the weekend event; which sometimes is critical in the travel decision-making. A single race with double the pot isn't the right incentive, I said. If you walk up to a $5 black jack table with $10, are you more likely to blindly double-down or know at least you've got two hands to try and win? (Bad analogy, but you get the picture)

Kelly Benjamin, of Cheerwine, attended a race in Kansas City the Saturday before the event and flew to Chicago for Sunday's race; are these the lengths women have to endure in order to get two races in? Those of us that attended 2007's race saw Cheerwine dominate the field of mostly single pro riders. They were the only pro TEAM that attended. Other pros showed up, but had few or no teammates to work with. I honestly felt that those women secretly swore to not let that happen again. That they walked away resolving to come back better equipped with their squads.

(*addendum*) I don't mean to imply that the competition simply rolled over for Cheerwine. Their race execution was enviable and I feel like it would have prompted other women's teams to show up and try to put up a better performance. No other team was as well represented, in both numbers and standings.

But then "the powers that be" changed the date, significantly dropped the purse and made the race a single OPEN race. And now, here I am, heatedly debating which position to take. how can I continue to justify support from sponsors that aren't patient enough to see results?

Keeping The Wheels Wheels Turnin'

Today is a reflection day.....
It's getting cold and a bit nasty outside, but we ride when we should thank the many wonders of layerable clothing. But cold weather has given us an opportunity to meet inside for some time on the bike in a House we are all welcome
I am finding the energy to keep turning the pedals over, one day at a time.
The moody blues? Are they here? Let's fend them off.
We have lots to be thankful for, friends, good health, and a passion for a wonderful activity.

Lets figure out a time between now and Christmas that we can gather, have a good drink, and see what we are going to do about 2008. There are changes happening and people stepping aside, so we need to make the necessary decisions and that involves YOU.
I am thinking we meet sometime next week at the Happy Place
Topics vary from Membership Due Changes...going to worth driven dues and clinic partipation, Club Structure....clinic, seminar based, Leadership and Mentoring.....who, importance.
Let's talk. As many people as possible need to be there..
sound good or a bad idea?
C-

First Cross Race: Learning Experience

Some park off 44 and 270(Carrie whispers "Unger Park")
Start time: Noon
Sunday: 12/3/2007

Started when it was 68 degrees and gusty winds. Ended at about 40 degrees with some pouring rain thrown in there for “fun”. Given I have zero CX experience, it’s hard to tell if the course sucked or was a typical cross layout. The seemingly endless, bumpy, deep-grass field filled with switchbacks was miserable. You could see racers a half-mile ahead of you! And once the rain hit, it was like riding in sand—my quads were swimming in lactic acid and by the last lap I could barely make it over a small, tiny, little, muddy hill—a hill that on any other day is not considered a “hill” at all.

I stayed with the leader for the first lap, maybe two (?)....then her lead grew and my resolve shrunk. I then, committed to coming out of the race breaking even on my cost of entry. 2nd Place. I could see her behind me at every turn. My lead would grow, then shrink; but I was driven. I was calculating my pain to the time left in the race; it was going to be tough, but I thought if I were half-way through, I could stick it out. I looked at my watch to find I was 12 minutes in. ONLY 12 minutes! Can’t be!! I quickly wondered if it could be on the wrong setting, or if I’d accidentally stopped it. All these rationalizations flashing through my mind as I pedaled and scrambled in my head to find some light at the end of this anaerobic tunnel! OK, I'm only a third in....35 minutes or so left! **Insert profanity here**

A slip in a switchback, that caused me to unclip and nearly stop, quickly whittled my gap on 3rd to nothing. She caught me before the steeples. Rain was gusting down at that point and I couldn’t see very well; it was like there was this crack in my vulnerable resolve that opened up right then and I simply let her go. I could hear Carrie yelling for me to stay with her. I shook my head and blinked the burning, rain-mixed-with-hair-product out of my eyes (mental note: on race days, wash hair of all hair product) and tried to minimize the damage. But watching her cadence compared to how mine felt made it worse in my head.


Some laps, I’d ride head down in apparent misery. Other laps, I’d be cheering myself on to attempt a good, strong steeple section. Other laps, I’d stop at the steeples, having no other riders close to me I’d lift my bike and and walk them. It was probably equally painful for Carrie to watch. One lap she ran beside me cheering me on, until I yelled at her, “You get on the bike. You do this!”

The rain eased, but the damage to the course was done. I watched for the 4th place rider now (you know it’s bad when you’re looking behind you, instead of in front of you in a race). All I could think about was minimizing my damage. 3rd’s OK, right? That’s what it’s like to lose, mentally. You rationalize. You compensate. Fill your head with excuses. Then they ring the bell for last lap. I was hoping I’d been far enough behind to skip the last lap; my watch said 44 minutes as I approached the start/finish (Yes, Syd, I had plenty of time to look at my watch now). They rang the bell. No luck for me, another grueling lap. It took every ounce of resolve left to do that last lap; “pick it up!” I heard anonymously in the background “one left! Go hard for your last one!”....this was hard! It was just very slow!

You’d think I might wash my hands of this cross-racing; but in retrospect the emotional roller coaster of that hour was really amazing to me. It's that inner, personal battle that makes this the most unique form of racing I’ve ever done. Will I ever love it? I don’t know; I’ve never been much of one for self-punishment; but there is something addicting about knowing I can do better in my head. That's a big of a key in this kind of race; the other two are bike handling and fitness. But it’s improving the first that I’m drawn to....so we’ll see.

gearing up

We've been fielding lots of questions about what to wear at what temperatures. Having a good selection of thin components is key.

No arm-warmers? No big deal, I used my wicking, long-sleeved running tops for a long time; if it's below 40, you wouldn't be removing the arm-warmers anyway.

Same for knee-warmers; running tights over cycling shorts work fine if you're not entering a cycling beauty contest (which is really hard to win when you've got snot dripping out of your nose).
My rules of thumb:
1. LAYER, LAYER, LAYER
2. Keep core, ears (head), hands and toes as warm as possible. When they get cold, misery quickly follows.


What's the right combo for which temperature? It's a recipe that's highly personal, but here's my very quick reference guide:

40-50 degrees:
Armwarmers OR longsleeve (LS) running shirt, jersey AND undershirt are good. The closer to 40 the temp is, you might want to add a wind vest. Kneewarmers or long tights. Two thin pair of wool socks, if it's not too tight in your shoes (preventing good circulation with tight shoes makes your feet cold faster!). Thin gloves, you can double up with a cheap pair from Walgreens and shed as needed. Ear coverage recommended.

30-40 degrees:
Same as above, definitely layer gloves, closer to 30 degrees, I highly recommend wind-proof outer gloves. Add toe or shoe covers. Duct tape over those shoe vents that are so "helpful" in the summer. Consider a thin hat that fits under the helmet; good for colder temps. Also, at 30 you'll want something covering your neck, too. Balaclavas are good all-in-one options. Layer socks again, we love these long wool socks from Defeet. Wind vest is a must and if you've got wool arm warmers, no sleeved jacket is necessary yet.

20-30 degrees:
Cover everything you can:
hat, balaclava/neck gaitor, layer gloves (yep, those dorky lobster gloves are critical), as many socks as you can handle to keep blood flow good. Multiple layers on your core: undershirt (I wear a tank and short-sleeved ones), one or two jerseys or LS running shirt, lightweight wind-jacket. Arm warmers, knee warmers. Add a layer of tights, too, if it's closer to 20. Glasses to protect your eyes/face from the wind are critical.

10-20 degrees: Hit the MTB trails or wear a ski mask. The wind in your face at 20mph is not fun or recommended. MTB riding is slower and usually requires more effort more often, trees shield the wind, etc. If it's this cold, I suggest using just about everything you've got and just pile it on (I'm a wimp!). Also, those packets for hand and toe warmers are invaluable at this temp.

It's a rough guide and a few degrees (when it gets in the 30's) can make a bigger difference than expected. Test yourself with shorter rides, or rides where you know you've got transportation alternatives if you need to bag it.

Whew, now I feel like I need some good ol' hot chocolate. I'm cold just thinking about it!

the journey continues

I just like the picture, not very relevant. So, here we are at the end of November and where are we? Personally, I'm in an underlit, cold abyss. I miss riding with other people regularly. I miss my Monday night ride that kicked my butt all season. I miss watching the Tuesday night crits, our Wednesday ride, and racing. I really miss racing. The whole reason I stay motivated. And, as far as I can tell, the next race for me is in March.

Carrie and I did a Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving. We both ran our personal best 5K times (woo hoo!) Maybe I'll start running to get my competitive fix. Or maybe I should have done some cyclocross. There's always next year and I have a feeling that will be our next big thing. And lord knows Syd loves it! Looks like pain and fun, torture and elation...all in an hour race. Cross clinic, anyone?

Weak sauce still counts

Brr. Twas cloudy, drizzly, cold, windy -- generally unpleasant and getting worse so over lunch I pointed my bike into the wind for 5 minute intervals. Figured I'd better get on it, because the way I was feeling, I knew if I even got close to a sofa and a warm blanket the likelihood of me getting my ride in might drop to slim to none. Some might say, "What's the harm in skipping now and again?"

I'll tell you... because skipping just gets easier. Every time you quit or skip, you get better at it. Just the same as when you stick it out, even when you're dead last, you get tougher. I don't mean physically so much as mentally, but the importance of your mental game cannot be overstated and boy o boy did I get some practice in today. The moment I rolled out of the building and into the wind, the following inner conversation commenced:

Whiner: Ewwww, I don't wanna...I don't feel good. waaaah."
Racer: Yeah, it's icky. You think those other women are sitting around? Just how hard do you want them to kick your butt? You a quitter?
Whiner: No, but I just don't feel like it. My legs hurt. I can't breath in this wind. My ankles are cold.
Racer: You know you'll warm up shortly and the wind will help get your numbers up.
Whiner: I'll do one.
Racer: That's the spirit. You want to do well for the team next season, you gotta do your training. One at a time, that's the way.
Whiner: Groan..... OK. Here goes.

This conversation went on for an hour with Whiner trying to quit and Racer trying everything in the book to keep Whiner on task. Eventually, five intervals were completed and both were enormously grateful to return to the warmth of the office.

Surprisingly, there was a sense of success upon completion despite lower than normal numbers. It was that bit of triumph over adversity feeling. That "when it gets tough I can hang, dammit," mindset, which is exactly what's required in this sport. So, although the numbers will say I was pretty weak sauce today, come Saturday, methinks it'll be warmin' right up and I might even have a can of whoop-@$$ to wash it down. ;)

In the meantime, however, I'm gonna treat Whiner to ginger cookies and cocoa while Racer reviews the "5 Core Skills of the Mentally Fit Athlete."

Other good reads from Pez Cycling News:

• "Handling Pressure"
• "Sustaining Motivation"
• "Periodization for the mind"
  

Re(volution) Re(cycles)

Hey, all! We're starting a recycling revolution! Before you run out to buy the new iPhone and ditch your old phones, toss them our way. We're now collecting used cell phones and ink cartridges to supplement our funds. It's not a huge money-maker, but it fits well with our vibe and it's a small gesture in keeping trash out of landfills.

Collect them from coworkers, moms, kids, friends and bring them to rides where Carrie and I will be. (Please don't steal them!).

Rev on!

2008 Membership

Carrie and I were discussing the upcoming membership renewal that will happen for nearly a third of the club members (that's a rough estimate). Concurrently, I was struck by the announcement by Radiohead of their "pay what think" approach to selling their current album.

We constantly worry that we're not providing the value each member may attribute to our membership dues (currently $35/year). To some, that's a lot. To others, a drop in some bucket I'm not familiar with. So, we've decided for 2008, we'll implement the "Radiohead approach" for both memberships and clinics.

In case you're wondering what we DID do, you can check out our 2007 random statistics page. I know we were "race-heavy" but, 'tis to be expected as the two (now three) coordinators are RACERS.

As you consider our value, here's another reference for you to read on charitable giving. For more fund-raising incentive, we expect to be a 501c.3 (tax-deductable) organization in 2008. (Finally)

You know we're not out here for hand-outs! We expect the club to earn your respect, time and dollars. Now that our first year is nearly under our belt, we hope to only improve on what we've started. We've learned a TON! And the one thing we are consistently reminded of is that this community is a group effort and we need a lot of help to keep it rolling.

More than a handful of our club members have become part of what we identify as a core group. Thank you! Your commitment, consistency and enthusiasm is a constant source of inspiration. As we embark on 2008, we'll be putting our ears to the track and listening for suggestions. We're taking small steps, but I know we've got a ways to go.

Here's my quick list at what we're focusing on improving in 2008:
Century riding.
More Rides for Illinois residents.
Epic touring events.
MS 150 training and support.
Charitable events.
Community development.
Mountain Biking(!)
Rides.
Entry level Rides.
Junior Race Development.
More Rides.
More Ride/Social events.
Cyclocross clinic(s)
More Rides.
Suggestions? Lemme hear 'em!

PEZ Toolbox: Handling pressure

This is a good article for all the racers out there. As I lock into the 2nd season of cyclocross, I've noticed my feelings about the races have changed. Last year, it was just exciting to do and I didn't really feel any pressure beyond normal heightened anticipation to race. This season, however, I feel the stakes are higher,because so many have invested in my development and I want to represent their investment well. Consequently, I've been working on managing my emotions better and keeping a tight watch on the self-talk. (Can't stress how important that's been for me.)

Revolution women win AND have a good time

Cross is fun, ladies. You all have to come on out. This weekend I learned a lesson or five on Saturday and served myself up a second place finish, but Sunday, got the win I traveled for and had a blast doing some beer hand-ups to the 1/2/3 men. If you want to read a little more about the races, stop by my personal site... sydspinnin.

Where in the World am I ?

Here we are in late October....drinking coffee, beer, and taking the last few moments of freedom before we start really training again. This past weekends activities
were a blast!!! I enjoyed the unreal atmosphere!! and the beer too.. I enjoyed them after I was done riding for the most part.
.....in a tornado like state right now. Whew!!!! Help!~

This is what I need and what I want....
1) I want to ride this Saturday Day with the girls...Forest Park??? Cool Weather acclimation ride. Around 2-2.5 hours, maybe or we could do less to start with
2) I would like to delegate some of the responsibilities of the club to willing individuals. We need ride leaders for a regular Sat. road ride, a regular Sunday road ride, and maybe a MTB ride.
We have lots of girls that have not been able to ride with us, due to their weekly committments, and I would like to remedy that.
3) Indoor Ride. Having a spin night is good, and we also are working on the trainer night. I just need a willing location for a 2 hour block. Anyone know of an establishment that would donate their space once a week? I have a couple of feelers out.
4) Our race team is looking for monetary sponsors for the '08 season. We have a professional proposal and are wanting to provide a very intuitive marketing platform for companies and their branding.
Thats my rants for now.
Today....I am out!!!
Check out the Ning site tooo, there is new stuff there also.
Car-

Weighting Game

It's post-season, the days are shorter and air is brisk. There seems to be a subconscious signal going off in my brain to start packing it on for the long, hard STL winter. How do you know you're gaining weight? You say to yourself, “I think I'll change into some ‘jammie pants’to sit on the couch and watch television. I'm wearing jeans, people! Everyday, all day. Jeans.

It was an actual thought I had after a long freaking day of work and eating like I'm racing tomorrow (and the next day and the day after that). For me, it's not so much weather-induced as stress-induced; I'm hoping against all hope that stress also increases metabolic activity.

So, this gets me thinking about what we’re gonna do instead of sitting on the couch... You might remember the post I had about “winter activities” a WHILE back. Well here we are, staring down the barrel of November and a delayed daylight savings change (thank you).

WHO ARE ALL YOU PEOPLE?:
I see like 55 people on the ning site—it’s time to get together and discuss winter prep (and I’m not talking about expanding your wardrobe to include more “jammie pants”!). We need a gathering, to match new faces and guilt some people out of the house for cold-weather riding and, oh yeah, maybe have some adult beverages. We know it’s been a long time. We’re on it. More details soon. Seriously.

MOVIE NIGHT:
We still need a place to have our movie/spin night. In the short-term, you can join Tracy and others for Spinervals on Tuesdays at the Alpine Shop (**exact dates and times coming soon***).

CHARITY RIDE:
I haven’t quite figured this one out yet, but I want to do a scavenger hunt meets bike race involving procuring various goods necessary to prepare a holiday meal....details will be forthcoming as I make it up.

FROSTBIKE SERIES:
Again, not fully put together in my head, but I want to do a multiweek series, where you buck up in the beginning...let’s say 10 weeks for $100. Every week you show up to ride, you get your 10 bucks back....I’m not sure breaking even is a good reason to get out and ride in 20 degree weather...still thinking of incentives. This will be on the weekend, maybe one for each discipline: road AND mountain bikes.

I should have titled this entry “Details to Come”.....hey, we’re busy. Feel free to help or come up with your own. We’ll promote it, if we dig it! Thoughts and suggestions are welcome. Email me!