Boulder's first velodrome but hopefully not the last

Last night I went up to Boulder to check out the new velodrome and I was pleasantly surprised. After hearing of talks about building a velodrome in Boulder for the last 10+ years it was finally good to see one up and running. I think it's great for the cycling community and I look forward to training on it in the near future. I hope this velodrome becomes the launching pad for what Boulder/Denver really needs which is a world class World Cup worthy velodrome. The track is short at 138m and as far as I'm concerned it only has two turns. I'm used to the more traditional 250m and 333m tracks around the country but this will do for now. I know of one other velodrome project in the works for the same area and I hope this velodrome only inspires them to follow through on a more grand and desirable velodrome.





Turn 1

The home stretch

"What would Lance do?"

So i asked myself that question over breakfast as I watched the snow fall outside. And all I could think of was that Nike commercial were Lance rides back into his garage in a downpour with him sayings, "I'm on my bike 6 hours a day; what are you on?". That was enough to convince me to pony up and ride outside. My goal is to not ride the trainer all of January so we'll see if I can stick to that goal. I did not see a single fellow cyclist but I did pass a few runners and a whole lot of drivers probably wondering why. 2.5 hours later I arrived home with a filthy cross bike and some cold toes. It ended up being a great training ride; way better than a hike or run outside. I'm pretty sure Lance would have doubled my training time with a nice cozy Suburban following him with a some hot chocolate and extra clothing.

Turns out a frozen cross bike doesn't slow down as quickly on steep roads or at all

Team HART for 2009

The Arvada Alpe D'Huez

2008...

Was one hell of a year! The highlight of the year came late with the birth of my nephew Quinn. I love that my family is getting bigger by the months and I'm very thankful that everyone is healthy and a car trip away. A close second would be my cycling season capped off with numerous wins and a long time goal to race with the fastest in CO. Another close second is my dear friend and gchat buddy Jessica who is one of the kindest and most sincere people I have ever met. And truthfully who would have thought we would be friends...not me. Jessica said it perfectly one day, "sometimes I think that when you find real and true people in life you don't let them go; they are too rare." Well if you ever get the chance to meet Jessica don't let go because she's a pretty cool chica.

I also fell really hard this year. The pain, confusion and frustration became the fuel of success in cycling. I'd like to say I experienced true love but can it really be true love if in the end all fails? I don't know but what I do know is there's someone for everyone. We live and learn right?!

So what can I look forward to in 2009? Well another niece or nephew come June. Hopefully some good results for my new team HART. Maybe a couple wins for Luke and Cole who enjoy racing with me. Watching little Makenna be the cute big little sister that she'll be in June. Hopefully a home owner but we'll see. In the next few days I'll set a side some 'me time' and write down some goals for 2009 and who knows maybe I'll share them with you. But for right now I'm just going to keep PEdaLinG ThRougH LIfe. Have a Happy New Year! Ciao.
Sent from my Atari 64

Chillin' with Makenna and Broncos game with Cole.....pretty cool!

Family Holiday Photos Part II

Pics from the Denver Chophouse celebrating Christine's birthday. The boys had a great time trying to drain my bank account by eating as much as they possibly could. Well lets just say they had a lot to eat.

FYI: The photo of the empty seat you might question. The waitress told us Lebron James sat at this table and in that chair last night for dinner. So I took a photo.

Holiday Family Photos

Papa and Popo in town

That what the little ones call my dad and step mom who are in town for an early X-mas celebration. Did a sleigh ride party yesterday at my sis's place and now heading to my brother's place for a second round of holiday eating. Time to bust out the elastic pants!
Sent from my Atari 64

Facebook: sad yet so true

Touching the Void...

is one intense documentary film. Talk about life throwing you curve balls. An amazing survival story of two climbers with a lot of luck who make life decisions and quick actions to live to tell about it. Wow!