Timing is Everything

It's almost like I knew what I was doing. After last weekend's racin', I knew I was in for a much needed rest week. My heart rate was mimicking my car battery this past week: neither one wanted to work. I wouldn't really call it "overtraining," but my body was definitely not in its prime.

So I did what every other self-respecting lazy racer would do, and I took some time off the bike and put my focus elsewhere. My efforts at "rest" culminated last night when I met up with Culbreth, who graced State College with his presence despite swearing off the place when he graduated. It has been well over a month since I actually have gone out on the weekend, so I made sure to enjoy a few margaritas at Mad Mex and stay up well past my arbitrary bedtime.

I continued my week of relaxation for most of today, but I just couldn't resist getting out for a little spin. The weather was beautiful, and I felt like I was overly rested from my week off, so I slapped on a chamois and some knee warmers and hit up the short track trails for a quick hour.

The week off made a huge difference. My legs felt powerful, my lines were clean, and I was able to push the corners without hesitation despite having ridden the mountain bike once in the last two months. The IF is also in single-speed mode now that the mountain season is officially over, which is fine by me. Winter riding doesn't need to be all-out every time. Anyway, I think I'll be in good shape for Granogue and Wissahickon this weekend.

I am very much looking forward to getting my new race wheels built. I've decided to buy into the traditional 'cross hype and go tubular. Velocity Escape tubular rims on White Industry hubs. Should be an awesome race wheelset, and it will drop a pound off of my current wheels. Can't complain there! Now I just have to figure out tire choice. I'm tempted to get some Tufo's, but they retail for about $150/tire. Velocity said the rims will be back ordered until the end of the month, but the hubs are waiting at the shop and are ready to go as soon as the rims get shipped.