Search

It’s almost Autumn. Hard to believe when the temperature in Wheat Ridge, Colorado, yesterday was in the mid-90s. Our first ’cross race, the target of all my work this past summer, is in less than three weeks. As soon as I got back from Nationals I began thinking about, planning for, and training towards this season. How many times in my life am I going to have the chance to even consider going to Masters Worlds? With their presence in the US for the next two years, it actually is a reality for me. All of the goals I’ve set, every mile on the mountain bike this summer, each circuit on the ’cross course; they’re now money in the bank. This week I’ll finalize my racing schedule for the season and then, with Louisville firmly planted in my mind, I’ll start racing. One more endurance race over Labor Day weekend, and then, cyclocross. Scraped shins, mud of all varieties, ruts, sand, max heart rate, blood, sweat and drool. What could be more fun?

The bikes; different than our ’cross bikes; have weird frames; fat, overstuffed tires and flat bars (where do my hands go?) but in reality, I’ve learned a ton from riding and racing my mountain bike this summer. Lessons that, I’m certain, will come in handy as I make the transition from rock gardens and stream crossings to 40 cm. barriers.

The sheer diversity of our cross community is one of the many things that I love about it. Across the country it’s populated by people who have found their way into cyclocross from so many different backgrounds and for such a variety of reasons. Talking with them, learning their stories, is one of my favorite things to do. I come away from every new encounter with a deeper understanding of the fact that we are truly a unique community.

Over the past two seasons almost everything about my preparation for cyclocross has gone through a dramatic change. And so far every step I’ve taken has yielded positive results. Now, at 61 I know I’m faster and technically better than ever. That knowledge gives me a lot of confidence going into this season with my goal of a good showing in Louisville at Masters Worlds in January 2013.

Well, it’s finally happened! It was inevitable although it took quite a while! I’ve been completely transformed from a died in the wool roadie to an irrevocably addicted off road rider. I no longer crave hours of asphalt, instead I wake up in the morning thinking about single track climbs and rhythmic swooping descents.

It’s sometimes hard for me to get my head around this fact but, I’ve been racing cyclocross for over 30 years! That statement has me sitting at my keyboard shaking my head and laughing at myself. What is the world keeps me coming back? My last column explored the question of motivation. Here’s the next one: After doing cross for so long, what have I learned about how to get ready for the season? There are a few things that I’ve recently added to my list, and then there’s the processes that I’ve followed for years just to make sure I’m ready the first time I step off the bike and shoulder it over that first set of barriers.

First week of June and what we laughingly call Spring here on the Colorado Front Range has instantly transformed into summer. A week ago we were thrilled to see temperatures in the high 60s, now we’re into the 90s. Two weeks ago I was planning my training rides so that they would fall in between the inevitable 2:30 rainstorm that showed itself just as I was ending my teaching day. That’s a distant memory already. Now I’m frantically searching for sleeveless jerseys and sunscreen. 14 days ago I had to dig deep to find the motivation to roll out the door, today I’m chomping at the bit. Yeah, I hate to admit it since it seems so inconsistent with cyclocross racing, but I’m not a foul weather trainer. Racing in the mud, snow, rain … no problem. Looking out my window on flooded streets and thinking about spending the next two hours in the elements … not my fave.

It was just last year when I wrote that short-track mountain bike racing was the key to preparing for the upcoming ’cross season. Not racing the road, I still wanted to keep that edge that only real racing can give you. So, I turned to the C.U. Cycling Short Track Series. The fit seemed perfect -short, intense races that mimicked the effort and style of cyclocross racing. Because they were short, they allowed for more training on race days. I’ve added something else. Something even more intense and painful in it’s own way. Endurance racing.

This week, Masters racer and Cyclocross Magazine columnist Lee Waldman takes some time to take off the helmet and put on the philosopher’s hat – but …

Cyclocross Magazine columnist Paul Warloski returns this week as he continues profiling his return to cyclocross after a near-devastating injury. Follow Paul as he takes us …

Masters racer and Cyclocross Magazine columnist Lee Waldman has been investigating Masters Worlds from a variety of angles. Today he brings you part three, interviewing …

This week, Masters racer Lee Waldman brings us his reflections on the offseason, and some critical inspection of his own weaknesses on the bike. If …

Masters racer Lee Waldman comes to us this week with part two of his reflections on Masters Worlds and his hope to perform well at …

Masters racer Lee Waldman reflects on the Masters World Championships at Mol, and what it might teach him in preparation for Louisville. Missed Lee’s last column? Catch up …

Masters racer Lee Waldman reflects on what makes us ’crossers separate from the rest of the herd. Missed Lee’s last column? Catch up on his …

Masters racer and regular contributor Lee Waldman has some thoughts to air out about the 2010 Cyclocross National Championships. The opinions expressed belong to Lee …

Amy Dombroski can breathe a sigh of relief – she’s made the selection for the American Worlds team and will have a chance to go …

Amy Dombroski took a few weeks off after Nationals to rest and re-focus for a big 2011 cyclocross campaign, complete with a new sponsor, new …

Zolder World Cup, GVA Trofee Azencross and Hotel Threeland Petange, Luxembourg Christine Vardaros races for the Baboco cyclocross team, based in Belgium, and regularly contributes …

Masters racer checks in with a report on his Nationals experience and a look back at the entire, glorious season. Missed Lee’s last column? Catch …

by Christine Vardaros It’s been exactly one year since I last raced on snow and ice. Funny how much I can forget in a year. …

by Sue Butler It’s good to be back in Belgium. Last year I had to forgo my Euro racing campaign due to asthma, so I’m …

Masters racer Lee Waldman takes a look at this year’s rule changes and shares his personal opinions, with the benefit of a year of hindsight. …

Adam McGrath has been penning online columns all season long for CXM, and he checked in with his latest right before the big domestic finale …

As the domestic season starts to wind down, Psychlo Mom bids adieu (auf wiedersehen?) to her Swiss charge and commemorates the occasion with – of …

How prevalent is doping in the Masters’ ranks? Recent events have have gotten CXM columnist Lee Waldman a-wonderin’. Missed Lee’s last column, where he looks …

Masters racer Lee Waldman is still learning plenty of new tricks. This time it’s one simple tip that may revolutionize his racing – applying force …

True to the rumors, Adam McGrath is fielding questions and firing back answers on quintessential cyclocross topics – like hair metal bands, style and fashion. …

Masters racer Lee Waldman starts his season strong before reality comes crashing down, and he takes a minute to reflect on the courses – and …

Adam McGrath’s back with more tales from the American ’cross roads. And now’s your chance to get his unique perspective on cyclocross, life, apple picking …