Update: my naughty bits...

UPDATE: After 8hrs in the saddle this weened the groin seems to be back to normal. Best part? I can't feel the "uneasy feeling" of the hernia...which leads me to a very bad conclusion -> I won't be able to compete in CX this season. This "sucks balls" because I've put almost $2k into gear...on the other hand there is always next year after I get repaired (patched like a tube) to do it "the right way". Plus let's face it, a CX bike is probably the best thing since sliced bread in MI for winter riding. Just need to bastardize the Gucci race rig with some studded tires and full fenders (ewwwwww, heavy).

The plan: I will keep things low key the rest of this week and possibly throw in some minor 10-15min sessions of running. Not holding any high hopes. It is pretty clear at this point in the season the smartest thing is to just call CX D.O.A. and enjoy the time I have left in the fall.

cyclocross: she's a cruel bitch

The Short:

So I went to strangle this bitch called cyclocross and all I got was...well see image above.

The Long:

Kisscross #1 9/18:

The race went off without a hitch. First time I raced on my cx bike. Only had two mount/dismount sections. Moderately sore post race but nothing horrible. Examined pictures post fact and my mounting skills lacked the monkey like skillz of Tom Burke.

Kisscross #2 9/19:

Similar course, same feeling as race #1. After the race however even going to mount onto my bike in the parking lot was a horribly painful experience. I rode later that day with no ill effect or discomfort. As a result I started to incorporate stretching of the groin into my routine with heavy emphasis on warming up before doing any intervals as my groin was still a little sore. Feeling around later that night I felt some strange stuff when I pushed. Kind of like a balloon. I knew what it was…but at least it wasn’t near the actual pain I was feeling.

Doctors Apt 9/15:

I have a hernia. No clue how or when I acquired it. Mother fucker. Not a bad one. Just causes an unsettling feeling. Repairs can wait till the off season. Time to start surgeon shopping. Groin pain persisted the rest of the week but it felt more like someone was stepping on my right nut, no where near my hernia.

Friday 9/25:

After my opener ride I practiced some mounts/dismounts on my cx bike just to gauge my new found groin pain. I felt a twinge. Nothing that really hurt, stretched a little more, but the twinge was still there. For future reference if you feel anything not normal in your groin muscles. Stop. Take a day off...don't race, don’t fuck around, take it easy.

Tailwind CX #1 9/26:

I showed up not knowing if it was a good idea or not. Somewhere between lap one and lap two the pain in my groin started. It became so bad that approaching the barriers or stairs caused me anxiety. Wasn't even sure I could lift my legs. After 15min of racing I called it. DNF. I had a problem and it was serious. The pain was undeniable and racing for 3-4^th from DFL isn’t on my list of life goals. Fuck it.

So now I’m all crippled. Who knew someone who rode a bike all year would have such problems surmounting 18’’? I certainly didn’t. Right now it looks like I’ll be skipping Ithica CX and doing very little groin related activities till next week. No point in risking the few races I have left to the season just to be greedy. Sometimes it takes your coach reminding you that indeed this is the OFF SEASON.

Upside? Looks like I will be incorporating some fun exercises into my weekly routines...such as running. Oh joy. Good article on CX groin related fun here: http://cxmagazine.com/training-for-cyclocross-mounts-dismounts-no-injury

Remember: lurking is legal, stalking is not.

My season my end more abruptly than I would like.... This weekend's cyclocross racing will be very telling. With the way things have been progressing I don't think I will make it to Iceman. Though lets face it, I'm a roadie now, so no loss. One less sandbagger in the Expert 25-29 field and one less nutter at the line of 4,000 crazies.

Stay tuned for FAIL. I hear Tailwind CX A's is a beast of a field. As always the goal is to not be lapped and not be DFL (or DNF).

09/09/09 .....hmmm

Today date contains all 9's...so go out and ride your favorite 9 speed bike (preferably 3 up front w/a 12-27t cassette) and celebrate.

Celebrate what you ask? Not sure. I'm sure some pagan religion is killing people as we speak...but you? You can go ride your bike because human sacrifice is still frowned upon in most cultures. Consider your blood and sweat sacrifice enough for the cycling gods. At least until that societal frown turns upside down.

Oh ya almost forgot...cx bike on deck:

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=57195401&l=ff96455ac4&id=2311702

Will match those nice red sidi shoes quite well:

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=56983582&l=5e65c2bd18&id=2311702

who's showing up? oh fuck....

I've spent the last few days in the company of giants. Those cycling figures who used to loom large in the forefront of my imagination. The names that would be listed on the possible ride roster and you'd simply think "oh fuck".

For the first time I got to pick their brains and get the true depth of their character. It has me thinking again...not about cycling but about life. Cycling is a great sport but to be a full person you have to give depth to your life outside of it. Unannounced to me they have been masters at both for years, long before I rode a bike for sport. The best part is they are not without flaws, they are human...

...Thanks for the inspiration. Maybe I'll stick with this shit for another year...maybe.

an introspective chat with a friend...

me: It would help if i wasnt in a mental funk for the last two weeks.

cyclistBud: heh, yea been there done that.

cyclistBud: figuring out how to dig yourself out of that mental hole is tricky.

cyclistBud: i think i hit that around may/june.

cyclistBud: all because of vagina.

me: yep...damn gash, always gets you.

me: 2008 year of over training, 2009 year of the gash.

cyclistBud: heh.

me: 2010? TBD.

cyclistBud: has it made your results good this year?

cyclistBud: i would almost have to say looking at results only it was a 'good' thing.

cyclistBud: from the mental stability point - eh... not so much.

me: not sure. I know its caused other riders in the peleton unnecessary pain.

W

Picture above: Last W in cat 3's @ 2009 Cherry Roubaix Road Race. Couldn't have done it without the support and backing of my team. Thank you. It means more than you will ever know.

Welcome to the fall: "This will not be over quickly. You will not enjoy this."

Back to the grind. No racing this weekend, just riding. Drop me a line if you have any interesting rides planned...or parties...