Monday, September 7, 2009


The weather has started to cool off a bit, with lows dipping into the 60’s at night. I’m always reminded that I no longer live in Colorado when I see someone headed out for a run wearing a jacket in 65 degree temperatures. Maybe we’ll get lucky this winter and have some snow to run in a few times so these folks can work out wearing down parkas. This is also the time of the year that I would normally be getting all excited about the upcoming cyclocross season, but – due to the chemo treatments I’m currently enjoying, I’ll have to spend this season watching CX videos. Here’s a good one to watch: http://crosstube.net/Home/Cyclocross+%252F+Veldrijden+%3A+UCI+World+Cup++World+Championship/P9WMOA7dbH0%26f%3Dvideos%26app%3Dyoutube_gdata.html

The weather didn’t completely cooperate for yesterday’s Burma Road time trial (a little humid and some wind), but it was a lot nicer than the gale force winds during the Burma TT last spring. Shane Plymel turned in the fastest time of the day, demonstrating that he’s still the man when it comes to racing against the clock on the bike. Results should be posted on the San Angelo Bicycle Association’s web site soon, and I’ll get pictures of the event uploaded to Photobucket this coming week. For those of your who haven’t ridden the Burma hills, the picture on the left gives an idea of how much fun (read: painful) the course is.

With the return of cooler weather, more running events will take place over the next few months. Both the Hot Dog Run and the Habitat 5K will take place this month, with the big 5K/10K Shannon Pink Ribbon Run taking place in October. ASU will hold the 2nd Annual Turkey Trot 5K in November, and then in December the Armydillo 10K and the Resolution Run ½ marathon will take place. All of these events, of course, are simply training runs to help you prepare for the Trail Running Series in January and February. Take a look at the Upcoming Events link below for more cycling, running, and multisport events.

My most recent column for the Standard Times newspaper dealt with the fact that we have a diverse cycling community here in San Angelo. Hard core roadies, mountain bikers, casual fitness riders, and triathletes – we have a broad range of people who participate in cycling. My central theme was that none of us fit into a singular “mold” as relates to how we choose to enjoy our sport. I received a number of comments related to that column, and I want to share a couple of them with you. The messages are self explanatory, I think, and should give all of a little food for thought.

I want to thank you for reminding me of the joy of riding a bike around the neighborhood with kids. I'm a 46 year old, out of shape mom who used to love run, and many years ago, used to love bike riding for the sheer joys of freedom and wind in my face. Tonight I took out my bicycle, and my 11 year old helped me air up the tires. We rode for 20 minutes in our neighborhood. What fun! I am looking forward to many more evenings of pleasure. Your message in today's column was truly inspirational.”

One of the things that has turned me off to Loop Group at times is the attitude that so-and-so (let's say triathletes) aren't "real" cyclists and that somehow the roadies occupy a higher rung on the food chain. (Interestingly, you don't see that sort of attitude among runners.)”

Final note: Both the cycling and running clubs are looking for a few good people to step forward and serve as club officers for next year. If you are interested in serving, contact the appropiate club president to self-nominate yourself for an office. The cycling club contact is Christy Nesbitt, and for the running club please drop a message to Jeanette Passons.


UPCOMING EVENTS

September 12: Hot Dog Run, http://www.roadlizards.org%20/
September 12: Comanche Warrior Triathlon, Big Spring, http://www.comanchewarriortriathlon.com/
September 19: Home Run for Humanity 5K, http://www.roadlizards.org/Upcoming%20Races/Habitat.2009.pdfSeptember 19-20: Fort Davis Cyclefest, http://www.pbbatx.com/Documents/2009%20Tour%20Flyer.pdf
October 3: Shannon Pink Ribbon Run, 10K/5K, http://www.roadlizards.org/Upcoming%20Races/Shannon.pdf
October 10-11: Texas Road Cycling Championships, Copperas Cove, http://www.txbra.org/db/events/2009FortHoodClassicV4.pdf
October 18: West Texas Series mountain bike race, Concho Bike (San Angelo), http://www.wtcycling.com/wforum/viewtopic.php?t=2887
November 1: West Texas Series mountain bike race, Abilene, http://www.wtcycling.com/wforum/viewtopic.php?t=2887
Dec. 10-13: Cyclocross National Championships, Bend, OR, http://www.visitbend.com/Bend_Oregon_Activities_Recreation/National-Championships/Cyclo-cross/default.aspx





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