Spring is almost here!

Spring is about here, with the time changing next week. The good news will be more time to ride and run after work … bad news is that, for a few weeks, we feel like it’s too dammed early when the alarm clock goes off.

 
I was contacted by a lady a few weeks ago regarding fitness programs. She made a really interesting comment, “I don’t want to do much cardio exercise because I’m naturally thin and don’t want to lose more weight.” Her comment got me to thinking about what is the body type that most people find attractive (i.e., thin like a distance runner, voluptuous like a movie star, or trim but muscular like a multisport athlete?). Cast your vote on the “Body Type” poll to the right.

I’ve seen a lot more folks riding Burma Road over the past few weeks. For those of you new to San Angelo, Burma is a favorite local ride that has a number of short but moderately steep hills. It’s a great natural interval session … work the up hills hard and then recover on the descents. Most people start their Burma ride in or at the edge of San Angelo, and ride Arden Road out west of town until they reach the Burma turn off. Here’s a link to the Burma route, although the ride can be longer or shorter depending on the start and turn around point: http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-states/tx/san-angelo/29001515. The first local time trial event of the 2010 season will be held on Sunday, March 14, at 2 pm, with the start area being on Burma just past the Burma/Arden intersection. .

Speaking of TT events, the cycling club sent out a request last year soliciting suggestions for trial courses. My personal opinion is that a different course should be used each month to break up the routine and to provide a variety of challenges. Listed below are the suggestions that I submitted. Even if the club chooses not to use any of these courses, they may be useful to you as “TT training rides.”

•  Jamison Road TT (9.5 miles): http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-states/tx/san-angelo/433124361225123536
• Waling Pecan Road TT (14.8 miles): http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-states/tx/san-angelo/823124361334922861
• Susan Peak Road TT (15.7 miles): http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-states/tx/san-angelo/206124361374156509
• Knickerbocker TT (18.3 miles): http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-states/tx/san-angelo/541124361414138686
• Arden Road TT (22.9 miles): http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-states/tx/san-angelo/603124361262091653

Ever thought about dropping out during a race or workout? This guy says “no way”: http://www.cxmagazine.com/lee-waldman-takes-time-to-reflect-on-quitting-cyclocross-races#more-11195


UPCOMING EVENTS

•  March 14: Burma Road TT, 2:00 pm, http://www.sanangelobicycleassociation.com/events/calendar.html
• April 10-11: Hammerfest Stage Race (cycling), Fort Davis, http://www.txbra.org/db/events/2010FortDavis2.pdf
• April 18: Striders Duathlon (Texas championships), www.ironheadrp.com/striders/index.html
• May 2: Spillway Off Road Duathlon, information TBA
• June 6: Fredericksburg road race (cycling), http://txbra.org/events/event.asp?EventID=1978 
• Ongoing: Group training runs, http://www.roadlizards.org/
• Ongoing: Cycling group rides, road and mountain bike, http://www.sanangelobicycleassociation.com/events/calendar.html

Equipment for Sale

Elliptical trainer, Smooth Fitness CE 2.7. Paid 1200.00 but will sell it for 700. Contact Jason at 325 617 4137 or mondiesman@yahoo.com
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 Giant OCR Limited: A beautful carbon fiber road bike, almost new, size should fit anyone between 5’2” and 5’8”, full carbon frame and fork, 10 speed Ultegra, triple crank, includes a set of carbon aero bars. Price $900, retailed for over twice that much. Contact Dean McKenzie at dpmck@juno.com, or (325) 896-2083.

 Cannondale R1000: 53 cm compact geometry road bike, Ultegra components, Mavic Open pro wheels, double 53/39 crank set, should fit anyone who is around 5”7”. Price $400, contact Dean McKenzie at dpmck@juno.com, or (325) 896-2083.