This is West Texas where the weather changes fast. Yesterday we were sweating in short sleeved jerseys, and then today we woke up to perfect cyclocross conditions (cold, wet, and muddy). Too bad its not colder ...

The first Loop Group ride of the 2009 season happened yesterday. The fast folks are still fast, and I was OTB after a few miles (good to know that I’m still slow!). Actually, several of us were OTB from the start since the main group left earlier than 6:30. It was a great ride while heading south, but the wind was tough coming back north to San Angelo. I’ll be writing about Loop Group in my March 21 newspaper column.

Multisport season is about here, with Striders Duathlon the first event on the San Angelo schedule followed by the Spillway Hill off road duathlon on May 3. I will be conducting a small duathlon clinic on March 28 for first timers – click here for details.

The River Run 5K will take place this coming Saturday, March 14 (event flyer). San Angelo will also be the host city for the 2009 8K State Championship race on May 16. I haven’t seen a flyer posted yet, but on-line registration has opened on Active.com. RIS will be sponsored by Vita Sport Studio.

Speaking of Vita Sport Studio, these folks have some great trainers and services available including massage therapist Gloria Granado. Visit their web site at vitasportstudio.com/ or drop by the studio at 3812 Sherwood Way.

The Hammerfest stage race will take place in Fort Davis on April 4-5. This three stage event is one of the premier races in the southwest. The stages consist of a 16 mile road stage (read: hill climb) on Saturday morning, followed by a time trial Saturday afternoon and then a long mountainous road race on Sunday. An event flyer is posted at peytonsbikes.com or you can sign up on-line at BikeReg.com.

The Road Lizards are hosting Friday evening “run and re-hydrate” sessions on the downtown River Trail. Meet at the Farmers Market pavilion at 5:15, go for a run, and then adjourn to Club 404’s deck for after-run refreshments. These sessions are described as “easy and fun” runs where people start and end (somewhat) together. If you don’t want to run, meet the group at Club 404 around 6:15 for the after-workout drinks and BS session.

Don’t forget the ASUFit speakers coming in March and April. Kathy Rakel will be speaking on Friday March 27 (12-1), and then triathlon and Olympic Trials qualifier Desiree Ficker will be here on April 17. The ASUFit Brown Bags are held monthly, 12-1 in ASU's CJ Davidson center, and are open to the public. Let's pack the house for these two presentations.

Bikes for Sale:
2006 Specialized Transition Multisport, like new condition, 52 cm, 105 components, $500, and a 2006 Specialized Allez Comp, 54 cm, full Ultegra parts, showroom condition with almost zero miles, $550. These are extremely good prices. Drop me an e-mail if you would like to see more pictures or call 223-9321 if you want to look at these bikes.