My time in Arizona has sadly come to an end. It was an awesome 12 days and is without question going to help the season get off on the right foot. The experience was absolutely incredible and it gave me a glimpse into a pro's life for a short time. Your only reservations for the day are nutrition, train/ride, and rest. Every morning becomes a new day on the bike and I looked forward to the next ride as soon as I finished my last. It is the only thing you think about day in and day out. I do enjoy riding my bike at home but it's hard to say that last statement after an 8 hour word day. There is something to be said about a pro's life. Although not easy it sure is an enjoyable life style.
The last days of riding were a great way to finish my trip. Topher had to work early Friday so Jenema and I ventured out on our own that day. It was nice to jump on the bike and let it take us where it wanted. It happened to take us right into the Catalina Foothills along the mountains. With the scenery an added advantage the ride ended up being just what we needed to prepare for the next days "Local Shootout."
The "Local Shootout" is a group ride that gathers every Saturday on the University of Arizona. It's known for it's large group, pro riders, and fast pace. We had all showed up to the shootout last week to see what it is all about and to prepare for the following week. As every weekend, that first Saturday Topher ripped the pace with the front guys as Tyler and I wanted to see what the hype was. We both tested the waters for awhile, with Tyler J. doing much better than me, but then settled in and dropped pace so that we could stick to our training schedule. This was great because we now knew what to look for.
We all showed up again and although the group was smaller this week it still presented it's challenge. Most the pro's were either at Redlands or Fontana for the pro road and MTB circuit. With most of the pro's missing the pace was no doubtable going to be slower but as mentioned it still offered it's fair share of pain. In short, you roll out for about 8 miles and then the hammer gets dropped for about an hour with the finish on top of a hill. The pace slows for a bit before it's picked up again for about another 30 minutes to set up the flat sprint. In the end the ride is about 3 hours and 63 miles.
The last shootout was an awesome experience and really helped with my confidence as it was the first time this year I felt my legs had some strength/snap. Without knowing where the finish was I seen a group attack on a hill, feeling good I decided to go. Come to find out it was the finish to the first sprint and I came in about 4th or so out of 20 or more that were left in the group from the 60 that had started. We continued on at a leisurely pace and discussed the next sprint. Knowing it was flat I didn't plan to take part but Jenema offered me a lead out and I accepted. Unfortunately nobody knew where the sprint was, come to find out it's a random 45 MPH sign, and no one in the group participated in an all out sprint. I have to mention, the best part of the ride was the point where during the hammer fest the front 4 guys were me, Tyler J., Topher, and Ty Schmidt. I don't know if the others knew it but the pace was being pounded by 4 Midwest guys, Michigan guys at that. Don't let the small U.P. fool you we have some awesome riders.
Arizona Training Camp Stats
33 hours - 561 miles - 25,245 feet of vertical climbing - 1 Mt. Lemmon climb - 2 Mt Lemmon climbs to mile 14
Next years training camp is already being discussed. This just might have become an annual thing, with a blessing from the wife of course. Maybe next year we can take more Culvers Racing team members!
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