Stiff, Supporting, Supple

Well it's been a little since my last post.  I fully intended to do posts daily, or every other day at the least.  Life happens.  I will try to be more regular from here on.


As I sit here typing on this beautiful cold sunny day I am thinking, "Why am I inside? I should be out riding."  My answer to myself is that I am racing the Barry-Roubaix on Saturday.  I am opting to rest my legs.  I have been resting all week.  For once I am listening to my body.  I need rest.

Barry-Roubaix

Training for B-R has gone very well.  These feet will be standing on the top podium spot for the 35 mile SS category.  Very happy feet I might add thanks to my new Bontrager RXL mountain shoes.


I thought my old Specialized BG Pro shoes were comfy.  They are nothing to the Bonti's.  From the moment I put them my feet thanked me.  Very similar feel to my old Sidi Dominator 2's.  The difference between the Sidi's and the Bonti's are stiffness.  The RXL's have some stiff soles.  I believe the shoe is the same as the road version, just some tread glued to the soles and no three hole pattern for road cleats.  The uppers are supporting yet supple.

Bontrager RXL Mountain

Back to B-R.  The forecast looks cold.  High around 30, low the night before in the single digits.  That is fine by me.  I always seem to ride better in extreme conditions.  I treat it just like any other day.  I am looking forward to some ice on the course.  That will let me put my MTB skills to use.  I treat every surface as fresh blacktop.  You think "ICE" and your body tenses.  If you ride alert, you will be ready to react.  The plan is to still run the slick CX tires.


Monday will bring a full race report.


I want to give a shout out to my Father who is graciously driving six hours through the night to get me to the race.  Thanks for the support Dad.