a blog about the trainer...

Dear Readers,

I've never been a big fan of riding indoors.

That I hurt myself doing too much on a trainer last year, hasn't help my opinion of indoor riding.  I know sometimes it's a necessary evil. I'll admit I've been blessed enough to generally get to ride outside way more than inside. I have a rad LeMond direct drive trainer, which is the closest to well not riding a trainer but it's still riding indoors. My brother swears by trainer road, and lots of folks seem to like Zwift.   Both systems are designed to make something horrible perhaps a little less horrible. I fully understand the benefits of trainer and how it  an work very well for folks with tough time restraints. This is a tough game we chose to play.

As spring is starting to break, it can be especially hard this time of year for me to stay focused enough to jump on the trainer. Temperatures start to creep up. Daylight savings gets closer everyday.

that said, from time to time, it's what needs to be done. A necessary evil.

this week I had a day conspired against me, weather, work, nachos all came together to create a situation where riding the trainer was the only option for a ride. Looking down the barrel of the Hell of Hunterdon- I jumped on.

Fear can be a great motivator.

I came to the final 5 minutes of my final effort. I was suffering. I was pretty exhausted.  I thought to myself "just cut it short and call it a day." Then, I thought about the races where I lost spots on the last lap, and quickly wiped that out of my head. "All the way to the finish" I said to myself. I bit my lip, rolled my eyes back in my head, and I stood on  pedals. 4 minutes to go...

I finished in a heap of sweaty mess.

thanks for reading.

respect
fatmarc

Quarter...

Dear Readers,

I rode 20 hours or so in the Month of February. Just over 5 hours came from last weekend. It was glorious, mind clearing, and now I am destroyed. I need coffee badly.  Photo Blog Starts now:

Sound and Color...

good to pedal some this weekend. Now I can't walk. Perfect.

Sitting in a waiting room...

Naked Mole Rat that comes to visit from time to time...

thanks for reading..

respect

vanderbacon

went to see my friend...

Dear Readers,

I went to see my friend...
He said "hi Marc" when he saw me. He didn't need to say anything.
He was very tired. He has fought very hard.
I was happy to see him.
I told him thank you for everything.
Thank you for helping me to be who I am.
Thank you for the lessons and the laughs.
I told him he couldn't understand the impact he had on my life and so many others.

He was tired. I hugged his wife and wished her well.
I went down stairs and thanked the his brave family for allowing me a chance to thank him.
They are all amazing and strong. Beautiful.  I was grateful they provided me this opportunity.
"stay cool, stay cool" I said to myself. I wished them all well, shook hands and shared hugs.
 Hold it together.  they don't need to see me bawling... keep it together... They are carrying so much already...

I made it out the front door and probably 20 ft before I lost my shit...
I drove around the corner and stopped the car...

I...

respect
fm

bad coffee is a bummer.

Dear Readers,

This week has been a coffee struggle.

I drink a lot of coffee. I drink it black because I like the taste, and that it has very few calories that way. That and it matches the color of my heart. Black.

Let me preface this by saying that in no way am I a coffee snob. Diane and I have a little two cup/paper filter coffee pot. While from time to time I'll splurge on nice bag of coffee, on a daily basis we use a simple Starbucks breakfast blend. Our little coffee maker is basic, but I am consistently impressed with how good of a cup of coffee it brews. This week, it has been my savior. Here at the office, we have Wawa coffee, which is generally pretty good. This week, for whatever reason it has been awful. Like I can't finish a cup awful.

went on an incredible urban ride with my buddy Karl this week. Wrapped around an
old abandoned  golf course. It was rad. Still stoked!

So, I ventured across the street to Starbucks. I don't usually like Starbucks regular brewed in the shop coffee. To me it normally tastes burnt.  I find the veranda to be a better option for me- read less burnt. So I tried a cup of that this morning. Blech! It was awful. Worse than the office supplied Wawa blend. It was a long afternoon without coffee...

Yup, It's been a bad week for coffee in Jennersville.

never underestimate the value of good coffee. never.

thanks for reading...

respect
fatmarc

It was just a few seconds...

Dear Readers,

Saturday, a small group of us headed out to weave our way around White Clay and Middlerun. The group was Buddy, Dennis, Bothell, CONsorto, Michael, James and I. It was really cold.

Racing down the Whitney Farms Trail, Dennis took the high line across the first field section and rolled to the front of the group. Diving into the single track, we all filed in nose to tail. In the woods, the trails were pristine. Frozen, tacky and fast- yeah they were pretty much perfect.

The Whitney Farm Trail twists and turns its way down the hill towards Pleasant Valley Road. The single track dives in and out of the woods and threads together the fields.  While the track in the woods was pristine, the fields were still snow covered in many areas and with the high winds  the fields were much more susceptible to snow drifts...

We blasted out of a wooded section with Dennis still leading the way. Frankly, I was struggling to hold his wheel. As the track headed across the field, I could see where it was obstructed by drifting snow. I watched as Dennis, never letting off the gas, guided his bike off the track and up the hillside into the snowy off camber. At the peak of his arch he was 10 feet off the trail and in the snow, but he never slowed. The trail turned and wound around the hillside, Dennis drifted down the snowy off camber and right back on to the trail on the clean side of drift. He quickly opened up 10 yard gap on the group.

I led the rest of the group through the section cleanly, but with neither the smoothness, momentum or mastery that Dennis displayed. I didn't get the arch right, and even caused CONsorto to groan as he grabbed a fist full of brake. Dennis was poetry in motion and gaped us immediately. As I cleared the snowy drift I stood on the pedals struggling to get back to Dennis's wheel. Wasted energy on my part, inefficient buffoonery...Rookie mistakes... That's why he's the master.  The professor taught the class, gave the test, and emailed the grades. If Dennis was a rapper, he would have just dropped the mic and walked off stage.

That subtle move was glorious to behold. While I have a number of amazing memories from fun riding this weekend, watching this move was the headliner...


thanks for reading.

Try to stay warm out there...

respect
FATMARC VDB

names redacted to protect the innocent

Dear Readers.

A quick non-bike racing related memory from nationals:

Standing in the parking lot outside of the Antler Village, my brother and Consorto were busting my ass pretty good. They were ripping on my "skinny jeans". I'll say, they had some good stuff. I was flustered.

Not Skinny Jeans-

In my defense I'll say that they aren't skinny jeans- maybe a little tapered, but my legs seriously aren't fitting into skinny jeans... And really, while Diane can't take responsibility for skateboard t-shirts or cardigan sweaters, she does direct my jeans purchases, so if she digs 'em I dig 'em.. see rule #1 (happy wife, happy life!)

but I digress:

We stood outside of the Antler Village and my brother and Consorto did a great job of giving me some what for... I was defenseless!

Then a buddy of mine, an attractive female buddy of mine, who shall not be named to protect the innocent, walked by and witnessed the abuse I was taking, and she threw me a life saver!

"I don't know, I think those jeans look pretty good on him!" she commented as she continued to walk towards the Village with a smile on her face.

Jaws hit the ground, and your favorite mid pack master thrust his hands in the air like he just won a training race! Victory! I might have even said out loud- "FOR THE WIN!"

We all laughed.

Later, that afternoon I shared the story with Monk. She laughed and said, "you know you totally owe her a beer. She saved your bacon- Vanderbacon!"

Indeed, she did. In an effort to protect the innocent, names have been redacted, but beer credits have been logged!

thank you for the save.

thanks for reading.

respect
fatmarc
Vanderbacon

Photo Credit: Kevin Dillard.

Season for all things...

Dear Reader,

Into the heart of winter- cross has been done for a few weeks. Those race weekends have been replaced with long steady winter riders: replenish the soul, refresh pack riding skills, reconnect with friends and non-crossers (gasp!). Weekly rides out of the People's Plaza, and loops called Mr. Belvedere Hates You, Sound and Color, and Rombach's Revenge- it's been wonderful to spread the wings, and stretch the legs again, each week looking to add a little more climbing, a few more miles...

Perhaps not the most interesting blog fodder, but there is a season for all things...

Jenn and Diane discuss the recent Wout/Vanderholeshot battle at worlds!

exploring the roads of southern chester county

Dennis and BK. Yes, BK on the road! great to have him out...

VDP! VDP! Jen and Monk rolling strong today!

No, not as eloquent as David, but similar deep thoughts.... didn't want this one to die in the draft bin...

thanks for reading.

respect
fatmarc

Hell of Hunterdon Opens

Dear Reader,

In a haze of a wicked cyclocross hangover, digging out from Snowzilla Jonas, and getting excited for worlds this weekend, I find myself diving full on into the off season, and dreaming of new adventures...

That time I had to judge a pie contest at work...

Looking back at the season, I remember Mr. Joe, Luxy and I sitting on the trainers warming up for our races and we would talk about the local spring classics.

"The Hell of Hunterdon is a great event!" Luxy would say. "Half the guys in our race will be there, it's really fun, and challenging- something good to keep the fire rolling in the off season. It's not a race, but it's good fun."

I would ask, "Dude, how long is that?"

"I don't know 85 miles or so" Johnny would say with a smile.

"Not for me man. 50 miles or so is my limit, I just don't enjoy riding much longer than that. It's just not good for my constitution! Is there a shorter loop?"

John would frown at me, "shut up, you'll be there..."

I just smiled. Lux knew. The seed was planted.

2016 is a different season for me:  by plan, as opposed to by injury, I'm not planning on racing this spring and summer.  I posted that my next race wasn't until next September recently on the Social Medias. While being hurt sucked, it was nice to get some stuff done around the house last year. Our neighbors asked if we were moving. Seriously.

With that idea in mind, and with John's endorsement, I've been taking a good hard look at the Hell of Hunterdon, and the other rides by the Kermesse Sport group: Sourland, The Fools Classic and Fleche Buffon. While it's doubtful I will tackle more than one of these rides, they all look very compelling. Registration opens tomorrow for all of them...

From recent experience, I know that Grand Fondo style rides are really fun (the Bicycling Magazine, and JAM FUND FUNDO are incredible) and with those experiences, I'm excited to be looking at few new events this spring.

The race before the race: this is what we old masters riders refer to as the race to get registered for the big cross races, as our classes sell out. I'll admit, I didn't think that would be a worry with Grand Fondos. I was wrong. On New Year’s Eve at midnight,  I registered for the Lu Lacka Wyco Hundo (I'm doing the 1/2). I proceed to watch the event sell out in less than 12 hours...

Needless to say, I'll be ready for the race before the ride?

Not sure I'll be ready for the actual 85 miles, but that's a concern for another day...

Gotta admit, this is giving my cyclocross hangover a little relief...

Hair of the dog that bit you? Maybe.

thanks for reading.

respect

fatmarc

Peoples Plaza

Dear Reader,

Blair and Diane compare notes before the ride...

Following nationals, I've enjoyed a little mental break. I am definitely not training right now. I've done some skateboarding, and lots of riding with Monk. After the high level of intensity that came with nationals, it's been really nice to just be a bit more MELLOW. In someways, it's actually been been very peaceful.

A couple of years ago Blair, one of the patriarchs of our community started to rally up Sunday Long Steady Distance (LSD) rides.  The group attracts good crowds, and Blair offers 45, and 60 mile options. The first twenty miles is social and very steady pace. At mile twenty as the 60 milers roll off (and kick up their pace), the 45 mile group starts working their way home. While the pace doesn't normally pick up for the 45 milers, as the route turns towards home it runs into the few rollers on the ride, and strangely an evil little headwind seems to always greet the riders pedaling home to the North. The ride keeps you honest. These rides are really good. Yeah sometimes there's some unnecessary cock sizing, but that usually sorts itself out too.  It's a great place to learn how to ride in a group, and where to be in the pack. Good winter riding.

Pictures of butts...

Blair hosted the first of these rides for 2016 today. Twenty-four riders showed up and rolled out. Lots of places for me to hide!  It was a great group, and everyone looked out for each other.

It was perfect.

thanks for reading.

respect
fatmarc

Vision Quest: Asheville Cyclocross Nationals 2016

Dear Readers,

It's Thursday afternoon, January 7, 2016. I'm sitting at my kitchen table, still reeling and trying to capture my thoughts and feelings about what has occurred over the last few days. This has been the culmination of a quest that started two years ago when USA Cycling announced that Nationals were coming to Asheville, NC. Craig and I committed that we were going to make that trip. Monkey smiled and said, "Nationals in January are fucking stupid!" We laughed that time, and every time since that she has smiled a Cheshire smile and repeated it.  "it's funny because it's TRUE!!!"

The Biltmore Estate provided a beautiful, and unbelievably picturesque back drop to without a doubt the most technically challenging, and frankly hardest cross course I have ever raced. With it's steep run ups, challenging off cambers, wicked drops, and slick corners- it was an incredibly fun. The Biltmore course proved to be challenging and flowy and just perfect.  This was a course that a number of people referred to as "one that will be talked about for years" It was so rad...

USA Cycling and the Asheville organizers took a lot of heat over the communication, and organization of the event in the weeks prior the races. I'll admit, while I cautiously kept a positive outlook- I had some concerns. My last nationals experience (Madison 2012) was not a positive one. Part of that was me, part of that was the low production value of that event...

All stresses melted away as Craig and I arrived at the venue Monday afternoon. We quickly met up with Kelly and D-Lowe. We set out to preride with Paul, Ray, Kelly, and D-Lowe. We shared insights, and lines and helped each other suss out the course. We followed that evening meeting the rest of my Deluxx teammates, Featherblog, Dennis (I've been following around for 20 years) Linda,  and Consorto for what Sean Runnette would call "the last supper".   It was the crowning jewel of an incredible day.

Photo Credit: Sean Runnette

Tuesday morning, we easily got back to the venue and met up with the crew to pre-ride again, this time focusing on alternate lines. As awesome as Monday was, Tuesday proved again to be incredibly fun as we worked the lines that may not end up being our first selection, but based on race chaos needed to be explored. As we wrapped up this open course session Craig and I took off to find the Mansion house. This was a worthy ride, and one I am glad we took. Words can't capture:

We wrapped up the day pitting for Luxxy, Mr. Joe,  Dennis and Ray as they all rode to top 20 finishes in the 50+ non-championship race. I was inspired by my teammates turning themselves inside out, and battling the best our country has to offer in that race. The passion and drive they displayed makes me proud to be among them.  Ray made a huge move with 1 to go to land on the podium taking 4th place. At Dinner that night, he couldn't stop smiling. I couldn't prove it but I'm guessing he was wearing his medal under his sweatshirt at dinner that night! Who am I kidding, I would have worn it like a badge!

photo credit: Doug Gray

Wednesday morning 12:30 am... the middle of the freakin' night... I race in 11 hours...

I went to bed at 9, but am wide awake now.
My mind is racing.... I'm visualizing how I want my start to go... my heart-rate is jacked up. I'm thinking about Madison, how awful I was. Since my unplanned break in November, (awesome knee flare up) I have been drilling myself to get it right here. My results in December suffered, as I never felt fresh. Was it worth it? I start to question did I play this right? I think about going over my bars on the chute down from Cemetery Hill when we were throwing ourselves down it during our Monday pre-ride... I can walk it, No, I can't this is a spot I have to ride... It will be cool... calm down dude... I try to control my breathing... It's just another masters cross race... It's just another masters cross race. No big deal... but I'm jacked. I'm nervous. I've worked hard, it wasn't easy to keep the weight at 170 over the holidays, but I did it. Holy Fuck, I have to get back to sleep... Finally, I drift off to sleep...

Morning is here.  We join D-Lowe, Kelly and the Evolution Crew for breakfast. I can't eat, I'm so nervous I might puke.

We head over to the Deluxx compound and catch up with Johnny and Joey. Craig gets on the trainer. We cheer for Consorto and then Wes and Nick in the next race. I want to puke I'm so nervous.

Craig gets a great start. I'm on the trainer. Blondie plays in my headphones... I like Blondie... I find this kinda soothing. "you could tell I was no debutante"  Craig has a great couple of laps...  he is killing it. This is his first nationals. He has had an amazing year. I have loved watching it unfold, and I'm loving watching him race. He's with Lazar. Stay with Jay, Craig, stay with Jay... I'm so proud of him...

photo credit: Ronni Vetter

He finishes on the lead lap... an incredible ride.... so Stoked...

I head for staging. Try to be cool with Stevens, Auer and Kelly. I'm freaking focused. It's on...

Photo Credit: Jean Sears

I'm staged in the 8th of 17 rows, I know the start is going be some chaos. Too many good racers, everyone has got skin in this game... I got off smoothly and narrowly avoided a couple of ugly crashes early in the lap. I raced the race I wanted. Pushed hard when I could, pedal as much as possible. I hear Reuther in my head "don't stop pedaling, don't stop pedaling" I feel good. I am assured that my efforts and sacrifices have paid off... For the first time since Fairhill, I feel like myself. I'm aggressive coming off the hills- I over estimate my technical abilities, because that's what I do, but I keep the bike up-right. I wanted to leave it all out on the course, and ride my best race.  Chasing one dude the last lap, through the barriers I stand and charge for the line... I get him... I crossed the line exhausted, knowing I had accomplished my goal. I turn and hug the guy I just chased down that last lap... Not sure he was ready for that... The vision quest is complete. Fuck Yeah, I love cyclocross...

Photo Credit: Rebecca Lewandowski

Photo Credit: Rebecca Lewandowski

After my race, I was pretty much an emotional ball of mess. Joy, pride and relief over came me. Craig and I hugged back the the Team Deluxx Compound and we both got all choked up. The Vettori's are a passionate bunch, and passionate competitors. This was the culmination of a journey we began along time ago. The culmination of an amazing season. This was my hardest season ... I've never had injuries like this year... This was also my favorite cross season ever...We cried tears of joy. We cried tears of relief that we accomplished what we set out to do. We cried tears of gratitude for the all support and sacrifices our friends, teammates, wives and families had made for us to be here. We were utterly exhausted...

As Richard Fries called the 50+ riders to stage, we composed ourselves and headed to the pit to work for our friends, who had worked for us. More hugs, apple juice (wink, wink), and tears followed as we shared our experiences with our friends, and cheered those who continued to race.

This was an awesome trip, and experience. I am still amazed. I'm still on cloud 9...

Special thanks to D-Lowe and Kelly for all their support- made the event for us... thanks to Paul for pitting for Craig... thanks to Johnny and Joey for the great tent camp spot. thanks to all my mid-atlantic brothers and sisters for your help and support.

Thanks to my amazing wife, who help guide me, told me when I needed to suck it up, and when I needed to just chill.  I hug her as soon as I see her and I didn't want to let go...

Thanks for reading.

respect
fatmarc