Presenting my Best of 2007

This is something that I started a few years ago. It's always fun this time of year to look back at what I've accomplished both on and off the bike.

In 2007 I pedaled 3,506 miles. This was almost 1,000 short of what I did back in 2006. Not really sure why I fell so short other than almost completely stepping away from the bike for the past three months. Other than that, I've noticed burn-out in the middle of the year where it becomes more and more difficult to pedal. Seems like my training plan in the future should allow for a little more recovery prior to this happening sometime in July. In 2008 I will be focusing on the Columbus Marathon in October so my training plan will see me transitioning to running as my primary form of exercise with cycling only being used as a means of cross-training. I'm hoping this will be helpful to keep me motivated year round and that by the time the Marathon is over, I'll be anxious to get back on the bike in time for next years cross season.

Best Racing Experience this year for me would have been the Sunday stage of this years Summer Solstice Stage Race. After the experience I had with this series last year, I decided not to compete in the stage race as I didn't want to throw my hard earned coin down the tube for a mismanaged series. However, I happened to be in Columbus that weekend and knowing I had some teammates in the race, I knew I could get away from the family to race this day. The day's race was 62 miles long. By far the longest I had ever raced before so I didn't know how I would do. Probably between the combination of the majority of the guys racing having tired legs and me being fresh and on good form, I rode well to protect Darrin's position in the overall GC. It was one of those races where I simply felt unstoppable. I hope to have more of those in 2008.

Best Racing Experience Part II: This years Fall Challenge. I didn't have the fitness to really compete on a course like this, but I loved the experience. It was so close to home and Quick Road is one of the hills I do on a typical training ride so racing on really familiar roads was a great experience. I also loved the absolute downpour that we raced in. Rain typically kills the turnout for races but racing in the rain took me back to all those carefree rides I did while I was a kid. Didn't matter if it was raining, snowing or a beautiful sunny day, we were always outside riding our bikes. Thanks to Rainbow Inks (Summit) for putting on a great event, sorry I can't race in in 08 but I will come out to spectate for sure.

Best Cycling Purchase: I laid pretty low on the bike accessories this year. I did end up buying two cross bikes...one for my wife Jennifer and one for me. I'm happy to say that she has put way more miles on her bike than I have. I can't complain about this because now she sees why I love riding so much so it actually makes it a little easier to sneak away for a training ride.

Worst Cycling Purchase: I paid some money for a set of Carbon Compact Cranksets from a discount online retailer. Worst piece of sh$t that I have ever bought as the non-drive side crank arm kept stripping, even after having a bike shop install the replacement arm. Please note that the first time it was installed, a local Velo installed it who I have more faith in when it comes to bike maintenance than I do most guys in the shops so I'm certain that it was installed correctly. This is the reason why you have seen me riding a Carbon Compact on the drive side and my old Ultegra non-drive side crank arm. Look for me to replace this with a new carbon compact crankset from a reputable local bike shop.

Favorite Training Ride in Ohio: I enjoy any ride heading down into the Valley, but probably my favorite ride is my loop that goes up Snowville Road, then I work my way over to Medina-Line Road down to Bath Road and then head back to Cuyahoga Falls. It's about 45 miles long but as Rick would say...it's scenic as all get out.

Favorite Training Ride outside of Ohio: Day Two in Boone, North Carolina this year saw us climbing Beech Mountain. Riding this significant climb with the majority of my teammates this year on an epic day in the mountains was something I'll always remember. I'm hoping that a trip to Boone will be in my cards again for 08.

What I'll do again in '08: I'll continue to represent Stark Velo to the best of my abilities and forge new friendships with the racing community and strengthen those relationships that I've already created.

What I won't do in '08: Shave my legs with a razor that's been sitting in the shower unused for three months. Ouch. I've learned my lesson and have just continued shaving during the 'off season' in lieu of letting it grow back.

Most improved Stark Velo rider: My vote would have to go towards Chris Smith. In only his second year racing, he really came through with some big results. Look for him to upgrade to a Cat 3 here very soon.

What I hope to accomplish in '08: I hope to upgrade to Cat 3 at some point along the way. It's going to be a short season so this might be tough. I might end up waiting another year but I don't want to be a Cat 4 forever.

What I'll miss most in '08: I'll miss showing up to Tuesday night training rides and seeing Scott Thor show up. I knew those were going to be punishing rides if he came but they were some of my most enjoyable...in a painful sort of way. Good luck in SoCal Scott.

What I hope to do differently in '08: I hope to ride with more teammates in '08. Last year I did a lot of training on my own. While productive, it wasn't always the funnest thing to do. I hope to be crashing the House's house more often this year to take advantage of those weekend century rides that those guys do.

Well, that about does it for my best of list. Hope you had as much fun reading as I have had writing it. 2007 was a great year for me. I didn't do all that I wanted to with my racing, but sitting here on December 31st, I'm very lucky to be where I'm at. I'm happy and healthy, I have a loving wife and two wonderful boys, I have a great job and I'm a partner in Elves and More. This year, Tim and I along with countless volunteers and contributors, helped make Christmas special for over 950 kids living in the Summit Lake neighborhood. I hope to write more about this experience shortly, but in the meantime, check out my cousins blog who did a cool little write up on it here. It's good to be a part of something larger than just yourself. I would consider riding as a member of Stark Velo to be a part of this. I'm lucky to have met such great people while riding my bike and I look forward to seeing everyone back on the road soon.

Happy New Year!

brian