I Blame Matt Waite

Moved!

2008-12-02T01:34:00.002-06:00

I have moved my blog. This one will still exist...but I probably will not blog-ify on it. I may use it for something later on, but for now I have moved to WordPress...Sorry Blogger. I just want to try something new.

So for now you can go to my new blogs web address at:

http://waitey.wordpress.com or just click HERE

Yeah I know...not very original...it still works. Hope you like it

Ciao ciao....

Waitey

Coming Soon....

2008-10-14T00:10:00.001-05:00

Yup I've been away for a very long time.....

I'll update when I get my new blog up and running. Its just time for something new....

Ciao ciao....
Waitey

How the racing has been going so far....

2008-07-23T10:39:00.002-05:00

Well 4 days down...4 to go. Its been alright. I've pretty much just been pack-fill, but at Evanston I was able to start moving up and becoming a little more aggressive. Shorewood was fast and bumpy. I stayed with the pack and moved up when I could. I finished 73rd on the day. Ripon sucked ass. They used a different course than what they showed in the flyer. They used a shorter State Champs Crit course...I hated that course when I first raced on it. Now they incorporate another power climb and the legs just aren't ready for that. I was pulled later on, but was placed...49th.

Evanston is always a fun one. Crash with 36 laps to go stops the race. The legs hurt on the restart...finally got them going again and started moving up aggressively. Got up to the top 30 or so...then another race stopping crash with 6 to go. I then started on the back of the field again. Gave us 4 more laps to make it 10 and the legs did not like the first 3 laps. I made it thru but in 67th and in the field.

Yesterdays race in Cedarburg didn't go so well. I had the power, but I didn't have any motivation. So I just sat on the back all day not even caring if I moved up the field. From lap 35 to 30 the field was strung out one by one and I had to close about 5 gaps within 2 laps. Yes I know thats what happens on the back of the field. I was popped after 40 laps of the 70 lap race and just rode solo for 4 more laps until being pulled.

Its not the best attitude, but I just can't wait for these race to be done. I'm pissed off for many reasons, don't really have any motivation and just want to get the hell out of Madison and Milwaukee. I just want to get away from this area and some certain people....

Ciao ciao....
Waitey

Superweek 2008....

2008-07-06T23:10:00.003-05:00

I've finally registered for my races for the 2008 edition of Superweek....

Races:
7/17: Tim Hart DDS/Rainbow Jersey Shorewood Criterium
7/18: Ripon Red Hawk Criterium
7/20: Evanston Northwestern Healthcare Grand Prix of Cycling
7/21: Pharma Pacific Tour of Holy Hill
7/23: Whitnall Park Criterium
7/24: Racine.org Criterium
7/25: Chase Food Folks & Spokes
7/26: The Great Downer Avenue Bike Race

Those are at least the ones I've pre-registered for...you never know...maybe I'll do a couple other ones. But even that will be a pretty hard schedule against all those Pro/1/2 racers. I just hope to have a couple decent finishes. I guess I should start getting strong again....

Ciao ciao....
Waitey

Change of Plans....

2008-06-12T01:06:00.002-05:00

Ok first off I should let you know how I did at Leelanau and at the State Champs ITT.

Leelanau: Fucking hard....popped off the back. Made it to mile 90 and dropped out due to time cut. First UCI race. Over 160 starters...only 48 finished...didn't feel too bad about that.

ITT: Super windy. It hurt...alot. Placed 8th in the P/1/2 and 20th overall on the day with a time of 55:22.

Now I'll be heading to the State Champs Crit in Ripon this Saturday and I'm thinking about heading to Stillwater, MN to partake in the Cat 2/3 crit at NVGP. I'd like to try out that Chilkoot Hill Climb. 24%....ouch...yet awesome?!?!

And it looks like I will not be doing the Tour of Ohio this year...instead I'll head over to Grafton/Milwaukee area for the races that weekend. After that I think I'll be joining Dallas for the GRABAAWR. I'll just do the first 4 days back to Stevens Point, but that still means about 400 miles and then I'll continue training that week. Good build up up to Superweek.

Ciao ciao....
Waitey

Only 125....

2008-05-21T21:40:00.002-05:00

Well...today I only went 125 miles/6.5 hrs. I went out 40 miles toward Milwaukee, joined with the Bones Ride and then rode back 40 miles. We ate on State St. I didn't want to go back out the same way we went and then turn around and go the exact same way again....cuz thats boring. So instead I made a quick stop home and then went for a nice 45 mile loop outside the Madison Area.

So total was 125 miles....6.5 hrs. Good work out for the legs still. Haven't had one of those days for awhile.

I have some goals for Leelanau....hopefully I can make a couple of them happen....

I can't wait to move back home and just train 5 or so hours a day....got some good races this summer....

Ciao ciao....
Waitey

Much Riding....

2008-05-20T23:17:00.002-05:00

Well the next two weeks will be painful for the legs, but the first week in June will be a welcoming recovery....

Tomorrow: 160 mile Bones Ride
Thursday: 2-3 hr sprint/interval ride
Friday: Travel to Michigan/1-2 hr spin
Saturday: 3-4 hr ride to get the legs going
Sunday: 110 mile Tour de Leelanau (try to finish...maybe even cover a move...if I can)

My legs are going to hurt after this week is done. But tomorrow should be fun. I'm also trying to figure out some longer routes in the Stevens Point area for when I move back home for this secret training....

I am going to ride my bike indefinitely for the next oh...5 or 6 months....

Ciao ciao....
Waitey

Wheels On Willy and Other Info....

2008-05-19T23:21:00.002-05:00

So I'll start off by saying I'm finally done with my 5th year of college. I'm so happy its over. It was a tough one, but I got through it pretty well I think. Only one more semester left...only 7 credits. So close....

Since school is done I've been riding my bike a lot more. I'm trying to get fast again I guess. This weekend was a good tester. I still need to get a little more confidence and move up in the field, but I now know I'm able to sprint all out in every corner in a 4 corner crit for 60 minutes and still hang on. Wheels On Willy was a good race. 107 starters and only 40-50 guys finished. It was pretty much every big name in the Midwest there. It was fast...it was single file most of the race. I was able to grab around 25th place. I'd say that's pretty good with the [little] amount of training I've had this year....

This week I'm just getting ready for the Tour de Leelanau. I'm going on a longer harder ride tomorrow and then I'm doing the 160 mile Bones ride on Wednesday. Thursday will be a couple sprints and then I'll be traveling to Michigan on Friday. I can't wait to see what a UCI 1.2 race is like. I just hope to hold on....

And then I think I may be moving back home to Point after TdL to do a lot of secret training this summer. It'll be nice to not have to pay rent if I'm going to be traveling alot this summer for races. But then I'll also ride down to Madison here and there, stay a couple days and then ride back home. That'll probably be on my more intense training weeks.

More to come later....

Ciao ciao....
Waitey

Collegiate Road Nationals TTT....

2008-05-09T18:03:00.002-05:00

So today was the Titty-T. It went alright. Our team finally got to practice as a whole 1 hr before we went off. So thats pretty sweet, eh? Well we were fully decked out in aero equipment and felt pretty good about it....

Our start time was 9:18am...we were 5th to last to go out of 21 teams. Some strong teams were going to be following us. We started off the line strong with the wind battering us from everywhere it seemed like. We were going at a pretty good clip...but my legs felt like shit (I don't think I've adapted to the higher altitude yet). They lost me a little ways later. If I was in too low of a gear I would spin too much...but if I clicked up one gear it would be too hard. Gah...well I was dropped and they went on. As a team we finished 6th with a time of 24:42. Not bad considering if you look at all the teams above us they are all teams that have mountains and altitude to train in (as well as well funded programs). We were the top placed flatland midwest team! So I would say thats pretty sweet.

Here's the link to the results for the D1 Men TTT:

https://www.usacycling.org/forms/08CollNatsTTT_Div1_Men.pdf

Well time to get back to studying for those stupid exams we still have. But I've been procrastinating by surfing the internet and buying my international UCI license, which I now need to send in a signed waiver and a photo copy of my birth certificate/passport...even though Freshie just bought his too and doesn't have to send in a photo copy of his BC/passport. Interesting stuff...so I emailed and asked about that...I guess I can also talk to one of the many officials all around me this weekend seeing that its Nationals and everything....

Ciao ciao....
Waitey

Collegiate Road Nationals 2008....

2008-05-09T00:34:00.002-05:00

Well after a 14 hr car drive and a night in Lincoln, NE we are finally here in Fort Collins, CO! Lets just say that I-80 is the worst road in the world....that road is too fucking long....

I don't have too much to report. Tomorrow is the TTT and we go off at 9:18am. We all have aero equipment and the bikes are pretty much set to go. Our team is It's a 12 mile out and back with a 1.8% gradient uphill for 5 miles and then we turn around and go down that same gradient. Hopefully we place well.

We also pre-rode the RR course. Yeah thats going to be hard. As of right now I'm not in the RR, but we'll find out tomorrow if I'll be able to jump in as a 5th man for the team. I hope I'm able to...its a hard course, but its a fun one with some pretty steep climbs. Nothing that we haven't seen in Madison though...maybe just a little longer.

Its late and we are getting up early to be at the TTT course at about 7:30am. Time for bed. More updates later and probably some pics if this internet is fast enough....

Ciao ciao....
Waitey

Soon....

2008-04-29T15:21:00.002-05:00

So soon...I'll possibly know where I'll be soon or what I'll be doing.....

Soon: I just went into the Rock agency today and had some polaroids taken....means I'll be signing with someone soon....

Soon: The semester is almost done....

Soon: Natz, Tour of Arkansas, Tour de Leelanau....

Soon: Summer....

Ciao ciao....
Waitey

My Last Regionals....

2008-04-25T15:55:00.005-05:00

Ok I guess its time for my input on Regionals last weekend....

RR: 80 miles...8 laps of a 10 mile rolling course.
Started out pretty slow. The usual attacks here and there. 12 minutes into the race 4 guys got off....Dallas, Bennet from Marian, Will from Northwestern and Ren-Jay from IU. The field kinda just let them ride off the front. For the rest of the lap it was pretty nice and comfortable. Starting at lap two things started to get a little faster. John Meyers missed the break and seemed a little pissed about it so he got on the front and used up some of his man power to chase. 5 guys from Michigan helped with the chasing. This went on for laps 2 thru 6. The break got a max of 3 minutes and it only ever got down to just below a minute....they were working well together.

Lap 7 was slow as everyone recovered from all the chasing. Then lap 8 we rested for about 1/4 of the lap and then attack after attack went. It started to get really fast. Everything was being chased down. When we got to the bumpy Paris-Roubaix section with a tailwind, whoever was on the front was drilling it. The guy right in front of me seemed to be getting tired and losing the wheel ahead of him. I was not going to be dropped on the last 1/2 of the last lap. So I just went a little harder around him and pushed it back up to the field. I looked back and there was a 25 yard gap between the me at the back of the field that I just caught and the group I was just in. Thank god I did that....I believe many of the guys that were in that group were dropped with just a couple bridging up to the pack. I'm able to motor again! Hooray! I stayed with the field just fine till the end. I tried to move up in the sprint (which I need to work on by the way) and got up to at least the 1st half of the field. On the final climb up to the finish I was still feeling pretty good and was sprinting strong. However, one guy that was about 10th wheel or so is all of a sudden stopped right in my path. The whole field went left or right and I moved over just enough to edge past him...but I had to slow alot. And going uphill in my 53/16 was hard to get going again, but I finished in 24th. Better than last year where I didn't even finish.

TTT: 10 miles....
Wasn't my day. My legs didn't warm up properly and Bean accelerate strong right after I pulled up a hill. Didn't wait to see if I was on and was popped pretty early on in the TTT. The team still got 3rd, but I was pissed how things went down. Team...not individual people.

Crit: 75 minutes.....
Sweet jesus it was fast. I guess we averaged 27mph. Thats a pretty good click. The cratered capital square was taking wheels out left and right. I have never seen so many flats in a race ever (well in a crit...Natz last year on the dirt road was pretty ridiculous). Guys were crashing, coming to a dead stop right in the middle of the field due to flats...it was crazy. And we popped about half the field within 20 minutes.

We didn't slow down much at all. But I was hanging in there fine and didn't get a flat. Lucky! But I was almost crashed out at one point. Around corner 3 a Purdue guy right in front of me was jumping up and down on his bike checking his tyres or something...who knows. We enter the corner and BOOM! His rear tyre blows off the rim...sounds like a gunshot and he goes down face first with the sound of carbon grinding on asphalt. He's right in front of me and the only thing I'm thinking about is an image of me going right over him, face first into the ground. Shit....I slammed on the brakes just enough that when I hit him I bounced off his head and right back into the race. No idea how I kept that up...but now I had some work to do to get back up to the field. I was probably half a straight away back. I sprinted and got back on in about 2 corners. Gah...that was a close one...I guess that guy's face was fucked up pretty nicely....and I barely missed it.

The ending wasn't too eventful. Whole field sprint, I was cramping, did my best to move up, and took 30th or so. Overall it was a good weekend, but now its time to get ready for Natz. I'll be doing the TTT and the Crit. I'm hoping to give it my all in the crit and have something happen.

Other than that I'm sick right now and I'm trying to finally get ahead in my homework.

Races coming up for me:

May 3: WCA Baraboo Road Race
May 9-11: Collegiate National Road Championship
May 15-19: Tour of Arkansas
May 25: Tour de Leelanau

Time to get over this sickness and get some good training in....I'm better at Stage Races...I think they're more fun.

Ciao ciao....
Waitey

....

2008-04-17T22:02:00.002-05:00

Can somebody please give me motivation to do something....

I only have 8 days of class left this semester...only 8! So close....I need to get my shit done so then those 8 days are easy....

Oh I also received my 9th epidural today...eat it pregnant women!

Ciao ciao....
Waitey

News....

2008-04-15T22:49:00.002-05:00

Alright so first off this week sucks and I have way too much homework and no (absolutely zero) motivation to do it. I only have 2.5 more weeks of school left since I'll be leaving for Colorado during the last week of school. But still have tons of shit to get done before then....

Ok well I'm on a new team now. Pista Elite Pro Development Team out of Cleveland. I feel honored (once again) to be invited onto the team. We're getting some pretty good deals. Races and lodging will be paid for....and we're getting some free gear. We're going to be doing some UCI races this year and we've been invited to the Tour of Leelanau. So that's pretty sweet. I guess there's bigger things in the team's future so I need to really perform well this year. The team is made up of a whole bunch of collegiate riders. Riders from Purdue, Marian, Indiana, and now Wisconsin (me).

Now I just have to decide if I want to do the Tour of Leelanau or Snake Alley/Quad Cities during Memorial Day weekend. Leelanau is definitely more prestigious, but we'll have to see what I'm able to do. I need to know by this weekend probably....

Ok I guess I have to do homework...and maybe I'll know more about the team after this weekend....

Ciao ciao....
Waitey

TT....

2008-04-12T15:20:00.002-05:00

I think I'm going to start practicing TT'ing more. I really enjoy it. It hurts alot yes...but I feel good with it. I will most likely be going to Elite Natz in Cali later this year...so I want to start practicing for it. Don't get me wrong...I'm going to get my ass whooped. I just want to do a little better.

I'm feeling pretty good for the GDVC crit tomorrow. Hopefully I can get in a break....

Ciao ciao....
Waitey

Wisconsin weather....

2008-04-10T15:01:00.002-05:00

....can suck it. Can it just stop raining/sleeting/snowing for just one day. Oh and take away the hurricane winds when we finally do have a nicer day. This weather just sucks ass. I want to ride out side....

Instead today I did an hour ride on the trainer on the TT bike....not much. Some intervals while dreaming of riding outside. Looks like its suppose to rain/snow for the next 3 days. Its looking like Sunday should be a little nicer. Its saying 44 degrees and partly cloudy. Hopefully it stays like that cuz I want to redeem myself at the GDVC crit on Sunday....

Time to take a shower and then start my take home exam....

Ciao ciao....
Waitey

The Recap....

2008-04-10T00:26:00.003-05:00

So I finally have a little bit of down time to discuss the weekend. It was a fun one...4 races. I learned where my power is at and what I have to work on.

Race 1: Marian Collegiate Men's A Crit....
This one didn't go too well. It started out fast and I was in the field, but I followed the wrong wheel and a gap formed. There were about 10 of us in the split and we chased hard to get back on. Jon Cook was in this chase group too. We were about 15 meters off the pack....almost there...and everyone in my pack just gave up the fight. What the hell?!? I really wish I would have sprinted up to the group at that point. But we lost them and we were alone to ride along. Everyone was stupid in this pack. They just kept attacking and wasting their energy. All we needed to do was a pace line. We were pulled with 4 laps to go...

Race 2: Marian Crit P/1/2/3....
This one went a little better for me...until 30 minutes in. It started out super slow. Much different from a collegiate race. But about 3 laps in the speed picked up...but not because of attacks. They just started going harder. People were getting thrown off the back, but I was able to stay about 5 or 6th position with Dallas right behind me. About 20 minutes in a gap opens and about 14 riders are off the front...maybe by about 10 seconds or so...maybe a little less. I was sitting 4th wheel in the second pack...I was not going to be split from this group like the last crit. So I booked it up the right side yelling at a Mesa Cycles rider to get the hell out of my way cuz he was riding too slow to catch them. Dallas right on my wheel as I moved up and took control. He said I hit about 35 mph. He wasn't able to pull around at all. At one point I started to die a little bit and he knew he couldn't come around so he gave me a little push and that was enough for me to keep going and I finally closed the gap. A little recovery and I was good to go. About 30 minutes in I decide to attack. I start from about 5 wheels back. Jake Rytlewski comes with me and another guy. I get about a 10 second gap on the field...with Jake we should be gone. And then I enter the 120 degree corner...I guess I went in way too hott and I wiped out. God I was mad and in pain. I took that corner how many times? And then the one time I actually have a chance to be in a break initiated by me I go down. God damn it. I hugged the hay barrel right next to me and then I went to take my free lap. I got back into the race...did one lap and decided that the pain was a little too much. So I had to drop out. Damn it....

Race 3: Purdue TTT....
Freshie, Cook, Dallas and I practiced for 15 minutes and this was the first time since the Mizzou ITT last year that I was on a TT bike. It would be interesting and seeing that I wasn't able to walk on my leg very well, I didn't know how biking would hold up. It was a 6 mile loop. We went as hard as we could...I was going well and then we hit the short steep climb on the course. My road rash/crash the day before did not like that effort. So I started hurting a little too much, but I had to keep it up because we lost Cook just before the climb. We finished strong and completed the 6 mile course in 13:47. I would say thats not too shabby considering that we practiced together just 15 minutes before we went off. 2 guys had regular road bikes and I crashed the day before. Indiana won it in a time of 13:05, 2nd place was Marian at 13:13 and Purdue came in at 13:33. 4th place...not horrible...but we'll need some practice before Regionals and Natz.

Race 4: Purdue Road Race...
This was 8.5 laps of a 4 mile loop. So pretty much it was going to be a crit. I just wanted to stay with the field. A break formed of 10 guys. Then a chase of 3 riders and then our pack. I was able to hang with them until 1 lap left...my crash started to hurt. But with only one more lap to go I wasn't going to quit. I finished up strong and got 44th. Not the really the greatest result you can get, but at least my power is up a little more. Still need work though.

I took 2 days off and now I'm back on the bike. Today Dallas and I practiced our TT skills around Paoli. I kinda like TT'ing. I'm going to try and get out on the TT bike at least once a week. I'm thinking about dedicating Tuesdays for that.

The GDVC crit is this Sunday....hopefully I can try and do another break and not actually crash this time. It'll be good training too. Regionals is next weekend and Natz is only 4 weeks away.

Oh and it looks like I have a new team for 2008...details later....

Time for bed...

Ciao ciao....
Waitey

Recap...soon....

2008-04-07T16:57:00.003-05:00

I don't have much time, but I want to get a recap of the weekend up. I'll either do it later tonight if I have time or it'll definitely be up tomorrow since I don't have class. Be watching....

It was a fun weekend though....and I'm getting stronger again! Hurrah! And I may have a new team...again...

Ciao ciao....
Waitey

Random....

2008-04-01T14:48:00.002-05:00

Its been awhile. School, work, training, SB, etc have been keeping me busy. I'm just at Steep&Brew right now studying (clarification: was studying) for my NS 431 exam thats in 2.5 hours. I've just been reading some cycling blogs and staying away from actually being productive for this exam. Yup...no motivation like usual.

Well spring break went very well for me...riding and coordinating. I guess everyone liked the job I did and want me to possibly do it next year as well...we'll see about that. As for the riding...I don't think I've ever ridden that hard during a Spring Break. I did 525 miles, 30 hours, 23000 KJ. The first 4 days all the fast guys tore my legs apart. On day 4 I exploded and had to cut the 6 hr ride down to a 3.5 hr ride cuz my legs hurt so bad. I took the next day as a recovery day. The last 3 days of the trip I felt better than ever. And ever since the trip I've been going pretty well. I feel strong again and can't wait to race this weekend at Marian/Purdue. Hopefully I can make up for the poor performances I had at Mizzou/Lindenwood. I really need to start training hard and peak for Natz in Colorado. But I'm up for the challenge...and if I'm feeling pretty good and confident now things should go well....

One thing I do regret is having to give up my spot at Get A Grip. I really don't want to race unattached this year...and to actually have a good supportive team...I was really looking forward to that. I wish I could re-join them...but since I have no idea whats going on I guess I can't. I'm definitely very motivated to train and race again. Maybe its because theres not much snow on the ground and I got to finally ride some decent terrain in NC.

Other than that...I've been on the bike and doing homework. Thats kinda my life right now. Tonight after my exam some of us are going to the Great Dane to play darts and have some appetizers and drinks. Tomorrow I'm going on one of those killer rides where you have to crawl home cuz your legs stopped working from riding so hard...just getting ready for the weekend....

Ok back to studying I guess...school sucks....

Ciao ciao....
Waitey

SpringBreak....

2008-03-14T01:51:00.002-05:00

In about 15 hours I will be on my way to NC for spring break! I finally finished the last bit of homework/examination-ing I had to do. Finished at about 1:15am. I want to punch procrastination in the face. I just want to go ride my bike and hopefully get strong again.

Last weekend at Mizzou sucked for me. Yup I did lose a lot of endurance. I still have my power, just no endurance. I got dropped both races. So I'm going to ride a shitload in NC and then take the next week completely off. Hopefully I'll be a little better after all of that...and then it should be warmer and we can ride outside again.

Ok well I'm going to head to bed. Gotta wake up really early because I haven't even packed yet and my stuff is being picked up at 9:30am....the same time that I have to be at the Rock Agency for an audition. Gah I need to memorize some lines....

Good Night!

Ciao ciao....
Waitey

RaceTime....

2008-03-06T22:00:00.003-06:00

Alright...this weekend will be the first time since August that I'm racing my bike. It will be interesting. I think it'll be tough, but not horrible. I'll hurt, but it'll get my fitness going again. I'm probably not as strong as the field, but I'm still going to go out there and get some work done. If I can't get in a breakaway I'll try my best at getting one of my teammates to get the V.

Here's the race description for Mizzou. A 60 mile hilly road race to get the legs going again. Then Sunday is a nice technical crit. I have a feeling I'll do better in the crit than in the RR. But we'll just wait and see.

Then this week I hope to get my training up a little bit and then go all out and rip my legs off during Spring Break. Week off and then racing again. I think that'll be good enough to stay with the big boys.

I hope I can bring you a good report when I get back from this weekend....

Ciao ciao....
Waitey

MillerTime....

2008-03-01T03:15:00.002-06:00

Well I'm doing 1000 times better. Sickness is pretty much gone...I just have the lingering cough/clearing of the throat that ends every cold. No more dizziness, no more fatigue. It just took about 5-6 days laying in bed doing absolutely nothing but sleeping and eating. Thank god its over...and just in time....

Thursday I finally got another modeling gig. Just fresh off my death virus I got a job with Miller Brewing. I was just an extra, but it was for a type of commercial. I just had to act like I was having a good time at a party. They put a Miller Chill in my hand and two beautiful girls next to me. "Have a good time"! That was pretty much it. I got paid to flirt and drink a beer. And the pay wasn't that bad either. And lets just say that models are very open about everything. It was a blast. I definitely want this to be my life and job. Well not just flirting and drinking beer...the modeling.

These next two weeks will be pretty busy. I need to do a couple intervals on the bike before my first race of the season next weekend in Mizzou. I can't wait to race....its been awhile. And then its Spring Break....

Ciao ciao....
Waitey

Dizzy....

2008-02-22T00:25:00.002-06:00

OK I haven't updated in awhile, but not much has really been happening. I had a strained shoulder for about 2 weeks and couldn't exercise, but its healed now and I'm back into getting fit for modeling. Went to Chicago and saw Rent. I'm trying to survive school and work. I also have an audition this Sunday for an independent film....

Thats what I think is getting to me. I don't think I've been sleeping enough or something. Ever since Freezing For Safety I've been getting short little dizzy spells that last just a couple seconds and goes away. But they pretty much happen everyday. They get a little worse during the evening/night hours. I was riding the trainer today and 30 minutes in I almost fell off the bike...or at least it felt like I was suddenly going to....

So tomorrow I'm skipping class and heading home early in the morning to get this checked out. I hate doctors, but it really has to be done seeing my one blip on the radar screen medical history. I think just knowing what happened 3 years ago gets in my head and makes it worse.

Its probably nothing, but better safe than sorry....at least I get to skip class tomorrow!

Ciao ciao....
Waitey

Sickness....

2008-02-12T23:34:00.002-06:00

Yup I'm sick. Gots me a sore throat and I'm fatigued. So that always feels great....

I studied only 4 hours for an exam that was today...and I started studying today for it. I think and hope it went well. Now I have to start a take home exam for MHR. Yeah I was suppose to start it tonight...but the sickness and already taking an exam threw that idea out the window. Hopefully I can finish it before Thursday night though since I'm heading to Chicago on Friday. Oh and I have an audition for a independent short feature film on Sunday too!

As for racing this season...I will not be racing for Get A Grip. I thought things over and I really don't know where I'm going to be this summer, so I can't really commit myself to the team. So I'll be riding unattached this year. I've ridden without much help for years, so it won't be that much different. But I'm still racing and training. I've been training alot more lately...and I'm starting to feel the strength go up again. I think I'll be ready for Spring Break...and then after Spring Break I should be pretty good to go again.

Well...I'm going to keep up my procrastination skills and not start that exam tonight. Doing it later will definitely suck...but oh well....

Ciao ciao....
Waitey

FFS/Tiramisu....

2008-02-09T15:40:00.000-06:00

Yesterday was Freezing For Safety. A whole bunch of us go out to the middle of Library Mall by State St., ride our trainers and yell at pedestrians to give us money. This money will go to the Safe Kids Coalition...they will buy helmets and car seats for children and families that can't afford them. I was out there for a total of 4.5 hours. That was good enough for me, since I haven't really had the motivation to actually get on a trainer. But my power is still up there. So thats good...I won't suck too much at the start of this collegiate season (my last one at that).

I had to take a break at hour 2 to get to class. I just went in my kit. Well as you know my classes are about 97% female. Hurrah for dietetics! One of the girls right behind me said that I looked really cute today, then she asked me to stand up because she wanted to see my ass. Well ok....that was fun.

When I got home I ate alot and passed out at about 9pm. I awoke at 1am from my roommates screaming at video games. So I got up and went and ate some more. I pretty much passed out again right away and woke up at 10 this morning.

Dallas and I went shopping for some groceries today. I made tiramisu for the IMTA reunion being held tonight. That'll be a fun time. Hopefully my tiramisu is a hit.

Ciao ciao....
Waitey

Today was....

2008-02-07T15:50:00.000-06:00

Got to bed at about 3:30am.

Got up at 7:45am, drove Dallas to class...

Met Dallas at Sunroom Cafe at 9:30am....

SERF from 10:30 to 11:30...my brother believes that I have a strained shoulder muscle (and I could believe that). I just did some legs and abs...

1:00pm until 2:45pm was spent on the trainer with some intervals....

Now its CoffeeShop time for the rest of the night...Gotta get everything done!

Hurrah?.....

Ciao ciao....
Waitey

Coma....

2008-02-07T01:54:00.000-06:00

And thats what I just woke up from. Dallas came over tonight and made pasta salad, ribs and flank steak, bread and brie, green beans and asparagus. For dessert we had sorbet and cookies. We ate at 6:30...and I had way too much to eat and went into a coma at 8. I woke up at 12:30am. And now I can't go back to sleep. Its probably going to be a long night. I really needed to get a bunch of homework done too. Oh well...it was a good time and the food was delicious.

As for today...I hate Wisconsin. Only in Wisconsin will it be 40 degrees with snow starting to melt one day, then 38 with rain the next, and then a blizzard the next day with 8-10 inches of snow. Every school around the area, even UWW was cancelled...but not UW-Madison. But SAFE services was cancelled tonight because the buses and the cabs stopped services at 7pm. I was going to be the only one in the office from 7pm until 3am dispatching cabs, but then I didn't have to come in. AWESOME!! I need the money and tonight would have been easy, but it was nice not having to be stuck in an office for 8 hrs answering phone calls for 8 hrs.

Tomorrow I have no class so I'm grabbing breakfast with Dallas and then if my shoulder is up to it I'm lifting at the SERF. Then I'll be getting on the bike for about a 2 hour ride with some intervals...I want to ride outside. Then its a night of homework to make sure I get everything I need to get done before Friday.

Friday I need to pick up some ingredients, because I'm making tiramisu for our IMTA reunion on Saturday. So busy right now....

Oh and I'm still trying to find a second job....

Almost 3 weeks down...only 12 left. GAH....

Ciao ciao....
Waitey

A Couple Pics From The Runway....

2008-02-03T00:07:00.000-06:00

Alright I got ahold of a couple pictures from IMTA with me on the runway. I miss the runway so much...it was a blast. Hopefully I get back on it soon. Enjoy!

Jeans Runway - 1st Runner-up

Another from Jeans...I think it was the hat that actually got me 2nd place. I love that hat.

Fashion Runway - Can you say Euro-mullet?

Ciao ciao....
Waitey

Race Schedule 2008....

2008-02-01T23:15:00.000-06:00

Alright...I'm at work like usual. I did get the work done that I had to do tonight...so right after that I decided to pretty much do nothing relating to school. I really want to still race so I kinda put together at least a Spring Racing Campaign...and this is what its looking like for right now....

23-Feb Collegiate Ohio State
24-Feb Collegiate Ohio State
1-Mar Collegiate DePauw
2-Mar Collegiate DePauw
8-Mar Collegiate Mizzou
9-Mar Collegiate Lindenwood

Mar 14 - Mar 23 UW Cycling Spring Break

29-Mar Hillsboro-Roubaix

5-Apr Collegiate Marian
6-Apr Collegiate Purdue
13-Apr Great Dane #1
19-Apr Collegiate Regionals - MKE
20-Apr Collegiate Regionals - Madison

3-May Baraboo RR

9-May Collegiate Natz
10-May Collegiate Natz
11-May Collegiate Natz

17-May Leeland RR
18-May Wheels on Willy

I really don't think I'll do the Ohio State weekend since its so early and its still going to be pretty damn cold. I'll try and get as many collegiate races in as I can. Hopefully I don't crash though. But I think my first race is going to be the DePauw weekend. And then it looks like I may be doing about 16 races this spring...if everything goes smoothly. After all of that we'll have to see where I'm heading so I'm not scheduling any races for the summer yet....

And looking at that schedule I better start doing that training thing.....

Ciao ciao....
Waitey

CoffeeShop & Work....

2008-01-31T22:24:00.000-06:00

I'm at Steep&Brew right now working on homework while working at SAFE. Well ok I'm not actually doing homework right now...you got me. I did do a little bit of it though. I only have to get one more thing done tonight. This semester IS so much better than last semester. At this time last semester I was already freaking out. Its so much nicer being able to calm down and relax.

Other than that I did do a lot of the things I said I would today. Went to the Sunroom Cafe for breakfast with Juneau. We were just going to make it a 30 minute get together, but 2 hours later we got on our ways. Good food, good conversation...what else can you ask for. Well, after that I headed over to the SERF to workout some. I got a pretty good 2 hour upper body workout. I pretty much destroyed my body and it felt good. Probably because I didn't work out for 2 days and ate a bunch of bad food during those two days. Body just does not enjoy that....and doesn't know how to handle all of that anymore. I'll go again tomorrow morning, but work on the lower body. Only 2 more months (60 days) until I have to be in pretty good shape and turn in some digital photos to the Rock of my new body. I'll probably do a before and after when it comes to that time. For now you'll just have to wait.

After all of that working out I jumped on the trainers with Dallas and we did a good 1.75 hour workout. Quality is better at this point for me. So there were some good sprints and simulated 10 minute hill climbs. My legs were pretty much fried. And it felt so good. Did some 30 second on/30 second off intervals for a couple minutes. I was hitting about 450 or so for the 30 seconds. Not my best, but I didn't lose too much strength from not really riding for 5 months. I can't wait to ride outside though....that will be a glorious day....and then the temp will probably drop 60 degrees the next day.

Overall it was a good day. Tomorrow I only have 2 classes and will probably workout when I don't have class. Then I need to work at 7pm until 3am. GAH! Atleast I'll have Saturday night off.

Ok well I should probably get back to the homework thing. Oh and I should have some pics from me on the runway up on here in the next couple off days.

Ciao ciao....
Waitey

Procrastination?....

2008-01-31T01:02:00.000-06:00

I sit here at 1 o'clock in the morning thinking about doing homework and not even coming close to doing it. I really don't have that much to even do...but I just can't get myself up to the "challenge". I really want to do well this semester, but I really have to stop all of this procrastination. I think its just because I'm not busy. I need to get myself into a set schedule or something....and probably get another job.

As for tomorrow/today I'll be getting breakfast at the Sunroom Cafe with Dallas at 9:30am. After that I'll head to the gym and get a good two hour workout in seeing that I've been letting my body recover for the past two days..and then I'm thinking about a solid three hour ride with Dallas at around 3. Then it will be work at 7pm to finish the day off. I really need a different job. I want my nights back and don't want to have to deal with my manager anymore. But most of all...having my nights back is the biggest incentive.

I have to work until 3am on Friday night and that seems thats the night things are going on. And then on Saturday when I actually have off Dallas and Mark will be heading home. So looks like I'll be around Saturday night with not much to do. Blah. We'll see what I'll end up doing.

Ciao ciao....
Waitey

A Little Different....

2008-01-29T21:59:00.002-06:00

I was bored. I decided to "pimp" my blog a little more...if thats what you want to call it....

This is what I do instead of doing homework....

Ciao ciao....
Waitey

Good Day For Recovery?....

2008-01-29T16:39:00.000-06:00

I would think so. We're suppose to be getting an "arctic blast" here in Wisconsin today. The range of temperatures today will be +36 to -5 with winds reaching over 40mph at times creating wind chills down to -25 degrees and maybe even less. Great day to go outside....don't you think? Thats why I'm going to spend my whole day inside...HURRAH!

Well...it doesn't look that bad. But it is....

Blah...well, it helps my body recover. I definitely have been pushing it pretty hard at the gym and cycling and getting up for class and walking around everywhere for work. My body definitely hates me right now. So today I woke up at noon, ate a bowl of oatmeal and then went right back to bed and woke up about 3:30pm. You're probably mystified how I could do this on a Tuesday...well I don't have school on Tuesdays (or Thursdays). Three days of school a week is so much more manageable. I'm definitely not as stressed, at least for now, as I was last semester. But pretty much I'm fatigued...so today I do nothing....

But I think I have other things on my mind. Not quite feeling like myself the past couple of days. I really don't know why I'm feeling so down right now. I'll hopefully feel better soon....

Ciao ciao....
Waitey

Riddle me this....

2008-01-26T08:36:00.000-06:00

I can wake up at 8am on a Saturday morning after getting only about 4 hours of sleep and operate just fine....but I can't wake up on a school day for an 11am class (and then be 15 minutes late) after getting the recommended 8 hours most people should get....

What the hell!?!

Well today I'm starting the day off with a couple of chores. Then its a 3 hour trainer ride. After that I'm going ice skating and grabbing some hot cocao with Emily (from IMTA). Lastly, I work tonight from 7pm until 3 in the morning.

Tomorrow is boring....I'm working on my online MHR 300 class to get far enough ahead to not have to worry about anything for awhile...

Ciao ciao....
Waitey

No Motivation....

2008-01-25T12:41:00.000-06:00

....For school that is. Yeah I woke up at 11am today for my 11am class. That always feels good. I thought I missed a quiz, but they moved it to Monday thank god. I just really don't want to do this semester....after 5 years of college I just want to be done. Yes LA or NY is definitely on my mind, but its more than that....

But hey...I did actually get on the trainer yesterday. Today probably won't happen though, because of too much work to do. But yesterday I felt amazing on the trainer. Yeah I only went for 2 hours, but threw in some longer intervals and it went well. Hopefully my power is coming back quickly.

I really don't have too much else to report. I work tonight and Saturday night so all of my weekend nights are blown. But I don't drink too much anymore anyways. God I can't wait for this semester to be over....only 14 more weeks!?!

Ciao ciao....
Waitey

LA or NY?....

2008-01-24T14:32:00.000-06:00

That is the question. I guess NY is more the high fashion/runway stuff, while LA is the acting. I definitely have choices now. We'll know more in March or April when I get more pictures for my book. For the next two months I need to become a little bit more buff and defined. Not bigger though...just buffer. Oh and I have to get rid of the tanlines....

Icon in NY wants me...Asia thinks I have potential....and others have all said similar things. Icon was a new one for me. I guess they just didn't put me on their callbacks because they already liked me and had me down as a yes. And another agency did that too...so I guess I had about 19 or 20 modeling callbacks. Thats pretty good. Means I would have almost been the Most Sought After Male Model. Not trying to get a huge ego here or anything. No matter what it looks like I'm going to be in NY or LA this summer. Craziness....both places I would have never seen myself in. You gotta do what you gotta do....

As for school...I had my hopes up and then they came crashing down. At one point I was able to graduate this semester, the next I couldn't. I've talked to a few profs and they've all said the same thing...."even if you can't finish up this semester, still go out there and follow your dream....you can always come back and finish later." That is completely true...but it would be nice to be done and not have to come back.

Ahhh so much is changing in my life. My director pretty much said you're going to be in LA this summer! I must thank her, because she's been taking care of everything and making sure I make it big. Hopefully everything does go to plan....

Well Gehling is here...I'm going to ride a bike for the next two hours before its off to the gym for me. Yes I do actually still ride my bike. Keeps me in shape and I do hope to do a couple races this spring in the A class...and P/1/2....

Ciao ciao....
Waitey

Living situation....

2008-01-21T14:19:00.001-06:00

Its far in the future and who knows what will happen, but I may be living in Toluca Lake/Burbank when I move out to LA. There's a great deal going on right now and hopefully I'm able to set a deal with the apt building. We'll see....

Ciao ciao....
Waitey

I actually rode a bike....

2008-01-21T13:23:00.000-06:00

Yes it is true...I actually rode my bike this morning. Just for an hour and a half, but I incorporated some intervals to give that intensity. Yes my power is down...but not that much. My endurance is down more. If I can start getting on the bike and atleast ride I'll be able to get up to a racing form. I really want to ride outside though....

Ciao ciao....
Waitey

Wow...is it cold outside....

2008-01-20T18:16:00.000-06:00

So its 0 degrees outside right now and feels like -11 with the wind chill. I am really starting to hate this Wisconsin weather. After being out in Cali I don't think my body likes this Wisco weather anymore....

I at least got out today. I wasn't able to spend time with Chelsee and Emily because things just weren't working in our favor. That was disappointing. So instead I got out to the gym and then went to the book store to buy my textbooks for this semester. Thing is...I don't have any books to buy!?! Thats pretty sweet if you ask me. That saves me about 200$ right there.

It may sound crazy, but I don't want to spend the night in the house so I think I'm going to head out to a coffee shop and do a little work...get things situated for this semester and just relax there with a nice hot green tea. Riding there is going to suck, but it'll be worth it in the end....

Tomorrow I'm going to try and get on the trainer and do some intervals. I know I'm pursuing this modeling and acting thing, but I don't want my cycling endurance to go down...especially if I plan on doing a couple races this collegiate season. Gotta be ready for something at least.

It would be nice to at least be in this shape again. I think my body will improve exponentially when I get back on the bike...I just need to get back on the bike. And well I need to be in good enough shape for Spring Break too. So theres a little more motivation for ya....

Ciao ciao....
Waitey

Time to get back to work....

2008-01-18T21:05:00.000-06:00

Well, I head back to Madison tomorrow morning. I have a meeting with one of my profs on Sunday, a meeting at the Rock on Monday and start up school on Tuesday...but I don't have class on Tuesdays so I actually start on Wednesday. Thats nice...

Well I was thinking about changing my major to a BS in Natural Sciences. I would only have one class this semester and that would be amazingly easy. However, just today I get an email from the UW foundation. I won a scholarship!?! Its a brand new scholarship just set up last month and I'm the first recipient of it. Where did this all come from? So now I'm going to go have lunch with the people that set it up and the person that told me I won the scholarship. Sooo....that pretty much throws off my plans of changing majors. I can't just accept it and then change. So now hopefully I can get all of my classes to graduate. Sweet jesus...something or someone must still want me to major in Dietetics. I mean I'm very honored and grateful for receiving this award. But now??? I guess I really am suppose to major in Dietetics....

Well Sunday I get to spend the day with Chelsee and Emily. That'll be fun and I can't wait to see them. Still trying to figure out what we'll all do...but I'm definitely thinking some hot chocolate since its suppose to be about 4 degrees and then we may go see Cloverfield. I want to see it just because it seems interesting.

This will be a hard semester. 5 classes, 2 maybe 3 jobs, working out, possibly fit cycling into the picture, set up spring break for the cycling team. Hopefully its all worth it....

Ciao ciao....
Waitey

LA/NY....

2008-01-15T23:12:00.000-06:00

Alright so now I know a little more....

I have some options, which is always a good thing. I guess both NY and LA want to work with me this summer. I think I would rather go to LA. My director has told everyone I'm available in May. May cannot be here soon enough. I'll need to get a little more tone in the upper body for the modeling agencies and I'll know more about modeling in Europe and Asia soon.

So things are falling in place and I'm totally excited. Looks like I'll room with Aman in LA, which will be a blast, and then hopefully Nick and Jason as well. I have a meeting with a Professor this weekend about trying to graduate this May so I won't have to to worry about taking a semester off and then coming back. I'll need to get another job so I have enough money to move out to LA. And I'll have to start working out hardcore again. Though the cycling thing may have to take a back seat at least until this summer. I also have a meeting with my director this Monday to really get the details laid out on the table.

I'm so excited right now...this is such a new path in my life and I hope it takes me far!

Ciao ciao....
Waitey

What now?....

2008-01-15T00:48:00.000-06:00

Ok so....things to think about now. What to do....what to do....

I don't know what my directors will get me yet. I'll know soon. But.....

What should I do. These are the ideas I have right now:

1) Stay at UW-Madison. Try and get a 2nd job, while trying to get the Dietetics dept. to let me graduate this May
2) Enroll at UWSP and finish up there while working
3) Just work and take the semester off

I'll need money to move to LA. Just need to get it somehow. Oh and what about cycling? Its kept me in shape for the past 6 years so I can't just give it up. We'll just have to see what happens there....but I definitely want to keep cycling in my life.

Ahh...I wish I would have been done with school by now....

Ciao ciao....
Waitey

Awards Time....

2008-01-13T22:08:00.000-06:00

Alright, so the awards on Friday and Saturday went pretty well. On Friday I received 8 awards out of about 14 competitions. I got:

Modeling:
Top 10 in Fashion Print
Top 10 in Fashion Runway
Top 10 in Swimwear
2nd in Jeans

Talent:
Top 10 in Monologue
Top 10 in Cold Read
Top 10 in Sitcom
Top 10 in Theatrical Headshots

On Saturday during the big awards I received....

5th place in Team Fashion
8th place Model of the Year (Honorable Mention)

Considering there were 39 contestants in modeling and 45 in Talent and I had two very hard divisions I believe I did very very well. If I would have put myself in the Modeling Overview I would have gotten 2nd in Most Sought After Male Model with 16 modeling callbacks. The winner had 21 callbacks. Oh well, its not the awards that matter...its the callbacks. And I got a total of 25 of those.

I’m pretty happy with how everything went. I’m very surprised about my Top 10 in Swimwear. I was not expecting that at all. I wish I didn’t have to leave. I had such a good time with everyone there. I got to experience things I never thought I would. And now I may be traveling to Tokyo, Italy and other places to model and hopefully will be moving to LA to start acting.

I guess my “androgynous euro look” really helped me out....

All I can say is this was unbelievable. Being in a Michael Maddox Runway Production, winning 11 awards, getting 25 callbacks and pretty much getting 2nd for Most Sought After Male Model...I would say that coming out here was well worth it.

Now I just wait and see what my director can really get me. I’ll let you know....I’ll pretty much know this week!!! But they may try and not send us somewhere too soon.

But everyone at the Rock was amazing and did awesome. My directors rule alot too and I would have never gone if they didn't see something in me.

Ciao ciao....
Waitey

My Future....

2008-01-11T19:00:00.000-06:00

Ok so the Runway FashionShow put on by Michael Maddox was amazing and it was such a rush. So many guys are here and only 20 were picked for this fashion show. It was such an honor to be apart of that.

All of my competitions went wonderfully and I got 25 callbacks. 17 modeling and 8 talent callbacks. Its actually very hard to get talent callbacks. 1 talent callback is equivalent to about 5 modeling callbacks.

A couple of the callbacks I got were:

- Aspire Management
- Bob Luke Studios
- Rage Models and Talent
- L.A. Models
- Cinq Duex UnCo (Tokyo)
- Cosmopolitan/Team Inc
- Elite Models Management
- Look Model Agency
- Public Model Club (Singapore/Asia/Tokyo)

Well I need to go eat. Awards are tonight with the big awards tomorrow night. I'll be giving another update soon.....

Looks like I may be moving to LA soon and possibly modeling in Tokyo. Things just got interesting....

Ciao ciao....
Waitey

Quick Update....

2008-01-10T17:38:00.000-06:00

So I just wanted to let all you know that LA is treating me amazingly well. I know I have a bunch of callbacks already. I've been picked by Michael Maddox to be in a fashion show of his. So thats tonight. All of my competitions have gone very well and I've been called european many times. Maddox has given me the nickname "Cool Breeze" and well thats about all I can say for right now....

I have to go now and get my makeup and hair professionally done for this fashion show....

Ciao ciao....
Waitey

Intense....

2008-01-08T02:16:00.001-06:00

That's what this week is all about! There are so many people here at IMTA...its ridiculous. This is my 2nd night here so far and I'm loving every moment of it. I've met a lot of new people, went to some seminars, and the best part...I'm being seen! I can't wait to see what happens!

Theres 39 guys in my modeling division and 45 in my talent divison. There are definitely some pretty good looking people here. But its not all about looks...personality is huge here. And I think I definitely have that!

Other than that...I've just been people watching, working out, networking and drinking tons of coffee to stay awake with all of these early days and late nights....

So for now here's some pics....

First off...this is where I'm staying...The Westin Bonaventure! Yes it is expensive!

The inside....

The stage being built...I'll walking the runway on that!

I just think this is a pretty sweet pic....

Just some of the gang from the Rock!

Getting interviewed....

Sitting down drinking some coffee and people watching...I think thats my 8th or 9th coffee. I've only been here for 2 days.

Orientation....see, this thing is huge!

Yeah...thats right...I'm a RockStar!

I'm actually in the program book!

Ok thats enough pictures for right now. I don't want to exhaust your eyes. There will be plenty more this week! Tomorrow I'll be competing in Team Fashion, Cold Read, Jeans, Monologue, and a couple other things. Busy busy busy....

Oh and I'm already star struck...at breakfast this morning I was sitting two tables away from Ron Jeremy. You know who that is...if you don't then go to this link. Yeah...craziness. I'll try and get a picture with him later...

I really still can't believe I'm here....Who would have ever thought!?!

Ciao ciao....
Waitey

It's about time....

2008-01-05T19:14:00.000-06:00

Yup...I've been relaxing my ass off at home for the past couple of weeks. I've been getting ready for IMTA, which I'm leaving for tomorrow!!! I pretty much haven't updated because nothing has really happened for awhile. I hope I have a lot of good news to talk about whe I get back from IMTA. Model of the year? Actor of the year? We'll see....

So I'll be stayig at the 4 star Westin Bonaventure in downtown LA. 7 days of intense competition, networking, interviewing, and fun.

I'll see if I'll have time during my stay to update this thing...maybe some pics of hott girls everywhere! We'll see where this all takes me...I'll know in one week....

Ciao ciao....
Waitey

A little longer....

2007-12-12T17:33:00.000-06:00

Seth Meyer is done with finals...I start tomorrow....

I'll hopefully update this thing when finals are done...Tuesday. I know...I always say that...

Ciao ciao....
Waitey

Chicago trip/Signature Room/Shedd Aquarium/Surviving Cougar Attacks/Turning 23....

2007-11-14T01:01:00.000-06:00

Yeah I stole the title idea from Seth Meyer. I've had a couple fun and busy days. Here it goes....

Last Friday the 9th I skipped all my classes...ok I actually slept through my first two and went down to Chicago to celebrate Shelly's and my b-day. I caught the Van Galder at 11:30 and got down to Chicago about 3:15. I got on the train to Evanston at 3:30 and then went to Whole Foods for a little bit of a snack before Shelly and my adventure to The Signature Room at the 95th. I met up with Shelly at about 5:30 and we relaxed a little before getting ready for the dinner. The Signature Room is a very dressy and kinda expensive restaurant, but I totally recommend it. If you like being a high roller like me then the money is well worth it.

The dinner started out with a glass of masi white wine from Veneto, Italy for Shelly and an A to Z rose wine from Oregon for me. The Appetizer came, which was a delicious marinated shrimp with almonds. Oh my god was that awesome. Shelly had the special that night: lobster, shrimp and scallop pasta, while I opted for the seared duck breast. Both were full of flavor and it was pretty much sadness when it was all gone. For dessert I wanted to surprise Shelly for her birthday. I made arrangements for a birthday dessert. The waiter came over gave us some silverware for dessert and as he walked away he gave me a wink. Shelly was a little confused "how did he know we I wanted dessert?" Then he walked out with a slice of their signature white and dark chocolate mousse cake with a candle on top and "Happy Birthday Shelly" written on the plate. She was completely shocked! The dinner was amazing and both of us were happy with the whole experience. The view was beautiful as well. If you get the chance, I say you should try it out! I just wish I remembered to bring my camera that night to show you a little of the experience...and for myself of course. I'll just have to remember it.

On Saturday Gehling drove down and we went for sushi. After that Shelly and I surprised Gehling by bringing him to the Shedd Aquarium.

Here's proof....

It was a pretty good time. The Komodo Dragon was the main attraction and was pretty sweet. Here's a couple pics of the time spent there....

Sweet Ass jellyfish....

Most awesome Chameleon I've ever seen....

Look! A chupacabra! Or wait maybe its a Komodo Dragon...you know what...chupacabra sounds cooler, so its a chupacabra....

Dragonhorses/Seahorses....

This thing just creeped the hell out of me....

It was pretty sweet and was lots of fun. I haven't been there since about junior high I think, maybe even longer. So it was nice experiencing it again!

I'm getting a bit tired and the cougar story is pretty long...so I think I'll keep you in suspense and tell you that story tomorrow. It needs its own blog entry anyways...Don't worry, you'll like! Especially the pics!

Before Gehling and I had the leave Shelly on Sunday we ran into Seth Meyer at ICB (the coffee place he talks about all the fricken time. jk Seth). It was nice to see him before I left. I think he did like a 20 hr ride or something that morning...that dude is so hardcore! Good thing Shelly noticed the bikes outside of ICB or we would have totally missed him.

To end this entry...I turned 23 today. I definitely feel old, yet young. I went on a ride today and all of a sudden started thinking about how I'm 23 fricken years old. Its crazy. For my b-day a couple of us went to the Great Dane for dinner, darts and drinks. I was drunk after one crop circle wheat beer and a white russian....I am such a cheap date. Darts was a blast...I've been playing that with Geo and Gehling so much lately. I'm only good when I'm a little tipsy. I think I got so tipsy so fast because I went on a 2.5 hr bike ride and then went to the SERF and lifted for about 1.5 hrs and didn't have too much to eat before those drinks. Awesome! It was a pretty good and relaxing day overall, which was really nice, but now for the rest of the week I'll be doing homework like crazy. Semester is almost over though. And I register for classes tomorrow afternoon! That's always fun for me for some odd reason....

Alright, well I'll leave you with a pretty sweet pic of Chicago....

OOOOHHHHH....AAAAHHHHHH

I think I may try and see if Dallas wants to live in Chicago next summer seeing that we're both on teams out of Chicago so we would be able to ride with them and travel a little easier with them as well. It also gives us a way to experience some new things other than Madtown. We'll see...

Ciao ciao....
Waitey

Sweet Jesus....

2007-11-13T17:02:00.000-06:00

I promise an update this evening...the weekend must be talked about.

-Signature Room
-Shedd Aquarium
-Dueling Piano Bar
-Cougars
-Pictures

Yeah...all I can say is craziness. Oh and I went for a ride today in the hurricane weather

Ciao ciao....
Waitey

Almost....

2007-11-06T00:41:00.000-06:00

I'm almost over this cold. I haven't been coughing, the sore throat is gone and I'm feeling a little more energized. I talked with my coach and he got me a bit more motivated tonight. I'll be getting back on the bike on Wednesday (due to time constraints tomorrow). Tomorrow, though, I have some time to get to the gym and lift. I kinda feel like going on some 6 hr rides....

Next week will be a lot better for going on these longer rides. But tomorrow I need to work at the commissary for my Food Science class again (week 2 out of 3). After that I have to go in for the cycling research study. Hold a certain amount of wattage for as long as I can, then at 3 I need to head to the Rock Agency and do my monologue for my boss so I can get my scripts and commericals for IMTA.....I only have 8 more weeks until I'm in L.A. I need to buy my plane tickets. So much right now!!!

Ciao ciao....
Waitey

I suck....

2007-10-30T01:08:00.000-05:00

....at updating this thing.

But I do have some good excuses. 40 page project, 5 page paper, 4 exams, stats homework, acting class, BikePractice, work, and somehow sleeping. See I was busy...so don't yell at me. Even tonight though, I won't be able to talk about everything I've been up to. So tonights entry shall be able Halloween Weekend in Madison.

It all started Thursday night when I pulled an all-nighter to get the 40 page project done for my food science class. That sure was fun as it totally wiped me out the next day. I slept somewhat cuz I knew the weekend was going to be busy and sleep was not on that schedule. At 4:30 I got ready in my kit for the homecoming parade. I baby-oiled up the legs. That was sweet. I may have to be "that guy" during a race this coming year with the oiled legs! I know you're jealous. So the parade was fun and went by pretty fast and was done in no time...but its been better in years past. After that Minch came down and Shelly did as well. The guys from Sheboygan were suppose to come, but I guess some things came up.

After the parade Ben, the roommates, and I went to go get some costume supplies. We were going as foot clan soldiers from the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Most people just thought we were Ninjas...NO!

I think the costume came out pretty well....

Night 1 we went to a teammates house for a party. It was decent. Not much was going on, but it was a good time. And then one of my roommates...I won't say who drank a little too much and prayed to the porcelain god. For a while. But overall the night was fun.

The next day was filled with fun. Geo, Shelly, Gehling and I went to the farmers market to pick up some produce and some stuff for the grill out we would be having later. A trip to the zoo was in store for Shelly and I later in the day before the grill out. I guess the animals go to sleep early or something. It was kinda empty at 4pm when we went. But still got some good pics. My camera died during the trip so Shelly has most of the pics. I'll see if I can get any.

Seal...

Camel...

Ostrich...

Then came the grill out. That was fun. We had so much fun. We had steak, ostrich burgers, vension brats, hot sausage, regular brats, grilled peppers, potatoes, chips and I made some brownies for dessert. Yes, it was good! I was very full by the end. So then we had to get ready for going out night #2. But it looked like it was just going to be Gehling, Shelly and me. We kinda changed up our costumes. Gehling was a redneck and shaved his facial hair into a Fu-man-chu, I wore Shelly's renaissance dress from the night before. And Shelly had the best costume out of all of us. She wore the same creepy guy costume I wore last year. We drew her a mustache and some side burns. It was perfect. She played the part very well too.

Picture this, but Shelly. It was awesome! I'll have a pic of the 3 of us soon enough. You'll have to see it!

We hung out at Gehling's house for a bit and then ended up at state st for the people watching. Some interesting costumes, but nothing super unique. Halloween is always an interesting time.

I wish the weekend could have lasted forever. It was just so much fun and made me happy. I've needed that for awhile. I've been way too busy and haven't had any time for pretty much anything. So this was a much needed break from reality. I somehow lost my voice over the weekend. Don't know how...I guess I yelled too much and it just kept building over the weekend.

Well, I have to wake up super early tomorrow and work in foodservice. Its going to suck. And then I have an exam that I'll have to study for all day for at 7:15 tomorrow night. I better get to sleep. But then the week is easy and it'll be the weekend in no time.

I'll get a good report up about life pretty soon. Maybe after my exam.

Ciao ciao....
Waitey

Is late now....

2007-10-18T00:55:00.000-05:00

....so just to let you know, my next entry shall include:

1) Cycling & Training
2) School
3) Acting Class
4) Modeling Pics
5) Randomness

I need sleep now...but a blog shall be written within the next couple of days. Sorry for the delay....

Thought you should just know that I'm still among the living....

Ciao ciao....
Waitey

P.S. Here's a teaser....

Photography by Jeff Wilson

Hydration vs. Dehydration....

2007-10-08T23:56:00.000-05:00

....which one is better?

So I'm getting this written a little late, but at least I'm doing it. Saturday I drove down to Rockford with Baumann to compete in the last RR of the season...Fall Fling #3. First off, I don't know if the midwest knows this, but its OCTOBER!!! Not the middle of the summer. What the hell!?! This weekend was so hot and humid...it was uncomfortable. I mean come on...a man died doing the Chicago marathon on Sunday.

Ok back to the race. Baumann and I got to the race site at about 9:30am with our race going off at 12:35pm. So I just sat around for a bit, tried to do some homework, met with Dan Mendoza (from Purdue), and saw Seth Meyer and Will Nowak (from Northwestern). Dan and I rode a quick lap to see what we were in for and then Will, Seth, Dan and I all went for another lap. This course was extremely boring. It was a 8 mile rectangle course with one or two moderate "hills" on each side. These "moderate hills" were just bumps in the road and weren't hard at all. Everything was big ringed. The only limiting factor in the race was going to be the crosswinds on the 2 longest sides. Oh and we were doing 6 laps...a total of 48 miles.

It was a 1/2/3 race. There were about 15 cat 1/2's and about 45 cat 3's. We started the extremely hot race out kind of slow. There were a couple attacks to test the field, but nothing much at all. The first 2.5 laps were pretty easy. I tried going with an attack at the end of lap 3...it didn't go anywhere. It was brought back pretty quickly. At the end of lap 3 I started getting a little of the cold shivers. Crap...dehydration is setting in. Lap 4 was the hardest. ABD decided to drill it in the crosswind on the 4th side. That broke apart the field to bits and pieces. A lead group of about 10-12 got a good gap. About 4 Cat 3's in front of me decided to give up and I had to chase. There were about 10 of us fighting to get back to the main pack. Me and 2 others did a lot of work to chase done the front group. I may have used a little too much energy to get back, but the 10 of us made it back to the lead group on lap 5. So by this time I was in the lead group of 20 or so, which started out with 60+. I was definitely feeling pretty good about that. However, I ran out of water and the cold shivers were not going away. I got to the end of lap 5 and had to drop out due to dehydration issues. I was kind of angry. So close. But oh well...I know where my fitness is and found out that I have to start drinking a lot more water.

I just wish it was cooler out this weekend. This heat has been killing me....

This week is not really good for bike practice, which kind of sucks. Way too much homework and exams to do this week, but it'll all be done on Friday and then I get a little bit of a break. So next week will hopefully begin some good winter off-season training. February will be here in no time....

Oh and I do have a new team for next year. Looks like I'll be riding for Team Get A Grip Cycling out of Chicago for the 2008 season. So thanks to Jon Tenney for accepting me on to the team. They offered me some good deals and I know most of the guys I'll be riding with. We'll be doing a lot more of the stage races around the country/midwest. Hopefully the program develops me into a Cat 1 rider. I think it will.

Ok...well, its getting late and I still have a little bit of homework to do, so I must go....

Oh, I was planning on taking pictures at the race this weekend...but it just never happened. I'll make sure to take some soon to get this blog un-boring....

Ciao ciao....
Waitey

Just A Quick Update....

2007-10-03T17:04:00.000-05:00

Just got back from a hard interval ride out west. Legs felt extremely shitty in the beginning, but came to quickly. Just 2 hrs, because I have to get ready here and get to acting class.

I'm getting better about the passing of my dog. My mom says that if she gets another dog she'll probably get another chihuahua. But that probably won't happen until spring if anything.

I rocked my Nutri Sci 510 exam. Well, hopefully I did. I think I at least came out of there with a B. It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. I guess my short term memory is pretty good after practicing it for the last 5 years of college. Screw studying for an exam a week before it....night before is fine.

I will probably be racing the RR at the Fall Fling this Saturday. Should be interesting seeing that I have raced a bike in 2 months. Hopefully I can stay up with all those fast guys. Or at least not be as burnt out as they are.

Well, shower time....

Ciao ciao....
Waitey

Remembering....

2007-10-02T02:11:00.000-05:00

After last night I decided to drive home to see Einstein one last time. It was too late for him to see me, but it made me feel a little better to see him one last time. So after my first class I drove back to Stevens Point today. I got to hold him and say goodbye. I kissed him on the head and he moaned. I know that it was just air escaping, but it sounded exactly like a moan when he would sleep. I took it as him saying hi and bye. That got to me. I held him for awhile.

I comforted my mom for awhile too. Its hard for her. She got to see him everyday and had a routine with him. Now its just her and the cat in the house. We remembered some memories of funny things he did in his life and talked about how he was a good dog.

We brought him to the vet...we're having him cremated. We'll get the ashes back so he'll be home soon. We kept some of his hair and his collar. We also got some pictures of him printed off. It'll be hard for the next couple days still...I don't have anymore tears in the matter, but I'm numb. I lose focus, and just stare off into space. I'm just not there. It was hard studying tonight. I'll get better...I've been through this with two other dogs. Einstein was just special...he had a certain personality.

Kinda makes you think about death though....

Hopefully I'll have a more upbeat entry soon....

R.I.P Einstein
March 1997 - Oct 1, 2007

Goodbye Einstein....

2007-10-01T00:35:00.000-05:00

My mom just called me about half an hour ago. My dog Einstein has passed away....

Three weeks ago the doctors found that he had a heart problem. My mom started getting medication for him. Sounded like he was doing alot better after he was taking the medication. He has had some seizures in the past, but those went away after the medication was given. And then tonight...I thought everything was going fine and then my mother called. She told me that Einstein wasn't breathing anymore and was still. He was having a very hard time breathing. Einstein knew, himself, that it was his time though, because of how he was acting. My mom has been holding him. And now I guess he's at rest. Peace.

Its just hard for me right now. 10 years is a long time to know someone, love them and then just lose them. He was family. I chose him when he was just 12 weeks old. So small. So energetic. So cute. I just can't imagine him not moving anymore. Barking at my friends...biting their ankles and then running away. The Cat and him fighting. I had a chance to go home last weekend and I didn't go. Thats what hurts the most...I had a chance to at least see him one last time. I don't remember the last time I was home and got to hold him or play with him. He was the one to spend the day with me while I was home alone. I would feed him a little piece of my bagel, cuz he was always bugging me to have some. Yes I was attached to him. He was a good dog. Yeah he was a little chihuahua. He always knew when something was wrong and would come over to you and make you feel better.

I wonder if he was asking where I was just to say bye one last time....and if he was I feel so bad for not being there. Just to hold him. I'm happy though that he was held by someone that loved him and he loved back...my mom. Atleast she was around for his last moments and he didn't have to go through all of this pain by himself tomorrow. She was able to comfort him.

Good bye Einstein. I love you.

What did I do today?....

2007-09-30T21:45:00.000-05:00

....well, first off Mark and I stayed up until 3am watching Clue (1985) and Bulletproof Monk. Yeah, it was bad movie night for us. We decided to say screw you homework and did none. So then today...my super exciting day...I got up at noon, ate breakfast/lunch, sat on the couch and then past out again until 4:30pm. I then sat on the couch and watched America's Funniest Home Videos. Good times.

I finally got to the coffeeshop at 6pm to start doing my homework...which I should have been doing all day. Sat there for about 3 hours doing multiple quizzes and studying for NS 510. Then...we (Steamer and Gehling) checked the weather, cuz it started to lightening and the wind was getting a little strong. Well, there was a big storm coming so we decided to haul ass home before we would get soaked. And now its raining.

I will probably be up for awhile tonight trying to learn a crapload of stuff. But Mark and I will probably put in a couple more "bad" movies while doing homework...we'll see if we get stuff done.

Oh and I've been denied by two teams so far...but I understand why. One is only a Pro/1 team only and the other one pretty much had their roster set in July. So I've learned a couple things so far. They given me some good tips and now I know for next year...get my resume out in June for the 2009 season. Oh well...I'm still waiting on 3 more teams' answers.

Time to learn some more of this shit....

And this....

Yeah...my life is boring. I'll have an interesting post one of these days soon....

Ciao ciao....
Waitey

Lookin' Good....

2007-09-29T17:36:00.000-05:00

I took a day off the bike today to recover from the previous 3 super hard rides. I was going to make sure to be recovered for the CX race at Lapham Park tomorrow, but I didn't have enough time to get all the parts I need to get a fully working CX bike. I'm bummed, but at least I know that I'm racing next weekend. So looks like I'll just be going on a longer ride tomorrow to start the base miles....kinda depends on how much homework I get done....

So instead of the cycling thing today...I did the photo shoot thing. I went to the same photographer as I went to last year and he remembered me. But this time, he liked what I did even more. He even had to tell me that he was "going to shoot the shit out of me today". It was awesome. I definitely went out of my comfort zone. The pictures were much more intense and looked amazingly better. I don't look anything like I did last year. You'll see a couple of the photos soon enough...I'll get them in about 2 weeks, maybe even sooner! So I won't go into details until later about outfit and everything.

I guess the europeans are going to just eat up my photos, because I have an "androgynous look"...which makes me look European a little bit. Don't take that the wrong way...its a good thing in modeling...and thats good for me, if its good for modeling.

Crazy thing though....I have to get even better. Workout more, watch the diet more...its a crazy life. Cycling and modeling. And just think I want to go P-R-O in both. I think I have a good chance for both. You've got to try the P-R-O life to know if you like it or not (So true Seth Meyer). I think I'm going to enjoy it....

Well time to study how fatty acids, carbohydrates and proteins are catabolized and anabolized in the body. Yeah I know, you're jealous....

Ciao ciao....
Waitey

Next Year's Team....

2007-09-28T02:17:00.001-05:00

So I've sent my resume and goals to about 5 teams for next year. We'll have to wait and see what happens. Time to start training hard. Stay tuned....

Ciao ciao....
Waitey

Coming Into Form A Little Late....

2007-09-26T23:58:00.000-05:00

So since I've been getting back on the bike, I've noticed that I'm stronger. I've been tearing off some legs. I've been able to go harder for much longer. Still have no sprint though. Maybe after taking 1.5 months off the legs are fresh and want to spin. That would have been useful during the season. I've definitely missed the bike and it has made me think about next season. I'm trying to decide on teams for next year right now. I'll probably send my resume to a couple this weekend. I really want to get on some type of development (pro) team...so if any of you have any ideas, please tell me. I want to grow into a better cyclist and improve into the high ranks. Be able to do more NRC races and more stage races. So yeah, if you have any opinions, do tell.

CX this Sunday in Oconomowoc and then Fall Fling RR on Oct 6. I want to show what I have at these two races. I'm staying in Cat 3 for CX and then upgrading if I win. After that all happens, winter training starts hardcore with CX on the weekends for some intensity.

I need a team for next year....

I hate school...thank god I graduate Dec '08....

Ciao ciao....
Waitey

Play Or You'll Never Know....

2007-09-26T01:08:00.000-05:00

Yeah, yeah, yeah, I haven't blogged in awhile...and I bet it was killing all of you. Sorry but I'm going to make this short, because its 1:15am and I have a quiz I have not studied for in 8 hours....

So we're into the 4th week of the semester already and that means exams soon. I have a nutritional biochem exam this coming Tuesday. After that I'll have a FS 437 exam, then Ed psych exam, a huge 25 page project for FS 437 and then a stats exam. This is all before the 12th of October. So these next couple of weeks will be busy...not actually tough, just tedious work. But then right after that last exam on the 12th I'm planning on heading down to Chicago.

Other than that I've gotten back on the bike and feel fresh and stronger. I've started training for CX and one last RR on Oct 6 down by Rockford. I've started up a Friday Coffee Ride for the UW team...just an hour easy and then go get some coffee on State St. Its a nice way to meet newbies and get an easy ride in between super hard rides.

About 2 or 3 weeks ago the Freshman 15 ride was held. About 40 people came out...met some new members, watched Steamer punch the asphalt with his face trying to do a wheelie, and had a good time. Took some pics....Oh and by the way, I purchased a new camera, so more pictures should be going up on here as I ocassionally update this thing.

Julio and I showing the Freshman how its done....

This is right after Steamer punched the asphalt with his face....

At Espresso Royale after the ride...Julio looks excited as all hell....

I'll be starting the real, hardcore winter training in October. Hoping for some really good results next year and another upgrade. I'll be racing for a new team probably. I'll let you know about that later when stuff actually goes through.

As for acting class...I've been working on the monologue that I will be doing at IMTA. Do you remember the show "The Kids In The Hall"? Well, if you don't, it was a spinoff of SNL in the late 80's/early 90's. I'm doing an "open letter to the guy that stole my bike wheel". Should be a good one. I've been going to acting class every Saturday morning and soon will be going every Wednesday AND Saturday. I also have a photo shoot this Saturday morning to build my portfolio for IMTA. That'll be a fun time, except for the 8am start and then acting class right after it. Oh well, I guess it has to be done.

Well, I just want to give you a quick overview of what's been going on with my life. I'm having a good time, but something is missing...and I know what it is. Time to get to bed...gotta wake up early and memorize the Urea Cycle. I say it all the time, but I'll try and keep this updated more....like Seth Meyer's Blog.

Ciao ciao....
Waitey

My 100th Blog....

2007-09-09T02:11:00.001-05:00

Yeah 100th blog...craziness, I know....

So its 2:10am and I'm at work. People are retarded on weekends. I really don't enjoy talking to drunkards that don't understand why they can't get a "free" ride. The night will be done soon, and I'm exhausted. I walked pretty much the whole shift...from one end of the campus to the other end and then back again. Yeah, thats a lot of walking. Now I'm helping the dispatcher with all the dumb people out there....

Tomorrow I'll be doing a little bit of shopping and hopefully getting in a ride and some homework. So it should be a nice relaxing day.

As of lately I've been running alot. I've been doing the Parcourse over by the Nat. Its a 2.5 loop with 18 exercise stations. You run between them and then do the exercise. I believe its for ROTC people. Its hard as hell and Tanner Gregory has been pushing me pretty hard. I'm definitely getting stronger and faster and I'm definitely seeing a difference in my body....and I think the running has been working for my cycling. The other day I went out on a ride and was able to push it harder than I ever have on the flats. Its interesting...or maybe my legs know what its like to be "fresh" again after not touching a bike for a month or so.

If you want to know where the parcourse is and want to be crazy like me here's the map to the course:

http://www.recsports.wisc.edu/nat/parcourse.pdf

Well, sorry that this post was a little boring and didn't have much substance, but I was kinda bored and had nothing to really do. I should have more important and exciting updates to come soon...and hopefully some pics too. Who knows...I may buy a camera tomorrow while doing all that shopping....

Ciao ciao...
Waitey

Improvisation....

2007-09-05T20:44:00.000-05:00

So today I had my first acting class at the Rock Agency....

Right when I got there I was taken aside and had some polaroids taken of me. I might have a gig in St. Louis sometime soon. A casino in St. Louis is looking for fun and sexy looking people for a photo shoot. I guess the rate is really good and they'll fly me down there and I would suspect I get to stay in a hotel free of charge. That would be pretty sweet. They are going to submit the polaroids tomorrow and I should know early next week.

The class itself is going to be fun. I think we're going to work more on improv. Today we just got to know each other, played two truths and a lie (to see if we can stay calm and composed...one guy thought I played poker, cuz I had such a good poker face I guess. And they guessed wrong about my lie...actually no one got it). After that we did one word story...you know one person says one word and then the next says one word and so on and you make a story out of it.

So that was the class for week one. I think it'll get more intense soon. I have to find myself a monologue by next wednesday. I have no idea what I'm going to find. We'll see and I'll let you know....

Ciao ciao....
Waitey

The Start Of My 5th Year....

2007-09-04T15:31:00.000-05:00

September 4th, 2007 begins my 5th year as a college student. I'm kind of ready to be done with this school thing...even though I want to go back many more times for many more majors. Kind of an oxymoron. Even after this year I have one more year left and then a 900 hour minimum internship somewhere in the U.S. Then I have to take an RD exam. Three more years before I can even start a real life job. I don't know...if I get a really good contract deal after IMTA I may take a bit of time off of school. But to be serious...I don't think I could just quit school. I need some type of backup, just in case.

Well, my classes for this semester are as follows:

Food Sci 437: Food Service Operations
Food Sci 438: Food Service Operations Lab
Nutri Sci 510: Advanced Human & Animal Nutritional Biochemisty
Ed Psych 301: Human Learning
Stats 301: Intro to Statistics

Its actually turning out to be a not so hard schedule. I think the hardest class will be Stats 301, because I hate Stats so much. I'm done at noon or two everyday.

With all of this I'm going to start taking some more classes at the SERF this semester. I'm going to start taking yoga, powerflow (a pilates + yoga class), core crunch and I think I'm going to start swimming once a week. And I'm starting tomorrow with the classes....not all at once of course. Oh and don't worry...the cycling is still in there as well. Most of these classes are in the morning, so biking will be all afternoon....

It'll be a busy semester....a lot is happening and a lot is on my plate. I like it though. I still want to take some more trips too...

Ok off to the SERF now actually to meet up with Tanner....

Ciao ciao....
Waitey

Pirates, The Polish Pimp, Signature Room on the 95th, and a Bag of Nuts ....

2007-09-03T22:04:00.000-05:00

I had an AWESOME and AMAZING weekend!!! I traveled down to Chicago/Evanston to visit Shelly and tour some of the cities. There was not a dull moment and I’m actually planning a trip back very very soon....possibly in about 3 weeks if things go smoothly. So here’s what we did in 4 days....Oh and every day was perfect without a single cloud in the sky and 80 degrees!!!

Friday:
I got on the Van Galder bus at 2pm from the Memorial Union. Minch dropped me off since he was in town to hang out. I got to the MU at 1:15pm, because I didn’t know if the bus would be busy or not seeing that it was a Holiday weekend (Labor Day).

The bus got to the MU a little late. But I got a good seat all to myself. After the first stop I had a bigger guy take the seat next to me...pretty much coming over into my seat, so the ride became a little uncomfortable for a little bit. The next stop the seats in front of me opened up and he moved to them. AH leg room again! When we got to Rockford I had a girl board the bus and sit next to me. She must have been tired, because she fell asleep pretty fast. Bad thing....she really wasn’t that cute and her head began to migrate towards my shoulder. Thank god never fell on my shoulder...she was probably drooling.

The bus arrived at the Union Station on the corner of Jackson & Canal in downtown Chicago. I saw Shelly out the window waiting for me patiently. I got out and met up with her. I was very happy to see her...but we needed to catch the Metra to Evanston and it was leaving in 5 minutes. We hailed a cab and told him to take us to the Train Station. He informed us that it was only about 1 and a half blocks away. He definitely wanted a larger fare. Shelly knew it wasn’t only a block and a half. Turned out it was 4 blocks away. Yeah, we walked/ran at a fairly quick pace. We barely caught the train, but we made it. Shelly and I got caught up on life a little bit until our stop at Davis.

We made it to her apartment and got changed quick. We were meeting some of her friends at the Jazz Festival going on in Grant Park. It was getting a little colder outside so we put on a couple of layers. We caught the L and took it into Chicago. It was a 45-minute train ride so we caught up some more. Shelly is always good conversation. She told me a bit about the “community” on the L...I definitely got to see what she meant over the weekend. You’ll just have to experience it yourself if you haven’t already.

We got into Chicago and made our way over to Grant Park after asking for some directions. Very nice guy gave us directions and we made it with ease. On the way Shelly showed me the “Vag” shaped building. Shelly described it as a “yonch” (I believe that’s how it was spelled) instead of phallic. The lights of the city were amazing and had a certain mood, which I found relaxing. We met up with Shelly’s friends and listened and talked through the rest of the jazz concert.

After that Shelly and I went to Chili’s to get a little food in us. The others went to drink some on the 25th floor of some apartment building with better security than a federal prison. Shelly and I had some good food at Chili’s....now I know its not chicago style food or anything, but it was good to us. We met up with her friends on the 25th floor. Now this girl thinks her apartment is amazing...um yeah about that. The view out to the city...yes that is awesome. Yet one should hang something on his/her walls to at least bring some life into the room. It was very bare and not really interesting. Shelly and I each had a beer to end the night, while the others went out and drank until 3am or something like that. We caught the L back at around 1am and headed straight to bed when we got back.

Saturday:
This was an extremely fun-filled busy day. We did wake up a little later...maybe about 10:30/11:00am to recover from the late night. We got ready got some breakfast at Whole Foods (which is exponentially cooler than the one in Madison, by the way). We took it on the L and headed into the city. Our first stop Millenium Park.

Millenium Park is pretty sweet. “The Bean” is really cool and the inside of it is, well, “tripping”. We defintiely took some good pictures of us in front of it and around it. Next we headed over to the Band Shell. Yeah...it looks like someone blew it up after creating it and decided that was better than their original design...which was. We continued through the park and stopped at the “boardwalk river” and dunked our feet in for a little bit. Yeah it was a tid bit nipply, but felt amazing on this 80 degree, no cloud in sight, sunny day. Some sunscreen was applied and guns were showed off...mostly Shelly’s. We continued on after about 20 minutes. Oh and I guess Shelly had a surprise for me, but was going to keep it a secret!

So we started walking....where we were going, I had no idea. I then saw Navy Pier come into sight and thought it was possibly at Navy Pier. It was, but I still had no idea what we were going to do. Finally Shelly stopped the suspense and told me. I had the option of renting some bikes and biking along the lakeshore...or...sail on a pirate ship! I picked the pirate ship. It was a really fun boat ride. Shelly and I made a lot of fun of the deck hands...as they talked about sausage-fests and flirted with each other. We got some really nice photos and some funny ones, which I’ll get up later. We had an excellent time on the boat. It was nice a calm and we had some good talks as well.

Right when we got off the boat we bought some well deserved Brown Sugar Cinnamon Roasted Almonds. My God are those things GOOD! We finished off a ½ pound of those babies in under 10 minutes, no doubt. We headed back over to Michigan Ave to do a little shopping after that fun adventure.

We got in a bunch of stores...more than I can remember. I got to try on some Rock & Republic Jeans too. Yeah that team that decided to take over Superweek. I tried on the jeans and they were really nice. But I know why they are so well funded. The cheapest pair of jeans was 205$! Um yeah I’ll pass for now on those. We just tried on some stuff and looked through the stores. Just a couple things were bought.

We decided we would eat at The Cheesecake Factory. It was pretty busy, but only had to wait 30 minutes. Their menu is 19 freakin’ pages long! It was so hard to choose. I finally decided on a Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta. After the meal Shelly and I decided we would get a slice of cheesecake to bring home. About 2 pages of just cheesecakes...this was going to be hard. We ended up getting a Dutch Apple Streusel Cheesecake. Yes it was delicious when we had it later in the evening.

Our final stop of the night....The Signature Room on the 95th for a night cap. It was a lounge/bar/restaurant on the 95th floor of the John Hancock building. It was a busy night...but I bet its always busy. We finally got a table after a 50min wait or so I would say. It was close to the window and the view was amazing and actually kind of breathtaking. Shelly ordered a glass of Champagne, while I got a Lake Shore Martini, which included Grey Goose Vodka, Chombard, and Champagne. Both drinks were 12$, but worth it. This was the type of bar I enjoyed being at. Expensive drink in a nice atmosphere, beautiful view and good company is always fun for me. Shelly and I talked for the next hour, while sipping on our drinks. Our talk was serious, funny, interesting, and exciting. We then took a walk around the Signature Room and took a couple pictures of the city and of us.

It was time to head back to Evanston. We got on the L and it smelled like someone defecated all over the place. We met some Freshmen for Loyola and joked with them about it. Somehow Shelly knew they were Freshmen right away....probably that psychology major she just got. After 3 stops we all decided there was no way we were going to be able to survive in these conditions. At the 4th stop we jumped off that car and ran to the next one. Smelled a lot better. We got home not too late this time but we were exhausted. We passed out pretty quickly...well after looking for speedos for me and looking at some other fun things....

Sunday:
We woke up at 11:30am still tired. Today we were going to stay in Evanston and tour. We also decided that this was going to be the day we do a little sunbathing. We got our swimsuits ready and headed over to Subway to get lunch while on the beach. On the way to the beach Shelly gave me a nice tour of Northwestern. Where her dorm the first two years was, the library, the student center, and the infamous It is a very beautiful college. Very green. It’s nothing like UW-Madison. And Northwestern is packed together unlike spread out Madison. She also showed me where she works. Her office is the one of the best in the building. Two large windows to bring a lot of light into the room, her own computer/s, and the office itself is large. She’s got a pretty sweet set up. I guess her office is better than her boss’.

Making our way to the beach was a little hard with construction all over the place. There was actually no way to get over to the beach, so we decided to set up on the rocks along the lake shore. The skyline was visible to our right and the water did not end. We picked out a nice flat rock and made it ours. We ate lunch and sunbathed. We were there for about 2 hours or so...time just flew because it was so fun. As I got burned we had a long conversation with many tangents. Our conversation was held our a very wide spectrum....deep, humorous, informative, etc. Who knows how we do it, but we can talk about anything and keep finding more to talk about...I love it.

We met up with Seth Meyer and Chris, Sam and Matt (Shelly’s friends) at Blind Faith Cafe, a vegetarian restaurant and had an amazingly good meal. Sam tried to test me...he looked at the bill and asked me to guess the total within 2 cents. If I guessed correctly he would buy my meal. I kind of memorized the menu somehow and guessed. I guessed 86.54$. The bill was actually 100.98$, but I didn’t know that gratuity was already included. So we took out the gratuity and found that the bill was 86.62$....I was 8 cents off. Damn it. Shelly was pretty close to with a guess of 87$. But no free meal....oh well.

Shelly invited everyone up for some wine/beer. Chris, Sam and Matt came up. We all had a drink...Shelly poured me two glasses of wine...and I was drunk. Yeah, I know, I’m a lightweight. We all tried Shelly’s new moist heat neck rest she just got in the mail. Yeah, all I can say is that it was weird and kinda smelled bad at first....but it got better.

They didn’t stay long (we think they may have gone out for the 3rd night in a row). It was getting late, but Shelly and I decided to pop in the movie Big (with Tom Hanks) and make it a late night of movies. We passed out pretty late....and we had spinning class to go to in the morning. Eh, it was the weekend....gotta make it fun somehow. And I know cycling tired has given me some of my better performances.

Monday:
Ok so the staying up late and watching movies kinda made us tired, but we still got up at about 10:30 or so. Shelly had a free guest pass to the gym so we were going to go to a spinning class. When we got there we found out that they changed the schedule for Labor Day and there was no spinning class at noon. So we decided on the next best thing...pilates. Ok all I can say is this class kicked my ass. I swear to god it was harder than riding my bike. I got done and I could barely walk....I’m going to do pilates more. Thanks for taking me to that Shelly!

After our grueling workout we ate at Wild Oats...which is exactly the same as Whole Foods. I packed my stuff up after lunch and then we took a nap before I had to catch the Metra into Chicago at 5pm. Shelly and I said bye to each other before I got on the train and parted ways....

And now I’m here. Sorry I wrote so much...you probably got bored. Well, I wasn’t. I’m somewhere between Rockford and Madison. I’ll be home soon. I really don’t want to be. This weekend was the most fun I’ve had in a very long time. Shelly made the weekend really fun and she was a good hostess and it was really good to see her again and hang out with her for 4 straight days. I miss the weekend already....but now I have to get ready to go to school tomorrow.

I’ll have some pictures up later. I had to use Shelly’s camera, because I do not have an operating camera right now. I’m looking for one...I’ll probably get one this week. But Shelly has all the pictures from this weekend....I’ll get them sometime soon.

I may be making plans to go back down to Evanston in about 3 weeks....maybe sooner. We’ll be able to do some of the things we weren’t able to do this weekend. Chicago is too big to do everything. But this weekend was filled to the brim. I can’t wait to go back.....

I wrote alot, but I hope I didn’t forget anything.....

Ciao ciao....
Waitey

Soaking wet....

2007-08-22T22:48:00.000-05:00

Will this rain ever stop???

So today was day 2 back on the bike. It rained this morning, I went to hand out bus passes. I almost choked some people for asking retarded questions. Over and over people would ask the same dumb question. Yes there are dumb questions. And I guess handing out bus passes to faculty and staff for 8 days so far is kinda getting to me. I'm easily annoyed as most of you should know.

After that I called up Steamer to see if we're still going on the ride we planned if it was nice out. It was definitely nice. 84 degrees, feels like 90. Sun was out and everything. Went home and got ready and went. We got to the lights on Seminole, stopped and got soaked....from our sweat. It was so fricken humid.

As we went along the clouds started covering the sky and it started getting dark. We were going to do a couple intervals up Observatory, but we decided against that idea. We hit Paoli and it started sprinkling. We turn on to Trail Range Rd and there's construction. So we had to CX it and go around it into a field and come out on the other side of it. It started raining a little harder at this point. Frye then says "Knock on carbon, but I think it won't get worse than this." Right when he finishes saying that the heavens decided it would be fun to "rain on Frye's parade". It started pouring. Within a couple minutes we were riding thru rivers on the road. I couldn't look forward because the rain was hitting my eyes so hard. I kept looking at the ground. My thighs were getting pelted and it felt like I was getting hit with hail. About 5 minutes later the rain comes to a complete halt. There were deep puddles everywhere. Then the sun comes out...and goes away very quickly. We're almost to Seminole again and then look to our right. Black, omnious clouds and you could see the rain. The thunder sounded like lightening blew up a house right next to us. Ok time to TT it back. We got back fine, but soaking wet.

I haven't had a fun ride like that for awhile now. Everything is still so serious even though this month was dedicated to "fun rides". And my legs felt awesome...its been awhile since I've felt like that. I guess 3 weeks off does give me a good break off the bike. It just takes the second day to actually feel good.

Well, I'm bored at work. Only 2 more hours to go. Hopefully I'll go home and just pass out...not stay up until 3am. Tomorrow is more torture...bus pass distribution. I've learned my lesson. Don't sign up for buss pass distribution shifts. After that hopefully its nice outside, because I want to sit at a coffeeshop all day and people watch. And seeing that madison is filling up again there are some crazy people and HOTT girls to watch.

And I should have a new digital camera soon. I get paid pretty soon and have some ideas on cameras. I'll take tons of pictures and then blog about random shit soon. Make this blog a little more interesting....

Ciao ciao....
Waitey

New Look....

2007-08-22T02:17:00.001-05:00

Let me know if you like the new look! It was time for something new....

Ciao ciao....
Waitey

Finally got back on the bike....

2007-08-22T01:36:00.000-05:00

Not much to say tonight. I just can't fall asleep at 2am, so I needed something to do.

Well, its been almost 3 weeks, but I finally took the Schwinn out for a ride. The weather cleared up too after 4 or 5 days of straight shitty rain. I went with Dallas and Steamer for just a 1.5 hr jaunt with some hard efforts. Mostly a fun ride. I sucked. The legs were not feeling good at all. I had no power coming out of them and they didn't want to spin. That's what you get for taking that much time off I guess. By the end of the ride, though, my legs felt alot better...they felt better and warmed up with only 10 more minutes left of the ride. Oh well, gotta ease back into it. I fill like I wouldn't even be able to stay with the 3's field...

Friday I'm doing one more research experiment with Markus. Should be fun and interesting. Then on Saturday I'm going to do one loop of the WI Ironman course with Gehling....about 72 miles or so. Get those legs to know what spinning is again. I am excited about training again. I think of next year and what I want to accomplish. I'm inbetween two goals....I don't know which one I want to go with. I'll figure it out soon.

And soon enough I'll have my Frugeri up and running again...hopefully before school starts. In 2 weeks! Thats craziness....but I kinda can't wait. I want to be busy again...and out of the house alot.

Ciao ciao....
Waitey

Thunderstorms are pretty sweet....

2007-08-18T20:31:00.000-05:00

Yeah, its thunderstorming....

I took off the whole month of July to race Superweek...now I'm working about 80hrs in a 2 week period to increase my ever shrinking funds. Yeah it sucks. But still my job is super easy. I've been handing out bus passes to staff/faculty of UW-Madison. 10am - 2:15pm everyday this last week and I'll be doing that again Mon thru Thurs this coming week. I've also been working alot of night shifts. So this next pay check which I won't get for another 3 weeks should have 79.5 hrs on it. Pretty good. I'll be able to buy stuff again. But its fine...it needs to be done. Make money, spend money...who knows what January has in store for me. I'm pretty much busy with work until Aug 29th. But I did have a pretty good night of work tonight. Since it was raining the whole night, business was dead. So the 4 of us on duty tonight sat in the Memorial Union and have some good laughs, told some stories, etc. I really enjoy my job.

I've also not touched a bike in a week. I miss it, but I'm happy I've stayed off it for a little while. I'll probably get back on to it this coming week. I've been going to the gym and lifting a little to stay in shape. I'm also going to start running a little bit this week. Start slowly cuz my shins definitely kill after a run sometimes. Gotta ease into it.

Other than that I've had some stuff on my mind....really nothing I should let out. But its nice to have a friend of 18 years down in Madison to hang out with to get things off your mind. Last night we went to Casa de Lara and had a couple drinks with some of my roommate Mark's co-workers. After that the 3 of us decided to hit some golf balls at the driving range...yes a little tipsy. Then we hit the Par 3 course for some late night golfing under the lights. It was pretty sweet. Then came home and called it a night....

Well, not much more to report. I really need to do a couple more fun things before I'm swept away with school and the like. I think I'm going to go down to Evanston Labor Day weekend....

I really need to get a camera so I can get some more pics up on this thing....

Ciao ciao....
Waitey

In every actor there lives a tiger, a pig, an ass, and a nightengale. You never know which one is gonna show up....

2007-08-14T21:19:00.000-05:00

So it looks like I may be traveling to LA this January. I did an audition at the Rock Agency to go to IMTA and was picked to go.

First...the audition....
So an email was sent out about the audition maybe a month and a half ago. I kinda just put it aside and didn't even think about it. While I was at Superweek they sent me a letter saying that "they saw potential in me". Ok that was kind of a generic letter. But then I thought why not give it a chance...All they'll do is say no. So I called them up and made an appointment.

The audition was on August 7th at 6pm. I got there about 1 minute before due to traffic and unknown construction (even though I left 20 minutes before 6) and there were about 27 people there. 2 more came in after me. So there were a total of 30 people there to audition to go to LA. I was 28th in line to go.

They gave us a little commerical to memorize and would be doing a little walk. I sat there for 3 hrs before my turn...9pm. That's a good amount of time to memorize 4 lines. Some people were lucky though...they had only one easy line to remember. Oh well...I'll do my best. So I went into the room and did the commerical right away with some of my own style. Here's what I had to say....

"Brace yourself....here comes enough refreshment to cause an avalanche. We're talking super cool here. From the minute one hits your tongue, your mouth will be overrun with flavor as Tic Tac Bold Mint chills you out - from the tip of your tongue to the top of your toes. Thrill your mouth with Tic Tac Bold Mint."

So I was going well and then halfway through it I stumble on my words just a little bit and it screws me up. "Oh and that was SOOO good" they said. Well thats a good sign. I did it one more time and got through it. "Alright thats it, you can go." That was it. I had to say a commerical, they looked at me and I was done. 3 hrs just for that. It better be worth it. I had to call them up the next day to see if I was choosen to go.

The Call Back....
So...the next day I called to see if they liked me. I was a bit nervous...not gonna lie. "Definitely YES!!!" was her answer. That made me happy. They really liked my acting surprisingly enough. I guess I have an undeveloped potential and I'll be amazed with myself when I develop it. I made an appointment with Trish to talk about the whole thing the next day.

I went in and talked with Trish. I first asked her why they liked my acting so much. I guess I was bold, confident, willing to do it, and had a great speaking voice. Well ok. Awesome. So I found out that IMTA is Jan 7-13...a week long competition. I'll be in 18 different competitions from sitcoms to soaps to TV commericals to runway and prints and even swimwear (gotta get those abs nice and defined). Agencies from all over the world come to this to find new faces. Tokyo, Milan, Barcelona, New York, LA, etc. Some famous people got their start at IMTA...Katie Holmes, Ashton Kutcher, Elijah Wood and so on. Not gonna lie...its exciting....

Its really cool that I have this opportunity, because there are over 500 talents at the Rock Agency, 30 go to this audition and only 10 are picked to go. I kind of have to go now knowing this. The Rock Agency has a 100% callback rate going into IMTA, so they don't just pick anyone. They have an awesome reputation and do not want to lose it...so its really cool that they see something in me.

They want me to have another photoshoot to strenghen my profolio before I go...so I'll have another one of those at the beginning of October most likely. I will also begin acting and modeling classes starting sept 5th. I'll have a two hour night class every wednesday and a morning class every Saturday for two hours....for the next 5 months. We'll be going over everything pretty much. I will have to pay my way a little bit, but I think its totally worth it and who knows where this might bring me. I might be in your next favorite film. Or walking the runway in Milan.

The one thing that sucks...I need to get rid of my tanlines....

Oh and if you want to check out what IMTA is their website is....

http://www.IMTA.com

Ciao ciao....
Waitey

August: Giving these Weary Legs A Rest....

2007-08-14T21:14:00.001-05:00

I have decided to take a break from racing this month. I'm just riding my bike for fun for a little bit. Some really long rides, some MTB rides, some goof-off rides. Who knows what I'll do....

I'm going to start my winter training at the beginning of September, then I'll start racing again at the end of September. Cyclocross time!!!

Ciao ciao....
Waitey

A Recovery Week Recap....

2007-08-14T21:11:00.001-05:00

This week I pretty much did nothing. I slept until 1pm everyday. Ate. Hung out with a good friend. Thats about it. Biking was not on the mind much. I did get my MTB all built up and ready to go again. I actually went on more MTB rides than road rides. Just having some fun.

One MTB ride did kick my ass though. I was kind of getting my skills back slowly, but the 4th set of single track saw me moving faster. We only did 10 out of the 17 single track sections there are at Standing Rocks in Point. It was blistering hot that day and we ran out of water quickly. We were almost out of the final single track and my shoulder blade smacks a tree at about 15mph. That was more painful than when I crashed at Carl Zach. It hurt to move my arm, touching it hurt even. Picking things up was on the list of things that I couldn’t do now. I knew something wasn’t right. So when I got home I took some Ibuprofen and then went to the hospital to go get it checked out. I thought it was fractured or something....it hurt so bad. I saw the doctor...and I guess all it was was a bruised bone. Where it happened anyways could not have been helped. Great, thanks doc. Your great expertise did shit for me again. My shoulder did get better and felt better the next day.

Other than that....the week was relaxing and boring probably to you all. I had a good time at home and that’s that.

Ciao ciao....
Waitey

The Race I Didn’t Do: Whitefish Bay Crit....

2007-08-14T20:55:00.000-05:00

I woke up that morning and did not really feel like racing. I told myself I would...but I just was not mentally ready for another 62mile crit. I got into my car and decided right there that I did not want to race. So I just decided to drive back home to Point for my nice rest week...

A nice start to the recovery week....

Ciao ciao....
Waitey

The Most Prestigious: The Great Downer’s Ave Crit....

2007-08-14T20:44:00.000-05:00

I took off yesterday to make sure I was fresh for this one. My mother came down to watch me race this one. We got to the course extremely early to get a parking spot. I’m definitely happy that we did that. We walked around for a little while and then sat down at Cafe Hollander and got a cappuccino. Two hours before the race I did my pre-race preparations. Turkey sandwich on a bagel, pin up the jersey, get the water bottles ready. That all went well. Half an hour before I go I take a Starbucks Double Shot drink to give me a little sugar, fat and caffeine. Did that...and started warming up.

The field lined up at 5:30...expecting to go off at 5:45pm. We were far from that we soon found out. The organizers decided it would be a good idea to do about 45 minutes worth of thank yous, good-byes, your the bests, hall of fame shit, etc. The whole field was getting antsy. People were warming up in the back...most of them did not care about the presentations going on...I really didn’t either. I got all my stuff ready when I usually do. And I was ready to go. Then we thought we were ready...NO. We had to do a parade lap for some “movie” they were doing for next year. Ok so they have us go...it was suppose to be neutral at about 20mph....NO. We sped along at about 25mph fighting for position. When we got back to the start line I was 5 rows further back then when we started this “neutralized parade lap”. Then finally at about 6:30/6:45 they started the race.

I noticed something wrong right away. Maybe it was the super long wait to start and I was really cooled down. I don’t know. My water was tasting a little funky too for some odd reason...kinda like soap detergent or something of the sort. But for the first 35 laps of the 70 lap race I was hanging on the back throwing up little particles and fluids here and there. No idea what was going on, but I knew I needed to stay with this pack. I would sprint out of a corner, throw up, sprint out of a corner throw up, etc...for 35 straight laps. These were not easy laps either. We were hauling ass...this is known as the fastest crit of superweek. I think it was laps 20 to 25, but I was on the rivet. We were going amazingly fast. “Who is on the front and why are they going so fast?” At this point I am dying and puking...awesome! Somehow I was able to keep with it. Maybe it was all the friends and family I knew were watching me. I definitely did not want to disappoint.

Probably when I was on the back puking....

After the 35 laps I felt a lot better. And I mean alot. I was a whole different person. I moved from the back of the pack to the middle in one lap easily. I was able to corner better, move up more and more, and had a ton more confidence. All I can say is I was really worried for those first 35 laps.

With about 11 laps left they started a countdown for the “Super Prime” It was growing exponentially. By the end it was 4000$. I definitely wanted it just like everyone else. I was able to move to about 35th position or so by the final lap of it. I moved up pretty well. Maybe next year I can win it next year when I’m stronger!?!

The last 3 laps were pretty intense. Fast and furious. I just kept moving up and trying to hold my position....definitely things I still need to work on. The sprint went well for me, until a Rock guy that did his job up front slow pedaled right in my path. I had to slam on the brakes quick and go around him. I got 70th.

I stayed in the race which was my biggest goal. It was hard in the beginning. If you what it feels like to be going all out and puking during a race then you definitely know what I was going through....and I bet you did not enjoy it either.

Ciao ciao....
Waitey

Cold and Wet: PCW Crit....

2007-08-14T00:51:00.000-05:00

I'm just mad at this race. People are stupid and don't know how to ride bikes when it rains. Honestly, cornering in the rain is not that hard. And if you're going to pull out of the race because you're "scared"...don't do it in front of me. And if you crash all you're going to do is slide a little...you're not even going to get hurt....

I had to use too much energy to close gaps and got dropped halfway into the race when mother nature decided to piss hard on us. I got pulled with about 27 laps to go.

Grrr...

Ciao ciao....
Waitey

I’m Actually Getting Better At This: Bellin Health Crit.....OH and Pictures....

2007-08-14T00:41:00.000-05:00

So today I actually wanted to try some stuff.

I had one of the best starts I’ve ever had in a crit. I was 3rd wheel right from the start. Very nice position. I did start moving back a little bit after awhile, but still hung up front.

Not much happened for awhile. Halfway through the race they called out a 35$ prime. I told myself that I WAS going to go for this prime. I started in about 40th position and moved up pretty fast. Rock Racing was driving the pace. I kept moving up and got to the front. I sprinted past the 5 Rock guys on the front and was followed by two German Pros. They both nipped me at the line. I was pissed, but then realized what I accomplished and was happy. So then I just went back into the field and sat for a little bit.

With 7 laps to go a group of about 5 go off the front and get about 150meter gap. I decide to try and go for it and bridge up to them. I sprinted out of the field with everything I had. About a minute later I was catching on to the tail end...but right when I got there they decided to shut things down and let the field engulf them. Again...I was pissed, yet happy. So, I just sat in the field for the finish.

With one lap to go a crash happens on the first lap...as usual. I miss it by cutting in the inside and hang on for dear life as Rock Racing drill the pace. I wasn’t even able to breathe they were pushing the pace so hard. I sprinted and ended up taking 45th. Best crit yet.

I guess I was going "solid"....

Ciao ciao....
Waitey

A Deathmarch: Tour of Holy Hill....

2007-08-13T23:35:00.000-05:00

So its true. Two days after a crash is the worst. My legs felt like complete shit from the gun. I was off the back in the first lap. I couldn’t find anything deep. Rock Racing was attacking constantly. And groups chasing found themselves attacking each other. Didn’t everyone know that there were 92 miles left??? I guess not. The humidity was also not my friend today. The funny thing was...all the big guns were just dropping out. I guess they didn’t like the roads. There was some very loose gravel and the corners were retarded scary.

I was going to drop out on lap 2...but found myself staying in it until lap 7. I was in a group of 5. 3 of them friends and then a Hong Kong rider. Sorry, but those Hong Kong riders need to learn how to race AND ride a bike. He almost took out two of us...in a group of 5!?! Its not that hard to ride in a straight line, especially if you’re riding in a pro field. One of my friends in the group decided he really wanted to get rid of the Hong Kong rider, so he kept attacking and we were being a little stupid and joining in. Wasting way too much energy to try and drop him. But he was like glue. It was crazy and sucked.

I pulled out on lap 7. I didn’t want to destroy myself too much more. I think it was a good decision. Tomorrow is a rest day for me. I’m going to rest.

Ciao ciao....
Waitey

WOW I Feel Surprisingly Good For Crashing: Evanston Crit....

2007-08-13T23:15:00.000-05:00

So I woke up and was still pretty stiff. My road rash hurt and was pussing. Sounds delicious...I know. All I could do is see if the legs and the body were up for some racing today. Thank god I didn’t have to race until 5:45pm.

So I toured around Evanston with some really good friends that live in Evanston. They took me to a great restaurant for breakfast and then took me around a little bit. I showed them the course and talked bike so they would understand what would be going on in my race. As we kept walking the legs began feeling better and better. I didn’t look like a gimp anymore. I was going to race. I registered and got ready....

The race was really boring at first. I don’t know if it was slow because Rock Racing wasn’t there or people just did not want to go fast today. But the race was really easy. At one put Seth Meyer rode up next to me and we were talking about how ridiculously easy this race was. I was moving up pretty easily. Not much to talk about this race. But I did have fans yelling for me at every corner...that was pretty cool.

Then with 1 lap to go...a crash in corner one. Who knows how that happened. That corner could have fit an airplane through it. It was so wide...there was no need for a crash. I missed it and had to chase extremely hard to the main group of about 45. I didn’t quite have enough distance to catch back on. I ended up sprinting in a group of about 10 and won the sprint!!! I ended up taking 50th. My best crit yet.

I looked at the results afterwards and I had two warnings against me. One for failure to register. Um ok??? I had the wristband on. Number Two for not wearing the right kit. Yes I did wear my UW kit...but my BD kit was destroyed and that was the only one I had at that time with me. So I talked to an official and got it all waived.

Tomorrow = 100 miles of pure pain....

Ciao ciao....
Waitey

It’s Fun Going Down At 33mph: Carl Zach Cycling Classic Criterium....

2007-08-13T23:14:00.000-05:00

I don’t know why but the Carl Zach Crit is an evil race. My day kinda ended quickly. The race started out extremely fast. I was holding on pretty well. Then 5 laps into it a couple guys go down...hard enough that the race had to be neutralized and stopped. So after going balls out for about 12 minutes we had to stop, sit and cool down for about 10 minutes. We got started back up and it was as fast as before. Then 5 laps later the worst case scenario for me.....

We were going up the left side of the finishing straight going about 33mph. We were getting scary close to the barriers. All of a sudden, one guy about 4 wheels up from me gets pinched off into the barriers. His bike breaks in half on the spot. His impact pulls the barriers out on to the course. Yeah, I didn’t even have time to hit my breaks. I went straight into the chaos. I slammed into a person? A barrier? Who knows...but the next thing I know I’m superman for about 2 seconds and then bounce on the ground...about 5 times. I stop 25 feet farther from where the crash actually hit. A lot of guys behind the 5 of us that went down couldn’t handle it and evacuated the race immediately because they were scared to race anymore. I just laid on the ground. My right shoulder kind of hurt and my right leg. Looks like I tore up mostly my right side. The medics helped me last. Ok, I was probably the least hurt anyways. They checked me out and asked if I wanted to get bandaged up or get back into the race. “I want back in the race!” I could quite use my bike though...didn’t know what was wrong with it and Dallas took it back to the car. Later on I found out that the front wheel was totaled and that was it. So the again neutralized field got all lined up again and I went over to neutral support to get a neutral bike. I got back into the race and made it to about 20 more laps before getting pulled. Its hard getting a bike too big for you and pain starting to set in. At least I got back into the race. More than the others can say from that crash. Many people were very surprised to see me back on the bike after a crash like that. People on the other side of the course said it sounded like a really bad car crash. I could definitely believe that, because that’s what it pretty much was...just on bikes. So I got pulled.

I went over got some sweet bandages put on (the fish-netting) and talked to some friends and strangers asking about the crash. I met Nick Reistad’s girlfriend’s Dad at one point. He saw the crash and said it look horrific. If I’m going to be in a crash it better be worth it. So we were talking and a woman interrupts us from behind. “Sorry that you had to crash. I saw you on the ground and thought your race was done. But thanks for the entertainment!” She then hands me a 20$ bill. Sweet! I guess I should crash more....well hopefully not. Lots of people talked to me...some of the officials, Eddy Van Guese (however you spell it), and just fans. It was pretty exciting, though, I can tell you.

So later that night the pain and the stiffness really set in as Dallas and I drove down to Evanston’s Crit the next day. My shoulder could not be moved much and when I got out of the car when we got there I fell back in. I could barely walk on my right leg. It hurt so bad. Damn...will I race tomorrow???

We’ll have to see....

Ciao ciao....
Waitey

A Bad Day On The Bike: Green Lake Criterium.....

2007-08-04T12:57:00.001-05:00

I wasn’t suppose to race today. Why I did when I had bad feelings about todays race, I do not know. There was just something about the course that I was “scared of”. It shouldn’t have been that hard of a race, but it was already in my head...so I was going to be doing horrible.

There weren’t that many riders at this race, because it was further up north. But Rock racing still showed up and other big names. The race started and was single file for 3/4th of the race. It was amazingly fast. My legs did not want that today and the course was still not right for me. I was shelled 25 minutes into a 2 and a half hour crit. I was not happy with myself...but a lot of others were shelled earlier or with me. It just was not a good race today. But now I should be good to go for tomorrow seeing that my legs should be fresh....

Ciao ciao....
Waitey

The Fastest Crit I’ve Ever Done To Date: Shorewood/Rainbow Jersey Criterium....

2007-08-04T12:55:00.000-05:00

Well, this was the first crit of my Superweek P/1/2 career. It was a very simple course. It was 4 turns with a very tiny chicane on the third corner. The finishing straight was about .6 miles long, the first corner turned onto a super bumpy road that kinda made the “saddle area” (according to Seth Meyer) ache. The field would always take a rest on the backstretch and then would pick it up in the chicane on the third side.

I started in the middle of the pack and at the start was pushed to the back very quickly. I’ll have to learn to hold my position in these things or try and move up right away. The race was pretty fast for the first half of the race until a break got away. I don’t quite know when that happened seeing that I was watching the whole field in front of me. I started learning quickly, though, how to move up easily. I made up a lot of time and spots in corners. However, I would move up about 10 positions...look back and see only 3 guys behind me. So I would move up 10 more positions, but yet again I would look back and only see 3 guys behind me. Funny thing is...the guys I were passing were not passing me back. So...I was moving up and people were dropping off. I was trying to make it at least to the middle of the pack, but the middle would always become the back when I would finally get there.

Everytime we got to the finishing straight the peloton went as hard as it could and I understand why. They did a prime pretty much every single lap. A couple times I shouted to myself “stop the primes”. But nah, there’s another 100$ prime. Oh well, this is making me stronger and faster, right?

With about 10 laps to go...I feel a little looseness in my handlebars. 3 laps later, my handlebars are extremely loose and I’m turning them up and down with ease. I knew I couldn’t take a free lap though just because something is “loose” on the bike. It was probably because all those bumps on the 2nd side of the course. I kept going...but couldn’t get out of the saddle to sprint. I was able to stay in the saddle and motor, but I knew I had no chance in the final sprint. So with 2 laps to go I fell off the back of the pack and rolled in by myself. I didn’t want to crash or crash anyone out. I still went as hard as I could and gave a good effort to finish the race. I placed 113th. Last of the finishers...oh well, at least I can say I finished my first p/1/2 superweek crit seeing that Karl Menzies, Rock Racing, Peter Dawson, “The Terminator” Viktor Repinski, and other big names were there.

3 races down....7 to go.....

Ciao ciao....

A lot easier than yesterday....Superweek: Whitnall Park RR....

2007-07-17T23:11:00.000-05:00

I ended up getting to my race about 4 hrs early so I could watch the Cat 3 race and cheer on Dallas. He ended up getting 18th...I guess his race was boring and stupid so he kinda just gave up.

On to my race. Lots of big names again today. The big team that showed up today was Rock Racing. They had about 10 guys at this race. So yeah they did a pretty good job of controlling the whole thing. Today's race was 90K or 25 laps of a 2.3 mile loop with a power climb to the finish each lap. Things started out pretty slow and then picked up. My legs woke up after a lap of racing and I was ready to go. Not too much to report. It was just fast and pretty much the same thing over and over. Attack after attack, chase, go hard, slow down. The usual. I just stayed in the middle of the field.

With about 7 or 8 laps to go someone crashed on the final climb of the lap. Someone got a feed from the wrong side (left) and took out a rider that was sprinting up that side. I came within inches of going down with them...thank god for MTB skills and quick thinking. At the beginning of the climb a Rock Racing rider cut me off on the right side and had to cut left. I was looking for Dallas for a feed on the right, as I was going to get back over. I looked straight and a couple of guys are lying in the road. I slammed on the brakes and just got around it to the right. Clearing a wheel by less than an inch.

The last 3 laps got fast. I just held on. The 2nd to last time up the final climb my legs were not liking the intensity. The last time up the hill my legs kinda just gave up...I finished in the back of the field. But my plan was just to stay with the field for the race anyways, so my goal was completed.

We averaged just over 27 mph for 55miles. P/1/2 isn't really that bad. So now I know I can stay with a P/1/2 field...now I just have to get strong enough so I can actually do something...actually be a threat. That'll be my plan for next year.

Tomorrow I'm taking off. I'm going to Proving Grounds to give feeds to Dallas and then him and I are staying at his mom's house in Sheboygan. Then on Thursday I'll be doing the Shorewood Crit.

That was a big bag of ouch....Superweek: Tour of Alpine Valley

2007-07-17T10:06:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was my first Superweek race this year. My 2nd P/1/2 race ever. And it all starts in a 100 mile death march through Alpine Valley. But I think I had a good start to my Superweek I finished, more than most can say.

My race went off at noon and started off nice with a comfortable speed. Getting my bearings I looked around to see the teams there. Karl Menzies was the only one from Health Net, 3 riders from BMC, a couple Colavita riders, about 4 from A&F, and then just a bunch of other guys....with a squad of Hong Kong riders that were a little sketchy on their bikes. The first lap was pretty easy I thought, but half way through the lap I could see the field in front of me, but it was small...awesome...I'm positioned nicely in the middle of the peloton. I look back and I have 2 riders behind me. What the hell!?! About 1/4 of the field was shelled just 1/2 lap into the race. Wow. I kept with them....

Lap two comes around. We're still going nice and slow. A BMC rider is up the road. We get to the first climb of the lap and theres beeping and whistles and chaos. All of a sudden 8 or so Cat 3 riders come blasting around us with Dallas at the front of it keeping the pace. Dallas actually pulled back the BMC rider out front for us. Well, our field wants in on that even though we're not in the same gruppetto. So all of a sudden our race gets fast and strung out. During one straight we're booking it at about 35 mph...with a crosswind. Lap 3 was the same and a group of 5 got off the front involving Menzies (Health Net), Dierking (A&F), Jensen (Trek), and then 2 colavita riders. Then lap 4 my legs decided they didn't want to spin up one of the climbs....crap crap crap. And then I was dropped. I tried hard to catch back on and by this time the peloton was very small. I caught up to another dropped rider...we worked hard, but he was pessimistic. I couldn't have that. At the end of that lap he said that he's out...I keep going for some crazy reason. Later on in Lap 5 the rest of the Cat 3 field catches me and on the back were 3 other P/1/2 riders. Dan from Turin comes to me and pretty much says "if you're in for the long haul I'll join you". How can I say no. So then it was Dan (Turin), Christopher (Hong Kong) and me. The next 5 laps we just keep the pace steady so we don't blow up. Dan and I did all the work...the Hong Kong rider pretty much exploded, but had enough to stay on our wheels. With 2 laps to go he tells us that his body is fried, but he wants to finish. He asks us if we can help him get to the finish. Well, if he doesn't sprint around us and gets 3rd in our group Dan and I are fine with that. He agrees. Oh...and he's also only 17 and his coach is making him do every Superweek race...which is insane to do to a 17 year old. Hopefully he doesn't get too burnt out.

The last two laps were just killer...you know you're almost done, but it hurts after all that time already spent on the bike. But we got it done. I let Dan come in 1st in our group, I came in 2nd and, Christopher in 3rd. Well, I'm happy I stayed in it. I hear that about 65-70 guys started the race...well only 30 finished with me placing 29th. Thats in the money and what I'm proud of is that I finished. It was a hard race though...I wasn't even going to do the race and then decided to. I guess it was worth it. But I still don't quite like AV...not gonna lie.

Well, today is Whitnall...only 90Km of racing today. It'll be fast but not as hard as yesterday. I'm just going to stay in the group and then hopefully have a good position at the end to get a good sprint in.

P.S. Lets hope that Brandon Gavic (A&F) is alright. He was in a crash and looks like he may have a broken collarbone. Get well, or just be well now.

Feeling good....feeling bad....

2007-07-08T20:01:00.000-05:00

So yesterday was my first real Pro/1/2 race and I think I fared fairly well. It was 95 degrees Fahrenheit and super sunny. Not too humid though. I had the best start I've had in a crit for a long time. Clip-in was flawless and got right to 4th wheel. I stayed there for about 2 laps....went with a little breakaway...didn't really go anywhere, but still I was happy. And it opened up the legs for the next 75 minutes of fastness. During the race I went with a couple other breaks that didn't stick. ISCorp was working pretty well, because Freshie the Man Beast got into a break with a Navigators rider and Colavita rider. They ended up lapping the field. Freshie won the State Champs Crit Jersey so good for him...but it was a given anyways and Baumann predicted it. I did a lot of work, but was never in danger of getting dropped. It was an easy race...definitely easier than a couple of the races during Tour of Ohio. But during my time in the field I pulled back a couple breaks, went with some breaks and just tried to keep good position. I ended up getting swarmed in the end and finishing 31st. I'm ok with that. I was aggressive during the race. I'm happy I wasn't scared or nervous for this race. I just went into it knowing that I have to show that I can hold in Pro/1/2 fields...and even try to do something in them.

Then today I got on the bike and felt like complete shit. My stomach bothered me in the morning, so I slept it off. It did go away, but when I tried a hard effort, I nearly puked and there wasn't much of an effort to give from the legs. It definitely wasn't from the race yesterday. I did get a little bit of the cold sweats during the race yesterday, so I tried to get some electrolytes in me. But then today the 96 degree heat might have gotten to me. Oh well, I decided to take the day off then after that. I want to feel good and fresh for the upcoming extremely hard SUPER weeks.

Talking about super weeks....I figured out my Superweek schedule and registered for the races. I've decided on 10 races. Yes, in the P/1/2 field. My legs WILL get torn off...it WILL hurt me alot...I may puke during the races. My only goal is to stay with the pack and maybe even win some money one or two days out of it. Overall, these races should make me stronger....

Here's my schedule.....

7/16: Point Beer Tour of Alpine Valley Road Race
7/17: Saturn Whitnall Park Road Race
7/19: Tim Hart DDS/Rainbow Jersey Shorewood Criterium
7/21: Carl Zach Cycling Classic presented by Couri Insurance Agency
7/22: Evanston Northwestern Healthcare Grand Prix of Cycling
7/23: Pharma Pacific Tour of Holy Hill
7/25: Bellin Health Village of Howard Cycling Classic
7/26: PCW Cycling Heritage Square Classic Criterium
7/28: The Columbia St. Mary's Great Downer Avenue Bike Race
7/29: Whitefish Bay Classic

320$ for 10 races....damn I'm poor now. Whoever reads this blog....if you may have a place for me to stay during these races please let me know if Dallas and I can crash at your place. It would be greatly appreciated. All I need is a floor to sleep on....

Ciao ciao....
Waitey

Is that a powertap?....

2007-07-03T22:19:00.000-05:00

Yup...so I finally have my Powertap SL. Just got it yesterday and installed it right away last night. Today I tried it out on a 2.5 hr ride. Pretty sweet. Yeah, I don't know any of my zones or anything...I'll figure out those in the next couple of days. I actually have to remind myself to look down. I haven't had any type of power meter or even simple cyclocomputer forever. Not use to it yet. But hopefully it helps me get to that next level.

First real Pro/1/2 race is this Saturday for me...Can't wait to do it. It'll be interesting. I think I'll do fine. Then starting Friday the 13th...STUPIDWEEK! I'm planning on doing about 10 out of the 17 races. That'll be something completely different. Harder than Ohio by far.

Other than that....not much going on yet. Just relaxing in Madtown. Barely working....

Tomorrow I'll go out on two rides. 50 miles each probably. With Gehling. I'll let you know how that goes....I'm really starting to like extremely long rides. Maybe winter training will be really fun....

Ciao ciao....
Waitey

Home Rest....And The Thoughts Of....

2007-06-28T19:58:00.000-05:00

I've been home the last few days and it's been very nice and relaxing. I got in to Stevens Point on Tuesday and I'll be here until Sunday afternoon or so...maybe Saturday night. Not quite sure yet. I've seen some family, hung out with a couple friends, cleaned my bikes, and have gone on two very easy 1 hour rides.

It's definitely nice taking some time off the bike. Makes me realize other things that are going on and lets my body rest nicely. Yet, I can't wait to get back on the bike. On these two rides I've felt amazing...I know they've been slowly and easy, but my legs feel lots stronger and ready to train hard again. I'm liking the feeling. So Monday when I'm definitely back its time to go "solid" again.

I've watched two movies that I've been dying to see lately...Pan's Labyrinth and The Fountain. Both very good movies. The Fountain wasn't what I was expecting, but oh so good...yet confusing at first. After you think about it for awhile its sort of understandable....

I've also decided on what Superweek races I want to do....I'll give a list later when I do have it finalized. Pro/1/2 Superweek is going to be intense...

Other things that have gone on lately. Just today I travelled back to my youth when I use to play baseball. My friend Minch and I decided to take out the dusty gloves, bats and baseball and play a small little game. Batting practice, a little catch, and reminiscing of our childhood days. I played baseball for 10 years of my life...age 5 to 15. I quit because it just wasn't fun anymore and the skills just weren't developing because of it. But it was still nice to play a short game with an ex-teammate friend. I'm happy I went to cycling though....

The next couple of days I'm still just going to relax. I think tomorrow I'll go on another 1-1.5 hr ride slow and grab a coffee and relax in our "downtown" area....Saturday we're having a family picnic with Minch also invited. Then I'm either heading back to Madison on Saturday so I can make it to Jessie's Going Away Party, or I'm staying in Point one more night before I have to go back to work on Sunday...we'll see.

Time to eat some dinner....

Ciao ciao....
Waitey

Faster and Harder.....

2007-06-27T12:59:00.000-05:00

I'm a Cat 2 now...Crazy, I know.

BRING ON THE PAIN!!!!

Ciao ciao....
Waitey

UWW RR....

2007-06-25T14:42:00.001-05:00

So after getting home at 4am. I woke up at 9am and drove Frye and myself over to Whitewater for another Road Race. Frye's race was at noon...mine was at 4pm. Means a lot of sitting around for me. Frye did well, finished with the field.

My race was a joke. I was actually kinda pissed the whole time. The race was 9 laps of a 6 mile course, which really was not selective at all. Some rollers and a small big ring climb at the end of each lap. There was barely any wind either that day. So my legs were not feeling too well after 6 days of fast and hard racing...300+ miles in about 10hrs will do that to a person. Halfway into lap 1 I decide to wake up the legs...so I attack. I got about 15 seconds on the field so I kept going. Then they decided they didn't want me out there. They brought me back in lap 2. A couple more useless attacks from others went. Lap 3, a Beans and Barley guy goes off. Looks promising cuz I know he's strong so I decide to bridge. I look back and another Beans and Barley guy is covering my move. We both look back and we have a gap. We decide to go for it. We catch the break and that guy drops his chain on the hill...damn it. That would have been a good break. I would have been outnumbered, but that would have been ok.

As we were going I could tell the B&B guy was not as strong. I pulled 70% of the time...his pulls were not as strong either. We had about a 30 second gap going. We were making some time too. He only had one teammate left after the dropped chain and I had no teammates...so no real shutting down of the field. But we had to keep working. For the first two laps out our little breakaway was going well, with me pulling alot of the time...and still feeling good. The third lap out we got to the final little hill of the lap and I go up it at a good tempo. I look back and he's off my wheel. I waited up for him and then drilled it when he got back on. The next time up the last hill, I dropped him again. This time I knew I had to just keep going. Well, the field saw that he was dropped so they kicked it into 2nd gear and started charging. They caught me 1/4th into lap 7. Damn it...I wish I had some teammates and had a stronger breakaway partner. I wasn't even tired when the field engulfed me. Right after that a Wheaton guy rolled "slowly" off the front and created a gap. I really should have gone with him, because he stayed off solo until the end and won. The field didn't do anything...and never really chased. They just wanted to be together and save some energy for their precious little sprint for 2nd at the end.

Nothing happened for the next 2.5 laps. It was slow and boring. I almost fell asleep. On the last lap I attacked with about 1/2 mile left and hear a PING. I kept going and was covered and then was countered. After that I didn't give a shit. And rolled in for about 12th or so. I checked and the PING was a broken rear spoke. Everything on my bike is breaking.

Pretty much that race showed me that I gained a little bit of form and I tried a couple more things that I haven't done in awhile. But the race pissed me off. I can't wait to get out of Cat 3...I actually applied for my Cat 2 upgrade. Hopefully I get it.

Congrats to Seth Meyer for winning his last ever Cat 3 race...

Ciao ciao....
Waitey

Tour of Ohio, Stage 6....

2007-06-25T14:29:00.000-05:00

Stage 6 concludes the 2007 edition of the ToO. Stage 6 was a 4 corner, 40 mile criterium. The corners were huge and you really did not need to brake...making it an extremely fast, yet extremely easy race. Nothing special really happened. We did 60 laps which got pretty boring after awhile. I started in about 60th position or so. The pace was fast, but not hard. We averaged 28.5mph for the race. I was barely breathing that whole race and it was easy to move up. I moved up slowly every lap. See nothing too special.

I did want to contest the sprint. I actually sprinted pretty well. I ended up in 22nd for stage 6. I moved up one more spot on the GC. I finished 41st overall, only 6:33 back and I placed 2nd in the Best Cat 3 Rider Classification. Not too shabby for my first stage race....with no teammates. 2nd place Cat 3 got me 125$, which is pretty sweet. A lot of people said that this race was really hard...well, I'm happy I was able to hold my own in this race. I do feel stronger and feel more confident in my abilities.

If I can get good enough, next year I'm thinking about going to NVGP....

Ciao ciao....
Waitey

Tour of Ohio, Stage 5....

2007-06-23T10:48:00.000-05:00

Today was a bullshit race. We were suppose to do 5 laps of a 12.8 mile course and finish with 6 circuits for a total of 64 miles. Well, turned out we couldn't do the circuits in the city for some reason and they had us do 4 laps of an 11 or so mile course. 45 miles...that was it. We actually finished it faster than the stage 4. We averaged between 26-27 mph for this race.

The course was pancake flat with one little climb at the beginning of each lap. The climb wasn't even that horrible, but A&F drilled it so it did definitely hurt sometimes. Nothing eventful really happened today. No breakaways....lots tried. Seth Meyer got into 4 of them. About 50 riders got dropped. Huge group sprint of 80 riders.

The second time up the climb there was a crash half way up. I looked over and the white jersey was in it. Great just stay with the group and finish. It is a lousy way to win the jersey, I may add, but thats also bike racing. I was feeling good as the peloton was cruising at about 28-30 mph. All of a sudden I hear from behind "yeah, I was chasing really hard for awhile". I look back and its the White Jersey. That dude must be strong...and I respect him for that. It is something about having a jersey too...it just makes you go that much harder. So looks like he'll keep the white jersey, and I'll have to deal with 2nd, which isn't really that bad.

Other than that...not much happened in that race. Kinda boring. As Seth Meyer said, "Stage 5 should have been stage 2, stage 2 should have been stage 3, and stage 3 should have been today". I think that would have been a great idea. The race was pretty much won on Stage 3. These last 3 races are/have been crits. Nothing will change in a crit.

Well, today is the last day of the ToO. Stage starts at 7pm. 40 mile, 4 corner, 1km crit. All I have to do is stay with the pack and watch out for all 110 squirrely riders in the field, cuz I really don't want to crash on the last day. After the race we'll be heading back home, doing some night driving. Sunday I need to change my saddle cuz somehow it cracked perpendicular to the rails in the middle of the saddle. Too much Man-torque I guess. I have an extra saddle thank god. After I make that repair I think I'll go to the UWW road race and hopefully make some Cat 3's hurt.

Ciao ciao....
Waitey

Tour of Ohio, Stage 4....

2007-06-21T21:57:00.000-05:00

To start off. After stage 3 I'm sitting in 43rd overall, 6:13 back. I did actually lose the White Jersey. I thought the other Cat 3 got dropped, but he was able to hang on in the front group. So he made 5 minutes on me. Kinda pissed me off. Oh well, anything can happen and at least I can definitely hold 2nd in that classification. But on to today's stage....

WOW...that was fast. There was a downhill with a headwind, turn, sharp big ring uphill, turn, gradual climb, straight, turn, straight. All of that in 1.2 miles...for 40 miles (33 laps). Well, it was pretty much a crit. Started off amazingly fast as usual. I started in the back, cuz guys like to camp out at the start an hour before the race even starts. I pretty much held on in the back for the whole race. My legs were just not into it today, but I wasn't going to drop out. I stayed next to the white jersey alot today. I didn't want to lose anymore time on him.

The race was extremely fast and hard...atleast thats what I thought as I secured the back. The downhill and the gradual climb were definitely the hardest parts of the course. The sharp climb was fine and I could always gain a couple positions up it. The downhills always saw speeds of 40-45 mph and it wasn't even that steep. With 26 laps to go my legs hurt pretty good and I wanted to drop out. But I kept telling myself to just keep going. Gaps were opening up right in front of me and the field kept getting smaller and smaller. I would close the gap...look behind me and there would be about 5 guys. So many people were dropping out. I had to stay in. With about 14 laps to go I started getting a little bit of the shivers...low electrolytes probably (don't worry I've been chugging the gatorade for tomorrow). Kept going.

With about 4 or 5 laps to go a crash happens on the 2nd to last straight. I swear, this is a sketchy field. I get around it and get back with the field. Each lap after that speeds up just a little bit...but not as fast as the other laps. I started to move up slowly during these laps. Couldn't drop now. With one lap to go A&F were drilling it as they have been for the whole week. I just hold on and finish with the field at the end.

Thank god my legs lasted that whole time. I was just thinking about the white jersey the whole time. It hurt real good. But after this stage my legs feel good again. After yesterday's stage my legs felt like complete crap. I even slept from 11pm until 1:30pm today. I was definitely tired. But now I'm more awake and ready for tomorrow.

Lots of people were saying that this is the hardest race they've done this year. Even two junior riders who raced a couple UCI events in Europe says that this race was harder. Matt Holecko said that he averaged 312 watts for that race...pedaling. I know I was definitely doing more than that being on the back and closing a lot of gaps. Well, I'm just happy that I've been staying alive lately and still going strong. I also definitely moved up a couple more spots on the GC...maybe top 40. I'll know more about that tomorrow morning...

Stage 5 will be 5 loops of a 12.8 mile course with 6 laps of a finishing circuit. I really hope to get back that 5 minutes on Dan Campbell (White Jersey leader). Anything can happen, and it has to happen tomorrow....

Ciao ciao....
Waitey

The White Jersey!....

2007-06-20T19:15:00.000-05:00

See I promised you a picture....

Ciao ciao...
Waitey

Tour of Ohio, Stage 3....

2007-06-20T17:17:00.001-05:00

Today's race was hard...that's all I can say about it. 5 climbs in 64 miles. It was 82 degrees outside and we started at 1pm. Nice. Well, before the race I picked up my WHITE Best Cat 3 Rider's Jersey and put that on. That felt good. And its white...so it was Hott and awesome!

I started in the front row and was pushed back just a little bit. Still sitting pretty good. The first mile or so was a decent. After about 2-3 miles a break went off...with Seth Meyer in it. Good way to redeem yourself after being pissed off from the day before. The break stayed away for the whole race. It started with 5, maxed out at 12, and 4-5 finished with the others joining back into the group. The race was fast...but really easy to stick in a draft. It was pretty flat for the first 15 miles or so...That's what I think at least.

The first real climb came at about 24 miles in. I could see that there were not too many climbers in the field. I was able to get around a bunch of guys easily. Oh, there was also alot of gravel on this climb as well and that made people squirrely. I made it up fine. After the first climb there was an extremely fast decent (~50mph). One guy went right off the road into the grass, and went down hard. I hope he's alright.

Next, there were a couple rollers. At about 35 miles in, another climb. This one was really easy I thought. Probably about 5 minutes of climbing at about 5%. More guys fell off. Then right after that it got fast. I had a guy right in front of me just sit up and I had to sprint around him back up to the field. That was a good all out effort for about 1.5 minutes. Thanks dude. But I made it back on and had a couple guys tell me good pull. I recovered very nicely. The race went on. The next climb I don't really remember the 3rd climb...I just know I was with the group.

Next came another crash right in front of me...as usual. The field slowed to about 13mph and the guys in front of me kept braking and then bam. About 10 guys down. Slam on the brakes and slowly weave around them. The field was still going slow so getting back up to them was easy.

The next (4th) climb I thought was the hardest. Probably averaged well over 10% (it was also a stair stepper climb...about 5 sections to it. Up, flat, up, flat, up, etc.). It was hard. I had a couple more squirrely riders in front of me so I had to find a way around and lost a little time. The really strong guys were drilling it up this climb. I was catching dropped riders everywhere. Probably passed about 20 riders up that climb. I had a couple guys tell me to keep going. Thanks for the encouragement. Finally I made it up and over. I had one guy with me over the top. He started drilling it, but I needed just a little bit more recovery. I let him go and I caught him about 5 minutes later. The next 7 miles or so were roller after roller. When is it going to stop. Pain was setting in at this point, but I still felt strong. We caught a group of 6 in front of us and started working together...at least for a little bit. One of the guys got a Propel from his team car, drank half of it and then saw me and gave it to me. Ok I'll take it...I was a little thirsty. It's really nice how people respect the jersey leaders...or at least the Cat 3 rider that's somehow sticking with the P/1/2 field.

By the 5th climb we were in a group of 25 or so. I started up the climb and got into a groove. I was with two other guys and then we had a gap on the rest of the guys. I was definitely doing a lot of work in the group, but I was dropping guys easily....that made me feel good. But I still hated how no one was working. I had to save as much time as I could.

Next came the last 2 miles. A quick roller and then a hard right turn back towards the Old Man's Cave State Park. The road up to it had about a 2% gradient. Jamie Kimberly from Turin motioned for me to get on his wheel. I did and he drilled it...he was definitely helping me out to secure that White Jersey. Thanks Jamie! He did an awesome job getting me really good position. I finished 5th in the group. There was another group in front of us of about 25 guys with the 4 leaders in front of them. So about 35th on the day out of 129 guys....I think. Not too shabby. Only 5 minutes back from the leaders.

Seth Meyer gained about 1min30sec on me, putting him about 8.5 minutes behind me. I found out today that there was another Cat 3 rider tied for time with me today. It wasn't marked down on the sign in sheet that he was a Cat 3 by accident. I don't know how he finished. I don't think he was in the first group. It would be nice if I definitely got some good time on him. Then only Seth would be my main man to watch out for. But really we just want him or I to take the jersey. Him and I getting 1st and 2nd in that classification would rule. I'll know later tonight about results. I'm hoping...

I'll get a picture up later tonight of me in the Best Cat 3 Jersey for proof that I do actually have it.

Until tomorrow's next episode of the Tour of Ohio....

Ciao ciao....
Waitey

ToO stage 2 results....

2007-06-20T07:32:00.000-05:00

Just wanted to let everyone know quick. I'm sitting tied in 7th place overall with a whole bunch of guys. Only 20 seconds down. And right now I'm the best Cat 3 rider...with over 9min on the next Cat 3!!! Today I'll have to try extremely hard to keep that going.

Wish me luck!

Ciao ciao....
Waitey

Tour of Ohio, Stage 2....

2007-06-19T22:28:00.000-05:00

Ok so to start off...yesterday I was placed at the 73rd position. They did take my time at lap 8 to go. 1:17:30. Atleast I'm the same as the field.

On to today. Today was not looking too good weather wise. But it did come through alright during the race. They actually changed the course a little I guess...it was 6 laps of an 8.6 mile loop with a couple of rollers and a 500m climb up to the finish. We got to the race a little later than expected. I got ready and it was already time to line up pretty much. I got a spot in about the 5th row...I believe. I'm pretty tired so I may be wrong, but it was up there. It was sprinkling a little bit, but not horribly bad. They were going to stop the race if the weather got too bad. Never did. Actually cleared up after the first lap. From the gun, the race had a blistering pace going. People were attacking and the teams would not let them go...then another group would attack and the pace stayed high for the first 3 laps. I was just hanging on the back pretty much the whole time. A couple gaps opened up here and there so I would have to close them...a few I was worried I wouldn't be able to close, but the field slowed down just enough for me to get back on, which was a relief. The field was disintegrating quickly. Lap 4 slowed down a little bit...I think some of the teams were a little tired. So that was a little bit of good rest. Lap 5 sped up again and again I was hanging on for dear life. Every time I looked back I was 5th from the back even after moving up 10-15 positions at times. Lap 6 was fast too...seeing that it was the last lap and teams were getting their sprinters into place. On one of the climbs on the backside I passed Jamie Kimberly from Illinois. He decided to grab hold of my jersey pocket to help him up. But for reimbursement he gave me a little push. No prob...I thought it was funny. During the last lap I witnessed two crashes...right in front of me of course. One was around a left turn that was still wet due to tree coverage. 3 MSU guys down right in front of me. I slammed on the brakes, but not enough to slide my wheels out from underneath me. I did not want to join them and ruin my position. I got through that alright. Then about 2 miles later, two guys go down on a straight away, pretty much right in front of me again...this time I really had to slam on the brakes. My rear wheel fish-tailed a little, but I was able to save it. At this point the race got extremely fast. I tried to drill it back up to the field after losing a little ground due to the crash. I was successful, but only after about a mile of it and I was spent. I was able to hold on the back, but then another surge went and I started falling off just before the final climb. I also started cramping a little bit in the quads. I just kept going, because it was the finish and because I saw some of the guys in the field starting to fall of on the climb that I could gain some time on. About 3/4th up I passed the yellow jersey and got about 15 seconds on him, which was awesome. He definitely exploded, due to the crawling uphill at a very slow pace. I was able to come in about 20-25 seconds back from the field at the end. About 40th position I think. Only about 50 or so finished in the main field.

I think it was a good race. Hard, but good. It showed me what I can do and that I have atleast some form. I wanted to just drop out after 2 laps...but I kept going because I thought it was going to slow down just a little bit, after a break went. But no break = no break for me. I made it through two days now and I think I'm sitting decently on the GC...at least for my ability. I moved up a little bit on the GC...I'll know more tomorrow for that.

Tomorrow's race will be extremely hard. 64 mile out and back with 5 climbs. Guys that have done this stage before said to have a 27 cog in the back. Well, I have a 25. I'll have to live with it. I just hope to lose less than 20 minutes on the field. It'll be hard and I'm going to try my best.

Ciao ciao...
Waitey

Tour of Ohio, Stage 1....

2007-06-19T22:26:00.000-05:00

Well, first off it took us about 9 hrs to get down to Ohio due to traffic and construction. But we made it here. Frye’s grandparents’ house rules. Very nice place, pool table, and they are constantly feeding us. I kinda feel spoiled. But I guess they like it.

Ok stage 1. It was about 95 degrees Fahrenheit today. It was a dry heat though, which I like a lot more than that horrible humidity that just zaps my energy. We got there and saw some pretty big teams. Kelly Regional Team, Priority Health, A&F, Colavita Regional Team and others. We thought it was going to be hard. I just wanted to finish. The course was a 1km long 8 corner criterium. We did 40 miles of it, which turned out to be 68 laps. Damn that got boring after awhile. Well, I started in the 6th or 7th row of the 127 person field right next to Seth Meyer. Matt Holecko got a good position in the front row. The race got started and it really wasn’t that fast. Probably because of the all the corners. I got pushed back a little bit in the field. After about 10 laps or so my legs started feeling good and I had a bit more confidence so I started moving up. I thought it was really easy to move up in the corners and on the finishing straight. When I really wanted to I would gun it up to a corner and cut it in close and make up about 5 to 6 spots. The finishing straight was the same thing. The corners were very smooth and I barely had to touch my breaks. God I love people that know how to ride a bike. So pretty much the whole race I kept moving up and then pushed back a little, etc. I had to close down 4 gaps during the race, because some riders just sat right up...right in front of me nonetheless. But it always came out good in the end.

So they had a rule during the race. You just had to make it to 8 laps left and they would take your time at that point. After that you could drop out...the last part was meant for the sprinters, due to the narrow course. I made it to that last 8 laps with the field, so I should have the same time as pretty much everyone else...but I kept going. Over the next 8 laps I started risking it a little more to make a couple more positions here and there. I was going for the Best Cat 3 Jersey. I didn’t know who was a Cat 3. The only ones I know about are me, Seth Meyer, Jason Carr and one of the guys riding for MSU/Hotter N’ Hell. And I wasn’t about to drop out of a race just because I could. I’m definitely going to finish. Many people dropped out after that 8 lap rule. The pace did get faster, but it was still pretty easy. I had Seth Meyer behind me and I was following an MSU riders wheel (I don’t know if he was Cat 3 or not...I wasn’t going to risk it, so I had to beat him). At the end I was able to sprint around the MSU guy and keep Seth behind me. The race only averaged ~24mph.

I guess I placed in the upper third of the field. Hopefully top 40...and hopefully I got the Best Cat 3 rider as of right now. I’ll know that tomorrow. I really don’t think there are too many cat 3’s in this race.

Well, tomorrow is a 53-mile road race. It’s 5 laps of a ~10 mile lap with two climbs per lap. Start time is 5pm...it may rain. I just hope the legs have what it takes.

Oh and congrats to Nick “Steamer” Frye. He won the Cat 4/5 race today and got some sweet new orange tyres that match his bike. Yeah...he pretty much crushed the field.

Ciao ciao....
Waitey

Giro d'Grafton....

2007-06-19T22:20:00.000-05:00

So Saturday saw the Giro d’Grafton criterium. I arrived early (about 1pm) to watch a little bit of the Men’s 4/5 race. Steamer finished 3rd, which is awesome for him. He’ll probably get his 3’s upgrade by the end of the season. After that I sat around for about 2 hrs for my race to start at 4:30pm.

The course was kinda sweet. Long finishing straight with 6 corners and one little hill after corner 2. The cat 3 field started with probably around 45-50 starters...I think. The race started out amazingly slow. I actually rode up to Seth Meyer and asked if this felt really easy. He agreed. Then all of a sudden after about 10 minutes into the crit Dallas was found on front drilling the pace and then trying a break. He got away for a little bit, but was pulled back not too long after. He did end up winning 2 primes. After a while I tried going on a couple breaks. I went on 4 total during the race. One looked promising...but then my legs said no. So I went back into the field and rested up. A couple Get A Grip guys decided to go and they were chased down. That was pretty much the whole race...attack after attack. With 3 laps to go I noticed the field slowing down so I decided to try my luck. I didn’t really attack...I just went a little harder and rode off the front. I looked back and had a pretty decent gap. I actually went around the first corner and heard a couple guys go down...ah Cat 3 riders. I stayed out for about 3/4th of a lap and looked back...still a gap, but Seth Meyer bridged up to me. Sweet. We went about another 1/2 of a lap and Dallas bridged up to us too. Thats what I call a pretty awesome breakaway group. This is the group that I think all the cat 3 riders are scared of. Well around the last corner of lap two...Seth hits some melting tar just wrong and his front wheel locks up, he saved it pretty well though. It made me hit my brakes and Dallas got a little gap on us. Well the field started going really hard now...and caught us all. Damn it. I think it could have stuck if we just communicated a little more to each other. At least we know that for next time. We stayed with the field for the last lap and sprinted. Dallas got 12th (with puking in the sprint), I got 15th (last money spot) and Seth got 22nd. The race averaged 27mph...pretty good. Didn’t seem that hard though.

I stayed for the Pro/1/2 race. All I can say is Twilight Crits rule! Crazy race though. After 2 or 3 laps a break of 15 got off and stayed off with lapping the field at minute 70. Some big names were in that break. Some Kelly Regional rider ended up winning, Garrett Peltonen was 2nd and Freshie Steve took 4th.

Monday starts the Tour of Ohio. We drive down on Sunday. I’ll try and write a report after every stage...

Ciao ciao....
Waitey

Racing, Part II....

2007-06-15T23:56:00.000-05:00

It's been well over a month since my last post. I'm just lazy...what can I say. This summer has been pretty good so far. I've been waking up early, which is a first....then I go on a long bike ride....get home....take a nap (sometimes)....and then either hang out for the night or go to work. I like doing that. That's what I live for.

So far this year I've done 25 races. I have 25 more this year and then its cyclo-cross season. So far its going well. I've been going pretty well in the cat 3 races. I've been more working for Dallas and Corey...but I see myself as more of a domestique. I'll give a little overview of the more important races done so far since my last post.

Collegiate Natz RR: 90 mile road race on a 90 degree day....
There was flooding on one part of the course so they had to reroute the beginning of the race...onto a 2 mile gravel road. AWESOME!!! I loved it. The first time through it was neutral and at the end of it we waited for 40 people to get flats changed. The race wasn't too fast...at least not as fast as the first year I did it (2 years ago)...or maybe I am that much stronger. I actually thought it was fairly easy. My goals for the race were stay with the pack to the finish, go on a breakaway and be in the front of the field. Well, two of them came true. During the first lap I saw an opening and gunned it right up to the front...goal 1 complete. I was able to stay in the first half of the field for the race. Halfway through the first lap, a group of 5 tried getting away so I tried my luck and went with them. We didn't stay out too long, cuz they couldn't work together too well...but at least I was out there. At the last little climb of the lap, before the gravel section I was getting water bottles in the feed zone. All of a sudden I look straight ahead and there's a pile up of 12 guys about 10 feet tall right in my path. I go all the way around the left of them away from the feed zone and get by safely...but theres a gap between me and the field. Well, in gravel sections the first group tends to drill the pace. I worked my ass off through the gravel section passing and seeing about 60 riders on the side of the road waiting for the wheel truck. Thank god I didn't get a flat. Got through it, but had a little bit more work to do. I was joined by 5 more guys (one of them being ultra-squirrely and cutting across my front wheel and going into the left ditch...I think he's cleat came out of the pedal). The main group slowed down a little and we were able to catch back on. The field started with about 160 riders I believe...at this point we were down to about 80 or so after the gravel. Most of the big dogs were out of the race cuz they didn't have enough wheels for everyone. We even lost Freshie Steve. But don't worry, he soloed it back to the group for 20 miles...it was also the fastest lap the field had (he's kinda strong...you know). We'll I pulled the field for a little bit on the backside, trying to pull back a breakaway. Cut the time gap down a little bit...good feeling. Still felt good. We got back to the final climb of the lap and there was another crash in front of me that I had to go left of away from the feed zone. I was just on the back of the field though...so going good. We got to the gravel...halfway through I see Baumann with a flat. I stop and give him my front wheel. He goes 3 feet and the rear flats. We have a little bit of trouble getting the rear wheel off my bike but finally get it. I wait for the wheel truck...thank god they had wheels again. I didn't want to drop out. It was Eric Bean, Baumann and me. We were going to TTT back to the field. Well, after stopping for that long (about 6 minutes) my legs thought the race was done and started going into shut down mode. And neutral support put in the wheels crooked and were rubbing on the breaks so that slowed me down in the gravel, which I noticed after getting out of that section. So I had to stop and readjust them...losing more time. While I soloed it in for 69th place. Congrats to Freshie for his 4th place and Seth Meyer for 20th (thank god for training in Europe...it actually does make you stronger).

The scene for most of the day in all divisions

I also did the open Crit...I got 18th. Legs didn't feel too great that day.

Memorial Day Weekend:
Next major races were Snake Alley, Melon Cities, and Quad Cities. Snake Alley was hard. It started raining just before our race and did so for the first 5 laps or so making the Snake very slick and sketchy. You couldn't get out of the saddle and would have to try and not slip around. I started 4th row in the middle, which was pretty good positioning Well, right as the race started the whole right side of the field missed their clip-in and the left side of the field had a flawless clip-in. I was right in the middle. I got about 30th place going into the first corner right before the Snake...damn it. Also, right at the corner someone crashes due to locking up their brakes and sliding. They hit my rear wheel, but luckily I didn't go down. The rest of the race was going hard and chasing. I kept making my way up slowly. I was feeling good and my climbing was pretty good too. I ended up in a sprint with two other guys...I beat one, but jumped a little too late and Sam Stone beat me by about half a wheel, maybe even less. Well, I got 21st. 1 place outside of the money. Dallas got 2nd, Corey got 5th.

Melon Cities. We wanted to get me in a break. The pace was high for the whole 18 laps. No one could get away. The last lap the field started slowing way down...so instead of making it dangerous I jumped on the front and drove the pace until halfway up the final hill...Corey was able to hold my wheel in the leadout and get 3rd place. Dallas and I finished in the field.

Quad Cities. This was a fun race. 30 laps of rage in the cage due to chicken wire holding us in and the drunkards out. I guess it was the fastest average speed during the day including the P/1/2 field. Awesome. We wanted to get me in a break again today with one of the Get A Grip guys. Well, right from the start I started in the 4th row again and some guy in front of me falls over at the f#$*ing start line. I get pushed back alot. I stay on the back for the first 5 laps, doing sprints around every corner to get the legs good and warmed up. On the 6th lap I go from the last 1/4 of the group to the top 15. I stayed there for awhile. With 10 laps to go I attack with Steve from Get A Grip. GAG and BD are at the front shutting down the field. I look back and there are 3 more riders bridging up to us. Steve looks back and thinks its the field...I tell him to pull around me and get this going. He tells me "I don't want to blow my load too soon". WHAT!?! We had more than a block gap on the field and it was growing. I just needed a second of rest and then could have pulled again...but he stopped pedaling and the break was caught. Not gonna lie...I was pissed. No more breaks were going to go. I wanted to try with 4 laps to go, but I got cut off and one guy went off the front and won it solo...I should have been up there with him. With 2 laps to go, knowing that I don't have a sprint and the field was slowing way down to save some energy for the sprint...I jumped on the front and drilled it amazingly hard for Corey and Dallas. I lasted on the front for 1.75 laps. Averaging between 33-36mph the whole time. I made the field string out. At the 2nd to last corner Dallas and Corey sprint around me and were able to hold the field off for 2nd and 3rd place, respectively, with me finishing in the pack. We were definitely the team that controlled the whole race and what we planned out actually happened. We really work well as a team. I'm just happy they at least gave me a shout out on the podium.

On the front of the Quad Cities Crit, drilling the pace for the last 2 laps....

State Champs RR:
The last race of importance so far this year. This course was small rolling hills with one 300 meter power climb up to the finish. Seth Meyer and I definitely wanted to get something going in this. We both tried attacking many times during this race, but we were both definitely targeted. The field would let solo riders go and then slowly pull them back. Yet every time either Seth or myself would attack the field would be on our asses immediately. They were watching us like hawks. Seth and I were putting in solid attacks...just the field never wanted to see us go. The first time up the climb I was sitting about 4th wheel. I saw Seth come around me and I jumped on his wheel immediately. I was actually surprised I was able to stay on his wheel easily, seeing that I'm a fat ass and wouldn't quite call myself a climber. For the next 6 laps I always found myself no farther back than 5th wheel on that power climb. I probably attacked about 6-7 times during that race. Nothing ever worked. Finally with 2 laps to go 2 guys get off the front and one was able to stay off for the solo win...we caught the other guy up the final hill. Well, going up the final climb up to the finish I was sitting 5th wheel and moving up. 2 guys come around me on the right. I look to my left and the first guy to pass me is flailing all around with both feet unclipped. He threw the 2nd guy into my path and I had to slam on my brakes and get started again uphill...that sucks alot. I had about 6-7 guys pass me. I was able to hold off the rest of the field for 12th, but I should have been top 5. I was pissed. But oh well...50 guys started, 30 or so finished and I was always one of the first up the power climb. I gave a good effort for that whole race.

Now on to training. I've been putting in 4-5 hours days in on the bike in just the small ring with a couple hard efforts up hills. Doing this has definitely made me a lot stronger. I feel as if my climbing, sprinting, and overall power are improved. I definitely feel like one of the stronger Cat 3's in the field. I can't wait to upgrade to Cat 2...get my ass handed to me and improve even more. Tomorrow is the Grafton crit and I'm holding nothing back for that win. I'm not giving any type of leadout...I'm going to save everything I have for the final sprint or get in a break. After that I will be leaving for Tour of Ohio (which I hope to update this blog after every stage). 6 day stage race all around Ohio. 340 miles. Cat 1-3 race. Should be good, fun and hard. I'm ready....

I'll also probably have a couple interesting updates later on in the summer. Oh and I got a new sweet toy. I'll let you know more about that later....

Hopefully, I start updating this more so I don't have to write 20 pages at a time and remember half a summer's worth of memories...

Ciao ciao....
Waitey

Racing....

2007-05-08T11:18:00.000-05:00

Still here? I guess I am. I don't have much to say right now. School is almost done and I've been riding and racing my bike alot. I leave for Collegiate Road Nationals tomorrow. I'll be competing in the RR and probably the open crit. Should be a good time. Our sponsor schwinn gave us free Peloton LTD frames to ride at Natz....and not gonna lie but those frames are sweet. Acceleration is amazing and its very responsive. So you'll probably see me on that for awhile...too because I don't really want to take the time to put the Frugeri back together.

I've done 14 races so far this year and I'm definitely stronger than last year, but I still have a lot to work on. I have about 40 more races this year left....I think I'll be able to get stronger.

So my form is alright right now, but I wish it was better. My goal for the Natz RR is to just keep with the pack. It'll be hard. As for the the rest of the season I plan on being in form for the Memorial Day Weekend races, Tour of Ohio, Superweek and Gateway Cup. I want to be able to upgrade to Cat 2 after ToO for superweek...I know it would be hard, but I'm up for the challenge. I just have to start riding smart. On Sunday I raced the Wheel and Sprocket crit up in Neenah. I was definitely one of the strongest guys in the field, but I played it stupid and did way too much work. I need to just stay in the field and then attack at the right moment when everyone is tired....oh well.

Well, other than that I'll try and update this thing a little bit more....oh yeah I'm in the running to be the UW cycling President. I'm up against the current Prez. Wish me luck...elections are tonight.

Ciao ciao....
Waitey