I am switching my stories to : www.mattseagrave.blogspot.com so if you would like to continue keeping up with what I am doing please feel free, yes Mrs. Kintz that means you also.
This page will not disappear so the archive of stories will still be here.
Matt
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
~2008~
The time has come where I needed to make a decision on who I am going to ride for during the 2008 season. After making what I thought was the final decision to race in Europe again did not really workout the way it was planned, I had to go back to the drawing board and call upon the domestic teams that were interested in me for the coming season. So I will be in Santa Monica, racing doing the west coast NRC races, with the possibility to come to the central part of the States for races such as Austin Downtown Criterium, and Tulsa Tough. Other than that the schedule includes Sea Otter, Radlands, Gila, Mt. Hood, Manhattan Beach Grand Prix, either Cascade Classic or Super week and Nationals.
As the further information comes to light I will let everyone know and post it here. So come back for future updates over the next weeks(s).
Matt
As the further information comes to light I will let everyone know and post it here. So come back for future updates over the next weeks(s).
Matt
Sunday, November 25, 2007
What I wont be!
I will never be a ninja! This came to mind today when I was climbing the stairs today after lifting weights and every step could be heard from a good distance.
Nor will I ever be a mime, mostly because I enjoy telling stories too much for this to work.
Nor will I ever be a mime, mostly because I enjoy telling stories too much for this to work.
Tag
Ok, So I need to find out what being tagged means so once I figure it out I will fill in the appropriate info.
Matt
Matt
To Everyone Who Has Had A Hand in Letting Me Race My Bike
In Appreciation
I cannot thank you as I would
For all you've done for me:
I cannot find the words I should
To tell you fittingly.
Your kindliness has meant so much
That only One I know
Can e'er repay a service such
As this one here below.
Therefore to Him I delegate
What I cannot express:
May God repay you -- early, late,
For all your kindliness!
-- Author Unknown
I cannot thank you as I would
For all you've done for me:
I cannot find the words I should
To tell you fittingly.
Your kindliness has meant so much
That only One I know
Can e'er repay a service such
As this one here below.
Therefore to Him I delegate
What I cannot express:
May God repay you -- early, late,
For all your kindliness!
-- Author Unknown
Friday, November 09, 2007
Wednesday, November 07, 2007
Up dates, Up dates, Up dates
Right now the update is the off season is getting off to a good start there was little delay there with a stomach bug/ food poisoning. Now I am back on the bike and ready to do what I enjoy most ride long.
Where I will be this coming season will be released here in about a week I would say. All I can say now is that I will not be in the U.S. as things stand now. This is best for the long term growth, there is a possibility that I may come back and do some of the teams races here in the US but that has not been finalized.
Till next time.
Matt
Where I will be this coming season will be released here in about a week I would say. All I can say now is that I will not be in the U.S. as things stand now. This is best for the long term growth, there is a possibility that I may come back and do some of the teams races here in the US but that has not been finalized.
Till next time.
Matt
Thursday, October 25, 2007
New Road
I know many time I have posted here that I will keep up with my blog and I have not. For those who still visit in order to be enlightened on what I am upto, I apologize. Over the past couple of weeks I have been spending much time at the beach surfing with a good friend of mine Jason Comstock, along with spending more time at the shop getting more of the time slots punched on my card. Pretty much just enjoying some time off and well I am ready to get back on the bike, and begin my preperations for next season.
Matt ~~
Matt ~~
Sunday, September 30, 2007
Monday, August 13, 2007
POST PARTY RIDE
For those who were at the suprise party for James at Jack and Adams. I made it to Josephs house just fine while trying to ride my bike and balance a large tinfoil container of yellow rice, black bean and lettuce in one hand. The hard part was probably the large hill just across the street from Austin Java. The funny part would have to been when I reached the top and there was a girl there who also had just climbed the hill on her bike and became very happy when she saw me with the tin container, this is because she thought I had brownies and figured it would be interesting if I had some because she was on her way home to make some herself.
Friday, August 10, 2007
long time no updates
I apologize for just a laxidasical approach to my updating of this blog. I have run into two people in the past week that wanted to let me know that they read my blog and have followed my adventures over the past year or so. This means that I need to keep this updated a whole lot more often.
So here we go, I have been riding my bike alot and traveling in the car just as much
Just kidding, I would not do that to you. Such a vague story. Over the past few months the racing and other dealing that come and go have created ups and downs, mostly enjoyment. The past couple of months, I have spent a few weeks in Colorado Springs, where myself along with the rest of the team had a chance to do some altitude training in order to prepare for Road Nationals, all the while getting a three week break from racing. After this trip we headed to Seven Springs, PA. for Nationals. Here I had a hard go with the individual time trial with 21st place, and the road race was one of attrition and struggle, yet still managed to fight my way into the winning break and finish 15th on the day. The day after Nationals I found myself in the car with Shane and Thomas heading for Wisconsin for a week and a half of crits also known as Superweek. Here I was riding strong but did not manage the results I would have liked, yet I did a road race while there which was one of heat, hills and attrition where I again finished in the top 15, solid! Again in the car for another long drive this time to TX yes that is right back to TX for the state time trial championships, where I ended up 2nd only 5 hundredths of mph off the pace, crazy. The next day the team pulled at 2nd out for the team time trial title so this came out to be good weekend for the team.
Now I am in Austin heading home for a few days then back on the road to finish the season and hopefully bring some more wins to Corpus Christi.
Now I bring you the down side of the recent events. Back home in Corpus Christi, there was an incident where one of the driving forces of the cycling community is no longer with us.
Donny Kloster was taken from us one week from the day for which he was to compete in the Texas State Time Trial Championships. Donny is someone who will be dearly missed, for everything that had to do with cycling, triathlons to needy children receiving bicycle for Christmas that would not otherwise get one, he was involved. He was one of the first people who I made befriended me when I first started to ride my bike and one of the first people to ask how I was doing when I would come home and meet up with local group rides.
Donny you will forever be in our hearts.
Come back soon, for I plan to update like the days of old
So here we go, I have been riding my bike alot and traveling in the car just as much
Just kidding, I would not do that to you. Such a vague story. Over the past few months the racing and other dealing that come and go have created ups and downs, mostly enjoyment. The past couple of months, I have spent a few weeks in Colorado Springs, where myself along with the rest of the team had a chance to do some altitude training in order to prepare for Road Nationals, all the while getting a three week break from racing. After this trip we headed to Seven Springs, PA. for Nationals. Here I had a hard go with the individual time trial with 21st place, and the road race was one of attrition and struggle, yet still managed to fight my way into the winning break and finish 15th on the day. The day after Nationals I found myself in the car with Shane and Thomas heading for Wisconsin for a week and a half of crits also known as Superweek. Here I was riding strong but did not manage the results I would have liked, yet I did a road race while there which was one of heat, hills and attrition where I again finished in the top 15, solid! Again in the car for another long drive this time to TX yes that is right back to TX for the state time trial championships, where I ended up 2nd only 5 hundredths of mph off the pace, crazy. The next day the team pulled at 2nd out for the team time trial title so this came out to be good weekend for the team.
Now I am in Austin heading home for a few days then back on the road to finish the season and hopefully bring some more wins to Corpus Christi.
Now I bring you the down side of the recent events. Back home in Corpus Christi, there was an incident where one of the driving forces of the cycling community is no longer with us.
Donny Kloster was taken from us one week from the day for which he was to compete in the Texas State Time Trial Championships. Donny is someone who will be dearly missed, for everything that had to do with cycling, triathlons to needy children receiving bicycle for Christmas that would not otherwise get one, he was involved. He was one of the first people who I made befriended me when I first started to ride my bike and one of the first people to ask how I was doing when I would come home and meet up with local group rides.
Donny you will forever be in our hearts.
Come back soon, for I plan to update like the days of old
Friday, March 02, 2007
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Re-play
OK, so I figure some of you guys are wondering just how Valley of the Sun played out. The TT was pretty much a standard TT, in that there was not rain or technical sections that played a big role in preparation. With this said, the course was just more than a false flat up on the way out and the opposite on the way back with a descent cross wind. The Rig I rode was pretty quick. Faster than I was on the day. Which is good because I know that once I get myself in better fitness for a solid TT that the rig will be more than capable to help display my effort.
After all the riders did their effort for the day I ended up 13th on the day and 58seconds out of the lead. This was better than last year where I was something like 32nd and 2.5 minutes down. So I was happy with the fact that I was over 1.5 minutes faster this year.
Now going into the road race, my plan was to try and pickup as one if not two of the two time bonuses on the course. That ended up harder than I would have liked. I went with the small group that was trying to get the time bonus, but was nipped at the line by three other guys putting me one spot out of a bonus. This happened one more time. Ok, so I don't sprint as well as the true sprinter, but I was pleased with my ability to freelance my way to the front and almost get a sprint. After going with a couple small breaks and getting reeled back in. When in these breaks I played it safe and did not wear myself out. With about 2 laps to go a break got off the front and with one lap to go a chase group formed and I was in nether. The main group rolls past the start line which is halfway to the finish line on the last lap and I told myself I need to be in the break if I want to win. So I jumped as hard as I could. Now at the same time the main group was catching up with Nate who was a slightly off day, and he yelled into the earpiece "GO MATT GO MATT". Once I get my effort set I sit down and make it across to the chase group which was probably 300 meters in front of the main group, and go straight to the front to try and motivate these guys to work harder. This does not work well, so I take off again. This time I don't stand up, I just accelerate in the saddle and shift to a harder gear and sit back in the saddle and mentally go into my "Belgium" mindset and bridge across to the front break.
Now that I have made it to the front break I take survey of who is there. I see two rider from the pro team rock and republic (Napatalino and Clinger) along with Bobby Lea from Toyota United and a handful of other riders I don't remember. I was looking for Clinger and Lea that is why I spotted them first. After trying to get this group to work with me and failing I have to figure out what I am going to do. At this point we are at the base of the final climb with Clinger on my wheel. So I say quietly to Clinger so only he can hear "Clinger come on lets go." I said this because I figured I would be better off taking him with me than him chasing and bringing the whole group with him, but he declines. I see my opening and instantaneously stand and accelerate out of the saddle until about 100 meters later and then sit and begin to grind out the last climb. I take a glance back and and see the gap I have created. So I continue on up the second part of the climb and take one last glimpse back and see no one coming. At this point I say to myself "get to the finish line as fast as you can so the pain with stop." So I decide go as hard as you can through the feed zone then use the final false flat down to increase the gap if possible. so when I get to the final 200 meters I think to myself shift and stand, now sprint. The next thing that comes to mind is that I am doing this I am actually winning the race. Then the other half of me says no you have not won the race yet, because the line has not been crossed yet. So you better hurry up and get there.
Once I can visibly see the line within 15 meters of my I make a couple more hard pedal strokes then sit up and zip my jersey, and give the "salute." At this point I am in shot and stay sitting upright on the bike just coasting for about 200 meters with a huge smile on my face.
After making my way back to car to get food and something to drink. Since I threw my last bottle about 4 miles before the finish to lighten up my bike as much as possible. Shortly after, I see Nate coming over the climb and he looks at me with a look on his face that said "how did you do" so I yell "I took it with a gap", which I knew would help him get through his final lap.
When the day was all said and done I was happy, no matter what the GC standing were, which I would not find out the details of until the next day around 10am.
I will continue the next entry with post road race and crit stories.
Matt
After all the riders did their effort for the day I ended up 13th on the day and 58seconds out of the lead. This was better than last year where I was something like 32nd and 2.5 minutes down. So I was happy with the fact that I was over 1.5 minutes faster this year.
Now going into the road race, my plan was to try and pickup as one if not two of the two time bonuses on the course. That ended up harder than I would have liked. I went with the small group that was trying to get the time bonus, but was nipped at the line by three other guys putting me one spot out of a bonus. This happened one more time. Ok, so I don't sprint as well as the true sprinter, but I was pleased with my ability to freelance my way to the front and almost get a sprint. After going with a couple small breaks and getting reeled back in. When in these breaks I played it safe and did not wear myself out. With about 2 laps to go a break got off the front and with one lap to go a chase group formed and I was in nether. The main group rolls past the start line which is halfway to the finish line on the last lap and I told myself I need to be in the break if I want to win. So I jumped as hard as I could. Now at the same time the main group was catching up with Nate who was a slightly off day, and he yelled into the earpiece "GO MATT GO MATT". Once I get my effort set I sit down and make it across to the chase group which was probably 300 meters in front of the main group, and go straight to the front to try and motivate these guys to work harder. This does not work well, so I take off again. This time I don't stand up, I just accelerate in the saddle and shift to a harder gear and sit back in the saddle and mentally go into my "Belgium" mindset and bridge across to the front break.
Now that I have made it to the front break I take survey of who is there. I see two rider from the pro team rock and republic (Napatalino and Clinger) along with Bobby Lea from Toyota United and a handful of other riders I don't remember. I was looking for Clinger and Lea that is why I spotted them first. After trying to get this group to work with me and failing I have to figure out what I am going to do. At this point we are at the base of the final climb with Clinger on my wheel. So I say quietly to Clinger so only he can hear "Clinger come on lets go." I said this because I figured I would be better off taking him with me than him chasing and bringing the whole group with him, but he declines. I see my opening and instantaneously stand and accelerate out of the saddle until about 100 meters later and then sit and begin to grind out the last climb. I take a glance back and and see the gap I have created. So I continue on up the second part of the climb and take one last glimpse back and see no one coming. At this point I say to myself "get to the finish line as fast as you can so the pain with stop." So I decide go as hard as you can through the feed zone then use the final false flat down to increase the gap if possible. so when I get to the final 200 meters I think to myself shift and stand, now sprint. The next thing that comes to mind is that I am doing this I am actually winning the race. Then the other half of me says no you have not won the race yet, because the line has not been crossed yet. So you better hurry up and get there.
Once I can visibly see the line within 15 meters of my I make a couple more hard pedal strokes then sit up and zip my jersey, and give the "salute." At this point I am in shot and stay sitting upright on the bike just coasting for about 200 meters with a huge smile on my face.
After making my way back to car to get food and something to drink. Since I threw my last bottle about 4 miles before the finish to lighten up my bike as much as possible. Shortly after, I see Nate coming over the climb and he looks at me with a look on his face that said "how did you do" so I yell "I took it with a gap", which I knew would help him get through his final lap.
When the day was all said and done I was happy, no matter what the GC standing were, which I would not find out the details of until the next day around 10am.
I will continue the next entry with post road race and crit stories.
Matt
Saturday, February 24, 2007
This is of Nate and myself riding to the criterium on Sunday. The first day I have officially been wearing a leaders jersey for 2007. I was happy yet nervous for what the other squads in the race had planned for trying to take it away.
The picture is of me eating after the road race. I was very tired yet excited because this was my firt win of the year and I did it with a gap over second place.
Friday, February 23, 2007
Friday
Today is Friday, two days out from Pace Bend Road Race, in Austin, TX. Pace Bend is on Lake Travis, about a 45 minute drive from where I am staying. Since the race does not start until 12:30, this means that the morning of the race will not be too hectic. Yes, I will still have to wake up early and start my pre-race process a few hours before putting my front wheel on the start line.
I am looking forward to the race because, I will be playing a support role to the other riders. Which is a good thing, in that this allows a couple of other guys on the team to go for upgrade points to become a Category 1. Since some of the bigger races that the team attends will have Pro 1 races and then a separate race for the category two cyclist. So the more riders we get into the pro field the better our chances of earning a top result. Also having riders play different roles throughout the season helps to keep the riders on the team working well together. This is because a guy knows that if he works for someone on one race, that he will get a chance to be the GC or lead rider at another race.
For those of you who are able to be in the Austin area this weekend and see the race it should be a good one, since there will be some other pros from the area and other regions of the U.S. to have a go at putting a "W" in the results slot for the season.
Matt "how many bottle do you want" Seagrave
I am looking forward to the race because, I will be playing a support role to the other riders. Which is a good thing, in that this allows a couple of other guys on the team to go for upgrade points to become a Category 1. Since some of the bigger races that the team attends will have Pro 1 races and then a separate race for the category two cyclist. So the more riders we get into the pro field the better our chances of earning a top result. Also having riders play different roles throughout the season helps to keep the riders on the team working well together. This is because a guy knows that if he works for someone on one race, that he will get a chance to be the GC or lead rider at another race.
For those of you who are able to be in the Austin area this weekend and see the race it should be a good one, since there will be some other pros from the area and other regions of the U.S. to have a go at putting a "W" in the results slot for the season.
Matt "how many bottle do you want" Seagrave
Thursday, February 22, 2007
very late
I have to say Sorry to the 25th power. I have had some troubles with my blog and have not been able to keep you guys up to date on what has been going on. Well to get to the end of the story first. I will have to say that I finished on the top of the podium for GC (General Classifacation) at Valley of the Sun Stage Race.
I am working on getting some pictures posted from the race. So hopefully that will happen later today.
Matt
I am working on getting some pictures posted from the race. So hopefully that will happen later today.
Matt
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Friday, February 02, 2007
Sunday, Sunday, Sunday
Ok, this has nothing to do with Sunday or a big blow out sale. I have another book to reccomend "The Lincoln Lawyer" by Michael Connelly.
Today, I found out that my cell phone has a pulse. That is right. I was getting out of the shower and my HR monitor was sitting next to the phone and beeping because the pulse was too low. I thought this was pretty interesting. I didnt think my phone sent out electromagnetic fields.
Other than that not a whole lot else is new around these parts. The season starts in a couple of weeks for the team with Valley of the Sun.
Matt
Today, I found out that my cell phone has a pulse. That is right. I was getting out of the shower and my HR monitor was sitting next to the phone and beeping because the pulse was too low. I thought this was pretty interesting. I didnt think my phone sent out electromagnetic fields.
Other than that not a whole lot else is new around these parts. The season starts in a couple of weeks for the team with Valley of the Sun.
Matt
Monday, January 22, 2007
Books are back!
I have brougth the book section of my blog back, and wanted to tell you about another book I just read. The title is BLACK ICE by Matt Dickinson. This book takes place in the Antartic. Where a well know explorer comes in contact with an small research group. This is a fast paced read. The story is fiction, but alot of the information about the area and what could happen is based on truth.
Matt
Matt
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
Tah Dah
Yes, you are reading a new entry on my blog. First I need to let someone know that Nathan is safe in Grapevine. Ok, now to buisness. The team is about 38 days away from the first race. Which happens to be Valley of the Sun, in Phoenix. We will be staying with Sean and Stephanie Stepheson. This is the family that we have stayed with for the past two years. Which means we will get some killer lasagna.
Team camp was a little over a week ago. I have to say there is a good group of riders for this season and I look forward to racing with the guys. We have a kid named Parker who is the youngest rider on the team (15), yet I have to say caught my attention pretty quickly. Mostly because on the third day of camp we went to Oklahoma and about 5hrs into the ride, Nathan told me to give Parker a challenge so I attacked him and he responded. Then attacked me, once I got upto him he asked if he could attack me again. That attitude is great.
While on the topic of camp, I would like to thank everyone who had the riders over for dinner. We greatly appreciated meal and getting to know some of the Club members better.
Till then,
Matt
Team camp was a little over a week ago. I have to say there is a good group of riders for this season and I look forward to racing with the guys. We have a kid named Parker who is the youngest rider on the team (15), yet I have to say caught my attention pretty quickly. Mostly because on the third day of camp we went to Oklahoma and about 5hrs into the ride, Nathan told me to give Parker a challenge so I attacked him and he responded. Then attacked me, once I got upto him he asked if he could attack me again. That attitude is great.
While on the topic of camp, I would like to thank everyone who had the riders over for dinner. We greatly appreciated meal and getting to know some of the Club members better.
Till then,
Matt
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