Racing with the big boys

I have some good news, I now am in the process of doing all the paper work to begin racing with the full fledged professionals. So in the next couple of weeks I should hopefully have some stories to tell you of racing with some of the riders and or the teams for which you see on television and in the magazines. Cross you fingers everthing worksout. I will be representing the same team I am on now just doing the bigger races available more often.

Till then

Matt

Exploring

Steve and myself went out exploring yesterday evening. Since it does not get dark here until almost 11pm, this means that we had plenty of daylight to use. We had heard of a place where the locals go swimming, so this is what we went in search of. After not looking too hard we found this small lake type body of water. Along with a zipline that was made for kids of a slightly lighter weight than myself, but don't worry I did no harm to the ride. There is a trail going around the lake so we ride it to see what all the park had to offer, there was a putt putt course. On the way into the park there was a few signs for athletics fields etc., along with a sign for a velodrome with Eddy Merckxs name on it. After a little bit of looking we found the building which housed the track. The front doors were even unlocked, so we made our way inside and had a seat and watched some smaller kids riding. I have to say for kids of about 12 they were very good bike handlers and quite quick. Next month the Junior World Championships will be held there so I am looking forward to having a look at those races. I have also been told that there will be a post Tour de France Criterium, that will include the yellow jersey and other riders from the tour in it, talking place on Monday. This should be fun. Even if the results are staged.

Till Then

Matt

Rest and sight seeing

I have taken the past few days to recover from the last few months of racing. I went into town to see a castle, but did not get in. So I walked around some more and ended up going into Sint Baafs cathedral. I have to say if any of you come to Belgium and end up in Gent. One place you have to visit is this cathedral. There are some world renowned paintings that have been around since the 1500s. The Architectures is unbelievable. There was even a man playing a harp for the visitors. After this I strolled around to find a bakery (brood and banket), since the usually have some really good food to snack on (i.e. chocolate croissants, £1 pizzas).
Now that my self imposed break is coming to an end tomorrow, I will be racing again. My legs have been feeling better over the past couple of days and should be back to feeling good.

Matt

Second Interclub (UCI) Race

So we pull up to the parking lot set aside for the team cars, of the teams that will be participating in the race. What do I see the Davitamon Lotto car parked next to the Quickstep car, which just happens to be a little way down from the Unibet team car. In all there were about 6 pro teams involved in the race. This was probably the most difficult terrain I have raced on. when we were on traditional roads they were good, but when we were on cobbles they were bone shaking. I raced over the MUUR which just happens to be included in the Tour of Flanders along with some other long rough sections of cobbles. The Muur is really steep and windy. The scene was just like on television when you see people lined on both sides of the road cheering and trying to keep the riders moving. I have to say that I was more worried about not getting caught on the wrong side of the split, but I did not have any luck on the part so I went on a solo mission on the other side of the climb to make it across to the front group. Luckly the team car came past and handed me two fresh bottles and a coke to keep me going. I only had a couple of swigs of the coke and ended up just throwing it because I was trying to chase and could not with the coke in my hand. After a little bit a few guys came across to me and we made it to the caravan just behind the frong group. With a little daredevil riding we made it to the middle of the caravan then the next few cars did not want us to pass. Now you are thinking how is that the road should have plenty of room for both the cars and riders, and I chuckle saying no the road was barely wide enough for just the car. Since the cars were blocking up and a gap was opening up between the cars they excellerated and we lost the caravan. So once we got on the next cobble section they just disapeared out of reach and our official bid for bridging across was gone. Which was not so good because I was feeling really good and just sat in the wrong place at the wrong time and missed getting a really good result.

Till next time

Matt

Still cool and raining

Hmmm. I am sure you are curious about what experiences have occurred off the bike here in Belgium. Periodically someone will get bored and want a haircut, so one of the guys will usually volunteer to cut hair. Well one guy was getting his haircut and ended up with some bald spot on the back of his head. The even funnier part was that he did not want it to be fixed and has left it for the past couple of weeks. I am not sure if I have told you this yet, but four wheelers are legal to drive on the streets here, which can look quite funny when you are accustomed to seeing them on the road. I have had a chance to make a trip or two into town to see different sights. I have to say I have never been to a place where there are so many churches and very large and artistically designed. Sint Barths Cathedral has one of the oldest and largest oil paintings surviving today that is made up of I believe 13 panels. Due to my trip getting extended I hope to see more sights in my down time.
Now to the racing. I have had some good rides lately. Yesterday everything was panning out to be a good result. This was until we came through the roundabout and I hit the ground pretty hard and slid, due to the fact that it has been raining for hours and the surface on the roundabout was slick. I got away with scrapes on my hip, knee and torso. The only real damage to the bike was the cap on my left shifter cracked and came off. I have today and tomorrow off from racing and then on Wednesday I will be racing in an interclub. This is supposed to be a brutal race with more cobbled climbs and roads. I thought having done a race called Rouge Roubaix in Louisiana I would be a little prepared. Man was I wrong. The first time I raced on cobbles my hands were tingling for about a half hour after getting done. I will give you guys an update when I get back from the race on Wednesday.

Matt

Whats new

Here goes the last couple of races. Two days ago I raced in Holland again, which was not so bad because the ride from the farm to the start line on the bike was only about and hour or so. The race was quick and windy. The race schedule says it was a criterium, well I beg to differ. Since the course was over two miles long. The next day we had another race that was optional, but I rode to the race just to see how I felt and decide if I would race or not. I rolled to the pub where you sign in and decided that I was probably not ready to that days race, but Staf Boone decided that I should have a strong coffee and see how I felt after abit. I ended up feeling pretty good in relation to the previous thirty minutes, which was probably not 100 percent. I went ahead and entered the race and had an agreement with Staf that if I started to feel under the weather I could pull out. The race was 16 lap and 8 euro primes on every lap well after a couple laps I found myself off the front and with about a minute gap. I ended up with 4 primes. I ended pu getting reeled back in by two guys Patric and Mario. Patric who rode for CSC and finishe top ten and top twenty in races like Paris Roubaix. When they caught me with the rest of the peleton I expected a counter attack so I prepared and was luck because the whole group went with them and I jumped in the middle, then they attacked on the cobble section and my scewer came loose to they are off the front and I am losing contact with the main field since I am laying on my bars and trying to adjust my front scewer. I tried to get the guys on the team to slow the field downe for one minute and I would get back on, since I was still feeling good, but they did not get my signal and rode away. I ended up 15th on the day.
Matt

Whats up?

Well; I did my first interclub two days ago. The race was 160km with cobbles sections that rattled you to the bone; there were broken wheels and flat tires all over the place. We go one man in the lead break and I was in the chase group. There was a 70+km loop with a 10km loop that we did 7.5 times to finish the race. The pace was just as fast as the kermess races, but this lasted for 4hrs. So I was pretty tired by the end. My placing was 35th, not the best but I am happy for my first interclub. I have been told that they tend to be harder than some of the pro races just because a large number of the guys are bidding for a contract or are ex-division one professionals.
Yestarday I lined up for another race, with 11 laps (rondas}. My plan was to just sit in and roll with guys but not put in my own attack and use the day as a solid training session. About 2/3 of the way through the second lap, I found myself off the front with 6 other guys. This break ened up staying away for the whole race and I crossed the line in 6th. Just did not have the snap needed to close the deal in the final 250 meters, but I think my sprint is getting better.

Matt

Late Update

Everything is going well right now, I am racing againg later today. I have had a few races in the past week. They have gone well in that I am riding stronger and more intellegently. The last race I finished 13th and finished 3rd for the bunch sprint. This was good because we got two of our riders down the road. I got nipped at the line by about half a wheel. The race before that was a hilly race in relation to Belgium. Still even with the hills all the guys here still ride in the big ring. On Sunday there is an Interclub race with some cobble climbs, should be interesting.
Sorry for a short update, but I need to get ready for the race.

Matt

Evergem

well I raced yestarday in Evergem. The race was not real long, but still a good race. We; the team had been told that one of the riders needed to win. So this we were able to do. The course was really windy, and only had one corner you could not pedal through. The guy who on the team who ended up winning did so in a sprint off the front a little bit. I was able to pick up a prime (intermediant sprint for money} wich helped to aid in the food buying process for this week. I was very pleased that the whole team worked together to pull a break back pretty quickly whe Staf Boone gave the order. I ended up 24th on the day wich would have been ok, but i was much further up when i was nudged off the road and on the sidewalk so i sprinted down the sidewalk until i found an opening and jumped back in just before the barriers started and i would not have been able to get back on the road. Depending on the weather we may race tomorrow or not until thursday. We were supposed to race in France on thursday in a pretty large Criterium, but the race director backed out of giving us start money and taking care of expenses, which he had orgionally promised the team. I had a chance to go on a new ride today out to a town called Brugge with a few guys on the team.
Other than racing, everythingis good the farm is now full with 8 riders. I have had a chance to see some of the historical Cathedrals here; which are really ornate in design.

Matt

First Flat

I raced in Ter Hand yesterday and got a pinch flat (hit a hole in a corner @ about 30 mph) with about 5 laps (18 in the race) to go. This would not have been so bad, but I was in a break wich would have guaranteed me a top top finish at least. No worries, there are many more races to come seeing as we race just about every other day.

Matt

Wondelgem

Races yestarday, in Wondelgem. About 1km from the house. The course was 5.4km with 17 turns. The race had a hand full of ex pros, the FDJ development team, Marco Polo cycling team amongst others. So the race was fast. When it was all said and done the top speed was 48mph. We started with 100+ riders and finished with about 40. the course had pretty good roads. I race again Sunday, so the number of races has picked up quite a bit. There is a race on the schedule for the 25th of May in France. This is a pretty big Criterium, so it is a good place to be seen, also a race in June that has a prime on ever single lap. So I am looking forward to what is to come.

Matt

Hello,

Well I had this week of from racing because the only people who are allowed in the races this past week are Belgium nationals. I will race again tomorrow; wed, then sat. So far things are going good still. we finally got our heater and hot water back today, it was off for the past 6-7 days. not so bad, since the shower is in the kitchen {keuken}. So when someone is cooking this helps a little bit. Also found some hair clippers left over from last year, so i can keep looking clean cut. I am really liking the fact that the bikes have right of way over cars and there are real bike lanes everywhere ane the bikes have there own traffic lights also. Cars will literally stop at a corner to let you go by before they turn and will back away from the exit of a parking lot etc. when you are coming down the street so you have enough room before they enter the street. So there is a much different feel to things here. Emily no i have not had time to go to the museums but plan to on my next complete day off. There is also chocolate everywhere, and the good stuff. Also the other day a friend and myself found a baker that gives us bread baked that day that did not sell, so we get fresh baked bread daily for free. That goes well with the farm fresh eggs every morning.

Yesterday was another race essentially this one was like the Joe Martin Crit, with the big hill and everthing, along with the 40mph {60kmph} speeds just to stay with the race, there were a couple of times where we tried to get away and one of the guys was pulling at those speeds and then shook his elbow to singal for me to pull through, I first smiled then gritted my teeth and began to move through, luckly the next guy pulled though shortly after. Divitamon Lotto had one of there scouts out watching the race, so that is very exciting to know these guys are showing up for the races already. I race again tomorrow, and this race goes past the farm where I am living.


till next time
Matt

Dronger II

The detqils for the race. The course was about 10km from the "farm", so the ride to the race was not so bad. Other than the fact that it was raining. We found the pub where registration (inscription) takes place. For this race the change room a little different, in that it was a boat hanger. Once I got dressed and ready for the race the rain stopped but the thermometer did not get higher. Once the race started everything was good. After about three laps there was a break with two guys that have won 12 of the races so far this season. So I jumped and got in, after about 7 laps or so in the break we gained such a lead the main field was pulled from the race, and our break was left to duke it out for the win. When everything was sqid and done I came across the line 9th. So I am happy with how things are going so far.

Dronger

Last night we raced in Dronger. I was able to get into the winning break in the first three laps of twenty. I was able to pull out 9th, so my first top ten here in Belgium. Also the first cold and wet race.

Matt

more racing

well I had another race on sunday and was able to finish 17th so that was not so bad, my legs are coming around, the race was in Merelbaker (sp). the race was pretty much single file the whole time. I ended up in A two man break with some lithuanian continental team rider. Then last night again we raced? I finished one or two spots out of the money, just to keep my spot in the line a few times I had to ride at 36mph. Just missed the winning break, but still had a good ride and getting accustomed to the racing here

Holland

holland race

holland race

first race

well I had my first race in europe and it went pretty well, how does it compare to races in the state? Well it was 80km, 50 laps, we averaged 31mph. It had a little sting in it since I had not toed the line in about a month. I almost pulled out a top 10 but let q guy push off the road with 3 laps to go. That ok, just the first race, and I had been dive bombing under many riders to move up and I think one guy just did not feel cofortable with me do this at such speed, since we did not slow down for the corners.
there were some pictures taken and i will try and fin them for the blog

Matt "I am learning the metric system" seagrave

New Rig

countdown

Well, it is just about that time, for me to get on the plane and make my way to Europe, more speciifcally Ghent, Belgium. For those who read this blog and live in Corpus Christi, at the wednesday ride the Channel 3 news will be there to film parts of the ride so the more people who show up the better for the cycling community.
On another note I will post up pictures of the new rig and its saddle in the next few days. The saddle will be something you will want to see. This is because there is a gentleman who lives in Corpus that makes custom carbon saddles.

Till then

Matt Seagrave

Funny Stuff

You thought getting hit with a regular sized rubber band hurt!!


Seagrave

Whats been going on

Whats up? Well I came across a bit of information. If you were looking for Nathans race reports just click on these words.
Well I have some news to share with everyone. Now the team riders have been informed. At this time it appears as though Compliance Depot will have three of its riders racing in Europe for part of this season. Ryan who is already there with the U23 National Team, Shannon with the Womens National Team and myself with a Belgium based team. I will be leaving in a few weeks to go try my hand at Euro racing and hopefully come back stronger and ready for Elite Nationals on the road. I will keep everyone upto date via my blog here. So at this point I would like to Thank everyone that has backed the team upto this point. I have greatly enjoyed racing with everyone and look forward to racing whith everyone again once I return home.

Matt

Pace Bend

I apologize, I currently done have a laptop so I really only get a chance to update my blog once I make it back home, where I am now.
Well, we did. The team put together a good race and took the "W" on the Texas turf. After multiple attemps by our riders along with other teams to make the race come down to a solo victory. The race ended in a sprint. So that means one of our sprinters got a chance to shine and cross the line with his hands in the air. I have to say this was only possible because everyone worked together and made the other teams have to work.


Segrave

First Trip

You will be able to read all about the actual races so I will only breifly touch upon that aspect of our trip and tell you about the other situations we got ourselves into during the past week or so of being on the road.
Everything started out in New Braunfels. Everything went well during the TT. The road race did not go as well, this is because I ended up doing more work during the race, due to the fact that there was a little mix up on what I was supposed to do. The Criterium went a bit better and the team was able to pull a top ten finish for the day. On the Girls side, they were able to pull a 1, 2 finish in GC. After all the racing was over Shannon, Stephanie, Shane, Nate and myself climbed into the van and began to drive towards Arizona. This is when all the interesting stories begin and interesting photos from the Arizona part of the trip will also be appearing on the other blogs from the team. I will add the Arizona parts tonight when I get back from work.

Matt "got to stop on the freeway" Seagrave

Pics on Sock Guy

Check this out and this this is from Rouge Roubaix 2005

Something New

someyhing different

IT'S A GIRL!

That's right. There I have a new addition. My parents are even cool about everything, they said we could share a room. So I am pretty excited I get to see her every morning when I wake up. Her name is Lapierre for now, until I come up with something a little more permanent.

Police Escort

Yes, I did get a police escort today, no I did not get to wear any fancy matching bracelets with the nifty chain that connect them. I was out doing a ride today and a police officer rolled up on me. I looked over and recognized the face as a gentleman who has come into the shop where I work. Since it was raining the whole 6hrs that I was on the bike. He ended up being my follow car and then proceeded to block all the intersections so that cars would have to stop and I did not. This did not last the whole ride so while I was in his patrol area, but was nice while it lasted. The only thing that could have made this better would to have been able to get some motor pacing off the squad car.
On another note I would like to welcome our new rider tracks Akerhielm.


Matt "I got the law on my side" Seagrave

feeling good

I have finally made a full recovery from the illness I caught at training camp. We (the team) are about two weeks away from our first team race and about three weeks away from out first race out of Texas. For those racing this weekend I say good luck.

Update

He might not have told you guys, but Troy is in the top 3 for both division I and II rankings for TXBRA Cyclocross Cup Points.

State Cross Race

My boy Troy was second at the State Cross Race yestarday. So Good on ya.

update kinda late

Sorry for the fact that my update is kinda late. Well, you see I got back from camp and got back into the swing of things and something started to make me feel not so well. So ever since then I have pretty much just been in bed and on the couch.
Other than that the week prior to this one was pretty good getting all the new and some of the old riders together to see how things are possibly going to be. I have to say that I have a feeling that there will be more togetherness this year. All the riders seem to have a common goal in mind. I will goin into various other stories later. Just wanted to stop in and say that I am still here.

Matt

Training Camp

I just arrived home from training camp. i will update the blog here tonight and tomorrow. Trust me there are some stories that you will not want to miss.

Matt "how am I getting home" Seagrave

Something New

A little something new.

pictoral update

I wanted to share a picture of me and my niece Julia. This picture was taken about a month or so ago at my parents house.

cheers

Matt

Bird day

I am back from Colorado, and will sign back on tomorrow to give you the low down on what I did.

Matt

New Additions

Whats up? just thought I would drop in and give you a little bit of an update. Training is going pretty good. Work has been keeping me busy, especially now that the holidays are getting ready to be in full swing. It was crazy the other day we sold 15 bikes and the day was only half over. Crazy stuff. I have recieved a little more help on the nutrition side as of three days ago "mm mm good" so I am looking forward to this for 2006.
There is not really anything else new going on right now, but I will keep you guys updated when I come acroos anything.

Video you should watch

click here

Funny video

Click on the link and watch the video

Interesting Day

Whats up everyone. Well yestarday was an interesting day, in that I was mistaken for a native South African. Yes, that is correct you did not read that incorrectly. Today was a jam packed day. I went for my ride and when I got home found that the school where I substitute teach called. The maintnance man needed some help around the school. I said I would be glad to help him out for a while. After a few hours of that I realized I needed to get over to the bike shop where I usually work. It is kinda funny because when I show up at the shop business usually slows down in relation to what it had been previously in the day. Still trying to figure that one out.
To give you guys a little idea of what may be appearing on my blog in the next couple of weeks. There is a guy here in town that shapes surfboards, and had begun to make custom carbon fiber saddles. When he is done with his latest one I told him I would post it up on my blob.

Matt "I dont really write about training as much" Seagrave

Something New

As I promised something interesting happened to me at work today. Have you ever thought of someone you have not seen in a long time and wonder what they are upto yet never run into them so you keep wondering. Well that is kind of what happened to me today. Except I had been wondering what had heppened to a good friend of mine that I met back in highschool. Now the last time I remember seeing her was probably at least 8 years ago. While I was at work and helping on of the customers with a bike I noticed someone over on the far side of the store and so I looked over quickly to see if they had been helped. This person looked familiar but I could only see the side of her face and that was from an angle, yet the first thing I thought was "That is Jennifer." "No it couldnt be" about two minutes later she walked in front of me on the other side of one of the racks that holds the bike and looked over and we both realized who the other was. The situation was cool.
Ok, Ok, I know that was a long explanation for something that could have only taken a couple of sentences, but those who know me know I do like to tell stories. Which some of them can get long and in much more detail than needed.
O yea, the training aspect of an update. I rode today, I went down this one street that is by my parents house then turned around and came back to the house. Then I went to the gym and lifted heavy metal objets and grunted. well the grunting was not needed because I am not lifting real heavy weights yet, but i wanted to fit in with the other guys in the gym.
All in all it was a good day. I hope the blog has added a little entertainment for you.

Matt "random updates" Seagrave

Whats up?

Well, I dont really have anything exciting and fun to tell you guys. Yet, I knew you were probably tired of checking back over the past week or so and seeing that my blog was unchanged. O yea, you are probably wondering about the entry I had that was in a couple forgien languages. I can explain. I found this really cool translator and was playing with it for a while and thought I would integrate it into my blog one time. I guess that is all right now. Keep checking back, because who knows something very exciting could happen and day now and I will post it for everyone to read.

Matt "my news is bland" Seagrave

Breaking News

Check it out. Shannon had updated her blog. just click on "shannons blog" on the right sidebar.

matt

In full swing

The weather is cooling off and the time has changed. I am getting back into the full swing of training again. Today, I woke up at 5am and drove to Austin with my dad. He had a buisness meeting so I figured I would catch a ride up there and do some riding, where the roads have a little more undulation to them than Corpus.
When I arrived I called up Ryan Keels (new guy for 06), and we met up and rode for a few hours together. with about 5 minutes left in my ride it was time to go meet up with my dad and head back down south. The day involved alot of driving but was worth getting a chance to get out of town for a few hours and ride in some hills.

Matt "I like to go up" Seagrae

The base season begins tomrrow

行だLe demain est le premier jour de la nouvelle saison et everthing va être commencer frais. Vérifiez ainsi en arrière plus des mises à jour comme les jours roulent dessus.。更(Tomorrow is the first day of the new season and everthing is going to be starting fresh. So check back for more updates as the days roll on.)新があるように確認するそうたくわえ。行っているか。

Almost time to start back

Mi dos interrupción de la semana se acaba y estaré volviendo en la bicicleta y empezando al fuerte preparado la 2006 temporada que compite. La interrupción ha sido agradable, pero soy más que listo para obtener yendo otra vez.

Off the bike

Well the decision was made today. I am officially off the bike and doing other activities to keep myself sane. I have to say that all in all this season was productive for myself in that I came back stronger this year than I left the year before and had a few good showings. Today I also began working on some of my side projects that I have had to put off until the off season. So I will be trying to work diligently over the next two weeks to get those in gear.
I will keep you posted on how things are going for me over the winter.


M g
a a r !
t e a e
t s v

Over

Well, Now that my season is over. I am able to take a couple days and ride for as short or long as I wish. So today I woke up and rode my bike to church and back. That took about ten minutes round trip. Then wen I got home I installed a new digital thermastate in my folks house. Later in the evening I rode down to the seawall and rode my bike on that for a little while. I will be getting into the gym here really soon to begin the whole process of grunting and looking at myself in the mirror.
I would like to thank Andre for feeding us during the race this past weekend.


Matt "base miles" Seagrave

Celebrity Classic #2

Well, Sunday was different then Saturday in that it was dry the whole race. Sunday I wanted to have another good day but make it better and try and get into the top ten. The end result was good, in that I was able to achieve that goal. Yet, not without a bit of hard work. As usual the race took off pretty fast and so I sat towards the front and went with different moves and eventually ended up in a break that almost lapped the main field. While in the break I attacked a few time really hard from the opposite side of the road just to try and widdle the number of guys down since our group was racing for 5th place on the day. I was right in it until about the very end when I just did not have a sprint.
When the race was over, I had some of the riders from some of the pro teams I was in the break with come up to me and let me know they thought I rode really strong and put a good bit of pressure on the break. This meant alot to me.

Celebrity Classic

Saturday was the first of two days of crits in downtown Van Buren, AR. The course was a large "L" shape. I will give you the race stories in the order for which they occurred.
We arrived to the race course about 1.5hrs prior to the start of our race. I had ridden down from the hotel earlier in the day to spin out my legs and see the course at the same time. Shannon was in the midst of her race not to mention she just about to lap the field when I arrived. I did not get a chance to see her breakaway catch the field but I heard it on the speaks a block away, I thought to myself, that has got to be an awsome feeling. She ended up finishing 3rd on the day.
Now for the guys race. The clouds were looming while we were warming up. I did not think too much of this because there have been plenty of training days where the clouds showed up yet the rain never fell. We rode the course a few times before the race was officially stages.
The pace was quick from the gun and I was able to get towards the front from the gun. After about 20 minutes or so of the 90 minute race it began to rain and a large number a racers began to exit due to the speed and the wet roads. I got a message from Nathan over the radio to just take my own line and sit on the back, because the race was not a priority. This is exactly what I did, then when we came to the front side straight with about 35 minutes left the group bunched up and I kept rolling along with three other guys and then I put the hammer down and got our break off. I know I was supposed to sit on the back but I wanted to race. This four man break was sticking then a small group bridged up to us and we were now about 8 strong. Coming into the final straight my whole bike slid to one side due to the wet road so I decided since I wanted to be upright across the line I would not contest the sprint and take my top 20 placing.
When the day was said and done I was happy with my racing.

Check back for the second day of the Celebrity Classic

Arkansas

First I would like let Mrs. Rogut know that Nathan was in Arkansas with us and is now back in Dallas.
The racing started on Friday with the cavanal hill climb. This is a 5mile climb with some of the climb at 15% grade. We arrived at 4:30 thinking the race began at 6pm, well this was incorrect and it started at 5pm. Yes, we were in a hurry to get warmed up and ready to go. When it was all said and done I finished 3rd overall behind Scott Moniger and another rider from Oklahoma.

Georgia #3

The 100K Classic race report and other interesting happenings will be posted in the next day or so. So check back on the blog. Maybe I can dig up some pictures from the race.


Matt

Georgia #2

Ok, so the next morning we did not have to race until 11a.m., which is good since we did not get done racing until 10p.m. and off the bikes until 10:30 or so. This way we could sleep in a little bit and actually take advantage of the hotels breakfast. Instead of having to leave before they begin serving. As you probably guessed, no we did not get much sleep at all, since after getting back from the race, taking a shower, getting food and everything ready for the next days race we did not get to bed until around 1a.m., that right no need to rub your eyes and look at the time again, I typed 1a.m. This race was a 110km race, which meant that we had to do 10 laps of the course (whoo hoo!) Those you know me, know that I do not enjoy multiple loop coursed except for crits, because after a bit of time on a crit course everything runs together, but on a road course this is not so much. Well in the race we were working for Joe Miller because he was sitting the highest in the Omnium. That did not exactly exist, which we found out later on in the day when it came time to pick up race winnings. During the race I got myself into a break that lasted about 40-50 miles or so. This way Joe could sit in and not work so much. This worked and he was able to keep his legs fresh for the end of the day.

Check back

Matt

Georgia #1

We left for Atlanta on Thursday and drove straight through arriving around 2:30 in the morning and then slept for quite a while. Because the drive took about 15 hours instead of the usual 10-12 hours. You are probably asking yourself. Why did it take so long to get to Atlanta. Well, when you are driving through parts of Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama where they are on a gasoline shortage it takes just a little longer. This is because when you do find a gas station that has gas we had to wait in line for at least 30 minutes just to get to the pump, then we had to cross our fingers that that pump was working correctly. We you got to the pump the limit was $25. When driving a Suburban $25 dollars worth of gas at $2.49 a gallon is not going to get you down the road very far. So this ended up happening a few times when trying to get to Atlanta. Now I am not saying this was negative part of our trip. No this was very entertaining, because you got a chance to see and be apart of something I thought I would not see for a very long time. That is having to ration gasoline. There was once when a couple of people pulled up to the pump after having waited a good while and then said had no money for gas. So the people next to them reached into their pockets and handed them money almost as fast as they could say they needed help. This was pretty cool to see.
Ok, well we finally made our way to Atlanta and the next day we had a twilight crit, with Shannon racing at 7:30pm and Nate, Joe and myself racing at 9pm. The races went well. Shannon put in some good attacks to try and breakup the field and get something going. While in the mens race Nathan took a flyer early on and I later in the race tried a couple time to get off with no real success. The last break a made was sticking for a while then my partner in the break broke himself. Joes was able to keep himself safe and came across the line in 8th for the evening.
One more little story and I will stop for the day. At the end of the crit I was very hungry and needed something to eat. Joe went to check results Nate later went and followed to check them out also. I was on my way to the same area when I found a very large Submarine sandwich that someone did not want. So I grabbed it and rolled off to check on the guys. I see Nate talking to someone so I roll up and don't say a word. Just sitting on my top tube eating my newly found sandwich.

Check back later

Matt "Can I have some of your sandwich" Seagrave

Georgia and Florida

Well, we are back from racing in Georgia and visiting Nathans family in Florida. I have some good stories from the race and everthing that went on around the racing. I will be filling you guys in over the next few days.

Matt

The Fam. 

Columbus Part 2

I did not mention that Columbus has a leaders jersey this year. Shannon had the chance to ride in yellow for the womens p1/2/3 road race. The only draw back was all they had was large so she had to pin the jersey so that it did not flap all over the place in the wind.
Okay, well here comes the part of the race where I walk into the door. The individual TT was about 3.5 to 4 hours after the finish of the road race. Seeing as I did not get much sleep the night before I tried to get some in between the road race and TT. Due to the high humidity and sheer heat we all did the bulk of our warmup in the hotel room. This helped cut down on the fluid loss. After warming up we rode over to the start and did our thing. I took off feeling good and kept my 30 sec. man in sight the whole time then I felt the roughness of the road with about 3 miles to go. Then I looked down and sure enough my tire was going flat. Watching my speed I noticed that it was going down, while my percieved exertion was going up. So I kept going but after a mile of flat, my 30 sec man was further down the road than before. I ended up losing time to the second place guy in GC, which moved me to 2nd in GC.
Sunday morning, the crit. well, I got alot more sleep for this race and I was happy. My legs felt good and I had some of my oatmeal (glue as nathan calls it) which keeps me from getting hungry. The race started off good. I just stayed up in the front 5 the whole race which kept the accelerations and decelerations to a minimum. Nathan helped out when a situation arose, where the guy in 3rd (GC) got down the road and I was blocked out of the attack so could not react. Nate helped to real the guys closer to the pack. I was feeling good all the way to the end, Carlos countered on of my last attacks and I just could not get up to him. Keeping me in 2nd overall. I have to thank those of you who were there cheering us on during the race. This definately helps.
O yea, Shannon was able to pull the "W" for the womens crit.
Hopefully there wil be some pictures that can be posted from the race.

Matt "I cant sleep" Seagrave

Columbus Stage Race

Well, I am back at my folks house. This weekend was like walking down a dark hallway that has closed door. Yes you will get to your final destination ok, but for the short time when you walk smack into the door it hurts.
Fridays evening was the Prologue (1.5miles). Everything was going good then fourth pedal stroke into it I pulled right out of my pedal. I made it into my rhythm and was moving well then on the fourth or fifth turn I started to take the turn too much speed and about took a small group of people out so I had to grab my brakes, (and for those of you who are familiar with my TT, yes I did have my brakes set so they would grab for the prologue) after that I got my self back up to speed and was off and was able to secure a descent finish and within striking distance for tomorrow.
Saturday, this was interesting seeing as I did not get more than three hours of sleep. So when I got up for the road race I thought to myself. Well, I really hope I don't let the guys down today. I was feeling good, but just questioned the lack of sleep. Since we were staying just down the road from the start we rode there. From the gun everything was good and staying together with a few breaks. I never initiated anything but would just sit on wheels that rolled. With about 1.5 miles to go in the 4th of 5 laps troy was on the front with me on his wheel just cruising at about 22mph when I hear on the radio "you have a gap" so I half look over my shoulder and then tell Troy we have a gap so I jump instantaneously. This last mile of the loop goes through winding roads of downtown Columbus so I think get a gap and out of site. So I make it through this section past the feed zone and am able to get a bottle. Then put my head down and go and tell myself "it is only 30km" I pretty much rode scared the whole time. Taking a mental survey of how my body was doing every 5-10 minutes and made adjustments accordingly. When I came back into town I told myself get to the bridge, when I got to the bridge I stood up and tried to get to the line as fast as I could. So with the gap I had over 2nd place and the main group I was now the leader of the race.
I will finish this in another installment tonight or tomorrow.

Trivia

Q. What do bulletproof vests, fire escapes, windshield wipers, and laser printers all have in common?

you can put your answer in the comments section, and I will post the correct answer in a couple days.

State Time Trial Continued

Ok, so Saturday mooning we get out the course around 7 a.m. and begin to unpack and get everything ready. My body was not waking up so I grabbed a Monster out of the cooler and took a sip. After a couple minutes on the bike and I was ready to get my warmup rolling. The warmup I do is anywhere from 45 to 55 minutes depending on the temperature outside. Nathan had figured out that from the car to the start line was about a ten minute ride. This was going to workout perfect for my warmup plans. With about 15 minutes until my start I get my bike off the trainer and put the disc on that Nate let me borrow for the weekend. Put the aero helmet on and put a fresh bottle in the cage and one more laying on my aerobars for the ride to the start line. Once I get to the start line I see I have about 8 minutes to go. So I double back and do two last very short pickups and then go to the start line with two minutes to go and wait. I am called up and ready to get this going.
I am off. 200 meters later a massive wind and downpour hit. I can not see a thing and my bike is being pushed all over the road this lasted about 12km or so. Once it stopped and I could read my computer I looked down to see my heart rate, I was good so I kept going at that intensity. A couple minutes later I looked down at my speed, because I was feeling really comfortable and saw 33mph. I was happy and at this point getting ready for the turn around. After the turn around I was able to catch a couple people. One guy I caught, I ended up going back and forth with for the rest of the race.
When the race was over a small group of us were asking each other what times we had posted. After checking with a few guys I had an idea that I finished top three, but was still not real sure. So the team waited around to find out what the official results were. I ended up taking the win. This what I had wanted, mostly because I have been struggling with getting comfortable on my TT bike and Saturday was the first day this year I was able to put a good ride together.

Matt

State Individual Time Trial

Today was the State Time Trial, and I have good news to share. Both Troy and myself took the state title. Troy in the U23 category and myself in the P12. I will give the detail later on when I am done eating.

Matt

A Wise Old Owl

A wise old owl sat on an oak,
The more he saw the less he spoke;
The less he spoke the more he heard;
Why aren't we like that wise old bird?

-Edward Hersey Richards-

Ponder!

He who knows not and knows not that he knows not,
He is a fool--shun him;
He who knows not and knows he knows not,
He is simple--teach him;
He who knows and knows not he knows,
He is asleep--wake hime;
He who knows and knows he knows,
He is wise; follow him.

the word is out

You know, you think when your riding and cars are going past you fairly quicly they would not know what is written on your jersey and or shorts. Well I found out yestarday that is not always the case. I was in a bike shop down in corpus where I have started working part time. I was helping a customer and he was asking me about my riding and about halfway through my sentence he said "wait are you that MAD DUCK guy?" My reply was yes. So I thought I would share that with you guys.

Matt

The Kids on Christmas 

The ladies in my family (L-R: Jill, Mom, Emily and Nana) 

When I was a Triathlete (New Hampshire) 

The Shower State

Well we just got back from Mississippi, racing the Mad Potter Stage Race. I titles this entry the shower state because if you live in Mississippi, then you will be taking a shower multiple times during the day. This is because when you go outside and stand in the shade motionless your body will begin to sweat like there is no tomorrow.
Ok, back to the trip. We (Shannon, Nate and myself) drove to Troys house on Thursday and then drove to Mississippi on Friday. Well this drive took about 3 hours longer than it should due to some unforeseen traffic problems. I can not complain because Nate did all of the driving. This guys works hard to keep the riders ready to race. So we arrived in Mississippi about 12:30 give or take. By the time we finally were in bed it was a little after 1am and had to be awake by 6am to race. So we arose bright eyed and bushy tailed, ok not really we awoke groggy and stiff. After breakfast we were off to the race, but wait my front wheel is still in the garage. Once we straightened that out were finally made it to the race site. (Nathan is still driving) We arrive with about 15 minutes until the start so we have to register, mix our bottles, warmup and get other pre-race routines accomplished.
The race is off and everything is going well, I'll cut to the chase. I attack, this is brought back Nate counters the attack this is brought back, I counter and we are off for the rest of the race, about 50 miles or so, about half way through the break I remember my doctor telling me "now these antibiotics I'm having you take may promote dehydration if you do prolonged exertions in the heat of the day." (O yea, I had a Root Canal done two days ago) As we get about 15k from the finish I begin to try and shed the riders in the breakaway. I manage to get two or more riders to drop. I attack with about a mile to go and some guy from Holland sticks on my wheel and the other follow next thing I know the 500 meter mark is there and then 300 meters so I begin to go and I am trying to sprint. I am free and then 10 feet from the line three front wheels appear and I am caught at the line.
That evening the TT was 2.5 miles. As far as I am concerned this is not a TT, but I will give it all I have. So that is how it went I caught my 30 second man and almost my minute man, but was 1 second from 1st. That is right 1 second. No worries this is a stage race based on points not time. So I am now sitting 2nd overall in points.
Sunday, the Criterium is 60 minutes. I tried to ask the officials if we could add another half hour to this since we are the last race and would not be holding another race up. Well, it did not work. If you have not figured me out I like longer races. The Crit was going as planned Nate got into a two man break and created a large gap very quickly, the only catch was that the other guy would not work. All I have to say to that is CRAZY. So they were brought back. I countered and was off with three other guys for the rest of the race. I picked up a prime in the process. With 3 corners to go I put a pedal into the ground. Now before you think anything. I had been testing every corner thoughout the whole race to see where I could pedal though. So that when the finish came I would not have to worry about it. Well, the old saying is not completely correct. Practice does not always make perfect. Right when I put that pedal into the ground the two Herring Gas riders attacked and got a gap that gap held all the way across the line. This left me 2nd in the overall classification for the weekend.
This race was fun and the courses were good. The race promoter is a very good guy. He let us stay at his house the whole weekend.

I would like the Thank all of those who make this team possible.
Also check out the new company website
www.compliancedepot.net

Matt "I did not know my body could sweat this much" Seagrave

back in Corpus

Well I just arrived in Corpus Christi at my parents house. I was staying with Aunt Erin and Uncle Nathan in Dallas. I came home to have some dental work done, or what I thought was just replacing a filling that fell out. Well, really what ended up happening was a Root Canal. So my mouth is a little sore and I am not on antibiotics to be safe and make sure that I do not have any residual inffection. I had a feeling something was up, because I am pretty good about knowing when my body is dealing with an infection. Other than that I am going to try and take some pictures of where I call home when I am not on the road so you guys and pretend that you are visiting. Seeing as it is a long drive to Corpus Christi.
We will be racing this weekend in Biloxi Mississippi. I am looking forward to the massive 2.5 mile TT.
Check back here in a day or two for more updates and monday for some details on the race.
Matt "I have a hole in my tooth" Seagrave

whats shake'n

Well, I apologize for being a little late on this update.
I have to say that the 4th of July was very fun. There was watermelon, exploding lights and everything else that comes with the holiday. I went to the Kochs' family shindig. There was a perpetual grand finale going on for a few hours, just down the road from us at a fireworks stand. We too had fun getting to create our own show. Some of the bottle rockets even went in the wrong direction (towards the people). I had fun and made some new friends.
The rest of the week had been pretty uneventful except for Thursday when I had a ride scheduled and was about two hours into it, when a large thunderstorm rolled in. So I waited it out and then continued on. About a few miles into the continuation of the ride I noticed a noise coming from the rear wheel so I spun it and the wheel hardly moved. So I ride over to MAD DUCK and they show me that for some reason my bearings are shot on both sides. Ok so I get a loaner and head back to the house to get on the trainer. So I finish my ride on the trainer. Later I go to the Superdrome with Nate pull everything out of the car and realize my pedals are on the workbench of the garage. So I get to play "helper" This was actually fun.
Today was a longer day in the saddle. I did the bluebonnet ride then put a few more hours in just for safe measure.
Until Next Time

Matt

Saturday Party!!!

What's up ya'll?
Well Saturday is going to be kickin (that is my slang for the day). There will be a reception for Shannon to congratulate her on the two national titles she earned this past week in Park City. There will also be a grand opening celebration for MAD DUCK ADVENTURE SPORTS. I ask that you guys come out and support the shop, because they have gone out of their way to help and support the team in our traveling and racing for the 2005 season.

Matt

heatwave

Today on my ride towards the end I began to have a mental flash back Waynes World style (doo la loo, doo la loo, doo la loo etc.) about the cool weather in Utah. The reason why I was having this episode was because today I went for a 3 1/2 hour ride. For those who know me pretty well you know this is a shorter ride for myself so normally no problems. Well, being in Utah for about 3 weeks and acclimated to the cooler weather I had a little bit of a problem with the TEXAS HEAT. In the 3-1/2 hrs. I had to consume 7 bottles and a sprite just to attempt to keep up with my hydration needs. This was crazy.
Also on today's ride I came past a carwash/detail business where there was giant blowup rhino, with straps holding it down. Due to the strong winds, it seemed to be alive and trying to break free from the restraints (remember it was very hot when I was riding).
I am glad to be back. O yea, I forgot today was the first day I had a chance to ride because the airlines had lost my bike for about two days. Yea this was a real stresser ( maybe not even a word).

overview

Now I am back in Texas and the air feels like soup it is so thick! I want to Congratulate Shannon on some reallying good racing. I had a chance to drive the surburban throughout the road race course while the race was going on. Evertime she and the other girls would come past Shannon would be on the front pulling the other riders around. The finish was fun to watch when she made her final jump and Kim was not able to react. Putting Shannon across the line first.

Go check out the various pictures from the races on cyclingnews.com, www.actionpic9.com along with other various sights.

Matt

Elite National results

Well I had my two races yesterday and today. Yesterday was the time trial (35Km). I got there with plenty of time to get warmed up and this is exactly what I did. I was feeling pretty good rolling to the start get on the starting ramp and I a off. I get upto speed pretty quickly and try to settle in. For some reason I just could not find that rhythm I usually feel when doing a TT. But that is ok, I will just keep going and see what I can do on the way back from the turn around. At the beginning of the second half I am moving along at about 30mph and starting to feel better. He speed would vary for the rest of the ride but stayed at high as I could hold it. On the day I ended up 30th. I would have enjoyed a higher placing but it just was not meant to be.
Today was the road race (130miles). I woke up about 5am and got going on my morning routine. Which is eat and get dressed with a shower in there, before taking off for the race start. The warmup was minimal due to the length of the race. I do however ride around just encase someone gets the idea of taking of from the gun. Trust me guys do this sort of thing. Because I have tried it before. Ok back to the race. Everything stayed together except that a 14 man break got up the road and was eventually caught about 2 hours later. Early on I saw my chance to try and bridge the gap and tried but to no avail. I tried a move or two more and decided I was doing too much work and needed to just rest the legs a little bit but stay very attentive incase someone decided to try and make a move and I could follow the across. No this did not happen. After spending about 90 miles in the valley it was time to start heading back to town, which meant more climbing. Usually I am all for this because I can hang with these guys and still be able to fight it out closer to the line. In the beginning this was true over the first climb, but then on the second climb and final one before we hit town and do some smaller climbs. On this final bigger climb I looked to my right and I could see this very large monkey come running out of the bushed right toward our group. I thought to myself I hope he is not headed for me, because my legs still feel ok and he real hard stuff is almost over. Sure enough before we get most of the climb done he jumps on my back and will not let go. So I am officially off and trying to fight my way back. I finished the race and left everything I had on the road. This was not to most difficult course I have done this year but this was a pretty difficult race.
I might not have had my most stellar two days of racing but I can definitely say that I have learned a lot these past two days of racing. Both about myself and racing in and of itself.
I would like to thank everyone for there support. I just wish I had better results to share with you.

Matt

morning

Well we are about 4 days away from getting started. The weather has finally turned around for the past few days and is getting warmer. Not a whole lot has happened since my last update. I have been out to the TT course again to go over the course and figure out the gearing that I will be using the produce the fasted time I can. Yestarday Nate, Shannon and I took a ride around and through town. Stopping for a bite to eat on the way back. The eatery was kinda cool there where to big wall that were covered in old beer can from all over the world and going back many years. It more of and art piece than a collection of drink recepticles. I have to throw a bigger word or two in there just to keep mom proud.
I am now about to go out the door to meet Nate for a ride and maybe something will occur that will be entertaining and I can share you you guys.

Matt

quickset

I title today entry the way I did because on my way to meet up with Nate and Shannon for the ride. I am on the side walk just outside their door and on the phone. I look forward and see the ground looks a little wet but do not really have time to react and sure enough the wetness was because some workpeople had just laid some fresh concrete. well my wheel sinks about 4 inches. I hang up tell my coaches wife I have to go. roll into the grass and take my wheel off and proceed to wipe the concrete off as fast as I could. LUCKLY it all comes off and no one was the wise till now! Except for that rather large hole the siz of a bicycle tire in fresh contrete. I would have smoothed it back out but the only thing I could think of that would work is my arm and no that was not an option. Other than that my day was really good. I had a chance to ride the road course again. The climbing was much better today.

Day off

These past couple of days have been nice. I had a chance to ride out to the race course on saturday and just become more familiar with the first few larger hills before you end up in the valley. Everything is really pretty here. You have to remember that a Corpus Christi mountain is better known as a Sand Dune. The air is begining to get a little thicker for me. Today is a rest day for me so I think I will catch the bus into Park City and see the sights.

Interesting facts

Back during the Roman era, the Romans believed that hippopotamus sweated blood. The scientific world has disproved this theory. By showing that their sweet contains two separate pigments wich act as a type of sunscreen
I will be trying to put more facts up as the year goes on.

snow man

I forgot to mention i made a snowman and a snow angle today. My snowman fell off the porch.

Utah

Sorry for the gap in my updates, I have been away from a computer for a little while. I am now in Utah and it is snowing. Yes that is right, I am writting this during the second week of June!! Well I have been here for about 5 days or so. The riding has been pretty good. Wait! before I talk about that stuff. I should say why I am in Utah. Elite Road Nationals. Ok, now with the stories. I am in park city for the most part. Ok not exactly in, more on the outskirts ( 8miles away). On my rides I end up passing by the 2002 olympic park with the ski jump etc. The town is pretty cool. The climbing is pretty good also. Seeing as the house where I am staying currently is about 6500 - 6800 ft in elevation and that is at the base of a small mountain. Yestarday after spending two hours in the garage on the trainer finally all the snow melted off the roads and dried up. So I ventured out and up the mountain. This was pretty cool. On part of one of the climbs my front wheel kept trying to come off the ground and I was pushing my 39 x 27 pretty hard. In the process of getting up the hill there were alot of switch backs, my fovorate kind of climbing. Later today Nathan and Shannon will be arriving here. I am looking forward to more teammates around.

Until next time
Matt

Track Cup

I do not have a lot stories to tell on this installment. Due to the fact that on the Track I am a Cat4. So I really could only do the 4K pursuit. Which is good because TT is what I know, having been a professional triathlete at one time. Ok enough of that let me let me give the run down.
I did my usual warmup well most of it. I did not get to finish because, they decided to swap the race directly infront of the 4k and start our race earlier. Not a big deal, because I had done the important stuff already. So I go the the line and get set. 5 - 4 - 3 - 1 - whistle sound. I am off, ok no I am not there was a false start. This actually worked in my favor because I got a chance to check with Nathan on whether my start was fast enough and if the line I chose was good. Yes, Nathan is alot of help on the track. Because I had never done a pursuit before. Ok well the second start was good and I am off. Pedaling as hard as I can. Trying not to think of anything but keeping pressure on my pedals and staying ontop of the black line. Everytime I came past the bleechers on the front side of the track I could hear the cheers. So I would like to thank all the club members to being there and helping on my way. When it was all said and Done I posted the second fasted time of the night, for this event. I was happy. I now have alot that I would change in how ride this event.
I saw some people taking pictures so I will post some as soon as I find them.

Matt

Joe Martin II

The TT was up a climb for 2.5 miles. That sounds like a piece of cake with lots of frosting, but NO! the first 200 meters was fast. I got into my big ring from the begining and then was in my small ring the rest of the way and breathing like a vaccum, you know the sound. I ended up somewhere in the top 40. Satuday road race prior to the TT was a 93 mile road race where you rode 11 miles to a loop did the loop 3 time and then road back to the finish line which was the first 11 miles. This course was good in that the climbs were gradual and not nearly as long as fridays climbs. The main feedzone climb was super steep and pretty much you would not overshoot your feeder, because you are moving slow in relation to the rest of the race. I almost forgot the one long descent that had a 90 degree turn at the bottom and had a strong odor of carbon fiber and breakpads everytime we came through.
The Crit on Sunday was hard. No, not just hard but can I have a new set of legs hard and we are only halfway through the race. I gave everthing I had. There was a climb that lasted about four blocks and kicked up for the final 200 meters before the finish line. Just then you think the hill is over you turn left and the road give you one more kick for good luck.

Joe Martin Stage Race was deffinately one race that I am looking forward to doing next year. Now that I have sat down and reviewed my notes and know how to better approach the race from a stretegy standpoint.

Matt

Joe Martin

Sorry for the delay on my update of what happeneded over this last weekend.
Well the weekend started out ok until our bikes flew off the roof of the car while still attached to the roof rack!! Exactly what I was thinking. Once we squeezed all the bikes in the car with the luggage and people back inside we only had about an hour of driving left. The only problem there was no room for all of that stuff inside the car, some how we were able to not leave anything on the side of the road. We ended up having to overnight a bunch of parts seeing as how most all the parts that move on the bikes were shot. Nate came to the rescue and was able to get all the bikes back into order so we could toe the line the next afternoon.
Friday: This race was 115 miles for the pro men and the pro women did 68miles. For the women's race report I will have to refer you to shunning blog. Just because I was not able to partake in the women's race. Our race went smooth until some guy thought it would be a good idea to stop looking forward and look at the trees and birds on the side of the road, then fall down taking me and Nate with him. I jumped back on my bike and soft peddled until Nate started to come my way. Now he is on my wheel and I am trying to pull him back on the group we come upto Thomas and he gives a helping hand. We made it back to the caravan and begin to work out way back on the tail end of the peleton and we are on. Ok that hurt!! About this time we are rolling upt to the first feedzone and almost instantaneously a guy falls down informs of me again, but I am able to avoid this one. Make it through the feedzone but was not able to find the guys feeding us. So I tell myself don't panic you still have two more bottles you will be fine until the next feedzone. Well shortly after I make it into a break with 2 HeatlhNet riders. 2 jellybelly riders, some eandeavour riders and an aerospace engineering rider. This was good, one because I am in a break with some strong riders and there is all the neutral feeding a rider could ever want going on around us. All I had to do was stick my hand out and a bottle would be put in it. This was good because were climbing a 13 mile long hill along with other long climbs while in the break. Once the break was swallowed up by the main peleton, because HealthNet chased us down. I found out there was more neutral feeding going on at the back of our pack so I went back and saw Nate and I knew he did not have enough fluids on him so I went and gathered as many bottles as I could get and hand him some water and then proceeded back to the front quarter of the peleton. Once Nate told me to go on and not worry about him. The race came into downtown and I finished with the main group for the most part. This was hot day!!
stay tooned for the next update.
Also if you are out at the track on Thursday or this weekend I will be glad to elaborate on the details and fill in holes.

Matt

final days

Day three of gila.
today was the shortest day of the week besides the Crit. This was a 80 mile road race with most of the climbing taking place in the first 20 miles or so. everthing pretty much stayed together through the first long climbs and the long switch backs that we descended down not until the valley and when we got to the final feed zone where the final climbing starte (60 miles into the race) did things begin to start to split up and the screws began to turn. I was able to hold on and finish with the main group and not really loose and time to GC and hold onto my third place.
the fourth day of racing was the Crit. this was not your average TX crit. Due to the fact that there was about 3,000 feet of climbing over the whole distance that is 90 feet per lap with 30 laps. This did not really cause a problem because the group did not really attack going up the climb. So I just moved around the group just to stay active and not get to complacent just in case someone did put on an attack and I needed to respond. Coming into the final turn I just kept good position so as to make sure a gap did not open up and I would not loose time on GC.

fun training

Today was a good day in training, because I got a chance to put a show on for some school kids. I was on my way back home on the bike and came to a red light now turning green with a school bus in front of me so I thought "free ride" or draft for a while. so I jumped in the draft and was riding along as I looked up and saw these kids looking back over their seat watching me in amazement that I was going the same speed as their bus. I began to think to myself "I will ride this bus for a while just to give these kids something to watch for a while" as I was thinking this I realized that hot air on my face was the exaust which just happen to be right at chest to chin level, so I pulled off at the next traffic light, and had to finish my ride into the wind.

Day Two

Day two, first road stage. well this was pretty much a flat to rolling stage for the first 88 miles or so. then the real climbing began. I say real climbing because the last 7 miles was category 1 climb. Yes, I even used my 27 tooth cog in the rear with a 39 in the front. This stage had a very strong cross wind with everyone fighting for position the whole race. Troy wanted to make sure nothing got up the road so he went up the road with one other rider and stayed there for about 30 miles just to make sure no one was out there that could cause a threat to my 2nd place in GC. Eventually he came back just shortly after the climb was to begin. Whe the climbing began the field started to split so I moved myself to the front in anticipation to this result. making the front break I was off and in the running. I told myself just sit on the back of the group and let them just pull you up. This was working then there was a jump in the pace so I stood up and went. we are all still together, then another jump here a little bit of a gap opens. I dont panic just keep the pressure on the pedals and keep an eye on the guys in front I bridge up to two guys coming off the back of that group that is only about 10 yards ahead of me, but we are moving so slow that that is still a good gap. when catch those two guys, one othem has a mechanical and breaks a rear shifter cable. so me and the one other guy keep the intensity high and try to close the gap. This is not working so I attack a couple times and try to bring the fews guys up the road back. In the end I was not able to bring the group I started climbing with back but did finish 7th on the day and was the only guy who had one of the top TT time still high in GC. So I was pleased with the day.

Gila TT

whats up?
Well I will break up the race into different parts since this was a five day race and would be a long entry to read all at once. The TT was 16 miles and some change. Hilly with some more hills. Wednesday morning (day of the TT). Troy and I were in the backyard of the house where we would be staying for the week. Trying to get my Bottom Bracket (which showed up in the mail and hour earlier) in my TT bike. We get the bike together using the bottom bracket and crankset off my road bike. Everthing turned out ok and fit. A little later in the day we drove to the TT course and got setup. Troy decided to ride there for his warmup. Once I was warm and ready to go. I made my way to the starting line and proceeded to be told by every official there that I had folded my number too much and should not do this again. I was think "come on guys, I want to be aero." Luckly I did not get any penalty for this, because most other guys were doing the same thing. before I knew it I was hearing 3-2-1 GO!
I was off and telling myself, this is what you know (Time trialing that is) so catch everyone you can until you hit the finish line. I ended up catching alot of guys upto my 3 minute man. coming on the way back on the final down hill I had spun my 53 x 11 out at about 50mph. I knew I had given everthing I had, but was not sure where I would fall at the end of the day. This is because I could not get my 56 chainring to work and ran a 53, when I knew most guys were running a 56. So that evening after getting back to the house and having dinner I went down the street to see the results and I was second on the day only 40 seconds back. This was good. I now have a good start for the next 4 days of racing and climbing and we will also be climbing.
Stay tuned and I will have the Mogollon (day 2) results up tomorrow.

Gila

Well, we are back from Gila. I will be signing back on tonight to give the play by play. I do want to thak everyone for the support.

Fort Davis

We (Thomas, Troy and myself) rolled in the Fort Davis on Friday around 4 o'clock. Unloaded our things and headed packet pickup and take a spin on the hill climb course and see just what we were in for. Well, we were in for a pretty good climb. The best part was that were were quite a few turns over the whole length so you could get our of sight possibly. That evening the whole team got together and at the Cabin we were staying in. In order to get to the cabin you had to drive down a dirt road with sharp turns and small rollers, which gave Troy a chance to try out his rally car driving skills.
Saturday morning was a TT (16 miles). I ended up sitting in 5th overall after this stage. I ended up having a slow leak in my rear tubular. Yet I do not feel that had much of a factor in my final time, because I did not feel in until about 500 meters after the finish. That afternoon we all went back to the cabing got some lunch and took naps for the rest of the day and around 2pm we began to get ready for the "Hill Climb". The was a point to point race to the top of the Mc Donald observatory. All I have to say is Crazy!! The race was going well we had a plan to try and get my to the top first. A small break went early and the field was leting them just dangle out in front the a gap opened up even more. when we got the the first section of the climb, the pace picked up and I went whith the guys to try and close the gap. after about 1/2 mile I looked over my shoulder and saw that the field had shattered and there were only about 10 of us chasing. About 500 meter later there was only 5 in our group. This is when the attacking started and went on until the last 1/2 miles when is was just a matter of keeping the bike moving up the hill and not loosing ground. I rolled across in 9th for the day. I was happy with this stage.
Sunday the 76 miles road stage. This was going to be fun because we get to come down 90% of the climbs we went up yestarday. The group stayed together for the most part until around mile 45 or so. I am not realy sure, because my magnet moved on my and my computer stopped. Then there was an attack and I jumped in. There were small surges up the climbs and I kept on the right wheel. Then a small attack went and I did not have the snap in time. About 30 seconds later I tried again and started to bridge up to the break and was within 10 seconds of them and the gap stagnated. I got a few other guys to work with me, then they just stopped pulling through. So I decided I was not going to pull these guys up there so I knew I would have to attack a couple time before I broke free of my anchor. Sure enought after my second small yet abrupt surge I was free. Then a Solar Eclipse rider and Will Ross got on my wheel and we worked toghether for the last bit of the race together. Chasing the break down we were making time on them and just ran out of road. I believe my placing was 7th on the day, 4th for final GC.

The was a good race to prepare myself for Gila in the next couple of days. Stay tuned for updates on Gila.

Matt

Fort Davis/Gila

We are begining our trip to Fort Davis and Gila today. Look for race reports on my blog and other riders blogs.

Matt

New Additions

I figured out how to add links to my page. So if you look to the right side of the screen you will see I have added a few.

baseball stadium my sister and I went to. 

Down Time

I know this is not cycling related but I had to share the picture with you. My sister and I went to a minor league baseball game last night. The stadium had a pool, hot tub, playground and other fun stuff. I never knew baseball could be so fun.

Friday Night Races

This was my first Friday Night Race in Frisco, and my first ever race on a Velodrome. I am hooked!! It did not take much. On Thursday Thomas and myself arrived in Grapevine to meet up with the rest of the team to ride the track that evening. This was alot fun, we had a chance to try different things and even our four man pace line.
Friday Nite, could not have been more fun. Since this was my first time racing the track I was placed in the senior 4 category. I wanted to try and earn some upgrade points, so I asked Nathan for some strategy pointers for each of my races (Danish, Snowball, Points). During the Points race, I was told to wait for the first sprint and when everyone lets up a little attack, well that is just what I did and I was able to pull off laping the field and earning my 20pt. bonus along with 5pts for taking a lap. Which put me winning the overall race. I really only had one problem during the races and that was I did not have my seat clamp bolt tight enought and my saddle nose kept sliding further down, thus causing me to slide forward and almost off my saddle by the end of the race. By the end of the night I was able to pull off the omnium win.

training in Austin Part II

My dad had some buisness in Austin this past weekend so I caught a ride with him into town. Thomas an I got some good riding in out west of town in the hills. Seeing as Fort Davis and Gila are coming up in about a week and a half. I was feeling as though my gears were a little off when doing some hill repeats on Monday and came to findout that evening my little ring is a 42tooth. yea, exactly what I was thinking "Why did you put a 42 on your bike", well I forgot I had put it on towards the end of last season and never took it off.
Other than riding the hills on beautiful road in West Austin, other highlights of the trip were going to the new Whole Foods, and grinding my own honey roasted peanut butter. Yes, thats right Honey Roasted, this is the best stuff. I also have to say that this trip was fun because it had been a long time since my dad and I had a chance to travel and hangout together, just the two of us.
I will now be heading up to Dallas to ride the track on Thursday and Race Friday. I am looking forward to this.

Matt

Riding with an airshow

Yestardays ride was interesting. This is because for the first and last thirty-minutes of my ride the blue angles were doing practice runs for the airshow this weekend.
Today was a little different, I recieved a phone call this morning too see if I could come in and substitute teach the second grade class at a school just down the road from me. Well I had a short training day scheduled already. So I figured this would give me a change of pace and I would still have enough daylight to get my ride in. The day was interesting to say the least. This weekend I will be doing a Crit in San Antonio and then heading to Austin for a couple of days to get some more hills in.


Matt

I am now an Uncle. Say Hello to Julia