Road Trip: Masters Cycling Nationals Report #1

Only a week out of USA Cycling Master Nationals in Louisville KY, and I still was not registered for the race nor had planned the trip out west. Great preparation, but in a season that has put cycling on the back burner, making last minute decisions to race, this is standard operating procedure for me. Remember “Do as I say not as I do”. Having just completed a time trial test and finding the results acceptable, I decided to register and plan the road trip out to Louisville.
Figuring that it would be far easier to drive rather than fly with two bikes and all the other extra baggage and spare equipment needed for a road race and time trial, I stuffed the rental car filled up the coffee mug and bid farewell to my boys and supporting wife. OK don’t try this at home, an 800+ mile solo car drive is not exactly a Sunday cruise, but nationals was calling and I was excited to have gotten the green light to go from my fellow team mates at TARGETRAINING who as always kept the ship afloat back in Westport while I was away.

West Virginia wins best roads hands down. With 70MPH speed limits and twisting up and down perfect roads through mountains and valleys, it was a roller coaster ride for 3 straight hours. That will keep you awake for sure.

It always amazes me how friendly people are in this part of the country. Having arrived late in Louisville, I figured my best bet was to hit a local grocery store for some quick nutrition before hitting the trainer for a late night spin and then bed. The hotel receptionist was ready to help and pointed me to Wal-Mart. Wal-Mart? They sell food? No Whole Foods or Organic Market in these parts, but not to worry, if you are a sharp shopper you can rustle up a great clean meal. Most of these stores have options like humus and prepackaged vegetables that in some cases are even organic. And although most of the meats on hand were fried or full of artificial everything, I did manage to find some clean prosciutto with nothing added. Tried and true quick outs and raisins are also a great clean source of carbohydrates.

Like most of the country, it is just flat out hot here. You wake up and its hot, you go to bed and it is even hotter. Thank goodness for hotel AC. I headed out to preview the time trial course the next morning in the oppressive heat and was happy to see that it was only 90 degrees out when I started the ride. It takes only 5min before you are dripping with sweat and no matter how much you drink it is not enough. The forecast for the next two days of racing are for the temps. to climb to 100 degrees by Wednesday for the road race. Can’t wait. I am going to find salt packets and eat them like candy.