MOD 3.0

It's time. Time to reinvent myself for the third time. MOD 2.0 had a killer run as a cyclocrosser but it's time for the next chapter. I don't know how this chapter will be written but I know how it's going to start.

I've been dabbling with moving towards a plant based lifestyle. The science is undeniable, the human body just performs better when we don't use animals as our nutrional middle man. This is going to be a process, it's not going to happen overnight. Going vegetarian is pretty easy, it's the last step of walking away from dairy that will be tough.

I also want to re-learn how to just have fun on my bike. I've been "training" for so long, I've forgotten how to wake up in the morning and just think "where will I ride my bike today". I've been so programed over the last 8-9 years on workouts, it's just time to ride. This means more mountain bike, which will be fun.

Step three is overall body health. After 30+ years of cycling my posture and flexibilty is horrible. I need yoga and total body strength training. This is about the long game. Repairing all this is going to take a while.

Lastly, the Savery household is joining the #vanlife crowd. Working remote has it's benefits and we intend to take full advantage of it.

You have to start somewhere.

Mark Savery Cyclocross Academy

Presented by 622 Cycling
August 25th, 2018

Join Trek Cyclocross Collective athlete/coach and former Masters World Champion Mark Savery for a half-day clinic that will cover all the essentials to get you started on the right foot this cyclocross season. Beginners will learn proper technique and experienced riders will perfect their skills and correct bad habits.

Saturday, August 25th, 2018
Skills clinic at Roberts Park (Upper Field)
$40/session (limit 12 per session)
Beginner session 9:00am-12:00pm (Sign in: 8:30-9:00am)
Advanced session 1:00-4:00pm (Sign in: 12:30-1:00pm

• Beginner session recommended for new riders looking to improve their basic cyclocross skills and techniques.
• Advanced session recommended for riders with 3 years or more of cyclocross racing experience.

Beginner Session

• The beginner session will focus on the basic skills of cyclocross. Dismount/Remount technique and bike handling. Running the barriers. Start technique. Cornering.

Advanced Session

• Same as the beginner session but with a much faster progression from basic to advanced techniques. We will also have some agility drills and cover pit exchanges (bring your second bike if you have one)

REGISTER HERE

Winter Clothing Guide

Temp ranges for road, dress lighter for off-road.

50-60 degrees - Winter wool sock, sleeveless baselayer, bib shorts, knee warmers, cycling jersey, arm warmers, windproof vest, full finger glove, cycling cap.

40-50 degrees - Winter wool sock, sleeveless baselayer, thermal bib shorts, leg or knee warmers, long sleeve thermal jersey, windproof thermal vest, windproof bootie or toe cover, thermal wind proof glove, cycling cap.

30-40 degrees - Winter wool sock, sleeveless baselayer, thermal bib tights, long sleeve jersey, thermal windproof jacket, thermal booties, winter thermal glove, thermal cap and helmet with covered vents.

20-30 degrees - Winter wool sock, sleeveless baselayer, thermal bib tights, long sleeve thermal jersey, thermal windproof jacket, thermal booties, winter thermal lobster glove, neck gaitor or balaclava, thermal cap and helmet with covered vents.

In late 2013 the Iowa State Cyclocross Championships was contested in 12 degree temps. Although I don't recommend training in these temps, sometimes you have to race in them. Here is an additional post that's talks about the unique needs for racing below the 20 degree mark.

Tops vs. Drops

One of the things I like about road and cross bikes are their drop handlebars. The mono-position flat bar of mountain bikes just doesn't do it for me. Drop bars give you so many more options. The question is then, where should your hands be and when?

As a junior, one of the first camps I attended at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, our coaches were adamant about keeping us out of the drops if the speeds were below 25mph. The theory being that when you're in the drops it closes off your chest limiting your ability to take full breaths and at those lower speeds the aero advantage of being in the drops doesn't outweigh the physical limit of being crunched up. Not to mention you have much more control of your brakes and shifters while on the hoods.

Which brings us to pack riding. If you're in the peloton and speeds are above 25mph should you then be in the drops? No. Like I noted above, you have much better control and can react faster to speed and direction changes if you're on the hoods. Not to mention the more upright position gives you a better view of what's going on around you and what's coming ahead up the road. The only times you should be in the drops is when your nose is in the wind at the front of the pack.

So in short, only ride in the drops when speeds are above 25mph and your nose is in the wind. The rest of the time you'll be much more comfortable and safer riding on the hoods.