Spring Beak- 03/18/2009

Waking to the sound of the radio blaring out talk radio and my dad saying hey i have to go pee, what about you? I agree, and i get out of the car to see we are at a Tennessee rest stop. We go inside and nice old lady, roughly in her 60's, points to the the door behind her visitors counter, and says "It's over there." My dad and I couldn't help but chuckle that this little old lady was able to distinguish us from the other touristy type people that would like to walk in spend a little time and look at what Tennessee had to offer us. Truthfully we didn't really care, we had already been through it once earlier this week, and new that its not all that special that is besides Gaylord Opryland Hotel, is pretty neat.

Recently i have been sending emails to coach David Grigsby at Lindsey Wilson College in Columbia Kentucky about their cycling program. We came to agreement that i needed to come visit and see just how great the campus was. So my dad and i drove up there to check it all out. Turns out that its a 12-13 hour drive! The drive was a long one but a not so fun one. It was al swamp lands the whole way. They had recently got some rain so it was water on both sides of the road the whole drive. When we finally arrived in Columbia it was 11 pm and time to hit the sheets. We woke up the next morning for some breakfast around 7:30 am and then off for a 4:30 hour ride with Danny Esteevez  one of the team members at Lindsey Wilson. It was an easy pace ride, 17-18, so it gave it time to talk about the program and the school in general. Danny sure does know how to sell the school thats for sure. He was saying that it is really supportive about the cycling unlike some other colleges. It was a small school but it was growing which is always good. He was talking about how the school pays for all the race fees, entries, food, lodging, and gas. They actually take a van and a trailer to all the races just like here, so you get the team feeling when traveling to the races. He was telling me that they have lots of really good mountain bike trails, and their very own dual slalom course as well! When he told me that i got really excited!

The next day we meet up with the Head of Admissions, Charles Mooney to discuss the campus and all that fun stuff. We took the tour of the campus, it sits on about 4 acres, and it has about 8 buildings for classes and the dinning hall, but some how we spent an hour and half to two hours just taking the tour. Then we sat down and just talked for a little bit about, and got to talking about track racing and Coach David was saying that the Dean and President of the school were tossing around the idea of building a concrete track in town or even on campus. 

It seems like this school has everything a cyclist needs, good food, nice riding, and nothing to do. That way you stay busy training and doing some school work. I really liked the visit and am really excited about Lindsey Wilson and what the future has in store for me there... maybe.

Belgiums Rade the House! 03/10/2008

So Christian has official moved in, and taken over the house. Haha not really but it was nice today to have some one to come home and ride with. Filling up my bottles with water about to go ride, and looking over and seeing Christian in his kit and ready to go as well, just checking his tire pressure, i think to myself wow, this is what a team is about. Every body staying together eating together, showering in the same bath, and doing every thing together. It really brings everyone together and i cant wait to see what are relationship is like in a couple of months. I just wish the team had one house to stay in. All of us just in one big house all coexisting together. It would be great.

Another day on the bike- 03/08/2009

Racing was not good at all this weekend, TT was a bad idea on a fix gear track bike with a 49x16, flatted in the crit when i finally felt good for a change, and once again made it 30 miles in the road race and popped. 

Finally a Crash!- 03/04/2009

Cleaning your wounds is always a fun job. Trying to take a shower while the water pierces your wounds like the enemies invading a front line. You try and hold it in but the steam is just so unbearable. Your bath tub filling with red. If you haven't guessed it already i went down tonight at the wednesday night ride out at Exxon. A rider was in front of me and bumped Lee which sent him in to a downward spiral right in front of me. I had no other option but to run right over his rear wheel. I hope i didn't damage it. So down i go, well really up before down but it all ended up in the same place, me curled up in a ball clinching to the ground hoping no one would hit coming around the corner. Oh yea that just added to the madness the crash took place around a 90 degree turn, with probable around 50-60 riders go through the turn and i went down in the top 15. Now i no your saying to your self that, thats impossible cause i cant ride in the top 15, haha but i was. You better look out this weekend, im ready. But anyways back to the crash, so the turn is one lane which goes into two, and we were doing i'd say 25-27 mph so as i laid on the ground all i could think about was how bad its going to hurt when i get hit, not if i get hit but when i get hit. Luckily that never happened and i survived with just a couple of scrapes, no big deal.  This is the tire burn i got from Jenn's wheel. Yes tire burn, a guy in front of me crossed over my wheel and she drove straight in to the back of my leg, no biggie though it wasn't her fault she didn't have anywhere else to go, i kinda came right into here.

The other picture is a side shot of my leg, right below my knee is a knot about the size of a 50 cent coin, right on the front of my leg, its pretty crazy. Wish me luck recovering i only have 2 days. Be ready 3's im coming!

Wax it Off- 03/01/2009

*BEEP*BEEP*BEEP*BEE- i wake to the awful sound of my alarm clock, throbing in my ears over and over again. Its 7:15 and i hear the ruckus of raccoons in the garage. Still half asleep i was for sure i had a hole pack of raccoons in our garage. I gain my composure and realize that my dad is awake rusling around in the garage for a tent to take up to Gary before he leaves for Bar-H Bash Mountain Bike Race. Where Matthew Davis of Mad Duck Cyclery got an astonishing 4th place in the CAT 1 race. Great job Matt. As i lay in bed waking up my dad walks in all buddled up in a coat and a ski mask, saying "come on boy get up. Its cold outside." So i get up, throw all my riding clothes into my metro volkswagen stewardist suitcase, grab my bike, grab some bottles, and roll it all out to the card. My dad and I rode together to save gas. See we care about the environment. We drop off the tent at Gary's and head to get something to eat at some mexican food restruant in Grapevine. It was very good, but i dont like i got my needed vitamins, protiens, and carbs for the ride, but hey it was good. When we started the ride only about 8-10 of us were there, so it made for a very cold ride. When we left the shop it was about 30-35 and windy. We made it into Flower Mound and i decided it was a little to cold for me, and headed home. I told Stuart that i was heading home so no one would be looking for me, but thank you Brad for worrying about where i was. When i got home i was so glad to be inside, and took a shower immediatly. After i got all cleaned up it was off to IHOP. The new one has openned in Highland Village and it is great. Its less than 3 miles from my house and its not really that busy all the time. After all that it was time to relax and enjoy the day. Later in the day my older sister came to me with an idea of waxing my butt and my chest, which if you ask Phil, Will, Matt, Evan, and Gonzo was pretty hairy. I originally said "Oh hell yes" but when the time came, i was curled up in the corner like a dog that just pooped on the rug and knew he was in trouble. I wasn't too sure about this is hole thing. My sister started to lay down the first layer of wax. It was very warm and as she spread it, it started to pull my hair out. she laid down the first wax paper, and i felt the tension building up inside me. OFF, it came with quick but strong sting of pain rain from my butt to the rest of my body! Over and over this pain came and went like the seconds on a clock. Over time i just got so used to it, i could have set there all day. When it was all said and done, my butt was as smooth as a babys bottom. Now Phil, Will, Evan, Matt, and Gonzo you never have to set eyes on that disgusting forest of a butt i had.

Wealth of Knowledge- 02/25/2009

Story of Will "The Thrill" Snodgrass

I got this idea from the road trip we took this weekend. Evan, Phil, Matt, Gonzo, Will, and myself all piled into two cars and drove down to Austin this weekend for Walburg and Pacebend Road Races. The hole trip was loads of fun, Gonzo going off on every single person for the dumbest things, Matt yelling at him for his trash, Phill and Evan's homosexual activities (well more talks the actually action), and of course I couldn't get enough of Will's wealth of knowledge.

I always knew Will was an intelligent young fellow, but some of things he said, were so out there-- most of the time Me and Matt would just think for a minute, and let what was just said marinate in our minds for a second, then ask Will... "And how do you know this?" Each time we would either get some long drawn out story about how he learned it, or just a simple-- "I don't know I just do." Of course it was just Matt and myself most of time that would hear these random acts of intelligence that Will would bless us with, for Gonzo though was knocked out in the car. He would fall asleep after being in the car for 5 minutes, no matter how long the trip was. We all came to the realization though that these sudden narpaleptic scenarios, were not all that bad for him. We figured that any sleep is good sleep, so props to you Gonzo, super sleeper.

As I sit here in front of the computer screen I cant for the life of me remember any of these random lectures from The Thrill, so i proceed to text Will for some enlightenment on what was said during our long weekend together, and this is what i get in return...

"There was too much knowledge spoken!"

I open my phone to see that and I cant help but laugh. Will this is a tribute to you, the man that keeps me going on those Wednesday Night Rides, the one who will be down about a race but in an hour will put it all behind him, and go on with his life, the man who's job it is to make everyone happy, and keep them guessing "What will Will say next?", you truly are "The Man"

Following this post, will come many others about The Wealth of Knowledge, i plan to write a book on Will and all that he has to offer to anyone who can take what he's got.

Weekend Round Up- 02/16/2009

Weekend report starts with siting down at the computer with a nice hot cup of joe... nah just kidding i dont drink that stuff at night. They say that it is bad to drink coffee after like 7-8 i think. So instead i sit infront of the tv watching my favorite tv show on earth, Heros, and snuggling up close to my recently new girlfriend Lindsay. I hope all of yall will be able to meet
her sometime. She is doing her history homework and me just working on my blog. I took a vow to update my blog more than once week, and to keep up with Will "The Thrill" Snodgrass's posts. I seem to be keeping up with my more than once week, but i am disappointed to say that Will has not, and i am sad about that. I usually can not wait to get home a take a look at what he has to say. Will you are an itellegent man and you have a lot going on up there in you big cabeza so just let it all out. I know that some of us will not be able to handle what you have to say, but seriously let it out.

Sunday was a fun day out on the bike. I went and rode with the guys from the shop for a short little coffee shop ride. Its always fun to chill out with some club guys, and some guys that aren't club members either. Its the greatest feeling in the world when you pull into a parking lot and you know you can just sit there for about an hour with a cup of coffee and your regular riding buddies, just sitting there talking about life.

Its the final lap of the Finals at World Cup in Copenhagen and Hoy hits kevin Sireau's front wheel, and Sir Chris Hoy goes down bruising his shoulder and sctraching up his right side. Its an unfortuanate accident, because Hoy has the World Track Championship's comming up in March so he needs to get bettter soon, so he can keep his current wolrd titles in the Kieren and Sprint. Good luck Hoy cant wait to see you win.

Special - 02/14/2009

At the computer, looking to see if the VOS results were finally posted, which they were and good job guys, congrats Whitney on a top 15! I over look the monitor to hear the ruckus of a Wal-Mart Auto Repair Shop, but am disappointed to see Matthew Davis putting together a Thule Sports Rack in the middle of Mad Duck. I looked at Matt with my head cocked to the side like a dog does when they cant understand you, but really they can, they just think your an idiot sitting there talking to them like they are the idiots. Hahaha that was a little confusing, but anyways, i asked Matt if he was having trouble and he would persistently say No, im fine. But even Helen Keller could have noticed he was having trouble with this rack, but no, hard headed Matt wasn't going to have any help with it, he was determined to be smarter than the Rack. It finally took Clarence walking over there, looking at Matt and very discouragingly pointing out to Matt that it would be a lot easier if he had the drill. Matt gave in with a huff and a sigh and said alright, i guess that makes since. All of us up at the shop enjoying this circus act thought it couldn't get any better until Clarence went back to get the drill and proceeded to help Matt in his efforts to build this Thule Rack. Suddenly this one man show turned into a two man operation and it just made it better to watch. Finally they got it all built after about 30 min of work put into it. Good job Matt, Your so special! 

Keep On Keep'n On- 02/13/2009

Two sets leg press and squat left on the schedule. My thighs, i can feel, are being to tighten up. I can feel my body tearing it self down and getting stronger at the same time, but my mind can not decide whether to keep on it, or take a break.

  On one side i wake up at 5:45 am monday wednesday, and friday morning to come up here and mutilate my self with vigorous workouts and constant pressure to be stronger, to get stronger. Now on the other side, my body cant wait to wake up in the morning to a Harvest Brand, Whole Wheat Bagel, topped with Smuckers All Natural Organic Peanut Butter, and a glass, no a draft or OJ with all the pulp they can put. Head up to the gym listening to Disturbed, and head banging the whole way, trying to fool my mind into thinking that its a good idea to wake up this early. Finishing my workout, sitting in the sauna for 15 min, where you can see the water beading off of you like your some polarized rain jacket. Stepping on the scale to see that you have lost no weight at all, but feeling good about it cause you know that you have gained muscle, and every one knows muscle weighs more than fat so its OK to not loose weight. You get home feeling great, refreshed and ready for the day ahead. Thats how they should go every time.

Today was different, i didn't feel right. I mean i felt fine waking up this morning and eating my breakfast, heading to the gym, doing my first couple sets, but coming up to those last two. I didn't think I could make it. I had a set of leg press, 450 lbs., set of squat, 180 lbs., set of leg press, 500 lbs., set of squat, 200 lbs., and then two last sets of squat both at 220 lbs. Looking at my workout sheet was like looking at a failing grade, a ticket, your taxs, I couldn't bare the sight of those last few sets that wait for me, just sitting there like the devil would be, just cackling about the whole situation. I wanted to turn my back and walk away from it all. 

A man once told me on a smoggy cold morning in Arizona, just before a race was starting. We were all warming up and I was just sitting there all alone, just thinking about the race, i kept saying to myself win, win at all cost, don't give in to the pain, just keep on going. This man came to me while I was there in my lonesome and said a few words to me that would change the way I look at not only cycling but life in general... This is what he told me.

" You know, Austin, you have to remember, they are all out here for the same reason, they all want to win, they all train just as hard, and you all will be hurting the same. So when your out there on your last bit or strength, remember they are on theirs too. So all you can do is just keep on keep'n on!"            - Will "The Thrill" Snodgrass

Those few little words change the way I look at everything, and help me get through every workout I have ever done on or off the bike. So you just have to remember these 4 little words

"Keep On Keep'n On"

Remembering- 02/12/2009

You know, I was thinking while at school, where I do nothing at all but sleep and listen to mindless teenage adolescence children speak of things like what they will be doing over the weekend, and how much fun it will be getting completely shit faced then trying to cope getting them selves put back together after a hellacious night of Jim Bean, Grey Goose, Johnny Walker, and a 289 pack of Milwaukee's Best cause we both know that’s all we can afford or want to actually spend money on. We don’t have enough class to actually save up for a decent size party with fairly good alcoholic beverages, No we just go with the flow what ever happens, happens, and that’s why we have shit to drink at party's and no one takes us seriously, but back to what I was saying.

 

         I sat there in my little 2' x 2.5' desk, made of plastic, aluminum, and fake wood that is closer to a cinder block than actual wood. Just thinking about the years I have been cycling, where it all began, how it started just letting my mind wonder. Well it wondered all the way back to first time I walked into the shop, seeing more bikes in a single 5' x 5' square then "The Dominator" has roles in his (no contest) 3' diameter of a globe he calls his stomach. Looking at all this news to my eyes, the bikes, the people, and the spandex of course, I could not believe it! All this for a little bike, c'mon there was no way this was that big of a deal to the world. I soon came to my senses and realized that this was just as big as football... Football in California or Washington maybe (not Texas) but still pretty important to some people. 

 

         So like I was saying I soon realized this was a pretty big deal. I saw a man, a man I thought couldn't be much older than my own father. He talked to me though as if I were his age, or he was my age, more or less he was mine, but that’s besides the point, he knew how to talk to people and found a bit of interest in this so called sport of cycling, in me. He grabbed a hold of that interest like he was deep sea fishing out in the gulf and had just hooked a huge tuna and wanted to reel him in. He grabbed a hold of this ounce of interested hoping that he could change me, or at least enlighten me to become a cyclist. Not a pro or anything but at-least someone that will ride for fun from time to time. 

 

         Well it worked this guy that I thought was completely ridiculous for opening a bike shop to sell just bikes and biking equipment reeled me in. I had felt the rubber. When I say that I am saying that I felt that feeling you get when your on a 40+ mile ride and your nearing the finish, your body is tearing it self down stroke by stroke, you don't know if you can go any longer, but there is that feeling deep down inside that you get when you accomplish a ride of such distance. Feelings that you can’t describe to anyone, any more than, you just have to ride to feel it. That feeling after I rode my first bike trail on my mountain bike was the moment I knew. I would be doing this for the rest of my life, whether it is racing or just riding didn't matter.

 

         As the years past this man began to teach me things of life, riding and just about being a person in general. Things that no one has taught me before and things that people have taught me he just touched up on how important they are. This man has seen me go through changes like he was part of my family, good changes and then again very bad changes as well. He has also helped me in my endeavors to become not only the best cyclist I can be on the bike, but also off the bike. He has taught me that life is not about what people say while your alive but what they will say when your long gone, 50 years after your death. He has introduced me to people that have changed the way I look at life, and how I treat people. He has taught me not to take life so seriously; you only live it once so have fun while you can. This man of course is you Clarence Muller, and I thank you for everything you have done for me, and hopefully everything you will do for me in the future. 

The Times...They are Changing.- 02/10/2009

The great Bob Dylan was came out with a song that change the world for ever. Such a song only comes around ones a decade and on this day in history, that one song was released. 1964 Bob Dylan's, The Times they are A-Changin, was released. 

Good Luck at VOS- 02/08/2009

Good Luck for the Day,

May Success come Your Way,

May Your Day Be Full of Fun,

May You Impress Everyone,

May You get No Stress,

May You be Blessed with Happiness,

May God give Your Grace,

May You Keep a Smiling Face,

May Your Wishes come True,

May You Enjoy whatever You Do,

And At Last I would say,

May You Have a Beautiful Day !

Some Inspiration for The Regional Guys!- 02/05/2009

The day light breaks again. Another day has begun.

But still no sleep has come. My body is weary

My mind overworked. I lie awake thinking

But what I am unsure. I need to break free from the cycle I endure.

Everyday is the same and the nights are undistinguished. I feel as though I am being pushed along with the tide

Unable to break free from the everyday flow. This is not me I need to change, before time takes over

And I am unable to change. I need to be freed from the grasp of ordinary

And become that person I have always longed for. Express myself in every way, and conquer the dreams as I lie awake.

Then I may fall asleep and put my mind to rest. Make changes in my life and help those in need.

I would like to touch everyone's life in a positive way And leave my mark on society before I fade away.

By:Victoria A. Mogyorosi

Most inspirational poem i have ever read, good luck this weekend out in San Antonio guys. Keep the rubber side down.

With Out a Job :( - 02/04/2009

So as some of you may have known i have been working at Western Warehouse for the past 2 months or so. Sadly though they have closed down for good. I spent last saturday actually after my ride cleaning out the store with some of the other employees saying are final good byes. So as of saturday i am with out a job. I have been with out a job before but my parents would like me to get a new one as soon as possible. This is harder then i thought i have been looking around for places that would require me to do some sort of manuel work, which i know isn't really all that good for my cycling and all, but i really don't like having to deal with people all the time. Like working at restaurant would kill me with the constant, oh i need this or more of that. I just couldn't take it. So this is a call for help, if any one knows of a place hiring or any club members out that know of a place that would hire a hard working kid trying to make some money to travel when he needs to and can give me adjustable hours..... Yea thats asking alot, but a wise man once told me... " Asking can only get your farther in life, or behind in life. Not asking can put you no where"... So yes this a call for any kind of help that i can get. Thank you, and keep rubber side down.

Super Bowl Ride!- 02/01/2009

So yesterday was the super bowl! Big woop, i wasn't that impressed by it, i mean yea it was a good game, but the commercials which we all know is what everyone really wants to see, were just plane horrible. Not one real good one that made me laugh out loud for real. This one made me chuckle though which is good enough.

So yea it like that commercial alot.

But the real joy of the day was riding to downtown with my dad and a huge number of other cyclist of all levels,to go grab a bite to eat then head back home. I think there were more inexperienced people there then pro cyclist, haha, but all in all it was a good ride. I was a able to see a bunch of the club members and a couple of people that arent club members but follow the teams progress. So i give the Dallas Super Bowl Day Ride a 3/5 stars, it was a good day.

Oh i almost forgot about the baby commercial i loved this commercial this one actually made me laugh it was greatness.

Another Flat- 01/31/2009

Started the Saturday ride today feeling not to hot about having to ride, but once we got out a little ways and i got started talking to my buddy Will Radar, yes i said Radar. You know the guy that invented the threadless headset... Oh yea, well i do! Its his dad John Radar. Anyways back to my story, i was feeling pretty good, ready for my usual 2 hour ride at a good pace. As i started my turn around though, to head back to the shop, i had a flat! I was so furious! This is the 4 flat i have had in a month! So i am taking a stand against all flats. Gator Skin tires, and slim tubes! I'm going to start a revolution against flats! Lets all take a stand! So yea thats pretty much how my morning went. Seeing Will Snodgrass was good. I havents seen him in ages. I wish we could have had more time to chat though, but he was off doing his thing at the front of the group, and well those who know me know i dont like the front. Well thats all she wrote, so best of wishes to all and stay good.

Training- 1/25/2009

So i am getting everything back together and start training again. I have been slacking off a little, and was maybe thinking of quitting, but i thought about it and there are a lot of people have supported me over the years and i cant let them done. So thank you, to everyone that has been helping me out and i am back on track and will getting stronger than ever. 

I am currently working on getting my allergies taken care of thought. Im not sure what the problem is but its not good. I wake up every morning coughing cause i cant breath through my nose, but hopefully it will get better.

Cant wait to see yall out on the road. Best wishes and keep rubber side down.

Starting up again. 01/13/2009

Back to the gym from a 2 week break of being sick, doesn't feel all that good. I am though, getting skinny, i cant wait for me to be in shape again and to be back on the track racing. 

On another note, i have final exams this week and start my new class's this next week. I hate school so much sometimes, with all the little kids talking about how much fun they have over the weekends, and all the crazy fun stuff they have planned.... i cant wait for road trips again. 

Like the Louisianna trip, wow that was fun! Me and Will had to pull over to the side the of the road! haha well i will just let me of will finish that one for you in person. Oh and the time Me, Nat and our old friend Parker were coming back from florida. Thats a story for the books. Oh just to let everyone know Parker is doing great, i talk to him on a regular daily basis and he is as happy as ever, so no worries. 

Im sorry i missed out on team camp guys, i heard it was a lot of fun. I hope soon i am able to sit down with those of you i dont know and get to know you. I hope that i can help anyone out aswell from out of town with living, i have a queen size bed that is open for short term stay. I believe once Christian gets back into the states he will be living with me, but until then if anyone would like a place to stay, just let me know.