9.28.08
5 years ago I sat in a conference room at the OTC amazed at just being there.
It was during a developmental camp that I attended.
This past weekend I was at that camp again but not with the wide-eyed, open mouth expression
that I remember having. This time I had a new role, that of a paralympic veteran.
For years now, Former Paralympic Cyclist Pam Fernandez has used these Developmental camps to introduce disabled athletes to the Paralympic Movement . The camp is based at the Colo. Springs OTC and offers the athlete the chance to live among the best of the best and train in that fashion. Training rides are accompanied by a support vehicle and led by elite level coaches. For myself, this camp gave me a taste of what it's like to be a pro athlete. Many of my current teammates had their start at Pam's camp.
Many of the riders asked about the training and the level of competition we face internationally. Everyone seemed impressed by the facility and the excited about the possibility of joining the team. I stressed that even though the Elite Team receives many perks it only comes after lots of hard work. I spoke about how excited I was but also how "green" I was when I attended the this camp. How race training goes from riding hard to nearly a science. Most of the guys were unfazed bye my horror stories of training in the snow and cold. I think it only made them want to get out and ride that much more.
This morning I said goodbye to maybe a few of my future teammates.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Friday, September 26, 2008
9.26.08Before watching the Olympic Games on TV a month and a half ago one of my main visual stereotypes of China was that everyone rode Bikes. That was one aspect of Chinese Culture that I was hoping to see first hand. Personally, I'd love to see our country depend more on the bicycle in our daily lives.
With so many people living in Beijing, Cars populated the streets even with a Driving restriction. But I did see that a large portion of Beijing rode bikes. Most rodes offered a full sized bike lane which often had as many people pedaling as the motorized lanes had driving.
While there I saw bikes of every shape & size, used for reasons I never though possible.
These are images that I'm guessing would not be found in our
city streets.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
9.24.08
The Olympic/Paralympic Village impressed everyone. It's essentially a gated community
consisting of 6-8 story condos in the heart of Beijing. The location in proximity to the venues and downtown made it convenient
in a logistics point of view. The landscaping and general layout of the living area stunned myself and I'm sure everyone else.
It was a beautiful place to live for 3 weeks. The village was broken up in three parts-
The Living Area
The Dining Hall
The International Zone
The Int. Zone was a place to shop, gather info on anything China or Paralympics, and to grab a quick and free haircut.
The housing was not only where we slept but wear the
different nations would display 3 story tall Flags.
The Dining Halls was the hub. Everyone spent a lot of time sitting around eating and mingling. The food was great. The people watching was even better
The Olympic/Paralympic Village impressed everyone. It's essentially a gated community
consisting of 6-8 story condos in the heart of Beijing. The location in proximity to the venues and downtown made it convenient
in a logistics point of view. The landscaping and general layout of the living area stunned myself and I'm sure everyone else.It was a beautiful place to live for 3 weeks. The village was broken up in three parts-
The Living Area
The Dining Hall
The International Zone
The Int. Zone was a place to shop, gather info on anything China or Paralympics, and to grab a quick and free haircut.
The housing was not only where we slept but wear the
different nations would display 3 story tall Flags.
The Dining Halls was the hub. Everyone spent a lot of time sitting around eating and mingling. The food was great. The people watching was even better
Monday, September 22, 2008
On the bike in Beijing.
Here's a few shots of yours truly dawning the Stars and Stripes while on foreign soil.
Some show the pleasure and some show the pain.
Some show the pleasure and some show the pain.
Sunday, September 21, 2008
It's good to be home!
9.20.08
It truly was an experience of a lifetime. Much more so than I ever thought it would be.
But three weeks away from home no matter what your doing is a long time.
I'm happy to be back.
The flight was obviously long but the mood was upbeat. There was members of three different
US teams on board and the conversations throughout the plane was on the Games.
The Captain announced to all the passengers that us Paralympians were on board which
sparked a round of applause. It was a nice way to return home!
After saying goodbye to my teammates, Pamela and I headed home.
Tomorrow, I return to work but in a new position. The daily grind will begin again.
I'm still glad to back home.
- in the next few days I'll be posting the photographs that I was unable make public during the
event.
It truly was an experience of a lifetime. Much more so than I ever thought it would be.
But three weeks away from home no matter what your doing is a long time.
I'm happy to be back.
The flight was obviously long but the mood was upbeat. There was members of three different
US teams on board and the conversations throughout the plane was on the Games.
The Captain announced to all the passengers that us Paralympians were on board which
sparked a round of applause. It was a nice way to return home!
After saying goodbye to my teammates, Pamela and I headed home.
Tomorrow, I return to work but in a new position. The daily grind will begin again.
I'm still glad to back home.
- in the next few days I'll be posting the photographs that I was unable make public during the
event.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Chinese media.
Just found this article after a general search for press releases.
I barely remember speaking with the Chinese Press. The press area
was set up so the riders passed through moments after their race.
I was gassed then and suprised now to have China Daily write the article.
I guess finishing last has at least one perk.
http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/paralympics/2008-09/10/content_7014817.htm
I barely remember speaking with the Chinese Press. The press area
was set up so the riders passed through moments after their race.
I was gassed then and suprised now to have China Daily write the article.
I guess finishing last has at least one perk.
http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/paralympics/2008-09/10/content_7014817.htm
Monday, September 15, 2008
It's Over!
9.13.08
Since 2003 these past couple of weeks have been the reason for everything I did everyday
of the year. Even on my "day's off" or "off-season" the Games were a focus.
Now that my last race is in the books I can breathe and maybe even drink.
A lot of people have asked me what it took to get here and were all the sacrifices worth it.
Just walking around waving at a fellow cyclist who just happens to live in S. Africa makes all those days in the pissing rain vomiting on myself, by myself just fade away.
The lifestyles that everyone needs to adopt to make it here are ones we all share. Knowing that similarity creates a relationship that goes beyond the geographical, political and whatever other barriers that typically seperate people.
While writing this blog over the past two month's I've tried to explain what I do, how I do it and why I would do such a painful thing. The common thread to all of my entries - to me at least is a desire to improve myself.
I've used this as a personal Mantra for years now.
"compare yourself to your own potential"
Racing and competing is great, winning and losing is the sweet and sour but what really drives me is reaching for what I think is my potential. The bike is part of it. The drive, determination and plain honesty with myself are traits that have only really surfaced since getting on the bike.
The great thing with striving for you potential is that it's boundless! Only the cages that you and I create within ourselves can limit that.
I've always used that philosophy to keep at it. Many days I doubted my abilities and allowed results and performances to dominate my emotions. But here in China I've seen the best in people - People who want it and who truely reach for it.
Since 2003 these past couple of weeks have been the reason for everything I did everyday
of the year. Even on my "day's off" or "off-season" the Games were a focus.
Now that my last race is in the books I can breathe and maybe even drink.
A lot of people have asked me what it took to get here and were all the sacrifices worth it.
Just walking around waving at a fellow cyclist who just happens to live in S. Africa makes all those days in the pissing rain vomiting on myself, by myself just fade away.
The lifestyles that everyone needs to adopt to make it here are ones we all share. Knowing that similarity creates a relationship that goes beyond the geographical, political and whatever other barriers that typically seperate people.
While writing this blog over the past two month's I've tried to explain what I do, how I do it and why I would do such a painful thing. The common thread to all of my entries - to me at least is a desire to improve myself.
I've used this as a personal Mantra for years now.
"compare yourself to your own potential"
Racing and competing is great, winning and losing is the sweet and sour but what really drives me is reaching for what I think is my potential. The bike is part of it. The drive, determination and plain honesty with myself are traits that have only really surfaced since getting on the bike.
The great thing with striving for you potential is that it's boundless! Only the cages that you and I create within ourselves can limit that.
I've always used that philosophy to keep at it. Many days I doubted my abilities and allowed results and performances to dominate my emotions. But here in China I've seen the best in people - People who want it and who truely reach for it.
9.15.08Had to venture off compound to see an old rock wall.
I must say that The Great Wall is
A Wonder to all the World.
Just knowing that it's ancient and 4,000 miles long boggled my mind before I even saw it. The guard posts offers a veiw of a twisting rock formation that that weaves through the beautiful
Chinese Countryside. Standing there It's defies my imagination that such a thing exists. My teammate - Greta and I walked up, almost crawled up sections that are shaped as the hill sides are -Steep!
A 2.5 hour hike yeilded maybe a mile of a trail that would send you clear cross the states and then some. Breathtaking with every step yet painful as well. Worth it - heck Ya!
Saturday, September 13, 2008
The Road Race
9.13.08
The Race consisted of nearly 40 of the greatest Cyclists this planet has to offer,
with one catch - each one of them had some physical impairment.
To make the Event more exciting and with a deeper field, the IPC merged
the fastest three Classes. I ended up riding with below the Knee Amputees
and with Arm Amps along with my CP/nerve damage based class.
6 laps around the lake meant 6 times up a rather painful hill. But the hill wasn't
what dropped me. Instead a S-turn going into the Start/finish area was what set me back.
With my weak side not trustworthy I take a more cautious line through tight corners.
To be honest, A few more times up that climb with the lead pack would have blinded
me with pain and send me into the barriers or kept from finishing.
I found a chase group to finish with.
On the last lap I sat up, looked around and breathed in the moment. In front of Thousands
racing in China against the Worlds best I just had to laugh. What a moment!!
The Race consisted of nearly 40 of the greatest Cyclists this planet has to offer,
with one catch - each one of them had some physical impairment.
To make the Event more exciting and with a deeper field, the IPC merged
the fastest three Classes. I ended up riding with below the Knee Amputees
and with Arm Amps along with my CP/nerve damage based class.
6 laps around the lake meant 6 times up a rather painful hill. But the hill wasn't
what dropped me. Instead a S-turn going into the Start/finish area was what set me back.
With my weak side not trustworthy I take a more cautious line through tight corners.
To be honest, A few more times up that climb with the lead pack would have blinded
me with pain and send me into the barriers or kept from finishing.
I found a chase group to finish with.
On the last lap I sat up, looked around and breathed in the moment. In front of Thousands
racing in China against the Worlds best I just had to laugh. What a moment!!
Friday, September 12, 2008
The Race of Truth.
9.12.08
A solid and steady effort kept me from cracking and allowed me to
overtaken my main Rival and earn my highest placing in the
2008 Paralympic Games.
http://results.beijing2008.cn/WRMP/ENG/Schedule/index.shtml
The course was hilly, hot and breezy - conditions that made suffering out
on the Chinese Countryside that much more grueling.
This Time Trial, I was not alone. Following me in two support vehicles were
my coaches Jim and Craig. Shouts of wisdom like "keep your Cadence"
reminded me not to overcook myself on the many false flats.
With 5 km to go I was pushing every watt I had out of my legs. The pain
of breathing so rapidly was eclipsed only by each muscle tissue tearing apart
and loading with lactic acid. Reminding myself where I was kept me from
listening to my more rational side, the one that pleaded with me to stop the pain.
Crossing the line I was finished, nearly crashing into the barrier and falling off the bike.
I was shaking, trying desperately to dump enough water over my head and down my throat
to come back to life.
That Time Trialing! Now it's time to recover and ready myself for the carnage of
the Paralympic Road Race.
A solid and steady effort kept me from cracking and allowed me to
overtaken my main Rival and earn my highest placing in the
2008 Paralympic Games.
http://results.beijing2008.cn/WRMP/ENG/Schedule/index.shtml
The course was hilly, hot and breezy - conditions that made suffering out
on the Chinese Countryside that much more grueling.
This Time Trial, I was not alone. Following me in two support vehicles were
my coaches Jim and Craig. Shouts of wisdom like "keep your Cadence"
reminded me not to overcook myself on the many false flats.
With 5 km to go I was pushing every watt I had out of my legs. The pain
of breathing so rapidly was eclipsed only by each muscle tissue tearing apart
and loading with lactic acid. Reminding myself where I was kept me from
listening to my more rational side, the one that pleaded with me to stop the pain.
Crossing the line I was finished, nearly crashing into the barrier and falling off the bike.
I was shaking, trying desperately to dump enough water over my head and down my throat
to come back to life.
That Time Trialing! Now it's time to recover and ready myself for the carnage of
the Paralympic Road Race.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Ants in the Pants!
Sept 11
We all seem to have them. The Time Trial is fast approaching
and the entire team will be racing. For almost everyone of us this
is our prefered disicipline.
As I write, the team is preparing for the big day. Massages, tune ups
and naps are the afternoon plan for us all. But some are up writing on their blogs
to get the nervous energy out!!
Ants in thy pants.
But rest assured I am ready. My legs feel good, my health is intact and right now
I cannot be more motivated.
For those who know cycling is not just the horse power that can be produced.
The race course requires patience and the correct dosage of watts over the 25 km race. Dosing the effort so that speed can be held and the power can run out with just meters to go is a mental science within itself. Each time trial I do reminds me of how alone
I am as I blow apart my muscle tissues with every pedal stroke. The team and I have ridden the
course enough to visualize what needs to be done. Tonight I will visualize riding each bump and dip on the course.
The excitement is here whirling around the first floor of Team USA's Village compound.
What's needed is a focus for that energy and I believe it will come as the United States Paralympic Cycling Team Lines up for tomorrow's Time Trial!
We all seem to have them. The Time Trial is fast approaching
and the entire team will be racing. For almost everyone of us this
is our prefered disicipline.
As I write, the team is preparing for the big day. Massages, tune ups
and naps are the afternoon plan for us all. But some are up writing on their blogs
to get the nervous energy out!!
Ants in thy pants.
But rest assured I am ready. My legs feel good, my health is intact and right now
I cannot be more motivated.
For those who know cycling is not just the horse power that can be produced.
The race course requires patience and the correct dosage of watts over the 25 km race. Dosing the effort so that speed can be held and the power can run out with just meters to go is a mental science within itself. Each time trial I do reminds me of how alone
I am as I blow apart my muscle tissues with every pedal stroke. The team and I have ridden the
course enough to visualize what needs to be done. Tonight I will visualize riding each bump and dip on the course.
The excitement is here whirling around the first floor of Team USA's Village compound.
What's needed is a focus for that energy and I believe it will come as the United States Paralympic Cycling Team Lines up for tomorrow's Time Trial!
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
keeping things in prepective
9.9.08
You can't win if you don't train.
I never trained specifically for either of my track events.
Coach Tommy built a training program to improve my Time Trialing.
An event much different than the two races i just finished.
None the less, I was hoping for better. A personal best would have been
nice to see. I got off the bike disappointed that I wasn't faster.
That's where the level headed wisdom of a coach comes in.
Both team coaches, Craig and Jim reminded me that I hadn't trained
for either event. They didn't expect anything for that reason and I should
not dwell on my lack luster preformance.
I did post my third fastest kilo to date. Without any true track training
I Should be happy with that.
You can't win if you don't train.
I never trained specifically for either of my track events.
Coach Tommy built a training program to improve my Time Trialing.
An event much different than the two races i just finished.
None the less, I was hoping for better. A personal best would have been
nice to see. I got off the bike disappointed that I wasn't faster.
That's where the level headed wisdom of a coach comes in.
Both team coaches, Craig and Jim reminded me that I hadn't trained
for either event. They didn't expect anything for that reason and I should
not dwell on my lack luster preformance.
I did post my third fastest kilo to date. Without any true track training
I Should be happy with that.
Monday, September 8, 2008
The kilo!
9.9.08
In a couple of hours I'll be back on the track
ready to ride straight into a blackout state of mind.
Amazing that in just over 1 minute of riding a person can
rid themselves of all coherant thought. In a race of 4 laps
I can forget which lap I'm on, even though The most important
things to me at that moments is trying to get the damned thing
over with.
From the first pedal stroke my heartrate begins to race, legs begin
to burn and my breathing is anything but controllable.
once up to speed i try to take one quick moment to settle in
and then it's truelly go time.
My goal is to go sub 1:15:05 the WR is 1:08:00
In a couple of hours I'll be back on the track
ready to ride straight into a blackout state of mind.
Amazing that in just over 1 minute of riding a person can
rid themselves of all coherant thought. In a race of 4 laps
I can forget which lap I'm on, even though The most important
things to me at that moments is trying to get the damned thing
over with.
From the first pedal stroke my heartrate begins to race, legs begin
to burn and my breathing is anything but controllable.
once up to speed i try to take one quick moment to settle in
and then it's truelly go time.
My goal is to go sub 1:15:05 the WR is 1:08:00
day 2 Summary
9.8.08
A very easy day for me - a very golden day for the Cycling Team.
Learn more at the approved Paralympic media outlets.
www.paralympicsport.tv
www.univrsalsports.com
www.usparalympics.org
A day between races is a day to relax but stay "open"
A ride in the morning with stretching afterwards keeps the legs
from going stale. The idea is to keep the blood flowing through the muscles.
This aids the recovery process. Also it's good to keep a little tension in the
legs so that their primed to fire the following day.
After my nap I joined a couple of teammates and headed to the Water Cube to
watch some swimming. The venue is remarkable. The swimming inside was equally
impressive. Sitting in the athlete section I watched two events showcasing the
best blind breaststrokers in the world. The races were fast with one posting a WR.
Just as the bird's Nest was the Cube was packed with spectators.
Minutes after a quick wrap up meeting after dinner i was conked out.
A very easy day for me - a very golden day for the Cycling Team.
Learn more at the approved Paralympic media outlets.
www.paralympicsport.tv
www.univrsalsports.com
www.usparalympics.org
A day between races is a day to relax but stay "open"
A ride in the morning with stretching afterwards keeps the legs
from going stale. The idea is to keep the blood flowing through the muscles.
This aids the recovery process. Also it's good to keep a little tension in the
legs so that their primed to fire the following day.
After my nap I joined a couple of teammates and headed to the Water Cube to
watch some swimming. The venue is remarkable. The swimming inside was equally
impressive. Sitting in the athlete section I watched two events showcasing the
best blind breaststrokers in the world. The races were fast with one posting a WR.
Just as the bird's Nest was the Cube was packed with spectators.
Minutes after a quick wrap up meeting after dinner i was conked out.
Sunday, September 7, 2008
day 1 summary
9.7.08
Most of the time jitters and nerves done get to me while racing the bike.
The only moment is when I clip in at the gait waiting for the count down. Then I ride and I calm.
But this time I was racing in China at the biggest sporting event in my life!
The size of the event probably came into play when by lap four I was way hot and just
burning up my engine. I felt good and I tried to believe that holding that pace was possible.
Then the breathing catches up to the adrenaline spike and the muscle burn brings you back
to reality. In the last few laps I had enough of my coach yelling splits.
All I wanted to hear was the beautiful sound of the bell, indicating 1 lap to go.
20 seconds of pure hell to go. Getting off the bike I was dizzy, unable to stand or talk.
Michelle - my wonderful staff/friend helped me down the ramp and onto my other bike.
Regardless of my result or anyone else's - the buzz it in the air and the talk is of composition.
Here in Beijing, THE WORLD IS AT PLAY!!
Most of the time jitters and nerves done get to me while racing the bike.
The only moment is when I clip in at the gait waiting for the count down. Then I ride and I calm.
But this time I was racing in China at the biggest sporting event in my life!
The size of the event probably came into play when by lap four I was way hot and just
burning up my engine. I felt good and I tried to believe that holding that pace was possible.
Then the breathing catches up to the adrenaline spike and the muscle burn brings you back
to reality. In the last few laps I had enough of my coach yelling splits.
All I wanted to hear was the beautiful sound of the bell, indicating 1 lap to go.
20 seconds of pure hell to go. Getting off the bike I was dizzy, unable to stand or talk.
Michelle - my wonderful staff/friend helped me down the ramp and onto my other bike.
Regardless of my result or anyone else's - the buzz it in the air and the talk is of composition.
Here in Beijing, THE WORLD IS AT PLAY!!
Equiped to kick A** in China
One of the many Proud Sponsors of the US Paralympic Team is of course Nike.Here are the sneakers that we're to wear while representing over here in China.
I've been wearing the Nike Flip flops due to my causal nature. Ralph Lauren
also supplied footwear for the opening ceremonies.
Nike also provided most of the clothing and our racing kits for the games.
It's been a while since my last pair of sneaks.
Let the games begin.
9.7.08
The flag has been raised and the torch lit, now it's time to play.
unfortunately, my first event is the one I dread the most. A 3 kilometer
time Trial on the velodrome. I say this because racing 3 kms is a brutally hard
distance to pace correctly. I've been flirting with 4 minute barrier for years
and have always blown up in the last few laps trying to hold the split-times.
This morning was no different. The start was spot on (for me) and the first km was
just under my schedule. Then I unravelled.
You will have to go to www.universalsports.com to find the results. Feel free just to wait
for the next race where hopefully I can makes our country a little proud.
If you haven't seen it, the same website has the opening ceremonies available.
I'm almost last in the delegation as we walked in. I;m seated in the second row three quaters around from where we entered. The little kids in frog costumes blew everyone of the 91,000 people in attendance away!!
Time for a nap and massage.
The flag has been raised and the torch lit, now it's time to play.
unfortunately, my first event is the one I dread the most. A 3 kilometer
time Trial on the velodrome. I say this because racing 3 kms is a brutally hard
distance to pace correctly. I've been flirting with 4 minute barrier for years
and have always blown up in the last few laps trying to hold the split-times.
This morning was no different. The start was spot on (for me) and the first km was
just under my schedule. Then I unravelled.
You will have to go to www.universalsports.com to find the results. Feel free just to wait
for the next race where hopefully I can makes our country a little proud.
If you haven't seen it, the same website has the opening ceremonies available.
I'm almost last in the delegation as we walked in. I;m seated in the second row three quaters around from where we entered. The little kids in frog costumes blew everyone of the 91,000 people in attendance away!!
Time for a nap and massage.
Friday, September 5, 2008
Opening Ceremonies!
9.6.08
Tonight we march into battle as one country- The USA agienst the World !
The battleground is China. The goal is not land or power but rather a gold medallion
that tells everyone Worldwide who's
best.
Tomarrow I race in the 3 km ind. pursuit on the velodrome. My personal goal is to
set a personal best and break the Paralympic American record of 3:58:00
The podium times will be closer to 3:40. That is on a different plane from what I
can manage. My time will come out on the open Chinese Roads.
but tonight - dressed in our Ralph Lauren Fighting costume we march as one into Beijing!!
Tonight we march into battle as one country- The USA agienst the World !
The battleground is China. The goal is not land or power but rather a gold medallion
that tells everyone Worldwide who's
best.
Tomarrow I race in the 3 km ind. pursuit on the velodrome. My personal goal is to
set a personal best and break the Paralympic American record of 3:58:00
The podium times will be closer to 3:40. That is on a different plane from what I
can manage. My time will come out on the open Chinese Roads.
but tonight - dressed in our Ralph Lauren Fighting costume we march as one into Beijing!!
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Rest & recovery.
9.5.08
not many jobs will require you to lay in bed and do as little as physically
possible. Then again not many jobs demand that you train so hard that
you throw up on the side of the road. That's just part of the rollercoaster
lifestyle of a Pro cyclist.
Today is a rest day. Feels like I haven't rested since hearing I was selected.
my plan is to read a book and take a nap. Some days it's great to be a bike racer.
For all that read this, I love to read the comments (Thanks Charlie!)
Please feel free to post a comment or e-mail me directly.
www.mikelfarrell28@hotmail.com
not many jobs will require you to lay in bed and do as little as physically
possible. Then again not many jobs demand that you train so hard that
you throw up on the side of the road. That's just part of the rollercoaster
lifestyle of a Pro cyclist.
Today is a rest day. Feels like I haven't rested since hearing I was selected.
my plan is to read a book and take a nap. Some days it's great to be a bike racer.
For all that read this, I love to read the comments (Thanks Charlie!)
Please feel free to post a comment or e-mail me directly.
www.mikelfarrell28@hotmail.com
At full Strength
9.5.08
On 8.30.08 myself and the track squad came over to adjust for racing on 9.7.
Last night the second half of the team showed. This consisted of 4 handcyclist and
one road specific rider.
It was nice to be all together. With the full team there is a greater level of energy
around. At dinner we talk about the race course and how things may shake out.
Maybe the shock of being in China is wearing off and my attention is shifting more towards the racing. The travel is great but can take away from the focus of our goal - to win medals!
On 8.30.08 myself and the track squad came over to adjust for racing on 9.7.
Last night the second half of the team showed. This consisted of 4 handcyclist and
one road specific rider.
It was nice to be all together. With the full team there is a greater level of energy
around. At dinner we talk about the race course and how things may shake out.
Maybe the shock of being in China is wearing off and my attention is shifting more towards the racing. The travel is great but can take away from the focus of our goal - to win medals!
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
A dream realized
9.4.08
This morning I sat on the shuttle bus looking off at the lush chinese hillside.
A thought, then an emotion rolled through me. My dream had come true.
Through years of determination and of course a bit of luck I accomplished what I set out to do.
Like many people, I grew up needing a focus. Many times I thought I found something that could harness my attention but nothing ever held it so completely as cycling.
Lately, I've thought about how a scattered brained surf bum found himself
in CHINA representing the USA. Lots of things had to fall into place but the main reason is a desire to do what it takes. A love for the process. I'd imagine the only way to succeed is simply want to do the work.
For the first time in my life I found a goal that could be accomplished that was linked to a great passion of mine.
And now I sit on a bus in Beijing. Finally understanding the reward that comes with hard work.
And yes, Racing bikes is brutally hard work!
This morning I sat on the shuttle bus looking off at the lush chinese hillside.
A thought, then an emotion rolled through me. My dream had come true.
Through years of determination and of course a bit of luck I accomplished what I set out to do.
Like many people, I grew up needing a focus. Many times I thought I found something that could harness my attention but nothing ever held it so completely as cycling.
Lately, I've thought about how a scattered brained surf bum found himself
in CHINA representing the USA. Lots of things had to fall into place but the main reason is a desire to do what it takes. A love for the process. I'd imagine the only way to succeed is simply want to do the work.
For the first time in my life I found a goal that could be accomplished that was linked to a great passion of mine.
And now I sit on a bus in Beijing. Finally understanding the reward that comes with hard work.
And yes, Racing bikes is brutally hard work!
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
9.3.08
Last night I slept 8 hours. Something that hasn't happened it a while.
Switching sleep schedule this dramatically has taken alot out of me. I've struggled
to make every training ride and team meeting, awake.
I must say that what I've seen of the race venues and the Paralympic village -
-kind a blows me away- The natural environment is green and lush different than Colo. Springs.
The Host Country has spared no expense in impressing it's guests. The landscaping and artistic structures show how important these games are to this country.
From what I hear the Village is the best that some staff can remember. The cycling, swimming and track & Field live in a 6 story condo in heart of the village. We are located a few minute walk from the food & internet cafe. Everywhere I walk I see displays of Chinese Art work.
The velodrome is one the best I've ridden in the world. It's a wooden 250 meter indoor track with 45-48 degree banks. The surrounding building has cabins to accommodate each nation.
The track is located 40 minutes away from the village.
The road course starts and ends on a damn and loops around a beautiful valley lake.
The area is surrounded by low lying mountains which reveal ancient chinese buildings.
The course it'self has one steady climb of just a kilometer and a few other short bumps that can
be powered over. The race will either break up on the climb or in the technical section that winds around the damn.
Overall I'm very impressed by what I've seen. But my physical surroundings are nothing to
the people I've met and the feeling I get when I think that I'm at the 2008 Beijing Summer Games.
Last night I slept 8 hours. Something that hasn't happened it a while.
Switching sleep schedule this dramatically has taken alot out of me. I've struggled
to make every training ride and team meeting, awake.
I must say that what I've seen of the race venues and the Paralympic village -
-kind a blows me away- The natural environment is green and lush different than Colo. Springs.
The Host Country has spared no expense in impressing it's guests. The landscaping and artistic structures show how important these games are to this country.
From what I hear the Village is the best that some staff can remember. The cycling, swimming and track & Field live in a 6 story condo in heart of the village. We are located a few minute walk from the food & internet cafe. Everywhere I walk I see displays of Chinese Art work.
The velodrome is one the best I've ridden in the world. It's a wooden 250 meter indoor track with 45-48 degree banks. The surrounding building has cabins to accommodate each nation.
The track is located 40 minutes away from the village.
The road course starts and ends on a damn and loops around a beautiful valley lake.
The area is surrounded by low lying mountains which reveal ancient chinese buildings.
The course it'self has one steady climb of just a kilometer and a few other short bumps that can
be powered over. The race will either break up on the climb or in the technical section that winds around the damn.
Overall I'm very impressed by what I've seen. But my physical surroundings are nothing to
the people I've met and the feeling I get when I think that I'm at the 2008 Beijing Summer Games.
Monday, September 1, 2008
8.31.08 & 9.1.08
I arrived yesterday after was just too long in the sky. 14 hours all together.
The Cycling team traveled with the US Women's Basketball team which helped pass the
time. I took the time to get to know a few of the b-ball team. Their stories of past games
got me excited and finally after all this time what I was doing was finally sinking in.
I have plenty to write about but due to my jetlag I'll keep it short.
The team and I went for a spin and recon ride of both the Road curcuit and the velodrome.
Both venues are fast and will produce great racing.
My coach has us on a tight schedule. This is to keep us awake and adjust to the time zone change. China has one Time Zone for the entire country!
My thought was to tell everyone about the the olympic village and Beijing in general but due to my tiredness I'm going to have to wait.
I will say that I'm taken back by seeing so many athletes from all around the world.
4,000 athletes from over 150 nations gathered to fight it out in Sport is something special to witness and even more so to be part of.
I arrived yesterday after was just too long in the sky. 14 hours all together.
The Cycling team traveled with the US Women's Basketball team which helped pass the
time. I took the time to get to know a few of the b-ball team. Their stories of past games
got me excited and finally after all this time what I was doing was finally sinking in.
I have plenty to write about but due to my jetlag I'll keep it short.
The team and I went for a spin and recon ride of both the Road curcuit and the velodrome.
Both venues are fast and will produce great racing.
My coach has us on a tight schedule. This is to keep us awake and adjust to the time zone change. China has one Time Zone for the entire country!
My thought was to tell everyone about the the olympic village and Beijing in general but due to my tiredness I'm going to have to wait.
I will say that I'm taken back by seeing so many athletes from all around the world.
4,000 athletes from over 150 nations gathered to fight it out in Sport is something special to witness and even more so to be part of.
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