Its good to be back

Since my season ended nearly three weeks ago, I was instructed to not even look at my bike for 2-3 weeks. It was a nice break at first, but coming home and not being able to go for a ride really started to get old.
Today was my first day back in the saddle since, and damn did it feel good. I left school as it started to snow, and by the time i was filling my tires up there was a solid layer covering the streets.
The sketchy conditions kept me from my favorite valley forge loop, but it was nice to see streets i havent rode on for months in a completely different season.
Riding in the cold can be brutal and intimidating, but being able to get outside on two wheels in the cold weather definitely makes up for the numb fingers and toes. I'm looking forward to the next few months filled with long, slow miles in the chilly weather; a drastic change from 3 months of intense intervals to prepare for the weekend cross races.
thanks for reading.

The Difference a Year Makes

A little over a year ago I pieced together a used surly cross bike with a beat shimano drivetrain. After 4 weeks of very unconventional "training" (no intervals, no recovery, no clue) I showed up at my first cyclocross race. Before the first lap was over, I was already hooked on racing cross. The next three months I begged and bribed my parents to bring me to races despite their pleas for a free weekend. I didn't let my minimal training and complete lack of knowledge or expertise stop me from what i would consider a successful first season, and it resulted in the overall win of the beginner U19 field.

Fast forward a couple months, to the MAC prom mid february. David Berson, a complete stranger at the time & host of Valentin Scherz, announced he was looking for a family to host another Swiss U-23 rider. My dad started a conversation with Dave, and over the next few months it was arranged we would host Anthony Grand, a top U23 cross racer from europe.

Skip ahead again to mid summer. At this point I have a coach and I'm beginning to put some real miles in. Aside from changes in my own bike-world, a shift is beginning to be made in my house. the pantry has been relocated to make space for water bottles and protein supplements, and the cabinet becomes filled with Bob's Red Mill products after my mom learns they sponsor a cross team. 

Eventually, our host racer Anthony settles in and we count down the days till the first race. The night before Nittany arrives, but instead of my solo routine of prepping for the following day I realize my whole family is getting ready. Last minute equipment adjustments are completed along side anthony dialing his own bike in. My mom is cooking all sorts of food for the team. And my dad is busy packing the car with the essentials for an all day event. 

After the first race, the season flew by and now I am realizing the amazing transformations that took place in just one year. I moved up from the junior category to the killer b's. I raced all over the east coast instead of just the tristate area. Races changed from my personal event to a family affair. And most importantly, I was constantly surrounded by teammates, friends, fast people, and incredible mentors who made this season rock.