Training Camp: Jo Daviess County

I don't have much to say about this post except this was one of the best days I've had all year. Full of special people in a special place. Great training for the big dance in 3 weeks. We are getting prepared and are ready to put up a fight! 80 miles in Jo Daviess county is like 150 anywhere else....the legs are shot, so much climbing!

- JB

My 500th Post: Fabian Cancellara Wins Flanders 2014

One of my favorite cyclists wins my favorite spring classic for a 3rd time!

Woodstock-Kettle Moraine-Woodstock

Dressed just right for the tailwind up to kettle

 

Hitting some gravel near Harvard

 Getting snubbed amongst the rich

Riding on South Shore around Lake Delavan

north, north, north....keep heading north

Rest stop to shed layers

 

Delicious lunch at the LaGrange general store at our target destination. Talked with Andy who manages the Backyard Bike shop up at Kettle. Had a great turkey sandwich, delicious Apple Ale by New Glarus and a lemon sanpellegrino. Fuelin' up!

 

Mid ride fuel

Getting ready to get back at it and brave the 20mph headwind that was so kind to us on the way up. 

The bike is dialed in for Trans Iowa

Heading to Whitewater Lake State Park

Beer Belly

The park was beautiful

My recovery drink when I got home, a tribute to getting to see my two friends from New York in almost 3 weeks!

David and I met up on the road and had a goal of riding up to Kettle Moraine on Sunday. The wind was out of the south and we knew we would have a nasty headwind on the way home but we went for it. David had a 90 mile day on Saturday and I did a 65 mile day so we were thankful for the tailwind to get the legs spinning at the start. We kept heading north and enjoyed the warming temps and beautiful day. Everything was enjoyable about this ride. We made it up to Kettle and had lunch and beers and headed over to Whitewater Lake State Park which we had never been to. It was beautiful over there and we got in some good climbing for the day. The headwind was nasty at points on the way home but I didn't even care because it was warm out. Had a great ride on a beautiful day. David had a massive week with 450 miles and I did about 260. Will be 55 miles short of my 1000 mile goal for March but I am happy with my effort. We will be ready for Trans Iowa. Spring is here! Finally!!!

- JB

Chill Cruise

How I REALLY train for Trans Iowa

Who you callin' slow?!

My buddy Todd got me out for a chill ride around some of the cart paths in the golf courses in Crystal Lake before they open up. It was good to ride my Mariachi for the first time this year. Thanks for the beers and getting me out!

- JB

Cold and Windy Sunday Gravel Ride

Great pic of Llama, Ari, and La Kruz climbing some gravel

Jakey standing on a tree that was wedged under a bridge in Potowami Woods

Bike is feeling dialed

El Jefe

Llama rolling along

The group heading back to DeKalb

Ari found an arrow...don't mess with him

Potowami Woods

Ari sprained his ankel on this patch of ice

Crazy

My drive home

Blue Demon riding with me out to meet Ari, ass crack early after a night of "training" and little sleep

Met up with some great/old friends on Saturday night for some beers and stayed at the double wide with my boys. Derek and I got up early and made some breakfast and tried to work off a nasty hangover. We met Ari on the great western trail (part of which was rideable) and Derek kept on rolling to work (he got a 100+ mile commute, awesome!). Ari and I chatted and met up with Jakey and the Llama in Sycamore and kept heading north into the horrible and chilling headwind. We refueled and warmed up in Kirkland, IL where after taking off my soaking wet gloves I could not get my hands warm enough again. Chad and Ari hooked me up with extra/dry gloves and my hands returned to normal. Thanks for the glove love gentlemen! We hit Potowami woods and Ari slipped on some ice and couldn't unclip his left foot where he rolled an ankle and was in a lot of pain after that....get healthy! 5 weeks to go! We hit some gravel after that and I ended the day with 72 miles and a total of 272 for the week. The legs and bike are feeling great....just need to maintain. We then met up with Ari's extended family and consumed a delicious Chinese buffet. Great day, great friends, just what the doctor ordered (except the rolled ankle). 

- JB