Chronicles of a bike racer

So a lot has happened...

2010-05-03T19:46:00.000-07:00

Since the last post I did about a year and a half ago. School, work and of course racing....

Most of you may now know that I am now co-owner of Velo Souplesse Cycling and Fitness Center in West Chester, PA. Fellow racer/friend Mike Chauner and I decided to partner up and create a place where cyclists of all disciplines, goals and fitness levels can train and learn more about the sport. Our services are all on the website www.velosouplesse.com, so check it out!!!

We decided on this venture in early september.... Long story short, we opened almost 3 months later on November 30th. It was exhausting but we did it. And I have to say that Mike is a great businessman and it wouldn't have been possible without all his hard work and determination throughout our adventure. When I look at what we did, it's no different than the feats we accomplish on our bikes. Putting in ridiculous milage, tiring our legs day after day in the pursuit of our goals. Obstacles and challenges are presented all the time... And time after time, we defeat those obstacles. Why not do it off the bike?

Racing----> 2009 was a good season for me. The first half was a lack luster, due to fatigue from living in a dorm, studying and keeping up with my usual training. By late July my legs came around and felt stronger than I have ever felt. Managed 4th at Tour of Christiana (with lots of mechanicals) and almost won the state road race championship in september (long, heart breaking story for some other time).

I plan to be strong in 2010. The training is going well, the weight is coming down and the power is going up. Besides some lower back and knee issues that I was able to sort out, my health is good.

That's all for now, more to come. For now, I'm gonna keep on keepin on!

Best,

The end of a good season

2008-09-02T18:51:00.000-07:00

So the season is pretty much over. Well, for me at least!

The plan was to race up until the Yuasa Criterium in mid-September. But, two weeks ago at the Tour of Millersburg a guy decided to crash in front of me 2-miles from the finish in the road race. I hit and flipped over him and landed hard, fracturing my wrist in two place, bruising a rib from landing on his pedal and getting some nice cuts on my arm from a chain ring.

As always, it could have been worse...

Two-days after the crash I was out on my bike.

Not fun holding the bars with one hand. But I was keeping the hope that I could maybe make a quick recovery, but that's not how broken bones work. A week later my arm was put in a hard cast. Doc says 6-weeks. So either I keep riding with one hand just to keep some form, so I can MAYBE do one or two races in late September. OR, I can just call is a season and take my usual end of the season break now. I choose the latter. So now I'm taking my break early. No pun intended!!!

Overall it has been a great season. No real good results to report on my end, but overall a great learning experience on everything from tactics to training. Participated in some really big races. Most of them were the real deal, so it was awesome to gain that experience. I was feeling burned out my Millersburg anyway, so the wrist breakage hasn't been as big of a deal to me as it would have, had it happened back in June! That would have SUCKED!

It (the season) started doing long 100-miles rides to the Derby all winter with Mike, then went on to doing my first UCI stage race at the Tour of Belize in Feb. A bunch of local races in March and April. Great races in May and the Tour of Ohio in June. Getting spanked by the pros in Mt. Holly and Iron Hill in July. It's been challenging, fun, exciting, adrenaline rushing and at time frustrating. But I wouldn't take any of it back for the world.

After a nice break, I'll be ready to start building up for next season!

Best,

TG

Tour of Ohio Stage 4&5

2008-06-23T09:44:00.000-07:00

Friday and Saturday were the last two stages of the tour of Ohio. Fridays stage 4 was a really cool circuit race in a residential area. For those of you who are local racers, the course was very identical to the Grandview Heights race in Lancaster, PA. The course had a nice little hill on it, which really wore down on the legs every lap. It was a really fast race. The back side of the course was a gradual down hill, but even then I was always in my 53X11 holding on for dear life. Gabe got into a really good break containing (initially) 18 guys. They stayed aways almost the entire race until it was brought back with 7 laps to go. This was really weird, because all the teams were represented in the break. Apparently some guy riding essentially for himself, went to the front and pulled it back for no apparent reason. From there it was a sprint, and Inferno took 1st&2nd. Inferno is a really good crit team with lots of horse power. After the race, some of the locals invited us over for a party. They were incredibly friendly and we all had a blast!

Stage 5 was a really weird way to end this race. The race was supposed to be 50-miles. It left from Denison University and headed out to country roads for 4-laps on a 7-mile circuit. After that, we would head back to the University and do 10-laps of a 1-mile crit at the school. The finishing crit course was really strange/dangerous. You would go up a 20-25percent grade on a brick road for about 1/4 mile. Then make a right turn at the top onto some freshly paved asphalt (laid 3 days earlier, yet slick at anything!) then zig-zag our way to a 500meter decent down a cement hill that was at least a 25% grade! At the bottom was a 180degree turn, followed by a 90degree left, then another 90degree right, then you were on the finishing stretch. All we needed was some rain to make it even more sketchy! Sure enough, there was a severe weather warning. While out on the open roads for the first circuits, the sky got really dark. Greg got into the big break of the day. Winds picked up a lot, some hail came down, rain, lightening, and we even saw a funnel cloud forming. I couldn't believe the race wasn't stopped, but there was really no where for us to go! We were on wide open back roads, surrounded by fields. As we made it back into town, they lowered the laps of the finishing crit to just 4-laps. The roads were super slick making the course ridiculously crazy and the descent totally insane. The race shattered into little groups of 1s and 2s. It was like a cyclocross or MTB race. I am not sure where everyone finished, but it was chaos.

So that's the tour of ohio!

untill next time

TG

Tour of Ohio Stage 3

2008-06-19T21:26:00.000-07:00

I was able to race today! Although I am 1hr back on GC! Oh well, no worries.

Today was stage 3, a 60 mile road race. It was supposed to be flat with a few climbs, but was actually very rolling with some pretty tough and steep hills. From the start, Greg and I tried to cover a few moves but nothing stuck. Dan hung around at the front for a really long time and attacked numerous times and bridged a bunch of gaps. The course was basically started in Mt' Vernon Ohio, went to another town than came straight back. On the way out on the rolling roads, we were absolutely cruising at 40+ Mph. Dave Felpel told us that a few times he saw 55mph on the speedometer in the car while in the caravan. The high speeds make any kind of breakaway short lived, as the main field had an incredible amount of momentum. The pace was pretty high going up most of the climbs, which really put the hurt down on everyone. Heading back to Mt. Vernon there was still no break up the road, so it was evident it would be a crazy finish.

Here is how the finish was: Wide main road, with a hard right hand turn that led up a pretty steep twisting climb to the finish. This meant that everyone was going to fight to be the first through that right hand turn if they were to have any chance of getting a good place. And remember, we are also going down this main road at 40+mph!!! about 5 miles from the finish, a deer almost took out the field. It ran out from a field to our left and just barely missed the front of the field. The deer was running at maybe 20mph, and we were moving at 40 or so.... So it was pretty damn close. Also the distance of the race ended up being 75 miles, not 60. Since we thought it was only 60-miles, we opted out on having anyone in the feed zone (as did most other teams). So everyone ended up being out of fluids towards the end of the race. Mike started cramping up bad and I was afraid he would fall off the back, but he was able to hang on.

Zac and Greg were dropped on some of the earlier climbs, so it was Dan, Mike, Gabe and myself going to the finish. As I expected there was a big crash just before the final right hand turn, as riders tried to move up on both the right and left sides of the field, which compressed everything and caused bars to touch and wheels to hit wheels, which caused riders to hit the deck. I was able to avoid the crash, which held up myself and a bunch of others. Gabe was up front and was able to take 11th on the stage. The pay out only went up to 10th place. DOH!!

Time for bed.
TG

Tour of Ohio Stage 2

2008-06-18T14:41:00.000-07:00

Today's 70-mile road stage was another rough day, with some bad luck mixed in...

The legs felt, eh. The pace wasn't too bad. The climbs were MUCH more significant and difficult that we had expected. I mean, it's Ohio, how bad could they be? All I have to say is I really wish I had not left my 11-26 cassette at home! All I had to use was a 11-23, which was pretty hard to turn over. The climbs were not too long, maybe a mile or so at the most. But those suckers were steep!!!

Greg and Zac were in a bit of trouble early on the climbs. Mike, Gabe, Dan and myself were hanging out towards the front. Gabe got into a really good 4-man break which gained a significant advantage over the field.

Then, Gabe was standing on the side of the road next to his bike waiting for the shimano neutral support. Zac and I dropped back from the field to wait for him... And wait.... and wait.... Turns out Gabe broke his chain and needed a neutral bike, so they had to get his seat height set and switch his pedals... This ended up taking almost 5 minutes. That ended our hope of ever getting back to the main field.

We just rode along so we would make the time cut. Zac's dad Dave was driving our support vehicle and rode past me to head back to the main field. As he past he asked if I needed anything, but I was fine. A minute later my rear tubular went flat! So i ended up being stranded on some rolling hills, surrounded by forest in who knows where Ohio. No one was around! The first sign of life I saw in all that time was a police cruiser 1 hour later! I was getting pretty concerned anyone would ever find me out there. I ended up riding the flat tire 5-miles on my $1,500 carbon wheels, hoping I could at least find someone. No dice.

I am being told I can start tomorrows race because an official was taking numbers of riders a few miles before I flatted, which means I might just get a bunch of time added to my GC position.... BUT I am not 100% sure if I will be even racing tomorrow.

Mike and Dan had good rides. Mike was the best finishers, placing in the top 20 we think.

all for now, I'm out.

T

Tour of Ohio Stage 1

2008-06-17T20:25:00.000-07:00

Hey Folks,

I am going to make this short and sweet, as it is late, I am tired and have to get up early tomorrow for the Stage 2, 70-mile road race....

Todays stage was insane!

Picture this:

70 riders on a .5 mile loop. One roundabout, 4 narly 90-degree right hand turns (one of which went onto a very sketchey brick road.

From the gun, it was single file. Riders were lined out pretty much the length of (at least) half the course. My legs felt good, and I started to move up a lot.... I was despritly trying to get up to the front, but riders were popping left and right. Eventually the officials pulled almost half the field, even though were were only around 100 meters... from the leaders..

At one point, I went through one turn REALLY fast and almost went over the hay bails! Gabe also made a dramatic save on the same corner. Sketch Fest!

Only Gabe and Mike finished.

This was actually a "proulouge". Basically, it sets up what the general classification will be like starting tomorrow. Everyone who was pulled from the race got the same time as the finishers. The top 3 finishers today only got some time bonuses....

At the race representing Team Alliance are:

Mike Miller, Dan Wilson, Zac Felpel, Gabe Lloyd, myself, and Greg Lovell.

Greg Lovell is a Super sprinter from Belize. He will be racing with us for the summer. This kid is fast! He was a bit dissapointed with how today went, but he is not used to short, technical crits here in America. Right now he is blasting some strange reggae music in the room next to me. We are staying at some really sweet dorms here at Denison University and Grainsville, Ohio.

Tomorrow will be a nice road race, with a 1-mile climb to the finish.

Thats all for now

TG

Update

2008-05-07T21:21:00.000-07:00

What's up?

It's been a while since Belize. A few people have told me that they have been checking out the blog that I never update. So since there are some people reading this thing i'll update...

So far the season has had it's ups and downs. That's bike racing though, nothing to get bent out of shape over... The first real races of the season (A few races in New Jersey, Lower Providence, Ephrata, ect ect) have been a big learning experience for our team. We are learning how to work together and utilize each others strength. The biggest thing I have learned about myself is that I need to be more attentive and aggressive. I guess by nature I am just a laid back, nice guy. I tend to let other rider move in front of me and I don't take the opportunities to make more things happen in races. I am trying to improve on both of these things. Basically I have the engine, I just need the driver....

This past weekend I hope was a bit of a break through for me.

At the Turkey Hill Classic, I got into a 15 man break on the second lap. It turned out to be the winning move. I was with the break for around 65-miles. I felt great and didn't miss many pulls... Unfortunately I cramped up really bad with 2 laps to go and lost contact with the break, which was down to 9 guys by then... It was a bummer! My teammate Dan Wilson, was with me in the break and stayed with it till the end, and got 3rd in the sprint. Overall I felt like I was working pretty hard in the break. Maybe a bit too hard.

The next day in Philly was the memorial hall crit. The team did a great job of controlling the race. I covered a bunch of moves and made it into one break that had the potential to be race winning.... In the end, Mike, Dan and Fred helped get Karl to the front with 2 to go. Karl was the first guy going through the last turn, but was out sprinted in a drag race to the finish.

This weekend I am taking off from racing, but will be back the following week with Union Gove. I hope to do well there. I remember 4-years ago I did this race. It was my first cat 1/2/3 race. There was a break well up the road, and the field had already given up hope of pulling it back. I went for it on the last lap and finished solo for 12th place. My heart rate was around 205 bpm for those 3 miles i was away. After I crossed the finish, I threw up. I think I was sick then for 2 or 3 days after... The race has a bit of sentimental value for me now, I guess... Plus it's 4 miles from my house.

That's all for now.

TG

Picture diary from Belize

2008-02-19T07:56:00.002-08:00

STAGE 1

Team Presentation

Random Pics

Tour of Belize Stages 5&6 Conclusion

2008-02-18T15:32:00.000-08:00

Hey all,

I am doing this post from the philly airport. Sorry I couldn't get online to post about the last 2 stages. Here is the scoup....

STAGE 5

This was the epic stage of this race. If anything was going to change on general clacification, it would happen on this day. From the get go, it was fairly calm in the field. Mike was hurting early in the race and let me know, so that I could take over feeding duties for Gabe and Tony. Mike had to drop out of the race as we reached the first climbs of the day. I was at the back of the pack getting ready to float back into the caravan to the team car for bottles. Little did I know we were reaching the largest climb of the day at the same time. I got stuck behind riders who were getting dropped. Tried to get back into the main field, but not enough gas in the tank. I was bummed I couldnt be there longer to help Gabe and Tony out more, but there was nothing I could do. Gabe and Tony rocked all day long and stayed with the field. Gabe finished in the top 20 and Tony in the top 30. The roads on this stage were REALLY bad. Every single joint in my hands, and every muscle in my arms were soar after the race from all the jarring. As you rode, every bump sapped that much more energy out of your legs. It was a very long 182km! I finished with a group of about 30 behind the main field. Gabe and Tony are riding strong!

Stage 6

Final day! I felt relief that we were finally on the last leg of this race. Each morning became more and more difficult to get up in the morning. Gabe crashed 2 times already and had soar ribs and hips. He was barley getting out of bed! It was down to just 3 of use now. Gabe, Tony and myself. All I wanted to do today was help out Gabe as much as I could and make sure that he had bottle so he could get to the finish and secure his place in GC. Mike was in the team car in the caravan behind. On the race radio he said "90-miles and you will have completed your first ever UCI stage race". That game me a lot of motivation. A UCI stage race... WOW. I stuck around Gabe at the front most of the way through the race, getting him and Tony bottles. As we reached very long stretch of road that is notorious of strong cross winds, the USA national team went to the front and throttled it. 30+mph into a cross wind and the field totally shattered. I knew this was going to happen, so I stayed towards the front, but I guess I was not up far enough, because riders started to pop in front of me, and before I knew it I was moving backwards away from the leaders. Tony missed it was well, so we rode in a group together. Gabe, being the stud he is, stayed with the leaders all the way! He crashed again (3rd time!) going into Belize city. He quickly chased back on the finished with the field. Unbelievable. Great Job Gabe! He finished just outside of the top ten on GC. A great result for sure! The bad news, is the money he won will have to go towards fines that the team owes for not using the proper prosedure during feeding in the early stages. This was purely missunderstanding of the UCI rules on our part. Oh well, that'll happen. 150 swiss franks.

So that's is! My first UCI stage race complete! 800km of racing. Counting the miles we rode before the race started, I put in a little over 700 miles this week. I think a little relaxation is on order right now.

Thanks for the support, and for reading!

Alliance is going to rock this season!

best,

TG

Stage 4

2008-02-15T16:08:00.001-08:00

Hey folks,

Today was stage 4 of the tour. 140km. We were all pretty beat as we went through sign in. Gabe's back and ribs are really soar, and Dan has been hurling most of last night. We think it is because of the heat. Dan still started today anyway.

The race was really fast right from the gun. Most of us figured guys would be tired from the previous days, but we were Way wrong. Heading away from the city, we were moving along at 38mph. Tecos was controlling the front, trying to prevent an breaks. About 30km into the race, the USA national team moved to the front and totally drilled it into the cross wind, and shattered the field. I was too far back, and got stuck in a smal group. Guy were getting droped left and rght, leaving huge gaps. I chased HARD to close gaps. Myself and a rider from Tecos did almost all the work, as maybe 30 or more guys sat on our wheels. It was pretty frustrating. We ended up pulling at 25-30mph for at least 40km and were getting close to the caravan behind the lead group. But the lack of cooperation in our group doomed us, and we ended up never catching them. Mike, Gabe and Tony were up there, tearing it up. Gabe and Tony ended up in the top 20, and Mike close behind. Dan and Joe had to drop out of the race early on. There was on hill on the course called "Cement Hill". Yes, it is cement and also really steep, very similar to manyunk wall, but maybe 1/4 of the length. What made it harder, was that before you hit it, you go threw a one lane metal bridge, and then make a hard 90degree left turn onto it. Tomarrow will be going DOWN cement hill, making a hard right, and going threw the metal bridge from the other way. That should be interesting. 182km tomorrow, in what I am told it the Queen stage of this race. The roads will be the worse so far, with some hills thrown in. It will be a tough one indeed!

Shefield has us at a unbelievable resort right now for the next 2 days. I ahve never seen anything like this. It looks like it is right out of MTV crips. A dissapearing adge pool, each room is seperated into huts, coconut trees everywhere, a few exoctic birds, a menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner ect ect. This evening, we went out to eat in town, and then went to check out the Mian runis. That was an awesome sight! Being able to enjoy this incredible country, eat good food and not think about the race really helped us all out big time. I hope to be strong enough tomorrow to stick with Gabe and do what I can in helping him out. My legs are feeling surprisingly good, and I really do not feel nearly as soar as yesterday.

that's all for now. Ciao!

Big Belize Update

2008-02-15T04:30:00.000-08:00

Hello all,

Forgive me for the lack of posts to date. Getting internet has been really sporatic. I decided to just type up my blog on a Word document, and paste it on here when I had a chance. So today is your lucky day! Sorry for misspelled words and no pics. I have a ton on my camera, but no time to upload them (yet, Also, sorry for possibly incohearent rambling, it was all done in the little time I had had between racing, packing for other hotels, ect ect...

I love this place!....

Sunday Feb 10th, 11th, 12th
I am in Belize!
I arrived on Sunday at around 1pm with Mike Miller and Dave Brown. Dave and his friend Bo, who came later this evening, will be helping with the fliming as well. Dave has a very, very expensice Hi-Def camera and is planning on shooting at least 40hrs of content, and making a 1hr documentary.

Shefield Eck is our team manager and guide during the tour. He picked us up at the airport and took us to our hotel. Shefield is a great guy, incredibly friendly and an awesome host! He is a die hard cycling enthusiast, so he is just as pumped as we are for the race.

What do I think of Belize? Umm… Honestly I do not even know where to begin. I love it. After getting 2hrs of sleep in the past 48hrs, I was exhausted but as soon as we got off the plane and it was 85 degrees and sunny, the exhaustion seemed to just disappear and I could not wait to get on my bike!

I will say that I was nervous seeing the condition of the roads. Very bumpy, lots of pot holes and ruts. Mike and I met up with Tony Taylor, who will be riding with us for the tour, and went for a 30mile ride. The roads here are flat and go for miles and miles. The people are really freinly. I have never seen anything like this place in my entire life. It is just complete culture shock. What makes it easier, is the fact that English is the primarly language here, and Beleizian dollars are in a 2-1 ratio with the US dollar, and most places accept US cash. This makes life much easier.

11th

Mike and I met up with Tony at 7am for a another ride. The idea is to ride early and beat the heat! We rode over the team time trial course. We ended up with about 60miles until Mike and I go back to the hotel. Mike, Bo, Dave and I went out then to check out the ocean and take some pictures.

The rest of the guys arrived today at around 3pm. Dan Wilson, Gabe Lloyd, Joe Witman, and Joes girlfriend and team helper, Dana Cumo. They quickly got their bikes ready, and we all went out for a 20mile ride. It ended up getting dark faster than we had expected, so we ended up stuck 10miles out, on a main road (and the drivers here like to go fast!) with out much visibility. Out of no where a random motorist puts his four-ways on and stayed behind us, all the way back into the city. This is definitely the national sport!

12th

Busy, Busy, Busy day before the race!
Went out and rode around 45miles, practiced doing some different kinds of pacelines on the TTT course to see what would be the most effective. After that, we went out to eat and then immediately had to go to sign in. We were going to do some snorkeling, but no time, no dice. We then ran back to the hotel, picked up out jerseys and bikes and headed back a few blocks to the team presentation. After done with that, we got back to the hotel and found out that we had to pack up our stuff for Wednesday. Shefield booked us rooms at the end of the first stage. Since it is 200km away from where we are now, and Thursdays stage starts from there, we would spend most of the day traveling back and forth. And we still needed to fill our bottles, clean our bikes, and work out the other logistics like radios, feeds, ect ect. Luckly Jackass 2 was on just as we were finishing, so Mike and I were able to have a little comic relief and the end of a very long day.

13th (morning before race)

Today will be the first stage. 198km. Dana informed us that Joe has been up from 1am-5am throwing up. Right now he is trying to get at least some rest. Hopefully he will be a able to get through today…

STAGE 1

A LOT can happen in a 198km bike race. Especially when the distance is misjudged by the organisers, making it more like 200+km (135miles).

At the beginning, there was attack after attack. Our boy Joe, being sick as a dog, ends up getting into the first big break of the way. Being the trooper he is, he stuck in there for at least 80km, and at one point had an 8+ minute gap on the main field. It was pretty increadable. Gabe was able to bridge with some other riders and combine with the break already up the road. Very good timing, as Joe was hurting and had to drop out of the break, but Gabe was able to make it up there and get our jersey represented. Gabe ended up staying with that 22-man break and suffer till the bitter end. His seat even dropped down, had to get that fixed, had 2 wheel changes, and had to take extra long pulls because he was the only loner in the break. All other team had at least 2 guys in the break. Back in the field, Mike went for it with about 50k to go, and stayed away with a small group of guys. Dan broke away too, passed Mikes group, and almost caught the lead break! As for me, I hung around Joe for a while to make sure he was alright. I was constantly looking down at my odometer, watching the miles tick away, waiting until at least 5 miles to go, and try to get away from the field. 115 miles into the race, and with 3 of our guys up the road, I attacked 4 or 5 times. Finally I was able to ride away from the field, and drug a few guys from Tecos and Santagos with me. I even let a guy have one of my bottles, as I figured I wouldn’t need it. Heck, all I had to do was suffer the last 5 miles and get to the finish. WRONG. Ends up there was at least 15miles until the finish. I suffered like a dog trying to keep the pace up. Eventually 10 more guys bridges up to my group, incuding the yellow jersey of Marlin Castillo. 125 miles, I was absolutely toast. I had to drop out of my group and hope the field would not catch me. The last 5-10 miles were the longest of my life. I was getting chills, and struggles to stay at 20mph, and watching at small groups caught and past me. Joe eventually caught up to me, and we rode into the finish together, just a few seconds ahead of what was rest of the field. I was increadably exaushed after that ordeal. I lost at least 10 lbs of water weight. Completely drainded. Needless to say, it was an epic day for sure. There you have it, stage 1. 5 more to go.

Stage 2

When I woke up today, I was pretty soar. Not just my legs, but my hands. Every joints in my hand ached from the constant and unforgiving vibrations of the roads here. I also was really starting to get some nice saddle soars. Today is also our double stage day. 105km back to Belize City, and then a 40k Team Time Trial in the evening. Stage 2 was pretty crazy. Tecos, who had one of their riders in yello stayed at the front and controlled the field. It was fast right from the start. We were going at least 27-30mph for the first 20km, until team started to realize that nothing was going to stick. Gabe and Dan crashed right in front of me. It was a freak thing, we were not going very fast, apparently a USA u23 rider hit a rut and went onto Dan, taking him, Gabe and a few other out. Mike and I waited to Dan, then eventually Gabe emerged from the caravan. Gabe was the worst off with road rash on his back, and side, and some mechanical stuff done on the side of the road. We road all out for about 10-15min and caught the field. From there, we just sat in and tried to stay out of trouble. We need to just get through this stage in one piece! Luckly, that is what happened, and the field stayed together and ended in a bunch sprint, which everyone crossing together.

Stage 3
Team Time Trial. I was really eausted from our stages so far. As I write this, I am laying on my Hotel bed It has been the first time I have been able to sit down and relax since 5:30am this morning. It is 10pm right now. The racing is one thing, but traveling from hotel to hotel, cleaning my bike, packing, getting food, eating, makes for a very, very busy day! Back to stage 3. Going into the TT, I was not really expecting much out of myself personally. We only had 6 guys, while most of the other powerhouse teams had 9, along with the full TT getup, and full support crews. We stared the TTT pretty fast, doing a double paseline, each guy pulling through, one after another, short pulls. At first I was hurting, and was not sure how long I was going to hang in there. We needed 4 guys to get to the finish together for a final time. Going out on the course, it was all headwind. Totally brutal. Very, very painful. All of us were on the rivet, trying to keep the speed at 28+mph. Dan threw up right in front of me, and soon after had to drop off. After we got to the turn around, we had the tailwind, but that dosent mean things get easier. It just gets faster. Mortoring along, taking pulls at 32mph. with around 10k to go, Joe popped and fell off. This brough us down to Mike, me, Tony, and Gabe. We had to stay together from there on out. We suffered like dogs and made it to the finish in 56:30. Avg speed around 27+mph. It was probably the most intense suffering I have experience on the bike…..hmmm… I guess since yesterdays 130mile killer, LOL…. My glutes hurt like crazy after the TTT was over! I have not been leaned over a bike in that position, while riding at that intensity, for a long time, if ever. I was afraid I might have strained something, because I could barely get off my bike afterwards, or even bend down to tie my shoes. Luckly, things are feeling better after I was able to get some stretching in. Hopefully by tomarrow morning I will healed enough to be somewhat comfortable on the bike. Overall I surprised myself in the TTT and we were able to still get in a descent time, given the number of guys we have, and the fact that 2 crashed earlier in the day, and the other is getting over a stomach bug. I am exhausted. Time for bed, and then we have 140km tomarrow from Belize City, to the Guatemalin border. Thanks for reading! And yes, I am having the time of my life. Even with all the suffering! That’s what it’s all about .

Winter Miles

2008-01-15T20:35:00.000-08:00

Training has been going really well. I hope to be in good shape by the Spring!

I will be competing in the M&M Engineering Tour of Belize from Feb 13th-17th. It will be a 5-day, 6-stage race totaling 800km. It should be a ton of fun and really help to be a good launch pad for the season!

I plan on having daily updates on here when I am there, so check in to see what's up in Belize!

Speaking of Belize. It was all I could think about on todays ride...

Building a foundation

2007-11-16T19:51:00.000-08:00

Instead of wasting my time watching episodes of “The Office”, I mine as well do a little updating…
Lately I have been satisfied at how things have been going. The only issue that still keeps me somewhat concerned is a little quadriceps tendonitis in the left knee, which has been ongoing. Luckily I was able to get a prescription for physical therapy from Dr. Gish of OAL. I went to PT (my 7th PT by now???) and they had me doing some strengthening stuff for my inner quads. They also did some cross friction massage on the tendon to beak up scar tissue and used a neat muscle stim patch that was filled with prescription medicine and basically forced the stuff into the tendon thru the skin VIA electrodes (also to help break up scar tissue)… My PT, Eric feels confident that the tendonitis is not anything that I will not be able to work through (given that I don’t start mashing gears everyday). I will keep a close eye on it and make sure I don’t do anything stupid to aggravate it. Oh, and of course my back pain… All I will say is that I don’t have any complaints and hope it stays that way until I am too old and senile to ride a bike and the doctors have me restrained in a stray jacket, confined in an area where I am no less than 10-miles from anything with two wheels.
Okay, enough talk about injuries…
I am training for next season. I started doing power intervals on the bike, instead of lifting in the gym. Other than that, a lot of base mileage at a low intensity. I also got hooked up with a PowerTab SL that I will be utilizing. My coach is Bart Torre, a great friend of mine for quite some time now. I met Bart way back when I first started racing. Bart is a total machine on the bike, and has amazing knowledge of the science and physiology of training, nutrition and the like. I am really looking forward to following a structured program and being able to log and calculate everything I do and track my progress. The past year, due to the knee and back problem, I pretty much just rode my bike and hoped it was enough to get me by in elite races. It ended up being just barley enough, but I really craved the ability to gauge my fitness and have a plan as to what kind of training I am doing, AND when.
It’s cold out now. It’s windy. Sometimes is raining. Sometimes it's cold AND wet. Sometimes it is cold, wet and windy. Frankly, I could care less. I am just happy to be riding my bike!!!
Speaking of that, it’s time to ride.

TG

What would I do without Health Insurance?

2007-10-02T20:50:00.000-07:00

So while I should have been doing homework, I decided to go threw some of my
records, to see exactly what I had to do over the past 7-years for my sucky back problem. Most of the stuff is from the past 3 years. AND NO!… This is NOT an exaggeration!!!

-9 X-rays on various parts of my body
-6 different physical therapists
-3 different bike fitters
-3 different chiropractors
-3 different orthopedic doctors
-2 MRI’s (on both knees)
-2 shots of cortisone
-2 different doctors
-2 different sports medicine doctors
-1 Bone Scan
-1 CAT-Scan
-1 knee surgery
-1 massage therapist

Not to mention…

-5 books on human biomechanics and physiology
-Hundreds of hours of research online
-1 trip to Colorado to see world known cycling expert Andy Pruitt
-2-years of priceless help from world-known bike fit expert Steve Hogg of Australia
-Countless hours of physical therapy, core strengthening, yoga, stretching.
-Close to 80 different changes made to my bike position.
-Countless bike parts purchased in an attempt help relieve the pain

And I am sure I am missing a few things, lol.

After ALL of that… I am finally feeling good on the bike. Now I am sitting here thinking to myself. Why did I go threw all of that? Why didn’t I just give up after the first MRI, or after the first doctor told me I should just quit riding my bike altogether. When I reflect on everything, I realize how much I want this. How much I want to take this sport as far as I can.

I’m not sure why I am writing this… Maybe it's because I don't have a life… Or maybe it’s because I am incredibly thankful to have my health, and to have the opportunity to do something I truly love.

I am incredibly thankful for my friends, who have supported me over the years and encouraged me, when most others were telling me I am making a mistake by going after a silly dream…

Well… That’s all for now. Let’s see what is possible.

Best,
TG

Inspiration

2007-08-27T19:02:00.000-07:00

So the other day I am out for a ride...

I am pedaling along, feeling good. Mile after mile, hour after hour my body working the way I want it to. This was a feeling I could only dream about in the past.

I came across a beautiful stone church, overlooking a valley. I decided to take a break and enjoy the incredible view. I stood there for 20minutes, in total awe. It was one of those moments where you could not help but feel inspired. I felt an almost overwhelming sense of joy to be so lucky to enjoy such an incredible moment. It was as if all the hard work had come to some sort of pinnacle for that moment. I felt so thankful to have my health and to be lucky enough to be doing something I truly love. I didn’t want it to end.

Do what you love. Never give up. The pendulum ALWAYS swings the other way.

Bike Fitting

2007-08-07T07:13:00.000-07:00

Why not start fitting bikes??? I already have buisness cards made, and am ready to help people with their aches and pains on the bike! The biz is called "GreshFit". Check out www.thetimgreshfit.blogspot.com for more details...

Time Trial Video

2007-08-06T11:38:00.001-07:00

I'm Back!

2007-08-01T19:54:00.000-07:00

G' day...

WOW, it has been a LONG time since I have posted anything on this blog. Not sure if anyone is even checking this anymore, but I felt like posting again...

A LOT has happened since my last update. It is a very, very long story but I will keep it short and sweet...

Overall, I feel GREAT on the bike. The constant stretching and structural work on my imbalances have made a huge difference. It was a very long, drawn out process but I made huge improvements.

Along with structural work, a lot of changes have been made to my bike... Most notably the elimination of many different "weird" adjustments to my position. I am now riding without as many shims under my cleats as well as a further forward seat position and higher seat height. All of these changes reflect the increased flexability I now have and the overall transformation my body has gone threw. For about 3 months I rode with my seat LATERALLY offset... That's right. LATERALLY offset. Steve Hogg showed me a way that you can alter an FSA K-Force seat post, to allow you to literally move the entire saddle to the left or right. I rode with my saddle offset to the right about 1cm... This adjustment was breakthrough for me, and basically forced me to pedal symmetrically. Eventually, i put the saddle back to center and have felt great since. Badda Bing, Badda Boom!!!

I have also started doing bike fitting. I have learned alot over the years, especially over the past year and a half. NO, I am not serotta certified. NO, I dont have some certificate. AND NO I do not have a degree. What I do have is the experience of having any and every kind of cycling discomfort since I was 14. SEVEN years in the School of Hard Knocks. You can't buy that. Need I say more? My fitting biz is called "GreshFit". Check it out at http://www.thetimgreshfit.blogspot.com/ ...

As far as racing goes....

I upgraded to a category 2 racer. I'm back.

Best,
TG

Steve Hogg, Adjustments, New Team, Physical Therapy

2007-01-14T16:54:00.000-08:00

So here is where I am at right now.....

Right knee (surgery knee) feels great. Left knee has been bothering me. Not sure why, but seems to be getting better. That's all I am gonna say about that....

Back started to hurt when I got back on the bike after surgery. WHY??? Don't know...

Tried to get to Joel Ninos, my PT, and get checked out again. Drove to Allentown only to get kicked out because I needed a updated doctors prescription. Gotta love the RED TAPE..... Andy Pruitt needs to write me a prescription, but he is out of the country right now, so I got to Wait on that.... darn it!!!!!!!!!

DVD Positioning footage:
Steve Hogg got back to me 2-weeks ago with the adjustments he wants me to make to my bike. The adjustments are as follows:
-move seat forward .5-1cm
-get more narrow bars (42cm instead of 44)
-tilt bars down, bars were too high
-move saddle nose slightly to the left (to help square off my hips)

Result: Good. No pain for a solid 6 bike rides. AND these rides were all in cold weather (30s) so I had layers of clothing on. Why do I say that? Well, I have NEVER ridden in winter clothing and have not had my back hurt. I assume this is because of how restricting the clothing can be at the hips, and probably doesn't help my already screwed up riding asymmetries..... SO yea, no pain in 6 winter rides in a row. So I am happy with that.....

Today I rode 3hrs and my back started to hurt half way threw the ride. I am hoping this is just fluke.... But I just can't kid myself anymore. All too often I have had good days and good chunks of time where I was pain free, but then just like that, it's all over and the pain comes back and I am at square one..... Reguardless, I am still keeping my fingers crossed. At the same time, Steve Hogg has been incredibly helpful and his knowledge never ceases to amaze me. It is definitely a good feeling to have that one of the best bicycle fitters in the world is there for me and willing to help me trouble shoot....

I am also on a new racing team for 2007. Team Alliance Environmental. I can only hope that things continue to get better and I that I can contribute to the team and represent them well...

Best,
TG

The Knee and the incredible Steve Hogg

2006-11-26T07:25:00.000-08:00

So I had my arthroscopic knee surgery last Wednesday. The surgery went very well according to the doctor. Apparently my meniscus was shaped a little differently than normal. The Doc says it is a genetic thing. So I suppose that I may have just been pre-disposed to having a meniscal tear from the beginning. Interesting...... Regardless, the knee should be all fixed now!! I have been lying on the couch, in and out of naps for the past 5 days and it is starting to get really boring. It will be an incredible feeling to have the ability to use my knee without it giving me the occasional pain as well as the gross and LOUD popping noise. Right know my quad muscle is swelled up so much that I can barley bend my knee at all.

It's getting there though........

I send my 2nd DVD video of my bike positioning to Steve Hogg. He should be receiving it soon, and I should be getting his recommendations on how much shimming I should be doing on my cleats, as well as whatever else he recommends. I am very excited to find out what Mr. Hogg has to say!!

Best,

The Magic Bullet?

2006-11-10T15:55:00.000-08:00

I am pleased to say that my back has felt pretty good over the past month. This is the longest span of time that I have been able to ride without much LBP. Although, sometimes I do have a tad of tenseness in my back, for the most part I feel great. I can actually go out and ride daily and be consistent in my riding, where as before I would have maybe one good day, than 2 (or more) weeks of really bad days. Things were so bad a few weeks ago, that just by putting on my cycling shorts gave me some lower back pain. Like my body was so used to relating cycling clothing with pain. Crazy.

So yea, WOO HOO, it’s pretty sweet that I can ride!

At the same time, there are some pieces of the puzzle still missing. Lately I have been having a lot of left knee problems. Soreness and tenderness after most rides, regardless of the intensity of the ride. Steve Hogg looked over a DVD video I sent him of my bike positioning. What Steve saw reinforces what Joel Ninos (my PT) has told me: my left side is still too short. As a matter of fact, after my last visit with Joel (about a month ago now) he had me put 1.5mm of lift under my left bike shoe (cleat). This seems to have almost been the “Magic Bullet”, because after that adjustment, the LBP has been reduced a lot AND for a good chunk of time now.

Back to Steve Hogg: Steve saw in the video that my LEFT hip is dropping, which causes the RIGHT side of my lower back to work harder to compensate. Hence the pain I was getting on the right side ONLY. I also have left inner thigh pain, which is also due to the LEFT hip dropping. So my LEFT leg is reaching further than my RIGHT during the pedal stroke. The excess reaching in my LEFT leg is causing stress to the knee. It’s all coming together!………..

Steve doesn’t want to prescribe any adjustments until he can see another DVD with some different camera angles so he (Steve) can confirm and be sure of his recommendations. Steve does figure that I will likely be having anywhere from 3-5mm of lift under my left cleat when it is all said and done.
So the way it looks, shimming my left cleat up higher will hopefully be the final nail in the coffin. I am really excited for what else Steve will recommend after seeing my next video. I hope to get the video out some time this week….

So, with every crunch....

Every back extention...

And every stretch...

I am getting closer and closer...

Best,

My new rig

2006-10-14T15:25:00.000-07:00

I think I figured out how to stop my back pain......

It's a great descender, but that's about it....

Seriously though, my back has been feeling fairly good.... It's hard to explain, but after having this problem for so long, I sort of developed a "sixth sense". A feeling I get when my body is acting a way it never has before. That's how I have been feeling on my last few rides, as if things are going to be alright. Very comforting indeed!

Let's hope the worst is behind me..... Oh yea, besides the knee surgery next month. But that's nothing compared to the physical and mental struggle of the LBP.

That's that.

Best
TG

:::::::Physical Therapy: Part 6:::::::

2006-10-12T08:02:00.000-07:00

Ok, here's the latest....

I went to see Joel Ninos, my PT for the sixth time. First off, my SI joint was still in place!!! So that's definitely a good thing. Joel looked over my Andy Pruitt analysis again, to see what we can do to my bike position. Joel said that my body looks fine, and that it is probably a matter of some tweaking to the bike. Lately, even though the SI joint is in place, I still can't get past the illusive 1.5hr barrier when I am riding. Anything more that 1.5 and there is almost guaranteed pain.

After looking over the stuff, Joel thinks that my left side is shorter. Although, technically, both my legs are the same length, functionally my left side is shorter. So we put 2 shimms under my left cleat for some lift. Joel also put heal lifts in my left walking shoe too, since I have been having some aching in my lower back when walking around doing everyday stuff.

Lets hope that this is the magic bullet!!!

I also sent out video of my bike position to Steve Hogg. Steve was kind enough to offer to look over the video and offer some advice on what may needed to be tweaked yet. But who knows, maybe the shimming that Joel has me doing will do the trick, time will tell.

All for now,

Best
TG

Stabilizing...

2006-09-30T16:51:00.000-07:00

Alrighty.

On my latest visit to see Joel Ninos, I was skeptical of my SI joint, and whether it stayed in place or not... I REALLY didn't think the bugger would still be in place, BUT it was!!! So that was a shocker, mainly because I have still been having pain. Joel is pretty adimate about the idea that the discs in my lower back are still stiff, and need more mobilization. According to Joel, the pain I still have is due to the discs, so Joel did some manipulation on the spine to loosen them up. And let me tell you, when he (Joel) does that, I feel like a new man. My back feels SO good, and relaxed afterwards. The rides I have had so far have been.... Eh, so-so... Not bad, but not incredibly stellar. So we'll see. Hopefully things continued to improve, but I must say I am happy that at least my SI is still in place.

Also, I went to see my Orthopedic doctor to talk about my popping right knee. After he (doctor) listened to the popping, he was quite sure that I would need arthroscopic surgery to remove the torn piece of meniscus that is catching on my femur. The recovery time should be very quick. So I will be having the surgery done pretty soon. Geez I'm a mess!!!

I am really working hard at my flexibility and doing all my stretches. I have been doing the stuff once in the morning, then before a ride, then after the ride and before bed..... Everyday. I am looking forward to more progress with the lower back pain....

Time to stretch....

Best,
TG

Oh Geez

2006-09-15T18:37:00.000-07:00

Well, my back is feeling kinda so-so. I went to see Joel for the 4th time, and the SI was back out of place again. After each visit, Joel always says "hope I don't have to see you here again". But, it just doesn't seem like the physical therapy is going the way he (Joel) and I have hoped. Yea, the pain is gone after he pops the SI joint into place, but that has been giving me only a week and a half (tops) of relief. Then I have to drive back to OAA in Allentown and have it (SI) popped back again. So yea, I am not sure what to think. I may ask Joel if he knows of any people closer that can pop the SI back in place, because that's basically all I drive down to Allentown for Joel to do for me. I am sure there are people around here who can do that. Or maybe I can just have someone kick me really hard in the butt and maybe that will work the same....

To add to this back problem, I will likely need to have a knee operation. Yea, it stinks. I don't know why this stuff is happening to me. All I wanna do is ride my bike. I have never been in any accidents, I am only 20 and I am having all these lame problems that are keeping me from a sport that MANY people do when their backs or knees are giving out. What the heck?

Anyway, I had an MRI done and I have a slight tear in the lateral meniscus. I had the MRI done, because I have this LOUD snapping noise in my right knee. When I kneel down, it goes SNAP!! Then, I go to stand up and SNAP! It is so weird. I don't necessarily have to get an operation if it (knee snapping) doesn't bother me. But, it does..... Its kinda like a double whammy, because when I am doing my exercises for my BACK, and I bend my knee to do a certain stretch, my knee POPS. THEN my knee starts to hurt. So now my knee is getting in the way of doing what I need to do for my back. WHY ME....

According to the orthopedic doctor I see, the operation would be done using arthroscopic surgery. It is actually a fairly simple surgery, and recovery time is pretty quick (a couple weeks). So, I figure while I am not in shape and still working at this back thing, I mine as well go for it. I'll be seeing the ortho in person in 2 weeks to talk more about it and my options.

One punch after another. I am trying to keep my morale up, but its getting tougher now.

: (

TG

Feeling Good

2006-09-02T16:06:00.000-07:00

Its been a little while.

My back is feeling pretty darn good right now! I saw Joel Ninos (again) 3 weeks ago at OAA. As it turns out, the SI joint popped back out of place. This is not uncommon with situations like this, where a bone that has been in such a way for sooo long does not want to "stabilize" after it is manipulated to its "proper" position. It just takes patience, and the SI joint will eventually say where it needs to.

SO, Joel popped the joint back into place, and gave me some new rad stretches and exercises. After that visit, I felt AWESEOME!! This lasted almost 2-weeks, which is an unheard of amount of time for me not to have pain. I talked to Joel over the phone and he said that it sounded like my SI joint was starting to stabilize. AND, he (and I) felt that I may not have to go back to see him (Joel) for the follow-up appointment.

WELL, ironically, the day after talking to Joel the pain came back. But, luckily we did not cancel my follow up and I went out too see him for the 3rd time. The SI joint was out of wack again, as I had figured. After he popped it back in place, and gave me some more "maintenance" exercises, I was off and back on the bike without pain.

So, I think, (knock on wood) that the SI is THE culprit. Sure seems that way!

If things continue to go well, than I may be calling up my coach Steve Lassahn to let him now I'm ready to rock.

That's all for now.

Best,
TG

PT Round 2

2006-08-16T21:33:00.000-07:00

Alright, Monday I went to see Joel Ninos again. I was curious as to whether or not my SI joint went back out of alignment...

Well, it did.

Joel was able to see right away from a laying down leg length test that my pelvis went back to its "default position". I wasn't too surprised, I don't expect my pelvis to re-align that fast considering how long it took for it to get that way to begin with. SO, Joel popped the SOB back into place and gave me 3 new strengthening exercises to do, and one maneuver that allows me to actually push the SI joint back into place on my own. Sweet!

On the bike:
My back felt pretty good yesterday, and today it felt exceptionally good. I am starting to think that I may have found the culprit to this lower back thing...

Lets see how the next few days feel...

Best,
TG

BCSM Bike Fit Video (Click here)

2006-08-12T18:39:00.000-07:00

Here is a really good video of what it was like in Colorado at BCSM. Andy Pruitt and Todd Carver are fitting Cesar Grajels, a rider from the Navagtors Pro Cycling Team. Check it out...

SI Joint: That little bugger!

2006-08-08T17:56:00.000-07:00

Progress?

Ok, here's the scoop.

I visited the PT that Andy referred me to. Joel Ninos is his name. Great guy. He has worked with a lot of cyclists, most notably riders from the Lehigh Valley Velodrome. He is a competitive cyclist himself, so that is a BIG plus.

What Joel found, was that my SI joint is "out of wack". SI stands for sacroiliac, but it's easier to refer to (and remember) it as the Sports illustrated joint. Here is what the SI joint looks like:

So what Joel sees, is that my SI joint in kinda "Jammed" because the right side of my pelvis is torqued in such a way that it keeps the SI joint from doing its job. The SI joint is one of the most immobile joints in the body, and only moves a few millimeters. If it gets restricted, than it can cause the lower back to go into spasam. Hmm... interesting......

So, Joel "popped" the joint back into place using a kind of chiropractorial move. He then gave me three stretches to do that will help to keep it (SI) in alignment.

Joel also made me some custom insoles to help my foot varus. Here is a foot varus:

Two different examples of a varus. Basically the foot is angled and does not sit flat, causing a chain reaction as it throws everything off (lower legs, knees, hips, pelvis, BACK...) and does not allow the body to function as symmetrically as it can.

I am very pleased with the insoles, as I use them in my everyday shoes and have noticed a huge difference. I used to get pain on the side of my right knee, just from walking around at work, school, ect. But not so much anymore after wearing the insoles...

On the bike:
Things felt good after I saw Joel. I had two solid rides that were comfortable. But, as I always dread, the pain came back and has been around on every ride since.

So I don't know what to think right now. I like to imagine that I am slowly starting to get back into alignment, but going out and riding with the same old pain is a little demoralizing to say the least. But, I think I'm on to something here.

Joel seems to be convinced that the SI joint is at the root of things. I hope he is right!

I am praying for some more good days.

Best,
TG

Official BCSM Analysis

2006-07-30T17:24:00.000-07:00

Here are all of the medical papers from The Boulder Center For Sports Medicine. Click on a page, then click the enlarge icon at the bottom/right corner of the page...

Andy's written analysis...

Before Adjustments - Side view, Front view and Top view (respectively).

After adjustments...

Best,
TG

Time Bomb

2006-07-19T14:18:00.000-07:00

I almost cant take this anymore.

Today I went for a ride and my back hurt right from the start. I only rode for 10 minutes (with disgust) untill I couldnt take it anymore. I am on the rivit right now. I don't know that to say. I never cry. But after todays ride, I cried in shear frustration.

This sucks.

Waiting for the pendilum to swing the other way...

T

A Few Bumps in the Road

2006-07-17T20:49:00.000-07:00

Hey,

Well, things are not going too well right now. My last couple rides were pretty uncomfortable. I am trying not to get frustrated. I am currently trying to get help from Todd Carver Via E-mail. I am also getting as much help and opinions from Steve Hogg that I can get. Hopefully things will only get beter over time with the adjustments that were made with Andy Pruitt. But latley, I have not been to confident in this.

The four rides I did after I returned from Colorado were pain free. It was kinda like a teaser. Showing me what it is like to ride a bike comfortably. Now I am starting to feel some harsh reality that things will not be that easy and that the pain will not POOF! and dissapear.

Hopin and prayin for some more progress.

Best,
TG

First Long Ride

2006-07-10T10:29:00.000-07:00

Sunday I rode for 4.5 hours. It was my first long ride in a good two months or so. The back felt good for the first 2hrs or so, then it started to hurt. So the last 2.5hrs were fairly uncomfortable, as in the past. I may be too eager to get back to the milage and riding time I was at before. It's obvious that 4.5hrs is a little much for now, but I A. wanted to do a long ride, since I have not for a while, and B. see what my back does on more extreme rides. Hopefully I can gradually do more and more miles in one shot without pain as I get more fit.

Next on the cycling agenda is to get in contact with a PT in Allentown so I can get a strenghtening program moving along, that may do the trick.

Best,
TG

Goin Good

2006-07-08T17:45:00.000-07:00

So far I am very happy. I rode 4-days in a row with no problems at all. My back felt really good. I can't believe it, it's almost surreal. The real test was a group ride I did on Wedsnesday. I have never done that ride without lower pack discomfort, mainly because the ride is fairly fast, with alot of time spent in a low bent-over riding position that certantly would give me pain (pre- Pruitt). But I didn't have pain! I felt great the entire time. Obviously my legs and cardiovascular system are not up to par with what they have been in the past, but that will come with time and more miles. I feel like this has been a huge turning point for me. Just to think, a few weeks ago I thought I was hopeless and would never get to where I am now. So, hopefully things will continue to go well. If the back stays the way it is, everything els will be easy. All I have to do now is ride my bike.

Also, I would like to give a BIG thanks for the support from everyone! And, if anyone wants to go for a ride let me know, I'm up for it.

Best,
TG

Colorado Part III: The Shpeal

2006-07-02T18:41:00.000-07:00

I think that the trip to CO was well worth it. Andy Pruitt and his assistant Todd Carver hooked me up big time. Here’s how it went.

First, I went into a room with Andy and he asked me some questions about my back problem (how long I have had it, where the pain starts, ect). It was very apparent that Andy knew what he was doing, and understood everything I told him. It was nice to finally talk to someone with that level of knowledge and experience for my particular problem.
Andy had me stand with my back facing him. After looking at me for a few seconds he said, “You ARE twisted aren’t you”. Just by looking at me he could see what asymmetries I have. Amazing. Andy then had one of the nurses take me to get some x-rays of my pelvis. Less than 5 minutes later the x-rays were done and Andy was checking them over. I had some obvious “twisting” going on with my pelvis, which causes everything else (torso, legs, ect) to go out of whack, especially on a bike. Andy saw all he needed, so it was off to the biomechanics laboratory.
Todd had my bike set up on a station trainer in the laboratory, where black curtains surrounded my bike, and six inferred lights hung from the ceiling surrounding my bike. I got on the saddle and started pedaling, while Andy and Todd watched on. In no time Andy and Todd were pointing out my asymmetries. Let me tell you, after almost 4 years of messing around with doctors and chiropractors around here, it was amazing to finally have someone who knew what to look for.
Todd had me get off the bike, so he could put sensors on my legs. He put one on my foot, one on my calf, 2 on the knees and one on the hips. The inferred lights pick up the sensors as I am pedaling, which goes to the computer and is displayed as a stick figure of me pedaling. From there, Todd could see what exactly my body does when I pedal, and what causes the strain to my lower back. Not surprisingly I was totally UN symmetrical and my body was doing a lot of weird things. My right knee was moving too far in on every down stroke, causing my hip to rock to compensate, causing my lower back to work harder. CAUSING THE PAIN!!! Sweet.
Actually, it all came down to my foot; Todd said it is probably what is really to blame. For whatever reason, my right foot does not want to stay flat when I pedal. Rather, it (foot) wants to be in an angle, which causes my knee/leg to move in too much, and so on. It goes from the foot, and up the line to my torso, where it is my back that finally says mercy.
So, Andy put angled shims under the cleats of both of my bike shoes. The cleats are in angles so that both feet would push strait down, instead of at an angles. My right food had 4mm of angleed shims, while my left has 2mm. Todd also moved my seat forward about 2cm. I hopped back on the bike and things felt better. According to the computer, I was not rocking my hips as much, and was turning my knee/leg in significantly less. Todd and Andy both agreed that I was much more centered on the bike now.
Andy gave me the number of a guy in Allentown, who has been working with him (Andy) for almost 20 years. Andy has sent a lot of his clients to this guy. His name is Joel Ninos, and according to Andy, can really help me with getting my body back into balance. Armed with the information that Andy and Todd gave me, Joel will know exactly what to do in correcting some of the stuff.

Well, that pretty much sums it up. BCSM will send me a sheet with ALL of the info that Andy and Todd told me. I am probably forgetting some stuff, but once I get the paper in the mail I will know the exact medical diagnosis.
On Friday I rode my bike around boulder. My back did start to hurt, but it was a different kind of pain. When I stopped to get water, I didn’t have the lingering tenseness that I am so used to. Overall I felt a big difference, and really believe that things will be much better in the coming days.

Best,
TG

Colorado Part II: Photos

2006-07-01T22:49:00.000-07:00

My trip to Boulder went a little like this...

I was feeling some relief after finally making it to boulder.
First things first: Un-pack the bike.
The view out my hotel window. The tan structure in the middle (above trees) is the University of Colorado football stadium.
Bike/walk/running paths ran all through the City. It was like a mini highway. The paths even went under most of the roads. And, if you wanted to go on the road, there were bike lanes. Pretty Cool huh? Most of the residents didn't really need to use their cars much.
No shortage of great views in Boulder. Here the bike path passes by, with the snow-capped Rockies in the background.
The Boulder Center For Sports Medicine.
Todd Carver tweaking my bike. Todd was a super cool guy. He was like Robin to Andy's Batman. A dynamic duel for sure!
The computer showed video of me pedaling, along with my stick figure counterpart. The lower left-hand side of the computer screen showed measurments to the millimeter of what my right leg was doing in comparison to the left during the pedal stroke. Very sophisticated technology.
Dr. Andy "The man" Pruitt.
On my last day, I went for a ride. The roads go up, and up, and up. Totally awesome.
There were some SICK climbs in Boulder.

All shimmed up!
The yellow shimms (4mm) under my right shoe

Shimms (2mm) under the cleat of my left shoe.

As cool as Boulder was, there was not a whole lot for me to do. If I ever go back, I am definelty bring someone with me.

Best,

Colorado part I

2006-06-29T17:41:00.000-07:00

I am putting in this entry from a public library in Boulder, CO. Boulder is a sweet city!! Everyone here is really active. I have never seen so many people riding bikes, running, playing tennis, soccer, you name it. It is really a sight so see! It is kind of weird though, because I am here all by myself and I don't have anybody to hang with. So, I have been wondering around town like a lost dog most of the time.

My flight went very well. It was my first time in a plane, so it was a really cool experience. The most difficult part was trying to figure out where to check in at the Philly airport, and then how to get the heck out of the Denver airport. BUT I am here, in one piece.

Now, here are the goods on the Dr. Pruitt visit this morning:
AWESOME. That's all I have to say about that. Andy's knowledge is totally unbelievable. Certain quarky things that my body does Andy was able to pinpoint in a matter on minutes (and that was when I wasn't even on my bike for the real analysis). Basically he gave me more information in a few minutes than I have gotten in the past fours years combined. Really. To make a long story short, I feel very confident that I will be totally tearing up the road in no time! I will elaborate on what happened when I am back home. I also have some cool digital photos to upload too. Ciao!

Best,
TG

Time to GO to CO

2006-06-27T12:18:00.000-07:00

Well, it’s finally time to visit Andy Pruitt. It has been a fairly long wait. I have not touched my bike for a few weeks now. I am a little nervous about the trip, mainly because I hope that Andy can help me out. That’s why I am going there right? Like I said before, I am sure he can help me one way or another, so it should hopefully be a win win situation. Anyway, I am taking a digital camera along and I will post pictures and the outcome of my visit when I am back Saturday. Send a little prayer up for me. Thanks.

Well, here I go…

Best,
TG

Beat The Pain

2006-06-04T19:20:00.000-07:00

If I am able to find what is giving me LBP and if I find out how to start fixing it, I will make sure that I nail it into the ground, so I will never have it again. It is hard as an athlete to put so much time, energy and emotion into cycling, and have barriers that keep me from achieving things. It is especially hard when there has always been a barrier, even from day one. It is like I am constantly fighting the odds. Most days when I have come home from usual 40 to 90 mile training rides, I feel unsatisfied. It is really weird. I just did a long endurance ride, and I would feel like I accomplished nothing for that day.

It is because my back hurt from the time I rolled through New Holland, to the time I rolled back 4 or 5 hours later. Even though I may have completed a good ride, I would feel really negative and upset at having to put myself through that kind of torture. It is torture I shouldn’t have to deal with. Riding 90 miles is nothing, riding 90 miles with LPB physically and mentally feels like 180 or more.

So anyway, as much as I do not want to dwell on my bad days, I like to keep them as a reminder of how much I want this, and how much I want to beat the LBP and reach my goals.

Best,
TG

Photos II

2006-05-28T18:02:00.000-07:00

2005
Winter Training: ALOT more difficult with back pain

Last Ride... for now

2006-05-25T19:47:00.000-07:00

I think I may have ridden my last ride today, until I go to see Andy Pruitt in Colorado. My back started bothering me several minutes into the ride, and I totally wanted to turn around to just go home, but I managed (barely) to do 1 hour, before I got TOO frustrated. Blah! All I want to do is ride my bike. Is that too much to ask? Oh well.

I told myself after countless other rides that “This ride will be my last until I get help, and figure out the cause”. But, within a day or two I want to get back out on my bike, and give it another go, even though I will end up frustrated and in pain every time. BUT, this time (today) I think I may stick to my plan and stop getting myself stressed, and stop dealing with the pain all of the time. I suppose I should start jogging for the time being…

I am trying to keep my mind off of the problem, but at the same time, keep some kind of focus on it. At the end of the day, its comes down to the fact that there is more to life than cycling, and I just need to take it one day at a time, and pray that some sense will come of this.

Looking forward to seeing Andy P.

Best
TG

Knowledge, Persistence and Patience

2006-05-24T19:47:00.000-07:00

Patience is a virtue.

I have had to be very patient with my lower back pain over the past 5 years. When I was 15 I went to a physical therapist, and at the time had no idea where to start in figuring out the cause of the pain, so a PT was a good start. The PT prescribed some abdominal and lower back workouts, and sent me off. I did the exercises 3-times a week, every week for several months, but no improvements were made in the pain I was having. Well, that didn’t work… back on the bike, more miles... more pain.

I visited a sports medicine doctor who told me to stop riding, or maybe consider only training 2 days a week. Other than his advice, he didn’t have any explanation. So my hope to figuring out the problem dropped. Rather than the doctor just saying: Tim, I don’t know why you get pain when you ride, maybe you should seek help from so and so, he (doctor) just waved away my problem so that I would be out of his hair. As a young bike rider, working hard at a tough sport, the experience of having a doctor telling me to stop was devastating, and (almost) made me want to quit.

More miles, more pain. More doctors, more pain. Patience. Hundreds of dollars on chiropractors, no results. Weeks, Months, nothing.

It is not uncommon for me to need help getting off my bike because my back had completely seized up after a training ride or race. Sometimes I can barely stand up strait or lift a leg over the seat. Regardless of the pain, I would finish the race in the lead group of riders. I wonder how I would have finished if my back had not hurt. Having that kind of pain is an enormous disadvantage. I have to train longer, and harder to become fit enough to cope with the pain AND do well in races. I suppose this is why I am not giving up on cycling, because I want to know what I am actually capable of.

Some athletes talk about being “100%”. With my weird problem, I have never been 100%. Frankly, I don’t know what 100% is or feels like. A bike rider could fall and break his or her collarbone, and in 8-weeks the bone will be healed and the rider will be back to “100%”. I personally could take 10 years off from cycling and get back on the bike and have pain. It won't heal itself. It’s always there. How can I fight something I cannot even see, and will not go away untill it is discovered? The only way to beat it is through knowledge, persistence and patience.

Best,
TG

Brent Longenecker

2006-05-22T19:31:00.000-07:00

Brent Longenecker is a guy who has been instrumental in helping me make sence of my situation, and in puting all the little pieces of the puzzle together. My Super-Sponser, Luke Shirk, the owner of Shirk's Bike Shop (and also my place of employment) hooked me up with him. Brent played soccer in college, and studied Exercise Science. After College, he joined the MLS (major league soccer) and played for the New Jersey Metro Stars for three seasons. Eventually a knee injurie took him away from Soccer and into mountain biking. Now Brent has a really cool business called ProPhysio. Brent tests athletes (including cyclists) for Vo2 Max, Lactate Threshold, and a bunch of other stuff. He is also one of the best bike fit guys in the area (Lancaster and surrounding counties). Brent helped me out alot in figuring out some of my asymetries. Brent was kinda like my "eyes". I would relay the info to Steve Hogg via e-mail, who acted as the "brains". Not to say Brent doesn't know what he is doing, he just dosen't have quite as vast of experience with bike fit as a guy like Steve Hogg, or Andy Pruitt, who have fitted thousands and thousands of cyclists and have probably almost "seen it all". If you need a good bike fit, check out Brent Longenecker, he's a super-cool guy!

Brent's Site: www.prophysiotraining.com

Best

Decision

2006-05-21T19:29:00.000-07:00

I am going to see Andy Pruitt in Colorado, and thats that. I will definetly keep Steve Hogg on the back burner.

Today I rode about 1.5 hours and my back was bothering me the entire time, even though I was riding EASY. This is very typical, it doesn't matter how hard I ride, there is always a dull, achey pain in my lower back that starts anywhere from 10minutes to 30 minutes into a ride.

Geez, I wonder what it would be like to ride my bike comfortably every day. I bet it would be pretty sweet...

One of my buds Mitch Witmer won his race Saturday at Union Grove. I met Mitch about 3 years ago when I joined the Red Rose Rockts cycling team. He was like 12 at the time, and a little guy. Mitch had some battles with bad knee tendonitis last season and had to miss out on alot of racing and training, but so far this season, he has been riding strong and the win will definety boost his confidence. Good job Mitch.

Best
TG

Tough Decision

2006-05-19T18:12:00.000-07:00

ANDY PRUITT?

OR STEVE HOGG?

Ok, now I don’t know what the heck to do!!!

A good friend of mine, Tom Hunt, suggested that I consider going to see Steve Hogg and have him do my bike analysis instead of Andy Pruitt. So it’s kind of like a Steve Hogg v.s Andy Pruitt situation. For one thing, I know more about Steve Hogg than I do about AP. SH has been helping me with my LBP (lower back pain) for a good 2 months or more now, without any charge might I add. Andy on the other hand is an MD and gets paid for his time like any other doctor. And as most people know with doctors, one cannot get a doctors advice without proper paper work, ect, ect. This is simply because the US is a litigation crazy place and you can sue anyone for (almost) anything. So my feelings are that if I see Andy, he may be under some restraint due to this. It’s just a thought, but I very well may be wrong.

I am not trying to knock AP, the guy knows A LOT about bike fit, and I am sure he will help me one way or another. With SH, I feel more comfortable with the fact that he has a much broader understanding of my personal situation. AP on the other hand doesn’t even know I exist. But, just because I have never communicated with AP doesn’t diminish his ability to help cyclists with chronic pain.

I sent an e-mail to Steve expressing my feeling on whether I would visit him or AP. Steve offered to fit me for free, and help me find a cheap place to stay. As an added bonus, SH is only 3km from the Sydney airport, so no need for land travel expenses. SO, it may turn out that both trips are even, price-wise.

So what it comes down to is the fact that both guys will help me out. Both have their own points of view as far at their philosophy on how to deal with individuals like myself, with complicated biomechanical problems.

So, for now, I am going to get a hold of AP’s book, and read the chapters on bike fit, and than read a power point that SH sent me. Then I should be clearer on who I want to see after I do that.

I am not sure what to do (for now). I really can’t say that I could go wrong with either AP or SH.

Hmm……….

Best
TG

Goin to CO

2006-05-17T20:17:00.000-07:00

I called up BCSM on Monday and then again on Tuesday and left messages both times. Today I got a call back and set up the appointment to visit Mr. Andy Pruitt! Pretty cool! I will be seeing Andy on Thursday the 29th of June. SO, now I have to figure out all the logistics. First off, I was just informed by a friend that I need to be 25 years old to drive a rented car. I will need one to drive from the Denver airport to Boulder.
So that kind of screws things up a little, but I’ll figure out a way. I am really excited to see Andy and get my positioning on the bike set up so that (hopefully) I won’t have pain. I trust that Andy will really help me out. My Minnesota home-girl, Marjie, insured me that he (Andy) will hook me up. Knowing who Andy Pruitt is, and the problem I have, I don’t see how he couldn’t help me with my problem. Andy will point out my asymmetries on the bike and address them accordingly. After all, that’s what he does for a living.

Over the time that I have been trying to figure out my back pain I have come to the conclusion that it simply has to do with my body not functioning symmetrically on the bike. Steve Hogg assured me of this, and it totally makes sense. When I ride, I have the tendency to lean my entire torso to the left (while looking at me from behind) and I drop my right shoulder significantly lower than the left. So basically I am sitting on the bike and my back and shoulders are torqued. Sit like that on a bike and pedal for hours, you will get pain one way or another. That’s my theory. As far as how this gets fixed, I do not know. That’s why I am going to see Andy.

Lately I have been doing a lot of Yoga. If you have never done Yoga, do yourself a favor and go to a Yoga class or look up some of the different poses online and do them at home. I was introduced to it after my coach recommended it to help my flexibility. Yoga helps to get the body back into balance by doing the different poses and “listening to your body”. The hope I had was that this would help straiten me out and make me more symmetrical when I rode. Although I can now to a straddle split, and my hamstrings are much, much more flexible, it did not do much for the back pain. I still do yoga every other day though.

I think I am getting closer and closer to being a pain free bike rider. The only pain I want after seeing Andy is from pedaling my bike FAST.

Best
TG
Lance uses his teammates to block the wind
and help him win the Tour de France. I use
my teamates to help me do this when
my back starts to hurt flippin bad.

A Big Break

2006-05-14T18:40:00.000-07:00

There have been many days where I just wanted to give up. There have been countles days where I was on my bike, riding down the road thinking; Man, this SUCKS!! But, it seems that every once in a while I get a break. These breaks come in the form of anything from a ride where I have no pain (very rare) to some very helpful information from a doctor or the like, that helps me to undertand why my back always hurts. Actually having an understanding of what my body is doing that is causing the pain, helps me to cope with the pain better. BUT after years of visits to doctors, and hours of searching the internet for answers, I will go out for a ride and have the pain to remind me that I have not yet solved the problem. This usually really pisses me off. One time, my mom had to keep me from hurling my bike across the yard after a particularly frustrating day on the bike. Thanks mom for not letting me do that.

So a few days ago I had a comment left from a fellow biker from Minnesota. As it turns out, this individual has basically the same symptoms I have. Pelvic tilt, muscle tightness in some of the lower extremities, and of course lower back pain when riding (and running for her, because she is a triathlete). Marjie is her name, and she visited the Boulder Center For Sports Medicine, Boulder Colorado. While there, she was analyzed using some of the most advance bike fitting techniques. Andy Pruitt is the “top gun” doctor out there and does the very in-depth analysis. Andy is basically like a bike doctor, and his work is very similar to what Steve Hogg of cyclingnews.com does. Andy has written a book on bike fit/medical info for cyclists, and is a world-know bike-fitting guy. I have know of Andy Pruitt for a while, but I guess I have always been under the impression that someone like him would just raise my seat, lower my handle bars so I would be more “aero” and change the fore-aft position of my seat. AND, since he is in CO, I would have to fly out, get a hotel, blah, blah, blah. So because of my assumptions, and the money required, I always just ruled that option out.

So, going back to Marjie: She had basically the same problems I have, and after visiting BCSM, her lower back pain has virtually completely gone away. She can ride and train as much as she wants.

WOW, I can’t believe I met Marjie through this blog, and what are the odds of her having the same problems I have?? God works in mysterious ways.

I am going to Colorado.

Best,
TG

Photos

2006-05-10T21:02:00.000-07:00

2003/2004:

Green Mountain Stage Race

Winning Tour de FCCC

Fitchburg Classic

Fitchburg TT warm-up.

My posse...Don't Mess.

So this is how it goes...

2006-05-06T18:43:00.000-07:00

I am going to use this site to help me document my battle with chronic lower back pain when cycling. It will also help my coach, my doctors/physical therapist, and my fellow riders and racers know my progress. Confused?? You should be. For those who do not know me, I am a competitive cyclist and have been racing for 3 years. For as long as I have been riding, I have dealt with chronic pain (lower back). Over the course of that time I have been trying to figure out why this is happening. Initially, when I first got into the sport, I had so much determination to train, that I could just block out the pain. In my first 2 years of racing I did very well on a local and national level. Lately things have been tough, because the pain has started to eat away at my determination. My goal is to take cycling as far as I can and hopefully get paid to do so. The only obstacle that is keeping me from achieving this is my bummed out back. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not like I am walking around hunched over like an old man with back pain. I can do any other activity with no problem. When I hop on my bike, I get pain. Pretty simple, but incredibly complex. I really do not have an explanation as to why this happens. I could have given up on this a long time ago. I really don’t have to ride bike, I could just stop riding and spend my time, energy and MONEY elsewhere. I guess it is just not in my character to give up.

So this season, I will be skipping out on a majority of the racing schedule to dedicate time to figuring out this very odd and frustrating mystery. I have worked with many doctors, physical therapists, and chiropractors over the past 3 years. Lately I have been working with Steve Hogg, a “bike fit expert” from Australia. He answers complex cycling-related problems in a Q&A forum on cyclingnews.com. Steve has been kind enough to work with me in sorting out my dilemma and getting me on the right track to figuring out what is triggering the lower back pain.

Here is a link to my inquiry to Cycling News: http://www.cyclingnews.com/fitness/?id=2006/letters02-13#Lower

That should get things started.

Best,
TG