Loading ...The Most Important Thing – A Column by Lee Waldman
August 21st, 2010 Filed Under rider diary
Lee keeps what's important in perspective © Annette Hayden
Lee Waldman derives his inspiration from a myriad of sources. As a teacher, it may not surprise you that his most recent motivator was a children’s book – The Important Book
by Lee Waldman
The important thing about cyclocross is that it’s muddy. From peanut butter mud to pea soup goop, it claws at your tires and sucks your energy, transforming your beautiful bike into something resembling free-form pudding. …continue reading: The Most Important Thing – A Column by Lee Waldman
Work, Train, Race, Repeat – A Column by Grant Berry
August 20th, 2010 Filed Under rider diary
Grant Berry takes the Nationals 30-34 win in Bend © Andrew Yee
We’re excited to welcome Durango, Colorado, racer Grant Berry to the Cyclocross Magazine fold. This is the first installment from Grant, and he reflects on life, ’cross, dog bones and how they can all interrelate. Stay tuned to cxmagazine.com for more to come from Grant all season long!
by Grant Berry
As I sit pondering my first online article for Cyclocross Magazine, my attention turns to the steady stream of memories running through my head. Like a bad Youtube video set to some non-descript, low grade techno, the images are on repeat. I am smiling, and I have goosebumps. Before the video loops and starts over, the last images look something like this… …continue reading: Work, Train, Race, Repeat – A Column by Grant Berry
Susan Butler Tackles Endurance MTB at High Cascade 100
August 11th, 2010 Filed Under rider diary
Susan Butler trades 40 minutes for 9 hours at the Cascade 100. © Shane Young @ Oregon Velo
Portland Elite ’crosser Susan Butler brings us her report from the High Cascade 100, a 100 mile mountain bike race held on August 7th. Can’t wait to see you on the ’cross course, Susan!
by Sue Butler
With the impending cyclocross season just around the corner, I somehow thought it would be a good idea to do the extreme opposite and compete in a 100-mile mountain bike race. With no sponsor for the mountain bike season this year, riding for the most awesome bike shop, River City Bicycles, I was unable to afford the epic mountain bike stage races I love to do, so this was the next best thing. My husband and I call these “fun hating” events — you take something you love and do it until you hate it. …continue reading: Susan Butler Tackles Endurance MTB at High Cascade 100
Borders − a Column by Lee Waldman
August 9th, 2010 Filed Under cyclocross news, rider diary
Lee on his ’cross rig, mixing it up in Colorado's Green Mountain short track series © Annette Hayden
Cyclocross Magazine columnist and Masters racer Lee Waldman discusses crossing borders, pushing boundaries and loving cyclocross – and life. In case you missed it, go back and check out Lee’s previous column as he talks about using a coach and enjoying the ride.
by Lee Waldman
Borders. They surround us, penning us in. They limit us, narrow our perspective. As athletes, though, we are regular violators. Training realigns those borders that limit what our bodies and minds can achieve. Every time we toe that start line we cross one more. Some borders, the physical ones, unfortunately are real. Each of us has genetic limits that we must accept. Some borders we construct, convincing ourselves that time, family circumstances and money limit us. What happens when we begin to look at those borders as opportunities for problem solving? They become the 40cm barriers in our lives that we need to negotiate. …continue reading: Borders − a Column by Lee Waldman
Rider Diary: Vicki Thomas Gearing up for ’Cross
August 6th, 2010 Filed Under rider diary, the racer's view
Vicki Thomas can't wait to pin some numbers back on. Photo: Joscelin Ryan
Canadian Elite ’crosser and Cyclocross Magazine contributer Vicki Thomas checks in with us as our favorite time of year draws near. Mud on your mind, Vicki?
Wow, long time no talk! Guess this is what happens when the cyclocross season ends and the heat of the summer sets in. Well, it has been a long time coming, but finally cyclocross season is just around the corner. …continue reading: Rider Diary: Vicki Thomas Gearing up for ’Cross
Using a Coach and Enjoying the Ride – A Column by Lee Waldman
July 26th, 2010 Filed Under rider diary
Lee Waldman in the drops, working on skills in a short track MTB race © Annette Hayden, MountainMoonPhotography.com
Cyclocross Magazine columnist and Masters racer Lee Waldman has been using a coach, getting focused and learning to enjoy his racing. In case you missed it, go back and check out Lee’s previous column as he interviews his wife about being married to a racer.
by Lee Waldman
At 60 years of age, I know that I train harder than I did at 35. Harder may not be the right word – age does matter – smarter might be more accurate. Hard days are much harder and my easy days are much easier. I’ve learned the value of rest. What’s changed, you ask? I have a coach now. Yep, for the first time in 30 years of racing, I’m paying to be tortured rather than torturing myself indiscriminately. I hooked up with Ben Turner of Cycle-Smart. What a difference! If you’re on the fence like I was, believe me, coaching is worth the investment.
I’ve worked harder with more focus than ever before. There are days when it’s a major effort to simply walk into Starbuck’s. Who do I have to blame for that beside myself? Ben. …continue reading: Using a Coach and Enjoying the Ride – A Column by Lee Waldman
Married to the Bike? Masters Racer Lee Waldman Interviews His Wife
July 16th, 2010 Filed Under rider diary
Lee cleans up nicely for some time away from the cross course with his wife. Courtesy Lee Waldman
Cyclocross Magazine columnist and Masters racer Lee Waldman takes a look behind the scenes of bike racing life by interviewing his wife about being married to an obsessed cyclocrosser and mountain biker. In case you missed it, go back and check out Lee’s previous column as he analyzes Making Excuses and Smiling Like George.
by Lee Waldman
I love reading about Mark Legg and Katie Compton. He still races at a high level himself, but he’s there completely for Katie. And she gives him what he needs at the same time. It got me thinking about my marriage and bike racing. Even though we ride and train by ourselves, it takes a tremendous amount of support for those of us with real jobs to compete. Not just the physical support that gets us to the races every weekend either – the moral support is equally as important. It’s listening to us talk, ad nauseum, about the race last weekend, the race next weekend, the equipment that we need, the training schedule that we’re on, the weight that we need to lose, and on and on. It takes a ton of patience and, yes, a lot of love and respect to live with a bike racer. …continue reading: Married to the Bike? Masters Racer Lee Waldman Interviews His Wife
Race Report: Big Ring Rumpus Brings June ’Cross Category to New England
June 18th, 2010 Filed Under cyclocross news, rider diary
Let the Rumpus begin! Let the Rumpus begin! © Chip Baker
And Max said, “Let the Wild Rumpus begin!”
– Where the Wild Things Are
by Chip Baker
The ’cross gods are not of the the nice, gentle baby Jesus in golden fleece diapers variety from the movie Talladega Nights. They are angry, vengeful gods that punish the weak and extract retribution for even the most minor transgressions. I learned the hard way just how spiteful they can be. The ’cross alarm clock went off early in New England this year. Like really early. Our distant cousins in grime (i.e. mountain bikers) decided to invite us ’crossers to one of their parties. To be specific, EFTA (Eastern Fat Tire Association) added a cyclocross division to a new race on its calendar this season. Apparently they lost access to the singletrack at the venue where the race was scheduled. So instead of pulling up stakes and calling it a day, they had some fun with it. Thus was born the Big Ring Rumpus held in Auburn, NH, on June 6th. …continue reading: Race Report: Big Ring Rumpus Brings June ’Cross Category to New England
Bike Racing as a Vehicle for Giving Back – A Column by Lee Waldman
June 16th, 2010 Filed Under cyclocross news, rider diary
Lee knows well that life's about more than racing © Annette Hayden
Cyclocross Magazine columnist and Masters racer Lee Waldman takes a minute to reflect on the charmed life than many of us cyclists live, and ways in which we could give back. Call it altruism, or maybe it’s a selfish act in itself because helping others makes us feel good. We won’t settle that debate, but Waldman shares some of the things he does to improve his self-esteem and invites you to do the same. In case you missed it, go back and check out Lee’s previous column as he Relearns Old Lessons.
by Lee Waldman
It’s important, I think, to be more than someone who goes through life taking what others offer. I know that I always feel better when I’m able to not only accept the offerings of others, but can then also turn around and give something back in return. There are times when that can be a difficult concept for an athlete. To be good at anything, one needs to be relatively self-centered. That doesn’t necessarily mean selfish: simply self-aware.
As athletes we tend to spend the majority of our time taking things from others. We get massages to help our bodies recover from training stresses, and mechanics keep our machines running smoothly and prevent detrimental malfunctions. …continue reading: Bike Racing as a Vehicle for Giving Back – A Column by Lee Waldman
The Seasonal Cyclocross Tune Up and Rebuild
June 11th, 2010 Filed Under rider diary
Stripped and ready for the rebuild. © Jamie Mack
by Jamie Mack
The pile of parts laying on the workbench was, until 15 minutes ago, a very serviceable ’cross bike. Looking at the components strewn across the surface, I can’t help but be amazed, and a little concerned, at where I can get with a couple of Allen wrenches and a little too much free time. The annual tear down and rebuild of the ’cross bike is an important event in my shop, but rather than one etched on the calendar it’s often something done spur of the moment out of boredom or at the sudden appearance of some elusive spare time.
But the relaxed attitude I take in the approach to the work does not make it any less vital to success. …continue reading: The Seasonal Cyclocross Tune Up and Rebuild
To the Short Track for Skills and Anaerobic Pain – A Column by Lee Waldman
May 29th, 2010 Filed Under cyclocross news, rider diary
Lee Waldman gets back to suffering, courtesy of short track MTB © Annette Hayden
Cyclocross Magazine columnist and Masters racer Lee Waldman ramps up the intensity, courtesy of a short track MTB race in Colorado. In case you missed it, go back and check out Lee’s previous column as he Relearns Old Lessons.
by Lee Waldman
It’s May. ’Cross season for most of us is still four months away. You might be racing on the road, or looking for the perfect “off-season” training regimen. Well, I can tell you: it’s short track mountain bike racing! By this time of the year I’m starting to feel the need for pain. It’s sick, but I need to suffer again in a way that I can’t on even the hardest training ride. I’m sure you know what I mean. …continue reading: To the Short Track for Skills and Anaerobic Pain – A Column by Lee Waldman
A 50-mile MTB Race Reteaches Old Lessons – A Column by Lee Waldman
May 20th, 2010 Filed Under rider diary
Lee Waldman trucking along nicely - but the Bonk Monster is not far away © Annette Hayden
Cyclocross Magazine columnist and Masters racer Lee Waldman gets the chance to relearn basic lessons, courtesy of a 50-mile MTB race in Colorado. In case you missed it, go back and check out Lee’s previous column as he stays Motivated through Life’s Twists and Turns.
by Lee Waldman
You would think that after racing for as long as I have I wouldn’t make the same mistakes I made 30 years ago; that I know enough about the way my body works when stressed that I would go out of my way give it what it needs; that I wouldn’t start out a 50-mile mountain bike race without a full water bottle on my bike. You would think that … and you would be wrong.
I really did think that if I left my bottle with Corky, our shop sponsor who was wrenching for us, that I’d be able to keep myself hydrated. I really did think that I’d grab a bottle every lap. I guess I don’t know myself as well as I thought I did because, 20 miles into the race, I’d only taken one sip and that was as the beginning of the second lap. …continue reading: A 50-mile MTB Race Reteaches Old Lessons – A Column by Lee Waldman
Motivated through Life’s Twists and Turns – A Column by Lee Waldman
May 14th, 2010 Filed Under rider diary
Lee Waldman stays motivated through life's twists and turns © Annette Hayden
Cyclocross Magazine columnist and Masters racer Lee Waldman takes a moment to reflect on motivation in the face of uncooperative Colorado spring weather as well as what’s truly important in his life. In case you missed it, go back and check out Lee’s previous column, Age is a State of Mind.
by Lee Waldman
“There are places I remember all my life, though some have changed …” John, Paul, George and Ringo nailed it. People and places define our lives. They give meaning and purpose to everything we do. Without our memories, we would plod through our days, mindlessly placing one foot in front of the other. I’m not sure that’s effective in life, or in sport. The end result of simply putting in our time is mediocrity, and for me that’s unacceptable. I may not be the most gifted athlete in the world, but whatever limited abilities I have I’ll develop to their maximum potential. …continue reading: Motivated through Life’s Twists and Turns – A Column by Lee Waldman
Age is a State of Mind – A Column by Lee Waldman
April 28th, 2010 Filed Under rider diary
Old dog, new tricks? Lee works on his cornering © Annette Hayden
Cyclocross Magazine columnist and Masters racer Lee Waldman is getting older, as we all are, but his looming 60th birthday has made him realize the mental aspects of age and youth. In case you missed it, go back and check out Lee’s previous column, The Things I Carry.
by Lee Waldman
Happy Birthday to Me! Age is only a state of mind. Well, that’s what I tell myself now that I’m only a week away from turning 60. Granted, I don’t heal as fast as I used to – those long endurance rides take more out of me. I’m incredibly stiff this morning after four-and-a-half hours on the bike yesterday. Luckily I have an incredibly high pain threshold, which is both a blessing and a curse. I tolerate the bumps, bruises and the catalog of scrapes that we all suffer as bike racers. But as I get older I need to tolerate them for longer periods of time. How annoying is that?
On the other hand, when I can be competitive with riders 15 – 20 years younger than I am, I’m doing something right. …continue reading: Age is a State of Mind – A Column by Lee Waldman
De Ronde van West Portlandia: Eaten by Lions
April 22nd, 2010 Filed Under cyclocross news, editorial, rider diary
The Ronde - No questions, just follow the Lions © Emiliano Jordan, templatecascade.com
The Ronde van Portlandia has only been around for a few years, but it’s already become the stuff of legends. It’s not a race, or really even a sanctioned event—which is precisely what makes it special. It’s an annual group ride that has swelled to as many as 600 riders over low-traffic, super-steep roads that encircle the center of Portland, but you feel like you’re miles from any city, and you’d never know those godforsaken hills were there without the ride’s telltale Lions to show you the way.
by Robert Carver
You’re f@&*ing kidding me. Forgive my French but there’s no other way to begin any sort of piece about De Ronde van Oeste Portlandia. The ride itself, in its entirety, certainly warrants such an expression, but I’m not even referring to its entirety. I’m referring to the collective exclamation, over a hundred riders strong, when they make the sharp ninety-degree corner onto Brynwood Lane and slam into a 24 percent wall that rises demonically for over a quarter mile, the summit hidden behind two corners with a 31 percent finale and the single lane littered with the fallen, the walking, the track-standing cyclist utterly bewildered as his legs refuse to push him another inch. This is a group ride? You’re f@&*ing kidding me. …continue reading: De Ronde van West Portlandia: Eaten by Lions
