OVCX Finale

Here's a relatively short post with a few photos and some race footage:

Last week I finished up with finals and headed home Wednesday to spend some time with my family, since I will be absent over Christmas due to EXC. Then on Sunday, my girlfriend, family, and I headed back to Indy for the OVCX season finale, which was hosted by Marian at the IndyCycloplex.

The course was slick in spots from some rain earlier in the week, but overall it was tacking up nicely. My start position was further back in the grid, so chose to line up on the side in hopes that I'd be able to shoot around the outside, moving up that way. I was able to get into the top 15-20 when we hit the grass, and on the second straight I sprinted around on the left to get to the front. Once there, I established a gap going into the barriers, which grew after hopping them and keeping a steady pace. Now that I was out in-front my goal was to focus on riding each section of the course well and maintaining smooth, steady power in the flats. This allowed me to grow an advantage over my competitors throughout the race. I went down on the switchback descent in-front of all the spectators, thankfully I had the gap I did, allowing me to patiently make sure my chain was on and continue race.

I dedicated the race win to my friend, Nicole Borem, who is recovering from a recent surgery. Many of you know Nicole and raced in her honor as well - I know that meant the world to her. Thank you for this display of support you all showed, it was awesome to see!

Overall, the local series' and racing has been great! We're very fortunate to have so many people who are committed to the continued growth of the sport and development of young riders. I think having the final race of the series at the Major Taylor Velodrome (IndyCycloplex) gave an opportunity to  show the level of commitment that Marian has for developing cycling in the Midwest. Dean and the rest of the Marian crew have worked to make the IndyCycloplex a place where cycling of all disciplines can be held and flourish.


The unveiling of how the 'JoJoNoFingers' nickname originated

Highlight Reel

 

My favorite picture from the weekend! Will Johnson & I.

Photo Credit: Kent Baumgardt

Photo Credit: Kent Baumgardt

 

Thanks for reading - Stay tune for updates from Euro land soon!

EuroCrossCamp & Beyond

As many of you know (and for those of you who don't), I will be traveling to Europe in a couple weeks to attend EuroCrossCamp (EXC). While there, I will be staying in Vorselaar, Belgium, the heart of the cyclocross scene. I will fly out December 19th, returning two weeks later on January 2nd. During the trip, I will have the chance to eat, sleep, and breathe cyclocross, racing 5 times on some of the toughest courses in the world.

I am very grateful for the support that I have received to help make the trip possible. I couldn't do it without so many of you who believe in my cycling and have helped me to continue my growth as an athlete by providing opportunities for me to develop, both physically and mentally. I look forward to sharing my experiences with you all... via updates here, as well as Twitter and Facebook.

2012-13 EXC Roster

Race Schedule

Tentative EuroCrossCamp X Program 2012

Thursday, 21 Dec – Riders begin to arrive in Belgium (fly in to Brussels)
Sunday, 23 Dec Namur WC (Elite; Junior/U23 races not WC)
Wednesday, 26 Dec Zolder WC
Wednesday, 26 Dec Beernem (for those not selected for Zolder WC)
Friday, 28 Dec bpost bank trophee – Loenhout (UCI Junior)
Sunday, 30 Dec Diegem Super Prestige
Tuesday, 1 January bpost bank trophee – Baal/GP Sven Nys
Wednesday 2 Jan – Riders Depart for U.S.

The rest of my season can be broken down into three major goals:

1. EuroCrossCamp
2. Nationals
3. Worlds

These goals build in a progressive order, each one building off the previous. My time at EXC will help to prepare me for Nationals, along with allowing me to compete for a spot on the 2013, U23 Worlds team. I hope to attain these goals by taking it one race at a time, being prepared for each step of the plan, not anxiously skipping ahead.

Here are a couple links regarding EXC & Worlds selection:
Young US riders selected for Euro 'cross camp
Analysis: U.S. worlds team takes shape ahead of key qualifying period

Thanks for reading!

A few video highlights from Sunday's race. Thanks to John Wheeler for the great OVCX coverage throughout the season!
Watch more videos on CyclingDirt 
Post-race interview

Watch more videos on CyclingDirt
OVCX #11 Brookside Cup Elite Men Highlights

Wicked Nice Weather in December?

Saturday the Marian crew headed to Purdue for the MWCCC regional cyclocross race, the final collegiate race before nationals in January. We were greeted with exceptionally warm weather, which is awesome when considering it's December! Going into the race Wisconsin's Joe Maloney and I were tied in conference points, followed by fellow Marian rider Drew Dillman. Beforehand we talked some race strategy, but it ultimately came down to one of us winning the race.
The race started out with Maloney gaining an early lead, with Dillman, Gerow, I working through traffic to bridge to the front. I was able to bridge up to Maloney first, sitting on his wheel waiting for Dillman and Gerow to join. Once there, Dillman took over at the front, towing us up and down the infamous sledding hill, turned regional 'cross course.
After a lap on the front, Dillman lost traction, sliding out in a corner, Maloney who had been on Dillman's wheel got hung up too. I came around both of them and put in an effort, which immediately opened a gap. At this point I knew I needed to fully commit to make this the race winning move. I was able to steadily increase the adavantage over Maloney, riding to the win and claiming the MWCCC individual conference title, as well earning a front row start spot come January.
I'm proud to a part of the what the Marian University cycling team is accomplishing, as we fight to defend our overall team national championship title in Madison.

 Photo Credit: Sarah Lukas

Sunday we were again blessed to have great weather! Danny Gerow (my roomate) and I headed to Brookside Park for OVCX race #11. I rode to the race, meeting Danny there and heading out on course for a quick preview.
In pre-ride I focused in on making sure tire pressure was dialed, using Rhyno mud tires, I also was able to get a good feel of preferred line choice. My start position was near the back, because of this, I knew it would be important to smoothly work my way through the field, avoiding any early crashes caused by the mud.
As I worked my way into the top 15, I flatted my rear tire. Once I realized it was completely flat, I had already been riding it for a bit, so I decided to continue to ride to the pit where super-pro mechanic, Matt McKinney kept me rolling smoothly with a fresh bike.
During this time only one rider passed me, making it easier for me to continue the charge to the front, where my competitor and friend (Marian teammate), Drew Dillman was already riding in the lead. I was able to work my way through the remainder of the field, closing the gap to Dillman on an off-camber section, leading into a stair run-up. I sat for most of the lap to recover from the effort it took to ride the flat to the pit and catch him.
After regaining some composure, I decided to test the waters, putting in an attack on the straight leading into the same off-camber and stair section that I initially caught Dillman on. I was able to open up a gap over him, but it was short lived; I saw he was closing it down and sat up to save energy. Later in the lap he countered my move, gaining and advantage, but I was able to close it back down.
We were both a little gassed from these attacks and the energy we spent working through the field. Dillman led at a relatively calm, tempo pace as we both recovered. He went wide in a corner, allowing room for me to come on the inside and take over at the front. I decided to again put in an attack, but this time is was a more sustainable effort so I would have something in the tank in case I wasn't able to get away.
This effort gave me a slight advantage going into the off-camber and stair sections, which I had been able to ride consistently with confidence throughout the race. My goal was to now ride the rest of the race as clean and smooth as possible. I was able to do just that, allowing me to further grow my advantage.
Really thankful for the opportunity to race such a great course with excellent staffing, and battle it out for the win with my buddy, Drew.
Check back soon for an interview, along with more details on EuroCrossCamp!

Click HERE to read the "official" write-up.

 Photo Credit: Kent Baumgardt

Only a little over a week of school left before Christmas break, and 16 days til I fly over to Euro-land for 'Cross camp. Time to hit the books - Later!

New Spook-tacular Bike

Thanks to Frank the Welder and his craftsmanship!

RAD-iculously FAST






Time for a bike bath.
I want to thank Mickey and Spooky Bicycles for the great support they've provided me with! Check out their site here: http://www.spookybikes.com/

gOaTaFlOaT

The night was long.
The winds blew strong.
I awoke to the ocean strong.
The waves pounding like a resounding gong.

I looked and what I saw was my little row boat
all lonely afloat
like a songs fleeting note.

My heart started beating
when I heard the bleating.

There was a goat
in my boat afloat.

Where is the sun?

The clouds rolled in.
All I wanted to do was stay in.
Of course I would drink no gin,
but would it have been such a sin
as the big black clouds rolled in?

Patience wearing thin,
daylight growing dim.

Grim and grey there was no play
on this dark an dreary day.