East Coast October

The days are getting shorter and things are looking more wintry in Massachusetts. Passing storms have torn the majority of the leaves from the trees and left our trails littered with branches and decomposing memories of summer.

The cool weather brings a new importance to being in tune with the local weather as getting caught out in a hard rain, unprepared, this time of year is an almost certain ride ender. That same rainy 40 degree morning could take a turn for the worse or just as easily transform into a cheery 65 degree afternoon when the sun breaks through at the right angle. Out of place weather seems to be the new normal here, but at least the more mild weather has made it easier to get out and hit the trails.

Late afternoon ride in the state forest.

Mary and I have really been enjoying living at home throughout this past fall. We have had the chance to re connect with a good number of our family and friends and just get off the road for awhile and get a perspective on what it is to be living in a house. All and all it is pretty darn nice!!!

Mary out on a fall CX ride

The lure of the nearby ocean has happily gotten us back into paddle boarding and surfing! Mary and I have also incorporated some hiking, running, strength training and a good bit of trail maintenance into our workout program. We have been consistent with our mtb riding but have spent the majority of our off road time on longer endurance days with as much time spent in the woods as possible. Our hard day are typically on the cross bikes doing high intensity efforts of all sorts, as we prepare for the even higher efforts of cyclocross racing on the weekends.

Getting in Late!

Mary heading out for an ocean paddle

Rare heavy surf at home!

We have spent a bit of our fall getting our latest investment in wheel estate on the road and race ready The "Brave" is a hilarious ride as much as it is an all business machine for our team. We have been rolling in unrivaled comfort as we make the rounds contesting cyclocross races around the region. It has been a million laughs already and so far the good points easily eclipse any darker issues that can sometimes accompany driving your house.

house proud!

The New England cross scene continues to impress, offering up some of the highest level of cross racing on the continent. Though it is fun to watch for sure - in New England cross is not a spectator sport as much as it is a sport of participation. By design, competing in cross is attractive to a wide range of people as it lends itself to the the sickly driven cyclist who can successfully find the time to get in the type of training hours to hone themselves into a lethal barrier jumping machine despite the constraints of a full time job.

Just when you thought it might be possible to take a little bit easy… perhaps show up to a race "just for fun" and call this an off season...well, New England cyclocross has other ideas. The competition here is hot and the racing is as good as it gets anywhere in the world. It is really appealing to race or just be in New England for a million reasons, the fall months as the foliage is not to be missed.

Mike racing in the mud in Providence RI

Mike leading out the chase group in Plymouth MA

Mary on her way to victory in Coonamessett, MA

With the onset of the daylight savings the sun is now setting before 4:30 making it more important to get out early for the workouts and often better to have a short hard work out planned. Mary and I prefer to stay consistent with our riding year round and but do so with particular care to change up the intensities and efforts along the way. This time of year it is all about short hard rides to better go along with the season as well as the style of racing. With this strategy we aim to reduce the focus and stress on the endurance systems of the body and actually try and build up throughout the season.

Raking the Backyard

For us it would certainly be a mistake to get off the bike for any long period as Mary has been honing her skills in the kitchen as if she wasn't living in a car any more… it continues to be a great fall for sure!