Christmas in Cancun

Well we're off to Cancn pretty shortly here. That's right, a nice break from this god aweful winter weather here in Michigan. I can't wait! We went all out with the all inclusive package... let's just say it may take till July for my cycling season to come around after all the food and drinks are burned off. Michelle and I will be be making appearances over by the swim up bar if you need us...

I haven't really gotton into my training program for next year yet. "Old Joe" has been holding out on me... says I need rest or something. That'll be a new concept for the Simonster this year. It's easy to get wrapped up in all the all hrs and miles. So and so is doing this... this persons doing that. I think you have to really be individualized about your training. Take it day to day. Ask yourself, "what's the best thing I can do today to prepare for the season?" That's about all I have to say about that.

Here's some good Mickey/Rocky quotes to get ya in the winter training mood. If you've ever worked with a coach before, these are right on...

Mickey: You know what you are?
Rocky: No, what?
Mickey: A tomato.
Rocky: A tomato?
Mickey: Yeah, and I'm running a business here, not a goddamn soup kitchen.

Mickey: Your nose is broken.
Rocky: How does it look?
Mickey: Ah, it's an improvement.

Mickey Goldmill: I've seen wrestlers that was bigger than dinosaurs! You ever fight a dinosaur, kid?
Rocky Balboa: No, not lately.
Mickey Goldmill: They can cause a variety of damage.

29 inches, 29 years old, and 2009!

So far 2009 is shaping up to be a good year. As you may allready know, Trek has decided to pull the plug on their US based teams. I had a good season with them in 2008 and now it's time to move on. It's unfortunate, but it's a part of the business. On that note, I've aquired new sponsorship for 2009. The Michigan Trek/Fisher sales rep, Mike Shrift, and Travis Ott of Gary Fisher stepped up and came through with a spot on the Fisher 29er crew. Thanks guys! I'm really excited to be switching back to the 29" wheels. I'll be 29 years old, riding on 29" wheels, in 2009. Coincidence??? Perhaps fate brought all that together.

My weapon of choice is the Superfly. 3lb carbon frame with all the Bontrager trimmings. Bontrager is also comming out with a couple new tire choices like the XR1 which will help keep the wheels turning fast!

After a 2 week layoff with a bad cold, the winter training program is underway. My wife Michelle and I joined a local gym and I have a permanent trainer setup in the basement for getting in some time after work, or on those days where it's just unberable to be outside. My favorite movies to watch are the Rocky movies, Lord of the Rings, or Star Wars... yeah I'm a nerd.

I decided to work with a coach this year which is a first. He's a local guy and most people know him as Art. Imagine trying to tell this guy you don't feel like riding today (see pic below). I think he coached Rocky Balboa at one time, but I'm not 100% sure. I'm sure that's where Rocky learned about the running the stairs. (see pic above)

I think a viewpoint outside my own head will help tremendously to help make sure I'm doing the right things at the right times. We make a good team. Here's Art after our first training session on the stairs.

I'm looking forward to another fun season of traveling and making new friends. That's all for now. Gotta get back to the daily grind. Thanks for reading!