Ben Raby

Some Training

2009-04-21T22:17:00.000-07:00

Got in 6hrs. in the mountains today... Good training. Stopped for a pick me up on the way into town. Coke, Snickers and bag of peanuts. The new S-40's are rolling well.

2009-03-29T12:36:00.000-07:00

In the city--- All is well. Great News about Saxo Bank joining forces with Sram. Getting in some good rides down here, dodging cars and threats riding through the 'hoods. More to come...

Blog Slacker

2009-03-22T20:00:00.000-07:00

I can only say that not much has been going on, well nothing all that exciting to write about. None the less, I must inform. I've been working with Sram on a more consistent schedule, one can say, spending 2 weeks out of the month at HQ in Chicago. I'm working in the road marketing department in various capacities. Seems all to normal as I've had a relationship with them for so long. It's a great thing.
Been pedaling while back home in Boulder with some consistency. We've had a super mild Winter which has thawed me out from my times back in Chi-town and will look forward to some races come the Spring... which I guess is now.
I'm off tomorrow for another stint in Chicago. I'll be sure to check back in shortly.

Cross hurts in places I did'nt know could hurt

2008-11-24T18:12:00.000-08:00

J-Pow's got nothin' on me!....

Some folks... perhaps 2 or 3, or maybe just one, have been razing me about my lack of blogging. Have you gotten your toilet water to flow in the right direction yet? Here ya go shags...

With some help with KCCX, Bill Marshall in particular. He established a quick program for the this Fall with Scott bikes and Verge clothing, with some help from Sram I built up a pretty sweet cross bike. The program is to develop into a more structured program for '09 running with the cross wave/somehow the hype of cross is not affected by the state of the economy.

I went into it, a bit naive, as to the beating the entire body gets. It brought back quick memories of my Mtb racing. I raced my way into shape, and certainly had my ups and downs. I had a few high lites along the way, almost winning 'Sram's most aggressive rider', http://www.theroaddiaries.com/?p=237 moving up from the 5th row into the top 10 in brief, then fading to 14th. Staying local has been fantastic, The Boulder Cups and other Colorado local cross races have offered huge fields and sweet courses. I'll probably re-think doing a cross race at over 9,000ft. (Frisco Cross) I've still got that smokers lung sting from that one.

Anyways, a few more to come. Colorado Champs and of course the big one in Kansas City. Course is looking fantastic and the weather is up to par for the desired true blooded crossers.

Enjoy some pics from Boulder friends/ KV , Rob O'dea

and my buddy old pal Mark Hickey... Thanks for the shots guys.

Dissimilar Bike Races

2008-08-21T09:47:00.000-07:00

I took these pics the week before while on a training ride.

Approaching the finish. From the Mt. Evans, CO. hill climb race to Criterium Nationals in Chicago, bike racing in North America does offer quite a lot of diversity.

Mt. Evans was my first hill climb race, the race starts in Idaho Springs and summits at the top of Evans at exactly 14,135ft. The climb gains 6,920ft over the 27miles to the top. The gradient of the climb was not too severe, generally speaking, however once over the 12,000ft. point I rode in a high altitude state of bother. I struggled to follow the surges and could not find a nice rhythm. Due to the lack of air, my legs felt like noodles, it was as if there was a bad connection between the power I was out putting, to my legs. Anyways, I think it has to be raced a few times to adapt. Never the less I really enjoyed it as it's quite a unique event and hope to be more competitive in the years to come.

National Criterium in Chicago, based in Downers Grove, IL. The course is a 1.2mi. figure eight course, at 710ft. elevation and gaining 50ft. per lap. Does not seem like it but we actually climb 2,500ft. during our 50mi. race. I did not find a top result over the weekend, this race has always led me to consisant top 20's. I placed better in the Saturday night Pro/Am finishing 12th. out of a ridiculous 180 rider start list. Sunday, was a slow march through Downers and the pace did not suit me all that well, I teetered up in the front in the remaining laps but dodging wrecks along the way took everything out of me for the final lap finishing behind the pace at 17th. I do love this race and missing the podium last year in the pro race makes me believe in a fantastic result there someday.

Two different races; a grinding hill climb through the clouds, where you simply battle against yourself, to a high speed, fast pedaling, twisting and cornering course amongst 180 ambitious racers. Both have there high level of enjoyment, and I'm happy I got to ride both this year.

B-day Getaway

2008-07-06T14:35:00.000-07:00

Sarah took me away last week for my birthday for a surprise bed & breakfast weekend getaway. Fantastic trip to Maroon Bells near Aspen. Some hiking and a bit of a pedal enjoying some of the best of Colorado.

So many things to do.

Making it Stick. 3rd place. Stage 5, Tour de Nez

2008-06-26T11:17:00.000-07:00

With so much of this season being based on catching up and finding good form again, I am very happy to have finished up the Tour de Nez with a nice podium spot on the last stage. The 5km circuit was one of the best I have ever raced, located in the Northstar ski village, the course was either up or down, left or right or bumping a top brick roads through the winding village. With some luck I snuck away after the first few laps, accompanied quickly by some good help. We established a nice break. When then mid to late in the race we we're joined by some fresh horse power; 3 Bissell riders, including Aaron Olson gunning to make up 24sec. to win the overall. While it took a rather deep breath to compose myself with the new tremendous pace put by mostly Zirbel and his mates, which actually sched a few of our original break riders, I found comfort in knowing we would stay away to the line and perhaps I would have a chance for a win.

We did stay away, the field shattering behind us as the Kelly riders chased trying to save their overall while Olson saw time on his side. I hoped for a good sprint from to the line against the other 7 in our break, but maybe I waited to long in giving myself a good chance to win. Either way, 3rd place on the last stage makes me smile and perhaps I will build on this one and bring some more confidence to the next race.

Happy To Be Here

2008-06-20T21:30:00.000-07:00

You know,,,, I wish I was in better shape, I wish I had the legs to make my moves stick, I wish I had a bigger suffer meter right now. But I don't, not yet. It's a hard sport to be patient and try to get through these races to find my form again having my competitive spirit. With that all said, I am happy to be out here again. I am grateful to those who believe in me and continue to support me. I've been back on the bike now for 3 months after taking Winter and Spring off the saddle. I am willing to go over the hurdles to get to the level I wish to be at. In time and opportunity.

Tour de Nez

2008-06-18T23:11:00.000-07:00

Reno Casino Lights

Back tunrning the pedals in the races again. I'm Out in Reno, Nevada for the Tour de Nez that began tonight with a casino crit. 4 more stages to come. More soon. Thanks for the support!

The Peak to Peak Daze

2008-05-27T20:38:00.000-07:00

I'm finally getting in some good solid blocks of training. The fitness is coming along well and now maybe I can start focusing on some key events in the weeks to come.
Got through last week with some good rides, almost a few epics.... and one of the days Winnie and I got caught in serious hail storm, while about 2hrs from home.
The Peak to Peak Highway still puts me in a daze, trying to sort that out. I'll just be patient in getting used to riding at 9,000-10,000ft for now, then bump it up some more in training for Mt. Evans.
Well, all in all happy days here getting in to form and getting some good rides in.

The road was all nice and clear...

But it was the End Of The Road at Just over 10,000ft. Have to wait a few more weeks.
A Cola fix in Ward.
The Mountain town Ward offers some scenic Mtn. Views...

Turning The Pedals

2008-05-15T10:38:00.000-07:00

I started turning the pedals once again just a short 6 weeks ago. Maybe the nicer weather was a bit of a motivator, or just a strong desire to get back into some racing again. I'm beginning to map out some sort of season for myself, where I will include some NRC races for some race training and a select few to seek a good result. There will be quite a few nice races here in Colorado which will help with the form, down into the summer I will be keen for the Mt Evans Hill climb race. A type of race that I have never done, which excites me. I'll try to get up there a few times and sort out riding in thin air, the finish line is just above 14,000ft. OUCH!

Mostly, I am being patient as I am late in training and dont want to rush things, I have a few composite teams that I can join for some of the bigger events, but mostly will be riding under SRAM sponsorship as a privateer, which recently was the case for the Joe Martin Stage Race in Arkansas. Sarah and I headed down there rather last minute with some new friends Kat, and boyfriend Chris Winn, an Aussie rider who is on a 6 month racing sting here in the U.S. He's just given a break on the mountain bike scence and now giving it a go on the road. SRAM helped me with some new threads and support while down there. The weekend of racing went rather well for me, for my first races and not having many miles in my legs. Friday's 110mile road race was my longest ride of the year and sneaking into the breakaway, though brought some publicity put in a serious hurt box! Thanks to the guys in the break who let me skip quite a few pulls. And big thanks to Jose, driving neutral Sram car to feed me while off the front. Besides the cramps and pains, it was great to be back in a race and see some of my old mates. I enjoyed doing the race with Sarah as she's getting really good at the feeding routines and keeping on top of things, mostly just nice and making it a family event for the both of us. I took the rest of the race from the rears and moto paced behind HeathNet's 3 day train. Even though boring, with the GC sorted out on stage one, it made the next three days very, very controlled and the reason I managed through it with out much form.

I'll be ticking of the k's now and sorting out a way to get to the next race.

Thanks for the support and Encouragement!

A dedicated Bilko

2008-02-19T15:27:00.000-08:00

A recent job for Sram led me to a quick posting on this old thing. I guess the West is the best. An Ice storm in Missouri and just a few days later was rolling down the window for some fresh air in sunny California. Also, our new member of the family, Charlie. I am on the bike again and seeing some light at the end of the tunnel. I've recently been using my language skills at the Boulder Hospital as one of they're Interpreters. The job has been good and rather mind expanding.

More to come from the Raby camp.

Thanks for the support and encouragement.

Nerja, Spain

2007-11-11T11:19:00.000-08:00

Overdue

2007-10-10T14:21:00.000-07:00

I have been trying to enjoy spending time off the bike, the constant travel that the season had, training etc... But with the bad news of our team's sponsor Kodak Gallery pulling out, its hard to relax with an insecure future for next season. It is seeming a bit of a nasty trend though as we're not the only ones.
Tour Of Missouri was rather rough on me, early on in stage 2 I took a nasty crash that cracked a few ribs and sliced my chin open. I managed to finish the stage where later that night I got 8 stitches. From then on I took it a day at a time, focus on our teams objectives and finish the race. It made a complete wreck of me, but we were rewarded with my teammate Dom Rollin finishing our jobs by sprinting his big Boonen arse off and getting on the podium for the overall.

Coming home felt fantastic, where the couch and TV became good friends. I still was not sleeping much at night, as the ribs we're not getting better. After a week, I was slowly up and about again and headed to Vegas to work for Sram during outdoor demo and celebrate Sarah and I's one year anniversary. Johnny Sundt(Kelly Benefits rider)and I along with Sram Techs led demo rides. Sram decked out sweet rides with the new RED gruppo for bike shop owners and industry folk to test on their own. We got in about five 45min. rides a day. Johnny entertained me, while I was in my Vicodin haze. We got fantastic feedback from those who signed up for the Ride RED Demo and for myself its the best gruppo out there. Sarah and I enjoyed a desert resort with all the fixings and we're able to relax and spend sometime away from Boulder, this time together.

Now. I'm still recovering a bit, the ribs feel almost healed and the soreness is manageable. Of course, as per not being able to fully relax during my off season due to bit of stress about what I will do for next season, I guess time will tell.

Thanks for the support.

US Pro Criterium Championships, 6th place/

2007-08-23T15:40:00.000-07:00

@ 70 psi.

Getting back in the swing of things at the Tour de Toona

2007-07-31T11:33:00.000-07:00

The new locale...

Kuota Kalibur TT

Powered by; Freedman

Starting to give it some stick again
I took my mid-season break after the five week stint that began with the RAS in Ireland and finished with the Beauce in Canada. It was nice to have some time to finally go up in the mountains have a few picnics with Sarah and enjoy our new locale here in Colorado, I even joined in at a few happy hours with her co-workers... cocktails... yep.

I quickly got into the routine again of training, and was sure nice to have warm weather here which made the long mountain training rides bit easier than battling with frost bite, as I endured earlier in the season. I spent quite a lot of time on the TT bike, getting used to riding the position and taking full advantage of having one at home. The Kuota Kalibur TT machine is quite the ride.

The Toona was soon on the horizon and I felt ambitious about the race and hoped to ride well in it for the GC. Things began well for us in the team time trial where we limited our losses to the big horse power teams and finished 5th. It's not often we race TTT, so even though it hurt it was rather fun. I managed to finish in the front group on the second stage where we were hit with a nasty rain storm with 20km to go, which in addition to the many climbs on in the short distance stage it added to splitting the field in a few groups. The next few day, I just was not able to follow in the key moments of the race and slowly began to drift away at any chance of a high GC finish. I think I attribute it to my time off of racing and simply loosing a bit of that aggression. I was disappointed of course but tugged along and continued on with the race. Once Walters got the Green Sprint jersey it gave us some specific work to help him in the sprints which got the fire started again under mi arse. On the 6th stage I went off in a breakaway early on to try to steal some sprint points to help out. On Sunday's last stage We kept aggressive trying to create breakaways but the pace set by Healthy Nuts said no to those ideas. I kept good position coming into the final and made a good sprint for 4th place on the last stage.

So... hopefully the Tour de Toona was getting my engine back on and will be back to full speed for the big crits in Chicago and the rest of the season. See you soon!

Passport Please and Tour de Beauce

2007-06-21T15:07:00.000-07:00

Protecting Yellow Again
My first flat of the year, was no little thorn
Start of TT
Leading Walters
Sweet Goobers

The sometimes rush, rush of cycling added with and almost 6 hour race can make it easy for some short term memory issues or add forgetfulness with some international travel necessities, such as a passport.

The team trailer was heading up to Quebec directly after Sunday's Philly race, where our team duffel bags would go as well, to limit our flying hassles. Some last minute hotel changes and with the immediate rush I forgot to take my passport out of the duffel and put it in my carrion. This came to my attention at about 1am on Sunday night while in bed. I tried to reassure my self by stating that you don't need to a passport to enter Canada. But it was not really working, as I have kept up with the World news. I was off to the airport anyways as Sarah was headed back to Colorado. As I dropped her at the gate I said, "Maybe I'll be seeing you later..."

The attendant reassured my fear and said that there is no way to be flying into Canada without a passport. Stockton, my team manager was right on the case when he arrived at the airport, a bit ticked of course but still managedto get me a way up to Beauce. He found a flight to Burlington, Vermont. He called the mechanic re-routed his trip to come pick me up in Burlington and off I was for another stage race. I was so tired and physically wrecked I was not sure if I was happy I was going up there or not. I was eager for my break to come, but did have a week left in me.

Tour de Beauce went very well for us. Walters got things going from the get go on a long first stage, 5 hrs. or so, with a stage win. For the following stages it was tempo time for the rest of us, which works quite well when you're tired. It simplifies things, ride at the front for 140km. Done. Even though we lost the jersey on the Mont Megantic stage, we got back to the front in the crit to pull back a breakaway in perfect fashion, with one 1.5km lap to go, and lead it out for Dom, but small error led him to get 2nd. Still, it was good fun stringing out the field and bringing back the hopeful breakaway. After a week of great weather the last stage brought down some heavy rains and made it rather miserable. I was in two breakaways that each got about a minute up the road, but the legs pooched out on me towards the end and shut down the opportunity of a stage win that I was seeking.

I was very pleased to get through the tough week, as the roads were relentless, still had a cough and I kept counting the minutes to having some time off the bike. Walters made the race great for our team by grabbing the yellow jersey on the first stage and having the Kodak Team set tempo for the first 4 stages and getting to show our strength as a team.

I am in bed now, sleeping. I'll be doing this for a while.

Philly Cheese Steaks are Good

2007-06-21T12:31:00.000-07:00

A Brit in Philly Sarah, My Guapa
Ready, Set, Go
Following Zee German

It was a week of downtime in downtown Philly after the RAS. The thought of it is quite nice after a hard stage race, but not having the chance to head home for this week took it's toll. Yes, I get home sick and miss Sarah. I wouldn't say home sick for Boulder, but homesick of the comfort of our new apt. there on Pearl St and spending a week off with my wife. I spent the week with Walters and Rollin in a great old house in the historic district of Philadelphia. We took our time getting the day started, enjoying our home made coffees and going out and about taking pics with our KODAK cameras of course. I struggled with the heat and humidity as it was a drastic change from Ireland's Spring Weather and the high allergic levels. CSC Invitational was the first race back, and it was a suffer fest. The heat took it's toll and made most of the field drop out. I hung in there until the finish but could not manage much help for out sprinter Rollin. The race took a lot out of me and made that following week miserable with a nagging cough and green snot! This made for early departures in the mid week races, Lancaster and Reading. I awoke highly motivated for the Big Philly race as my wife flew in and a few old friends. I did have a few nerves at the start, as the venue is quite a scene. It's no local Chicago crit. It was my job to keep Walters up in the first 15 riders heading into the Manayunk wall each lap, in which I succeeded in. Its a full on sprint each lap to the base of the steep 1.5km climb, but we managed to duel it out and head into the run in safely. It was my longest race ever, it being 156 miles. This year was done in record time of 5:45hrs. not bad aye... I was spent have the race and was struggling with the fact that I would be on a plane the next morning to start a 6 day stage race up in Quebec. The Tour de Beauce...

FDB Insurance RAS Stage 8, Dom Rollin's Turbo Diesel Power and the end of the RAS, very nice!

2007-05-31T21:27:00.000-07:00

The threats of nasty weather for the last stage were diminished by the shy Irish sun that showed up to lighten our spirits. Our plan was to keep fairly mellow for the first half of the race and then try to attack the yellow jersey to snag it back. A small break or 3 including David McCann took off rather early and zee German’s began to set tempo.
They hired the zee otha’ German team to help them control things which made us rather fed up. So we began to attack over the third climb on the stage. We put quite a lot of stress on them to make them loose their organization. Dom Rollin turned on the turbo and was off and another poor old rider made the bad decision to get on his wheel. Dom kept a 15 sec. gap ahead of us for about 20km, in which zee Germans could not reel back. Once we hit more twisty roads Dom was out of sight and was on a solo effort to catch the breakaway a minute up the road. The gap grew slowly; I got on the radio and told Dom, “Zee Germans are loosing powa’!” Once he closed into the breakaway, McCann slowed things up to wait for him, to add the horsepower to the break. It worked. They gained up to a minute and forty seconds, virtually placing Dom in the yellow jersey. The German Suunto Team and Stevens teams continued to drive the pace, giving us a easy ride in the pack to keep us fresh for getting Jesse up the road on the finishing circuits, seeing that most of the German domestics would be blown by the time we’d arrive.
McCann began to attack the breakaway and dropped one of the Aussie riders, which did not work well in our plan as then they began to help the chase. Once hitting the second to last KOM the field dwindled rapidly but the yellow jersey managed to follow the wheels. Jesse gave it a go on the last lap, but zee German had yellow feva’ and it was too late for us.

The race went very well for us. It being Kodak Gallery/Sierra Nevada’s first International race we were all very pleased and hope we can continue jumping across the pond for competition. We’ll focus on recovery now in Philadelphia and we will be prepped for the Triple Crown.
See you then!

FDB Insurance RAS stage 7, Aggression, a lull and some more Aggression

2007-05-31T21:24:00.000-07:00

With the stage profile mostly ascending for the first 40km, the pace was rather relentless. We took part in it; of course, as it shows we’ve showed up in good form. Dom would string out the field with his huge turbo diesel engine, and then one of us would launch an attack to keep pressure on the yellow jersey. We kept on like this for a while, but everybody was on board with fresh legs from yesterday’s short stage. On the first long descent there was a nasty mid field crash that took our teammate, Josh Thornton out of the race. Josh landed straight on his head, going about 70kph. Not a scratch on his body, all impact to the helmet. He was rather shaken up, but started feeling a bit better in the evening.
The field settled down during the middle kilometers of the race, a good thing for me as I was having some stomach issues and puked profusely every time I drank a sip from the bidon. I went back for some coke to try to settle the stomach; I was the last rider in the field for about 40k’s just hanging on. Good times. I started to come around for the last quarter of the race, and moved up steadily leading up to the last KOM. I went on the attack with a Glen Bak,(Murphy and Gunn) and David McCann,(Irish Nat. Team) I was hopeful it would stick, as we hit them at a good time, but my personal attempts of going for a stage were shut down by the chasing Australians. Once caught, I attacked again with 1km to the KOM, I was able to get over the top first and keep the pace up. The descent was too open and not technical enough for me to stay off. I was caught soon enough. The rain made things a bit stressful descending with the whole field but we stayed up front to keep Dom out of trouble and set him up for another stage. The “Dominator” took over early with about a kilometer to go and took his third stage victory, to the disappointment of the rest of the field. Did I mention I was getting tired, one more stage.

FDB Insurance RAS Stage 6, Getting Tired...

2007-05-29T19:40:00.001-07:00

“Would you like some fries with your mashed potatoes?”

Yes, indeed. The routines of food at stage races can be rather hard mentally towards the end of the week. Chicken or beef, 3 differently cooked types of potatoes on the table and over cooked carrots and broccoli. Stage 1, Stage 2, Stage 3…the same is served. It does start to crack you a bit. We did add a drink to the menu tonight however, Champagne! Dom Rollin went off early on with the right breakaway and rode away from the group of 15 or so in the last few hundred meters and took his second stage victory. “Very nice…”

The pace was fairly steady for us in the pack, and to be honest I was rather happy to be taking somewhat of a break after yesterday’s massacre. My legs hurt, back, neck everything. I woke up in the middle of the night last night to use the bathroom and could hardly walk to the toilet. I was praying it was 2am or still early enough where I wouldn’t awake the day in that sort of state.

It’s 10pm right now and still rather light outside. The scenery up here in Northern Ireland has been spectacular, and with the nicer weather today it was actually a bit enjoyable. We head to New Castle tomorrow on a 160km+ stage, with bad weather expected in the days to come it will be no parade to the finish. Come on legs.

Our bikes and equipment have been holding up supremely under the stress and weather it has been handing over the past week. Randy, our new mechanic has meshed in well with the team and has set up our fleet of Kuota’s equipped with the latest from SRAM with precision. All needed to handle the rough and nasty conditions this race offers.

FDB Insurance RAS Stage 5. Hell of the North Perhaps?

2007-05-29T19:38:00.000-07:00

Howling winds, dark skies and pissing down rain. As if the stage profile wasn’t daunting enough, right? “Living the dream…”
The Irish Murphy and Gunn team and Zee Germans put it right in the gutter from the gun. By the time we reached the base of the first KOM the field was ripped to shreds. Cresting the second KOM a group of 40 was established, “These are the men of the RAS!” is transmitted through the P.A. of the lead car. After seeing cross eyed and wrestling over my bike trying to hang on for dear life, things finally settled and we all made the selection. The rain continued, the wind battered us and after a bit of a settling, attacks began again. A group of 6-5 established a few minute lead, and we were forced to set Thornton, Walters and I rode on the front, relentlessly with no help through the grueling tempo once again. It was just 3 of us, as we kept Jesse and Dom fresh for the final. narrow bumpy roads. While heading down the final KOM’s I found myself descending a 8ft. wide road at 80kph, pouring rain and urinating in my shorts as my bladder was about to explode otherwise. Walters was having trouble of his own yelling, “I can’t see a F&%# thing!!!” After the race he said on the downhill he couldn’t keep both his eyes open at the same time. The epic Memore Gap was upon us, Ireland’s most famous climb. Starting along the coast it turned inland and ascended wickedly at 18-26% for 3km!! NO JOKE. We set Jesse up nicely while the rest of us, still managed up it rather well considering our long effort on the front, seeing that we still made it over with most of the guys from our group. It was a bomber descent to the finish, where our nerves were left back at the hotel to keep up with the pace. We limited our losses today, to Jesse being down by 36sec. Not too bad considering the brutal stage, and small numbered roster team to keep things under control. I imagine we’ll rest well tonight, and tomorrow we’ll be switching to attack mode from defense mode, seeing the we are all healthy and fit and highly ambitious to win this race.
As K. Stockton our director would say, “Game on.”

FDB Insurance RAS Stage 4. Defending Yellow

2007-05-29T19:37:00.000-07:00

I’m trying to think if I have been on a team where we were defending a leader’s jersey, but can’t recall right now, probably because I’m smashed from today’s brutal 5th stage. Yes, that means I’m delayed by a day on my reports. Truth is, it’s been hard to find the energy after the tough days. Yesterdays stage 4 was a tough one, seems as though the Irish have been kicking up the speed higher and higher as the stages add up. We were well prepared though and battled the numerous attacks from the get go, rather good considering there is only five of us. At one point I found myself in a breakaway with GC contenders that was gaining time quickly, K. Stockton quickly told me to wait for the field and join my teammates to chase them down. Of course, one has those selfish thoughts of thinking hey this breakaway will stick. But cycling is a team sport. I returned to the field and we settled in to a strong chase to shut off the opportunity of a dangerous break. Soon after regaining control, 5 riders went off on the attack but were not too serious on GC. We maintained a tempo to the finish. At the 20km mark, as we were reaching the Atlantic coast we drove the pace hard and started splitting the field to bits, (a good feeling). In the process we captured the breakaway with 5km to go and set Dom Rollin for a 2nd place stage finish, securing his point jersey a bit more and keeping Jesse safely in Yellow. The run into the finish was amazing. In the last 20km the roads were rolling and twisty, cutting through the rugged terrain of Ireland’s Northern coast. This certainly made things easier mentally setting tempo, rather than being on some mega U.S. highway.

FDB Insurance RAS Stage 3. Cold Breeze, Things to come?

2007-05-29T19:36:00.000-07:00

It seems as though Ireland’s pasta is potatoes, baked or mashed, its potatoes for dinner again.

We have been assigned two drivers to our team due to opposite side of the road driving. Our team car driver is a riot, Simon, a.k.a. 007 want to be. He’s kitted out his Old Mercedes Compressor with bike racing gadgets; A home made roof rack that probably weighs more than the car which can hold 6 bikes and mass amount of wheels, 5 different horn buttons on the stick shift, welded radio mounts on the dash board as well as two dry erase boards to keep track of breakaway and race leaders. The list is non-stop. As Simon drove Jesse, Thornton and I to the start of the stage today, it was as if we were in a full on Bond car chase scene, and him playing 007 soundtrack did not help him be any more conservative with his lane changing. We made it in on piece though, and we were mighty entertained.

The race went very well for us today, seeing that Dom picked up the stage victory and Jesse switched his jersey color to yellow. Not bad. The day started with a bit more windy conditions and colder. We are heading towards the coast now, so with the harder stages to come I feel that they will be accompanied by a more true Irish weather. We are all feeling well, and rather fresh considering our efforts and now with having the yellow jersey it’s quite a boost for us all. This will keep us highly motivated through anything we face in the stages to come.

FDB Insurance RAS Stage 1

2007-05-29T19:35:00.000-07:00

Funny enough, I must say the Jet lag has not been bad as expected. I think the help of getting into a quick stage race routine has been some help. Well, still was daunting task to awake at 7am thins morning for a 12pm start that was only a half an hour away. It’s simply the way it is sometimes, with bus transport of riders without enough team cars and parades to start us off for the tour.

The race went well for us today. The routine flurry of attacks at the start of the race ended shorter than normal as a small group got away very early on. We were attentive though as J. Anthony made contact with the group of 5 or so riders that slowly crept away from the field. Jesse rode well all day in the break getting a few bonus seconds sprints and picking up the KOM points. For us in the field it was rather easy, and gave us some more rest from our long trip over here. The tempo was fairly steady up the climb, but there still was only 20~ of us cresting the climb while the rest of the field did not keep pace. The field came back slowly on the long descent and the chase began, headed by Kelly Benefits whom missed the breakaway opportunity. The 3min. gap was brought back with 15km to the finish. We then got ourselves organized and set a lead out for D. Rollin. We managed things rather well, but our legs seemed to still feel poochie, (HB word) from our trip and did not have the full horsepower to hold of the charge from the rears, however Dom still managed a solid 4th place.

Overall, we are rather pleased with today. Our bike held up very well on the bumpy Irish farm roads, no skipping gears with our SRAM gruppo and our Michelin tires survived with no flats, which is fantastic considering how many guys kept going back for new wheels. We are all in good shape for the race, I hope things continue this way, as then the top of the podium won’t be so far away.

The FDB Insurance Stage Race. Dublin, Ireland.

2007-05-19T11:33:00.000-07:00

My Race number Haber reflection
Mi bike along side Irish Roads
Training with Kelly Benefits

Traveling headaches.

From Virginia to Ireland, bike racing is surely a world wide sport as most of us know. Although a headache at times and the various hiccups of traveling, getting the chance to see the world is one of the enjoyable benefits of life as a pro cyclist.

Travel headaches listed;
1. I was not mailed a paper ticket, team had to purchase brand new round-trip ticket on the
spot for me to fly.
2.Rollin’s baggage did not arrive.
3.Walter’s bike did not arrive.
4.The other US team competing in the race, Kelly Benefits’ rider Dominique Perras lost his 5.passport in Philly airport. Was not allowed to travel.
6.Marketing manager Rob O’Dea’s flight was delayed by a day! US Airways…

Dublin;

We were greeted with what we mostly assume the climate is here, windy and rainy. We did see Sun, however the strong winds kept bringing in sudden downpours throughout the day. It’s bed time finally after surviving a full day of travel, a heavy Irish lunch, a spin on the bikes in spotting rain and an afternoon walk to stay awake. We have brought a fantastic group here and feel strongly that we will have a good showing during the 8 day race. I’m lethargic in my thoughts and need some sleep, but wanted to get the Tour of Ireland diary started. With that I’m off to bed and hope to be peppier tomorrow.

To view race details please visit, http://www.fbdinsuranceras.com/

That's all for now.

Tour of Virginia Stage 5. Podium Finish, 3rd Place.

2007-04-27T20:48:00.000-07:00

The form is starting to come along after the long winter in Boulder.

Sorry for the short report, I have not been into interneting lately.

I will do a Tour Virginia review report next week!

Hasta pronto.

Checking in before heading back East (Virginia)

2007-04-20T21:16:00.000-07:00

Just a quick hello, and chat letting you know I am okay. Have recently gone from the East coast to West coast in the past few weeks. The US Open in Virginia, was a bit of a mess, perhaps. However it was well worth the effort to deal with the harsh conditions, (snow and mighty cold weather) for cycling to get Nationally broadcast. Mechanical issues during the finishing circuits ended my day a bit short. The team helped me with a bike change and tried to get me back in, but with the technical circuits it made it rather difficult to catch back on. Bike racing...

Flew home to Boulder for a few days, then back off, but to California this time. Monterey, for the Sea Otter Classic. Sarah came along which made the trip much more pleasant. It was great having her support in person while on the road. She helped the team out on both days with the feed zone and preparing the bottles, she's a full-on seigneur. I hope we can make it work that she can come to a few more events during the season.

We have been back for a week, the weather has been nice and I have been able to complete my training for the Tour of Virginia that starts next Tues. It's looking to be a nice stage race, with a good mix of crits, long mountainous road races and a time trial. My fitness is coming along well and I am hoping to do very well.

I'll come home after that and have a solid two and half weeks to prepare for the RAS, (Tour of Ireland). I am thrilled to have the opportunity to race this prestigious stage race. I am pleased to have the freedom from the team to come home and prepare specifically for this event. It will be a highlight of my season, so I wish to be fully prepared.

Recent Interview on Cyclingupdate.com

2007-04-17T10:03:00.000-07:00

Check out a recent interview that cyclingupdate asked me to do. Click on link below. Thanks!
http://cyclingupdate.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=125&Itemid=29

Pnemonia and a Stage Race

2007-03-30T09:20:00.000-07:00

A view I'll be getting used to

Mark Walters and I in the Team Trailer

Will you Make The Leap Sunset

Wassmann Knows who's Boss in Road Gruppo's

Pete had some extra plans for the weekend

After a successful camp and first few races I returned to Boulder to continue my training and prepare for Redlands, or so I had planned. I was a bit weary of the guy coughing next to me on the late flight home that Sunday night, but didn't think much of it. I did start recalling his nasty cough when on Monday afternoon I was shivering in bed, coughing my lungs out. The shivers flipped back and forth from sweats that made me change the sheets several times and I was almost tempted to fill the bathtub with ice. I was in a state for 8 days. Sarah tried her best to stay away, but on day 4 she got it too. It was a great atmosphere in our apartment. I impatiently tried to go for a little ride 6 days into it, I turned around after 5km as I could hardly hold my bike upright as I was coughing so hard. I did manage to start feeling better, little by little, even though I had forgotten what feeling good felt like.

The Redlands stage race classic was coming up quickly and I was having doubts on feeling well enough to race it. I think I managed 3 good rides in after camp and before heading out there again. Great prep. let me tell you. I was feeling better though, and felt confident I could help the team out and use the race to get some speed in my legs and start building up my form again.

I almost turned inside out in the uphill TT first stage, I think there was some 8yr. old riding is bmx bike to a friends house that past me along the sidewalk... Anyways, things got better for me during the race, I felt stronger and stronger and my cough was dissipating. We had our moments as a team, mostly in the stage 3 crit. Josh Thornton finished third and the rest of us helped Dominique gather some Sprint points. Lopinto and I finished 11th and 12th for a bit of coffee money for the weeks to come. I was happy to finish the race, there were about 200 starters and only 70 finished. Differences in early season form, aye?

Back in Boulder now, mixing in some rest and training and getting set for the US Open in Richmond, Virginia. Saturday, April 7th. We'll be getting some TV coverage on NBC sometime in the afternoon. I'm hoping the legs and lungs are working tip-top for this one as it would be a nice race for us,(Kodak Gallery/Sierra Nevada) do well in.

Thanks for the support.

Team Kodak Gallery/Sierra Nevada Cycling Camp, California

2007-02-27T22:25:00.000-08:00

I thought California equals warmth and summer like conditions no matter what month of the year it is. I certainly was looking forward to what my idea of how the weather should be out here after getting pounded by cold weather and wind for the past few weeks in Boulder. Not too be.

Jesse, Pete and I flew together from Denver out to Ontario, Los Angele's other airport. We were picked up by "monkey" a well known mechanic in from the mountain bike scene, now Brian Lopes's personal mechanic,(for those of you who know the mtb scene). Anyways I remembered him right away from my old mountain bike days and I reminded me how small the cycling world is.

Our Camp site is out in the high desert, close to Palmdale. (Middle of nowhere). Good roads however, plenty of flat rolling terrain and some good size mountains. Altitude is around 4,000ft so still getting the benefit of that and the howling 20-30mph winds and 45 degree weather is keeping me tough.

Good to see the team again, train together and get the season officially started. We've been working well together throughout the rides and being sensitive to different levels of fitness, this being a good sign of positive team work. My training in Boulder at altitude is doing me well, I have been feeling good this week and step up my intensity in my training in good timing. My teammate Mike Dietrich is pretty well, it seems he's been getting in some good training amongst his studies in Arizona, or maybe he's failing all his classes... Anyways I nipped him in a sprint the other day and he wants a two up sprint re-match, he's trying to pull in some money and side bets. All I can say is "bring the money boooyyy!" The pool is up to $20 bucks...some good coffee money for the weekend, I'd say.

My director Robin Zellner says, "Living the dream, Raby. Living the dream."

Certainly.

Antonio Herrero

2007-01-31T18:39:00.000-08:00

That's my Godfather. This mafioso hard looking man, had one of the biggest hearts of my knowledge. He was there for me from the start of my life and helped our family through the ups and downs of a foreign family immersed in a thick Spanish village. For the past 6 winters I used that area as my training camp. And now, for the first time due to a new team and great opportunity I must do my prep. here in the States. Although I wont be back Spain for a while, Antonio wont be there either. Sadly he died just a few months ago. I expected to be back over the winter to be with his family, but it must wait. I will miss stopping by his quaint bar on the side of the road up the 5km climb to the village of Frigiliana. He was always there for me for a chat after my long rides and with a "tapa" and refreshing drink. I'll miss his silly questions of why I would ride so long each day, how much I was getting payed, and when I was going to marry an American girl. Well, I am on my way.

Melting Snow, Open Mountain Roads

2007-01-10T07:39:00.001-08:00

Colorado's road snow removal is the Sun. This is news to me. Denver/Boulder area only has enough snowplows to take care of major highways and busy roads. And the other hundreds of side streets with 2 feet of snow are just waiting for the Sun. So am I. Maybe I should start a snow plowing service.

Anyways, the Sun has come out and warmed things up a bit enabling me to get off the indoor trainer and head up into the mountains. I headed up from Golden on a 12 mile climb to Golden Gate State Park, reaching close to 10,000ft. Felt good exploring new roads and breathing in that thin clean air. The way down was colder than I thought it would be, but luckily I had brought some serious Ski gloves that Sarah's uncle lent me. They were huge! They probably looked like a pair of boxing gloves on me. Making my "pro look" rather silly.

Temps are on the ups this week, look forward to some long days on the bike and getting into a groove.(Outdoors)

Have pro contract, Will travel.

2007-01-10T07:39:00.000-08:00

Sarah and I loaded her Dad's 1990 Chevy conversion van to it's limit. Basically, our lives were packet in there. Destination: Boulder, Colorado. We arrived to a bit of a frozen tundra, nothing compared to my normal training location at this time of year, which has been Sunny Spain for the last six years. But the benefits of training at altitude will surpass sunshine. We have been staying at Sarah's Aunt and Uncle's down in Wheatridge, about a 30 min. drive to Boulder. After about a week of diligent searching we found our selves a clean and cozy apartment in the heart of downtown Boulder. This will be our home, for who knows how long...10 months, a year, two... We'll take it as it comes. We've got a life time pass on the roller coaster of life.

Panoramic pic, taken with my new Kodak EasyShare V570 Digital Camera, presented by our title Sponsor.