mountainbikeRACER.com

I generally take most of January off the bike. Cyclo-cross season can really take it out of ya . The mental break from cycling specific training is always a welcome time

How do you avoid weight gain in the winter?

Actually I usually don't but let me explain.......I've found that with a compehensive weight training /winter work out regime that weight gain is unavoidable and nothing to worry about. This is just muscle mass and as I transition slowly from weights to more cycling specific work the weight comes off and I'm left with the strength gains with out the bulk. Oh yeah, and I try not to eat too much cake.

What month do you plan on coming into fitness for the 2001 season?

I'll plan on having good fitness for mid April but I won't be looking for peak fitness till June. There are some high priority races at that time that I'll be looking to peak for .

What month do you start your pre-season training?

I'll focus on the bike starting in mid Feb.

How do you deal with riding in the winter conditions (cold, snow, ice, lack of daylight)?

There are many ways .I'm a morning person so I'll train outside in the am. I'm rather fond of riding my rollers .I have a set of kreitler dyno-mites, they're real quiet and have a ton of resistance built in. Indoor classes like stretching/yoga help a lot. I've been using physioball's (2 and 3 foot inflatable balls ) for weigh training and balance. Some mtn.biking at night .Also I work as a carpenter and a roofer so that keeps me very active.

What are your goals for the 2001 season?

Race well on the road and mtn bike than have a great season on the cyclo-cross circuit. I'm also looking forward to hosting cross clinics this fall in philly again . We had great sucess with that in '00 and I'd be proud to do that again

Is the "pro mountain bike racer" lifestyle as much fun as you thought it would be?

It defy's all expectations