Randy LaPrairie: 02/01/2008

Wednesday, February 27, 2008

SNOW DAY!

When I woke up this morning, this is what I saw outside my window. So, I opened up my email, and sure enough school was cancelled! So what better day to kick on some DEVO and make a blog. And man, it's still coming down like crazy.

I've been meaning to show off some of my new speed machines, so without further ado, here are some crude spy shots. It's not possible to capture the aesthetic beauty of these machines on camera without some good naturale light, not to mention some good Shimano-approved soap.

2008 Orbea Alma: Shimano XT drivetrain and brake set, XTR wheelset, Rockshox SID Team, Zeus carbon and aluminum components, 21.5 lbs complete

I took this bike to my new favorite NC trail, Dark Mountain, and man, this thing rips. The fit and geometry are better than any bike I have ridden in the past. It's light, climbs well and I can hit corners like I'm on a motocross bike. It does everything well.

2007 Trek X02: Shimano Ultegra/Dura Ace mix, Bontrager Race X Lite wheelset, Bontrager and FSA carbon and aluminum components

This is the latest addition to my stable. I bought it off Mike to use primarily as a training bike. It's my first ever curly bared bike. I really enjoy riding it especially on the fast down hills around here. I love to get in the drops and just hammer. This bike will allow me to take some training abuse off the Orbea and also make it possible for me to do some road racing.

In fact, this weekend I might head down to Georgia with the team for my first ever road race. It should be some good fast training.

Saturday, February 16, 2008

Stop At Nothing

I'd be lying if I said my training was anything but horrible over the past two weeks or so. It's been like riding through a minefield. First, I hit my knee really hard on a frozen slick rock while riding a jeep trail. Then after the contusion had recovered I nearly hit it in the same spot when I hugged a tree at 15 mph. The day after that the chemical warfare began when the North Carolina Plague of Death overtook my body. I guess they've been shutting down nearby universities because of it. At least my birthday was a success! Thanks to everyone who was a part of that.

So now I am on the upswing: still not 100% healthy, but close. I don't know what I am going to feel like when I get back on the bike. I was in pretty kickin' shape before I got sick, so hopefully it will come back quick. I wanted my first race to be the Chickasaw Trace classic, but we'll see if I am ready. Quite simply, I'm not racing this year with anything but the intent of winning.