Off Season

Its been a while since I have updated this blog. I find it hard to sit down and come up with something entertaining to write about. I ended the season in October on a high note by getting 4th place in the Greenville Spring Series and took about 2 weeks off the bike. Lately I have been riding 3 times a week and running 1 or 2 times. Last night I went to The Orange Peel to see one of my faovrite bands Puddle of Mudd. It was amazing! It was the 3rd time I had seen them and it was by far the best show they have done. Sadly I forgot my camera and was unable to get any photos. Thats all I have to talk about now but keep checking back because I will be posting about the new team  I will be riding for next year in the coming weeks.

-Andre

One of my favorite songs from Puddle of Mudd

Carolina Cup

Yesterday I did the Carolina cup in Greensboro NC. I did the Juniors in the morning and the Pro 1/2 in the afernoon

Juniors: The first lap everyone was very ancy and guys were trying to get away. Every move was brought back and I just sat in and saved energy. Went the field went across the Start line for the start of the second lap they just sat up so I decided it would be my turn to out in an attack. I quickly had a gap and I got to work to stay away. I was joined by Alder Martz and Daniel Greene. We worked together pretty well with me doing most of the work. Alder tried to get away but I was on his wheel like glue. I was on the front for the whole last lap and at about 250 meters from the line a started my sprint and held off Alder and Danielle for first. It was a great race and I was confident going into the Pro 1/2.


Pro 1/2: My goal for this race was to sit in and try to get a top 20 because that was how deep the payout was. The start of the race was pretty chill with a break going away early. Eventually things started to heat up and the field got serious about catching the break. Guys were attacking like crazy and my legs were tired from the Junior race earlier in the day. I just barley missed the group of guys that went up the road and caught the break. Not for sure what place I got but I think it was at least top 25. I was happy considering it was only my 3rd pro race. Not many races left in the season, but here is what I have left.

September 13: Asheville Grand Prix
September 20: Dylan Mitchell Memorial Crit
October 11,12: Downtown Greenville Cycling Classic

National Crit

So today was the National Crit. There were 134 riders that started the race. We did 30 laps which was 50km. I felt really strong and was able to move around easily and even went to the front to help pull breaks back. I was getting really confident with 2 laps to go that I might be able to get a top 5 but I used a lot of energy bringing back the 6 guys that were up the rode. Once I brought the break back guys countered and I could not go with it. With 1 lap to go 6 guys were up the rode once again and the field pretty much gave up on chasing them. Coming around the final turn some guy slid out right in front of me which slowed me down a little but I still managed to get 23rd. I am pretty happy with that but bummed because I felt really strong and could not get a higher result. The road race is on Sunday so hopefully I will get a good result from that. I'm feeling really strong and I think I can get a top 5.

-Andre

Day one in Cali

So nothing really to exciting going on today. Dad and I went to Huntington Beach this morning to check out the surfers. That was pretty sweet. I put both my bikes together and sadly during transportation my fork on my TT bike got pretty gashed up. I went and rode the TT course and let me tell you it is one hard course. Im not really expecting to much from it. Im more focused on the Road Race and the Crit. I will keep yall posted. all for now

-Andre

Nationals

So the trip to California went smooth. There were no delays and the flight was not bumpy at all. My dad an I didn’t get to bed until late. Like 2 Eastern time! Ouch. I’m going to go out and ride the TT course today and get to know it the best that I can. I go off tomorrow at 1:30. Im not really expecting to much from the TT but who knows maybe I will put in a good ride. The qualifying Crit is Thursday morning at 7. The National Championship Crit is later in the afternoon at 3:30. I have nothing going on Friday and I will be going and seeing my aunt who lives an hour and a half away. Saturday I have a 50KM qualifying Road Race and Sunday is the 110KM race. I will keep yall updated as much as possible. All for now

-Andre

Update

Wow, I really need to update my blog. It has been like a month. I told myself I would not do that but it happend. So I am now a cat 2! WOO HOO! I am heading to Fitchburg next week for an awesome junior stage race. I hope to do pretty good. I have gotten in some good riding here lately. After fitchburg I am doing the French Broad then its off to California for Nationals. After Nationals I am doing the NC/SC state road race championship then I will take a little break and do the Downtown Greenville Cycling Classic. I know I am in for a world of hurting when I do my first cat 1/2 race. I will try to update more often now

-Andre

Ring of Fire

Last night I decided to do the Ring of Fire. My legs were already dead from a workout that I had done earlier in the day. My plan for the race was to just sit in and get a good workout. But as always I try to get in breaks and sprint for points. I didnt get any points until the last sprint. I managed to get second on the last sprint which got me 6 points since the last sprint is worth double points. I ended up getting 11th for the night. One of my goals for this year is to get top 3 at the Track. I will be doing the Tomato Head RR in Tennesee this weekend. I hope to get some upgrade points. All for now

-Andre