Camp

Is good... Got here thursday evening with no time to ride. Only time for dinner and getting to know some of the older guys that I had not met before. It was awsome sitting there and seeing all of superstars that I normally associate with Velonews or on VS. during the Tour of other races that they show. The most interesting person to sit next to at dinner thus far would definitely be Dave Zabriskie. Some of the stuff that he says is super funny especially with the demeanor with which he says it. For example last night Tim Duggan and I are talking about me possibly renting out his house for super cheap in Boulder if I cant find something else that works out better for me. Dave then chimes in with,

"You should just move in with me and be my scribe. Every time that I say something that touches you spiritually you would have to say "Amen Zabriskie"".

Its these comments that he unleashes that are super funny. Look for a DZ quote board to be on Lucas Eusers website. I dont know what that website is but when I figure it out I will let you know.

The riding here has been super tough too. Two days ago we rode 175km with over 10,000 ft. of climbing. Needless to say I was tired. One exciting thing is to think about how good of shape I will be in shortly. Probably the best I have ever had this early in the season. Well thats it for now.

Walker

Flughafen!

I am sitting in the Tucson Airport, really bored. This place is pretty nice compared to other airports that I have spent time in, I mean obviously. Only nice places have free internet, or this at least applies to airports. So reflecting on my time here in Tucson it has been very valuable. This is definitely the most I have ever trained in January. Period. Its nice to think that after these 20 days down here in AZ I have hopefully laid the solid foundation needed to turn this season into one of the best ones I have had. So after a travel day today, rest day tomorrow followed by yet another traveling day I will finally be at training camp in Silver City NM. Checked the weather and it looks like it should be creeping up into the 50s once I get there. So not the worst conditions ever.

Also after camp I am trying to move to Boulder so I can train at a lower altitude than 9,000-10,000 ft. Hopefully everything comes together and the progression will continue. Until next time, ride hard.

Walker

Boredom

So Tucson is really starting to reach its limits. The riding is alright and the temps are really nice but man so many drivers just want to take all the cyclists off the road that they pass. Its scary sometimes how close these people will get to you while your riding.

But on a different note I go to training camp next week in Silver City NM. Should be pretty fun except for the fact that yesterday the team rode 3.5 hours in 28 degree temps. Doesnt sound too fun but hopefully I can bring some of these nice Tucson temperatures with me. Also Slipstream was featured on ESPN check out the article.

Well thats all for now.

Walker

Under the Cactus Needle

Finally!!! My legs are starting to get their endurance back. It was pretty sad... After my first ride down here in Tucson I was wrecked. Just so tired and only after 3.5 hours. Lame. But after this last week I can tell my endurance is getting back to where it needs to be before training camp in Silver City NM. Yesterday was 4.5 hours with a lot of climbing and today was 5 hours with some good climbing efforts and I still have energy. YAY. Visible progress is real motivation booster.

Overall the riding here is about so-so. There is some sweet climbing and some cool roads the only thing is that you almost have to choose, lots of climbing or cool desert roads. The reason that a choice has to be made is that we live on Players Club Dr. This is located on the opposite end of town from the great climb called Mt. Lemmon. So for instance coming back from climbing Mt. Lemmon the other day I am almost positive that I hit ever intersection on a Red light possible. At first became some what comic but as the ride went on and I grew tired it was not much of a laughing matter. Right out side our door here on Players Club Dr. are some really cool desert roads that are in located in a park so there isn't too much traffic.

One the lighter side deserts must have some of the most beautiful sunsets around. It was crazy the abundance of colors that I was able to see the other night. But thats it for now. Thanks for reading.

Walker

Tucson

Finally in Tucson, and man it feels good. Being able to ride three hours today without arm or knee warmers was quite delightful. The situation set up here is really nice. I have a large Futon that i can call my bed. Chad and Sheldon did a good job in finding this place its pretty secluded but in one of the nicer areas of town. The picture is of Gates Pass. It is pretty much right behind the apartment, it starts off light in grade but the last kilometer or so gets pretty steep. Well thats all for now. Time to go get some food.

Walker

Sick/bored

Woke up today with all of my sinuses throbbing. Definitely not the best way to wake up in the morning after a good few weeks of Holidays. Hopefully I will be able to kick this illness before I leave on Friday for Tucson. Arizona should be a great place to kick off this new season of racing. Just to be on the road will be a great change of pace from the lonely life on the rollers that I have been experiencing these last few weeks. Thanks.

Walker

New Year, New Steed

Happy new year to everyone! Up in Breckenridge it has been a very white week for the hollidays. I-70 was shut down all the way to Denver because of Blizzard conditions and white outs. That made for some very interesting driving. But now I only have 3 more days until I leave for the warmth of Tucson. I am really looking forward to this especially with my new ride that I picked up in Boulder a few days ago. Well i guess its time to once again endure the mental struggle that is associated with the trainer.

Walker