Training update: winter singletrack, FTP testing, Joyride150

The title pretty much sums up what I've been up to lately. Trying to log the hours between some scattered trainer rides and getting on the mtb whenever possible. Singletrack conditions have been excellent lately with the relatively low amounts of snowfall and consistently cold temperatures to keep the base frozen. Today's snow was just a little moist which made the grip so good it was almost like summer, as long as you stay on the little stripe.

Last weekend was the Frostbike winter mtb race put on by the Shorthills Cycling Club in Port Colborne. They did a fantastic job and for a first time race it went off perfectly. Much effort was put in through the week prior to pack it down with club rides and trail work sessions. The weather cooperated and as a result racers were treated to great conditions. I managed 4th in the U30 category, since they separate out the overall M/F winners (so really I was the 5th fastest time in U30, and 10th overall for the men, if I have it correct). I wasn't too concerned with my performance so it was fun to go out and hammer for 3/4 of an hour and see what came out in the end. Lap 2 stood no chance of bettering my time but I went out anyway to get more riding in for the day. Fitness was definitely not my limiter here, but rather bike handling - these trails are relatively technical and with the winter conditions required my full attention to keep going where I wanted to.

This past week I did my first FTP test for the year at home, and the results were more or less as predicted. I still think I could do better for pacing, and push harder overall so I expect the numbers to go up as I get used to the protocol. Also, I think once the testing moves off the trainer and outside it will be a little easier. I've got a number in mind that I'd like to see by race season and with the next 8 weeks of build I think it is within reach.

Finally, tomorrow I am off to Joyride150 for the first time. I figure I need to check it out sometime, and meeting up with Jared to sell some brakes was the perfect excuse. It sounds as though I'll be meeting up with a few other friends throughout the day, so it should be nice to check out the park and socialize a bit in between as well. Hoping to get ~4 hours on the bike but we'll see how quickly I tire out. I do have pretty much no upper body strength... I will report back afterward with my thoughts on the park.