I would like to start off by saying thanks to all of you that spoon-fed me through '08! We had a few good results thrown in there, but in the end, we had fun, right?
For 2009, I have a new gig that probably will leave a lot of you feeling relieved. "Maybe he wont be so dependent upon us now" is what most of you are thinking, don't even try to hide it!
I am a member of the 2009 Dedicated Athlete Pro Mtn Bike team. Along with a direct link to endless coaching knowledge and sports nutrition, I also received a few new Storck framesets in the mail! Industry Nine has continued their unwavering support for the new season, and Suspension Experts has stepped up and been a huge help in putting the final touch on my race winning suspension.
Thanks to all of you that have helped and continue to help. I can't do it without you. I would like to name you all individually but there are just too many of you. I must, however, highlight my family. I love you so much and am so thankful for all you do.
IT'S 2009 BABY! LET'S GO RACIN'!!!
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
This one's for you, Grampa.
I have never cried after winning, ever. I have cried a few times when I lost, but never after a victory. The majority of the final lap of the Gainesville SERC race, I was on the verge of tearing up and for the last mile or two, the tears were flowing.
March 16th, 2008, 8 o'clock in the morning, I remember it like it was yesterday. In the "race van" headed to a race. Dad driving, me sitting shotgun. Regan, right behind me, with Mom on the left side with David sleeping in her lap. The phone rings. It startled us all, even though we had been anticipating the call.
Mom quickly reached for the phone and answered it. Not saying much, just a "yes" and "ok" was all this call required. With a tear running down her cheek, she softly said, "He just went home to be with the Lord." My father's father had just passed away.
This was the first time that someone really close to me had died. I had never been there before. We all do our best not to let things like this bring us down, and I was no exception. Once we arrived at the venue, I "put it away" and prepared to compete. However, it wasn't long after the start of the race, that my mind drifted. I began making costly mistakes. Crashes that should have never happened, did. Bottles that should have gone in their cages, didn't. By the end of the race, I was spent, physically and mentally. However, I made a vow when I crossed that finish line, that I would win this race in 2009.
All year long, I didn't tell a single person, not even my closest friends, of my vow. But, on March 8th, 2009, my commitment was all I could think about. This time around, it was no hindrance. In fact, I have never raced with such a clear head. I was so calm during "crunch time" that I didn't care who was behind me, nor did I care where.
It wasn't until about two miles left in the race that my emotions began to play a role. I knew I was close and I was confident in my ability to pull through. My heart decided to celebrate early. It wasn't easy sprinting to the finish line with tears in my eyes, but a finish line sprint had never felt better.
Grampa, it has been a long time coming, but I can finally say it...This one's for you.
March 16th, 2008, 8 o'clock in the morning, I remember it like it was yesterday. In the "race van" headed to a race. Dad driving, me sitting shotgun. Regan, right behind me, with Mom on the left side with David sleeping in her lap. The phone rings. It startled us all, even though we had been anticipating the call.
Mom quickly reached for the phone and answered it. Not saying much, just a "yes" and "ok" was all this call required. With a tear running down her cheek, she softly said, "He just went home to be with the Lord." My father's father had just passed away.
This was the first time that someone really close to me had died. I had never been there before. We all do our best not to let things like this bring us down, and I was no exception. Once we arrived at the venue, I "put it away" and prepared to compete. However, it wasn't long after the start of the race, that my mind drifted. I began making costly mistakes. Crashes that should have never happened, did. Bottles that should have gone in their cages, didn't. By the end of the race, I was spent, physically and mentally. However, I made a vow when I crossed that finish line, that I would win this race in 2009.
All year long, I didn't tell a single person, not even my closest friends, of my vow. But, on March 8th, 2009, my commitment was all I could think about. This time around, it was no hindrance. In fact, I have never raced with such a clear head. I was so calm during "crunch time" that I didn't care who was behind me, nor did I care where.
It wasn't until about two miles left in the race that my emotions began to play a role. I knew I was close and I was confident in my ability to pull through. My heart decided to celebrate early. It wasn't easy sprinting to the finish line with tears in my eyes, but a finish line sprint had never felt better.
Grampa, it has been a long time coming, but I can finally say it...This one's for you.
Monday, August 11, 2008
Dear Mr. Phelps,
You are the freakin' man! What is it now, three gold medals? AND three world records? In just three finals!?! Congrats and good luck! You will have to be careful and keep your head on straight, buddy. Take it from someone who knows, once the media "discovers" you, you will be tempted with the fame. Stay solid and you will be just fine. When the time comes that you have to do a live interview on national news, try to think about all the hard work you went through to get to where you are. Doing so will make you sound more focused and less likely to be invited to parties. Trust me, partying isn't all its cracked up to be. There will be a lot of women that will see you on tv and think you are a cool guy. WATCH OUT! They probably have weird kissing diseases and stuff. Besides, they will take away from your focus. Trust me. I know. Well, this is a lot of info for you in one letter, but before I go, I wanted to say that I think you should try using Powerbars. They just might give you that extra edge you need to win. Heck, it wouldn't hurt to send them a resume or two, they may hook you up like they did me.
I hope you found this helpful. Good luck in the rest of your Olympic endeavors and tell all fellow Americans I said, "WAAAZZZZZZZUUUUUUUPPPPP!!!!"
Sincerely,
Ryan Woodall
PS: Do not, I repeat, DO NOT try to breath while you are under water. Take my word for it, that junk ain't cool!
I hope you found this helpful. Good luck in the rest of your Olympic endeavors and tell all fellow Americans I said, "WAAAZZZZZZZUUUUUUUPPPPP!!!!"
Sincerely,
Ryan Woodall
PS: Do not, I repeat, DO NOT try to breath while you are under water. Take my word for it, that junk ain't cool!
Sunday, August 10, 2008
The Olympics are awesome!!!
Before I get too sidetracked, I would like to comment on today's criterium. It was fast and relatively safe so I had fun. I did some work, went with a few breaks and in the end, I threw down a solid sprint. Of course, my transponder wasn't working so I was scored in last, but who cares? I had fun.
So, back to the Olympics! I am a patriotic fool. Not 100% sure why, but none the less, I am proud to be an American. As an athlete, my national pride gets an enormous boost every four years. I know the Winter Olympics exist, they just don't do it for me. To all you snow freaks, whatever. Anyways, I don't think I have been able to sleep since Friday night. My heart rate hasn't been under 100bpm for the last three days! I am freaking out, man!
To be honest with you, I am a little embarrassed to admit that I have been watching volleyball and swimming. All the while, never sitting back in the seat, but instead resting on the edge of the chair, clinching my fists and shouting, "COME ON... COME ON............. YEEEAAAAHHHH!!!" I just hope I can make it through this Olympic season with out having an aneurysm. If I survive, I will probably get busted for high levels of testosterone. Seriously, did you see Cancellara's bridge to the lead group at the end of the road race? I thought he WAS a motorcycle! Just watching that on tv made me faster.
Well, I got to go. Indoor volleyball is going on as I type. Go Team USA!
So, back to the Olympics! I am a patriotic fool. Not 100% sure why, but none the less, I am proud to be an American. As an athlete, my national pride gets an enormous boost every four years. I know the Winter Olympics exist, they just don't do it for me. To all you snow freaks, whatever. Anyways, I don't think I have been able to sleep since Friday night. My heart rate hasn't been under 100bpm for the last three days! I am freaking out, man!
To be honest with you, I am a little embarrassed to admit that I have been watching volleyball and swimming. All the while, never sitting back in the seat, but instead resting on the edge of the chair, clinching my fists and shouting, "COME ON... COME ON............. YEEEAAAAHHHH!!!" I just hope I can make it through this Olympic season with out having an aneurysm. If I survive, I will probably get busted for high levels of testosterone. Seriously, did you see Cancellara's bridge to the lead group at the end of the road race? I thought he WAS a motorcycle! Just watching that on tv made me faster.
Well, I got to go. Indoor volleyball is going on as I type. Go Team USA!
Saturday, August 9, 2008
And a month later...
The long awaited tale of Vermont misfortune. After coming close to a whole shot, after elbowing my way to a top 25 at the top of the climb on the first lap, after making up even more ground on the decent... a leaky valve stem stole my hard-headed charge for glory.
Let me give you some more details. At the very bottom of the decent, my rear tire rolled of the rim. Bummer, I should have run more air pressure. No problem, I lost no more than a minute. Once I started back up the climb, I felt even better than the lap before. Within 2 miles, I had made up my lost time and ridden away from my 1st lap racing partners. However, to my dismay, my tire was noticeably low again, only half way back up the mountain. After a quick check over, I found no signs of leakage anywhere on the tire. My assumption? The tire must not have sealed well during the last fix. After another shot of air, I was back in pursuit. Well, long story short, my valve stem was lose and causing the leak. I fixed it during the third stop for air.
For the record, it was a disappointing race, but I had a blast on the bike. Probably the most fun I have ever had in an XC race. Aside from having fun, it was great to feel like I was fast again.
This taking place on Saturday, I was still hopeful in a strong performance on Sunday in the short track race. Unfortunately, it was a false hope. The starting line up was based on the previous days XC results. I know, I know, it doesn't make sense to me either. Since I didn't do so hot on Saturday, I had to start in the back. No biggy, or so I thought! I had average legs, causing me to move up at an average pace and finish in an average place. I think 35th. Pretty pathetic after last years 19th!
Well, I have so good news to leave you with. Since my return home, I have been able to tell a tremendous improvement in my strength on the bike. I can only assume that I am getting some late season form, which is good by the way, because I am doing a Pro,1,2 crit in the morning and I have the NMBS finals at the end of the month.
That's all I have for now. I will let you know how the crit goes down. Thanks for reading.
Let me give you some more details. At the very bottom of the decent, my rear tire rolled of the rim. Bummer, I should have run more air pressure. No problem, I lost no more than a minute. Once I started back up the climb, I felt even better than the lap before. Within 2 miles, I had made up my lost time and ridden away from my 1st lap racing partners. However, to my dismay, my tire was noticeably low again, only half way back up the mountain. After a quick check over, I found no signs of leakage anywhere on the tire. My assumption? The tire must not have sealed well during the last fix. After another shot of air, I was back in pursuit. Well, long story short, my valve stem was lose and causing the leak. I fixed it during the third stop for air.
For the record, it was a disappointing race, but I had a blast on the bike. Probably the most fun I have ever had in an XC race. Aside from having fun, it was great to feel like I was fast again.
This taking place on Saturday, I was still hopeful in a strong performance on Sunday in the short track race. Unfortunately, it was a false hope. The starting line up was based on the previous days XC results. I know, I know, it doesn't make sense to me either. Since I didn't do so hot on Saturday, I had to start in the back. No biggy, or so I thought! I had average legs, causing me to move up at an average pace and finish in an average place. I think 35th. Pretty pathetic after last years 19th!
Well, I have so good news to leave you with. Since my return home, I have been able to tell a tremendous improvement in my strength on the bike. I can only assume that I am getting some late season form, which is good by the way, because I am doing a Pro,1,2 crit in the morning and I have the NMBS finals at the end of the month.
That's all I have for now. I will let you know how the crit goes down. Thanks for reading.
Friday, July 4, 2008
From the bottom...to the top?
What am I doing? Sitting here writing my first blog in over two months. To be honest, in those two months there was only one story worth telling. The 2008 Bump & Grind. Was it a great story? No. Was it a story of hard work and perseverance? Yes.
Over the last two months, I have made a big mistake. One crucial to my cycling career. I let my day job take priority over my weekend "hobby." I know this isn't making much sense yet, but I will explain. Ever since I became serious about cycling, I considered myself a full-time athlete and part-time whatever else I did for cash. Why? Because being an athlete is a lifestyle, not just a career. As for my part-time jobs, well, they were just that: things I did for the cash needed to survive.
When I returned home from my month long tour of Fairyland, aka "California," I went back to my old job of turning wrenches at the local bike shop. Not the ideal job, but it pays the bills and I like bikes. Well, call me what you will, but the shop was busy so I began to work too much. I give 100% to my job when I am on the job, and all too often, that sucked me away from my bike.
I have been doing my best to ride more and ride harder, and I know it's paying off. Group rides are easier than ever. It is harder than ever to find a sufficient training partner. The problem? I am wasted. My body can't keep up with my ego. Between work and...well, work, I have run myself into the ground. Changes have been made, and I am doing better. I just wish I had seen the light sooner.
Let's get back to the good stuff. Let's talk about Bump & Grind. This was a race I won last year and was determined to win again. Going into the race I knew I wasn't in top shape due to a knee injury that caused nearly two weeks of down time. As nervous as ever, I rolled to the starting line with the hopes that I could best my adversaries and roll away with my pride, and bring home my one true shot at glory in 2008.
Have you ever won a competition because you weren't as good as those you were competing against? Well, it was a hot race. Hotter than last year and many a strong racer simply couldn't handle the heat. My problem? I wasn't fast enough to give them a run for their money, forcing me to run an inferior pace. How did this pay off? I was consistent all day. The others faded in the heat. Here is where it gets tricky. After losing site of the leaders about a mile into the race, I didn't regain site until well into the second half! That was well over an hour of having no clues to whether or not I was losing, maintaining, or gaining time with those up front. On one shoulder I had a little man telling me it was over, but hold tight and beat the guy behind you. On the other shoulder was a larger man telling me to cowboy-up and take care of business. After all, I opened the gap, I sure as heck better close it!
After a long hard push, one by one, the lead group fell apart and into my hands. After 2 hours, 9 minutes and 1 second, I crossed the finish line with a time equal to that of last years second place finisher and with more than 4 minutes separating myself and this years second place finisher.
After that race, I knew I needed to do some work. I decided to skip the next NMBS race with the idea that my time would be better served at home on my bike preparing for the MTB National Championships. By the way, that is where I am now. True story, I am sitting in a motel room in West Dover, VT, awaiting the start of the battle for major bragging rights and the ability to put stars-n-stripes on your jersey. Fun stuff, but of course, it will be a sufferfest. Nothing new, I don't suppose.
Before I go, I want to say THANK YOU to all my fans and supporters out there. You all help a lot and I appreciate all the inquiries. You have stuck with me through the bad, and I plan on taking you through some good soon. -Ryan Woodall
Over the last two months, I have made a big mistake. One crucial to my cycling career. I let my day job take priority over my weekend "hobby." I know this isn't making much sense yet, but I will explain. Ever since I became serious about cycling, I considered myself a full-time athlete and part-time whatever else I did for cash. Why? Because being an athlete is a lifestyle, not just a career. As for my part-time jobs, well, they were just that: things I did for the cash needed to survive.
When I returned home from my month long tour of Fairyland, aka "California," I went back to my old job of turning wrenches at the local bike shop. Not the ideal job, but it pays the bills and I like bikes. Well, call me what you will, but the shop was busy so I began to work too much. I give 100% to my job when I am on the job, and all too often, that sucked me away from my bike.
I have been doing my best to ride more and ride harder, and I know it's paying off. Group rides are easier than ever. It is harder than ever to find a sufficient training partner. The problem? I am wasted. My body can't keep up with my ego. Between work and...well, work, I have run myself into the ground. Changes have been made, and I am doing better. I just wish I had seen the light sooner.
Let's get back to the good stuff. Let's talk about Bump & Grind. This was a race I won last year and was determined to win again. Going into the race I knew I wasn't in top shape due to a knee injury that caused nearly two weeks of down time. As nervous as ever, I rolled to the starting line with the hopes that I could best my adversaries and roll away with my pride, and bring home my one true shot at glory in 2008.
Have you ever won a competition because you weren't as good as those you were competing against? Well, it was a hot race. Hotter than last year and many a strong racer simply couldn't handle the heat. My problem? I wasn't fast enough to give them a run for their money, forcing me to run an inferior pace. How did this pay off? I was consistent all day. The others faded in the heat. Here is where it gets tricky. After losing site of the leaders about a mile into the race, I didn't regain site until well into the second half! That was well over an hour of having no clues to whether or not I was losing, maintaining, or gaining time with those up front. On one shoulder I had a little man telling me it was over, but hold tight and beat the guy behind you. On the other shoulder was a larger man telling me to cowboy-up and take care of business. After all, I opened the gap, I sure as heck better close it!
After a long hard push, one by one, the lead group fell apart and into my hands. After 2 hours, 9 minutes and 1 second, I crossed the finish line with a time equal to that of last years second place finisher and with more than 4 minutes separating myself and this years second place finisher.
After that race, I knew I needed to do some work. I decided to skip the next NMBS race with the idea that my time would be better served at home on my bike preparing for the MTB National Championships. By the way, that is where I am now. True story, I am sitting in a motel room in West Dover, VT, awaiting the start of the battle for major bragging rights and the ability to put stars-n-stripes on your jersey. Fun stuff, but of course, it will be a sufferfest. Nothing new, I don't suppose.
Before I go, I want to say THANK YOU to all my fans and supporters out there. You all help a lot and I appreciate all the inquiries. You have stuck with me through the bad, and I plan on taking you through some good soon. -Ryan Woodall
Friday, April 18, 2008
Sea Otter Expo
I will go ahead and tell you right now, I don't have any pictures. I had my camera with me, but it was in my backpack and would have taken WAY too much effort to retrieve in the event that I felt a photo should have been taken. Yeah... About that... Anyways, there seems to be more people showing things off as opposed to two years ago. However, not nearly as much free stuff! Even stickers were hard to come by. Man, I brought home a load of stuff last time, I walked the whole expo today and the only thing of any value I was a bottle of Cytomax Sports Drink. What am I gonna do with that? I'll tell you what I did with it...I drank it! Of course, I hid it in my backpack until I got back to the hotel.
The funniest part of the whole thing is rolling around the expo area on a nice bike and wearing street clothes. NONE of the REAL pros EVER walk the expo area, right? That means I must be a beginner racer who just so happens to be spoiled by his wealthy parents. Hmmm... See where I'm going with this? No one would give me serious answers to my serious questions UNTIL we had talked long enough for them to know that I must be a pro. Then I could get the info I was looking for and scoot. Not all the sales reps were like this, but the large majority were.
My favorite part was telling those same people about Industry Nine wheels. Once they realized I wasn't a spoiled brat just wanting a free bike, they started asking me the questions... Nice wheels, where did you get them? Are those custom painted? Oh, Industry Nine, but who makes the hubs? (all serious questions asked by serious folk) Hahaha... I just wish I had been smart enough to bring some Industry Nine business cards to hand out. Then again, Jeff might have killed me. Rumor has it, they are a little busy. Hey man, just doing my job!
Well boys, its time for me to check out. I need my beauty sleep. There's a pageant tomorrow and I want that tiara! Good night and God Bless!
The funniest part of the whole thing is rolling around the expo area on a nice bike and wearing street clothes. NONE of the REAL pros EVER walk the expo area, right? That means I must be a beginner racer who just so happens to be spoiled by his wealthy parents. Hmmm... See where I'm going with this? No one would give me serious answers to my serious questions UNTIL we had talked long enough for them to know that I must be a pro. Then I could get the info I was looking for and scoot. Not all the sales reps were like this, but the large majority were.
My favorite part was telling those same people about Industry Nine wheels. Once they realized I wasn't a spoiled brat just wanting a free bike, they started asking me the questions... Nice wheels, where did you get them? Are those custom painted? Oh, Industry Nine, but who makes the hubs? (all serious questions asked by serious folk) Hahaha... I just wish I had been smart enough to bring some Industry Nine business cards to hand out. Then again, Jeff might have killed me. Rumor has it, they are a little busy. Hey man, just doing my job!
Well boys, its time for me to check out. I need my beauty sleep. There's a pageant tomorrow and I want that tiara! Good night and God Bless!
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