Giving Thanks

I left the house Thanksgiving morning to head over to Le Buzz to meet the other JKG riders for a climb up to Molino Basin where Jason's father, Gary, had promised to meet us with coffee. As I rode over, I remembered the previous Thanksgiving -- when instead of swinging a leg over the top tube I was being slowly and gingerly lowered into the passenger seat of my car by my loving wife. Wearing that horrible back brace and doing my best to pretend like the pain wasn't as bad as it was.

As I warmed up heading to Le Buzz, feeling absolutely no discomfort in my back, I almost burst into tears thinking about how thankful I was.

For having such an amazing wife.

For my parents who have showed me what a beautiful marriage looks like.

For being completely healed from my injuries.

For a career I love and the ability to make enough money to pay the bills.

For inconsistent income to keep me uncomfortable enough to keep praying.

For my nieces and nephews and how they jump at the chance to give me a hug.

For my friends who in so many ways bring joy to my life.

For the Jr. High kids I teach every Sunday, and their desire to emulate some of my traits.

For the Lord to have so much patience for me.

For Christ.

IC3 Race Team Welcomes Greg and Margo!

The IC3 Tucson Race Team is very happy to announce that Greg and Margo Chmelik have joined our team! Originally from Illinois, Greg and Margo have lived in Sahuartia with their two boys (Reece, 12 and Colin, 9) for 10 years. They love the Lord and attend Grace Church of Sahuarita.

Margo is a stay at home mom and about 2 years ago started participating in triathlons. She soon discovered that she really enjoyed cycling and has started participating in cycling events. To follow Margo on Strava, visit her profile page here.


Greg has been riding bicycles for two years. His first event was the rainy El Tour in 2013. He comes from a motorcycling background and used to do a bit of roadracing. He still enjoys watching Moto GP, World Superbike, etc.

Greg works in the ICU at UAMC south campus. He enjoys races of attrition -- hard riding over long distances. To follow Greg on Strava, visit his profile page here.



If you are interested in joining the IC3 Tucson Race Team, click here.

My IC3 Teammates Are Simply the Best!

The Shootout,

The last few weeks our IC3 Ream has been doing the early version of The Shootout here in Tucson. It takes place early Saturday morning and goes on rain or shine all year round. The early version used to be called the Old Man Shootout and it was a group with an older average age and a slower pace. I believe it has more recently been infused with a large group of younger Cat 3/4 riders and has increased in speed and intensity exponentially. The group that shows for for this event is often 50 to 75 riders. It provides real race pace and tight peloton style drafting.

As a Cat 5 rider, this group is tough to hang with. The surges can be brutal and you have to be not only strong but very aerobically fit. When I would ride The Shootout solo, I would be dropped by the bridge about 12 miles into the ride and have to endure long stretches alone and struggle to even finish the 60 mile ride. It did teach me to be mentally strong and to be very humble because when you are dropped, you want to quit and never ride this event again. I learned it is best to dust yourself off and continue to press on in the hope that one day you will be in the pack and be the one leading the sprints.

When I joined IC3, my teammates asked what my goals were as a struggling Cat 5 racer. I shared with the team that I wanted more than anything to be able to stay with the main pack and finish strong. I feel like if I can do that, I will be ready to contend for some strong cat 5 finishes the upcoming 2015 race season.

I have had three opportunities with my IC3 teammates protecting me, in order to acheive this goal. My teammates have helped me cut over 10 minutes off my time and we can see the main group now for most of the ride. I have to hang on during one of the sprints just a bit longer aerobically and I will soon attain my goal.

There is no doubt that this goal would be months off for me, instead of days, if it was not for my IC3 teammates. I would of expected the group to give up on me by now as it is harder for them to pull me along than hang with the main pack and enjoy the ride. My teammates however, continue to sacrifice themselves to help someone like me attain a goal. I do not feel deserving of all this effort but quite honestly, this is what our team is all about. We not only support each other, but try to help all other cyclists as well. Our hope as a team is that we show love to all the cyclists we ride with each week. This must truly be why God has placed us in this environment.

Thanks to not only my teammates, but Evan, Jason as well. They have been honorary IC3 teammates during The Shootout all trying to help me accomplish this goal.

Ken

John 15:16 You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you.

IC3 At Cochise County Cycling Classic-2014

Cochise County Cycling Classic-2014

Douglas Arizona, not usually a destination that you just jump in the car and visit.  Yet, every year a bunch of bike-crazed folks jump in their cars and invade the hotels in the area. 

Douglas is not void of a lot of history, however.  One of the hotels there called the Gadsden Hotel is famous for its marble staircase.  It is said that the chip in the marble was made when Poncho Villa rode his horse up the stair case.   It is a grand staircase which pours out gradually from the mezzanine to the lobby.  It looks like the perfect place to take wedding photos but you might not want to take your bride there for your honeymoon because the city really isn’t a honeymoon-type destination (read about the history here: http://www.thegadsdenhotel.com/hotel-history).

Let’s Get It Started!

This year the IC3 came to Douglas with four eager cyclists: Jimmy Davis, Jr, Michael Hast,  Gary Schobel, and Steven McCommons.  The race has several distances to choose from, 47 miles to 165 miles.  I opted for the 95.  One of the draws for riding in this race is the potential to get a “Platinum” rating from Perimeter Bicycling.  By getting a Platinum rating you can start up front in the El Tour de Tucson (ETdT).  This is important because there can be up to 12,000 people in the ETdT.  The CCCC isn’t an easy race. In fact, in the race this year only 7 people pedaled fast enough to gain a Platinum rating (I was not one of them).  In spite of this I was very happy with my results. 

This year the race started off somewhat slow because there was a puddle of water across the road near the start.  It was not long, however, before the peloton was well on its way.  The IC3 team rode near or on the front for most of the first 25 miles.  There were a couple of times that a rider tried to break away from the group but were pulled in quickly as this race has a serious climb in it at about 30 miles in.  I wondered why these guys were trying to get away... perhaps they were hoping to get a gap so that they could get over the climb with the pros.

Sizing Up The Competition: Riders and the Climb

There were a few pros in the race, as well as a few Cat-1's.  They were pretty much sitting in until the climb started.  I had been waiting for the moment when they would all start to move up; when they did all I could do was watch and wish I was skinny.  Michael Hast was able to get over the top with the leaders, while Gary and I were pretty much trying to get over the hill the best way we could.  For me it was a struggle.  I was happy though because in the tunnel (a very steep portion) I was going 9.5 mph as opposed to last year when I was going 8mph.

After the climb there is a steep and long downhill section of the race.  I had been struggling up the hill just to get to this point and hoping there would be others with me that would form a group.  On the descent I reached 54 mph.  I found out later that Michael had reached 59 mph… that’s crazy!  In any case, we formed a group.  Our group had about 15 riders in it; we were the 1st chase group.  The lead group had 8 people in it comprised of 4 pros, two Cat-1's, a Cat -2, a Cat-4 and a Cat-5 (Michael).    As I checked our group I was saddened to see that Gary was not with us.  I was really hoping to work together to get a good time.  The group I was in worked together for the most part, there were some who did very little work but you never know if a person is barely holding on, saving energy or riding the best ride they have ever done in their lives.

Overcome Adversity: The Body, The Road and the Peloton

At about mile 50 there is another steep climb.  Last year at this point I cramped really bad and was not able to stay with the groups after 20 additional miles of riding.  This year I started to cramp about 3 miles further up the road but I moved to the back and started eating and drinking trying to manage my cramps.  After about 10 miles my cramps went away and I started to move to the front.   On my way to the front someone in the group started to confront other riders, including me. 
 

I must admit, he got me riled up and I did not forgive him quickly.  After some discussion he began to say, “good pull” as I pulled through each time.  I guess the heat of the ride, fatigue and testosterone got the best of both of us, you could probably throw in a little ego too.

At some point I saw Michael up the road.  I could see that he was waiting for us to catch him which we did eventually.  After my little “confrontation” I was in the rotation taking pulls even though I could still feel the cramps threatening to return (once I got to the finish line I discovered that I still had two ½ bottles of water left).  As I was taking  pulls, with about 2 miles to go, Michael attacked the group and got a good gap.  Everyone was looking around to see if anyone was going to chase.  I, of course, was not because you never chase down a teammate.  I saw the group wanting to pull him in but no one had the will to do the work… Michael had made a successful break.  In my spirit I was yelling “Go Michael, go!”  I was glad we never caught him and he was able to cross the finish line in 8^th place.

As our group began to get closer to the finish the pack slowed down a bit.  This made me nervous because we began to bunch up.  This makes me think that there may be a touch of wheels and someone will crash.  I wanted out of that situation as soon as possible.  Finally I was able to get through as an opening presented itself.  It was too far from the finish to sprint but I would rather get clear than to crash, so I attacked.  When I looked over my right shoulder it seemed that no one had gotten on my wheel, however, when I looked under my left arm I could see the wheel of a rider who was able to get away with me.  There was also another rider on his wheel.  Soon I ran out of power and those two riders went around me fast, I was an effective lead-out for them.  As they went around me I tried to put in some power to get back on their wheel but I felt the sudden grip of a cramp threatening to return, those pulls had taken some energy out of me, so I backed off. I was exhausted but still tried my best to hold my speed.  Six other riders went by me on their way to the finish line and I came in 17^th!

Ministering/Serving Others

Afterward the IC3 provided water and Hammer Nutrition's Recoverite to the cyclists! Hammer Nutrition is a sponsor of IC3 and have many great products for athletes. Many people came to the tent and we were able to serve them!  What a great day.  There were aching smiles all around as folks felt the satisfaction of completing a difficult task.  As for IC3, well, we know that the Lord is good all the time and all the time, the Lord is good.  So here’s my closing word from the Word, “I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me. Phil. 4:13

Ascending into the Mist

I did a ride this morning with fellow IC3 member Dave and two other great friends. We planned on heading to the very top of Mt. Lemmon (to the Observatory). The pace was near-threshold for me but the weather was cool and I felt pretty good heading up. As we ascended, we were surrounded by clouds and rode up through the mist, which made for a truly spectacular experience (and at times, a pretty cold one). It's amazing to climb Mt. Lemmon and look down upon the Tucson valley. I've often looked out at the elevation gain and thought, "how can this be possible?" It seems so strange that one can climb to such great heights with only a bicycle.

~~~

I've been a Christian for a little over 12 years. I surrendered on March 18, 2001 during spring break in college. Back then I was involved in so many despicable and shameful things. I lived for myself in every possible way I could manage. I look back at that person and shake my head, but then I stop and realize something. I realize just how far I've come. It seems impossible that I could be where I am today, given the direction I was heading. But one thing I've learned well over the years is that when it comes to the Lord, nothing is impossible.

The climb has been difficult, and the weather was less than ideal in some spots. There were some times there when I was pretty cold. Times when I was hungry and worn down, but luckily I had some friends nearby to lend a hand. And a few times where I didn't think I would achieve the goal. I almost decided to drop out and settle for less than what had been planned. But I keep climbing.

Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brothers, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:12-14

The Lord isn't done with me yet. I've definitely got a long way to go -- but with His help I am still ascending.

~~~

Despite the rain and the cold and the tired legs and the hunger, I made it to the Observatory with the guys. We had a quick lunch at the Cookie Cabin in Summerhaven, warming up as best we could by the fireplace before heading back down the mountain. I said a prayer on the way down, thanking the Lord for such a great day with my amazing friends, and thanking Him for having the patience to lead me away from myself, up and through the mist, on my way to Him.

Photo by Evan Robold

JKG Molino Thursday Morning Ride

The Thursday Morning JKG ride has become a “must” event for me. Not only does this ride provide some of God’s most breathtaking scenery but it also brings together an awesome group of people.

Every week the members of IC3 Race Team, the hard chargers from the JKG Strava Group, and at least a dozen or more people from just word of mouth gather to ride. We leave from Le Buzz Coffee Shop in the North East Tucson Foothills and ride up to milepost 5.5, arriving at the Molino Basin Campground parking lot. Once we arrive at Molino Basin, we gather for about 10 Minutes for a bit of fellowship and to wait for all the riders to arrive. A crazy high speed downhill sprint follows for a sure adrenaline rush, and we then meet back at the parking lot we originally left from.

The real purpose of the JKG is to encourage one another to accomplish goals and to have a place where people of all experience levels can schedule a ride, an outing or time to just hang out…every member has ownership and can invite friends. You don’t have to leave your race team to be a member of the JKG…all are welcome. When we get together you can see that we all just mesh and have a great time. This ride is exactly what I was looking for and have been privileged to be a part of it now for over a year.

Many thanks to JKG/Strava Director Jason Smith and IC3's Jimmy Davis Jr. for organizing and keeping such a great ride alive and thriving.

One of IC3 Race team members always opens with a word of prayer. We find ourselves thanking God for his many blessings, the great group of people to fellowship with and ask for him to guide us safely back to our families. This is one of the high points of my week for sure.

Matthew 18:20 - For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.

Ken

Three Bears TT

This Three Bears Time Trial was the fourth TT I have participated in. I love them because they make me aware of how much I can push myself without the humiliating feeling of being dropped in a stage race. A man against his will and the clock seems to be as pure as it gets in Cycling. Race day started like many others with an early alarm clock, and the need to get that killer bowl of oatmeal ready and at least one cup of coffee. This day was especially cool because it was my first event as a member of IC3. Upon arrival, the first person I see is Gary. He has set up our team area with everything we could possibly need and offers up some more well needed coffee. I chose to do the 30K event. My thinking was that if I was to leave town to race then I should work a little harder than normal. The 20K riders, Jimmy, Gary, Robert and Laura all slowly left after warming up on the trainers. My ride was 45 minutes later. I was now left alone to warm up and ponder why I chose this harder effort and question myself as to if I even belonged here on this day. This thought process is one I go through many race day’s. It may seem negative, but it is also motivation. I must push myself mentally to “earn” my place at these events. I rolled up to the line thinking two things. Keep my effort consistent the first 15K as close to my FTP as possible and keep my heart rate under 176.

As I reached the 5K mark, all I could think about was the headwind. Both my confidence and my training told me I should be putting up power numbers at least 240 but I was already falling short. I pressed on and started to reach a rhythm on the pedals both my mind and body seemed to tolerate. At about 13K we had a left turn to head to the half way point. If I thought I had been heading into the headwind the past 20 min I was wrong. The left turn now put me straight into its grip. This is the place in the race I thought I might make up a bit of time but it required an even harder effort. Kyle told me after the race that this was the stretch I should of jumped on it hard to make up time…lol

After the half way turn, the wind was a tail/cross that made the last half a lot more fun. I was looking at power numbers near my FTP and seeing speeds at 24mph. My goal of a 21mph avg seemed within reach. I pushed as hard as my lungs let me but they were my weakness today. I stopped pedaling 50yds from the finish line and knew I gave it all I had for this day. I looked down to see a 20.5mph average. I was so disappointed!

Robert had walked over to the finish line to greet me which was nice, I know I should of warmed down but had nothing left to push the pedals. I rolled back to the team tent glad that the guys stuck around to wait for me. We all shared a few thoughts about the race and then headed back to Tucson.

I will still question if I belong racing at my age. I have raced in some form my whole life. from BMX as a kid to Stock cars in my 30’s and now the road bike. I just have to push it.

I think I do belong out here. I think so is because it challenges me to be better. I am setting personal best’s every race. As long as this continues, I will see you out there.

To my IC3 guy’s…Love you all and thanks for your encouragement and support.

Ken

Three Bears Time Trial

Three Bears Report

I’ve been looking forward to the Time-Trials presented here in Tucson, Arizona mainly because they are very challenging races.  A time trial is really a race against yourself.  There is a set distance usually 20, 30 or 40 kilometers on a fairly flat course.  There are climbing TT’s and downhill TT’s but the majority of these races have a profile that is pretty flat.

 

Time trials have been called the real test of a riders fitness and power.  One reason for this is that you are not allowed to draft (except in a team time trial).  Drafting is when you ride behind another cyclist in order to “hide from the wind.”  Drafting behind just one rider can give you an aerodynamic  advantage and save you 27% or more energy; in a time trial this is not allowed.  Each person has  to fight through the elements and bust through the atmosphere on their own.  Another reason it is so grueling is that you are trying to put out your max effort over a distance.  In order to do this you have to learn certain things about yourself like how much power can you sustain within a certain time or over a given distance (depending on the TT).  This kind of sustained effort causes your legs, your lungs, your heart and your mind to scream for relief. 

Enter Into The Struggle

The mental game really steps up the assault in a time trial.  There is no one inside the helmet but you.  At some point the self-talk begins  to rage an internal war…you against yourself. There is a  part of you speaking life, “Come on you can do it, you are well able to achieve your functional threshold power” and another part of your speaking death, “You should stop now and everything will be alright.”  The one that wins is the one you believe…yet you don’t doubt either voice; neither is really lying to you.  So the question becomes, “How do I choose when I’m  in the valley of decision?”  Here’s  one option, you have to decide that you are willing to suffer in order to accomplish your desire.  There is an interesting verse that says, “For the joy that was set before Him, He endured the cross.”  What? One of the principles I see in this verse is this;  oftentimes there is a place of joy on the other side of suffering, however, the only way to obtain it is you have to be willing to endure…or press through the struggle.  Yet here’s the problem, we don’t like the struggle; we would rather skip the struggle.  Jesus endured the cross because He could see that beyond the cross there was a place of joy in which He would bring many sons unto repentance.  There was a teacher who use to say, “Enter into the struggle.”  That’s really the key, we have to embrace the struggle!

Over the last two TT’s that I’ve done I have taken 4th and 2^nd in my category (Cat5). I have yet to ride at an intensity that I’m capable of.  I know that I have to increase the intensity of my pursuit, but these things (races) are temporal.  So, even though I really want to win a race I also want to win that inner battle, I want to endure the pain, press beyond the moment and embrace the joy that is set  on the other side of this struggle called life and grab a hold of my destiny...that is eternity!

JRDJr

IC3 Race Team Welcomes JJ!

The IC3 Tucson Race Team is pleased to announce the newest member to our team -- JJ Schmidt! We very much look forward to training and racing with JJ, who has been steadily gaining strength and crushing the climb on the Thursday morning Molino Basin rides.

If you are interested in joining the IC3 Tucson Race Team, click here.

Ben King's First Tour

It started out as casual bike rides between father and son, only 30 minutes to an hour long. However, for Ben King, the casual bike rides with his father have morphed into a three-week-long tour; the Tour de France.

King has been a professional cyclist since the age of 19 and is now sponsored by Garmin-Sharp, a USA pro cycling team. The Tour is one of the biggest and most grueling events to happen in sports and this is King’s first time riding the Tour.

Read more >>

Prayer for Josh White

Please pray for former Colorado IC3 member, Josh White. Josh was involved in a very serious bicycling accident in which he crashed into a parked landscaping truck.

According to friends, Josh has vertebral fractures, rib fractures, jaw fractures, damage to his trachea, and fractures to both hands. He is in the ICU at St. Anthony's on a ventilator. Josh has a brand new baby at home.

Please pray for his healing and for his wife and children.

Team Website

The IC3 Tucson Race Team website is now up and running! Check back for the latest news and events and feel free to contact us (ic3tucsonraceteam@gmail.com) if you have any questions.