Over the past eight weeks I feel extremely fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with such an amazing group of young people. With the help of Cross County running coach Malcolm Dunn, I have co-taught Whitman College's first accredited road cycling class. The class, officially "Conditioning for Cycling", has been an idea of mine for a long time and I'd like to thank Dean Snider (Whitman College Athletic Director) and Malcolm for supporting my vision.
Meeting twice a week (usually Tuesday chalktalks and Thursday fitness sessions) all the students, who are also racing team members (although any Whitman College student/staff with a modern road bike can signup) have pushed themselves not only in their fitness but also their bike handling abilities.
Every session these riders tackled our many challenges with vigor, no matter how intimidating. Heart rate max tests on the computrainer, bumping practice on the grass, cornering and agility skills on the asphalt, pacelining, climbing out of the saddle and sprinting have all been on the menu - but they are all still hungry.
Today we had a great ride out of town, tackling a challenging hill and then bringing it back in good time. Everyone is very comfortable now riding in the pack so I am very excited about this season's racing, which starts in just ten days.
Riders - Thank you all so much. You have shown so much heart this whole year and I wish you all fast legs come race day. If I have had a tough training ride and am little down, your energy and enthusiasm is easy to feed off of - working with you all keeps me excited to ride every day I can.
Be sure to keep checking in as this new 2010 fleet heads out for a little cropdusting.
Sincerely,
Ben Chaddock
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