frtucker

Spooky Cross

noreply@blogger.com (frtucker) — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 12:55:00 +0000

Nebraskans did well at Spooky Cross on Saturday. Earlier in the week I received a text encouraging us to show the Cyclones a better performance than the Huskers did last week.

The course was tough and wet. This is a picture early on in the Masters race. You can tell it is early because I'm still able to smile, and only my right leg is somewhat covered with mud. I lost count of how many times we ascended this hill - it was a killer. At the bottom of the hill are the barriers, then came the long grind up the hill. I was pleased to hear the call for one more lap.

I'm sure glad that we took the time to go over to Des Moines. The atmosphere was great, the course was scenic and difficult, the competition was good, and race really was fun.

3 Weeks of Racing

noreply@blogger.com (frtucker) — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 13:34:00 +0000

I thought the month of July would never get here and never end. I was fortunate to race in the Omaha Classic, the Cornhusker State Games TT and in the Cornhusker State Games Team Triathlon.
I got a summer cold prior to the Omaha races, and the weekend turned out to be a comedy of errors. I got confused in the TT and raced the course backwards, and added a few miles on and received a double penalty, one due to my error of riding 5 extra miles, and one from the officals. Needless to say, I did not place. The next day in the road race, I did alright until the last lap. I was sitting in, drafting and conserving energy, but I forgot to drink, and began to cramp up on the last lap, got dropped, and finished 17th.
The next week was much better. I worked hard at the Cornhusker State Games TT and came in 2nd in Cat 5, 6 sec. behind first. I kept it in proper context by comparing my time to the Cat 1, and realizing I did well, but there is a big difference between Cat 1 and 5.
The triathlon was fun, I rode well averaging 23 mph and I was truly inspired by those who did the three events, rather than taking the easy road and competing only in their specialty. I have in the back of mind, that I might try the whole event next year, but I would have to work on swimming.
It has been a good month of racing, but I am glad that it's over for now. The triathlon also got my psyched for Cross. We had to run with our bikes to the start, and run with out bikes from the finish to our runners. The dismount came back like it was just yesterday, and I thought, I can't wait for the pain and suffering of Cross season.
Thank God for a good month of racing, that added humility to my life, a lot of fun, and most importantly no injuries.

Cowboy Trail

noreply@blogger.com (frtucker) — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 01:44:00 +0000

Vacationed in Valentine from June 2-5th and rode on the Cowboy trail a couple of days. I put 28 mm tires on my cross bike and hit the trail. The gravel is a little thick in places compared to the Mopac, and there is a little washboard action on the trail, that makes a fast pace a little rough, and a tough workout.

The scenic overlooks are fantastic and the bridge over the Niobrara is long and about 150 ft above the river. The view is awesome.

Capital City Criterium

noreply@blogger.com (frtucker) — Sat, 30 May 2009 23:31:00 +0000

Tough race today. I finished 9th and second in my age group. I am truly blessed to be able to race, and I didn't get hurt.
I knew I was in trouble at the end. I had a guy on my wheel, and I had two choices. Get him off, or try to drop him. I tried the later, but with out any gas left, he sucked my wheel, and catapulted past me at the end for 8th. Next time.

First Race of the Year

noreply@blogger.com (frtucker) — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 02:12:00 +0000

Le Tour de Husker
I have to admit that I was a little nervous going into the race at the tractor testing track. My nerves were not quieted at all as Kevin was telling me about all of the crashes in the morning races. I really didn't calm down until I looked up at the lap counter and realized we had 27 laps to go. I settled in, and continually got more comfortable as the race went on.
I also have to admit that I had no idea what I was doing, and didn't understand the reason or the strategy that could be used during a prime lap. Now I have a better understanding of how this type of race works, and I'm looking forward to the next opportunity.
I thank God for a safe race and the blessing of being able to race. My neck and shoulder were bothering me so much at the end of January that I took 4 weeks off from riding at all and another 2 weeks of really light training. I'm truly blessed and the results of the race were great, for a guy with dumb luck.

Bib # Name Age License # Team Place
305 jeremy eisenhauer 20 276841 unattached 1
308 Craig Harding 50 241367 Team Type I 2
317 Logan Evans 19 one day unattached 3
302 Daniel DiLoreto 26 267342 unattached 4
312 Robert Tucker 51 288064 unattached 5

A Blessed year of riding

noreply@blogger.com (frtucker) — Sun, 21 Dec 2008 02:04:00 +0000

I logged more miles this year than ever (over 5,000). I raced a little, and now I have it in my blood and I'm already looking forward to next year. I went out to Scottsbluff in July and competed in the Hill climb and I won my age group. I had broken my little finger the week of the race, when I slipped on the wet railroad tracks on 14th street. During the race my chain slipped off, due to a bent derailluer hanger from the wreck. Looking back it was a funny race.

I also competed in the State Road Championship and I had a great time, even though I didn't know what I was doing, and a few people had to warn me about the yellow line rule. I have a better idea of how these races work so I will be looking forward to a chance in the new year.

Then I was able to compete in 3 cyclocross races this year. Cyclocross is truly the most demanding race I have ever done. I have somewhat of an idea how to train, and I now realize how important it is to be able to go into intense anearobic efforts and not blow up. The races taught me the importance of good technical skills, and I realize how poor my skills are giving me another area to work on for the new year.

I was truly blessed with a great year of riding, and with God's help I will be able to ride for many years to come. When I am on my bike I can let go of anything that is bothering me, I am able to get refreshed and strengthened. It is all good, and a true blessing from God.

Tour de Nebraska 2008

noreply@blogger.com (frtucker) — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 13:21:00 +0000

TDN was a great experience again this year. I even got my picture in the Grand Island newspaper, but all you can see is the front of my bike. The riding was fun, and there was spirit of competition among a few of the riders, (maybe a little male ego). Our first night included a thunderstorm that rolled through about 3 am. By 5 am it had quit raining and we were blessed with a beautiful full moon over the trees that surrounded our camping site. The third day was my last and we were blessed with a 60 mile route, predominately down hill, with a tail wind. That is the way to go through life! It was the fastest 60 miles I have ever ridden, with a great pace-line.

Tour de Nebraska

noreply@blogger.com (frtucker) — Sun, 15 Jun 2008 01:11:00 +0000

Here is a picture from last years TDN. This was the first day's lunch stop in Peru, NE. I'm looking forward to this year, as last year was a great time.