Larry Perera Cycling Diary
Fiordifrutta Cycling Team

So the TT is over. I had my mind set on doing a good ride….but it didn’t happen. I went slower than last year! Fitchburg is a funny race because I swear that even though many people are stoked to do the race…..75% of them are totally burned out by the end of june….me included. I am beginning to come to the conclusion that I need a few days off the bike to give me some down time if im gonna have a good second half of the season.

So heres how it went down today. I arrived at the Royal Plaza Trade Center (where the TT starts) at about 2:00. I didn’t start until 5:12, so I spent some time talking to friends and enjoying the fine accomadations at the Best Western which is right at the finish line. I saw Spokepost.com star columnist Mike Jones with his new TT rig. He sounded about as burned out as I am but I knew that he would put in a good ride cause the kids got talent even when he drinking stuff other than diet soda.

Svatek rolled in next and parked as far away from me as possible. Adam Myerson was whippin it in his economical Toyota Echo, and sat in it, engine running with the AC on full blast for at least 2 hours…..oh yeah it was about 95 degrees out today and a whole lot of humidity mixed in for good measure. Mr. Ryan warmed up for at least 1:45. Ross and Josh got stuck in traffic….but showed up with time to spare……and Ryan Dewald was cool enough to park next to the mazdaratti……of course he was smiling! He says hes having a killer party on the 4th so im sure you guys are more than welcome to show up….just don’t tell him I sent you.

So I got kitted up…warmed up on the mag trainer for about 50 minutes…..i was dripping with sweat before I even started. I got to the starting house with time to spare….a prime alliance guy started before me. I decided to take it easy on the way out….and rode a conservative pace up the few rollers on the course…and when it was time to put the hammer down I just couldn’t push it. My heart rate was anywhere from 185-196 and I was going like 10 mph. I saw on my watch that I was doing a crappy time, but I gave it my best and hope I will ride fast tomorrow….that’s the problem……the engine was running…..i was trying to kill it but there was no speed.

So although I am feeling pretty bummed that I am sucking it up right now…maybe things will change…….hopefully I will feel good enough to put in a good ride in tomorrows 80 mile circuit race….you know….. go for all the non points laps and sprint….i managed to do that last year ok.

Navigators has the leaders jersey and will probably ride tempo all day…..since the race isn’t likely to do any damage to the GC…..at least for the top contenders…..so maybe the guys 2 minutes down will have a little freedom?

I think most of us on the team are pretty tired…..but I think we can do something if we put are heads together…..wish me luck…..sorry that I blew today…..

Ciao,
lp