JB's Adventure Blog: November 2006

Man.

Just when I thought there was nothing fresh to add to my training... I recently pulled out my cross bike and put a 2 gear cog with a bunch of spacers with a derailleur as a tensioner. This is one for bluecollarmtb.com (one of my favorite sites). It is no revalation but to have two gears back there is a great way to go. When I ride off road I switch to the easier gear.

The reason it is so good for this time of year is a great fuctional strength builder that give you an awesome speed and aerobic workout when ridden like a fixed gear. If you ride it in the hills it will kick your but pretty quick. Now I need to try a longer flat ride with it to see what its' like.

There is always something new and fun to do with bikes.

I told myself I that I would not talk about bikes this time. Mabe next blog.

Enjoy the ride.

Jeremiah.

posted by Jeremiah Bishop # 2:19 PM 4 comments

Daily Grind Ride #1 Sugar Town Loop!

Hey peeps.

Things here are good. I busted out a great rides this week and we had outstanding weather.

Today was the 1st Coffee shop ride of the year and it
was a good brisk ride for me! I was on the fuel with
700c wheels so I sat on a lot and would sneak out to steal some points.

This ride has points for those who are feeling spry, it
goes 3,2,1 for town limits and you get double points
for county line and triple points for state line! Fun
stuff. Nick Wait, Kevin, Andy McKeegan and I rolled out and
climbed on the way Kevin won the 1st sprint. We then climbed up and over Shenandoah Mtn pass Andy won the state line climb heading into
West Virginia then our ride took us to Sugar Grove deep in West Virginia where my local knowledge paid off. I stole the points like a greased fox!

We came back to Virginia via the backside of reddish knob. I got dropped half way up but found a good pace and started reeling in Nick and Andy. I snuck Andy in the sprint for the top in a cat and mouse game that was the flattish final K.
Great roads rolling hills, some brisk climbing and a couple of short sprints too what more could you ask for.
.
Looks like my
efforts to keep on it are paying off even though my
face is a little uncomfortable at times it feels great to be back in the game.
We will go for another big one next week Sunday 10 am Daily Grind Court Square.

See ya;
JB

posted by Jeremiah Bishop # 9:02 AM 5 comments

Saved by the Bell

I'm back... Mostly.

I decided that I was feeling good enough for an "endurance" ride with Nick Waite and Jeff Shalk - my Trek/VW teammate from D.C. They were on their Madone road bikes and I was on my Top Fuel with 700c wheels, since I don't have a road bike at the moment. With the heavier machine, I knew I had to conserve as much as I could and sat on most of the time. Being of rusty form and unbridled ambition, I planned to just ride for three hours with them so I didn't get sucked into more. Little did I know Captain Cadence had his throttle switch stuck in turbo mode with legs like oiled run-away turbines.

We did 4 climbs up a local small mountain pass called Hopkins Gap. I suggested that Jeff do 5 and try to catch us. "No way man..." I said, 'Nick, if he catches us, that would suck'. Jeff is going fast and training with great focus. I hope he kicks some more but this year. I was real careful on the fast downhill. It was fun.

Later, I got hungry and almost choked trying to suck on a power bar... won' t do that again! :) Anyone who has tried to eat a 38-degree power bar knows it is jaw workout. My plan was to just suck on it until it melted. So after spitting it out I stopped at the Esso in Broadway and made the mother of all white trash mochas. It was 1/2 coffee, 1/4 machine hot cocoa and like 1/4 half and half for some real calories! Armed with moisture, I could make good work out of a soft coffee cake as Jeff did circles outside to keep his heart rate up.

Jeff wanted to go for 5 hours and I was thinking my legs are like noodles but I can do it. Then, just as we set out from our only stop, the cold cold rain started. Phew! I could save face a little and we could all make the 11-mile B line back for the Burg! I was stoked riding in the cold rain just trying to stay on the back as Jeff pulled at swift 30 miles per hour. We got back to Harrisonburg just in time, as I started getting the really cold water soaked my chamois like a diaper feeling. I smiled as I striped my heavy wet clothes in my basement. The sense of normal tough training that is the landmark of my off season has begun.

Perfect ride; plenty enough work, great friends, super roads and terrible conditions. Gotta love it.

I wonder if Andy McKeegan made it from Harrisonburg to Nova?? I told him he was nuts to do that ride and that was before I knew about the rain. He'll probably be on a milk carton by next week.

In other news, my bike was accidentally sent to New York City instead of New York Ave. Oh well. I wonder if they hosed the blood off of it?? Geez. I owe someone big. Better ask Ignacio who had that task at the bike shop! gross..

I've run out of stuff to say, so all I will say now is travel carefully this Thanksgiving and know you always have a lot to be thankful for even if it is 34 degrees pouring rain!!!

Happy and Thankful;
Jeremiah

posted by Jeremiah Bishop # 4:43 PM 2 comments

The Planets are aligning

I don't believe in astrology, but when things are going well they just are. Conversely, when they are going rough then it can be part of a trend, as in a few weeks ago.

Back to the good. Nick has moved to Harrisonburg and as my partner in some training last season we put in some super rides. I had my best off season and the rest is history and I had an amazing season and Nick got his 1st poduim at Sugar Mtn. Nick just signed with the Kelly Benefits road team and may also get lined up with a Trek mountain bike sponsorship too! He needs to watch out for the darkside though, because the road can diffuse his talent. I hope he doesn't read this.....

Andy McKeegan has been pounding the pedals and doing multiple back-to-back 6-hour rides, that's what I'm talkin about!

...Back to the other stuff. I had a great trainer ride today, my face hurt a little but I managed to have a solid workout at 200 watts with some force and leg-speed drills. I think I am catching on at just the right time not to lose 1/3 of my fitness. Still though, I have some real tough training ahead of me.

It's looking like there may be some snow up at Snow Shoe this week. Our temps will be in the upper 40's, man that place is a weather island... I can't wait to go to White Grass (www.whitegrass.com) for some cross-country skiing. I think I'm going to finally pull of the Winter X Camp I have been brainstorming on for the last few years. After New Years will be a great time to plan such a foray. It would be cool to ride over there on our bikes to kick it off in epic style!

Oh yeah, the planet thing... You see, Erin checked up on the UCI page and said, "Hey we are #4! The USA is #4!" This means big things like three spots for the Olympics if we can keep Big Bart and Rudi off our tails till the end of next year.. Netherlands is just behind us in 5th. (top 5 nations get 3 spots)

So, I am on the mend and I will be outside in the next few days doing some careful riding on the road.

Anyone who has some good soup recipes lay em on me, I am running out.

JB

posted by Jeremiah Bishop # 2:49 PM 1 comments

Back in the saddle again. :)

Cool.

My follow up at the doctors indicated i am doing well.

I figured I would spin a little just to move. My legs were tired but good. Man it's stange getting tired after an hour at 115 hr but man it was great i could even ride! I Was bed ridden like 4 days ago!

Don't worry I am not going to push it.

I a so glad to have a little energy again.

My first real outing was today with Erin to the Food cat.

The grocerey store is a daunting place for one who can't chew with all of those caramel candy bars, ribs steaks pretzels you name it Its good, I can't eat it. Well its not so bad. Good food still tastes good pureed.

Go ride some crunchy trails for me!

Later yall.

Jeremiah

posted by Jeremiah Bishop # 5:56 PM 4 comments

Thats more like it.

Yup I have to get some caps put on my chiped two front teeth this week. But my stitches are mostly out and my recovery is going really well.

The good news is that I can do some carefull riding soon! And I am already doing some EZ noodling on the trainer. In recent news.

Todd Helmich has a new action adventure blog that you should check out. It is www.toddxxxblogspot.com. I hope he keeps getting the amazing fire fighting shots.

The cups half full.

Cio.

Jeremiah.

posted by Jeremiah Bishop # 11:13 AM 2 comments

Why?

One week ago, I stood in the shower of a small hospital in a mountainside village. I couldn't close my mouth, blood was rushing everywhere; there was a stranger named Martin in his underwear helping me clean my countless wounds and I thought, 'Why do I do something so dangerous, like racing mountain bikes? I was deliberately trying to be careful. I made an evasive move to the other side of the dirt road to avoid the upcoming blind entrance onto the road.' Of course your mind plays tricks like that when you are in extreme pain and discomfort, and in a strange land. I was extremely frustrated, given the situation, and I had no good answer for myself at the time...

I would find the answers in the next several days. The letters of encouragement and words of praise for my actions of bike racing came pouring in. I had visits from many new friends and had the special help of my coach and friend Hunter.

A day after my surgery that repaired my upper jaw, I received a package full of papers at my Hospital bedside. They were notes and drawings (in English) from the children of a small school in Turialba where Martin's wife teaches grade school. They were full of love and praise and said things like" you are a champion to finish, you are the king of bikes" and "you have a special strength." I was moved to tears. To inspire the lives of others was not the reason I got into the sport. I got into the sport because of the adventure, challenge and euphoria of going places on two wheels. It was amazing to see the amount of brotherhood the sport of cycling can bring, and the nature of people when there are others in need. That is something special about mountain biking.

Now I know. I know the inspiration of believing in dreams, of fighting for a noble cause, for standing up to doubt and fear and to fight when the going gets tough. Now I have one more reason why my dream is worth the possible hardships.

When the time comes and the training once again gets steep, I will feel great strength remembering the encouragement I've recieved from the kids of Turialba and know they're cheering me on.

Recovering the only way I know how; Fast.

:)
Jeremiah

posted by Jeremiah Bishop # 2:32 PM 5 comments

Jeremiah: Home and Recovering!

This will be a quick update to let you know that Jeremiah was discharged from CIMA Hospital in San Jose, Costa Rica, has flown home and is recovering very well!

Thanks for keeping him in your thoughts!
Erin B.

posted by Jeremiah Bishop # 11:35 AM 5 comments

Thank YOU!

Sorry to worry you like that. I guess I just get quiet when I am not on my best form.

I must say that I never felt the collective good will of so many people I love all at once; I am very fortunate have great support from my good friends family and racing fans! Hunter my coach has been great he is staying in the room with me. He really has been making my stay a lot more comfortable and his good Spanish skills sure are handy!

It was a surprise to get a visit from 8 well wishers here last night. Now I have more to bring from Costa Rica than souvenirs. I have friends!

So my face IS swollen but it is getting better. The strange sensations are of my upper jaw feeling swollen and the occlusion of my teeth being a little different.

It sure made me feel better to look in the mirror when it occurred to me that I look like Elija my brother! Well except the black eye of course.

I will keep ya posted; I should be getting a panoramic X ray today to see how things are healing. I really look forward to resting at home with Erin by the end of the week.

I have a great view of couple Volcanoes from my room so as far as hospital visits go this one has been great.

Thanks for the well wishes.

I'll be back! Soon!

Jeremiah

posted by Jeremiah Bishop # 7:21 AM 9 comments

Medical Update Concerning Jeremiah Bishop

Updated Sunday, November 5, 2006 - 9 p.m.

On Saturday, Jeremiah crashed 5 kilometers from the finish of Stage 2 at the La Ruta de los Conquistadores. Jeremiah was holding the race's lead when the crash occurred. He completed the stage, finishing second place, and immediately went to a local hospital. Jeremiah was later transferred to CIMA Hospital in San Jose, Costa Rica.

Jeremiah is comfortable and in good condition at CIMA Hospital, where overnight Saturday, he underwent a sucessful surgical procedure to repair a LaFort-I break in his face. Jeremiah was also diagnosed with a small fracture in his upper right orbital bone. With multiple contusions in his elbows, face and head and requiring stitches, Jeremiah is feeling better, but still remains sore.

Jeremiah will remain at CIMA Hospital through Monday. He will return home to the US later this week.

Jeremiah's physician, Dr. Oscar Arango, the top maxillofacial surgeon in Costa Rica estimates that Jeremiah will be able to train again indoors within a week of returning home.

Throughout this ordeal, his coach Hunter Allen, and TREK distributor Ignacio Pasos have accompanied Jeremiah.

Jeremiah and his family appreciate the outpouring of concern and well wishes. Jeremiah commented, "I am thankful for the great care I have received in Costa Rica and the help and care from the La Ruta organization, and Trek importer Ignacio Pazos. I really appreciate all the support, phone calls and emails that I have received, I know I will recover quickly."

For further media inquires, contact Media@JeremiahBishop.com

posted by Jeremiah Bishop # 8:00 AM 10 comments

Pura Vida en Costa Rica

If you haven't been here you should go. The place has only .03 % of the earths land mass but 4% of the worlds plant and animal species! CR has some simularities to other Latin American country but I sense that there is a alot of possitive energy and happniess that is part of the culture here. I wish more people could live like the Costa Ricans.

My travel was smooth exept the 2 am wake up Erin and I had to endure to drive to the Airport. I owe her big for that one.
I slept some on the plane to Houston and the spitt was nice for my 2nd flight was only 3:30. I arrived to the small but Charming Airport here in San Jose. The theme is ala Rain Forest Caffe exept with travel information and like 20 locals trying to take you bags for some tips. The Money here is very different. I assume there was an inflation period because I just payed like 2,000 Colones for a large water bottle! I Quess a car would be like 40 million! Geez...

So Yesterday I felt like a rock star. The Importer for Trek Ignacio Pazos asked me to come to a shop visit exept it was really like a dealer expose for all the Trek Dealers in the Country!!! They hosted a top notch event resplended with a catoring service a big white party tent in the front lot of their expo store. I had more pictures taken than the pope and signed alot of autographs you would have thought I was the guitarist from U2. The main presentation begun with an open house of their demo store and a computer slide show. I was at the conferenec table with the glass pitcher of water and a mic. Ok I better think of somthing good to say! I was introduced by General manager Claudio Brenes Salas. And there was an interpreter on hand so I didn't make too much of a fool of my self with my 40 word spanish vocabulary.

The intro speach was very nice and I took the floor for couple minutes of backround. I started with who I am what I have done with the Trek Volkswagen team and how this was a special year 10th anniversary for our team and that we gave 100% to become the best team in the USA once again!

I had a good respose for all the Q&A and I think I was receive very well. The tone was truly buisness and I hope that I can be a possitive inpact on Treks 100% a year groth here in Costa Rica!

Thanks gotta catch a ride to the west coast to get ready for this CRAZY race!!

hasta La vista!

Jeremiah

posted by Jeremiah Bishop # 7:37 AM 2 comments

The Need for Single Speed