Training with California Pools Racing

I have a two more weeks before my next race, so I am just focusing on training right now. I know that it is the end of the season and everyone is going to be in their best shape. My last two races this season definitely will not be easy but I am looking forward to the challenge.

Since I am upgrading next season to CAT4 I need to be on a team to avoid the unattached fee. I went down to ride with California Pools Racing in Murietta. I had rode with them before, about two weeks ago. The ride started out well but then I got a flat tire, lost the group, and ended up riding around by myself.

Today I decided to give them another chance and had a great time. The ride was very fast and the group was split up most of the way. The route was good with a couple of short but steep climbs and more long low grade climbs. I am still not the best climber but I can make it up on the descent. I made it back to the bike shop in between the lead group and the rest of the field. We rode just over 40 miles in under 2 hours.

I was more impressed with the group after the ride. The ride starts at a bike shop that also supports the time. When we got back the manager and a lot of the riders chatted in the parking lot and everyone was very friendly. The manager of the shop told me after the last ride that if I needed my pedals maintenance (greased) he would be able to do did.

I took him up on the offer and took my new bike into the shop. A lot of the bike shops that I had been to before were not happy when people buy stuff from other stores and then bring it to their shop. The manager took the bike, greased the pedals, and even looked over the whole bike making small adjustments to the shifters. He then explained some of the features of the shifters that I didnt know about, and some of the technology that makes the gearing great.

He fixed my bike, chatted with me and a few other riders, and didnt charge me a thing. I was extremely impressed with how friendly everyone was. The manager even gave me advice as to what was worth upgrading on my bike and what wasnt. He didnt try to sell me anything or push any of his products. He was just happy to help a fellow cyclist.

I think that this is probably the team I am going to join for next season. I enjoyed riding with them and I think that I will continue training with them during the off season. I think that they will be able to get me in the kind of shape that I need to be in for next years season.