JasonHilimire.com

Firstly, nevermind all the bike riding and whatnot, my nephew turned 1 year old this past week and Sunday was his birthday party!! So Happy Birthday to my lil bubber Peyton Thomas!!

onto the bike riding

Not much to say about the weekend, did a big solo 6 hour ride on Sunday down in Naples, hitting up as much of the Highlander route as possible and burning out a few ultra steep climbs and suffering in the sun. A perfect day of riding and the last big push prior to the hardcore 24.

Fitness is super high and now it’s time for my taper!

Enjoy the Pics!

I love riding here for the views

That’d be a house for boats and not people

Wine & Water

This little guy was overly curious

Old & New on Strong Hill

Windmill Farm in Naples

Big wedding here the next few days so I’ll be offline (but grab me on twitter)

You can follow me on twitter @jasonhilimire, I update and post quite a bit there.

Alright, so I’ve been a bit behind the past few days but I’ve got some just cause. Here’s my recaps of the last few days, all in one sweet post for your reading

Last Weekend

On this past Sunday, I headed down to Naples to put in some big dirt miles with Chad. Definitely did not disappoint

We climbed up Gannett Hill, hit some of the new stuff in Ontario County Park, and some of the new singletrack that will be a part of the Hardcore 24. After that we rolled over to Cutler and did the ‘Humbler’ route, heading up the carriage road and backwards a bit on the old hardcore 24 course till we caught up on the orange trails. Trails were in mint condition, nice and ripe and ready for shredding

Once out of Cutler, we descended the old road into Naples, refueled at the car and decided to climb up the gorge trail. I’d never ridden it and probably won’t ever do it again. It was more hiking than riding uphill, but it had some cool views of the gorge. I frankly didn’t even know the gorge was really as big as it was, so that was cool to see.

After Hi-tor and ripped it over the top to the Hanglider descent. As soon as we hit the top, I heard some nasty noises and felt some bad juju vibes. Apparently, the carbon cage on my XO had shredded itself up a bit and was widened away from the pulleys. Chad had some magic and found a bolt that fit the pulley wheel, but also had a big flange to push the carbon cage back together. It worked great down the Hanglider, and then down and up Italy Hill.

We climbed up Wood Hill, because it was there and would be better than a road climb. Though 20% + grade on a mile long + climb gets awfully hard near the end of the ride. Somehow or another the legs finally came together on this climb and was able to push out some good power.

After Wood Hill, we hit some more of Hi-Tor heading over to the final DEC descent. My derailleur started acting up in Hi-Tor and before long she just plain ripped herself right off the bike. In doing that it took a big chunk of hanger. I’d forgotten to pack my hanger and we were left with a few miles of descending and 30 minutes before Chad had to be back to make it home in time. We couldn’t singlespeed it cause the wheel sat cocked with the hanger missing so much. Decided to just send him to the car, and call the wifey and I’d do what I could do.

I took my trusty 0×0 and rocked it down the ski trail till I ran out of momemntum, then ran the blue trail for about a mile to where it connects with the DEC. From the top of the DEC, I got to play probably the funnest game I’ve played in a bit. Could I make it to the bottom without pedaling? Mind you, this is a super tech trail, and I didn’t even have a chain to help supply pressure for lifting over logs, rocks, and no ability to gain any momentum into or out of corners or tech. I decided I’d just let the bike do what it needed to do. Just held on tight rode the lines clean and smart and was able to roll all the way to the bottom with no problems! Once at the bottom, I scootered my way the last half mile of flat trail along the creek on my way out. Chad had just gotten back to the car about 5 minutes earlier, was on the phone to tell the wife he was gonna be late, and had to re-tract. I didn’t really do anything special to go faster, just plain ol rolled it down the trail.

It was a good weekend though. Combined with the Ithaca Ride, I managed a solid 10+ hours on the bike!

Mid-Week Road Riding

Not much to write-up about here. Did some fun but short lunch time rides. Tuesday, the legs were still sore and tight from the weekend, but I gave er’ for about 5 minutes up a slight climb and even with sore and hurting legs somehow managed to put out my best 1 and 5 minute power numbers of the season, so I’ll take that as making some progression! Wednesday rolled some Sweet Spot 30 minute intervals, legs were still wicked from the weekend, but managed to stay where I needed to be.

Home Court Basketball

I visited my mother Tuesday night, and my brother was over there. A basketball game broke out. A lil one on one action. There was loads of airballs, bricked shots, tripping over each other and a few argumentative calls. But that’s what playground bball is all about right? I managed to win 11-9, though only cause my brother missed a 2 that would have won him the game. I also managed to make my ankle quite sore in the process and still hurts like hell at this point. I’m now retiring from basketball at this point, going out with a win!

Farmall Spring Series kicks up this next week!! Looking forward to that. This weekend, I’ll put on some good road miles on saturday and a fun chill ride on the dirt on sunday possibly as I just got word the XO showed up today.

This is a bit of a repeat for you facebook folks, but I found it interesting and decided to post it here for those who are in the online-social networking dark.

1. I have a metal plate in my right arm. I broke it playing box lacrosse the summer of my senior year. It probably should have been removed 10 years ago. As a result, the grip strength of my right hand is 1/2 that of my left (and I’m right handed)

2. I loathe tv shows (with the exception of the office and 24) and watching tv, but I love to sit down and watch a movie.

3. I’ve been inside a nuclear power plant, I’ve had the training courses on how to cleanse yourself of radiation and remove a nuclear suit. Though I have no idea why, I only filled the vending machines

4. I have ID passes for 11 different prisons in NY State. And yes the ‘yard’ (at least at Auburn) is just like in the movies

5. My dog is an expert escape artist. She’ll jump through screens, open doors, open windows, jump fences, and has been found on the roof of the house 2x

6. I can rollerblade incredibly, but can barely ice-skate. I can however skate backwards nearly as fast as most people sprint on skates (ice or roller)

7. In HS, I never practiced sports in the off-season. I played roller hockey in my driveway, with friends or by myself everyday even when it snowed.

8. I had my toenails on my big toes removed, because they hurt my feet in my cycling shoes. my sister thinks I should be forbidden from wearing sandals

9. I’ve been shaving my legs for 9 years now, year round.

10. I’ve had an obsession with apple computers and apple products since 1990. Even though I work for an IT company, I barely know my way around winblows (compared to others in my field)

11. I think crocs are the comfiest shoes ever and will continue to wear them regardless of how much of a poor fashion choice they are.

12. The last time I played Madden football, I beat my brother 63-7 (or something like that) in 1997, since then he won several madden tournaments and is a top ranked player. But I still hang that score over his head

13. I once tied my sister up with belts and then locked the door from the inside, because I though she needed to learn how to escape. It didn’t workout very well.

14. I hate wearing a winter jacket, I’ve worn a vest for the past few winters

15. I paid for my first true race bike with my leftover college loan and $1000 in $1 bills (Cannondale F2000SL Team Volvo edition)

16. I can tear down and rebuild my bike no problem, but I have no idea what to do if you give me a hammer.

17. I failed an FBI background check, because I was honest and said I ‘tried’ pot. So much for being honest…

18. I can egg my brother into a 2 hour argument, by simply saying the “dolphins suck”

19. I’m slowly realizing I’m aging. I took Lake sledding and my back and body were sore for days. Cripes, I used to sled off my garage roof for fun, I’d probably die if I tried that today.

20. I used to be a PHISH-head in college. Collected tapes, went to shows, memorized playlists and set-lists out of the Pharmers almanac. I can still name most Phish songs by hearing only one note.

21. I love to ride my bike, it’s an incredible feeling to totally exhaust yourself to a point where it takes everything just to turn the pedals another stroke, and then seemingly as much as you suffered, wanting to do it all over again.

22. I love to play with my fiance’s son Lake, even though, no matter how hard I try he kicks my ass in Mario Kart and it frustrates the hell out of me

23. I’m ridiculously terrified of heights, but love the scare and adrenaline I get when I’m on the edge of a cliff or up high.

24. I’ve never crashed on my road bike in a race. I’ve been involved in several multi-rider crashes and managed to stay upright. I have however crashed in a solo TT race.

25. I’ve never been happier now that I’m engaged and have a family. It’s a special person that lets you go after you dream. When I realized that she was willing to let me go, I realized she was the one to spend the rest of my life with

*26* Bonus: I’ve been pulled over by several police at once, who drew their guns and forced me out of my vehicle at gunpoint. Who knew that driving around a city Post 9-11 in an unmarked white izuzu box truck, talking on the phone you’d get a convoy of police?? The worst part, the place I was looking for, I got pulled over right in front of it….

Home for a the next few days, this place is buried under a few feet of snow, and the people are buried under few layers of clothes.

Bridget had her surgery and is recovering well, though she’ll probably have to stay behind tomorrow when I take Lake sledding. Tired and sore, hopefully she’ll swing through it here in a few days

Maybe tomorrow, I’ll get to see my nephew Peyton a little bit as he’ll be in town. He must get a little weirded out when he sees us in person. With the family spread out, we do a bunch of video chatting, so I think he thinks he’s family lives in a computer. He’s only 6 months old, and my brother lives waay up north in Malone, NY.

I’m taking this week as a rest week…

Glad I didn’t live in East Germany back in the day: From VeloNews

The East German system they grew up in has hardened them in a way that is foreign to the majority of the peloton. Grabsch confirmed a story that the former East German coaches demanded they ride hometrainers, in front of a brick wall without music or entertainment, for four or more hours, to toughen them mentally.

2008 is coming to a close:
I figured I would list the 5 best things about 2008 and hopefully; 2009 will bring even better

1. I’m an Uncle! My Brothers son: Peyton Thomas Hilimire was born in June. Little buddha is the cutest guy around, always happy and always smiling

2. I’m getting married! Bridget and I are engaged and never been happier in my life. She is willing to let me go after my dream and will support me through thick and thin. I can only hope to support her as much as she supports me.

3. Moving to Colorado. While this is also a tough one with Bridget (and her son, Lake) back home in NY, it’s been a pleasant refreshment of my mind and soul. For the longest time, all I can remember is wanting to go to Colorado to live. It’s now a reality.

4. Winning Hardcore 24 Solo. I planned my season around this one, and had a perfect race, even with horrid weather conditions and 2 broken brake levers. Magically, with lots of willpower, I fought through and ended up with a victory.

5. Changing Careers. I now work full-time as a Professional Cycling Coach for FasCat Coaching. It’s enjoyable, and exciting to be working in the cycling world and to be at the forefront of training!

Have a Happy New Year!!!! See you in 2009!!

I forgot to mention this, but Huge Congrats! go out to my brother!!

Last weekend he was at round 2 in Rochester for a Madden Football tournament on the xbox 360 and schooled everyone!! For his prize, he won 2 tix to the Buffalo v. Miami game in Toronto, limo transport to and fro the hotel and 2 nights stay in downtown Toronto. I’m pretty sure that there aren’t too many people out there that can defeat him in that game. Hopefully he gets out to some of the major tournaments where $100,000 is on the table for the winners!

I think Peyton is proud of his dad

Dad you Rawk

I sure am glad I retired my madden career when I did. I offered him his last truly utter defeat. 75-7 or something like that (about 5 years ago!). I officially retired as the greatest ever, and there’s no Lance/Favre/Jordan-esque comeback for that career

I’m retired to the couch for the rest of tonight. It’s been a big weekend of some great riding(for the end of the season anyways). I’m hosed currently, but I’m at least not coughing anymore!

Saturday, I finally finished my first cross race!! I’ll happily take my place as the last finisher (at least I didn’t get lapped). Last time I finished dead last was the first road race I ever finished. 2 years later, I was a Cat II. So I’ll take it as lessoned learned. I rode all the way down to the course as it was just south of c-470. It was a good 45 minute ride down, and then I got in a good 30 minute warm-up. I put on a great show rolling to the set of barriers near the beach. My left foot never unclipped, and I barrel rolled right into the barrier and went down pretty hard. It was a nice display of form for all the fans, that were congregated in the area. After I dusted myself off, I was dusted in the race, but grunted it out and rode hard. The course was more mt. bike-ish with lots of singletrack, some fire-road, a paved bike path and some barriers thrown in for good measure. It was a super fast course. After the race, I rode back home. Within 10 minutes all the food I had brought was scarfed down. It didn’t make much of a difference. I was bonking hard on the ride home, as I slogged up a little rise, I located a gas station and filled my stomach full of hostess orange cup-cake goodness and a snickers bar. Man, did it ever hit the spot. Within a few minutes I was back at it and hammered home. All said and done, I managed a good solid 4 hours of riding!

Today, I was up early and decided to grab the road bike and head up into the mountains. It was an awesomely beautiful day, warm and sunshine. I headed up to Evergreen, then decided to switch my route and head up towards Mt. Evans. Didn’t make it to Mt. Evans, but made it up to around 10-11,000 feet or so before I decided to turn around.

Elk Meadows From Evergreen to Squaw Pass

Getting Colder as I get Higher From Evergreen to Squaw Pass

I climbed pretty much for 2+ hours till I decided to turn around, I was getting chilly just climbing as it was mostly in the shade. The views were just incredible, and the roads were lightly traveled and super twisty and fun.

Beautiful Views From Evergreen to Squaw Pass

The Rockies From Evergreen to Squaw Pass

There’s a bunch more pics so click thru to view the album

The descent down was incredibly fun. However, I didn’t expect to head that high up and was only wearing a vest and arm-warmers. Descending at 60kph and 25 degrees in the shade meant instant brain freeze. I had to stop a few times in the sun, take a few minutes to warm myself back up. I made it to Evergreen, teeth chattering and hands numb and hit up Starbucks for a coffee to warm-up. Once the blood was flowing again, I floored it the final 11 miles down to Morrison. It was an awesomely windy descent, mostly in the sun and the lower I went, the warmer things were, which made me happy!

All said and done, I managed another good 4 hours. It was a heavy front loaded ride as I hit 1800kj in the first 2.5 hours and only 400 in the last 1:30!

Yesterday was new bike day! One of the greatest days for bike racers. I got the email that my bike had arrived from the crew at Geneva Bikes and rushed out after work to start the assembly.

While Mark was finishing up his work, I did the unboxing, prep work and light assembly, aka I was the “fluffer” for Mark to come in and do the real stuff. I managed to do this 2x somehow as we grabbed the wrong size box originally and I had the bike assembled before we really noticed. So the 2nd time around I was quite good and a bit faster.

I’ve yet to give her a real ride in the dirt, but she sure is purdy’ and I’ll guess I’ll have to get her dirty next week. For now though, here’s some pics!

From Cross 09

From Cross 09

From Cross 09

From Cross 09

Today is some fast and furious openers, then head up to my brothers place in Malone and visit him and his family as they are all coming down to cheer me on at Whiteface in Lake Placid tomorrow (click the link for course pics). Looking forward to putting the number plate on this weekend. I’ll have to be fast as I need to wrap up, drive home and get up early again to drive the opposite direction for the Root’s Rocks and Ridges race in Ellicottville. Looks like its going to be an early start!

This past wednesday evening my brother’s son; Peyton Thomas Hilimire was born!! I couldn’t be prouder!

Unfortunately there were some complications. Peyton was born with a mild case of Spina Bifida. He was rushed to Syracuse hospital where he underwent surgery yesterday afternoon. I spent the entire day there with my brother and family.

The doctors are very optimistic and surgery went very well. It appears there is no neurological damage. He’s been kicking his legs and has bladder and bowel functions. He is a little fighter!

I’m asking everyone to devote their thoughts to him for a full and speedy recovery.

Peyton Tells us all what he thinks of us!

Huge news on the home-front. I’m gonna be an Uncle soon!!! My brother and his wife Becky are expecting. They just received the official confirmation from the doc yesterday. So far she is about 5-6 weeks along and is due sometime in early July. This is awesome!! I’m so happy for them. Do you think it’s to early to go get the kid a bike? Gotta get ‘it’ (I refer to babies as it until they can speak) ready and prepped for the big show!! I’m thinking ‘it’ is gonna have the chance to get an early jump start on everyone else…

On the flipside, I just picked myself up a shiny new macbook. It’s pretty slick. Loving having the ability to run XP right alongside Leopard (Vista just plain sucks, so no chance of running that). So far Leopard is pretty slick, but I need to get some more RAM for it to really purr. Took me a few days to get all my info in here all proper, but I’m psyched.

Riding/Training wise; yah been slacking but it’s due time. Gonna go get me a gym membership and get started on the whole adaptation process of the weights. Probably gonna have to dust off the trainer and get that setup and working.

~Uncle Jason
(Like the ring to that