The Robbie Report is a weekly feature on MTBracenews.com. Robbie Squire is the 2008 Junior National Champion and the newest member of the US National Team. Just two years ago Squire was racing as a Sport. In '08, his first year and only year as a Junior Expert, Robbie won the Junior National Championship. In '09 his first year in the senior ranks, the Utah resident will be racing with the U.S. National Under-23 Team. Each week Robbie will share his experiences with us. Join in as the 19 year-old Junior National Champion and first year Pro travels across the United States and Europe racing his bike and living out a once in a lifetime opportunity.
After a visit with my doctor and a few mix-ups I finally found out that I had some sort of bacteria and that with some antibiotics it would be gone in 7-10 days. Even though I’m not 100% yet I’m relieved to find out what the problem is and that it can, and will, be fixed. Hopefully over the next 2 weeks I’m able to fully recover and start over heading into the tail end and most important part of my season. Despite being sick and not feeling too hot the last week it has been nice to take some down time and just relax back in my home town. I guess not being able to ride for a little bit has its bonuses.
This past weekend was the first weekend in about 9 weeks that I haven’t raced. It felt strange to not have to prepare for any sort of race and just relax. I’ve become so accustomed to racing every weekend that I was lost when I didn’t have anything to do but rest.
One bonus of the past week was that I got a new road bike to rip around on - a 2009 Specialized Tarmac Pro Sl. The bike is a bit of a departure from what I’m used to but it’s solid. It is by far the stiffest bike I’ve ridden and the new Shimano Dura-Ace components are also better than I had anticipated. I’ve only done some smaller easier rides on it but I can’t wait to really ride it and experience it like it was meant to be.
Another great thing about being back in Salt Lake is being able to do all the great rides. When I left for my trip in March none of the trails were clear and the road riding was limited at best. After two months abroad, I get to come home and shred all the trails that the locals have been patiently waiting for. I feel like I’m cheating but I’m excited about it none-the-less. Over the two months I was gone, I got to ride some sweet trails and be in some really beautiful areas but as great as they were, the local trails still rank amongst the best. I don’t know if it’s that I’ve ridden them a bunch and have just become accustomed to them or that they are just better than the rest, either way it isn’t hard to return to Utah riding. For some reason the local trails just don’t get old and I can spend days riding the same trails and not get bored.
On that note I’m getting ready to head to Colorado Springs for the 3rd stop on the PRO XCT Tour. I’ve been on the fence as to whether or not to go because I’ve been so sick but I think a little racing might be beneficial despite the crushing I’ll probably receive. In addition, according to USAC mechanic Joey Ersnt there are some awesome trails in the “Springs” that can give any trail a run for its money. No matter how the race goes it will be nice to be back in a U.S. race where I’m not starting 230th. .
Rob