Morris: Momentum swinging in the right direction
After a bit of a rough stretch near the end of the regular season, the B.C. Lions appear to have regained their footing as they head into the playoffs.Quarterback Travis Lulay , who missed six weeks with a partially separated shoulder, looks capable of playing again. The B.C. running game has found its legs and an offensive line that was anemic much of the season has been flexing its muscles. Fan Poll Will Travis Lulay start in the Western Semi-Final? 1) Yes2) No View Results > The Lions ended their regular season Friday with a convincing 26-7 win over the Calgary Stampeders, a team B.C. will have to beat if they hope to play in the 101st Grey Cup game in Regina. The game meant nothing to either club in the standings but the victory, combined with a 43-29 win over the Edmonton Eskimos two weeks ago, gave the Lions some momentum heading into the playoffs.“We are getting our confidence back, especially on offence,” said running back Andrew Harris, who looks to have returned to last year’s form. “With the change of scheme and...bringing in some other guys that are making plays, we have the ultimate confidence now.“It’s perfect timing. We have a long stretch on the road in the playoffs. These two wins were crucial for us. I think if we can keep building off these (wins) we will be all right in the playoffs.”The Lions, who finished third in the West, face the Saskatchewan Roughriders in Sunday’s Western Semi-Final at Mosaic Stadium. Both teams finished with identical records but Saskatchewan beat the Lions twice this year, including a 35-14 rout in Regina the last time the teams met Oct. 19.After suffering through a mid-season drought, the Lions’ ground attack is flowing again. Harris rumbled for 102 yards on 16 carries against the Stampeders, earning him the Gibson Finest player-of-the-week award for top Canadian. It was his first 100-yard game since July 30. The addition of running back Stefan Logan has brought some shine back to the tarnished B.C. running game. The two men have different styles.The five-foot-seven, 185-pound Logan is a jitter-bug on the field. He uses his speed to slip through a crack then turns on the afterburners in the secondary. Harris, at five-foot-11, 195 pounds,Cheap NFL Jerseys, reads his blocks then uses his strength to run over people like pins in a bowling alley.“We can be a nice one-two tandem,” said Logan, who returned to the Lions last month after a four-year stint in the NFL. “They have to account for both of us out there.”In the last two games Harris had 178 yards on 27 carries. That compares to an 11-game stretch between Aug. 5 and Oct. 19 when Harris averaged 38 rushing yards and seemed like the forgotten man in the Lions’ attack. He finished the season just two yards shorts of reaching the 1,000-yard plateau for a second consecutive year.“There were parts of the season the touches were limited,” Harris said. “To be more productive now in this offence . . . it’s great to see.“Having a two-headed monster like we do now with me and Stefan, and the different styles we have, I think that brings a lot. Everything right now is where we want to be.”Quarterback Buck Pierce said the Lions must run the ball if they hope to beat the Riders and play Calgary in the Nov. 17 West Final.“You have to be able to run the football in the playoffs,” said Pierce. “You can’t be one dimensional at this point of time. The teams that are one dimensional don’t survive long or don’t make the playoffs. We’re confident in what we are doing right now with the run game.”By taking a test drive against the Stampeders Lulay answered some questions about his availability for Sunday in Regina. It was Lulay’s first game action since hurting his shoulder in a Sept. 15 win over Montreal.Against Calgary Lulay took 13 snaps,Arizona Cardinals Jersey, completed three of four passes for 54 yards and ran for one touchdown. One of his passes was a 35-yard throw to Nick Moore and another was a wide-size pass to Marco Iannuzzi. Granted it was a small sample size but it gave the Lions’ coaching staff some ideas what Lulay is capable of.“Now we have some data,” said head coach Mike Benevides.Benevides isn’t in a hurry to name his starter for Sunday but doesn’t rule out using both Lulay and Pierce. Related Links Western Semi-Final Playoff Centre Lions run game has come alive Buy: Western Semi-Final Playoff Centre “There’s something to be said for that,” Benevides said. “We need to have a guy that is healthy enough to play and make plays. It was nice to see Travis back. You saw the lift on the team.”Since 2001 the Lions have finished third or fourth in the West seven times. They have lost the playoff game on the road four times. In 2009 and 2008 B.C. won the first game only to lose the West Final.In 2000 the Lions finished third in the West with an 8-10 record, then beat Edmonton 34-22 in the West Semi-Final and Calgary 37-22 in the West Final before winning the Grey Cup 28-26 against Montreal.Veteran defensive half back Ryan Phillips believes the Lions can repeat history.“We feel like we are reaching our peak at the right time,” said Phillips. “The confidence is building within the organization.“To hit the playoffs moving and reaching our peak at the right time, you can’t ask for anything more.”
Tuesday 26 November 2013
" Archibald said about an offence that remains middle of the pack. "We can't count on
Morris: Lions turning the corner at the right time
Strange as it sounds, it was during the fourth quarter of a loss that head coach Mike Benevides became convinced the BC Lions could rise above being mediocre.Four weeks ago the Lions trailed the Hamilton Tiger-Cats 34-8 heading into the final quarter of a game played in Guelph, Ont. Instead of waving a white flag BC went on the attack to score 21 points and came close to stealing the victory. The loss left the Lions looking like a team destined to finish third in the CFL West, but Benevides saw a spark.Faith in DeMarcoDespite being ruled out for at least two more weeks, Travis Lulay is confident in his team's chances, primarily because of his replacement Thomas DeMarco.» Read More"Things fell apart and the guys could have packed it in," he said after his team practised for Friday's game against the Saskatchewan Roughriders at BC Place Stadium."The guys fought all the way to the end, to the last second. The defence was cheering on the offence, the offence was cheering on the defence. They were playing all the way through and competed to the end."BC has won three straight games and climbed into second spot in the West. Not content with the chance of simply hosting a playoff game, the Lions have their sights on catching the Calgary Stampeders for first place.After the Hamilton loss Benevides told his players the next game against Montreal could be a turning point in the season. Big offensive tackle Ben Archibald admits that up to that point BC had been average at best."To a man, it seemed like we kept hitting the ceiling of performance where we would play good and play bad," said Archibald. "It wasn't happening."Our coach, when we played Montreal, he made it a big point that this is a turning point. I don't know what he knew. That was a big point for us. Now we have a little bit of a roll going for us."BC beat Montreal 36-14, then used a last-minute field goal to defeat Saskatchewan 24-22 at Mosaic Stadium on Sept. 22. Last weekend the Lions clawed Winnipeg 53-17.A win over the Riders would give the Lions the tiebreaker should the teams end the season tied in the standings.The Lions' climb in the standings has been aided by Saskatchewan going into a four-loss slide. At the same time BC hasn't been hindered by second-year player Thomas DeMarco taking over at quarterback for the injured Travis Lulay. The Lions announced this week that Lulay will miss at least two more games while he recovers from a partial dislocation of his right shoulder suffered in the last stages of the Montreal win. DeMarco, the little quarterback who always believed he could even when others didn't, has led the Lions to a pair of victories since Lulay's injury. He's completed 33 of 54 passes for 378 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions.The five-foot-11 product of Old Dominion admits he's still learning on the job."I feel like I know the playbook," said the 24-year-old from Palm Desert,Cheap NFL Jerseys, Calif. "As for do I know all the ins and outs of the offence? I've played two games."There are a lot of things I have to get better at and a lot of things I will get better at the more I am in there."The Lions have also enjoyed a little luck. In their win over Saskatchewan, Rider placekicker Chris Milo hit the uprights twice on field goal attempts.Bighill Leads LionsBC's Adam Bighill had the game of his life in Week 14, as he helped force three turnovers in a dominant performance by the Lions defence.» Read MoreThe real difference for the Lions the last few games has been the play of the defence. BC has allowed just 53 points in the last three wins. Against Winnipeg the defence scored three defensive touchdowns. Linebacker Adam Bighill was a one-man wrecking crew with 10 tackles, two forced fumbles and a sack. He also returned a fumble 30 yards for a touchdown."As a defence we have a lot of veterans," said Bighill, who was named the CFL's defensive player of the week. "We continually are getting better in our communication."This week's game will be Geroy Simon's first in Vancouver since BC traded the veteran slotback to Saskatchewan over the winter. Simon, who spent 12 years as a Lion, broke the CFL's reception record in the Riders' loss to Montreal on Sunday. He's the league's all time leader in catches (1,020 catches) and yards (16,188).Defensive halfback Ryan Phillips said playing against Simon is still strange, but won't have the same emotional impact as when the teams faced each other for the first time two weeks ago."I think it might be a different emotion for him to be back playing in BC Place,Arizona Cardinals Jersey," said Phillips. "I think it will be a little bit more emotional at the beginning."At the end of the day he is a Roughrider. He's a guy standing in the way of our success. Now it's strictly about business."The Lions will wear their new-age third jerseys against the Riders. The gunmetal-grey uniforms have become a marketing hit since being unveiled during their Aug. 17 win over the Stampeders. The Lions have been speeding along in the fast lane the last few weeks but the pavement could get bumpy before the season ends. After this weekend the Lions go on the road for games in Calgary and Regina. Edmonton comes to town Oct. 25. First place in the West could be decided when the Lions end their regular season against the Stampeders at B.C. Place on Nov. 1.The Lions are playing better, but the jury is still out on whether they are Grey Cup material."We have a long ways to go," Archibald said about an offence that remains middle of the pack. "We can't count on (the defence) giving us three touchdowns every week."We have a ways to go in the run game and pass protection. Everything is still a work in progress but it sure gives us a lot of confidence and puts us in a good position."
Strange as it sounds, it was during the fourth quarter of a loss that head coach Mike Benevides became convinced the BC Lions could rise above being mediocre.Four weeks ago the Lions trailed the Hamilton Tiger-Cats 34-8 heading into the final quarter of a game played in Guelph, Ont. Instead of waving a white flag BC went on the attack to score 21 points and came close to stealing the victory. The loss left the Lions looking like a team destined to finish third in the CFL West, but Benevides saw a spark.Faith in DeMarcoDespite being ruled out for at least two more weeks, Travis Lulay is confident in his team's chances, primarily because of his replacement Thomas DeMarco.» Read More"Things fell apart and the guys could have packed it in," he said after his team practised for Friday's game against the Saskatchewan Roughriders at BC Place Stadium."The guys fought all the way to the end, to the last second. The defence was cheering on the offence, the offence was cheering on the defence. They were playing all the way through and competed to the end."BC has won three straight games and climbed into second spot in the West. Not content with the chance of simply hosting a playoff game, the Lions have their sights on catching the Calgary Stampeders for first place.After the Hamilton loss Benevides told his players the next game against Montreal could be a turning point in the season. Big offensive tackle Ben Archibald admits that up to that point BC had been average at best."To a man, it seemed like we kept hitting the ceiling of performance where we would play good and play bad," said Archibald. "It wasn't happening."Our coach, when we played Montreal, he made it a big point that this is a turning point. I don't know what he knew. That was a big point for us. Now we have a little bit of a roll going for us."BC beat Montreal 36-14, then used a last-minute field goal to defeat Saskatchewan 24-22 at Mosaic Stadium on Sept. 22. Last weekend the Lions clawed Winnipeg 53-17.A win over the Riders would give the Lions the tiebreaker should the teams end the season tied in the standings.The Lions' climb in the standings has been aided by Saskatchewan going into a four-loss slide. At the same time BC hasn't been hindered by second-year player Thomas DeMarco taking over at quarterback for the injured Travis Lulay. The Lions announced this week that Lulay will miss at least two more games while he recovers from a partial dislocation of his right shoulder suffered in the last stages of the Montreal win. DeMarco, the little quarterback who always believed he could even when others didn't, has led the Lions to a pair of victories since Lulay's injury. He's completed 33 of 54 passes for 378 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions.The five-foot-11 product of Old Dominion admits he's still learning on the job."I feel like I know the playbook," said the 24-year-old from Palm Desert,Cheap NFL Jerseys, Calif. "As for do I know all the ins and outs of the offence? I've played two games."There are a lot of things I have to get better at and a lot of things I will get better at the more I am in there."The Lions have also enjoyed a little luck. In their win over Saskatchewan, Rider placekicker Chris Milo hit the uprights twice on field goal attempts.Bighill Leads LionsBC's Adam Bighill had the game of his life in Week 14, as he helped force three turnovers in a dominant performance by the Lions defence.» Read MoreThe real difference for the Lions the last few games has been the play of the defence. BC has allowed just 53 points in the last three wins. Against Winnipeg the defence scored three defensive touchdowns. Linebacker Adam Bighill was a one-man wrecking crew with 10 tackles, two forced fumbles and a sack. He also returned a fumble 30 yards for a touchdown."As a defence we have a lot of veterans," said Bighill, who was named the CFL's defensive player of the week. "We continually are getting better in our communication."This week's game will be Geroy Simon's first in Vancouver since BC traded the veteran slotback to Saskatchewan over the winter. Simon, who spent 12 years as a Lion, broke the CFL's reception record in the Riders' loss to Montreal on Sunday. He's the league's all time leader in catches (1,020 catches) and yards (16,188).Defensive halfback Ryan Phillips said playing against Simon is still strange, but won't have the same emotional impact as when the teams faced each other for the first time two weeks ago."I think it might be a different emotion for him to be back playing in BC Place,Arizona Cardinals Jersey," said Phillips. "I think it will be a little bit more emotional at the beginning."At the end of the day he is a Roughrider. He's a guy standing in the way of our success. Now it's strictly about business."The Lions will wear their new-age third jerseys against the Riders. The gunmetal-grey uniforms have become a marketing hit since being unveiled during their Aug. 17 win over the Stampeders. The Lions have been speeding along in the fast lane the last few weeks but the pavement could get bumpy before the season ends. After this weekend the Lions go on the road for games in Calgary and Regina. Edmonton comes to town Oct. 25. First place in the West could be decided when the Lions end their regular season against the Stampeders at B.C. Place on Nov. 1.The Lions are playing better, but the jury is still out on whether they are Grey Cup material."We have a long ways to go," Archibald said about an offence that remains middle of the pack. "We can't count on (the defence) giving us three touchdowns every week."We have a ways to go in the run game and pass protection. Everything is still a work in progress but it sure gives us a lot of confidence and puts us in a good position."
Thursday 21 November 2013
m betting Mike Reilly would leading the league in that category. He&rsquo
Campbell: Reilly playing it safe
Edmonton Eskimos starting quarterback Mike Reilly has turned many heads across the Canadian Football League this season.Reilly has shown he has all the tools to be a solid starter in years to come. He’s shown the ability to make the big plays happen, in fact he leads the CFL in big plays with 31 pass plays of 30 yards or more. Reilly is second in the league in touchdown passes with 21, and third in passing yards with 3,165.There’s no official stat line for how many hits you take during a game, but I’m betting Mike Reilly would leading the league in that category. He’s been hit mostly in the pocket as the offensive line has troubles this season with consistency.Reilly has also taken some open-field hits. Last Saturday against the Toronto Argonauts, Reilly took a hit to the back of his head in the first quarter which would eventually be diagnosed as a concussion. Reilly Injured After Hit vs. Argos What made people very antsy was the fact Reilly stayed in the football game and appeared woozy. After throwing a touchdown pass to Shamawd Chambers on the very next play, Reilly walked off to the sideline and was assessed by the Eskimos medical staff.Initially, Reilly seemed fine and passed of the baseline concussion tests. It was a few minutes later Reilly says he started to feel symptoms and then the medical staff shut Reilly down for the rest of the game.Reilly says he has no doubt the Eskimos medical staff handled him correctly on the field and on the sidelines.“I have 100 per cent faith in the staff here,” Reilly said. “I feel like everything that they did was everything that they could do given the circumstances, given my responses, and the way I was reacting and feeling on the field.”Three years ago, the CFL released their concussion protocols. It was the first time the league had set and firm guidelines about recognition, prevention, and treatment of concussions. The CFL partnered up with well know Canadian neurosurgeon and scientist Dr. Charles Tator who is a part of the Think First study on concussions. The CFL concussion protocol for a player who is suspected of having a concussion is to be immediately removed from the field of play.CFL President and CEO Michael Copeland says the league did investigate the Reilly incident. The findings by the league according to Copeland are the Eskimos medical staff followed the correct protocols. Related Links Reilly diagnosed with concussion The Edmonton Eskimos announced sunday that quarterback Mike Reilly has been diagnosed with a concussion,Cheap NFL Jerseys|Wholesale NFL Jerseys, after taking a hit during last night's game against Toronto. Reilly Injured After Hit vs. Argos Boatmen rally again, stun Eskimos “The trainer asked Reilly whether he had any pain in his head and in his neck,” Copeland explained. “They asked him if he had any headaches, or anything of that nature. He responded that he did not. They (medical staff) observed him,Arizona Cardinals Jersey, which they normally do. And then they made an assessment based on all the factors available to them whether they suspect he had a concussion which they didn’t at that time.”Some fans and media have already accused the Eskimos and even the CFL of being negligent about letting a player continue to play with a concussion.The facts are on the table. The medical staff that is highly trained made the call to let Reilly continue to play. Could Reilly have stretched the truth about how he was feeling? Absolutely!He wouldn’t be the first athlete not to be straight up about how he was feeling after taking a knock to the head. There’s no evidence that Reilly wasn’t truthful on the field. The bottom line regardless is the medical staff did their due diligence and found no evidence of a concussion, they have no choice but to let Reilly play. In this case once you eliminated all the variables, it clear the affects of the hit didn’t show up until Reilly was on the bench.Are we not as well forgetting the bigger issue here? The Argonauts Cleyon Laing who made a reckless; and careless play on Mike Reilly launching his helmet like a missile into the back of the head of Mike Reilly. Those are the types of hits that need to be taken out in the game of football. You can’t even call that play a football play. That’s where the concern should lie, not with trained medical people who were just doing their jobs to the best of their ability.Players nowadays simply have to change their mindset about the way they tackle. The head has to be off-limits as much as humanly possible.Punishment and consequences are important but even more important is education.We are in a new era of player safety and it’s the best for the sports.
Edmonton Eskimos starting quarterback Mike Reilly has turned many heads across the Canadian Football League this season.Reilly has shown he has all the tools to be a solid starter in years to come. He’s shown the ability to make the big plays happen, in fact he leads the CFL in big plays with 31 pass plays of 30 yards or more. Reilly is second in the league in touchdown passes with 21, and third in passing yards with 3,165.There’s no official stat line for how many hits you take during a game, but I’m betting Mike Reilly would leading the league in that category. He’s been hit mostly in the pocket as the offensive line has troubles this season with consistency.Reilly has also taken some open-field hits. Last Saturday against the Toronto Argonauts, Reilly took a hit to the back of his head in the first quarter which would eventually be diagnosed as a concussion. Reilly Injured After Hit vs. Argos What made people very antsy was the fact Reilly stayed in the football game and appeared woozy. After throwing a touchdown pass to Shamawd Chambers on the very next play, Reilly walked off to the sideline and was assessed by the Eskimos medical staff.Initially, Reilly seemed fine and passed of the baseline concussion tests. It was a few minutes later Reilly says he started to feel symptoms and then the medical staff shut Reilly down for the rest of the game.Reilly says he has no doubt the Eskimos medical staff handled him correctly on the field and on the sidelines.“I have 100 per cent faith in the staff here,” Reilly said. “I feel like everything that they did was everything that they could do given the circumstances, given my responses, and the way I was reacting and feeling on the field.”Three years ago, the CFL released their concussion protocols. It was the first time the league had set and firm guidelines about recognition, prevention, and treatment of concussions. The CFL partnered up with well know Canadian neurosurgeon and scientist Dr. Charles Tator who is a part of the Think First study on concussions. The CFL concussion protocol for a player who is suspected of having a concussion is to be immediately removed from the field of play.CFL President and CEO Michael Copeland says the league did investigate the Reilly incident. The findings by the league according to Copeland are the Eskimos medical staff followed the correct protocols. Related Links Reilly diagnosed with concussion The Edmonton Eskimos announced sunday that quarterback Mike Reilly has been diagnosed with a concussion,Cheap NFL Jerseys|Wholesale NFL Jerseys, after taking a hit during last night's game against Toronto. Reilly Injured After Hit vs. Argos Boatmen rally again, stun Eskimos “The trainer asked Reilly whether he had any pain in his head and in his neck,” Copeland explained. “They asked him if he had any headaches, or anything of that nature. He responded that he did not. They (medical staff) observed him,Arizona Cardinals Jersey, which they normally do. And then they made an assessment based on all the factors available to them whether they suspect he had a concussion which they didn’t at that time.”Some fans and media have already accused the Eskimos and even the CFL of being negligent about letting a player continue to play with a concussion.The facts are on the table. The medical staff that is highly trained made the call to let Reilly continue to play. Could Reilly have stretched the truth about how he was feeling? Absolutely!He wouldn’t be the first athlete not to be straight up about how he was feeling after taking a knock to the head. There’s no evidence that Reilly wasn’t truthful on the field. The bottom line regardless is the medical staff did their due diligence and found no evidence of a concussion, they have no choice but to let Reilly play. In this case once you eliminated all the variables, it clear the affects of the hit didn’t show up until Reilly was on the bench.Are we not as well forgetting the bigger issue here? The Argonauts Cleyon Laing who made a reckless; and careless play on Mike Reilly launching his helmet like a missile into the back of the head of Mike Reilly. Those are the types of hits that need to be taken out in the game of football. You can’t even call that play a football play. That’s where the concern should lie, not with trained medical people who were just doing their jobs to the best of their ability.Players nowadays simply have to change their mindset about the way they tackle. The head has to be off-limits as much as humanly possible.Punishment and consequences are important but even more important is education.We are in a new era of player safety and it’s the best for the sports.
The defence rests.&rdquo
Moffat: Brouillette, Als 'D' refuses to rest against Burris
#GCPlayoffsMarco Brouillette will have to go another week without uttering the key phrase he may master in his second career. “The defence rests.”Far from it in Montreal. The defenders are getting busy in so many ways. As the Als returned to the practice field plotting against Henry Burris and another possible revolving door of Ticat quarterbacks, several utility players warmed up for possible prominent roles.Brouillette alternated in drills between the safety spot for Mike Edem and the linebacker role usually reserved for the angriest of the “Angry Birds” Kyries Hebert.“He can multi-task -- it’s a great sign when his career is over with if you want to hire a lawyer because he can handle a lot,” says GM and Head Coach Jim Popp of the hard-hitting 4th year Alouette who has little more than a month of articling remaining at the Montreal firm of Robinson Sheppard Shapiro. “First of all Brouillette’s very smart,” Popp says reassuringly after Hebert and Byron Parker were held out of drills Tuesday. “You’ve got to be to learn all those positions -- it’s more than being a great athlete, but he is that too...he’s a sharp man.“Eastern Semi-Final Playoff CentreThe 2013 Eastern Semi-Final matchup is set as the Hamilton Tiger-Cats host the Montreal Alouettes. Here is everything you need to know ahead of Sunday's game.Click here to view pageBrouillette, 27, is also thankful for his latest opportunity. One year ago he was carried off the Olympic Stadium turf on a stretcher after a neck injury in the Eastern Final.“It’s been kind of a wild ride, you know?” the Montreal-native and third round pick of 2010 says with a smile. “You go from laying on the field staring at the roof of the Olympic Stadium wondering what’s next and to be here today and have a chance to be a few wins away from the Grey Cup...it’s phenomenal.”“I’ve had a lot of people in my corner,” the former Universite’ de Montreal Carabins quarterback says. “They’ve supported me and been along for the ride even throughout the tough times we’ve had this season.”“We watched him a lot in college, but he really jumped out once he started testing,” reveals Popp. “We started toying around with him maybe even as a receiver first.”“Especially guys in the locker-room -- we’ve had eachother’s backs,” says August’s CFL Outstanding Canadian of the Month. “To be going to Guelph in the playoffs is something we’re proud of.”If Brouillette wants to build on a legal precedent set by the 3 Stooges, Winston Venable could also be a partner in his on-field firm of “Dewey Hitem&Howe”. The son of a former Montreal Expos outfielder (Max Venable graced the Olympic Stadium turf in 1984), Winston is only 5’11 but a stocky 220 with a fearless streak. The former property of the Chicago Bears in 2011 has also had to do some learning on the fly. NFL scouts wanted him to convert to safety. He signed as a free agent the lockout year and so couldn’t get early access to the playbook for off-field study.With the Als, he’s well-suited for linebacker duty and special teams chores. “I played a lot on teams in Chicago and I think that’s helped me here.”“It would be awesome opportunity to play in a playoff game,” says the 26-year old Boise State alum. “If we have players down, people have to step up. If you can be versatile, that’s going to help you get on the field. We have WIL linebackers who can play safety and safeties who can play at the WIL. Everybody can just be interchangeable. ” Related Links Moffat: Parker finds his voice with Als As efficient as Billy Parker has been in his five years in the CFL, he's never once earned a CFL All-Star nod. That all changed yesterday, however. Alouettes Putting Trust in Troy Popp Offers Update on Alouettes Three years before Winston was born, his father was a teammate of the infamous “Charlie Hustle” Pete Rose who surpassed the 4,000-hit mark. The hits have been much slower in coming for the next generation Venable.He joined the Als’ practice roster in 2012, but waited a full calendar year before getting his first defensive and special teams tackles in the CFL, his 10 total tackles for 2013 all coming since the beginning of October.“Dad was actually able to come watch me play a game and it was exciting for him to be back in Montreal,” says Winston, whose older brother Will followed in Dad’s Major League footsteps and is a 6-year veteran of the San Diego Padres.“Maybe I feel a little connection there with my Dad having been here; he visited he a few things that were familiar to him, but mostly they weren’t (familiar). “What a lot of people don’t know is that my Dad was a pretty big high school football player and that’s where I get a little bit of the football in me. My Mom even swam in college, so yeah I just come from a sports family.”Winston claims he was pretty good on the ballfield at the high school level, but enjoyed the physicality of football all the more.“You’re not really hitting anything but a ball in baseball, but in football you get to hit everybody.”“Last week he played corner for us,” points out Popp. “I try to find, our scouts try to find people who can do a lot of different things.”The Als on defence are anything if not versatile: Second in QB sacks,Cheap NFL Jerseys, second in picks, no. 1 in fewest yards and no. 1 in fewest first downs.As “Maitre Brouillette” might say in court -- “No further evidence, your Honour.”
#GCPlayoffsMarco Brouillette will have to go another week without uttering the key phrase he may master in his second career. “The defence rests.”Far from it in Montreal. The defenders are getting busy in so many ways. As the Als returned to the practice field plotting against Henry Burris and another possible revolving door of Ticat quarterbacks, several utility players warmed up for possible prominent roles.Brouillette alternated in drills between the safety spot for Mike Edem and the linebacker role usually reserved for the angriest of the “Angry Birds” Kyries Hebert.“He can multi-task -- it’s a great sign when his career is over with if you want to hire a lawyer because he can handle a lot,” says GM and Head Coach Jim Popp of the hard-hitting 4th year Alouette who has little more than a month of articling remaining at the Montreal firm of Robinson Sheppard Shapiro. “First of all Brouillette’s very smart,” Popp says reassuringly after Hebert and Byron Parker were held out of drills Tuesday. “You’ve got to be to learn all those positions -- it’s more than being a great athlete, but he is that too...he’s a sharp man.“Eastern Semi-Final Playoff CentreThe 2013 Eastern Semi-Final matchup is set as the Hamilton Tiger-Cats host the Montreal Alouettes. Here is everything you need to know ahead of Sunday's game.Click here to view pageBrouillette, 27, is also thankful for his latest opportunity. One year ago he was carried off the Olympic Stadium turf on a stretcher after a neck injury in the Eastern Final.“It’s been kind of a wild ride, you know?” the Montreal-native and third round pick of 2010 says with a smile. “You go from laying on the field staring at the roof of the Olympic Stadium wondering what’s next and to be here today and have a chance to be a few wins away from the Grey Cup...it’s phenomenal.”“I’ve had a lot of people in my corner,” the former Universite’ de Montreal Carabins quarterback says. “They’ve supported me and been along for the ride even throughout the tough times we’ve had this season.”“We watched him a lot in college, but he really jumped out once he started testing,” reveals Popp. “We started toying around with him maybe even as a receiver first.”“Especially guys in the locker-room -- we’ve had eachother’s backs,” says August’s CFL Outstanding Canadian of the Month. “To be going to Guelph in the playoffs is something we’re proud of.”If Brouillette wants to build on a legal precedent set by the 3 Stooges, Winston Venable could also be a partner in his on-field firm of “Dewey Hitem&Howe”. The son of a former Montreal Expos outfielder (Max Venable graced the Olympic Stadium turf in 1984), Winston is only 5’11 but a stocky 220 with a fearless streak. The former property of the Chicago Bears in 2011 has also had to do some learning on the fly. NFL scouts wanted him to convert to safety. He signed as a free agent the lockout year and so couldn’t get early access to the playbook for off-field study.With the Als, he’s well-suited for linebacker duty and special teams chores. “I played a lot on teams in Chicago and I think that’s helped me here.”“It would be awesome opportunity to play in a playoff game,” says the 26-year old Boise State alum. “If we have players down, people have to step up. If you can be versatile, that’s going to help you get on the field. We have WIL linebackers who can play safety and safeties who can play at the WIL. Everybody can just be interchangeable. ” Related Links Moffat: Parker finds his voice with Als As efficient as Billy Parker has been in his five years in the CFL, he's never once earned a CFL All-Star nod. That all changed yesterday, however. Alouettes Putting Trust in Troy Popp Offers Update on Alouettes Three years before Winston was born, his father was a teammate of the infamous “Charlie Hustle” Pete Rose who surpassed the 4,000-hit mark. The hits have been much slower in coming for the next generation Venable.He joined the Als’ practice roster in 2012, but waited a full calendar year before getting his first defensive and special teams tackles in the CFL, his 10 total tackles for 2013 all coming since the beginning of October.“Dad was actually able to come watch me play a game and it was exciting for him to be back in Montreal,” says Winston, whose older brother Will followed in Dad’s Major League footsteps and is a 6-year veteran of the San Diego Padres.“Maybe I feel a little connection there with my Dad having been here; he visited he a few things that were familiar to him, but mostly they weren’t (familiar). “What a lot of people don’t know is that my Dad was a pretty big high school football player and that’s where I get a little bit of the football in me. My Mom even swam in college, so yeah I just come from a sports family.”Winston claims he was pretty good on the ballfield at the high school level, but enjoyed the physicality of football all the more.“You’re not really hitting anything but a ball in baseball, but in football you get to hit everybody.”“Last week he played corner for us,” points out Popp. “I try to find, our scouts try to find people who can do a lot of different things.”The Als on defence are anything if not versatile: Second in QB sacks,Cheap NFL Jerseys, second in picks, no. 1 in fewest yards and no. 1 in fewest first downs.As “Maitre Brouillette” might say in court -- “No further evidence, your Honour.”
he said. &ldquo
Rogers: Barnes continuing to write his own story
An athlete’s stats are his prologue.Single lines that are a brief introduction to where he’s been and where he’s at in his career, but offer little more than that.Looking at slotback Jason Barnes’ line from 2011, it’s understandable why his release from the Edmonton Eskimos -- after 50 catches for 869 yards and seven touchdowns in regular season play -- was a surprise.“I felt like I had the rug pulled out from underneath of me,” said Barnes, at the Toronto Argonauts Wednesday practice. “I didn’t see that one coming,Arizona Cardinals Jersey, but you never do.”Related: Calgary vs. Toronto» Video: Calgary at Toronto Preview» Video: Stamps 'D' ready for Argos 'O'» Video: Pass protection key for Argos» Walter, Williams ready to step up» Cornish out, Lewis done for season» Landry: 1983 Argos - once in a lifetime» Ray has Argos record books in sight» Stephen: Loss of Lewis is crucial» Week 9 CFL.ca Game Notes» Last week for the Stamps» Last week for the ArgosIt could all end there. Beyond the basic business of football, the creative control to write the next pages is all on the player. The 29-year-old has barely set his pen down.Barnes is admittedly an introvert. He lets the bad things boil before he’s ready to talk. Most of what he's been through is written on his skin underneath the double blue of his Argos shirt. He points out the heart on the left side of his neck, scripted with the words “Never Give Up.”“I got it for my mom when she was fighting cancer,” he said. “She found out on Nov. 1 (2007) and passed 26 days later, so it was a short fight. It’s motivated me for most of my career.”The sudden loss brought the Barnes family closer than ever. Jason is always texting Matt, his older brother by four years (and four inches) and a 10-year NBA veteran to help him appreciate his opportunities and stay gracious.“Nothing ever works out how you planned it. I’ve watched [Matt] through his career; he’s been cut, he’s been sent to the [NBA] D-League, he’s had to persevere,” Barnes said. “Seeing him struggle like that, I knew it wasn’t going to be an easy path. I’ve taken the long route, but at the end of the day, it feels a lot better knowing what you had to work through to get to where you’re at.”Two seasons removed from his career-year in Edmonton, Barnes can remember going back home to California and getting right back to work. His career wasn't over. There was still more to prove, he thought. Within the month, the Argos were calling, looking for him to pair with his former Edmonton quarterback, Ricky Ray.“There were high expectations on Jason when he came into camp last year. I mean, we were expecting him to be our No. 1 receiver,” said Jason Maas, the Argos receivers coach who also knew Barnes as a teammate for three seasons with the Eskimos.In theory, it was a natural fit, but in practice, nothing clicked. When Barnes was released that September, it had been a month since he’d played, and nearly 10 weeks since his only touchdown catch.“I set the bar high [for the season]. I expected to be better than I was in Edmonton,” he said. “I remember I went home and I was a little depressed, but I went straight to the field...you have to be self-motivated in this industry.“I guess I got a little complacent in the season, I’ll be the first to admit it. Once I got my edge back, I felt like that was a reason to get where I needed to be.”Barnes found himself re-signed to the Toronto practice roster shortly after being released, with a chip on his shoulder and fighting for another chance to prove what he was capable of.“The best thing about JB is that he never stopped working and never stopped believing in himself. When the opportunity came his way again, he capitalized on it. I appreciate that as a coach,” Maas said, who offers an unmatched perspective on the receiver.His storied career was winding down when Barnes arrived in Edmonton as a rookie in 2009.“Jason still worked extremely hard when he wasn’t the guy. It’s really easy to work hard when you’re getting a whole bunch of throws your way, but when guys stop throwing the ball to you, or you’re not on the roster and you still strive to get better, it tells you a lot about someone’s character,” Maas said."I would never ever question JB's character."Barnes made it off the practice roster in Week 17 to record three touchdowns in a loss to Winnipeg at home. Though he’d carried anger and frustration through the roller coaster season, the reality check helped him hoist the Grey Cup at the end of it. Maas says the key to Barnes' turnaround was that while he waited for another opportunity, he kept getting better. "He’s come out this year knowing what can happen...that in professional football, if you’re not pulling your weight, they will replace you. That's just the bottom line," Maas said. "I think he has a different perspective on the game in that respect, and I think ultimately it’s made him a better football player."It’s hard to pinpoint what exactly didn’t work in 2012 or why, but the 2013 version of Barnes is making all of the right impressions. As the Argos approach the season’s halfway mark, the receiver has already notched five touchdowns, more than all of last year’s four. The red zone is undeniably his element.“From the Argonauts perspective, the reason we went out and got JB [last year] is because we thought physically he could do a lot of the things we’re asking him to do right now. I feel like he’s the same guy he was in Edmonton,” Maas said. “He makes plays when the ball is thrown his way, he’s a gifted route runner, he makes plays on deep balls, makes the hard catch. “The thing that I’ve noticed from him this year compared to last and previous years, is that he’s taken a lot of ownership on all of the little details in our offence. JB is one of the smartest football players I’ve been around. He understands the intracacies of playing receiver, but all of the small details he gets and grasps and works his butt off to make all those correct.”For all of the confidence he has in his game and his resolute drive to prove something, Barnes thinks this season's upswing is also a little bit of luck. He feels lucky to have Ray finding him for the right passes and lucky to be on the same page as the team.When he looks back at the rookie Jason Barnes who ventured north of the border to take advantage of a good opportunity five years ago, he says it's like night and day. “I still have the same drive that I felt when I got into the league, but I’ve just developed as a player,” he said. “My skill set, my maturity level, helping my teammates and the younger guys get better...I’m grateful that I’m helping my team win. That’s all that really matters to me.”Despite plenty of chances to write an ending, it doesn't seem like Barnes will ever be ready to put down the pen.
An athlete’s stats are his prologue.Single lines that are a brief introduction to where he’s been and where he’s at in his career, but offer little more than that.Looking at slotback Jason Barnes’ line from 2011, it’s understandable why his release from the Edmonton Eskimos -- after 50 catches for 869 yards and seven touchdowns in regular season play -- was a surprise.“I felt like I had the rug pulled out from underneath of me,” said Barnes, at the Toronto Argonauts Wednesday practice. “I didn’t see that one coming,Arizona Cardinals Jersey, but you never do.”Related: Calgary vs. Toronto» Video: Calgary at Toronto Preview» Video: Stamps 'D' ready for Argos 'O'» Video: Pass protection key for Argos» Walter, Williams ready to step up» Cornish out, Lewis done for season» Landry: 1983 Argos - once in a lifetime» Ray has Argos record books in sight» Stephen: Loss of Lewis is crucial» Week 9 CFL.ca Game Notes» Last week for the Stamps» Last week for the ArgosIt could all end there. Beyond the basic business of football, the creative control to write the next pages is all on the player. The 29-year-old has barely set his pen down.Barnes is admittedly an introvert. He lets the bad things boil before he’s ready to talk. Most of what he's been through is written on his skin underneath the double blue of his Argos shirt. He points out the heart on the left side of his neck, scripted with the words “Never Give Up.”“I got it for my mom when she was fighting cancer,” he said. “She found out on Nov. 1 (2007) and passed 26 days later, so it was a short fight. It’s motivated me for most of my career.”The sudden loss brought the Barnes family closer than ever. Jason is always texting Matt, his older brother by four years (and four inches) and a 10-year NBA veteran to help him appreciate his opportunities and stay gracious.“Nothing ever works out how you planned it. I’ve watched [Matt] through his career; he’s been cut, he’s been sent to the [NBA] D-League, he’s had to persevere,” Barnes said. “Seeing him struggle like that, I knew it wasn’t going to be an easy path. I’ve taken the long route, but at the end of the day, it feels a lot better knowing what you had to work through to get to where you’re at.”Two seasons removed from his career-year in Edmonton, Barnes can remember going back home to California and getting right back to work. His career wasn't over. There was still more to prove, he thought. Within the month, the Argos were calling, looking for him to pair with his former Edmonton quarterback, Ricky Ray.“There were high expectations on Jason when he came into camp last year. I mean, we were expecting him to be our No. 1 receiver,” said Jason Maas, the Argos receivers coach who also knew Barnes as a teammate for three seasons with the Eskimos.In theory, it was a natural fit, but in practice, nothing clicked. When Barnes was released that September, it had been a month since he’d played, and nearly 10 weeks since his only touchdown catch.“I set the bar high [for the season]. I expected to be better than I was in Edmonton,” he said. “I remember I went home and I was a little depressed, but I went straight to the field...you have to be self-motivated in this industry.“I guess I got a little complacent in the season, I’ll be the first to admit it. Once I got my edge back, I felt like that was a reason to get where I needed to be.”Barnes found himself re-signed to the Toronto practice roster shortly after being released, with a chip on his shoulder and fighting for another chance to prove what he was capable of.“The best thing about JB is that he never stopped working and never stopped believing in himself. When the opportunity came his way again, he capitalized on it. I appreciate that as a coach,” Maas said, who offers an unmatched perspective on the receiver.His storied career was winding down when Barnes arrived in Edmonton as a rookie in 2009.“Jason still worked extremely hard when he wasn’t the guy. It’s really easy to work hard when you’re getting a whole bunch of throws your way, but when guys stop throwing the ball to you, or you’re not on the roster and you still strive to get better, it tells you a lot about someone’s character,” Maas said."I would never ever question JB's character."Barnes made it off the practice roster in Week 17 to record three touchdowns in a loss to Winnipeg at home. Though he’d carried anger and frustration through the roller coaster season, the reality check helped him hoist the Grey Cup at the end of it. Maas says the key to Barnes' turnaround was that while he waited for another opportunity, he kept getting better. "He’s come out this year knowing what can happen...that in professional football, if you’re not pulling your weight, they will replace you. That's just the bottom line," Maas said. "I think he has a different perspective on the game in that respect, and I think ultimately it’s made him a better football player."It’s hard to pinpoint what exactly didn’t work in 2012 or why, but the 2013 version of Barnes is making all of the right impressions. As the Argos approach the season’s halfway mark, the receiver has already notched five touchdowns, more than all of last year’s four. The red zone is undeniably his element.“From the Argonauts perspective, the reason we went out and got JB [last year] is because we thought physically he could do a lot of the things we’re asking him to do right now. I feel like he’s the same guy he was in Edmonton,” Maas said. “He makes plays when the ball is thrown his way, he’s a gifted route runner, he makes plays on deep balls, makes the hard catch. “The thing that I’ve noticed from him this year compared to last and previous years, is that he’s taken a lot of ownership on all of the little details in our offence. JB is one of the smartest football players I’ve been around. He understands the intracacies of playing receiver, but all of the small details he gets and grasps and works his butt off to make all those correct.”For all of the confidence he has in his game and his resolute drive to prove something, Barnes thinks this season's upswing is also a little bit of luck. He feels lucky to have Ray finding him for the right passes and lucky to be on the same page as the team.When he looks back at the rookie Jason Barnes who ventured north of the border to take advantage of a good opportunity five years ago, he says it's like night and day. “I still have the same drive that I felt when I got into the league, but I’ve just developed as a player,” he said. “My skill set, my maturity level, helping my teammates and the younger guys get better...I’m grateful that I’m helping my team win. That’s all that really matters to me.”Despite plenty of chances to write an ending, it doesn't seem like Barnes will ever be ready to put down the pen.
Chick reflected. &ldquo
Pedersen: A massive test looms for Riders at McMahon
This is going to be a fun week!The Saskatchewan Roughriders visit the Calgary Stampeders this Saturday in a massive West Division collision. However, as tempting as it is to jump into all the fun a Rider road trip to Calgary (Riderville 2) brings, we first have to go back and examine last week’s 35-14 home victory over BC.Season SeriesHeading into arguably the biggest game of the season for both teams, we take a look back at the season-series between the Riders and Stamps.» Week 2: Riders explode to down Stamps» Week 7: Cornish powers StampsIt’s hard not to look ahead when you can see the finish line, and the Riders’ long-standing goal of finishing in first-place in the West this year, but the team did a great job of narrowing their focus down to last Saturday’s meeting with the Lions in Regina.And simply put, had they not beaten BC, there would be no shot at first anyway. The Riders got off to a slow start, giving the ball away twice and falling down 7-0 to quarterback Thomas DeMarco’s Lions in the opening quarter. However, eight Lions giveaways (including four DeMarco interceptions) virtually handed the game over to Saskatchewan.Sorry, but it’s true.With the eventual victory, the Roughriders clinched themselves their first home playoff game since 2010. It came as a massive sense of relief for the team.“Ohhh man it was a great night!” smiled Rider defensive end John Chick, who had a sack and a forced fumble in the win. “Just a lot of excitement there. We knew coming in the crowd was going to be into it and holy cow! It played the part so it was great.”Roughrider head coach Corey Chamblin even allowed himself to pause and reflect on the accomplishment. Eleven wins represents a three-win improvement from last year, Chamblin’s rookie campaign on the sidelines, and a home playoff game is a benchmark for any football club.“Hosting a playoff game is a positive,” said a grateful Chamblin after the game. “Being in my second year, rebuilding this team, I thank God and Brendan Taman for giving me the tools to build a team.”God’s in on this? I might have known.So now with at least second-place in their back pocket,Cheap NFL Jerseys, the Green & White turn their attention to Calgary this week and McMahon Stadium where they lost 42-27 in Week 7 (Saskatchewan beat Calgary 36-21 in their only other meeting in Week 2 in Regina).A sellout? That’s a virtual certainty since Rider Nation plans to occupy McMahon Stadium this weekend and help spur their team on to top spot.However, we all know it’s unlikely. Even if the Riders pull this one out, they’d have to hope for a BC win over the Stampeders in the final game of the regular season and that’s highly unlikely.There's still reason for hope, and heaven only knows what’s in store for this football club in a season which has had more twists and turns than a roller coaster.“Oh my gosh,” Chick reflected. “The way we’ve grown from that lull we had. Coach talked about that this week. We were on that roll, then had that lull, and now that spark’s back. We know what we have in that locker room and we know what we have between all these guys.”And how can I end this column without mentioning the simmering rivalry between Kory Sheets and Jon Cornish, the Saskatchewan and Calgary running backs respectively? Cornish goes into Saturday’s game 134 yards ahead of Sheets for the league rushing title with only two games left. I asked Kory on the postgame show how excited he is to go head-to-head with Cornish Saturday night.“Who?” Sheets questioned. “Who?”Game on.
This is going to be a fun week!The Saskatchewan Roughriders visit the Calgary Stampeders this Saturday in a massive West Division collision. However, as tempting as it is to jump into all the fun a Rider road trip to Calgary (Riderville 2) brings, we first have to go back and examine last week’s 35-14 home victory over BC.Season SeriesHeading into arguably the biggest game of the season for both teams, we take a look back at the season-series between the Riders and Stamps.» Week 2: Riders explode to down Stamps» Week 7: Cornish powers StampsIt’s hard not to look ahead when you can see the finish line, and the Riders’ long-standing goal of finishing in first-place in the West this year, but the team did a great job of narrowing their focus down to last Saturday’s meeting with the Lions in Regina.And simply put, had they not beaten BC, there would be no shot at first anyway. The Riders got off to a slow start, giving the ball away twice and falling down 7-0 to quarterback Thomas DeMarco’s Lions in the opening quarter. However, eight Lions giveaways (including four DeMarco interceptions) virtually handed the game over to Saskatchewan.Sorry, but it’s true.With the eventual victory, the Roughriders clinched themselves their first home playoff game since 2010. It came as a massive sense of relief for the team.“Ohhh man it was a great night!” smiled Rider defensive end John Chick, who had a sack and a forced fumble in the win. “Just a lot of excitement there. We knew coming in the crowd was going to be into it and holy cow! It played the part so it was great.”Roughrider head coach Corey Chamblin even allowed himself to pause and reflect on the accomplishment. Eleven wins represents a three-win improvement from last year, Chamblin’s rookie campaign on the sidelines, and a home playoff game is a benchmark for any football club.“Hosting a playoff game is a positive,” said a grateful Chamblin after the game. “Being in my second year, rebuilding this team, I thank God and Brendan Taman for giving me the tools to build a team.”God’s in on this? I might have known.So now with at least second-place in their back pocket,Cheap NFL Jerseys, the Green & White turn their attention to Calgary this week and McMahon Stadium where they lost 42-27 in Week 7 (Saskatchewan beat Calgary 36-21 in their only other meeting in Week 2 in Regina).A sellout? That’s a virtual certainty since Rider Nation plans to occupy McMahon Stadium this weekend and help spur their team on to top spot.However, we all know it’s unlikely. Even if the Riders pull this one out, they’d have to hope for a BC win over the Stampeders in the final game of the regular season and that’s highly unlikely.There's still reason for hope, and heaven only knows what’s in store for this football club in a season which has had more twists and turns than a roller coaster.“Oh my gosh,” Chick reflected. “The way we’ve grown from that lull we had. Coach talked about that this week. We were on that roll, then had that lull, and now that spark’s back. We know what we have in that locker room and we know what we have between all these guys.”And how can I end this column without mentioning the simmering rivalry between Kory Sheets and Jon Cornish, the Saskatchewan and Calgary running backs respectively? Cornish goes into Saturday’s game 134 yards ahead of Sheets for the league rushing title with only two games left. I asked Kory on the postgame show how excited he is to go head-to-head with Cornish Saturday night.“Who?” Sheets questioned. “Who?”Game on.
Sunday 10 November 2013
How To Bike Competitively
How To Bike Competitively
Riding a bike can be a good hobby. Not only does it allow you to get exercise, but it is also great for the environment. Just like any other hobby though, there comes a point that you would want to take your craft to the next level, much like the same way that bakers want to join the county fair or video gamers want to join tournaments. Bikers would at one point show their skills on a bigger stage other than their own sidewalk.
Fortunately, there are lots of ways to compete in biking or cycling competitively. If you're a cycling aficionado who wants to take his cycling to a more intense level, here are some of the options that you have:
Join a local biking club or organization. Cycling is such a popular sport that almost any town with a big enough population should have a local chapter of a nationallyestablished group. These organizations usually conduct clinics, tournaments, road races and time trials so membership in one could definitely be advantageous for you.
Try hitting the local gym. Most people would think of the gym as places for people who lift weights and such but the gym is really a training ground for a lot of people who like to do outdoor activities. In the same way that those who use weights may be rock climbers trying to increase their upper body strength, those who are in the stationary bikes could be the ones trying to build on their endurance. Knowing the other biking enthusiasts in your local gym can get you started on which competitive circuits would be best to join for amateurs and newcomers such as yourself.
Invest on equipment. Clearly, you can't just be using hand me down gear if you want to be competitive. Try to buy the best equipment you can afford with your budget so that you could look the part. Make sure that you don't sacrifice safety for the external appeal of the gear. Go for the one that gives you the most bang for the buck in terms of look and features.
Take your search online. There are many racing and biking organizations who post bulletins on upcoming races on their official websites. If an event is in town or is just nearby, you may sign up from the comfort of your own home with the help of a good internet connection. You could even invite your other friends to join.
Get a coach or at least a friend who would want to go competitive in cycling as well. You could easily push each other to perform better. Aside from this, the two of you could also customize your training schedule according to your schedule to maximize both of your time.
Going competitive in one sport would require a lot of dedication and patience. If you really want to achieve a lot in something, you must be ready to make the necessary sacrifices to make your dream a reality.
Riding a bike can be a good hobby. Not only does it allow you to get exercise, but it is also great for the environment. Just like any other hobby though, there comes a point that you would want to take your craft to the next level, much like the same way that bakers want to join the county fair or video gamers want to join tournaments. Bikers would at one point show their skills on a bigger stage other than their own sidewalk.
Fortunately, there are lots of ways to compete in biking or cycling competitively. If you're a cycling aficionado who wants to take his cycling to a more intense level, here are some of the options that you have:
Join a local biking club or organization. Cycling is such a popular sport that almost any town with a big enough population should have a local chapter of a nationallyestablished group. These organizations usually conduct clinics, tournaments, road races and time trials so membership in one could definitely be advantageous for you.
Try hitting the local gym. Most people would think of the gym as places for people who lift weights and such but the gym is really a training ground for a lot of people who like to do outdoor activities. In the same way that those who use weights may be rock climbers trying to increase their upper body strength, those who are in the stationary bikes could be the ones trying to build on their endurance. Knowing the other biking enthusiasts in your local gym can get you started on which competitive circuits would be best to join for amateurs and newcomers such as yourself.
Invest on equipment. Clearly, you can't just be using hand me down gear if you want to be competitive. Try to buy the best equipment you can afford with your budget so that you could look the part. Make sure that you don't sacrifice safety for the external appeal of the gear. Go for the one that gives you the most bang for the buck in terms of look and features.
Take your search online. There are many racing and biking organizations who post bulletins on upcoming races on their official websites. If an event is in town or is just nearby, you may sign up from the comfort of your own home with the help of a good internet connection. You could even invite your other friends to join.
Get a coach or at least a friend who would want to go competitive in cycling as well. You could easily push each other to perform better. Aside from this, the two of you could also customize your training schedule according to your schedule to maximize both of your time.
Going competitive in one sport would require a lot of dedication and patience. If you really want to achieve a lot in something, you must be ready to make the necessary sacrifices to make your dream a reality.
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