This past weekend I took my Performance Health Austin tent and trustworthy treatment table to the Tour of Austin bicycle races on Sunday and Monday.
While I’ve treated scores of cyclists, Sunday’s race, held at the JJ Pickle Research Center, served as my first hand introduction to the intimate culture surrounding competitive bike racing. What a great group of people! The atmosphere was akin to an extremely well organized backyard BBQ. While the racing was no doubt intense, there were lots of cool people simply having a great time and cheering each other on.
Phil Wikoff, who I treated prior to his victory at the Pace Bend road race in February, did well for the Super Squadra team in the Pro 1,2 race, placing sixth and earning some hard fought points in the overall, three-day competition.
After spending Sunday working on a variety of cyclists from all over the state, even Mexico, it became clear that cyclists everywhere have the same problems. My observations included excessively tight hips (Piriformis) and thighs (Quadriceps), along with various other aches and pains that were unique to each individual. I’m very interested in truly understanding what it feels like to be a cyclist, and intend on adding cycling to my activity schedule soon.
Monday’s Eracing Stigma Criterium—held on a one-mile circuit around the shady grounds of the historic State Mental Hospital—was the Tour of Austin’s marquee event, and provided another great day of competition.
Throughout the day of racing, which started at 8 a.m. and lasted well into the afternoon, I treated bike racers from the beginner (Cat 5) ranks, all the way to the professionals. Not surprisingly, they had the same problems as the cyclists the day before, tight gluts and quads, but with the added bonus of generalized muscle soreness and stiffness.
I’m surprised to learn that many cyclists aren’t familiar with self-massage, using a foam roller and tennis ball. I find this is common to many sports which makes me think I need to be a better promoter of this form of self treatment.
I’d like to say “great racing” to the Super Squadra team, who placed three riders in the top ten, and give a big thank you to the Tour of Austin promoter, Andrew Willis, for setting this whole event up. He is a caring and hard-working man! The announcer (who goes by the name, “The Announcer”) was entertaining as well, providing commentary for each and every event, even the kid’s race.
While I really enjoyed having the top level, Pro 1,2 guys sprinting at nearly 40 miles per hour past my tent at the finish line, there were amazing performances among all of the competitors throughout the day.