It has been a little over two months since my last blog post. Well that crash on May 8th produced in bit more injuries than first thought. My left wrist and hand were quite sore the next day, forcing me to miss work for a few days.
After being off the bike for a week, I tried to go for ride. No going. I could not grab the handle bars in the drops. I resorted to taping up my wrist and hand so I could race. Hated the thought of losing my fitness. I was only able to complete 3 laps at BIKEJAM. I was still happy with that. I did two races at Ride Sally Ride. Finished both with a taped wrist.
Hoping to not lose my hard earned fitness, I spent a few nights on the trainer indoors. YES, TRAINER RIDING IN JUNE!! that only lasted two weeks. I was able to race the track in both Seattle and Trexlertown. Short efforts have been ok with a taped wrist. Long rides hurt. I've been getting out on the road some. Spent a week riding hills in Utah.
After the first week I went to the doctor for an Xray. It came back negative. Two weeks later I went to see a hand surgeon. The MRI came back saying I have a broken bone in my hand. It is called ' the hook of the hamet bone'. So the best way to fix it is to remove it. There is no blood supply for it to heal on its own. Surgery is the answer.
I was going to get the surgery done last Friday but my schedule just didn't work out. Now I am going to wait til August so I can race Superweek. :) a week of racing is always more fun than surgery. Off to Milwaukee I go.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Oh well, Not Again !!
Well here is the story. Fort Ritchey Criterium today is Cascade, Maryland. I raced two races. First the category 3/4 35+. I got 11th place. Still can't get in the right position for the final sprint.That is not the story.
Second race was category 4. The wind was blowing. The field was nearly full and the course fast and fun. Ted and I were racing together like usual. He wanted to ride with me so we could stay out of the wind. Early in the race I was up front and I could not see Ted. So I went to the back to find Ted. He said the braking in the corners was preventing him from getting to the front. I said follow me, lets get up there now. With in a couple laps we were right where we wanted to be. Now just holding our position waiting for the laps to count down was are goal.
The wind was blowing us all all over the place. Two guys bumped shoulders on the back straight and began to crash. I was sitting a rider back and a bit to the left. The crash began to swing my way. I thought I was save when a bike shot to the left and a handlebar hooked my front wheel. I was braking at the time so I went down very softly. Just really stepped off the bike. There were 7-8 riders on the ground. One pretty hurt holding his shoulder, not good. Another kid asking if he was bleeding over and over again. He had a cut on his chin.It was kind of funny. He asked if his tooth was chipped? It was a little. He started yelling that his parents were going to kill him. It was really kind of funny. Ted was under a another riders bike not hurt at all. He had to slam on his brakes and endoed into the back of the crash.
Both of our front wheels were out of true. We went to the pit for our free lap. I had my wheels in a bag on a hill in the pit. I changed my wheel and waited for the official to tell us when to go. The group came by and we sprint to get in the group. Ted took off and got right in. I couldn't get my right cleat to clip in. I tried a few more times. I reached down and pulled a handful of dirt off the bottom of my shoe. Crap they are getting away.I pedaled some to not get dropped. I tried my cleat again, nothing. I put in a couple of hard pedal strokes so I could get closer to the group. BAM !! I'm on the the ground sliding. My foot slipped off the pedal and I crashed by myself at 25mph. It hit my head real hard too. Helmet cracked into two pieces. Sunglasses lenses came out. Shorts and jersey torn. Even my socks were torn. DAM, I CRASHED TWICE IN ONE LAP!!
Other than the loss of skin, I am fine. I'm sure tomorrow may be a different story. But I will be ready for battle again next week.
Second race was category 4. The wind was blowing. The field was nearly full and the course fast and fun. Ted and I were racing together like usual. He wanted to ride with me so we could stay out of the wind. Early in the race I was up front and I could not see Ted. So I went to the back to find Ted. He said the braking in the corners was preventing him from getting to the front. I said follow me, lets get up there now. With in a couple laps we were right where we wanted to be. Now just holding our position waiting for the laps to count down was are goal.
The wind was blowing us all all over the place. Two guys bumped shoulders on the back straight and began to crash. I was sitting a rider back and a bit to the left. The crash began to swing my way. I thought I was save when a bike shot to the left and a handlebar hooked my front wheel. I was braking at the time so I went down very softly. Just really stepped off the bike. There were 7-8 riders on the ground. One pretty hurt holding his shoulder, not good. Another kid asking if he was bleeding over and over again. He had a cut on his chin.It was kind of funny. He asked if his tooth was chipped? It was a little. He started yelling that his parents were going to kill him. It was really kind of funny. Ted was under a another riders bike not hurt at all. He had to slam on his brakes and endoed into the back of the crash.
Both of our front wheels were out of true. We went to the pit for our free lap. I had my wheels in a bag on a hill in the pit. I changed my wheel and waited for the official to tell us when to go. The group came by and we sprint to get in the group. Ted took off and got right in. I couldn't get my right cleat to clip in. I tried a few more times. I reached down and pulled a handful of dirt off the bottom of my shoe. Crap they are getting away.I pedaled some to not get dropped. I tried my cleat again, nothing. I put in a couple of hard pedal strokes so I could get closer to the group. BAM !! I'm on the the ground sliding. My foot slipped off the pedal and I crashed by myself at 25mph. It hit my head real hard too. Helmet cracked into two pieces. Sunglasses lenses came out. Shorts and jersey torn. Even my socks were torn. DAM, I CRASHED TWICE IN ONE LAP!!
Other than the loss of skin, I am fine. I'm sure tomorrow may be a different story. But I will be ready for battle again next week.
Friday, May 7, 2010
Crazy Group Ride
When will training rides learn not to piss off the locals? As many know, I've been riding most of my life. I love to ride fast in large groups of people. I've ridden in many group rides all over the country. Some faster then others, some larger then others and some saver then others. A couple days ago I rode in the craziest group ride ever.
Course description- 3 mile loop on mostly rural roads. Starts at Laserdome in Manheim Pa. It is an all right turn course going clockwise of course. The first right is on to Esbenshade Rd. This is a fairly busy road with a slight downhill. Right on to Rohrer Rd which is rural with a steady cross wind from from the right. Straight on to Erisman Rd at a stop sign. HA,ha! Then right on to Auction Rd.to the finish line at Red Rose Radio.
Ever since I moved to Shrewsbury, I've been looking for a good fast local training ride. I was told about this ride by a coworker who lives in Lancaster. I've been wanting to do this ride for a couple of years. On Wednesday I worked with Bob and he took me this ride was that night. Great I'll do it. I called Keith and he met us there. Bob and I arrived early enough to ride the course once. He warned me about the first corner because he said this ride is fast and they tend to roll right throw the stop sign on to Esbenshade Rd.and there is no shoulder. He even warned me about their disregard for the yellow line. Wow, little did I know.
The ride starts out fast from the beginning. Kind of double line down Esbenshade. On to Rohrer and the pace really picked up. I move up toward the front to protect myself from accelerations. Coming past the finish line the first time I get a tap on my right hip by a rider wanting to come by. At that time I was coming around two riders who were slowing down a bit. This kid who taps me comes flying up the right. I look over and say 'where are you going?', because there is no where to go. As we are entering Esbenshade, I let off the gas a bit to look left for traffic and then jam right back into line. He kid rides past me a calls me an asshole. Puzzled, I ride up to him and ask 'what the heck is his problem is'. He yells at me for opening a gap. I'm like 'dude it is a training ride, relax!'. So, now I'm thinking hmmm.. that was weird. I don't get yelled at often in rides. Oh well, just settle in and ride. We turn on to Rohrer and the whole group goes to the left side of the road. Remember this is a two lane road that is open to traffic. Holy cow this is getting crazy. What if someone wants to pass us from behind. Holy crap what if someone is coming toward us. Someone yells 'car back' and a car passes clearly pissed off. This is really crazy!
It is really fast and I get popped a bit. I drop off the back of the big group. I guess I will sit a lap out and try to get back in when they come back around. Little did I know, there is another group coming by. A B group. Cool! I will just ride with them. I am just looking for a good hard workout anyway. Any group will do. It is about 30 riders strong. Clearly not as strong and clearly more entry level riders. No problem, I will just pull more and work harder. Again we turn on to Rohrer and the whole group goes to the left side of the road. I stay on the right of the yellow line and power into the wind. Yes, I am working much harder but I really don't want to get killed.
As we come around for another lap we see the A group in front of us. Weird? Why are we catching the A's? Ah, must have been a crash. Figures. As it turns out, when they were going down Esbenshade about to turn on to Rohrer, of course from the left lane taken up both lanes, a pickup truck goes into the grass and passes everyone on their right. Now that is truly CRAZY!!! Guys said the guy got airborne when he went off road. They thought someone was going to get killed. Luckily no one got hit.
After the ride we were talking about the pickup truck, someone asked if they called the police to report the driver. Their response was no because they might close down this ride. Hell this ride needs to be closed down until these riders can learn to obey the laws of the road and not take such entitlement to think they own the road. Someone is going to get killed.
With all the disobedience for the general rules of the road it is no wonder the locals hate cyclist. Training rides are not races. The course is not closed. The yellow line should never be crossed, even when there is not a yellow line. Crossing the yellow line is CRAZY !!!!!!!!
Course description- 3 mile loop on mostly rural roads. Starts at Laserdome in Manheim Pa. It is an all right turn course going clockwise of course. The first right is on to Esbenshade Rd. This is a fairly busy road with a slight downhill. Right on to Rohrer Rd which is rural with a steady cross wind from from the right. Straight on to Erisman Rd at a stop sign. HA,ha! Then right on to Auction Rd.to the finish line at Red Rose Radio.
Ever since I moved to Shrewsbury, I've been looking for a good fast local training ride. I was told about this ride by a coworker who lives in Lancaster. I've been wanting to do this ride for a couple of years. On Wednesday I worked with Bob and he took me this ride was that night. Great I'll do it. I called Keith and he met us there. Bob and I arrived early enough to ride the course once. He warned me about the first corner because he said this ride is fast and they tend to roll right throw the stop sign on to Esbenshade Rd.and there is no shoulder. He even warned me about their disregard for the yellow line. Wow, little did I know.
The ride starts out fast from the beginning. Kind of double line down Esbenshade. On to Rohrer and the pace really picked up. I move up toward the front to protect myself from accelerations. Coming past the finish line the first time I get a tap on my right hip by a rider wanting to come by. At that time I was coming around two riders who were slowing down a bit. This kid who taps me comes flying up the right. I look over and say 'where are you going?', because there is no where to go. As we are entering Esbenshade, I let off the gas a bit to look left for traffic and then jam right back into line. He kid rides past me a calls me an asshole. Puzzled, I ride up to him and ask 'what the heck is his problem is'. He yells at me for opening a gap. I'm like 'dude it is a training ride, relax!'. So, now I'm thinking hmmm.. that was weird. I don't get yelled at often in rides. Oh well, just settle in and ride. We turn on to Rohrer and the whole group goes to the left side of the road. Remember this is a two lane road that is open to traffic. Holy cow this is getting crazy. What if someone wants to pass us from behind. Holy crap what if someone is coming toward us. Someone yells 'car back' and a car passes clearly pissed off. This is really crazy!
It is really fast and I get popped a bit. I drop off the back of the big group. I guess I will sit a lap out and try to get back in when they come back around. Little did I know, there is another group coming by. A B group. Cool! I will just ride with them. I am just looking for a good hard workout anyway. Any group will do. It is about 30 riders strong. Clearly not as strong and clearly more entry level riders. No problem, I will just pull more and work harder. Again we turn on to Rohrer and the whole group goes to the left side of the road. I stay on the right of the yellow line and power into the wind. Yes, I am working much harder but I really don't want to get killed.
As we come around for another lap we see the A group in front of us. Weird? Why are we catching the A's? Ah, must have been a crash. Figures. As it turns out, when they were going down Esbenshade about to turn on to Rohrer, of course from the left lane taken up both lanes, a pickup truck goes into the grass and passes everyone on their right. Now that is truly CRAZY!!! Guys said the guy got airborne when he went off road. They thought someone was going to get killed. Luckily no one got hit.
After the ride we were talking about the pickup truck, someone asked if they called the police to report the driver. Their response was no because they might close down this ride. Hell this ride needs to be closed down until these riders can learn to obey the laws of the road and not take such entitlement to think they own the road. Someone is going to get killed.
With all the disobedience for the general rules of the road it is no wonder the locals hate cyclist. Training rides are not races. The course is not closed. The yellow line should never be crossed, even when there is not a yellow line. Crossing the yellow line is CRAZY !!!!!!!!
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Sometimes work gets in the way of life. Then again, sometimes you can work in a little life into work.
The last day of the month and the first three days of the month I have the opportunity to earn time and a half at work. It is a great thing but that usually means working over the weekend once every month. In the winter that is no big deal. But in the spring and summer I do my best not to miss riding and racing during the weekends. This spring I went on a little spending spree in celebration of getting in racing shape. I bought two pairs of race wheels to go with my new race bike. Ouch. So I really like making time and a half when I can.
This week I was scheduled to work Friday-Sunday and Monday-Wednesday. Bunny Hop Criterium was on Sunday at 3pm. I was able to arrange my trip to get back to BWI at 12:30pm. That would be pushing it but doable to get to the parking lot, drive to the race, register and get to the start line in time, I tried to get rid of the PVD turn to make it easier on myself. It would cost me a couple hours of pay but it would make my life a lot less stressful. No one wanted to work my little turn :( Then Jill offered to save the day. She worked my turn for me :). It is so nice to have friends. Thanks Jill!
I got to the race with plenty of time to watch a few races and even warm up a little. It was a very hot day so I didn't want to warm up too much in fear of over heating. I raced the category 4 race. I've raced Bunny Hop for the past 5 or so years with mixed results. It is a very easy course but it can be fast and one year I blow a tire and left half of my ass in the second corner. I felt great right from the start. Able to move up and back thru the group of a hundred riders at will. I stayed in the top twenty or so watching the breaks go and come back. With 17 laps to go the bell rang for a two place prime. I just sat back not really thinking of going for it until we rounded the last corner and I carried my speed into a half hearted jump that got me second place in the sprint. Nice an easy $10.00 gift certificate for a burrito. I drifted back into the pack now waiting for the final sprint. I thought I was going to be in a good spot for the finish but the guy leading me thru the final corner slowed down just enough to to keep me from really getting on top of my gear. I finished 10th.
Happy with my result and still feeling good, I decided to race the category 35+ race too. I had to register and change numbers fast. I have not raced a 35+ race in a couple years because I've had too much trouble hanging on to their speed. Not a problem now. :) I only planned on hanging in just to get some more fast miles. I found myself moving through the group with ease. It was faster for sure. As the laps ticked away I realized I was going to finish this race. And I could even try sprinting with this guys. I rolled up to Mike and asked if he would lead me out. With two laps to go the pace of course really picked up. I felt a little twinge in my right calf. Coming into the last corner before the final lap my calf cramped hard, locking up my leg. Race over. Rats. I almost made it. The heat got to me. The miles got to me. The speed got to me. All in all I am very happy with both of my races.
Now that is the best way to spend the hours between VGA trips.
This week I was scheduled to work Friday-Sunday and Monday-Wednesday. Bunny Hop Criterium was on Sunday at 3pm. I was able to arrange my trip to get back to BWI at 12:30pm. That would be pushing it but doable to get to the parking lot, drive to the race, register and get to the start line in time, I tried to get rid of the PVD turn to make it easier on myself. It would cost me a couple hours of pay but it would make my life a lot less stressful. No one wanted to work my little turn :( Then Jill offered to save the day. She worked my turn for me :). It is so nice to have friends. Thanks Jill!
I got to the race with plenty of time to watch a few races and even warm up a little. It was a very hot day so I didn't want to warm up too much in fear of over heating. I raced the category 4 race. I've raced Bunny Hop for the past 5 or so years with mixed results. It is a very easy course but it can be fast and one year I blow a tire and left half of my ass in the second corner. I felt great right from the start. Able to move up and back thru the group of a hundred riders at will. I stayed in the top twenty or so watching the breaks go and come back. With 17 laps to go the bell rang for a two place prime. I just sat back not really thinking of going for it until we rounded the last corner and I carried my speed into a half hearted jump that got me second place in the sprint. Nice an easy $10.00 gift certificate for a burrito. I drifted back into the pack now waiting for the final sprint. I thought I was going to be in a good spot for the finish but the guy leading me thru the final corner slowed down just enough to to keep me from really getting on top of my gear. I finished 10th.
Happy with my result and still feeling good, I decided to race the category 35+ race too. I had to register and change numbers fast. I have not raced a 35+ race in a couple years because I've had too much trouble hanging on to their speed. Not a problem now. :) I only planned on hanging in just to get some more fast miles. I found myself moving through the group with ease. It was faster for sure. As the laps ticked away I realized I was going to finish this race. And I could even try sprinting with this guys. I rolled up to Mike and asked if he would lead me out. With two laps to go the pace of course really picked up. I felt a little twinge in my right calf. Coming into the last corner before the final lap my calf cramped hard, locking up my leg. Race over. Rats. I almost made it. The heat got to me. The miles got to me. The speed got to me. All in all I am very happy with both of my races.
Now that is the best way to spend the hours between VGA trips.
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Happy birthday to me.
My idea of a good birthday is to race three races in two days and get top 20 in all three races. Not winning yet, but still good enough for me. For years my motto has been to race for the pure fun of racing. I never gave a crap about places. I just race for the fun of it. I like to sit in a tight pack of riders and go around corners fast. The more technical the course the better. When the race got argy bargy at the end, I would sit up happy to have finished on the same lap and not been dropped. Heck, I have to go to work in the morning. Why risk crashing? -- Now that my fitness is coming along, I am rethinking this motto. Time to start caring. Time to start sprinting.
Saturdays race was in Chantilly Virginia.Category 35+ 3/4 race. Another easy D course but with no hill. Just a whole boat load of wind. I've decided I needed a nice pair of race wheels to go along with my new Fuji SST 2.0 race bike. Happy Birthday to me. Lance Lacy was selling a nice pair of Sram S80 wheels. They are a very large profile rimed wheelset. 80mm large! He said they were fast. I've seen him make them go fast. I had to try them. People were looking at me a little strange trying such a big wheel on such a windy day. Heck, why out. You can handle them or you can't, right. I started the race extra cautious. After two laps I realized the wheel were going to be no problem at all. Because of the wind you were hanging on to the bike already. I did my normal playing in the race. To the front, to the back, off the front, smile, to the back, go back to the front. I do like my games. As the race entered the last laps I again stayed up front. I had to work a bit harder to stay there and didn't get the nice position coming out of the last corner I had hoped for. I sprinted to 17th place. Not bad. The wheels were fast. I bought them. :)
Sundays races were in Colombia Maryland. Back to back races. Can I do this? 25 mile category 3/4 race followed directly by a 21 mile category 4/5 race. The course is a 2.1 mile loop with a small climb right before the finish line. Somehow the weather has gone right back into fall again. I was dressed for a cylocross race, knee warmers, long sleeves, gloves. And windy again. Just sit in and conserve, conserve, conserve. This is going to be a long day. Of course I had to go to the front to play some. Too much fun not too. I had good position coming up the hill for the final sprint. The finish line is so far away. Oh boy i can't sprint for 300 meters. Fading, fading. Hey! I still got 7th place in the category 4's. Nice! $22.00! Really nice.
Second race, 4/5, watch out for crashes, watch out for gaps. Recover, recover, recover. Wow, not feeling bad at all. Ok lets go to the front to play. Lets go get this sprint thing going. Again going for good position. Got it. Remember the sprint is long, be patient. The hill ends almost 200 meters from the finish. Don't sprint up the hill, you won't last. Crap! You sprinted up the hill. Again faded before the line. Got 12th place. Still quite happy. Note to self-- you can't sprint for 300 meters yet.
Great B-day race weekend. 17th, 7th and 12th. Not bad. Better results are coming soon to a blog near you. Stay tuned. :)
Saturdays race was in Chantilly Virginia.Category 35+ 3/4 race. Another easy D course but with no hill. Just a whole boat load of wind. I've decided I needed a nice pair of race wheels to go along with my new Fuji SST 2.0 race bike. Happy Birthday to me. Lance Lacy was selling a nice pair of Sram S80 wheels. They are a very large profile rimed wheelset. 80mm large! He said they were fast. I've seen him make them go fast. I had to try them. People were looking at me a little strange trying such a big wheel on such a windy day. Heck, why out. You can handle them or you can't, right. I started the race extra cautious. After two laps I realized the wheel were going to be no problem at all. Because of the wind you were hanging on to the bike already. I did my normal playing in the race. To the front, to the back, off the front, smile, to the back, go back to the front. I do like my games. As the race entered the last laps I again stayed up front. I had to work a bit harder to stay there and didn't get the nice position coming out of the last corner I had hoped for. I sprinted to 17th place. Not bad. The wheels were fast. I bought them. :)
Sundays races were in Colombia Maryland. Back to back races. Can I do this? 25 mile category 3/4 race followed directly by a 21 mile category 4/5 race. The course is a 2.1 mile loop with a small climb right before the finish line. Somehow the weather has gone right back into fall again. I was dressed for a cylocross race, knee warmers, long sleeves, gloves. And windy again. Just sit in and conserve, conserve, conserve. This is going to be a long day. Of course I had to go to the front to play some. Too much fun not too. I had good position coming up the hill for the final sprint. The finish line is so far away. Oh boy i can't sprint for 300 meters. Fading, fading. Hey! I still got 7th place in the category 4's. Nice! $22.00! Really nice.
Second race, 4/5, watch out for crashes, watch out for gaps. Recover, recover, recover. Wow, not feeling bad at all. Ok lets go to the front to play. Lets go get this sprint thing going. Again going for good position. Got it. Remember the sprint is long, be patient. The hill ends almost 200 meters from the finish. Don't sprint up the hill, you won't last. Crap! You sprinted up the hill. Again faded before the line. Got 12th place. Still quite happy. Note to self-- you can't sprint for 300 meters yet.
Great B-day race weekend. 17th, 7th and 12th. Not bad. Better results are coming soon to a blog near you. Stay tuned. :)
Monday, April 12, 2010
First Race Weekend of the Season
The past few weeks have been encouraging. I've been getting out a couple times a week for 2-3 hour rides. And I'm even getting to do my Home Depot loop for some up hill sprint efforts. I've been looking forward to getting my lighter self on the road racing again.
Saturdays race was in Walkersville Maryland. Five laps on an eight mile loop with rolling hills for a whopping 40 miles. It was a category 35+ 4/5. The good thing about this category race is because everyone has to go to work in the morning it tends to be safer then racing with the crazy 20 somethings. And because it is a 4/5 race, they don't push hard on the climbs. Nice. I sat in for the beginning of the race just watching people stretch the early season legs. Little breakaways, nothing dangerous. With two laps to go I made my way toward the front to have a look around. There were three guys off the front by about a 20 second lead. Their teammates were sitting on the front letting the lead get bigger and bigger. I started saying we need to get though their little roadblock to bring the break back. There was no response from the rest of the riders. I got to the front and wiggled my way through their little armada. That opened the flood gates for everyone else to come through. The break came back.
The last lap I sat in recovering a much as possible waiting for the final sprint. The last corner is over a mile away from the finish line. I was doing my best to stay up front but also stay out of the wind. We also had the yellow line rule to deal with. We had to stay in one lane until the 200 meter sign. Guys were trying to push their way forward early. I was sitting second row working hard to stay there. The front guys were not building up speed like I had hoped. I was just waiting to get swamped by the guys behind us at any second. As soon as a whole opened in the front line I jumped with my sprint. I got a good jump but way to early. I was losing my power quickly about 50 meters from the line. They came around me on both sides. I got 9th place. They pay the first 8 places. :(
Sundays race was in Tysons Corner Virginia. A one mile D with a long down hill backstretch and a short big ring homestretch. This was a straight category 4 race. Very funny race for me. Almost half a race for me. The down hill was so easy for me it became a game. Every lap I could coast from the back of the group to the front of the group. Pedal up the hill going from the front drifting to the back and repeat. The game became how far can I go off the back and still make it to the front by the bottom of the hill. If I let myself go twenty feet off the back I could give it 2-3 hard big gear pedal strokes and tuck all the way to the top ten riders. Very funny. For the last few laps I stopped playing my game and just stayed up front as the speed got higher. I started to second guess myself about sprinting with this crowd. Whether they were safe or not. I dropped back twenty places or so before the final corner. Decided to sprint for the line and saw a giant wall of riders and immediately turned off the jets. I finished in the group.
All in all it was a good first week of racing. Very happy with my fitness so far. I just have to let myself sprint for the win instead of just being satisfied with a group finish.
Saturdays race was in Walkersville Maryland. Five laps on an eight mile loop with rolling hills for a whopping 40 miles. It was a category 35+ 4/5. The good thing about this category race is because everyone has to go to work in the morning it tends to be safer then racing with the crazy 20 somethings. And because it is a 4/5 race, they don't push hard on the climbs. Nice. I sat in for the beginning of the race just watching people stretch the early season legs. Little breakaways, nothing dangerous. With two laps to go I made my way toward the front to have a look around. There were three guys off the front by about a 20 second lead. Their teammates were sitting on the front letting the lead get bigger and bigger. I started saying we need to get though their little roadblock to bring the break back. There was no response from the rest of the riders. I got to the front and wiggled my way through their little armada. That opened the flood gates for everyone else to come through. The break came back.
The last lap I sat in recovering a much as possible waiting for the final sprint. The last corner is over a mile away from the finish line. I was doing my best to stay up front but also stay out of the wind. We also had the yellow line rule to deal with. We had to stay in one lane until the 200 meter sign. Guys were trying to push their way forward early. I was sitting second row working hard to stay there. The front guys were not building up speed like I had hoped. I was just waiting to get swamped by the guys behind us at any second. As soon as a whole opened in the front line I jumped with my sprint. I got a good jump but way to early. I was losing my power quickly about 50 meters from the line. They came around me on both sides. I got 9th place. They pay the first 8 places. :(
Sundays race was in Tysons Corner Virginia. A one mile D with a long down hill backstretch and a short big ring homestretch. This was a straight category 4 race. Very funny race for me. Almost half a race for me. The down hill was so easy for me it became a game. Every lap I could coast from the back of the group to the front of the group. Pedal up the hill going from the front drifting to the back and repeat. The game became how far can I go off the back and still make it to the front by the bottom of the hill. If I let myself go twenty feet off the back I could give it 2-3 hard big gear pedal strokes and tuck all the way to the top ten riders. Very funny. For the last few laps I stopped playing my game and just stayed up front as the speed got higher. I started to second guess myself about sprinting with this crowd. Whether they were safe or not. I dropped back twenty places or so before the final corner. Decided to sprint for the line and saw a giant wall of riders and immediately turned off the jets. I finished in the group.
All in all it was a good first week of racing. Very happy with my fitness so far. I just have to let myself sprint for the win instead of just being satisfied with a group finish.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
All in all it was a good week
As I mentioned last week, I planned on riding my century of the year in San Diego on March 7th. Well, that didn't go quite as planned.
Ed and I flew non-rev early Friday morning. We got on the flight to Denver without a problem. The second leg to San Diego almost didn't happen. We got pulled because the flight was oversold by 6 people. It didn't look good for us at all. The next open flight to San Diego wasn't until 9:15pm,a full 12 hours later. As Ed and I were making plans to spend the day in Boulder, the CSA found us the empty seats we needed to get back on the plane. We were on our way.
We landed in paradise at 11:30am. We had the rest of the day ahead of us. Awesome. Eric met us at baggage claim, from there we went to the hotel, got changed and Eric and Ed headed to Encinitas to get Eric's bike. I took a bus to La Jolla to get my bike from AJ's house. I rode up to Encinitas to meet them and we all rode back downtown to the hotel. By the time we got back into town it was way past dark, I got us a little lost, oops. I got in about 47 miles and Eric and Ed got in about 30 miles. Not a bad day of riding for spending most of it on an airplane.
Trying to stay on course with my fitness, I got up early for a little gym time. After a nice breakfast, we went to the Gran Fondo Expo to check out all the different vendors and to meet AJ, EJ and Melanie for a bike ride. We all had a great ride showing Eric and Ed the incredible sites in Mission and Pacific Beach. It was something like 25 miles. Just what we needed to keep our legs fresh for our 101 mile ride in the morning. We all met at 5pm for an amazing pasta dinner in Little Italy. AJ's idea for us to meet early for dinner was a great plan, we were able to get to bed early since the ride started at 7am in the morning. Ouch, even for us east coasters.
We woke up to threating skies, the promised rain was on it's way. Again after another great breakfast we rolled down the 3 blocks to the Gran Fond's start. Sometimes it is all about who you know, we lined up with the VIP's at the very front of all the 3000 other riders. There were past Olympians and past World Champions and many National Champions. There was Dave Letteri, Mari Holden, Kurt Stockton, John Howard, and Paolo Bettini. Even NBA star Bill Walton was riding. As we were waiting for the start the skies opened up with the hardest rain I've ever seen in California. We rolled out very cautiously because this was the first time AJ ever rode in the rain. Must be nice living in Southern California. Except today. The rain never let up.
After crossing Coronado Bridge, we went south down the strand, before going east to the hills. I was riding with AJ and EJ when Paolo Bettini and his entourage sped by. I had to take this opportunity to ride with a 2 time World Champion and Olympic Gold Medalist. I said see ya to AJ and EJ and jumped on the Italian train. Quickly we caught up to Ed, I yelled for Ed to jump in. He looked at me like this is way too early to be going this fast, then he saw who I was riding with, he jumped right in. Shortly I dropped back to ride with AJ. We rolled along though the rain, even passing Paolo with a mechanical, to the first rest stop. AJ and EJ kept on going and Eric and I grabbed some snacks. Paolo and company came in and I was able to get a picture of Eric with Paolo and Flat Stanly. Nice.
Eric and I were just riding along when he said Paolo should be passing us soon, and there he was. We jumped right in with the Italians for the next few miles. I could get use to riding with a World and Olympic Champion. We met everyone at the second rest stop. We were all freezing and soaked to the bone. I was trying to remember the last time I started a century in the poring rain. It was the Civil War Century in Gettysburg about 5 years ago. We did the 50 mile ride instead of the 100. We decided to do the same thing here. We were all good with this.
From here the ride changed from a 100 miles survival ride, to a 55 mile fun fast ride. Since we were heading back to San Diego, instead of doing another 70 miles over a mountain, we all rode freer and faster. EJ and I took off a couple times stretching our legs, fast. Lots of fun. The last 5 miles were on some pretty sketchy roads with lots of pot holes and a crazy amount of railroad crossings at all kinds of bad angles. We all stayed upright, thank goodness.
We got to the finish ate some great food and raced back to the hotel for the hottest shower I could stand and then came back to the Expo for some more food. Oh yea, we went for dinner for some more food that night. In spite of the rainy weather, we had the best time. I love riding with good friends in any weather. San Diego is awesome! I can't wait for next years Gran Fondo. In dry conditions :)
Since I've gotten back, I've ridden 3 days in a row. 25, 50 and 40 miles. Total for the week 240 miles. Not a bad week at all.
Ed and I flew non-rev early Friday morning. We got on the flight to Denver without a problem. The second leg to San Diego almost didn't happen. We got pulled because the flight was oversold by 6 people. It didn't look good for us at all. The next open flight to San Diego wasn't until 9:15pm,a full 12 hours later. As Ed and I were making plans to spend the day in Boulder, the CSA found us the empty seats we needed to get back on the plane. We were on our way.
We landed in paradise at 11:30am. We had the rest of the day ahead of us. Awesome. Eric met us at baggage claim, from there we went to the hotel, got changed and Eric and Ed headed to Encinitas to get Eric's bike. I took a bus to La Jolla to get my bike from AJ's house. I rode up to Encinitas to meet them and we all rode back downtown to the hotel. By the time we got back into town it was way past dark, I got us a little lost, oops. I got in about 47 miles and Eric and Ed got in about 30 miles. Not a bad day of riding for spending most of it on an airplane.
Trying to stay on course with my fitness, I got up early for a little gym time. After a nice breakfast, we went to the Gran Fondo Expo to check out all the different vendors and to meet AJ, EJ and Melanie for a bike ride. We all had a great ride showing Eric and Ed the incredible sites in Mission and Pacific Beach. It was something like 25 miles. Just what we needed to keep our legs fresh for our 101 mile ride in the morning. We all met at 5pm for an amazing pasta dinner in Little Italy. AJ's idea for us to meet early for dinner was a great plan, we were able to get to bed early since the ride started at 7am in the morning. Ouch, even for us east coasters.
We woke up to threating skies, the promised rain was on it's way. Again after another great breakfast we rolled down the 3 blocks to the Gran Fond's start. Sometimes it is all about who you know, we lined up with the VIP's at the very front of all the 3000 other riders. There were past Olympians and past World Champions and many National Champions. There was Dave Letteri, Mari Holden, Kurt Stockton, John Howard, and Paolo Bettini. Even NBA star Bill Walton was riding. As we were waiting for the start the skies opened up with the hardest rain I've ever seen in California. We rolled out very cautiously because this was the first time AJ ever rode in the rain. Must be nice living in Southern California. Except today. The rain never let up.
After crossing Coronado Bridge, we went south down the strand, before going east to the hills. I was riding with AJ and EJ when Paolo Bettini and his entourage sped by. I had to take this opportunity to ride with a 2 time World Champion and Olympic Gold Medalist. I said see ya to AJ and EJ and jumped on the Italian train. Quickly we caught up to Ed, I yelled for Ed to jump in. He looked at me like this is way too early to be going this fast, then he saw who I was riding with, he jumped right in. Shortly I dropped back to ride with AJ. We rolled along though the rain, even passing Paolo with a mechanical, to the first rest stop. AJ and EJ kept on going and Eric and I grabbed some snacks. Paolo and company came in and I was able to get a picture of Eric with Paolo and Flat Stanly. Nice.
Eric and I were just riding along when he said Paolo should be passing us soon, and there he was. We jumped right in with the Italians for the next few miles. I could get use to riding with a World and Olympic Champion. We met everyone at the second rest stop. We were all freezing and soaked to the bone. I was trying to remember the last time I started a century in the poring rain. It was the Civil War Century in Gettysburg about 5 years ago. We did the 50 mile ride instead of the 100. We decided to do the same thing here. We were all good with this.
From here the ride changed from a 100 miles survival ride, to a 55 mile fun fast ride. Since we were heading back to San Diego, instead of doing another 70 miles over a mountain, we all rode freer and faster. EJ and I took off a couple times stretching our legs, fast. Lots of fun. The last 5 miles were on some pretty sketchy roads with lots of pot holes and a crazy amount of railroad crossings at all kinds of bad angles. We all stayed upright, thank goodness.
We got to the finish ate some great food and raced back to the hotel for the hottest shower I could stand and then came back to the Expo for some more food. Oh yea, we went for dinner for some more food that night. In spite of the rainy weather, we had the best time. I love riding with good friends in any weather. San Diego is awesome! I can't wait for next years Gran Fondo. In dry conditions :)
Since I've gotten back, I've ridden 3 days in a row. 25, 50 and 40 miles. Total for the week 240 miles. Not a bad week at all.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
It has been a very interesting month
Since I got back from San Diego, I've been trying to keep my fitness consistent. I had to work quite a bit to rebuild the bank account for my planned trips in February. I was able to stay consistent by, believe it or not, working out on my overnights and at home and even riding the trainer. I know. That is such a big step for me. The addition of a new TV and DVD player made the trainer bearable. I've been watching bike races from the 80's. Most of my overnights were in Denver with a very good workout room. Bonus.
So I started off February with three days of reserve with the idea being to not get used and be home to work on remodeling my basement and working out. I had great plans for lots of work and lots of play. The goal was to go back to San Diego for 4 more days of riding then fly to Seattle for a quick trip up to Canada to watch the 2010 Vancouver Olympics. Well it didn't play out quite as planned.
On the 3rd I rode my trainer for an hour and was going to lift weights afterwards. When I got off the trainer I had a tightness in my lower abdomen. I picked up the weights and thought 'not today'. I retired to the couch to watch TV and play with the computer. During the next few hours my stomach started to feel more tender. I was thinking it was something I eat or just a muscle strain. I don't remember what I was watching but one of the characters had a pain and was said to have appendicitis. A light bulb went off and I said "Crap I have appendicitis!". Of course, I Googled it. Pain lower right quadrant- Yes, reduced appetite- Yes, nausea- No, vomiting- No, and a low-grade fever- No. Well 2 out of 5 and the pain wasn't really that bad anyway. So I am just going to hang out on the couch. I kept thinking of my moms appendicitis from last year and how bad it can get. And that I was home alone. At 9:30pm I went to the ER at York Hospital.
There were only a few people in the ER when I arrived. They took me in right away when I said I think I might have appendicitis. They drew blood to check if my white cell count was elevated. It was not. The next step was to have a CAT scan. I was very reluctant to have another CAT scan after having so many CAT scans just three months ago. If I was not willing to have the CAT scan the doctor all we could do was wait. I said I can wait at home. So I went home at 2am with instructions to return if the pain got worst or if any other symptoms occurred.
I crawled into bed at 2:30am. At 5:30am I woke up stuck to the ceiling like a cat, the pain was so bad. And now I was feeling nauseous. There is your second symptom. Back to the ER I go. I walk into the ER and the same doctor looks at me and says " How about that CAT scan now?" I smile and agree. Now it is time to hang out waiting for the results from the CAT scan.
Emergency room's are a great place to hang out if you really went to hear how the other half lives. The guy in the bed next to me talked non stop about his drunken lifestyle. How he had drank myself out of a job, a relationship and into homelessness. Then I realized he was talking to the guard who was escorting him. He was in handcuffs.
The test came back positive, I have appendicitis. Now what? I have a big month planned. I have a century on March 7th in San Diego. I am trying to get into shape. Am I going to be side lined for 6 weeks after an operation? Am I going to lose all the fitness I've worked for?
The surgical resident came in to explain the surgery, she told me about the nice 4 inch incision and the weeks of rest I will need. I told her about the big month I had planned and above all I was going to the Olympics. I asked if this could be done laparoscopically. Less invasive. She said the doctor on call didn't do laparoscopic surgeries. I thought for a couple minutes and told her I was going to go to my parents house and have the surgery done at her hospital. I might as well said I was going to do the surgery myself. She told me not to go anywhere.
She came back an hour later and told me she found a surgeon to do the surgery laparoscopically. Dr. Scott came in and said he had heard I had big things coming up. I said I sure did. He said no problem with going to the Olympics and the century should be a go. I liked this guy.
I had the surgery at 3pm on the 4th. The surgery was suppose to be one hour, three and half hours later I was in recovery. Dr. Scott told me my appendix was a lot worst then first thought. He said I probable had it for two weeks or more. Wow. I guess I didn't have gas the week before.
I spent the night in the hospital and was leased before the big snow at 3pm on the 5th. My parents came out to take me home and to hang out with me for a few days. We got well over 2 feet of snow over night. Sadly I was not allowed to go outside to shovel snow. I love to shovel snow. If I would have made a move toward the door I believe my parents would have tackled me. Despite having surgery I was feeling pretty darn good. The only thing keeping me from feeling great was the plastic tube sticking out of my stomach with a vacuum bulb hanging from the end that I have to drain every four hours. So we just hung out for the weekend watching the snow.
On Monday I had my post-surgery doctors appointment. I finally got this dam tube removed. When he pulled the tube out the doctor told me to take a deep breath and exhale. He pulled out a tube that I thought was all the down to my toes. It was at least a foot long. I asked about my planned trips. He hold me to do whatever I felt good doing. And don't lift over 30 pounds. Wow. Cool! Open hall pass.
As you may know, I don't sit well. during the first week I x-c skied twice, went snow shoeing twice and shoveled my driveway. The second week I took two yoga classes, telemark skied, riding my trainer twice and gone to the Olympics. Now I am back into the full swing of things, riding, lifting, working, whatever I feel like doing. I leave for San Diego tomorrow for a 101 mile bike ride. All is good.
So I started off February with three days of reserve with the idea being to not get used and be home to work on remodeling my basement and working out. I had great plans for lots of work and lots of play. The goal was to go back to San Diego for 4 more days of riding then fly to Seattle for a quick trip up to Canada to watch the 2010 Vancouver Olympics. Well it didn't play out quite as planned.
On the 3rd I rode my trainer for an hour and was going to lift weights afterwards. When I got off the trainer I had a tightness in my lower abdomen. I picked up the weights and thought 'not today'. I retired to the couch to watch TV and play with the computer. During the next few hours my stomach started to feel more tender. I was thinking it was something I eat or just a muscle strain. I don't remember what I was watching but one of the characters had a pain and was said to have appendicitis. A light bulb went off and I said "Crap I have appendicitis!". Of course, I Googled it. Pain lower right quadrant- Yes, reduced appetite- Yes, nausea- No, vomiting- No, and a low-grade fever- No. Well 2 out of 5 and the pain wasn't really that bad anyway. So I am just going to hang out on the couch. I kept thinking of my moms appendicitis from last year and how bad it can get. And that I was home alone. At 9:30pm I went to the ER at York Hospital.
There were only a few people in the ER when I arrived. They took me in right away when I said I think I might have appendicitis. They drew blood to check if my white cell count was elevated. It was not. The next step was to have a CAT scan. I was very reluctant to have another CAT scan after having so many CAT scans just three months ago. If I was not willing to have the CAT scan the doctor all we could do was wait. I said I can wait at home. So I went home at 2am with instructions to return if the pain got worst or if any other symptoms occurred.
I crawled into bed at 2:30am. At 5:30am I woke up stuck to the ceiling like a cat, the pain was so bad. And now I was feeling nauseous. There is your second symptom. Back to the ER I go. I walk into the ER and the same doctor looks at me and says " How about that CAT scan now?" I smile and agree. Now it is time to hang out waiting for the results from the CAT scan.
Emergency room's are a great place to hang out if you really went to hear how the other half lives. The guy in the bed next to me talked non stop about his drunken lifestyle. How he had drank myself out of a job, a relationship and into homelessness. Then I realized he was talking to the guard who was escorting him. He was in handcuffs.
The test came back positive, I have appendicitis. Now what? I have a big month planned. I have a century on March 7th in San Diego. I am trying to get into shape. Am I going to be side lined for 6 weeks after an operation? Am I going to lose all the fitness I've worked for?
The surgical resident came in to explain the surgery, she told me about the nice 4 inch incision and the weeks of rest I will need. I told her about the big month I had planned and above all I was going to the Olympics. I asked if this could be done laparoscopically. Less invasive. She said the doctor on call didn't do laparoscopic surgeries. I thought for a couple minutes and told her I was going to go to my parents house and have the surgery done at her hospital. I might as well said I was going to do the surgery myself. She told me not to go anywhere.
She came back an hour later and told me she found a surgeon to do the surgery laparoscopically. Dr. Scott came in and said he had heard I had big things coming up. I said I sure did. He said no problem with going to the Olympics and the century should be a go. I liked this guy.
I had the surgery at 3pm on the 4th. The surgery was suppose to be one hour, three and half hours later I was in recovery. Dr. Scott told me my appendix was a lot worst then first thought. He said I probable had it for two weeks or more. Wow. I guess I didn't have gas the week before.
I spent the night in the hospital and was leased before the big snow at 3pm on the 5th. My parents came out to take me home and to hang out with me for a few days. We got well over 2 feet of snow over night. Sadly I was not allowed to go outside to shovel snow. I love to shovel snow. If I would have made a move toward the door I believe my parents would have tackled me. Despite having surgery I was feeling pretty darn good. The only thing keeping me from feeling great was the plastic tube sticking out of my stomach with a vacuum bulb hanging from the end that I have to drain every four hours. So we just hung out for the weekend watching the snow.
On Monday I had my post-surgery doctors appointment. I finally got this dam tube removed. When he pulled the tube out the doctor told me to take a deep breath and exhale. He pulled out a tube that I thought was all the down to my toes. It was at least a foot long. I asked about my planned trips. He hold me to do whatever I felt good doing. And don't lift over 30 pounds. Wow. Cool! Open hall pass.
As you may know, I don't sit well. during the first week I x-c skied twice, went snow shoeing twice and shoveled my driveway. The second week I took two yoga classes, telemark skied, riding my trainer twice and gone to the Olympics. Now I am back into the full swing of things, riding, lifting, working, whatever I feel like doing. I leave for San Diego tomorrow for a 101 mile bike ride. All is good.
Monday, January 18, 2010
Home Sweet Home
I just walked in the door, back on the couch, relaxing in my Crusty The Clown pants, waiting for the CBS must see Monday TV to begin. After traveling across the country sitting on the 4th jumpseat, this is all I can muster for the evening. I left San Diego a soggy mess at 4:30am to arrive in BWI at 3pm and 60 degree temperatures. Nice timing.
I rode 285 miles in 6 days, not bad for January. Now I must make sure to keep on riding and working out everyday. I need to not repeat last years trend of getting in a big week and riding the couch til the next big week. That won't happen this year. The weather is going to be good for a nice ride tomorrow.
I rode 285 miles in 6 days, not bad for January. Now I must make sure to keep on riding and working out everyday. I need to not repeat last years trend of getting in a big week and riding the couch til the next big week. That won't happen this year. The weather is going to be good for a nice ride tomorrow.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Swami Ride - The Last Ride of the Week
The San Diego area has so many great places to ride. And on top of that, it has some of the best group rides I've ever been on. There are multiple groups rides everyday for all levels of riders. Today I went on the 8am Swami ride from the Panera Bread in Carlsbad. The Swami rides are some of the hardest rides in the area. This ride is listed as the easier ride of the weekend. Apparently Chris Horner showed up for the harder Saturday ride and broke some legs.
We started with about twenty or so riders at a very steady pace climbing out of the coast onto the ridge before descending to the valley floor. Thirty minutes into the ride we stopped for a quick minute to pick up a couple more riders. The route had a lot of twist and turns, going thru neighborhoods and small back roads before we hit the real riding. Some of the guys at the front were a little slow to point out where we were turning, a few times I got caught by surprise with a quick left followed by a quick left.
When the roads opened up, away from the urban sprawl, the pace picked up to a nice roar. I few guys went off the front on a rolling flat road. I ,of course, went with them because I like that type of road. I made sure to stay third wheel so as to not take the lead since I had no idea where the heck we were. After a few miles we regrouped going down a very long descent and on to a flat section of road. I was helping push the pace when we turned to go back up hill, very dumb on my part. I tried to hang on as long as I could on the climb, thinking it was short. I popped and rode my own pace to the top. We all regrouped again at the top. I really enjoy riding on a group ride where you can go hard and not worry about getting left in the middle of nowhere to die a hundred deaths while riding alone. This pattern of going up and down and up and down, with big climbs and big descents continued for quite a few miles.
I'm not sure where we were at all during the ride. All I know is it was east and north of Carlsbad. But what I do know is it was absolutely beautiful. It reminded me of riding in the Chianti region of Italy. The views of the valleys, mountains and vineyards were just like between Castellina and Gaiole. The big difference was the landscape had more of a desert feel with cactus and sage brush. We stopped at a general store at a campsite for lunch. From here we started another long climb that I was promised was the second to last climb for the day. My climbing legs were on their way out. Five miles of climbing later we topped out with a ridge ride until we made our way back to the coast. Because we started our ride with a gentle climb out of the parking lot, we had a nice cool down back to Panera Bread.
A 60 mile hilly ride deserves a good lunch, so I ate a sandwich and salad at Panera Bread. I sat with five of my riding companions for lunch. We all talked about how much fun and how beautiful that ride was. We then realized that non of us were locals. We all were in town for the great San Diego weather. We were from Northern California, Detroit, Atlanta, Vancouver and of course me from Pennsylvania. That explains why just a few people were ever on the front leading, because most of us were just along for the ride.
We started with about twenty or so riders at a very steady pace climbing out of the coast onto the ridge before descending to the valley floor. Thirty minutes into the ride we stopped for a quick minute to pick up a couple more riders. The route had a lot of twist and turns, going thru neighborhoods and small back roads before we hit the real riding. Some of the guys at the front were a little slow to point out where we were turning, a few times I got caught by surprise with a quick left followed by a quick left.
When the roads opened up, away from the urban sprawl, the pace picked up to a nice roar. I few guys went off the front on a rolling flat road. I ,of course, went with them because I like that type of road. I made sure to stay third wheel so as to not take the lead since I had no idea where the heck we were. After a few miles we regrouped going down a very long descent and on to a flat section of road. I was helping push the pace when we turned to go back up hill, very dumb on my part. I tried to hang on as long as I could on the climb, thinking it was short. I popped and rode my own pace to the top. We all regrouped again at the top. I really enjoy riding on a group ride where you can go hard and not worry about getting left in the middle of nowhere to die a hundred deaths while riding alone. This pattern of going up and down and up and down, with big climbs and big descents continued for quite a few miles.
I'm not sure where we were at all during the ride. All I know is it was east and north of Carlsbad. But what I do know is it was absolutely beautiful. It reminded me of riding in the Chianti region of Italy. The views of the valleys, mountains and vineyards were just like between Castellina and Gaiole. The big difference was the landscape had more of a desert feel with cactus and sage brush. We stopped at a general store at a campsite for lunch. From here we started another long climb that I was promised was the second to last climb for the day. My climbing legs were on their way out. Five miles of climbing later we topped out with a ridge ride until we made our way back to the coast. Because we started our ride with a gentle climb out of the parking lot, we had a nice cool down back to Panera Bread.
A 60 mile hilly ride deserves a good lunch, so I ate a sandwich and salad at Panera Bread. I sat with five of my riding companions for lunch. We all talked about how much fun and how beautiful that ride was. We then realized that non of us were locals. We all were in town for the great San Diego weather. We were from Northern California, Detroit, Atlanta, Vancouver and of course me from Pennsylvania. That explains why just a few people were ever on the front leading, because most of us were just along for the ride.
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Almost a Flat Ride
Today AJ and I spent the morning watching the waves at her favorite place, Windansea Beach. The winter waves are just amazing to watch. I have never been to this beach without seeing at least a handful of surfers. A pretty popular place indeed.
Afterward, we went for a 35 mile round trip ride down to Point Loma. This is mostly a flat ride straight down the coast with beautiful views. The coast towns just count by like the worlds class beaches they are, La Jolla, Pacific Beach, Mission Beach, Ocean Beach. From Ocean Beach the ride winds around and kicks up some of the steepest hills in the area. I thought I was going to flip over backwards, well almost. Then a steady 2 mile climb to Point Loma. The views from the point look down at San Diego Bay, downtown San Diego, downtown Coronado and North Island Navel Air Station. Pretty incredible views.
Our ride home took us around Fiesta Island and up to Mt Soledad National Park. This is another 2 mile climb. So much for a flat ride. It is nice how much easier this climb was this year compared to last year. 15 pounds lighter is the difference. Lighter is better.
Afterward, we went for a 35 mile round trip ride down to Point Loma. This is mostly a flat ride straight down the coast with beautiful views. The coast towns just count by like the worlds class beaches they are, La Jolla, Pacific Beach, Mission Beach, Ocean Beach. From Ocean Beach the ride winds around and kicks up some of the steepest hills in the area. I thought I was going to flip over backwards, well almost. Then a steady 2 mile climb to Point Loma. The views from the point look down at San Diego Bay, downtown San Diego, downtown Coronado and North Island Navel Air Station. Pretty incredible views.
Our ride home took us around Fiesta Island and up to Mt Soledad National Park. This is another 2 mile climb. So much for a flat ride. It is nice how much easier this climb was this year compared to last year. 15 pounds lighter is the difference. Lighter is better.
Another Beautiful Day in Paradise
Today we rode from Encinitas to La Jolla and back. 30 miles. Markus and Cameron are riding a century tomorrow so they just wanted to do a coffee ride. Eric from BikFit.com joined us for todays ride. We just spun our way south down the coast riding and chatting. The best thing about cycling is just riding along getting to know new people. That is what this whole week has been about. And of course getting some good quality base miles in. The only effort of the ride south was the climb up to Torrey Pines. We took the main road instead of the park road. The main road is a longer climb but has a more steady pitch. I felt really good about the consistent pace I was able to keep the whole way up the climb.
We stopped for coffee at Goldfish Point Cafe right in front of the La Jolla Coves. The euro way to ride is to ride for an hour, stop for coffee and ride for another hour. Works for me. Except I don't drink coffee. I can eat pastry though.
While riding out of La Jolla, back up to Torrey Pines, I dropped off the pace of the other three guys a bit. I just made the light to catch them at the top. Since I had a head of steam going from making the light, I kept the pace a little higher on the flats. We caught up to a guy in all yellow who was riding strong. He pulled us for the next few miles. Our pace was higher until we got to Solana Beach. Cameron had to stop at BL Bike Shop to have his chain worked on. The last few miles to Encinitas was nice and easy. Another great ride.
We all went to lunch at Denny's. I had a veggie omelet. Afterward the best part of the day was a recovery massage by Emily Baker from Velo Therapy. Life is good.
We stopped for coffee at Goldfish Point Cafe right in front of the La Jolla Coves. The euro way to ride is to ride for an hour, stop for coffee and ride for another hour. Works for me. Except I don't drink coffee. I can eat pastry though.
While riding out of La Jolla, back up to Torrey Pines, I dropped off the pace of the other three guys a bit. I just made the light to catch them at the top. Since I had a head of steam going from making the light, I kept the pace a little higher on the flats. We caught up to a guy in all yellow who was riding strong. He pulled us for the next few miles. Our pace was higher until we got to Solana Beach. Cameron had to stop at BL Bike Shop to have his chain worked on. The last few miles to Encinitas was nice and easy. Another great ride.
We all went to lunch at Denny's. I had a veggie omelet. Afterward the best part of the day was a recovery massage by Emily Baker from Velo Therapy. Life is good.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
A Nice Easy Spin Up The Coast
Yay right, 70 miles later, I am whipped out. I met the guys from Cyclefilm in Encinitas for a ride up the coast and back. We met up with a couple more guys from Nytro Bike Shop. Six of us rolled two abreast at a nice conversation pace up RT 1 to Carlsbad. Entering Carlsbad Cameron got what sounded like his umpteenth flat of the week. He decided to just stop for coffee and head back to the hotel. He just wanted an easy day anyway, he made a good choice.
The strong guy of the group was on the back side of a 90 mile day so he just wanted to keep steady tempo with a couple downhill sprints thrown in. Steady tempo was a really good tempo especially when we entered I5 for 7 miles. Yes that I5, Interstate 5, with the big rigs and fast moving cars and everything. Then we got on Old Route 1, which is a completely closed road that is used for a bike route. Very cool. This section of road goes thru Camp Pendleton. As we were rolling along my head was on a swivel watching all the different helicopters flying over head doing their maneuvers. Again very cool.
We turned around just before San Clemente. The strong guy and the old guy went home from here. Now it was just Markus, Simon and myself. Maybe because we were heading south, ei: downhill, the pace picked up quite a bit. I guess I picked up the tempo some myself too. That came back to haunt me. Simon began taking long strong pulls and Markus and I were doing our share as well. We rode thru Camp Pendleton on our way south. Pretty cool but that added a few more hills. Not my strength at all. I got dropped on every little hill. They waited for me. When we got back to Carlsbad Simon turned off for home too. Now we are down to just Markus and me. I was fading fast. Markus dragged me in the last 10 miles. We ended up with 65-70 miles of pure fun. Again I can't wait for tomorrows ride.
The strong guy of the group was on the back side of a 90 mile day so he just wanted to keep steady tempo with a couple downhill sprints thrown in. Steady tempo was a really good tempo especially when we entered I5 for 7 miles. Yes that I5, Interstate 5, with the big rigs and fast moving cars and everything. Then we got on Old Route 1, which is a completely closed road that is used for a bike route. Very cool. This section of road goes thru Camp Pendleton. As we were rolling along my head was on a swivel watching all the different helicopters flying over head doing their maneuvers. Again very cool.
We turned around just before San Clemente. The strong guy and the old guy went home from here. Now it was just Markus, Simon and myself. Maybe because we were heading south, ei: downhill, the pace picked up quite a bit. I guess I picked up the tempo some myself too. That came back to haunt me. Simon began taking long strong pulls and Markus and I were doing our share as well. We rode thru Camp Pendleton on our way south. Pretty cool but that added a few more hills. Not my strength at all. I got dropped on every little hill. They waited for me. When we got back to Carlsbad Simon turned off for home too. Now we are down to just Markus and me. I was fading fast. Markus dragged me in the last 10 miles. We ended up with 65-70 miles of pure fun. Again I can't wait for tomorrows ride.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
First Day Riding with Cyclefilm
After a morning walk down to the beach to watch the waves (I could get used to this), I drove up to Encinitas to ride the Cyclefilm Winter Social Networking Training Camp. What a great idea, getting cyclist together to share their varied interest in the sport we all love so much.
I met Markus at Days Inn for a 10am ride. We headed south along the coast to BL Bikes in Solena Beach so Markus could get a new tire. With a light drizzle we went away from the coast to try to find some warmer dryer weather. We held a nice steady conversation pace for most of the ride. The drizzle turned to rain and back to drizzle but it was a heck of a lot better then riding at home. We rode about 40 miles. I never really know how far a ride is because I don't have or even want any kind of telemetry on my bike. A ride is just a ride, enjoy it. Of course by the end of the ride the sun made its presence known.
Tomorrow I am going to meet Markus and Cameron for another ride at 10am. I can't wait.
I met Markus at Days Inn for a 10am ride. We headed south along the coast to BL Bikes in Solena Beach so Markus could get a new tire. With a light drizzle we went away from the coast to try to find some warmer dryer weather. We held a nice steady conversation pace for most of the ride. The drizzle turned to rain and back to drizzle but it was a heck of a lot better then riding at home. We rode about 40 miles. I never really know how far a ride is because I don't have or even want any kind of telemetry on my bike. A ride is just a ride, enjoy it. Of course by the end of the ride the sun made its presence known.
Tomorrow I am going to meet Markus and Cameron for another ride at 10am. I can't wait.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Let the Base Miles Begin!
Getting across the country is an all day affair. I was so excited for this trip that I woke up an hour before my alarm yesterday. This should have allowed me to get on the 10am non-stop flight to San Diego. After packing and repacking, I left my house with what I thought was plenty of time to negotiate I695 traffic. No such luck. There were three, yes three major car accidents on I695. I don't know how people commute to work everyday on this crazy road. I cranked up my cell phone GPS to get me around this morning mess. Ronda, the lady stuck in my phone, kept trying to send me back thru the crash scenes. 'Make next legal u-turn and go straight to a standstill for the next 45 minutes' I just kept on driving away from I695 while reaching in my seat back pocket for my trusty old road map. I got to the airport right at push time for the 10am flight. Oh well, the 12:25pm flight will have to do.
I checked in my bike box and another bag full of cycling clothes and cycling shoes. After a quick bit to eat, I went straight to the gate to stand for an hour so I could sign up for the 4th jump seat. Sadly I had to sit on the 4th jump seat on a 5 hour flight to Phoenix. I got to San Diego at 5pm and my bags made it there as well. Nice.
Today I woke up in paradise. Started the day off with a walk to the beach to watch the winter waves crash upon the rocks. Wow, I do love this place. AJ and I sat watching the waves while sipping tea and eating oatmeal for well over an hour.
AJ planned a great first day ride for me today. We rode out of La Jolla up to Torrey Pines and north to Del Ray. From there we headed east on beautiful rolling hills to Rancho Santa Fe. We completed the loop by riding back up Torrey Pines, that climb kicks my butt, and riding past the La Jolla Coves. 50 miles in 3 hours and 6 minutes is a great way to start my base mileage week in paradise.
Tomorrow I am riding with the folks at Cyclefilm. I really look forward meeting and riding with these guys.
I checked in my bike box and another bag full of cycling clothes and cycling shoes. After a quick bit to eat, I went straight to the gate to stand for an hour so I could sign up for the 4th jump seat. Sadly I had to sit on the 4th jump seat on a 5 hour flight to Phoenix. I got to San Diego at 5pm and my bags made it there as well. Nice.
Today I woke up in paradise. Started the day off with a walk to the beach to watch the winter waves crash upon the rocks. Wow, I do love this place. AJ and I sat watching the waves while sipping tea and eating oatmeal for well over an hour.
AJ planned a great first day ride for me today. We rode out of La Jolla up to Torrey Pines and north to Del Ray. From there we headed east on beautiful rolling hills to Rancho Santa Fe. We completed the loop by riding back up Torrey Pines, that climb kicks my butt, and riding past the La Jolla Coves. 50 miles in 3 hours and 6 minutes is a great way to start my base mileage week in paradise.
Tomorrow I am riding with the folks at Cyclefilm. I really look forward meeting and riding with these guys.
Sunday, January 10, 2010
My Bags Are Packed and Ready to Ride.
I am so excited to get out of this frozen weather, I gave away two days of work so I can leave early. I hope to make the 10am flight out of BWI to SAN tomorrow. It is listed as full but there is always the 4th jumpseat. That should tell you how ready I am, willing to sit 4th on a 6 hour flight. I must be crazy. California here I come!
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Start of a New Cycling Season-- I may even try training this year.
Last year I started the year out with three week long base mileage trips, in Florida, Tucson and San Diego. Each of those weeks were great but the problem was the many hours I spent sitting on my ass eating everything in the house between training weeks. I weighted more in April then I did in December. Not a smart start of a season. This year is going to be different.
How? For the first thing I started already. Back in November I started watching what I eat. I've gone from 205lbs to 188lbs so far. I've yo-yo ed a bit but for the most part it has been going pretty good. During the holidays I only had one bad day of over indulging. Pretty good for a cookie and chocolate junkie. I have a goal of holding 185lbs then working on bring down the body fat percentage. My racing weight will be what ever it is when my % body fat goes from 25% to 15%. Thats the goal.
I've also started lifting weights. Wow! I know! Me lifting weights.... amazing. I even workout on my overnights. I haven't done that in years. To help me stay consistent I've moved my trainer and weights out of the basement into my second bedroom. I've made it into a full blown exercise room with padded floor, large wall mirror and flat screen TV. I can already see a difference in myself. My little stick arms are getting some shape and even feeling stronger. My abs are getting firm and showing signs of losing the fat covering I've always had since childhood. I'm not one for following a set workout program so I've been just working out when ever I can and just doing what feels right for me. Just trying to stay consistent.
Part of my changed views on working out on my overnight also includes taking a Yoga class. Ok, so far I've taken just one Yoga class but that is a start. I have a bunch of Denver overnights coming up and I've found a class that begins at 2pm every day at Core Power Yoga. Trying new things.
Riding the trainer has not been as consistent yet. I need a kick in the ass to get started. So, I'm going to spent a week in San Diego getting much needed base mileage. Thanks to Facebook I've found a training camp in Encinitas. I am going to spend a week riding with Cyclefilm http://www.cyclefilm.com/. I hope to ride with good people and get that kick start I need. 7 days of riding 3-5 hours a day should do the trick.
This year I am going to stay consistent.
How? For the first thing I started already. Back in November I started watching what I eat. I've gone from 205lbs to 188lbs so far. I've yo-yo ed a bit but for the most part it has been going pretty good. During the holidays I only had one bad day of over indulging. Pretty good for a cookie and chocolate junkie. I have a goal of holding 185lbs then working on bring down the body fat percentage. My racing weight will be what ever it is when my % body fat goes from 25% to 15%. Thats the goal.
I've also started lifting weights. Wow! I know! Me lifting weights.... amazing. I even workout on my overnights. I haven't done that in years. To help me stay consistent I've moved my trainer and weights out of the basement into my second bedroom. I've made it into a full blown exercise room with padded floor, large wall mirror and flat screen TV. I can already see a difference in myself. My little stick arms are getting some shape and even feeling stronger. My abs are getting firm and showing signs of losing the fat covering I've always had since childhood. I'm not one for following a set workout program so I've been just working out when ever I can and just doing what feels right for me. Just trying to stay consistent.
Part of my changed views on working out on my overnight also includes taking a Yoga class. Ok, so far I've taken just one Yoga class but that is a start. I have a bunch of Denver overnights coming up and I've found a class that begins at 2pm every day at Core Power Yoga. Trying new things.
Riding the trainer has not been as consistent yet. I need a kick in the ass to get started. So, I'm going to spent a week in San Diego getting much needed base mileage. Thanks to Facebook I've found a training camp in Encinitas. I am going to spend a week riding with Cyclefilm http://www.cyclefilm.com/. I hope to ride with good people and get that kick start I need. 7 days of riding 3-5 hours a day should do the trick.
This year I am going to stay consistent.
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