Tonight my brother and I road with Cycling Concepts out of Rocky Hill to the New Britain Reservoir, 25 miles at 16 MPH, fast for me...I managed to stay with the group for most of the ride, except the very toughest hills. I did manage to catch them on the flats, however the did "Wait" for me at the top of the hills. Nick says it was just an excuse they used to rest, but I think he was just making me feel better.
Before the ride, Dave put some pedal extenders on the bike to align my feet, knees and hips, so I could stay more round in my pedal stroke. I have noticed a difference in my ability to maintain a higher cadence tonight on the hills.
NIck broke away ahead of the group on the last bit of hills and finished a couple of minutes ahead of the rest. His avg HR was 130 while mine was a bit higher at 136.
We went to Michael Angelo's for whole wheat pasta and veggies in a red sauce after. I had 3 miller lites.
Going out to Avon tomorrow to get my schedule and meet with my student teacher to look over the facilities, and talk about what we need to to for the first day of school on Wednesday next week. Afterward I am gong to ride the Farmington Canal Trail again. Should be fun.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Rest and Rain
Good thing I road yesterday, as it will be raining for a few days. After the Century yesterday, I need a couple of days off. I am going to go to the gym to get in the HOT TUB to stretch. Really don't feel to to bad anyway. I had much more pain this winter during my early indoor workouts.
Look forward to the rest, as this is my rest week on my training schedule. I have to create a new plan for the next 12 weeks till winter this week. Always looking toward the future helps eliminate over training, and re-laps. I will be in maintenance mode till winter I think. Been training hard all summer. Bring my riding down to 3 days a week, with some alternative activities mixed in: Yoga, Weight Training, Swimming.
Saturday, August 21, 2010
MapMyRide.com - General Road Cycling: Old Saybrook Ride - 106 miles on 08/21/2010
MapMyRide.com - General Road Cycling: Old Saybrook Ride - 106 miles on 08/21/2010
Being the last weekend before school starts, I wanted to end it with something really big, and I did! I went from Wethersfield, my home, to Old Saybrook beach and back, 106 miles, nearly 10,000 KCals, and 7 1/2 hours in the saddle...Ouch! I managed to do the ride into Saybrook without an issue, but the ride home was a different story. I guess when I planned the route, one of the roads on that route was particial unpaved, so I had to double back a go the long way round. This cost me about 10 miles and maybe 40 minutes, because those miles were very tough and hilly. I could have just gone up 148 from Chester, and made it in less time and miles, most importantly less pain! However, it all worked out for the best. I did over 100 miles, my yearly goal, and made it without an issue. No flats, no crashes, and most importantly no pain or injury! NICE!
Next challenge...The 2 ferry ride!
Being the last weekend before school starts, I wanted to end it with something really big, and I did! I went from Wethersfield, my home, to Old Saybrook beach and back, 106 miles, nearly 10,000 KCals, and 7 1/2 hours in the saddle...Ouch! I managed to do the ride into Saybrook without an issue, but the ride home was a different story. I guess when I planned the route, one of the roads on that route was particial unpaved, so I had to double back a go the long way round. This cost me about 10 miles and maybe 40 minutes, because those miles were very tough and hilly. I could have just gone up 148 from Chester, and made it in less time and miles, most importantly less pain! However, it all worked out for the best. I did over 100 miles, my yearly goal, and made it without an issue. No flats, no crashes, and most importantly no pain or injury! NICE!
Next challenge...The 2 ferry ride!
Friday, August 20, 2010
MapMyRide - Saybrook Shore and Back - 93.89 Miles in Wethersfield, CT
MapMyRide - Saybrook Shore and Back - 93.89 Miles in Wethersfield, CT
I am planning a long ride to Old Saybrook tomorrow, it is suppose to be beautiful. Going to leave bright and early, and ride to the shore, just to say I did. A very long ride, about 20 miles longer than my previous best, but I look forward to the challenge. Going to download to my Garmin, and off I go! Wish me luck.
I am planning a long ride to Old Saybrook tomorrow, it is suppose to be beautiful. Going to leave bright and early, and ride to the shore, just to say I did. A very long ride, about 20 miles longer than my previous best, but I look forward to the challenge. Going to download to my Garmin, and off I go! Wish me luck.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
First Bike Commute to Work...36 miles round trip!
So not being a regular work day, I decided to ride to work and back today to see how the trip played out. I got on Google and drew a Bike Route, and then transposed that onto http://www.mapmyride.com/ . The saved the file as a garmin file and uploaded to my Edge 305. Went out about 10 this morning, and off I went.
Google took me through Hartford down New Britain Ave way, mostly side street which I had to do very slowly, probably less than 10 mph until Old After Farmington. Then cut across West Hartford, and up Rt 4 to Talcott Notch Rd., Should call it Talcott Notch Hill Rd. Then to Rt 10 in Farmington to Old Farms Rd to Rt 10 in Avon, and then to school. 17 miles or so.
Really took my time going out, but pushed it coming back a bit. When I got to West Hartford, I decided to go to Newington Cycle to see John and Jeff, my winter workout buddies, so I took South Main Street cut across to where Newington High is, and then up to Main Street where the shop is. Hung out with John talking Celtcs for about 15 minutes, and then road UP Cedar Street Hill, slowly. I took my time, and really did not get too fatigued. My HR stayed down below 150 and I just cruised up the hill. Got home for a 36 mile Round Trip at about 14 mph or so. It was probably more like 12 or 11 out and 15 or 16 coming home. Three great rides in a row, and m legs feel great! Not too much fatigue as compared to the beginning of the summer. Will get to ride alot next week as we have training that starts at 8:30 am but gets out early at 2 pm...NICE!
When I got home, I dump some chilli in a sause pan, added a can of diced tomatoes, cooked up some whole wheat pasta, and am eating it now...Bye!
Google took me through Hartford down New Britain Ave way, mostly side street which I had to do very slowly, probably less than 10 mph until Old After Farmington. Then cut across West Hartford, and up Rt 4 to Talcott Notch Rd., Should call it Talcott Notch Hill Rd. Then to Rt 10 in Farmington to Old Farms Rd to Rt 10 in Avon, and then to school. 17 miles or so.
Really took my time going out, but pushed it coming back a bit. When I got to West Hartford, I decided to go to Newington Cycle to see John and Jeff, my winter workout buddies, so I took South Main Street cut across to where Newington High is, and then up to Main Street where the shop is. Hung out with John talking Celtcs for about 15 minutes, and then road UP Cedar Street Hill, slowly. I took my time, and really did not get too fatigued. My HR stayed down below 150 and I just cruised up the hill. Got home for a 36 mile Round Trip at about 14 mph or so. It was probably more like 12 or 11 out and 15 or 16 coming home. Three great rides in a row, and m legs feel great! Not too much fatigue as compared to the beginning of the summer. Will get to ride alot next week as we have training that starts at 8:30 am but gets out early at 2 pm...NICE!
When I got home, I dump some chilli in a sause pan, added a can of diced tomatoes, cooked up some whole wheat pasta, and am eating it now...Bye!
2nd group ride...Meriden Mountain...CC-RH..
Oh man...
Road out in RH group with CC last night...B. Went to Meriden Mountain, without the mountain for me. Tough, we were pushing 17 mph most of the way up hill going out...Man my lungs were burning. When we got to the break off point in the route, I went right to get home faster, and road by myself, I could not take that pace anymore. After a bit of recovery, I got back in a grove and made it home fine without being caught. My Garmin's battery was low and went out in the middle of the ride, no data. It also woould not give me my routes, weird. This morning I reinstalled software, and maps...Hope it worked. One of the hardest rides of the year for me. Most hills I felt great on, except the one going from the Berlin Bike Shop out to MM. Too steep for me to maintain any pace.
I need another winter of training to be able to handle the B group pace and maybe another 20 lbs or so. This will come with time and DIET! I want to take my time though, as trying to loose too much to quick will lead to muscle loss, not good. The thing is, I do not need to ride with a group to enjoy cycling. I guess I am a LONG WOLF. I enjoy the ride at my own pace, out on the road by myself, as I always have and did. Some people love the challenge of being pushed by others, not me. I guess my days of ultra competitiveness are behind me. Although I did not enjoy the slow pace of Tuesday night's ride either....I need a C+ or B- group maybe....Just need to get stronger on the hills...
As the season is getting short, my dream of having a new wheel set is being pushed back to this fall, or next spring. I want to have it for the winter session to get the hubs ready for the road over the course of winter training. I am looking at the Dura Ace 7850 sl or cl clincher rims. I always have had dura ace, and want them badly. Not that they will make all that much difference, as my wheels roll incredible now, but are very heavy, being 36 spoke wheels. They could make a difference on the hills, but not enough to offsett my weight, which is the main goal here. You know when you just want something, and no matter what anyone says you are going to have that thing...I want them...badly!
"getting better all the time" (Beatles)
Road out in RH group with CC last night...B. Went to Meriden Mountain, without the mountain for me. Tough, we were pushing 17 mph most of the way up hill going out...Man my lungs were burning. When we got to the break off point in the route, I went right to get home faster, and road by myself, I could not take that pace anymore. After a bit of recovery, I got back in a grove and made it home fine without being caught. My Garmin's battery was low and went out in the middle of the ride, no data. It also woould not give me my routes, weird. This morning I reinstalled software, and maps...Hope it worked. One of the hardest rides of the year for me. Most hills I felt great on, except the one going from the Berlin Bike Shop out to MM. Too steep for me to maintain any pace.
I need another winter of training to be able to handle the B group pace and maybe another 20 lbs or so. This will come with time and DIET! I want to take my time though, as trying to loose too much to quick will lead to muscle loss, not good. The thing is, I do not need to ride with a group to enjoy cycling. I guess I am a LONG WOLF. I enjoy the ride at my own pace, out on the road by myself, as I always have and did. Some people love the challenge of being pushed by others, not me. I guess my days of ultra competitiveness are behind me. Although I did not enjoy the slow pace of Tuesday night's ride either....I need a C+ or B- group maybe....Just need to get stronger on the hills...
As the season is getting short, my dream of having a new wheel set is being pushed back to this fall, or next spring. I want to have it for the winter session to get the hubs ready for the road over the course of winter training. I am looking at the Dura Ace 7850 sl or cl clincher rims. I always have had dura ace, and want them badly. Not that they will make all that much difference, as my wheels roll incredible now, but are very heavy, being 36 spoke wheels. They could make a difference on the hills, but not enough to offsett my weight, which is the main goal here. You know when you just want something, and no matter what anyone says you are going to have that thing...I want them...badly!
"getting better all the time" (Beatles)
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Glastonbury Group Ride - CC
Last night Nick and I road out in Glastonbury with Cycling Concepts in their group ride. I went with the C group, and Nick with the B's. I did not feel I could hang with the B's and did not want to keep them back waiting for me. Wish I had the route so I could have gone on my own, but hey. Had to wait a few times on the C's ride, and even once doubling back quite a ways, as I do not know the roads well. Felt very strong on the hills, maybe because I did not have to push it up them. The small hills I was able to spin over, while I was strong enough to muscle up the rest without loss of pace, for once, with the exception of the first hill. Nick psyched me out on that hill telling me it was the toughest grade he has done. Although that may have been true, it was pretty short, and I could have cranked through it if I had known. On the end of the ride, the A group went flying by us on a small grade, while I was still trying to keep a slow pace for the others down the flats. As they went past, another rider in my group, caught their wheel and said, let's go. I didn't at first, but picked up my pace. Then I noticed that they weren't getting away, and thought I would try to catch them. They were doing about 30, so I wasn't sure. I slowly inched along, until...at the second to last straight, I shifted up and stood up and said, 'what the hell'. I did catch them near the end of the straight before the corner managing to hand for a while, but wasted myself in the stretch. I had to slow down right before the shop on Main Street for cool down a bit before getting off. Nice to know I can move it out when I want, but need to work on my fitness and weight some more before I can do it for a sustained period of time. Still another season away.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
New Tires and wheel trueing.
After about 1200 miles of riding, my Gatorskins are ready to be retired. The rear tire is loosing some of its wall thread, and it is wearing down flat in the middle. Only one flat in 1200 mile is pretty good. I put on new tires, Vittoria Open Corsa EVO CX 23 mm. The gatorskins I had were 25 mm and very heavy. I had the Open Corsa's left over from the winter refit, so I decided to give them a whirl... They are supposidly the best clincher tire on the market for rolling resistance, and can take very high pressure for racing. I am going to run them at about 125 or so at first to see how they react. I like the gatorskins, but they were very hard, and did not offer a cushie ride even at 25mm. The Open Corsa are suppose to be comfy and roll smooth. We shall see tonight when I ride the CC group ride out of Glastonbury. The best thing about the open corsa's is that they have a white stripe down the middle of a black tire...NICE!
After our ride to RI and the rough roads, my rear wheel had gone out of true for only the second time. I first checked the tension on each spoke and tried to tighten them down evenly first. Then went through and trued and balanced the wheel. I am very particular about this, and it took about 1/2 hour or so. Now it spins evenly and true once again ready for another 1000 miles. For winter maintenance I will take the tension off every spoke and retighten to the same tension using a guage. Then true them to spec. Did not quite feel like going through that today, but maybe should have.
Took out some chilli and a black bean burger for lunch...Yummy!
Sunday, August 15, 2010
MapMyRide - Marlborough_to_RI_8-13-10 in Marlborough, CT#climbs#climbs#climbs#climbs#climbs
MapMyRide - Marlborough_to_RI_8-13-10 in Marlborough, CT#climbs#climbs#climbs#climbs#climbs
Our ride from Marlborogh to RI was 62 mile with many more hills and was more difficult than I thought. The ride through Colchester was especially difficult as was the end of the ride. Total KCals burnt was 6200, but I think I put many of them back over the weekend. The route we choose was extremely rough through RI, and there was two bridges out. We had to carry our bikes over one stream, and walk them across the other. We also rain out of water in RI, and I felt it in my legs even though we replenished at a quick mart on rt 2 in RI. We did manage to get water from a workman along on of the back roads, but it was not cold.
The good news was that I did not incure any injuries or pains anywhere after the fitting, and road relatively comfortably even though the roads were poor at best along RI. My rear tire now needs to be trued, this I will fix tomorrow. I noticed that I did not need to change my hand position as often, but my tighs got sore from moving my seat forward. I was worried about knee pain, but did not have any, NICE!
Nick had another flat, and is trying to buy wider rim tape to cover more of the inside part of the wheel where the pinch flats are occuring. We also washed our helmet liners, and they got lost in the wash. I had new ones already ordered, but Nick has to order them.
We road a short 12 mile loop today. At first I felt tired, but got in a groove about 1/3 the way round. The back half and rt 1 were fast. It did exhaust me however, and my body did not like the pace. Note; after long rides, make sure to do recovery rides eventhough you want to go fast.
Not sure if I can do a full Century yet, so we may be doing a metric century at the Two Ferry Ride.
Ate and drank way too much this weekend. although healthy. My stomach is in knots.
Our ride from Marlborogh to RI was 62 mile with many more hills and was more difficult than I thought. The ride through Colchester was especially difficult as was the end of the ride. Total KCals burnt was 6200, but I think I put many of them back over the weekend. The route we choose was extremely rough through RI, and there was two bridges out. We had to carry our bikes over one stream, and walk them across the other. We also rain out of water in RI, and I felt it in my legs even though we replenished at a quick mart on rt 2 in RI. We did manage to get water from a workman along on of the back roads, but it was not cold.
The good news was that I did not incure any injuries or pains anywhere after the fitting, and road relatively comfortably even though the roads were poor at best along RI. My rear tire now needs to be trued, this I will fix tomorrow. I noticed that I did not need to change my hand position as often, but my tighs got sore from moving my seat forward. I was worried about knee pain, but did not have any, NICE!
Nick had another flat, and is trying to buy wider rim tape to cover more of the inside part of the wheel where the pinch flats are occuring. We also washed our helmet liners, and they got lost in the wash. I had new ones already ordered, but Nick has to order them.
We road a short 12 mile loop today. At first I felt tired, but got in a groove about 1/3 the way round. The back half and rt 1 were fast. It did exhaust me however, and my body did not like the pace. Note; after long rides, make sure to do recovery rides eventhough you want to go fast.
Not sure if I can do a full Century yet, so we may be doing a metric century at the Two Ferry Ride.
Ate and drank way too much this weekend. although healthy. My stomach is in knots.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Dog gone, ride to RI tomorrow!
Today I took the dog back to Lisa's where she belongs, and should have done it a long time ago. Tomorrow Nick and I are riding to RI from Marlborough for the first time - 62 miles or 100k. The weather is suppose to be nice, cool and dry, which should make the ride enjoyable. The trip is downhill to the shore, so it won't be too tough a ride. Taking a foldable wheel with us just in case, as both Nick and my tires are shedding near the bead a bit. Not sure why that is happening. A new tire is in order though in the near future. Right now I am riding on Gator Skins and have Open Corsa's in the wings.
Bike fitting in about an hour or so, therefore I need to start to get ready, and do some yoga in preparation. My legs feel good and not too tight, but I need to stretch them out a bit before I get measured.
Going to have some Chinese for dinner: Chicken in Garlic Sause over white rice...how nice!
Bike fitting in about an hour or so, therefore I need to start to get ready, and do some yoga in preparation. My legs feel good and not too tight, but I need to stretch them out a bit before I get measured.
Going to have some Chinese for dinner: Chicken in Garlic Sause over white rice...how nice!
CC Group Ride and Bike Fitting...
Today is a recovery day after last night's group ride out the Lymann Orchards. I got dropped in middletown on the long hill between middletown and middlefield. I then took a wrong turn leaving me out in the cold. Keith, the shop owner was nice enough to ride back to me, as he and I road "smoothly" through middlefield. Even though I got dropped, it was a great ride, and feel great today. The ride was only about 25 miles, and that would be less than my normal ride anyway.
Nick, Scott Sieka, and I went to Eli's afterward for beers and a chicken philly. We literally waited 2 hours for dinner, and 45 minutes just to sit and get our first beer. Paul Budney was suppose to meet us at Eli's but I did not see him, although the place was packed. I was looking forward to see him and catching up on things. On my was to eli's Boston's Don't Look Back was on the radio, Alice Cooper DJing. I thought to myself, how ironic, but I couldn't help looking back as I listened to a song that was the staple of many a road trip...Riff.
Today, I am getting re-fitted to my bike to fix an issue with the seat being too far back, and once again find my 'sweet' spot. When I put the new seat post in, the rails clamps came loose and the seat shifted all the way back. This caused me to push outward on the peddles, so I feel it in my hips and ass too much. I need to be more on top of the peddles, which will give me more leverage, and better climbing.
Going out to Reggio to turn in some paperwork today. I am going to try to go out on the bike route, and back to find a commuter lot to leave my truck in for my daily commute on bike. No shower at work, but HealthTrax in Avon is across the street...NICE!
Nick, Scott Sieka, and I went to Eli's afterward for beers and a chicken philly. We literally waited 2 hours for dinner, and 45 minutes just to sit and get our first beer. Paul Budney was suppose to meet us at Eli's but I did not see him, although the place was packed. I was looking forward to see him and catching up on things. On my was to eli's Boston's Don't Look Back was on the radio, Alice Cooper DJing. I thought to myself, how ironic, but I couldn't help looking back as I listened to a song that was the staple of many a road trip...Riff.
Today, I am getting re-fitted to my bike to fix an issue with the seat being too far back, and once again find my 'sweet' spot. When I put the new seat post in, the rails clamps came loose and the seat shifted all the way back. This caused me to push outward on the peddles, so I feel it in my hips and ass too much. I need to be more on top of the peddles, which will give me more leverage, and better climbing.
Going out to Reggio to turn in some paperwork today. I am going to try to go out on the bike route, and back to find a commuter lot to leave my truck in for my daily commute on bike. No shower at work, but HealthTrax in Avon is across the street...NICE!
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Small Gears are Spinning...
Today was a recovery day, so I just road to the shop and back using only small gear chain in the front. I also tried to keep the cadence up above 85 - 90 rpm's. The ride was only 10 miles and my legs felt fresh, but it was hot and humid out there. The ride provided me with a big sweat even though it was a short one. At about 800 KCals it also provided me with enough of a calorie burn to eat my 3 bean chilli with rice this afternoon. Yummy!
Tomorrow was going to be a big day, as I was suppose to get fitted to my bike again tomorrow, and go to ECSU to meet with my supervisor. However, CREC called and said I have Orientation tomorrow, so I had to reschedule my fitting appointment to Thursday, and my other to whenever. Dave cheered when he thought I was going to cancel.
The reason for the bike fit is that I bought a new seat post some time back, and the seat rails were not tightened down enough, and the seat slid back on the rails. This caused a feeling of being almost recumbant on the back, and not over the peddles enough to get leverage on the hills. I also feel that my fitness has improved and was to change my attach angle a bit. This will allow me to spin longer on the hills without using my BIG ASS muscles, thus reducing fatigue, HOPEFULLY. We shall see what the numbers say.
Also, tomorrow Nick wants to ride with CC out of RH, which is always such a joy for me...OUCH! Group rides are not my favorite thing to do anymore. I like solitary rides at my own pace....a bit of a loner I think. Mainly because I like a more relaxed pace, and longer rides. They also HURT LESS. Paul Budney, an HS and College Roomie is meeting us a Eli's in Middletown afterwards at about 8:30, so you are welcome to come join us for a beer or two.
After I shower, I am going to make chilli with rice (Turkey version).
Tomorrow was going to be a big day, as I was suppose to get fitted to my bike again tomorrow, and go to ECSU to meet with my supervisor. However, CREC called and said I have Orientation tomorrow, so I had to reschedule my fitting appointment to Thursday, and my other to whenever. Dave cheered when he thought I was going to cancel.
The reason for the bike fit is that I bought a new seat post some time back, and the seat rails were not tightened down enough, and the seat slid back on the rails. This caused a feeling of being almost recumbant on the back, and not over the peddles enough to get leverage on the hills. I also feel that my fitness has improved and was to change my attach angle a bit. This will allow me to spin longer on the hills without using my BIG ASS muscles, thus reducing fatigue, HOPEFULLY. We shall see what the numbers say.
Also, tomorrow Nick wants to ride with CC out of RH, which is always such a joy for me...OUCH! Group rides are not my favorite thing to do anymore. I like solitary rides at my own pace....a bit of a loner I think. Mainly because I like a more relaxed pace, and longer rides. They also HURT LESS. Paul Budney, an HS and College Roomie is meeting us a Eli's in Middletown afterwards at about 8:30, so you are welcome to come join us for a beer or two.
After I shower, I am going to make chilli with rice (Turkey version).
Monday, August 9, 2010
HOT RIDE, slow pace...
My ride today was mid day in the heat! 35 miles in an oven. I could feel the road smoking under my tires. Once at a stop light I thought I smelled rubber burning from my tires, but it was only the pavers down the road. Stopped 3 times for water, and I carry two bottles, for those of us from Valley, that's 6 bottle of water in 35 miles, man.
Came home a passed out, and then woke up with my legs swollen...A couple of Siera's fixed that though.
Well the buzzer on the stove is ringning telling me my pasta premavara is done!
Ciao.
Came home a passed out, and then woke up with my legs swollen...A couple of Siera's fixed that though.
Well the buzzer on the stove is ringning telling me my pasta premavara is done!
Ciao.
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Short slow recovery ride....
After my epic 75 mile ride to Essex yesterday, I road a slow recovery ride of 10 miles this morning to Cycling Concepts and back. My legs feel loose but still a bit tired now though. I kept looking at my HR and each time it was bellow 100 bt/min. Just goes to show how ones body accommodates to exercise over time.
Full day off tomorrow, maybe, and then another long ride Monday. My strategy of one hard/one recovery ride has worked so far this summer. I feel fit and healthy. Two more weeks of hard riding left before I go back to work, and I look forward to every moment.
When I stopped by Cycling Concepts in RH they were taking pictures for the "Ride for a Reason" wall. I actually knew this before hand, and wore my CC Team Shirt. Had my picture taken, and wrote a quick note: "To be Fit and Happy". I really ride just to be on the Road. I do not ride to be fast. I do not ride to climb hills. I do not ride socially. I ride because I love to ride. I do not ride to get ready for an event or race, although I like to participate in them. I ride to be fit, healthy and lean. I really don't care if I am going 18 miles an hour or 12, I enjoy both types of riding. Although I hate hills, I still enjoy the ride, just not the pain.
Made a Tuna Sandwich for lunch, and will make 3 bean turkey chilli for dinner over pasta...Yum!
Full day off tomorrow, maybe, and then another long ride Monday. My strategy of one hard/one recovery ride has worked so far this summer. I feel fit and healthy. Two more weeks of hard riding left before I go back to work, and I look forward to every moment.
When I stopped by Cycling Concepts in RH they were taking pictures for the "Ride for a Reason" wall. I actually knew this before hand, and wore my CC Team Shirt. Had my picture taken, and wrote a quick note: "To be Fit and Happy". I really ride just to be on the Road. I do not ride to be fast. I do not ride to climb hills. I do not ride socially. I ride because I love to ride. I do not ride to get ready for an event or race, although I like to participate in them. I ride to be fit, healthy and lean. I really don't care if I am going 18 miles an hour or 12, I enjoy both types of riding. Although I hate hills, I still enjoy the ride, just not the pain.
Made a Tuna Sandwich for lunch, and will make 3 bean turkey chilli for dinner over pasta...Yum!
Recovery ride...
Today will be a SHORT recovery ride to loosen up the legs after a long 75 Miles yesterday. Last night my legs were very sore, but not too bad today. After burning over 7000 KCal, I was surprised that I was not more hungry all night. Ate a 1/2 rot chicken and a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. I did hydrate and eat along the ride: GU, Trail Mix and Cliff Bars (2). I also used recoverite after the ride, which I will continue to use after long rides of over 30 miles, as it seams to help. Ride the flats today.
I am going to make my Three Bean and Turkey Chilli this afternoon to go with my Black Bean Burgers...NICE!
I am going to make my Three Bean and Turkey Chilli this afternoon to go with my Black Bean Burgers...NICE!
Friday, August 6, 2010
Essex and Back....75 miles in 5:45...OUCH!
75 miles to essex and back. Spent 5:45 in the saddle, and my ass hurts. Now I know why you need butt cream! My legs are like butter right now. Stopped at Clark Cycle in Essex, and then at a gas station in Middlefield and finally at CC to talk to Dave, that's it. This is a new mile stone since re-emerging last summer as a cyclist.
On the way down I went Old Route 9 or Saybrook Rd I think they call it. Wind behind me and it was fast, faster than I wanted to go, was trying conserve energy and keep the HR down, but too much fun. Came back through the hills of Chester to Higganum on the backroads. There were a few steep climbs on the way back with a head wind, it hurt, but was fun becauseI stayed within myself.
Going to eat a Whole Rot. Chicken with Potato tonight....I'm starving!
On the way down I went Old Route 9 or Saybrook Rd I think they call it. Wind behind me and it was fast, faster than I wanted to go, was trying conserve energy and keep the HR down, but too much fun. Came back through the hills of Chester to Higganum on the backroads. There were a few steep climbs on the way back with a head wind, it hurt, but was fun becauseI stayed within myself.
Going to eat a Whole Rot. Chicken with Potato tonight....I'm starving!
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Recovery Ride in the books...
Today was a recovery day for me, after yesterday's Meriden Mountain ride I needed it. Road 18 miles at 13 MPH, nice and easy with an AvgExHR of 105. Road the flats of Cromwell just to stretch my muscles a bit, and rid them of any lactic acid build up, and OH YA to burn some fat and KCals, (About 1400 or so).
Tomorrow I plan to ride to Essex and Back, at around 80 miles, just to say I did it. Of course this depends on my legs recovering properly.
I was doing some research on bike fitting, because I noticed I road more comfortably on the front of the saddle on hills, so I moved my seat 2mm forward and up, (up to compensate for the seat tube angle.). I snapped the Thompson seat collar clamp, so I had to buy a new one, and was carefull to not exceed 9 nanometer of tension this time. Not sure if that will be enough, but will move again at Clark Cycle if necessary.
I made some Black Bean Burgers for lunch today, and man were they good with a couple of slices of tomato and onion on top along with BQ sause and Tabasco, (well it was Pete's but ya know). Have 4 more in the freezer for another day ready to go.
Just keepin' those wheel turnin'
Tomorrow I plan to ride to Essex and Back, at around 80 miles, just to say I did it. Of course this depends on my legs recovering properly.
I was doing some research on bike fitting, because I noticed I road more comfortably on the front of the saddle on hills, so I moved my seat 2mm forward and up, (up to compensate for the seat tube angle.). I snapped the Thompson seat collar clamp, so I had to buy a new one, and was carefull to not exceed 9 nanometer of tension this time. Not sure if that will be enough, but will move again at Clark Cycle if necessary.
I made some Black Bean Burgers for lunch today, and man were they good with a couple of slices of tomato and onion on top along with BQ sause and Tabasco, (well it was Pete's but ya know). Have 4 more in the freezer for another day ready to go.
Just keepin' those wheel turnin'
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
2010-08-04 MeridenMountain
Road to Meriden Mountain today, 44.53 miles, burning 3660 KCAL, man am I hungry. It was a slow ride, but very beautiful and well worth it. The ride was also enhanced by visiting Hubard Park in Meriden where I used to swim in the summer while visiting my Grammy. I was born in Meriden and lived there until I was 5, and then we moved to Old Saybrook, and eventually to Ivoryton where I spent my youth. My Parents both grew up in Meriden, my grandfather Patrucci used to own a TV/Appliance store in town, while my father's Dad worked at New Departure. I have found memories of times spent at Hubard Park and Craigs Castle with them both.
View the pictures of the scenic vistas from a top near Craig's Castle. The ride along the lake was also very beautiful.
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Cycling Etiquette 101
A couple of weekends ago, in RI with my brother Nick, we were riding near Charleston beach. We slowed down to gu, and road by several groups of cyclists headed the other way. I tried to wave and say hi, but there way no response. As it was a Sunday, there were many cyclist on the road (roaders I call them). As we road on, we came across them, and one by one tried to be cordial, and friendly, but their response was stern and lackluster. So I begged the question to Nick, "Why are roaders so unfriendly and stern?".
Do roaders feel it necessary to work so hard that they must not loose concentration for a second to say HI and smile? Is suffering just part of the sport, to the point of unfriendliness? Are they in such agony that they cannot contort their faces into the shape of a smile? Are they so afraid of taking their hands of the bars to give a friendly wave or gesture? The questions vex me. Nick and I continued to ponder the question over several miles, as we kept riding by other riders who simply refused to respond to our simple waves and hellos.
Nick said that they might not have seen us, as they were riding intently only looking forward to gain a line to ride. I said, "Bunk", or something a bit more dramatic. Is being a roader so elite that one must not recognize common courtesy of other riders? I say, "NO!"
We road past a few more unfriendly roaders, then we managed to ride past a woman who waved and smiled. Nick said, "Aha, there are some friendly riders out there." I had to agree.
I only re-emerged as a roader last summer, and remember my youth, when being a roader meant being a part of a "special" community of riders. Riders who looked out for one another, and had a special bond, as there were so few of us then. I would ride for miles just to catch the guy in front of me to say hello, and maybe ask about new routes or riding styles. Ride with them for awhile just to chat about the day or what bike parts are best.
The other day I was riding up to Meriden Mountain, and was riding quite slowly up a grade as not to tire myself out before the mountain, (which by the way never came). Another rider, a woman, road whizzing past me, without so much as a, "Hey". Is it so important to leave another roader in your wake that you forget the niceties? I caught her, while still on the hill, mostly to ask her why I had not hit the Mountain yet, and partly because of pride. I don't believe she liked me passing her, but I slowed down to ride along side, just to say hi, where are you from, and where am I in relation to Meriden Mountain. She reluctantly told me I was way out of my way, and never smiled. I tried to spark a conversion about how beautiful the scenery was, and what a great ride this had been, but very little response if any was given. Was she afraid to talk to me, not know who I was? I doubt it. We came to a fork, and my garmin said to turn right, and she was going left. I said, "Have a great ride." She did not respond, other than to say bye.
In defense of some roaders, I do have to add that I do get some smiles and waves here and there, and I am always glad for them. These riders are usual riding a slower pace, and or with a friend. To me, every time I ride is a joy, whether I am going fast, or on a recovery ride going slowly. I try to be at least cordial to other roaders with a smile and a wave. Unless on a time training session, or race (which I do not do anymore), when I catch another rider, I try to slow down behind them, and pass after they have noticed me. Are we Alberto Contedor riding past Andy Sleck for the TDF, no. Even then he was ripped by the media for an uncouth act.
As a youth, I always took it as a challenge to catch another rider ahead of me, but always took the time to be courteous once there. These days I am caught more than I catch, but my expectations for decency have not changed...Be NICE!
Cycling should be about community and comradery with other riders. Being a roader has turned into a competition for speed and supremacy no matter the cost in human kindness. So if you are a roadie, be kind and give other riders a wave and/or a smile as you whiz past. This will make our sport better for all.
Just want to say THANK YOU to everyone who does say hi, gives me a wave and smile....NICE!
Do roaders feel it necessary to work so hard that they must not loose concentration for a second to say HI and smile? Is suffering just part of the sport, to the point of unfriendliness? Are they in such agony that they cannot contort their faces into the shape of a smile? Are they so afraid of taking their hands of the bars to give a friendly wave or gesture? The questions vex me. Nick and I continued to ponder the question over several miles, as we kept riding by other riders who simply refused to respond to our simple waves and hellos.
Nick said that they might not have seen us, as they were riding intently only looking forward to gain a line to ride. I said, "Bunk", or something a bit more dramatic. Is being a roader so elite that one must not recognize common courtesy of other riders? I say, "NO!"
We road past a few more unfriendly roaders, then we managed to ride past a woman who waved and smiled. Nick said, "Aha, there are some friendly riders out there." I had to agree.
I only re-emerged as a roader last summer, and remember my youth, when being a roader meant being a part of a "special" community of riders. Riders who looked out for one another, and had a special bond, as there were so few of us then. I would ride for miles just to catch the guy in front of me to say hello, and maybe ask about new routes or riding styles. Ride with them for awhile just to chat about the day or what bike parts are best.
The other day I was riding up to Meriden Mountain, and was riding quite slowly up a grade as not to tire myself out before the mountain, (which by the way never came). Another rider, a woman, road whizzing past me, without so much as a, "Hey". Is it so important to leave another roader in your wake that you forget the niceties? I caught her, while still on the hill, mostly to ask her why I had not hit the Mountain yet, and partly because of pride. I don't believe she liked me passing her, but I slowed down to ride along side, just to say hi, where are you from, and where am I in relation to Meriden Mountain. She reluctantly told me I was way out of my way, and never smiled. I tried to spark a conversion about how beautiful the scenery was, and what a great ride this had been, but very little response if any was given. Was she afraid to talk to me, not know who I was? I doubt it. We came to a fork, and my garmin said to turn right, and she was going left. I said, "Have a great ride." She did not respond, other than to say bye.
In defense of some roaders, I do have to add that I do get some smiles and waves here and there, and I am always glad for them. These riders are usual riding a slower pace, and or with a friend. To me, every time I ride is a joy, whether I am going fast, or on a recovery ride going slowly. I try to be at least cordial to other roaders with a smile and a wave. Unless on a time training session, or race (which I do not do anymore), when I catch another rider, I try to slow down behind them, and pass after they have noticed me. Are we Alberto Contedor riding past Andy Sleck for the TDF, no. Even then he was ripped by the media for an uncouth act.
As a youth, I always took it as a challenge to catch another rider ahead of me, but always took the time to be courteous once there. These days I am caught more than I catch, but my expectations for decency have not changed...Be NICE!
Cycling should be about community and comradery with other riders. Being a roader has turned into a competition for speed and supremacy no matter the cost in human kindness. So if you are a roadie, be kind and give other riders a wave and/or a smile as you whiz past. This will make our sport better for all.
Just want to say THANK YOU to everyone who does say hi, gives me a wave and smile....NICE!
Monday, August 2, 2010
2 shop ride through Cromwell to Berlin...Slowly
This morning I road my recovery ride along the flats of Cromwell, rt 99, then through the hills of Berlin past the fair grounds, and back home. I call it my two shops ride. Stopped at CC to see Dave after his vaca in France...Lucky man. Road very slowly trying to keep my HR down under 130 as often a possible, although some of the hills required a bit over that, but nothing over 140 bt/min. AvgExHR was around 110 bts/min. Road about 25 miles all told. My legs were a bit tired after yesterdays fast ride out to Meriden and back, but it was great to be in the saddle. Base recovery rides are wonderful for building endurance, and burning KCals, about 2000 of them today.
Before leaving I put rice to cook in my rice cooker, (great device), and put my 4 bean chilli (vegan) on top when I got back from my ride. I think I will grill some veggies for dinner tonight on the grill, with some of more rice.
Going to see King of Leon with Nick tomorrow night, and hoping to ride with him before hand. This means a hard ride for me tomorrow...NICE!
Before leaving I put rice to cook in my rice cooker, (great device), and put my 4 bean chilli (vegan) on top when I got back from my ride. I think I will grill some veggies for dinner tonight on the grill, with some of more rice.
Going to see King of Leon with Nick tomorrow night, and hoping to ride with him before hand. This means a hard ride for me tomorrow...NICE!
Sunday, August 1, 2010
32 Miles at 15 mph---HILLS Even.
Today, I thought I would ride a bit of a hilly route, not having ridden any hills for more than a week. I looked up the Meriden Mountain Ride from the cycling concepts version on www.mapmyrides.com . Turned out not to be the group ride, but a shorter version without the Mountain, ("probaby a good thing").
As I was coming toward Meriden through Berlin, I slowed a bit so I would have enough left to take the mountain. When all of a sudden a lady goes wizzing by me, so I caught her, and asked her why I had not yet got to the mountain, and she said that I had to go 5 miles the other way. Not having it on my Garmin, I thought better of it, and we finally split up. I picked the pace back up, and finished the 32 miles at 15 mph, pretty good for a 50 year old fart. I might have done the route faster even if I had known there was no mountain, but alas...
Going to eat some of my Vegan 4 bean chilli my Dad and I made last week, over pasta for dinner...NICE!
As I was coming toward Meriden through Berlin, I slowed a bit so I would have enough left to take the mountain. When all of a sudden a lady goes wizzing by me, so I caught her, and asked her why I had not yet got to the mountain, and she said that I had to go 5 miles the other way. Not having it on my Garmin, I thought better of it, and we finally split up. I picked the pace back up, and finished the 32 miles at 15 mph, pretty good for a 50 year old fart. I might have done the route faster even if I had known there was no mountain, but alas...
Going to eat some of my Vegan 4 bean chilli my Dad and I made last week, over pasta for dinner...NICE!
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