Did the TNW's B race last night. Planned to do some hard efforts with some short recoveries. I went hard and stayed in the top 1/3 of the pack until 20 minutes in and then jumped out for 1 1/2 laps (I soft pedaled 1/2 lap) and then finished with 1 to go. I wasn't going to contest the race, so another bike in the mix wasn't going to do any good.
Today, I rode for 60 minutes of recovery in the rain. I love riding in the rain (weird, I know) but it's just a fun time for me. The only down side is the bike cleaning that must occur following a ride. Nice recovery miles today with little issues. In fact the only issue (which is actually major) is that I came the closest I ever have to being hit by a car. Someone decided they didn't want to wait for oncoming traffic to clear before passing me on Weidman Road and drove their Subaru Outback station wagon to within 6-8 inches of my left leg at 30 mph. I had nowhere to go and it certainly got my attention. At times I think it's inevitable (getting hit by a car) and other times I feel invincible. Just another reason to pray before, during, and after my rides.
My legs really seem to be coming back around. I was a little worried early on, but the miles seem to be healing the time off the bike. I'm sticking to my schedule of ride hard, recover on bike, and rest. It's working well thus far, but there are a lot of miles left to go.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Monday, July 28, 2008
Weekend Recap
Saturday morning was a team/group ride out to the West Co. hills. Several teammates showed up, as did a few potentially new teammates. The idea was to ride several climbs, but to do them in a no-drop fashion, with some good tempo riding in between. Since this was my ride and route, and most didn't know the route, I found myself rotating to the front to yell out directions and then circling to the back to ensure everyone made it through the various turns and terrain. The route was:
Einstein's on Clayton at 141
Clayton west
R on Valley to Strecker
L on Shepard
R on Orrville
R on Eatherton
L on WHC
R on Ossenfort
Cross T
R on Melrose
L on Bouquet
L on Manchester
Cross 100
Continue on Fox Creek
L on Six Flags-Allenton
L on Melrose
R on 100
R on Woodlands Meadows (tackle the 24% beast)
R on Manchester
R on Glencoe (through Rockwoods)
L on Woods
L on Manchester
R on 109
R on Clayton to Einstein's
Everyone had a good time and put in a relatively good effort. The 24% gradient on Woodlands Meadows certainly humbled some on the ride and left them shaking their heads in amazement. Jim Moore actually spun his rear wheel almost a full revolution when he pedaled over a wet patch of road sealant while tackling the climb. Looked like a dragster doing a burnout. The good news is he completed the climb!
My legs continue to come around nicely and I should be back in shape for some racing starting next month. This week will be another round of recovery loops in the valley with some weight-lifting and a few spin ups thrown in for good measure.
After church on Sunday, we took our son to lunch and then off to church camp. There were some logistical issues with the busses not arriving for the campers, so at the last minute I decided to drive him up to Carlinville, IL for camp. That put me on the road for 3 hours but in the end I think he enjoyed getting a little time with me and the chance to take a nap on the way.
God was certainly providing for me as I was able to drop him off and make it back to our church just in time to see the start of Drama Night. Members of our youth group (including my daughter) worked the past week to put together vignettes from 4 Broadway plays. They did a remarkable job and it was a funny way to unwind from impromptu travels.
Einstein's on Clayton at 141
Clayton west
R on Valley to Strecker
L on Shepard
R on Orrville
R on Eatherton
L on WHC
R on Ossenfort
Cross T
R on Melrose
L on Bouquet
L on Manchester
Cross 100
Continue on Fox Creek
L on Six Flags-Allenton
L on Melrose
R on 100
R on Woodlands Meadows (tackle the 24% beast)
R on Manchester
R on Glencoe (through Rockwoods)
L on Woods
L on Manchester
R on 109
R on Clayton to Einstein's
Everyone had a good time and put in a relatively good effort. The 24% gradient on Woodlands Meadows certainly humbled some on the ride and left them shaking their heads in amazement. Jim Moore actually spun his rear wheel almost a full revolution when he pedaled over a wet patch of road sealant while tackling the climb. Looked like a dragster doing a burnout. The good news is he completed the climb!
My legs continue to come around nicely and I should be back in shape for some racing starting next month. This week will be another round of recovery loops in the valley with some weight-lifting and a few spin ups thrown in for good measure.
After church on Sunday, we took our son to lunch and then off to church camp. There were some logistical issues with the busses not arriving for the campers, so at the last minute I decided to drive him up to Carlinville, IL for camp. That put me on the road for 3 hours but in the end I think he enjoyed getting a little time with me and the chance to take a nap on the way.
God was certainly providing for me as I was able to drop him off and make it back to our church just in time to see the start of Drama Night. Members of our youth group (including my daughter) worked the past week to put together vignettes from 4 Broadway plays. They did a remarkable job and it was a funny way to unwind from impromptu travels.
Friday, July 25, 2008
Just Around the Corner
Cross season is just around the corner. While reviewing videos of what makes cyclocross so fun, I came across this humorous clip. In particular I like the footage around 0:50 and right at the end. Listen closely to the end when the fallen rider is asked if he's okay and the commentary from the onlookers. Good stuff. While cross isn't about falling, it's inevitable that you're going to mess up some part of the course during some part of the race.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Goings On
Been riding a little more lately. In the last week, I've ridden 4 times and today will be the first back to back day I've had in a while. Last night was 90 minutes out in the valley doing loops. Yep, those boring 18-19mph loops just riding recovery around and around. My legs really seemed to feel better at the end of the night, too. Saturday was another edition of the Covered Bridge route. Man, that ride kicked me hard. It was fun to share the ride with 3 teammates and a buddy from work who races for Manchester Trek, because without them, I'm sure it would have taken me twice as long.
For the rest of the year, I will be focusing my efforts off-road. Mountain biking and cyclocross will fill out the remainder of the competitive events. I may jump into 1 race at the Gateway Cup, but it's been too much this year trying to balance all of the options of racing road and off-road. Besides, there are some great events coming up in the next few months. Greensfelder, Cape Girardeau, Rapture in Misery, and Burnin' at the Bluff just to name a few.
From the training perspective, I made a decision to drop my coach, Andy Gibbs. This was a very difficult decision for me. Andy helped me prepare myself far beyond what I thought was possible. I recall thinking about what sort of times I would need running to be competitve in the sport class this year and simply shook my head in disbelief. Andy helped me prepare a plan to cover those gaps and do it in a way that was right for me, not a 'one size fits all' plan. He studied my workouts and made changes or offered the right amount of advice at the right times. All in all, he deserves a lot of credit for the success I had this year and my decision to stop working with him was tough to say the least. My decision wasn't based on any negatives with Andy, but rather due to a commitment to my family. If you're looking for a great coach, look no further that AGCoaching
For the rest of the year, I will be focusing my efforts off-road. Mountain biking and cyclocross will fill out the remainder of the competitive events. I may jump into 1 race at the Gateway Cup, but it's been too much this year trying to balance all of the options of racing road and off-road. Besides, there are some great events coming up in the next few months. Greensfelder, Cape Girardeau, Rapture in Misery, and Burnin' at the Bluff just to name a few.
From the training perspective, I made a decision to drop my coach, Andy Gibbs. This was a very difficult decision for me. Andy helped me prepare myself far beyond what I thought was possible. I recall thinking about what sort of times I would need running to be competitve in the sport class this year and simply shook my head in disbelief. Andy helped me prepare a plan to cover those gaps and do it in a way that was right for me, not a 'one size fits all' plan. He studied my workouts and made changes or offered the right amount of advice at the right times. All in all, he deserves a lot of credit for the success I had this year and my decision to stop working with him was tough to say the least. My decision wasn't based on any negatives with Andy, but rather due to a commitment to my family. If you're looking for a great coach, look no further that AGCoaching
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Fat Chance
In a recently published article regarding 'caloric sticker shock' NY'ers were shocked, horrified, and angered by the caloric levels of some of their favorite treats, snacks, and meals. Thinking the change to publish calorie levels may shift their choices towards healthier options appears to be a pipe dream. Take a look at some of these quotes from the article:
"Some people actually tell us we should take off the labels, because it discourages them from ordering what they want," he said.....says a spokesperson from Outback Steakhouse.
"I’m so upset," she said, noting some entrees — like the Jack Daniels ribs and shrimp dinner — contain almost 2,000 calories, and the desserts were more of the same (the brownie obsession is 1,500 calories). "I wish they wouldn’t have done this."....says a customer of TGI Fridays.
So, are people shocked to learn when calories in exceed calories out they get fat? or are they shocked to learn a muffin, cheeseburger & fries, several cokes throughout the day, a cookie snack, and a dinner out is more than a human being needs to consume in any given day? I guess I shouldn't be shocked, but perhaps it was just a fat chance to begin with.
"Some people actually tell us we should take off the labels, because it discourages them from ordering what they want," he said.....says a spokesperson from Outback Steakhouse.
"I’m so upset," she said, noting some entrees — like the Jack Daniels ribs and shrimp dinner — contain almost 2,000 calories, and the desserts were more of the same (the brownie obsession is 1,500 calories). "I wish they wouldn’t have done this."....says a customer of TGI Fridays.
So, are people shocked to learn when calories in exceed calories out they get fat? or are they shocked to learn a muffin, cheeseburger & fries, several cokes throughout the day, a cookie snack, and a dinner out is more than a human being needs to consume in any given day? I guess I shouldn't be shocked, but perhaps it was just a fat chance to begin with.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
European Tour de France coverage
In 3 of the last 4 years, I've been lucky enough to be in Europe during the Tour de France. In 2005 and 2007, we watched the race firsthand but in all cases we watched to tour on EuroSport TV. I've got to say the coverage is second to none. Unlike Versus' coverage, they actually show the race. How's that different you ask? In a stage that takes 5 hours, you'll most likely see a total of 30 minutes of commercials. On Versus, on a 5 hour stage you're likely to see the exact opposite. Last night, I literally felt like I was being brainwashed to buy a Saab. Ever wondered what happens when the riders need to answer the call to nature? Want to see what happens in the pack when there's no one to chase or the peloton is content letting riders with no chance of being GC contenders go off the front? You'll find out if you watch the EuroSport coverage.
I'm thankful for the sponsors paying the bills so Versus can bring us at least glimpses of the tour, but it sure would be nice to actually watch a race compared to watching commercials that permit viewers to see a bike from time to time. Tivo is a magical machine.
I'm thankful for the sponsors paying the bills so Versus can bring us at least glimpses of the tour, but it sure would be nice to actually watch a race compared to watching commercials that permit viewers to see a bike from time to time. Tivo is a magical machine.
You're Better than That
During last night's coverage of Stage 10, Bobke muttered the words, "He's as cool as the other side of the pillow" to described a racer climbing the Col de Tourmalet. I shook my head in disbelief. Bobke, you're better than those pop-culture-appeasing talking heads on ESPN. Keep using your Bobcabulary to entertain us. Don't steal from the guys who live vicariously through the athletes they never were. You're better than that. You've climbed the mountains, suffered at the pack of the pack,
or shot the gutters in an attempt to gain position. In short, you talk and we listen.
Just be the Bobke we know and love.
or shot the gutters in an attempt to gain position. In short, you talk and we listen. Just be the Bobke we know and love.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
