This week has started off on a very bright note for me and it also means a tough decision has to be made now. I received confirmation from the event staff for the Bike Ride Across Florida that my entry fees are indeed carried over from last year for the 2008 event since I had knee issues this year and couldn't ride, so my training plans have just changed. Sort of...
I have 3 choices:
1- continue my training/ride schedule for next race season and hope my fitness level will be sufficient for completing the BRAF.
2- train only for the BRAF which means putting in progressively longer rides until I can average 18+ for nearly 200 miles. This one requires a lot of night riding.
3- combine the training for both and sacrifice my early race season goals in order to do well at the BRAF. This one requires some night riding but only in the early morning or late evening according to which way my schedule slides.
Considering the 2008 route will be similar in distance and time required to complete it, I'll have to average over 17 mph for 11 hours. That is the minimum speed and maximum time to complete the ride. Given that the course is run east to west and they like to put what hills Florida has near the end, it poses an interesting challenge for mind and body. Diana is going to drive the truck and be my personal SAG wagon for the event, so my stops will be minimal for nature breaks and a change of clothes. We'll have to work on her handing me bottles and food while I'm on the bike so I won't have to stop, but we've already got the communications requirements ready as well as all the support equipment needed. I even have a back-up bike, or two, this year.
I think option 3 will be the best choice for me at this point. What I'll have to do is ride as many Macon rides I can do on Saturdays, continue the WBL rides on Sundays, but at some point one day will have to be sacrificed to build specifically for the BRAF. When to do that and which ride will have to be cut is the tough decision I'll have to make soon.
I have the rest of the week to re-arrange my schedule so I'll hopefully be peaking on the endurance side of the equation for April 20th. Maybe its time to give Eddie-O and a few other endurance riders a call and gather a wealth of advice so the decisions I have to make along the way will be narrowed from the get-go.
On the current training of late, Saturday was a bust. Just not meant to be. Nuff-said 'bout that. Sunday..........well, it was a beautiful December day with very few clouds, a good bit of sunshine, and a slight breeze out of the WNW. And, only one brave soul joined me for the WBL ride. BK and I deviated from the planned route but managed to find ourselves pushing for nearly 20 miles into that slight breeze. When you look down and find you only have one gear left until "Granny", you're heart rate is nearing your personal red-line, you're on a flat, flat road, and your doing a whopping 12.5 mph -->you know you're having some fun!! So the wind is pushing 21+ all day with gusts nearing 30 at times, who wants to be on the couch watching TV and miss an opportunity like this? Put your hands down. BK wasn't happy that we didn't get in over 50 miles, however. On the way back to Perry I distinctly remember doing 27 mph easily and not feeling any wind on my face, and I was happy about it. I do enough riding during the week in the cold and wind to make up for missing a few miles on Sunday, so I don't feel bad about cutting that ride short.
But now those decisions are harder to make knowing I need every mile I can put into the bank at this point if I want to complete the BRAF in April.
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Sunday, December 9, 2007
Is that a soap-box he's standing on?
I've finally found my rhythm again for training and my motivation for improvement is back. Sleep is still allusive most nights, but that is the one variable to which I'm able to adapt easier than what life deals each day.
What training I've been able to accomplish this week has been perfect. I rode the trainer Tuesday night and did the Chris Carmichael climbing DVD, twice. It is a tough one due to all the cadence changes, but part of the training is focusing on your HR. Exactly what I need right now. Yesterday's ride with the Macon group was a wake up call for sure. I committed the error of not eating on the ride because I felt strong the entire time. When the alarm bells went off in my legs, it turned out to be a 10 minute countdown until detonation. I didn't simply fade and slip off the back of the group when I bonked............I nearly came to a complete stop. Those guys were great and waited on me, but I just couldn't keep the pace anymore and it was too late to try and eat gels to even try. Although I'd fallen behind a few times last year and was able to ride myself back on, this was pretty devastating for me. And, a big wake-up call.
One thing did occur when I reached the Macon group that was waiting on me and at first it offended me, but I took it in stride because there was truth in what was asked. One of the guys asked me, "do you guys in Warner Robins wait on folks when they get dropped?" Everyone looked at me for a response. And, the point was made. Touche. It meant a lot to me that these guys waited for me and drove the point home that I should be waiting on folks who get dropped on our CGC WBL rides. The point being made would come around again today when I logged in to update the CGC web page.
Today's CGC WBL ride was a good one even though only 3 other people showed up to join me. I was very worried that the 81 miles I put in Saturday would haunt my efforts today, and the first hour was excruciating. The legs came around after Ammo Hill, however. I began feeling stronger the longer we rode and only started feeling tired when we started climbing the rollers of Camp John Hope toward Hwy-127, which was nearly 56 miles into the ride. About 8 miles out from the finish we were all pretty much done, and I couldn't push more than 20 mph for long. It was a good ride with some great guys. Another 72 miles in the bank for next year.
When I logged into the CGC web page to change the ride details for the next WBL ride, I saw that someone has commented on the "CGC WBL Rides Purpose and Expectations" posting. I appreciate opinions and criticism and it was an honest opinion from someone who had something they needed to say. And, I don't care what he said since his whine came from sour grapes. Not very appetizing for my palate.
Some folks wanted to know just what in the world was our focus, our goals, and the guidelines for the rides, so I stepped up to the plate, gave it my best shot, and thought it was straight forward statements/recommendations of what needs to occur, even though some of the statements were a bit "brash" perhaps. Can't please'em all. Funnier is the fact that 100% of the stated guidelines came from fellow riders' recommendations. The only point I was making in the guidelines is that I will be the bad guy and enforce them. Someone has to and no-one else wanted the job or had a clue of who was going to lead our efforts. Yeah, that's a target on my chest so fire away.
It is times like these that make me want to throw in the towel on this whole CGC WBL thing and let the nay-sayers have their cake. I can do my own training rides on Sundays and get the same results anyway. But, I've already put to rest my own doubts on this endeavour of a winter bike league and I'm committed to see it through regardless. I've talked to Chad at length about whether or not it is worth it, and he's been more than a sounding board for my questions and has given great advice and encouragement for these rides to continue. Given the level he rides at I'm sure he knows what he's talking about since the cyclists that ride according to his guidance are continuing to improve beyond what each thought was possible.
I've always been good at putting puzzles together, not the jigsaw types, but the puzzles I encounter in life such as the post made on the CGC site. And there are only a few possibilities of whom it could be. There are surely more comments to be made, and not always on the CGC site, so the game will continue to be played. Either way, I understand why the statements were made.
What training I've been able to accomplish this week has been perfect. I rode the trainer Tuesday night and did the Chris Carmichael climbing DVD, twice. It is a tough one due to all the cadence changes, but part of the training is focusing on your HR. Exactly what I need right now. Yesterday's ride with the Macon group was a wake up call for sure. I committed the error of not eating on the ride because I felt strong the entire time. When the alarm bells went off in my legs, it turned out to be a 10 minute countdown until detonation. I didn't simply fade and slip off the back of the group when I bonked............I nearly came to a complete stop. Those guys were great and waited on me, but I just couldn't keep the pace anymore and it was too late to try and eat gels to even try. Although I'd fallen behind a few times last year and was able to ride myself back on, this was pretty devastating for me. And, a big wake-up call.
One thing did occur when I reached the Macon group that was waiting on me and at first it offended me, but I took it in stride because there was truth in what was asked. One of the guys asked me, "do you guys in Warner Robins wait on folks when they get dropped?" Everyone looked at me for a response. And, the point was made. Touche. It meant a lot to me that these guys waited for me and drove the point home that I should be waiting on folks who get dropped on our CGC WBL rides. The point being made would come around again today when I logged in to update the CGC web page.
Today's CGC WBL ride was a good one even though only 3 other people showed up to join me. I was very worried that the 81 miles I put in Saturday would haunt my efforts today, and the first hour was excruciating. The legs came around after Ammo Hill, however. I began feeling stronger the longer we rode and only started feeling tired when we started climbing the rollers of Camp John Hope toward Hwy-127, which was nearly 56 miles into the ride. About 8 miles out from the finish we were all pretty much done, and I couldn't push more than 20 mph for long. It was a good ride with some great guys. Another 72 miles in the bank for next year.
When I logged into the CGC web page to change the ride details for the next WBL ride, I saw that someone has commented on the "CGC WBL Rides Purpose and Expectations" posting. I appreciate opinions and criticism and it was an honest opinion from someone who had something they needed to say. And, I don't care what he said since his whine came from sour grapes. Not very appetizing for my palate.
Some folks wanted to know just what in the world was our focus, our goals, and the guidelines for the rides, so I stepped up to the plate, gave it my best shot, and thought it was straight forward statements/recommendations of what needs to occur, even though some of the statements were a bit "brash" perhaps. Can't please'em all. Funnier is the fact that 100% of the stated guidelines came from fellow riders' recommendations. The only point I was making in the guidelines is that I will be the bad guy and enforce them. Someone has to and no-one else wanted the job or had a clue of who was going to lead our efforts. Yeah, that's a target on my chest so fire away.
It is times like these that make me want to throw in the towel on this whole CGC WBL thing and let the nay-sayers have their cake. I can do my own training rides on Sundays and get the same results anyway. But, I've already put to rest my own doubts on this endeavour of a winter bike league and I'm committed to see it through regardless. I've talked to Chad at length about whether or not it is worth it, and he's been more than a sounding board for my questions and has given great advice and encouragement for these rides to continue. Given the level he rides at I'm sure he knows what he's talking about since the cyclists that ride according to his guidance are continuing to improve beyond what each thought was possible.
I've always been good at putting puzzles together, not the jigsaw types, but the puzzles I encounter in life such as the post made on the CGC site. And there are only a few possibilities of whom it could be. There are surely more comments to be made, and not always on the CGC site, so the game will continue to be played. Either way, I understand why the statements were made.
Monday, December 3, 2007
Insomnia Cycling
The first rule of Winter Bike League is..........
Winter brings more than just a changing of season with leaves falling and grass fading. The crisp snap of a cold morning livens the senses to a new day. Refreshing. Life. Well, it is something not quiet that invigorating that arrives with winter for me. Winter brings the sleepless nights of insomnia that have been a part of my life since childhood.
My mother as well as our family doctor were convinced that it was hyper activity when I was a child entering my early teens. Something that is treated with Ritalin or some other exotic parenting drug nowadays, but back then it was a tad different: the Thorazine shuffle. But, the drugs had about the same effect. I would ride my bike until dark and sometimes past just to expend the energy I had so I could sleep. It never worked and still doesn't.
When I worked at Amoco Fabrics just after high school, it was a swing shift. Nothing like throwing the old circadian rhythm out of wack like that kind of schedule. Being eager to make money and advance quicker than my fellow sloths, I worked whatever shift was asked if a position needed to be covered. It took its toll after a few months. I'd lost over 35 pounds and looked like a raccoon............but worse at a ragged 14o pounds. I'd also been going without sleep for days on end. The final straw was when the day shift super asked me to come with him to get my yearly physical and I agreed. Hell, I didn't even know what day it was. I thought it was a random drug test, but knew deep down I was in trouble and needing rest and was the reason why. After a few days rest and help from a doctor that specialized in sleep disorders, basically he gave me drugs to make me sleep, I realized just how far out over the edge I'd gone. 11 days in a row without sleep. 11 days............... Someone looked at the hours I'd been working and realized there was a problem that needed a resolution. I remembered everything of each day. Even the things that weren't exactly .......well.........real. Funny things happens when you push yourself too far naturally or not.
Last night I was asleep by 11pm, but by 2:15 my mind was awake and racing through various ideas, worries, and concerns for the coming days, weeks, and months. Not stressful worry, however. Body is tired. Mind is tireless. This is the 8th day in a row of less than 5 hours of sleep. At 3:15 I listened to the first rain drops pitter-pattering down on the roof. I remembered back to my childhood when my family would gather at the farm house that pre-dated the Civil War, and we would be soothed into slumber at night by the pelting rain on the tin roof.....and sleep would come as comforting as your mother's gentle touch feeling your forehead at night to make sure you were not running a fever. By 4:20 the rain was like a thousand squirrels playing leap frog while wearing steel soled shoes. It sounded similar to a very complex piece of classical music having too many instruments to fathom, and yet each note was as clear to me as if each musician was playing solo.
I thought back through yesterday's events and recalled that it seemed like a fuzzy dream while I was out on the bike. Complete relaxation was what I remembered about the day. Even our bike ride was not stressful too me. I felt strong at the end physically but mental clarity was lacking. I do recall being a little punchy before the ride and being a little brash about the way we should all conduct ourselves during the winter bike league rides. I hope the guys didn't take it personal, but the emphasis is needed that I intend to take charge of these rides to ensure safety most importantly but also to keep the focus on how we (I) need to be training. It may piss a few folks off, but I know what worked for me in the past that resulted in tremendous advances in fitness so I'll follow those general guidelines again this year. Sleep is an integral part of the equation, however.
I began teaching the Physics class today and struggled to stay sharp on explanations of formulas, standards, and applications. I didn't make any mistakes today, however, as I slowed down a bit to think things through more so than usual. Nothing like making a mistake, having to "un-teach" the topic, and then "re-teach" the correct method. You'll always lose a couple and push a few more into the gray zone of misunderstanding if that happens. After all, I'm shoving a 50 hour class at them in 9 days so its like drinking from a fire hose for the students. My lack of sleep is causing a lack of learning for my students. They don't see it, but my passion for the subject was lacking today and that is unacceptable. I want them to enjoy learning as much as I enjoy seeing them learn and that takes more energy than I had today.
Tonight brings opportunities to dream and hopefully the resting of a weary mind. I'll try to reset my internal clock with a man-made Zeitgeber before bed ~ a very bright light ~ and perhaps spend some time outside in the sun tomorrow showing my students parts of an aircraft while discussing aerodynamics. Natural, bright light usually does the trick........ for a while.
"Day is desire and night is sleep. There are no shadows anywhere."~Wallace Stevens
Winter brings more than just a changing of season with leaves falling and grass fading. The crisp snap of a cold morning livens the senses to a new day. Refreshing. Life. Well, it is something not quiet that invigorating that arrives with winter for me. Winter brings the sleepless nights of insomnia that have been a part of my life since childhood.
My mother as well as our family doctor were convinced that it was hyper activity when I was a child entering my early teens. Something that is treated with Ritalin or some other exotic parenting drug nowadays, but back then it was a tad different: the Thorazine shuffle. But, the drugs had about the same effect. I would ride my bike until dark and sometimes past just to expend the energy I had so I could sleep. It never worked and still doesn't.
When I worked at Amoco Fabrics just after high school, it was a swing shift. Nothing like throwing the old circadian rhythm out of wack like that kind of schedule. Being eager to make money and advance quicker than my fellow sloths, I worked whatever shift was asked if a position needed to be covered. It took its toll after a few months. I'd lost over 35 pounds and looked like a raccoon............but worse at a ragged 14o pounds. I'd also been going without sleep for days on end. The final straw was when the day shift super asked me to come with him to get my yearly physical and I agreed. Hell, I didn't even know what day it was. I thought it was a random drug test, but knew deep down I was in trouble and needing rest and was the reason why. After a few days rest and help from a doctor that specialized in sleep disorders, basically he gave me drugs to make me sleep, I realized just how far out over the edge I'd gone. 11 days in a row without sleep. 11 days............... Someone looked at the hours I'd been working and realized there was a problem that needed a resolution. I remembered everything of each day. Even the things that weren't exactly .......well.........real. Funny things happens when you push yourself too far naturally or not.
Last night I was asleep by 11pm, but by 2:15 my mind was awake and racing through various ideas, worries, and concerns for the coming days, weeks, and months. Not stressful worry, however. Body is tired. Mind is tireless. This is the 8th day in a row of less than 5 hours of sleep. At 3:15 I listened to the first rain drops pitter-pattering down on the roof. I remembered back to my childhood when my family would gather at the farm house that pre-dated the Civil War, and we would be soothed into slumber at night by the pelting rain on the tin roof.....and sleep would come as comforting as your mother's gentle touch feeling your forehead at night to make sure you were not running a fever. By 4:20 the rain was like a thousand squirrels playing leap frog while wearing steel soled shoes. It sounded similar to a very complex piece of classical music having too many instruments to fathom, and yet each note was as clear to me as if each musician was playing solo.
I thought back through yesterday's events and recalled that it seemed like a fuzzy dream while I was out on the bike. Complete relaxation was what I remembered about the day. Even our bike ride was not stressful too me. I felt strong at the end physically but mental clarity was lacking. I do recall being a little punchy before the ride and being a little brash about the way we should all conduct ourselves during the winter bike league rides. I hope the guys didn't take it personal, but the emphasis is needed that I intend to take charge of these rides to ensure safety most importantly but also to keep the focus on how we (I) need to be training. It may piss a few folks off, but I know what worked for me in the past that resulted in tremendous advances in fitness so I'll follow those general guidelines again this year. Sleep is an integral part of the equation, however.
I began teaching the Physics class today and struggled to stay sharp on explanations of formulas, standards, and applications. I didn't make any mistakes today, however, as I slowed down a bit to think things through more so than usual. Nothing like making a mistake, having to "un-teach" the topic, and then "re-teach" the correct method. You'll always lose a couple and push a few more into the gray zone of misunderstanding if that happens. After all, I'm shoving a 50 hour class at them in 9 days so its like drinking from a fire hose for the students. My lack of sleep is causing a lack of learning for my students. They don't see it, but my passion for the subject was lacking today and that is unacceptable. I want them to enjoy learning as much as I enjoy seeing them learn and that takes more energy than I had today.
Tonight brings opportunities to dream and hopefully the resting of a weary mind. I'll try to reset my internal clock with a man-made Zeitgeber before bed ~ a very bright light ~ and perhaps spend some time outside in the sun tomorrow showing my students parts of an aircraft while discussing aerodynamics. Natural, bright light usually does the trick........ for a while.
"Day is desire and night is sleep. There are no shadows anywhere."~Wallace Stevens
Friday, November 30, 2007
Damn hot water heater....
"It sounded like a puppy squealing, and then there was this loud BUMP, hiss, gurgling sound...." the wife said a few days after I noticed the hot water ran out quicker than usual during my morning shower and mentioning this during our morning caffeine fix.
"So, perhaps it wasn't a cute little puppy bashing his brains in underneath the house dear?" I asked of my loving wife. Glaring beams of death cast my way.....but I survive yet again.
Given that the so-called crawl space is 4 ft. high, he'd have to be one big-ass "puppy." I did not mention this particular revelation to the spouse.
Thinking I had an old copper pipe split lengthwise and spilling several thousands of gallons of water under our house for several days, I grab a flashlight and venture into what I was sure to be Waldon Pond. No pond, but I did have a hissing "puppy" otherwise known as a water heater that had split. Luckily, the split was on top and not on the side or bottom that would have been some real fun. I guess the puppy had bashed his brains in after all. Damn hot water heater.
What to do? I wasn't sure if I wanted to finally go with a tankless water heater or fight to drag a large appliance underneath the house. I think tankless is the wiser choice since it is cheaper in some ways than a conventional water heater that is constantly burning money to keep the water heated compared to the tankless that only runs when needed. Our friends, Ronnie and Nancy, have the tankless system at their cabin and are happy with the investment, so it made sense to try it. So, I decide to buy one to replace our "puppy." Damn hot water heater.
Well, only Ace Hardware can get it in less than two weeks. "Ain't this a geographical oddity. Two weeks from anywhere." Upon receiving my new water heater that is not much bigger than your average desktop computer processor, I discover that I need to add another dual 40A breaker to my electrical panel and run more wire. Damn water heater. Can someone please tell me where a licensed electrician is in this county? Must be two weeks away by the response I got from nearly 15 phone calls. So I consulted a colleague at MGTC that teaches electrical wiring, took the 15 minute cram course in how not to fry yourself by sticking metal objects into a live electrical panel, and actually feel more comfortable tackling the task on my own. But, I have to skip several bike rides in order to replace the puppy. Damn hot water heater.
Tomorrow I will be dragging my sorry ass out of bed early enough to make the rooster wonder WTF? and will begin the task of replacing the damn hot water heater. At least I get to drink a cold Stone Brewery Smoked Porter while I'm fine tuning the flow-rate and temperature settings of the new tankless system.
Damn, I may like my new hot water heater.
"So, perhaps it wasn't a cute little puppy bashing his brains in underneath the house dear?" I asked of my loving wife. Glaring beams of death cast my way.....but I survive yet again.
Given that the so-called crawl space is 4 ft. high, he'd have to be one big-ass "puppy." I did not mention this particular revelation to the spouse.
Thinking I had an old copper pipe split lengthwise and spilling several thousands of gallons of water under our house for several days, I grab a flashlight and venture into what I was sure to be Waldon Pond. No pond, but I did have a hissing "puppy" otherwise known as a water heater that had split. Luckily, the split was on top and not on the side or bottom that would have been some real fun. I guess the puppy had bashed his brains in after all. Damn hot water heater.
What to do? I wasn't sure if I wanted to finally go with a tankless water heater or fight to drag a large appliance underneath the house. I think tankless is the wiser choice since it is cheaper in some ways than a conventional water heater that is constantly burning money to keep the water heated compared to the tankless that only runs when needed. Our friends, Ronnie and Nancy, have the tankless system at their cabin and are happy with the investment, so it made sense to try it. So, I decide to buy one to replace our "puppy." Damn hot water heater.
Well, only Ace Hardware can get it in less than two weeks. "Ain't this a geographical oddity. Two weeks from anywhere." Upon receiving my new water heater that is not much bigger than your average desktop computer processor, I discover that I need to add another dual 40A breaker to my electrical panel and run more wire. Damn water heater. Can someone please tell me where a licensed electrician is in this county? Must be two weeks away by the response I got from nearly 15 phone calls. So I consulted a colleague at MGTC that teaches electrical wiring, took the 15 minute cram course in how not to fry yourself by sticking metal objects into a live electrical panel, and actually feel more comfortable tackling the task on my own. But, I have to skip several bike rides in order to replace the puppy. Damn hot water heater.
Tomorrow I will be dragging my sorry ass out of bed early enough to make the rooster wonder WTF? and will begin the task of replacing the damn hot water heater. At least I get to drink a cold Stone Brewery Smoked Porter while I'm fine tuning the flow-rate and temperature settings of the new tankless system.
Damn, I may like my new hot water heater.
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Back on track
Its that time of year to venture into the darkness after work and put some miles in the bank for a payoff down the road. Call it lack of motivation, but I just haven't been able to get myself going after work and ride a bike until now. Several folks I know, all of them cyclists, have been diagnosed with Lyme disease after seeking medical help for feeling tired and lethargic among other symptoms. Thankfully, that is not my problem but if it were it would be a good excuse for the drag-assing I've been doing. I've just lost interest for some reason since July. I've maintained a trickling weight loss, however, due only to cutting my caloric intake down to the equivalent of a stick of gum twice a day (except when beer and eating with friends is involved), but now the real fat burning really begins.
I decided to take advantage of the nice weather we've had and do a few miles today after work. The route is a loop of roughly 5.4 miles and is fairly safe compared to taking chances on our regular routes. Jesse joined in on the fun and we did about 26 miles just to stretch our legs a bit at around 21 mph. I think I'll continue doing this loop like last winter, but I also want to see about an area that is lit and might work as a possible crit loop. A few of the Macon guys said they would drive down and join in on some crit workouts so I guess the ball is in my court. I'm also planning on starting back riding with those guys on Saturdays and see if I can hang on. Even though I knew I was going to die several times on some of the rides with them last year (at least I felt that way) the pay off was more than I ever imagined. I was also riding two nights a week, after work, in the dark, solo for 40+ miles, and on Sundays after the punishment I received on Saturday, but it was riding with much stronger riders that made the difference for the huge jump in fitness for me. Humbling as it was for me to be able to just hang on, I was proud that I never got dropped totally out of contact with the pack. Some folks had to help me back several times, but I never completely popped until the very end of the rides. That's what is supposed to happen anyway as far as I'm concerned.
I haven't ridden the re-route we worked on this past Saturday at Thomson because I wanted to see the line that has developed after it has been ridden in. That way I can mentally note where to cut out the remaining root beds to complete the trail mod. Its always a good idea to re-visit the mods you make so you can see if it works well, needs to be fine-tuned, or perhaps covered up so no-one can ever ride it again. So tomorrow I will see if it all works as planned.
I decided to take advantage of the nice weather we've had and do a few miles today after work. The route is a loop of roughly 5.4 miles and is fairly safe compared to taking chances on our regular routes. Jesse joined in on the fun and we did about 26 miles just to stretch our legs a bit at around 21 mph. I think I'll continue doing this loop like last winter, but I also want to see about an area that is lit and might work as a possible crit loop. A few of the Macon guys said they would drive down and join in on some crit workouts so I guess the ball is in my court. I'm also planning on starting back riding with those guys on Saturdays and see if I can hang on. Even though I knew I was going to die several times on some of the rides with them last year (at least I felt that way) the pay off was more than I ever imagined. I was also riding two nights a week, after work, in the dark, solo for 40+ miles, and on Sundays after the punishment I received on Saturday, but it was riding with much stronger riders that made the difference for the huge jump in fitness for me. Humbling as it was for me to be able to just hang on, I was proud that I never got dropped totally out of contact with the pack. Some folks had to help me back several times, but I never completely popped until the very end of the rides. That's what is supposed to happen anyway as far as I'm concerned.
I haven't ridden the re-route we worked on this past Saturday at Thomson because I wanted to see the line that has developed after it has been ridden in. That way I can mentally note where to cut out the remaining root beds to complete the trail mod. Its always a good idea to re-visit the mods you make so you can see if it works well, needs to be fine-tuned, or perhaps covered up so no-one can ever ride it again. So tomorrow I will see if it all works as planned.
Monday, November 19, 2007
Taming Thomson.............right
I've had the opportunity to ride with some interesting people, discover the varying aspects of what cycling means to them, and even toss in a contribution of my own to the cycling community here and there. The last few months I've jumped head first into making trail modifications at Thomson Trails, and hopefully it will leave a lasting mark on the mountain biking community in these parts. Not the chest pounding, "love-me" wall, neanderthal grunt hey-look-at-me aspect some desire. Far from it. Simply..........a quiet way of paying back those who I enjoy spending time riding with by making the trail more enjoyable for all. A trail that doesn't erode, or needs to be maintained. Hey, I may be on to something here.
There are some trails that people just hate to ride, and there are people who hate to ride any other trail but one. Thomson is exactly that. Hated by some, loved by others. I too like to tempt fate sometimes and ride beyond my wisdom. Hell, some people can take the brakes loose and never have a problem. Those folks are getting paid, and they don't ride the local trails.
This past weekend was one for the record books. I'm not sure what brought everyone out to help with the trail maintenance/re-routing plans, but damn it was outstanding to see some familiar faces and some new ones as well. I think close to 14 folks showed up, and some drove a long way, like Bruce, just to help out. Big THANKS!! to all who put some sweat equity into the local trail! Recently, I'd walked out several possibilities for re-directing the area at what the locals call "Dan's Bastard", and I met Mark D at Thomson one afternoon to walk them out and see what he liked. It was cool to find that Mark was fired up about the re-route like I was and we marked out some very nice single track. And, I must give credit to Don Bill for showing me several of the spots that needed immediate attention a long while back. Hopefully, he and Angie will get a chance sooner than later of riding the trail in its new form. It flows nicely, IMHO, in each area that has been re-routed. But it is still an animal. These areas will not need attention like some areas of the trail..................and those areas will see the blade soon enough.
While I'm giving credit, let me say something about the peanut gallery. As thankful as I was for having more help than I could have imagined, I was more thankful for the thick skin I've built up over the years. When a person who is helping build new trail complains that we are "dumbing down the trail" (make that 3 people), its difficult to smile and hold your tongue. But life is like a box of chocolates, you can throw away the chocolate covered cherry ones after your done getting what you want from them. Dean Thornton said it best, "If they think we're dumbing down the trail, tell them to un-hook the brakes and ride it. Then we'll see."
Amen Deano. Amen.
There are some trails that people just hate to ride, and there are people who hate to ride any other trail but one. Thomson is exactly that. Hated by some, loved by others. I too like to tempt fate sometimes and ride beyond my wisdom. Hell, some people can take the brakes loose and never have a problem. Those folks are getting paid, and they don't ride the local trails.
This past weekend was one for the record books. I'm not sure what brought everyone out to help with the trail maintenance/re-routing plans, but damn it was outstanding to see some familiar faces and some new ones as well. I think close to 14 folks showed up, and some drove a long way, like Bruce, just to help out. Big THANKS!! to all who put some sweat equity into the local trail! Recently, I'd walked out several possibilities for re-directing the area at what the locals call "Dan's Bastard", and I met Mark D at Thomson one afternoon to walk them out and see what he liked. It was cool to find that Mark was fired up about the re-route like I was and we marked out some very nice single track. And, I must give credit to Don Bill for showing me several of the spots that needed immediate attention a long while back. Hopefully, he and Angie will get a chance sooner than later of riding the trail in its new form. It flows nicely, IMHO, in each area that has been re-routed. But it is still an animal. These areas will not need attention like some areas of the trail..................and those areas will see the blade soon enough.
While I'm giving credit, let me say something about the peanut gallery. As thankful as I was for having more help than I could have imagined, I was more thankful for the thick skin I've built up over the years. When a person who is helping build new trail complains that we are "dumbing down the trail" (make that 3 people), its difficult to smile and hold your tongue. But life is like a box of chocolates, you can throw away the chocolate covered cherry ones after your done getting what you want from them. Dean Thornton said it best, "If they think we're dumbing down the trail, tell them to un-hook the brakes and ride it. Then we'll see."
Amen Deano. Amen.
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Decisions.......decisions.........
"The test of a first-rate intelligence is the ability to hold two opposed ideas in the mind at the same time, and still retain the ability to function."
F. Scott Fitzgerald
I wouldn't dare put myself above another human by comparing intellect, and yet today I find myself at a crossroads of absolute reason, clarity of truth as it were, and the epitome of relative perception. I saw more than just the two opposing ideas in a moment of pure lucidity.
The calmness of mind that cycling provides me is simultaneously driving the body to find every genetic limit while under duress, and I crave that calmness more and more. Funny how physical suffering is the part that no longer worries me, and I crave it as well. But today............there was no relief from the multitude of wants and needs racing around in the grey matter during my ride. I was internalizing everything that was going on around me, but I dare not say a word. Not because I couldn't, but because its better to hold your tongue and be thought a fool than to open your mouth and remove all doubt. Something I have a hard enough time with every waking moment. I've tried to help other riders improve by giving advice or making a recommendation, but maybe my personality is not strong enough to give my words the iron that is needed. I've tried to be more PC the last few years since I'm not exactly a "people person", but maybe its time I go back to my old way of thinking and not give a shit less what others think.
I know when I've had a good ride because I feel mentally refreshed and physically exhausted. Today was a 180 spin. I felt like 15 minutes of throwing fist at a heavy bag was just what was needed. The only thing that I resolved was the reason for the cramping in my thighs. After looking through my ride diary, I've pin-pointed the reason for the cramps and will eliminate it from my training. Other than that, my conversations with Eddie gave me inspiration to work harder for next year's race season, and he and I will be doing some weekly riding together to work toward that goal.
I've read that small minded people talk about others while open minded people talk about ideas. Its time I push the door open and let in some light.......some reasoning.
So, it is either continue the current path of attempting to be part of a cohesive unit that because of built-in differences will likely fail to achieve its goal, or lense my own path. Perhaps the more difficult path is forging my own way. And perhaps it is right. Selfish? Perhaps....................but I don't give a shit.
F. Scott Fitzgerald
I wouldn't dare put myself above another human by comparing intellect, and yet today I find myself at a crossroads of absolute reason, clarity of truth as it were, and the epitome of relative perception. I saw more than just the two opposing ideas in a moment of pure lucidity.
The calmness of mind that cycling provides me is simultaneously driving the body to find every genetic limit while under duress, and I crave that calmness more and more. Funny how physical suffering is the part that no longer worries me, and I crave it as well. But today............there was no relief from the multitude of wants and needs racing around in the grey matter during my ride. I was internalizing everything that was going on around me, but I dare not say a word. Not because I couldn't, but because its better to hold your tongue and be thought a fool than to open your mouth and remove all doubt. Something I have a hard enough time with every waking moment. I've tried to help other riders improve by giving advice or making a recommendation, but maybe my personality is not strong enough to give my words the iron that is needed. I've tried to be more PC the last few years since I'm not exactly a "people person", but maybe its time I go back to my old way of thinking and not give a shit less what others think.
I know when I've had a good ride because I feel mentally refreshed and physically exhausted. Today was a 180 spin. I felt like 15 minutes of throwing fist at a heavy bag was just what was needed. The only thing that I resolved was the reason for the cramping in my thighs. After looking through my ride diary, I've pin-pointed the reason for the cramps and will eliminate it from my training. Other than that, my conversations with Eddie gave me inspiration to work harder for next year's race season, and he and I will be doing some weekly riding together to work toward that goal.
I've read that small minded people talk about others while open minded people talk about ideas. Its time I push the door open and let in some light.......some reasoning.
So, it is either continue the current path of attempting to be part of a cohesive unit that because of built-in differences will likely fail to achieve its goal, or lense my own path. Perhaps the more difficult path is forging my own way. And perhaps it is right. Selfish? Perhaps....................but I don't give a shit.
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Fall Fun
There is no better way to start out the Fall season than helping a friend, so when Jesse said "I have a Corvette in Illinois that I need to go get" only two words came to mind for several of us: ROAD TRIP!! So Dave, Jesse, and I borrowed a car-hauling-trailer from John, piled into the truck, and kicked the rooster in the ass one Friday to start a 1,300+ mile journey to retrieve Jesse's stuff (and pick up some beer along the way of course!). And, boy howdy did Jesse have "stuff" to bring back.
After stopping off in the ATL to feed the growlers, we passed through the North Georgia mountains during a beautiful sunrise that revealed Fall foliage as far as the eye could see. We had to navigate the mountains of Tennessee, and I snapped a few pics along the way.
I don't think my road trip companions were very pleased with me doing the photog thing while simultaneously driving at 70+ mph, but they brought extra shorts for the overnight trip and managed quite nicely.
"Should I be driving?" is what Jesse's thinking right about now.
Here's downtown Nashville just after sunrise:
Not sure what came first, the river or the state, but we found ourselves crossing into Kentucky and over the Ohio River sometime before lunch.
Dave kept his better half informed with texting on whether or not Jesse and I dragged him into a strip bar along the way.
Psst......just keep the cash coming Dave and we'll never tell............
We stopped off in Peducha, Kentucky to eat at the Kountry Kastle.......after driving around for 30 minutes trying to find someplace else to eat! If the parking lot is full, the food must be good!
Now, as soon as I find that frakin' picture of the drunk doing the Weeble-Wobble stagger in the parking lot of the strip club next door I'll post it. Oops........sorry Dave.
We also cruised by Flipper's old crib. Didn't know Jesse was royalty...
...and DAAaammmmmnnnnn!!! Boy had a nice little piece of the American Dream tucked away on a hill.
After arriving in Troy, Illinois we began loading up Jesse's "stuff". Holy hell did Jesse have some stuff! He said he had a rock collection, but we didn't realize it was the remains of a quarry. I didn't get any pics of all the boxes of rocks as Dave did, but we just did fit everything into the truck. We also put Jesse's 1976 Corvette on the trailer we borrowed from John. Now THAT was worth driving 1,300+ miles for. And yes.......we had to put boxes of rocks in the Vette as well. Here's a piece of advice for you: if you live in a glass house, don't piss off Flipper!
We decided after loading up parts every geological sample on the face of this planet, and perhaps a few other planets yet to be discovered by scientists (but not Jesse), we headed out on the road to see one of the most awe inspiring monuments I've seen: the St. Louis Arch. It was night time when we got there, and the pictures we took don't do it justice, but man what an experience!
Dave at the base:
Three Amigos..
Not sure what building this is, but I attempted to snap a decent pic of it.
We got to touch the Mississippi too.
After a long day of driving, taking pictures, and loading rocks into the truck, we crashed for a few hours before doing the return trip home.
The next day we headed south and along the way we viewed some interesting sights, purchased mass quantities of exotic hops and barely before most people had morning coffee, and took more photos.
Express yourself.....
After stopping off in the ATL to feed the growlers, we passed through the North Georgia mountains during a beautiful sunrise that revealed Fall foliage as far as the eye could see. We had to navigate the mountains of Tennessee, and I snapped a few pics along the way.
I don't think my road trip companions were very pleased with me doing the photog thing while simultaneously driving at 70+ mph, but they brought extra shorts for the overnight trip and managed quite nicely.
"Should I be driving?" is what Jesse's thinking right about now.Here's downtown Nashville just after sunrise:
Not sure what came first, the river or the state, but we found ourselves crossing into Kentucky and over the Ohio River sometime before lunch.
Dave kept his better half informed with texting on whether or not Jesse and I dragged him into a strip bar along the way.
Psst......just keep the cash coming Dave and we'll never tell............We stopped off in Peducha, Kentucky to eat at the Kountry Kastle.......after driving around for 30 minutes trying to find someplace else to eat! If the parking lot is full, the food must be good!
Now, as soon as I find that frakin' picture of the drunk doing the Weeble-Wobble stagger in the parking lot of the strip club next door I'll post it. Oops........sorry Dave.
We also cruised by Flipper's old crib. Didn't know Jesse was royalty...
...and DAAaammmmmnnnnn!!! Boy had a nice little piece of the American Dream tucked away on a hill.
After arriving in Troy, Illinois we began loading up Jesse's "stuff". Holy hell did Jesse have some stuff! He said he had a rock collection, but we didn't realize it was the remains of a quarry. I didn't get any pics of all the boxes of rocks as Dave did, but we just did fit everything into the truck. We also put Jesse's 1976 Corvette on the trailer we borrowed from John. Now THAT was worth driving 1,300+ miles for. And yes.......we had to put boxes of rocks in the Vette as well. Here's a piece of advice for you: if you live in a glass house, don't piss off Flipper!
We decided after loading up parts every geological sample on the face of this planet, and perhaps a few other planets yet to be discovered by scientists (but not Jesse), we headed out on the road to see one of the most awe inspiring monuments I've seen: the St. Louis Arch. It was night time when we got there, and the pictures we took don't do it justice, but man what an experience!
Dave at the base:
Three Amigos..
Not sure what building this is, but I attempted to snap a decent pic of it.
We got to touch the Mississippi too.
After a long day of driving, taking pictures, and loading rocks into the truck, we crashed for a few hours before doing the return trip home.
The next day we headed south and along the way we viewed some interesting sights, purchased mass quantities of exotic hops and barely before most people had morning coffee, and took more photos.Express yourself.....
How much "stuff" can you put into the back seat of an F-150? 6 cases and a Jesse.
Heavenly Art
Dave gathering evidence of my photo taking/driving exhibition.
Wonder what's on Jesse's mind......
My Precious...
Make this the law in Georgia, but for cyclists, and things will change...
Damn Vette kept drafting me all the way home...
After a very long journey of nearly 1,400 miles, we knew we were close to home when traffic came to a crawl just outside of the ATL...
This was one of many journeys I've made with great friends, and I'm sure there will be many more in the days ahead. We found some outstanding beer in the unlikeliest of places; we discovered that the American way of life and the American dream is still thriving where neon lights, old fashioned service, and respect for your fellow man is held close to heart; and we helped a friend find some closure with his past by building on the future. Thanks for passing time with me guys.
Looking forward to the next time.........
Monday, October 29, 2007
Weekend of Fall fun
The last few days have been wonderful as the weather is perfect for every outdoor activity known to man including the Halloween ride/party at Thomson Trails. CGC also held the first of many winter bike league training rides Sunday afternoon, and I was relieved to find out/confirm with Dr. Wiley on Friday that I have tendinitis instead of something worse. Yep, it has been a good couple of days.
Diana and I met Dave and Carrie at Cracker Barrel Saturday morning for breakfast, and then headed out the Thomson to decorate the trail. I'm not sure who put the rotting corpse at the bottom of Dan's Bastard, but they need to go clean it up. Nice effect, but damn...................... just kidding. For some reason, I was pretty enthusiastic about Halloween this year, and Dave and I managed to rig some interesting noise makers in two spots on the trail. Nothing like cow bells ringing right next to you when you're not expecting it. Yep, I had a Halloween fever...........and the only prescription was more cow bell.......
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EVbAuMr5eac
A few less people showed for the Halloween ride than years previous, but that's ok. We still had a great time, and it meant more beer and food for the rest of us.
Sunday was the first CGC Winter Bike League training ride and we had a pretty good size group show up to kick things off. I'd planned this first route to be a bit shorter than the upcoming rides so no-one was discouraged from coming back, and as a result several people commented that it could have been a few more miles in length. But, that's ok. We also did a tempo less than what I wanted to do, but we had a few people along for this first ride that were hurting early on so we eased up a bit. This particular route, Gently Rolling Farmland (insert Don Bill's evil grin here) had decent climbing at roughly 2,800 ft., with some into the wind, and that is were the "tempo" part of the ride comes into play. For the most part, we held things together very well and it was a good day on the bike.
The schedule gets more difficult from here on out as the routes increase in tempo and vertical ascent. We should be hitting 65-70 miles in under 3.5 hours before December gets here, but the vertical ascent will also be getting close to 3500 feet at the end. Anyone who has attempted to put a 100k route together for this area and tried to get over 3k ft. of vertical will know its pretty tough to do. The cool thing is that there is a lot of applications out there that allow you to experiment with routes. Putting the routes together takes a lot of time, but it also allows others to not have to worry about where they want to ride to get in some miles. The fun part for me is checking the weather channel and arranging the route to put the wind in our face for the last half or so of the ride. If I'm limited on hills to climb I might as well simulate a faster speed. And, its gonna get colder pretty soon. I'm sure we'll have a lot of these on CGC WBL rides:
The infamous "Snot Gun"
Monday, October 22, 2007
Trail Trolls at it again......
There's only one way to do trail work at Thomson....
It has been a fairly relaxing weekend even though each day consisted of hard work.
Saturday, I finally got off the couch and went for a ride after 2 weeks of sloth. What a beautiful day to be riding! The temps were pretty chilly at the start, but the sun was shining and it warmed up nicely at the end. Jesse and I had discussed taking it easy and exploring some roads I want to incorporate into a WBL route, so we gathered at 8am at the Perry Welcome Center so our ride wouldn't interfere with the regular group ride that day at 9am. Tom H. showed up as well, so we had an enjoyable ride discussing various topics. The bad news of the day is that after only 2 miles of riding I'd determined that my knee pain from 2 weeks before was back and notifying me that nothing had changed during my rest period. I pushed on even though each mile meant more aggravation. I pushed nearly 10 miles one-legged to keep my knee from hurting further at the end of the ride. I think we ended up with over 54 miles in 3.5 hours. Not a great performance, but the goal was to ride easy and enjoy the day doing what we love the most. I have an appointment with Dr. Wiley for this Friday to investigate further what is causing the current issue in my knee. I think I pushed too hard during 6 GAP and pulled a tendon and didn't recognize this fact since everything was hurting that day. I can say that this is not the same pain I had before surgery in July, and it feels like a tendon or IT band is rubbing against something that is causing the aggravation.
Sunday, the Trail Trolls were at work again at Thomson. After hearing about and watching friends get hurt on several terribly eroded spots at the trail and after too much discussion and not enough action about re-routes the last year or so, I met Mark D. at the trail one afternoon and discussed changes that need/should be made. We decided on some major modifications that will improve the trail system, but these changes also mean the flow of the trail will be forever altered -- but in a good way. The latter also means some people will be pissed off, but conversely it means more people with lesser skills can still ride and not fear death at every turn. We're not "dumbing down the trail" as voices from the peanut gallery have shouted. To that I say, "Ride faster! Thomson can take everything you have to offer and will beg for more." The #1 reason for mods is to get rid of the damn erosion so we don't have to work ourselves to death maintaining the trail system. And given that so few people actually show up and voluntarily work to maintain the trail, I decided to seek approval and begin the work myself. My loving wife decided she would join me on re-routing the trail at specific places, but I don't think she knew exactly what she was getting into. And, without her there was no way I could have done it alone. We began around 9am and by 3:30 pm we had called a few people for back-up to help finish what we started. We didn't find anyone who wasn't busy, so we trudged onward with our goals. We did complete the re-routes, Diana got to ride both of them before we headed home, and life was good once again.
Diana stated that the trail flows very well and you're on the new sections before you actually realize it. So.......................my devious plans of making the trail more rideable as well as needing less maintenance worked out in the end.
Let's see who throws the first stone..........
Sorry, but this little guy says it all!!
Sorry, but this little guy says it all!!Sunday, October 14, 2007
Shut your cake hole!!!!
Portion Control........
This ideal is harder to apply than most things in life, and I'm not talking about my dietary plans entirely.
On the good side, I'm down to 180 lbs. and that is without turning a pedal the last 6 days. Simply monitoring how much I'm feeding the growler each day is making a dramatic difference. I've made very small changes to my daily meals and it has not really affected my energy levels. I miss feeling more full after eating but being able to function is key here. When the growling beast demands sustenance or else it will begin eating the meat off my back-bone, I notice a decrease in mental sharpness and that's not good when you're trying to teach any subject matter. I've been eating Kashi snack bars for my mid-morning hunger killer, and they have been doing the job nicely. They actually keep me from feeling hungry at lunch, but since it is my biggest meal of the day I eat as I should. I just don't "biggie size" my portions. I like eating..........I'm good at it, but power-to-weight ratio is the goal here.
On a different note, not cycling has brought out Type-A raised to the 1oth in me lately. Dr. Jeckyll would be proud that Mr. Hyde has not yet shown himself, but some people just drive me over the edge more easily than most.
It's the "cliff diving champions from the shallow end of the gene pool" that really make me feel warm all over. I guess some folks are just meant to live with dain bramage and Forest Gump through life oblivious to certain things. Hell............I may be doing the same...........who knows.
If it stands to reason that it's better to hold your tongue and be thought a fool than to open your mouth and remove all doubt, I guess this is as far as I'll go bitching about the little things in life than won't matter in the grand scheme of things.
I guess it may be true that if you look around and everyone else seems normal, you're the one who's screwed up..................uhmmmmm.............. oh sh...............
This ideal is harder to apply than most things in life, and I'm not talking about my dietary plans entirely.
On the good side, I'm down to 180 lbs. and that is without turning a pedal the last 6 days. Simply monitoring how much I'm feeding the growler each day is making a dramatic difference. I've made very small changes to my daily meals and it has not really affected my energy levels. I miss feeling more full after eating but being able to function is key here. When the growling beast demands sustenance or else it will begin eating the meat off my back-bone, I notice a decrease in mental sharpness and that's not good when you're trying to teach any subject matter. I've been eating Kashi snack bars for my mid-morning hunger killer, and they have been doing the job nicely. They actually keep me from feeling hungry at lunch, but since it is my biggest meal of the day I eat as I should. I just don't "biggie size" my portions. I like eating..........I'm good at it, but power-to-weight ratio is the goal here.
On a different note, not cycling has brought out Type-A raised to the 1oth in me lately. Dr. Jeckyll would be proud that Mr. Hyde has not yet shown himself, but some people just drive me over the edge more easily than most.
It's the "cliff diving champions from the shallow end of the gene pool" that really make me feel warm all over. I guess some folks are just meant to live with dain bramage and Forest Gump through life oblivious to certain things. Hell............I may be doing the same...........who knows.If it stands to reason that it's better to hold your tongue and be thought a fool than to open your mouth and remove all doubt, I guess this is as far as I'll go bitching about the little things in life than won't matter in the grand scheme of things.
I guess it may be true that if you look around and everyone else seems normal, you're the one who's screwed up..................uhmmmmm.............. oh sh...............
Monday, October 8, 2007
Tired puppy.....
It's time to take a few days (weeks) off the bike. I'm a tired puppy..............
I've developed tendonitis in my left knee again and it's something that only rest, careful exercise/therapy, and lots of time can alleviate. I'd planned a week off the bike anyway, but a few more won't really hurt. It gives me time to do some work at Thomson Trails. Trail maintenance work builds core muscles so it's not a total loss of fitness.
I've developed tendonitis in my left knee again and it's something that only rest, careful exercise/therapy, and lots of time can alleviate. I'd planned a week off the bike anyway, but a few more won't really hurt. It gives me time to do some work at Thomson Trails. Trail maintenance work builds core muscles so it's not a total loss of fitness.
This time also gives me an opportunity to adhere to the diet more stringently since I won't be burning calories 5 days a week on the bike over the next few weeks. After reading several books - or at least portions of several books - and getting input from different nutritionists, I'm embarking on different paths to fulfill nutritional requirements. Portion control is my biggest problem but my mindset has to be the same as when I quit smoking years ago: believe in yourself and keep your mental discipline. I want to drop to 160 lbs. by the end of February but maintain the same power I have now. Dropping more weight would be great, but I think 160 would allow me to maintain sprinting speed while gaining climbing ability. Dragging less up the climbs is always good. All the advice and books state that losing muscle mass is the hardest and more dangerous thing to do, but we'll see how much is lost over the next few months while I'm trying to shed the fat. I've got at least 25 lbs. of fat to lose, so I don't think muscle mass loss will be an issue.
October 8: 184 lbs. Losing 1 pound a week until Feb. 29 (21 weeks) = 21 lbs. lost & 163 lbs.
Nothing to it............
Thursday, October 4, 2007
6 GAP
"Every trial endured and weathered in the right spirit makes a soul nobler and stronger than it was before."
~ William Butler Yeats
Since first hearing of 6 Gap, I've wanted to ride those 6 North Georgia mountains. Everyone wants to do well and perhaps complete the century ride in a specific time frame, but I simply wanted to complete the ride. That desire was satiated this last weekend, and everything was right for it to happen.
Neels~
The morning was cold to start with the temperature hovering around 60 degrees. BK and I got a bit of a late start at 7:50 with the official start at 7:30, but we made that time up over the course of the day. With just 18 miles into the ride and at the base of the first climb, the first indication of what was to come was beginning to dawn to me: my legs were not wanting to spin up to my regular cadence. Reserving energy is always key to climbing these moutains, but I couldn't put enough out to keep a comfortable speed going. The suffering was just beginning, however.
At the top of Neels Gap, I told BK to roll-on without me as I planned to cut-off at Wolf Pen to do the 3 Gap option. He was disappointed for me, and I felt terrible that he'd waited on me at the top. I rolled down the hill and BK filled up his bottles. On the way down off of Neels Gap, however, I realized that there may not be another opportunity to complete 6 Gap. The weather was perfect, the forecast was sunshine all day, and I'd traveled to Dahlonega to ride all 6 mountains. I didn't turn off afterall. I pushed on to Jack's Gap.
Jack's~
BK caught up to me just past the steepest part of Jack's and gave me that "so WTF do you think you're doing?" look. I just grinned, told him I may not get the chance again, and kept mashing the pedals.
Unicoi~
At the base of Unicoi Gap, we got a great view of a young ladies personal mountains as she cheered us on in her own way by flashing us. WOOOOHHOOOOOO!!!!! I bet she has a nice bead collection from Mardi Gra....... Anyway, halfway up Unicoi I started cramping a little around both knees. Not bonking, just cramping. I ate and drank as much as could along the way, so this wasn't suppose to be happening yet!
Looming in the distance was the beast that nearly destroyed my desire to ever ride a bike again.......HogPen Gap. By itself, it is a tough mountain to travel. After 3 decent mountain climbs, it would take everything I had to conquer it. I'd traveled this way the previous year on a solo ride over Jack's, Unicoi, and Hogpen, and I knew what was coming. I knew the suffering I would have to endure, but I also knew the elation I would feel on the descent.
HogPen ~
The first 1.5 miles of climbing rolled by, and then I rested on the 1/2 mile descent before reaching mile 3. Mile 3 to 5 is the section that takes all you have and then ask for more. The cramping started immediately, but I shifted back and forth on the seat to work different muscle groups and hoped to perhaps ride through the pain. Right. Mile 4 came and I was standing on the pedals for all I had. I was only able to shift weight from left to right to left to right...... just to transfer heft to the pedals. 42 cadence and 5.3 mph! We're cooking now baby! My iPod began to feel like it weighed 50 pounds. I hated every song running through the headphones. I wanted to throw away everything that was weighing me down just to lighten the load. Screw that little engine that could! (Note to self: Laughing out loud at your own mental thoughts is disconcerting to others around you on a tough climb such as HogPen.) And, just who in the hell were these people passing me at 6 mph?! In the distance I finally saw that wonderful green sign that has a 5 on it! Just 30 yards past it is a down hill section where I could rest, and boy did I. At the top of HogPen is a slight rise that is nothing compared to what I'd just ridden and it last no more than 75 yards. It was to be the most difficult part of the ride for me, because only 50 feet from a blue line representing the end of the climb up HogPen both legs locked up. The front of my thighs, my glutes, and both hamstrings locked up in one gigantic knot of burning flesh. I had to dismount. But, I was not about to push my bike one damn inch on these climbs. I was going to ride the entire route that day, so there was no giving up now. A few of the volunteers at the top of Hog Pen were cheering everyone on as they finished the climb, and a few asked if I was alright or could they do anything for me? I thanked them kindly and declined. BK was also there yelling for me to get back on my bike and ride damn it!! Or at least that's what it meant to me. I was almost there. Slowly and carefully I clipped in and turned the pedals to complete the climb.
That was all I had to offer those mountains and could not muster another ounce of fight. It was time to give in. But, amazing things happen when you gaze through the blur of pain, see other people just as tired and whipped as you are, and you start to hear them talking cheerfully about how bad they'd suffered on that climb. Everyone was suffering on this ride, except a few who are definitely genetically gifted and more fit than I, and realizing that made me feel more of a part of cycling than ever before. What is this sport I love so much that provides unimaginable suffering everytime I clip in, and yet I can't wait to heal so I can go out and do it again? I was there because I love to ride, I'm addicted to the suffering, and I was going to complete the entire route now no matter what. There were only two more mountains to go.
WolfPen~
We stopped briefly at the base of WolfPen and then began the twisting non-rythmic climbs of Murder Mountain. I ate my last gel and began the what turned out to be a 4 rest-stop climb for me. I made it to the 180 switchback that marked the halfway point, and both legs did the rigid dance for me again. Stop, stretch, clip-in, and repeat every 1/2 mile to the top. My heart rate was not an issue at this point and I don't think I went into the red except for one time before Neels and of course on HogPen. I was greeted by the Bike Store riders at the top as well as my own personal coach and cheerleader, BK. Poor fellow was waiting on my slow ass all.......day.......long! I hate to ask for anything from anyone, but I begged a gel off of Charles. He gave me an extra, I must have looked worse than I felt, and I needed it. Many thanks to Charles! Those gels got me through to Suches and on to Woody Gap.
Woody~
Woody Gap was nothing more than a speed bump at this point. A slow 8.5mph climb of a speed bump, but over the top was a nice, long, and restful descent. Of course, I did ride the brakes on the turns on Woody as well as all the other descents. And unfortunately, someone actually crashed on the exact turn I crashed the year before, and he was only a minute in front of BK and me. He was alright, however, just bruised a bit but able to ride down the mountain. Not the case for me last year.
It was a good day on the bike. Not a great day for me, but a good day. BK and I toasted our accomplishment with a cold beer once we got done. I'm glad he waited for me, even though he could have hammered for sure and been done a lot sooner. Diana took 15 minutes off her time from last year's 3-Gap loop also. She could have done much better if she could ride more. Her goal for next year is to take more time off of this year's performance, and I'm sure she'll do well.
After downloading my Polar data, I've realized that perhaps my cardio just wasn't at the level it needed to be or my diet was wrong the week prior. I'm still tired from that ride, and it has been 5 days. Either way, I'll be back next year to suffer once again.
~ William Butler Yeats
Since first hearing of 6 Gap, I've wanted to ride those 6 North Georgia mountains. Everyone wants to do well and perhaps complete the century ride in a specific time frame, but I simply wanted to complete the ride. That desire was satiated this last weekend, and everything was right for it to happen.
Neels~
The morning was cold to start with the temperature hovering around 60 degrees. BK and I got a bit of a late start at 7:50 with the official start at 7:30, but we made that time up over the course of the day. With just 18 miles into the ride and at the base of the first climb, the first indication of what was to come was beginning to dawn to me: my legs were not wanting to spin up to my regular cadence. Reserving energy is always key to climbing these moutains, but I couldn't put enough out to keep a comfortable speed going. The suffering was just beginning, however.
At the top of Neels Gap, I told BK to roll-on without me as I planned to cut-off at Wolf Pen to do the 3 Gap option. He was disappointed for me, and I felt terrible that he'd waited on me at the top. I rolled down the hill and BK filled up his bottles. On the way down off of Neels Gap, however, I realized that there may not be another opportunity to complete 6 Gap. The weather was perfect, the forecast was sunshine all day, and I'd traveled to Dahlonega to ride all 6 mountains. I didn't turn off afterall. I pushed on to Jack's Gap.
Jack's~
BK caught up to me just past the steepest part of Jack's and gave me that "so WTF do you think you're doing?" look. I just grinned, told him I may not get the chance again, and kept mashing the pedals.
Unicoi~
At the base of Unicoi Gap, we got a great view of a young ladies personal mountains as she cheered us on in her own way by flashing us. WOOOOHHOOOOOO!!!!! I bet she has a nice bead collection from Mardi Gra....... Anyway, halfway up Unicoi I started cramping a little around both knees. Not bonking, just cramping. I ate and drank as much as could along the way, so this wasn't suppose to be happening yet!
Looming in the distance was the beast that nearly destroyed my desire to ever ride a bike again.......HogPen Gap. By itself, it is a tough mountain to travel. After 3 decent mountain climbs, it would take everything I had to conquer it. I'd traveled this way the previous year on a solo ride over Jack's, Unicoi, and Hogpen, and I knew what was coming. I knew the suffering I would have to endure, but I also knew the elation I would feel on the descent.
HogPen ~
The first 1.5 miles of climbing rolled by, and then I rested on the 1/2 mile descent before reaching mile 3. Mile 3 to 5 is the section that takes all you have and then ask for more. The cramping started immediately, but I shifted back and forth on the seat to work different muscle groups and hoped to perhaps ride through the pain. Right. Mile 4 came and I was standing on the pedals for all I had. I was only able to shift weight from left to right to left to right...... just to transfer heft to the pedals. 42 cadence and 5.3 mph! We're cooking now baby! My iPod began to feel like it weighed 50 pounds. I hated every song running through the headphones. I wanted to throw away everything that was weighing me down just to lighten the load. Screw that little engine that could! (Note to self: Laughing out loud at your own mental thoughts is disconcerting to others around you on a tough climb such as HogPen.) And, just who in the hell were these people passing me at 6 mph?! In the distance I finally saw that wonderful green sign that has a 5 on it! Just 30 yards past it is a down hill section where I could rest, and boy did I. At the top of HogPen is a slight rise that is nothing compared to what I'd just ridden and it last no more than 75 yards. It was to be the most difficult part of the ride for me, because only 50 feet from a blue line representing the end of the climb up HogPen both legs locked up. The front of my thighs, my glutes, and both hamstrings locked up in one gigantic knot of burning flesh. I had to dismount. But, I was not about to push my bike one damn inch on these climbs. I was going to ride the entire route that day, so there was no giving up now. A few of the volunteers at the top of Hog Pen were cheering everyone on as they finished the climb, and a few asked if I was alright or could they do anything for me? I thanked them kindly and declined. BK was also there yelling for me to get back on my bike and ride damn it!! Or at least that's what it meant to me. I was almost there. Slowly and carefully I clipped in and turned the pedals to complete the climb.
That was all I had to offer those mountains and could not muster another ounce of fight. It was time to give in. But, amazing things happen when you gaze through the blur of pain, see other people just as tired and whipped as you are, and you start to hear them talking cheerfully about how bad they'd suffered on that climb. Everyone was suffering on this ride, except a few who are definitely genetically gifted and more fit than I, and realizing that made me feel more of a part of cycling than ever before. What is this sport I love so much that provides unimaginable suffering everytime I clip in, and yet I can't wait to heal so I can go out and do it again? I was there because I love to ride, I'm addicted to the suffering, and I was going to complete the entire route now no matter what. There were only two more mountains to go.
WolfPen~
We stopped briefly at the base of WolfPen and then began the twisting non-rythmic climbs of Murder Mountain. I ate my last gel and began the what turned out to be a 4 rest-stop climb for me. I made it to the 180 switchback that marked the halfway point, and both legs did the rigid dance for me again. Stop, stretch, clip-in, and repeat every 1/2 mile to the top. My heart rate was not an issue at this point and I don't think I went into the red except for one time before Neels and of course on HogPen. I was greeted by the Bike Store riders at the top as well as my own personal coach and cheerleader, BK. Poor fellow was waiting on my slow ass all.......day.......long! I hate to ask for anything from anyone, but I begged a gel off of Charles. He gave me an extra, I must have looked worse than I felt, and I needed it. Many thanks to Charles! Those gels got me through to Suches and on to Woody Gap.
Woody~
Woody Gap was nothing more than a speed bump at this point. A slow 8.5mph climb of a speed bump, but over the top was a nice, long, and restful descent. Of course, I did ride the brakes on the turns on Woody as well as all the other descents. And unfortunately, someone actually crashed on the exact turn I crashed the year before, and he was only a minute in front of BK and me. He was alright, however, just bruised a bit but able to ride down the mountain. Not the case for me last year.
It was a good day on the bike. Not a great day for me, but a good day. BK and I toasted our accomplishment with a cold beer once we got done. I'm glad he waited for me, even though he could have hammered for sure and been done a lot sooner. Diana took 15 minutes off her time from last year's 3-Gap loop also. She could have done much better if she could ride more. Her goal for next year is to take more time off of this year's performance, and I'm sure she'll do well.
After downloading my Polar data, I've realized that perhaps my cardio just wasn't at the level it needed to be or my diet was wrong the week prior. I'm still tired from that ride, and it has been 5 days. Either way, I'll be back next year to suffer once again.
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Detective Flintlock goes to work....
It was Wednesday..........11am. The hint of Fall was in the air as another beautiful day of sunny skies, birds singing, and me longing to be out on a trail or road enjoying the afternoon cycling slipped slowly by.
At 11:12am, one of my AMT students suddenly came into the office with terrible news:
Someone has ran into and destroyed my bike rack!! W.T.F.??!!!!
Notice the paint scrapings inside the rack on the end? Good as DNA....
The student ellaborated further to say he and another AMT student witnessed the crime, the person that hit my bike rack had hauled ass away from the scene, and they'd given chase to catch the individual. Unfortunately, they were unsuccessful but did manage to catch a partial license plate "ABK" and a good description of the vehicle and driver. So, my detective work began at that time:
Did someone say, "BINGO??!!!"
2:10pm – WR Popo and MGTC Security get student out of class to talk. Smell of hops and barly detected on student’s/perp's breath.
2:15pm – Perp admits to hitting my stuff. WR Popo very happy now.
2:15 - 2:18 - I do an "internal" Happy Dance!
2:18pm – Perp’s vehicle searched and an open container is found with hops and barly beverage remaining.
2:20pm – Perp arrested for 1)leaving the scene of an accident, 2) failure to report accident, 3) open container, 4) possession of banned substance on State property, 5) UNDERAGE DRINKING since he is only 19, and 6) insurance may not be valid --> now I’m REALLY pissed off!!
Although this kid could have simply stopped and tried to resolve the "accident" when it happened, he chose to take his chances of not getting caught. Now he has more to worry about than me wanting my bike rack replaced. Several people I work with have advised me to go easy on the kid as "we've all made mistakes." Yeah.........well, tough shit. I've made mistakes and live with the consequences each day and my conscience serves as a living hell at times reminding me that you only get one life to get it right. You can't always be right. It is then that you should and need to ask forgiveness from whomever you chose whether it be a higher power of your choosing or the person(s) you did wrong. He asked for none. He will receive none from me. Maybe the judge will see it that way as well.
The remainder of the day consisted of calling The Bike Store and ordering another $400+ Saris Cycle On bike rack to replace the recently departed one and meeting friends at Thomson Trails to ride the stress away. After a few adult beverages and great conversation among friends, the day was put to rest.
At 11:12am, one of my AMT students suddenly came into the office with terrible news:
Someone has ran into and destroyed my bike rack!! W.T.F.??!!!!
Notice the paint scrapings inside the rack on the end? Good as DNA....The student ellaborated further to say he and another AMT student witnessed the crime, the person that hit my bike rack had hauled ass away from the scene, and they'd given chase to catch the individual. Unfortunately, they were unsuccessful but did manage to catch a partial license plate "ABK" and a good description of the vehicle and driver. So, my detective work began at that time:
11:15 - Call MGTC security.
11:20 - Get partial tag "ABK" and vehicle description of late ‘80s “maroon van” from 2 student witnesses.
11:22 - Call Warner Robins Popo.
11:30 - Find out which students in C-Building, next to my parked truck, were let out at 11am.
11:32 - Welding students were the only ones released at that time.
11:40 - Find welding instructor and got names of all students attending that morning.
11:45 - Do “report thing” with WR Popo.
12:05 - Circumvented "system" to find vehicles registered with MGTC with tag numbers of welding students that have “ABK” as first 3 in tag.
12:10 - And then there was one........
12:15 – Use system correctly and found out this student/perp has a 2pm Mathematics class.
I think we found a scent trail!
Release the Hound!!!
12:15 – 1:54 ~ Truly didn’t think perp would be stupid enough to drive the vehicle back on MGTC Campus! ~
1:54pm – Proven wrong that perp would use logic.......,but stupid is as stupid does……..with the van showing damage of course.
Did someone say, "BINGO??!!!"2:10pm – WR Popo and MGTC Security get student out of class to talk. Smell of hops and barly detected on student’s/perp's breath.
2:15pm – Perp admits to hitting my stuff. WR Popo very happy now.
2:15 - 2:18 - I do an "internal" Happy Dance!
2:18pm – Perp’s vehicle searched and an open container is found with hops and barly beverage remaining.
2:20pm – Perp arrested for 1)leaving the scene of an accident, 2) failure to report accident, 3) open container, 4) possession of banned substance on State property, 5) UNDERAGE DRINKING since he is only 19, and 6) insurance may not be valid --> now I’m REALLY pissed off!!
Although this kid could have simply stopped and tried to resolve the "accident" when it happened, he chose to take his chances of not getting caught. Now he has more to worry about than me wanting my bike rack replaced. Several people I work with have advised me to go easy on the kid as "we've all made mistakes." Yeah.........well, tough shit. I've made mistakes and live with the consequences each day and my conscience serves as a living hell at times reminding me that you only get one life to get it right. You can't always be right. It is then that you should and need to ask forgiveness from whomever you chose whether it be a higher power of your choosing or the person(s) you did wrong. He asked for none. He will receive none from me. Maybe the judge will see it that way as well.
The remainder of the day consisted of calling The Bike Store and ordering another $400+ Saris Cycle On bike rack to replace the recently departed one and meeting friends at Thomson Trails to ride the stress away. After a few adult beverages and great conversation among friends, the day was put to rest.
Monday, September 17, 2007
All the cool cats....
Yesterday was a welcome change in the weather for Central Georgia and could not have been better for mountain biking. Low 60's to start and barely mid-80's when we left. I got 3 laps in for a good day on the bike. The lower back was tweaked the last lap and I just couldn't push as hard as I'd liked, but that is the price I'm paying for doing trail maintenance instead of riding like I need to be doing. Still, the goal is to have fun and continue building up for November training rides with the guys in Macon.
Since the 12 Hours of Dauset is Sept. 22, a few of us decided to head up and pre-ride the race course. I don't have an exact count, but all the cool cats from our area were there enjoying the perfect riding conditions:
Kat was up early and ready to roll.
Since the 12 Hours of Dauset is Sept. 22, a few of us decided to head up and pre-ride the race course. I don't have an exact count, but all the cool cats from our area were there enjoying the perfect riding conditions:
Kat was up early and ready to roll.
Dave Sexton was spicing things up with some outstanding riding.
Surprisingly, Flipper did not show off his invisible ramp jumps, log crossings, or aerial ballet.
Mark Duffus even rolled out of bed for the early Sunday morning ride.
BK was his usual cooooool self (except for the severe pain he inflicted on me the 3rd lap).
This was me at the "end" of BK's punishment session, aka lap 3:
This was Diana before her coffee:
Thank God for coffee!!!
There were too many people at Dauset yesterday to give faces to, but Central Georgia and OMBA will be well represented this coming weekend. We should have a very large gang of some great folks with a HUGE pit area as usual. We'll be chillin' and having a grand time once again.....
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