Bentcrank

Time to start going up

2008-07-25T06:51:00.000-04:00

I got out for a ride a few days after the Rain and I felt much better then I imagined. Then I didn't make it out over the weekend so I figured I would hook up with a new group for a Tues. ride. That was a good thing, but a not so good thing at the same time. The good thing is I have found a new group that I need to spend some time with if I want any chance at being in the shape I desire before the Tour de London. The bad thing is that they absolutely killed me! Hell, this is Friday and my legs still hurt!

In all of my years of riding I have never yacked from riding. I have been real close several times, but never actually done it. Tuesday I thought it would be my first time! I was miserable. I never saw my lunch, but it would not have surprised me at all.

The one thing that it did tell me, even though I already knew it, is that I need to do a lot more climbing if I plan on having a chance to improve my ride in the TdL.

2008 Rain Ride

2008-07-14T12:33:00.000-04:00

Well I can finally say that I have done the Rain ride. It was a long day full of interesting moments. Standing at the starting line with clouds as far as you could see and lightning bolts all across the sky, I knew it would be interesting. The rain started a little before the actual ride started. I am not sure how long it really rained, but I was getting wet for the first 70-75 miles. If it was not raining, the road was really wet and all of the tires were making it feel like it was raining.

We started off with a real nice pace and several riders around to always be able to find groups to hang with. Just past the first rest stop (we did not stop), I was feeling the urge to take a natural break. I was not the only one, but not everyone was stopping. I could start to feel the pace taking it toll on my and figured that we better back off a little if we were going to make the whole thing. This was only 45 miles in to the ride. So the two of us let the group pull away and I started looking for the spot that I was going to pull over. After a quick break, our sag vehicle went by and pulled over to make sure if we needed anything.

After being out on our own for a little bit, there were a few guys that came along so we hopped on to help us on our way. Not too far down the road was the second rest stop. After a little stop we were ready to head back out on the road feeling much better. We settled in with a small group and everything was going good. Crossing 67 there was a rider that was almost a squashed bug. If his buddy would not have yelled at him that a car was coming he would have be a goner. Up the road from there a little ways the road was branching off to the right just down a little grade. The guys in front yelled that there was gravel on the road. We were cruising about 23 mph and the road was a little wet yet. The guy two in front of me slowed down too fast or something and the guy behind him got tangled up in his back wheel. This threw him down right in front of me. I was trying to get out of the path, but his bike kept sliding left and I could not miss it. I ran over the back of this bike and hard telling what else. Next thing I knew I was sliding down the hill and then my head smacked the road real good. After all of the sliding was done, I picked myself up and checked everything out. Nothing was broke, just some road rash a few places. My helmet didn't look as good as I did, but it was still in one piece so I put it back on with a few more vents installed. The other guy was good, so I said I needed to get back to riding before the pain settled in and I would really hurt.

Not too much farther we rolled in to the lunch stop. This was a much needed stop to re-group. We did end up staying there a lot longer then I wanted to, but some of it was needed. I changed jerseys and socks and took in a good inventory of the damage. After some food I was ready to get back out there. The section after lunch was not easy. We did not see very many groups, so we were cruising along all on our own. We finally ended up meeting up with a group of 4 and tied in with them as long as we could. Eventually we were split and we were out looking for more riders.

This continued on and off for the rest of the ride. We did stop at the last rest stop to top off the bottles and down some much needed food. From there I knew we had just over 1 1/2 hours to make it under the 10 hour mark. Not exactly where I wanted to be, but that was the point I didn't want to pass. So, we came out of there screaming and tried to make the time. We did hook up with one other guy that we were riding with earlier and we helped each other get to the end. Just before we were at the finish the other guy fell off of the pace that was being put out. Forrest said if he slowed down he just might fall over. So, the hammer was still on and the finish could not come soon enough.

Eventually we did make it up the hills and found the finish. 9 hours and 46 min. after leaving Terre Haute. I was very happy to make it in under the 10 hour mark. I am even happier after looking at some of the stats and seeing that we had an actual ride time of 8 hours and 15 min with an average speed of 20.25 mph. We are now prepared to train a little better, take some time out of the rest stops and finish in the sub 9 hour mark for next year!

Not sure how soon I am ready to get back on the bike, but I better not wait too long with some of the big rides I have planned on the horizon.

See you on the road.

Getting close now

2008-07-08T06:57:00.000-04:00

Last weekend I made it out for a good ride. When I started my legs were not feeling very good and I thought I was going to have to call it a day early. There were only two of us, so the drafting was minimal. When we made our first stop to decide the route I noticed that we were averaging just a little over 18 mph. I was very happy with that since I felt like I was barley moving. We decided to head back toward home to ride less traveled roads.

Over all it really ended up as a good ride. We put in right at 60 miles and also hit a few hills too. Much better then what I was expecting with my legs feeling bad.

Well this weekend is the big weekend. I am about as ready as I can expect. I could have planned a little better and been ready to really tear it up, but I am happy with my condition. I am not sure how fast we will end up going, but I am fairly confident that I will finish.
I just hope my legs are good. I am busy all week and with the chance of rain, it looks like my chances for miles this week are between slim and none. I guess some rest might be good too.

After this weekend it will not let up either. I have the Strassenfest ride that is a hilly 62 mile route, but that should be easier then previous years. Then I plan on doing the HMBA Century that apparently has a lot of climbing too. All this climbing should lead up to my next section of training. I really need to start hitting the hills to prepare for my revenge on the Tour de London.
After all that is settled, I plan on doing the Brown County Breakdown 100 mile mtb ride. I guess I will have to hit the woods sometime before then.

Double up!

2008-06-25T12:56:00.000-04:00

I doubled up this weekend for rides. At first I thought I was going to get a nice and long ride in on Saturday, but realized that I needed to be someplace earlier then I thought. So, my ride Saturday was cut short and I only put in 60 miles. Only 60 miles? It is crazy to hear me say that! Last year that would have been one of the longer rides.

I actually didn't feel too bad after Saturdays ride and decided to join another rider on their Sunday ride. The way it sounded the selected route was very hilly. I talked them in to doing something easier so I would join them. My legs were dead for most of the ride, but I was still moving fairly good. We ended up with just under 50 miles. So, I guess there is nothing wrong with 110 miles in for a weekend. My legs sure did hurt after that ride and the next day. That is the most that they have hurt for a while. I supposed it is a good thing and I hope that means they are getting stronger.
I guess I will have to see on the Wed. night ride. Speaking of a lot of miles, it is hard to believe that after tonights ride I will have over 900 miles in for he year. That is one good year for me and it is not even July!!

Time is ticking away

2008-06-17T12:39:00.001-04:00

I have officially signed up for the Rain Ride. Now I can not come up with numerous silly reasons to back out. Our sag driver just said that they will not be able to drive this year, so I guess a sag support is still needed. I am trying to work some stuff out for that.

This last weekend I stepped back my riding some. I have had some knee pain on and off for the last month or so. I am sure that my riding is part of the problem and lack of sleep is probably the other part. The problem is with the Rain right around the corner I can't back off too much.

I finally got the wife out on her bike last night. We went out on a 20 mile loop. I think she had a good time and was not too sore this morning. I hope to get her out a lot more this year. She would be a very good rider if she got back in to it. At one time she raced for the Proflex regional mountain bike team in the expert class. Maybe we both were not exactly top of the class expert racers, but we held our own compared to the number of fast riders at that time. I don't think I will ever get to that point, but that really does not matter to me anymore. I just hope to get to a cat 5 or even 4 level some day.

My first century

2008-06-11T12:10:00.000-04:00

Sunday morning we headed out early for a long ride. We were planning on heading out at 6 for a 100 miler. One ride had an issue on time. So, after some debate our plans were changed to accommodate everyone. The train left at 5:00 in the dark. We took some back roads toward our desired direction. By the time we needed to hit the main roads, it was getting light enough for the cars to see us better. There were a few bikes with headlights on and everyone had tail lights just to be safe. The route was changed with the plan to get us back near home for the one rider to break off when he needed.

The ride started out a little slower then I thought it would, but I knew it would be a big day so I was not that worried. Two of the riders were starting to fall off the back. After we re-grouped it was decided for the front group to go out on their own. After this, our pace picked up some. We were making real good time and then one rider had a flat tire. It took us a little bit to get it changed because we were really needing a short break. I had to make adjustments to my seat. Side note: I forgot to mention that the day before this ride I put a new seat on my bike, new pedals and cleats on new shoes!! Not the smartest thing to do before a long ride.

After we fixed the flat, we were back on the road and moving good again. We made a short rest stop at the designated spot. Time was being estimated and it was decided to call for a ride to meet down the road. So off we went trying to hit the check point before the driver made it there. We made it there in plenty of time, so as we waited the riders who were continuing filled up bottles and were getting ready to head out. The 2 riders we left early in the day came rolling in. So the group was back to 4 riders to head toward home.

Close to home I started looking at my mileage and we decided that we needed a little more to make the 100. One rider bailed off with a good day in the seat. I can tell you I was really starting to hurt by then. Legs were getting weak and my body was just tired of pedaling. Those last 10 miles were horrible. Good thing we headed out for flatter road because I would have really struggled if there would have been too much elevation gain.

When I got home and out of the shower I was tired, but the feeling of accomplishment was worth more then the pain. As I laid there for 10 min. I rememberd that I needed to finish packing because I was driving 6 hours to Chicago for work in less then 1 hour!! Silly me!

After work stress relief

2008-06-04T22:19:00.002-04:00

Well I actually made it out during the week again. I need to keep that up if I want my legs to keep improving. We went out in to wind and a cloud filled sky. We only had a few drops fall on us so it was all good. I actually could have used a little rain to help wash off all those nasty worms that are stuck all over my bike from Sunday's ride.

We ended up going out for right at 40 miles. The average was a little slow for how hard it felt like we went. We did do a few hard efforts that really took a toll on my legs, so that might have something to do with my lower average. It really does not matter, it was just good to get out.

I just hope to recover some before Sunday's 100 miler. That should be an interesting ride. I am thinking about riding to the starting point in stead of driving. I hate driving to a ride, but it depends a little on how light it is. I do not like riding in the dark during the morning hours on a road just up from my house. If I can make it past there it is all good. The only problem with riding to the start point is that it will make the ride more like 110 miles and end climbing back toward home. I guess we will have to see.

To make matters even more interesting, after our ride I have to head home, clean up and then load up to drive 5-6 hours to Chicago for work. That should be a fun drive!! Good thing is the food and stuff will be on the company.

The wheel turns around and around

2008-06-02T17:21:00.002-04:00

Another weekend of riding down that road. Well, this weekend was a road less traveled this year. The group of guys that I have been riding with tend to do some different routes then I would pick by myself. There is nothing wrong with them, just different. This weekend we did a version of a route that I would normally do. I thought it would have been a lot more hills then it was. Don't get be wrong, it was not an easy ride, but the elevation gain was not what I thought it would have been. We only ended up with 1,815 ft for 58 miles. It was more then several of the routes that we normally take, but we have also taken routes that end up with much more gain. Two weeks ago with did a 60 mile ride or so and was over 2,200 ft gain.

Overall it was still a good ride. My legs did not feel as good the last two weeks as they have several weeks before. I still managed to ride good enough for the group. Some of the hills didn't seem to hurt as bad as previous times on the same roads. I guess that is showing my that I am actually getting somewhere this year. I know I am down 8 lbs and a pants size smaller, but I am still not where I want to be.

Work has been crazy and I am been busy with other stuff too lately, so I am sure that has effected my recovery. I just hope to continue to improve and be able to ride the Rain Ride strong. That will keep my confidence up for the rest of the year. I still have a few things on my mind that I want to work in. The hundie for the Brown County Breakdown and I want to redeem myself at the Tour de London. If that all works out and I can hold some strength through the winter, I want to try the 3 State/3 Mountain race. I hear that is one heck of a nice ride. That is all yet to be seen. The only thing I know for sure, well as sure as I can be is the Rain Ride. My personal goal is under 9 hours, but not sure if the rest of the group is up for that. 18 mph average should be a possibility by then.

Well, this weekend we are supposed to get in that century. We will have to see if that happens. We are leaving early and I hope to get done as early as we can because I have to drive to Chicago that afternoon for work. That should be a fun drive!! NOT.

Singing in the rain

2008-05-27T20:36:00.003-04:00

Yesterday was quite a ride. After a few days of good weather that I could not ride in, I woke up Monday morning to a overcast sky and a real good chance of rain. I figured if the guys were game, I was up to it. I didn't think that we would do our planned route, but any ride would be welcomed.

We showed up at 6:30 am and the weather was holding. A loop was decided with the back up plan of if it looked like it was going to get bad we would turn around. We thought that we could make it to the outer part of the loop before the rain hit. Well it started out good. The roads were wet in spots like it just rained there, but we were not getting rained on.

We made it to the turning point and up to that moment we had not been rained on yet. It sure looked like it was going to, but so far it had not. One gentleman at the gas station heard us talking about the rain. He asked us what way we were going and after we pointed, he said 2 miles up the road it was pouring. Good thing that we were not going that way today. That section was in the original plan. So be started heading back in the direction of home with almost 40 miles in with out getting rained on. We headed up the next section of road with some concerned looks on our faces, but at that point it really didn't matter any more. We figured 40 miles in the morning were much better for us than the couch.

Next we were faced with the option of what direction to head home. One direction was a little shorter, but had a lot more hills. It was decided to take the highway back and skip those bad hills on the back road as up till now we were making some real good time even with a head wind. Not 2 miles past the turn off for the back way, we were finally rained on for the first time of the day. It didn't really last too long so overall it was not too unpleasant. Little did we know that was just the start of it. The closer we got to the next little town it started to rain more. From there on home we were rained on for most of the way. Most of the time it was not too bad, just a steady rain. There were only a few sections that it rained a little hard on us.

As we were getting closer, one rider started asking about calling for a ride home. I said at this point, I am soaking wet and we are no more then 10 miles from home. I was planning on riding it out. So, I guess he didn't want to be the only one not riding home so we all continued on. Overall it was a great ride. I wish it was not as wet as it was, but it was a good hard ride. It was easily the most rain that I have ever rode in. I just hope I didn't mess any of my bearings up.

After sizing everything up, we ended up with 75 miles and averaged right at 18.5 mph

Still riding that train

2008-05-20T12:06:00.000-04:00

For being a so called mountain biker, I sure don't ride in the woods much. I have done almost nothing but road riding this year. Oh well, it has been fun and I have sure put in more miles that I would have waiting on the dirt to dry.

This weekend I thought we were going for a 70 miler, but when I got there the route that was picked didn't sound like it would be that long. The good thing is, it would have a few more hills to make up for the distance. It was a great day, but the wind could have been a little nicer to us. The hills sure added up by the end of the ride, but my legs were needing that to keep on the improving path. I am not sure what the group ended up with in miles, but ended up with a metric century and over 2200 ft of elevation gain. Not too bad.

This weekend we are supposed to go out for a 100 miler, but we will see about that. I hear talk about a 90 from some of the group. What does 10 miles really do to help? I figure if we are going 90, I am going the extra 10 with or with out the group. I have never done a full century. I have been close, but not complete. It sounds like I will not have a problem with that this year. The group has a 120 mile route that take when it gets closer to the Rain ride. Then again that it self is 160 miles. Sounds like a good year for miles!

The plan is to follow that ride up with a off road hundie. I have been wanting to do the BCBD since it started and this year I will be in my best shape so far. I will have to see what the schedule has on it as we get closer to the date.

Just another day

2008-05-16T23:44:00.002-04:00

Well, I guess it has been a little while since I put something on here. I have been very busy and the days seem to run together. I have had a few good rides since the last post. Tuesday I put in a hard 45 mile ride after work. I felt very good about how I rode. I have been wondering how well I would ride in the woods. I can't believe how little I have been off road this year. When I really was thinking about it, the weather was not cooperating. Now that there were some days that I could have rode, I didn't even think about it. Oh well, I really need some road time since I plan on doing the Rain Ride this year. 162 miles is a long time in the seat. That should get me ready for anything that I can make it to this year.

Well, I had big plans about some races early this year. As the time rolls on it seems that time and money keep talking me out of doing it. I am sure if I would just do a few races I would be hooked. I know I was looking forward to the next race after the Tour de London last year and I don't think I could have road any worse with out wrecking or something like that. I guess we will see if I can actually make it to a race this year.

Big ride planned for Sunday. I think they are looking at 70 miles or so. I sure hope the weather is good.

More time on the road

2008-04-28T06:55:00.000-04:00

I managed to get out on the road this weekend. I joined a group that was planning on a 60 mile ride. I was a little hesitant as I know these guys usually ride a fairly fast pace and the route they had in mind I have never done. Knowing I really need to ride, I decided to join them anyway and just deal with the side effects.

I showed up by 9:30 for the start time. After everyone was there the discussion started about the options. Being an outsider to the typical guys, I let them make the decisions. Well it ended up that the route was changed and I felt a little better knowing that I have rode that route before, but it was still not an easy road to ride, but they said it was easier then the other route.

It was fairly cold when we started. There were 6 of us that headed out. The pace was fairly fast, but nothing crazy as we started, 18-22 mph. I could handle that in a group. 10 miles or so in, I decided it was my turn up front. I think I held my own, but there sure was more wind up there. Toward the end of the road heading north there was one guy that was starting to fall back some. One rider fell back and road with them. The pack slowed up so everyone could catch up, but the gap was created more often as we went. Turns out he was having trouble with his hamstring. When we finally made it to the rest stop, he decided to not continue with us and head back on his own and call for a ride home.

After the rest stop the pace was picked up a little and we were cruising down the road. I was still not feeling too bad and took my turn up front. I was running 20-23 mph for a good little stretch and was starting to feel it. I should have pealed off sooner, but I saw a hill coming and thought if I peal off I will not be able to recover and get dropped. Well, I should have tried it, because I was getting dropped anyway and I already dug too far in to my reserve. It took a while, but I finally started to feel better and caught back up to the front group. At this time there was another rider that was starting to hurt and two of them fell back a bit. The pace was never really slowed up enough to let them catch up, so down the road we took another stop for everyone to regroup.

After everyone was there and ready, we took off toward home. Some how I ended up in front, but I was not feeling too bad so I stayed there. I was told to keep it 15-17 and see if everyone stayed on. That seemed like a good speed and everyone followed me home. It ended up just over 57 miles, but it was enough for me. I hope to join them next week too. I get in much better shape when I ride with them. I am even thinking about signing up for the Rain ride. I guess we will see.

TIme sure fun when your having flies.....

2008-04-24T13:15:00.002-04:00

I can't believe how long it has been since I posted something. Not sure anyone actually noticed anyway. I have been pulled way to tight the last few weeks. Baseball practice as started, spring soccer and then work has gotten crazy, and bowling was not finished for the season yet. The times that I could actually ride usually were the days that it rained.

I did get out last Wed. night for a night road ride with a group of 8. It was a blast, so much fun that I decided to go back out last night. The normal pace for the night ride is a conversation pace that tends to move good at times. Well, last night there were only 4 that showed up and the pace increased a lot over last week. Some of that was my fault. The bugs were bad and I think I was the only one wearing glasses, so I had the lead for the first section of the ride. I tried to keep a decent pace, but it was a little faster then last weeks. Oh well, I needed a good work out.

I am jumping in to the fire this weekend and heading out with an old group that I used to ride with. The plan is 60-70 miles. The longest ride I have in this year is a 35 mile ride or so. Needless to say it should be so called "fun".

Working on the chain gang

2008-03-18T01:05:00.000-04:00

I spend a few hours in the woods this weekend clearing trails. Everything was too wet to ride off road and I just felt the need to do some trail work. There are a few different re-routes that have been worked on all winter and with the crazy weather we have had there were several trees down.

So, Sunday morning I headed out with my chain saw to do my part. Almost 2 tanks of gas and 3 hours later, most of the trees were cleared off of two sections. I am sure there are more treed down on other sections, but they will have to wait another day. My chain was dull and I was wore out.

I can't wait for it to dry out so I can try the two new sections. They look like so much fun!!

Back in the saddle again!

2008-03-13T13:32:00.000-04:00

After looking out the window all day, I could not take it anymore. With the new time change I was rewarded with an extra hour to be out. So, I baited my hook and casted it out to see if I had any takers that would nibble. Sure enough, one little fishy took a nibble and he was hooked, no backing out now.

So, with some what of a plan figured out, I headed home and started throwing all my stuff in a pile to throw on and head out the door. I was not sure what to wear. I was very hot at work and the temp in the car said 66 degrees. I was thinking about shorts and a long sleeve shirt, but the fish was very cold and talking about a lot more clothes then that. So he talked me in to putting a little more on my rear, but I didn't get carried away.

Long tights and a long sleeve jersey and down the road I went. Forrest was headed toward my house, so as soon as I got ready I took off to meet him half way. What a great ride it was. I was plenty warm at the start of the ride and had some second thoughts about those shorts I wanted to put on, but it was too late. We took off thinking it would be a nice and slow ride since we have not been on the road much. I guess someone forgot to tell my legs, because a little way down the road I looked down and saw I was pulling at 23 mph. It sure did not feel like it to me, so I kept pedaling. There was some good head wind here and there, but overall it was not too bad.

Toward the end of our journey, we hit a few hills that were bigger then the previous road sections. Add that to the increased head wind for that direction and we were really starting to hurt. The temps were dropping as the sun lowered and I was thankful I did not have those shorts on. We kept on the gas as much as we could, but it was more of a struggle.

We ended up with 32.5 miles and averaged 17.5 mph. Not too bad for my second road ride of the year. I sure am ready for spring to show up so I can get out a few more times.

slacker

2008-03-11T17:09:00.002-04:00

I sure have become one heck of a slacker lately. I last rode on March 2nd. It was actually my first road ride of the year. It was nice to get out of the basement and ride the bike. I didn't go crazy but still had some fun. I ended up with around 30 miles with plenty of head wind to keep me company.

I am looking forward to the next time I can get out side to ride. The weather has been crap. Pouring rain, tons of snow and then more rain. The best chance I have at riding again will be on the road. All the trails are beyond muddy.

I did take in some sights last week. I have do fly out to Philly on Wed for work. We got our stuff done earlier on Thursday then we thought we would so we walked around down town for a little while. It was neat to see a lot of history things that I normally would not have seen. I checked out the liberty bell and Independence Hall. If I had some more time I would have made sure to check out some of that war and fort sights. Tons of cool little buildings to see all over town.

Had an argument with my girl

2008-02-28T07:55:00.000-05:00

After seeing the snow coming down yesterday, I could not take it any more. So, I went home at lunch and plugged my batteries in and made sure the 1x1 was in working condition. I felt it was only right to choose the 1x1 seeing how I have not used it much lately and with the weather conditions deemed the best bike for the job.

So, after work I busted it to get all of my stuff together and head out to the trail. I wanted to get there as soon as I could to do as much of the ride in the daylight that I could. Right away I ran in to my first problem, downed trees. I could not believe how many trees I had to climb over for the little bit I rode. The trail was in good condition considering and I stopped to take a picture, but my camera decided to not work. Oh well.

Enough with the small stuff, right on to the start of the argument. As I was making my way up Foxey I started to get a little irritated, but I didn't say anything yet. By the time I made it to the Fire tower connector I was really starting to get upset. Thats when I could not take it anymore and started to complain. I asked why she is being so mean to me? I was ignored as she turned her nose up and looked the other way. The real fight started closer to the end of the Fire Tower trail after a few comments back and forth. I finally hit my breaking point and started calling her names and threatening to never use her again. I figured she should start to comply or at least ease up on me, but just the opposite happened. She was even meaner to me.

As I hit the road section, I put my foot down and said I was just taking the road back and hanging her up. She did was not happy with that at all!! So, as I cruise down the road, I keep hearing something about taking the trail on the left and then the one on the right. I heard something about it not being her fault, it was mine for leaving her sit for so long. After I passed the first 2 trails up, I think I even heard her call me names like wuss and stuff. I continued on down the road and things seemed to be better, I guess it was just the riding on flatter ground that did the job. Well, low and behold she talked me in to taking a left at my last option for trails before the car. So, I drop in and have to turn on my light. What a joy! I was treated to some of the best snow covers sections of trail and night riding in the snow made it even better.

As I am cruising down the trail I start hearing whispers to take the next left and extend the trail sections. I guess I was having so much fun that I forgot all about the names I called her and next thing I knew I was taking a left. I was immediately met with tougher trail conditions and colder air. I continued on because it was not that bad. Well, I remembered all of the names when I hit the first hill!! Damn she makes me hurt.

All in all I really don't know who won the argument. I think we are both right. If I used her more, it would not be so hard. So for now, I guess I will have to leave it at a love hate relationship. Maybe some more time it will be come more of a pleasurable one. Over all it was a great ride first snow ride of the season and the first night ride of the year. Only 25 degrees, but sure was fun for all the pain.

Tour of Cali

2008-02-21T08:35:00.000-05:00

I have been trying to watch all of the coverage on Versus on the current race. I am still a stage behind, but good thing I have my DVR to save the next day's race for me. I have been trying to not look at places that would tell me who has won or who is in the lead. I would rather see it for myself.

Now, I am not a big road racer. I have only had a road bike for the last few years. But, one thing I just can not understand is the fans. What kind of dumb asses are out there watching these races?? Get the hell out of the way!! If you really like bike racing, then why must you be the one who causes somebody to not do as well as they could? I know, the thought of being on TV is too strong for some, but I just can't understand the running next to the riders or all that. I would not want to do that one stage in the le tour where the mob of people are on the road and just get out of the way in the nick of time.

Granted, I did like the dudes huge rack on his head!! That was something else. He also must be in good shape because he did put in one hell of a run, but if that rack would have caught one of the lead riders, I think I would have had to beat the crap out of him before I continue with my race.

I guess it is a good thing I am too dam fat and slow to ever have to worry about that! I prefer to stick to the races where the racers are the ones wearing the funky stuff!!

sup?

2008-02-18T07:35:00.000-05:00

Well, I am not sure what is up with me. Other then I have not been riding enough. Damn weather can't make up its mind if it is winter or spring. We went from several day's of ice storms to 40-50 degrees this weekend and now it is 35 and supposed to snow! Go figure.

I have been on the trainer a few times, but not near enough to really make a big difference. I have been trying to figure out what events or races I plan on doing this year. There are several that I would like to do, but I am not sure I want to jump in to racing that much again. I should just take more trips to Pisgah instead. I am supposed to be making a trip that way soon, but I can't get the country boy to give me any dates that he can go.

I am also trying to save up for a 29'er. I am not doing such a good job of it right now, but I did give up beer for lent, so I should have a lot of money show up extra some place. I just don't know what I will end up getting. I really want to pick up at Shamrock Cycles frame, but not sure I will be able to save up enough money for that. I really need to get some stuff up on ebay!!

I do have a few side jobs in the line up, so if they ever show up I should be good to go.

24 Solo

2008-02-07T13:00:00.000-05:00

Well, I have finally seen the movie. I liked it. It was very interesting. There were lots of good riding shots and I feel it did a good job of trying to get the feel of actually being at the race. I was getting excited near the end with the possibilities of the catch even though I already knew who won the race.

I can not believe how much pain some people put there body in and don't stop. I have always wanted to do a 12 or 24 hour race to see how many laps I can do, but it would not even come close to what these guys do. I always pictured taking some breaks and stuff.

Still, not too bad of a way to make a living. I guess every job has its bad days, but a bad day riding is better then a good day working!!

Time keeps on tickin, again

2008-02-05T07:55:00.000-05:00

Well my so called training has been a little weak lately. That is not saying much. If it is weak from what I was doing, then it is really bad!! I tried to ride the other night, but both of my floor pumps went out on me. I know, I could have used one of my c02's or my hand pump, but I really didn't feel like wasting 2 cartridges or blowing my arm out trying to pump a tire up to 100 pounds.

It seems that I might want to really start working on training some more. I have been talking about entering a team in the Pisgah MTB Adventure Race but I don't know if it will happen or not. I am scheduling a trip down there with in the next month. I have a lot to learn about that place if I plan on surviving that race.

New training plan

2008-01-24T07:55:00.000-05:00

I think I have stumbled upon a quick any effective training plan that anyone can do! All you do is spend an evening puking 80% of your guts up and then craping another 10% of them out. So you actually end up with a net loss of 90% of your guts. Imagine how much weight you can loose like this!

To add to this you alternate between shivering and cold sweats all night so your muscles contract and eventually start cramping. Now not only did you loose some precious weight that will help conker the toughest hills, you have completed a good work out for all of your muscles.

The only down fall I have found to this plan is it does require a rest day or two before you can recover enough to get back on the bike. But, how can one complain after such a good work out.

So, I hope everyone goes out had tries this great new plan tonight! It is a blast!

More ditch diggging

2008-01-14T13:26:00.000-05:00

I went out to the forest and did some more bench cutting this weekend. The new re-route is getting close to being done. I can only hope we actually get some weather that will allow me to ride it.

We have another section to work on after this section is done. I am looking forward to both sections being completed. The other re-routes that have been done over the last two years has make a huge difference in the fun factor for my normal trail. It is not just because it is different, the flow is so much better.

I was going to try and get a road ride in Sunday, but I woke up to rain and some snow trying to make its presence known. I guess I need to hit the rollers again tonight. Oh well...

Trail work

2008-01-07T07:55:00.000-05:00

Well the weather warmed up this weekend, but it brought along some rain with it. Saturday I did some trail work at Ferdinand. There are two re-routes that we want to get done this winter. Bench cutting is one heck of a good work out!! I am sure I will be out there all the weekends I can until the work is done.

I really should work in some of my own trail work. I have a lot of potential in my back yard, but it needs some work. The trail I have now is a little on the short side, but if I would add the sections that I want to add, it could be a lot of fun. It would also be a good place to get the boy to start trail riding. Maybe this will be the year! what ever.....

The Proflex is looking real good now! I put the new skins on it this weekend. That sure does make it look good! All I need to do now is adjust the brakes and then line up the levers/shifters where I want them. Then I will be ready for a good test ride. I'll put is on my scale to night and see how it fairs compared to the NRS. Not that it really matters what it weighs, but I am sure it will be lighter, just not sure how much.

getting closer

2008-01-04T07:55:00.000-05:00

Well, a few more parts showed up for the Proflex and I ordered a set of Conti's for it too, so that should just about finish up what I need. I cleaned up the cranks and set up the shifters and brakes. I think the brakes need a little adjustment yet, but that will wait until I have the tires on. It is actually starting to look like a bike. I am ready to test it out as soon as I get tires put on it.

That might not be as easy as I would like. The problem is the weather has been too cold for me lately. I guess I need to just man up and go ride. But, night rides with the temps below 20 does not excite me. I think this weekend is supposed to be a little better, so maybe I can get out with the sun up.

One issue I might have is being torn between what bike to ride. On one hand I have the Proflex that I am excited to test out and on the other I have my SS looking at me in disgust for leaving it sit there for so long. I really want to see how well I can ride it. I know I have a lot of work to get where I want to be with my riding and it it even farther to get there on my singlespeed. Oh well, I guess we will just have to see.

Here it is just a few day's into the new year and I am already backing out of some races. I do have the itch to do a hundie or at least the short version of one. Money and the lack of confidence that I will be ready in time is trying to talk me out of doing one. The Fools Gold is the race I wanted to do because it is later in the year, but the total cost for me to go and take the wife is a higher then what I can spend on a race. If I could find someone from around here that is going that might make a difference. The Mohican looks like my best bet, but I would need to register by the end of next week. It is also the end of May, that just seems so close. I guess I could be ready in time?

I wish Kentucky would get some of their races listed. That is probably the best bet for me to hit a few regular XC races. Right now the schedule is full of good looking road races. I hope that I have find some dirt in there someplace.