oops... Sorry.

I'm gonna keep this thread up all winter!

I have found that if I just tell myself I'm going out for a short ride, more often than not, I end up doing a nice long one. Today, however, was different.

Went out this afternoon against Mother Nature and was glad to come back in one piece. Temp was 43 with driving rain and wind. On top of that, I had chosen a mildly hilly loop/out and back. The biggest hill was right into the wind. Right after that the clouds opened up and tried to drench me (thanks to my sweet new cold weather gear, I didn't get too wet ).

This is my first (late) fall riding, so this wind and rain thing is a whole different bag for me. Which all comes back to my signature quote which I've now updated to reflect my newfound perspective:

"Hills make you strong, headwinds make you mean... but driving, cold rain just makes you stupid." ~Me

Well, after a few recent rides that tested the new cold weather/rain gear, I got a nice warm and sunny 20 miler in today. It was 66 degrees!!! Hope everyone else can make a bit of time to get out in the last remnants of fall!

Looks like the Tourmalet well be going into hibernation soon. Hope to still get out once a week or so, but will mainly be running.

Armstrong meets goal in marathon debut

"I think I bit off more than I could chew, I thought the marathon would be easier," he said. "(My shins) started to hurt in the second half, especially the right one. I could barely walk up here, because the calves are completely knotted up."

He called the race "the hardest physical thing I have ever done" - even more grueling than his worst days on the Tour.

"Before the race that was my goal, I wanted to break 3 hours. But if you told me with 3 miles to go, 'You're going to do 3:05,' I wouldn't have cared," he said. "Honestly, at the end I was so tired, I couldn't care. Now I'm glad I did."

Will he be back?

"Now's not the time to ask that question. The answer now is no, I'll never be back. But I reserve the right to change my mind," he said. "I don't know how these guys do it."

source

Way to go Lance...

Way to go, Lance, indeed!

To be sure, not an unimpressive feat... under 3 hours is amazing, no matter WHAT.

Still... have to admit there's a certain... I don't know.... artistocratic flair to someone who has professional pacers (former NYC marathon winners included!) to keep on his mile/minute spread, and he had personal stewards to bring gatorade, energy bars, etc. ... This ain't cycling, ya putz! It's RUNNING!

So, on the ferry boat the other day.. these old dudes were on their bikes. I chat with them sometimes... I looked at one of their bikes and said, "i bet that cost as much as my car". He said, how much is that? "$4500".
"Yep."

The bike weighs 16.5oz!! I could pick it up with my finger!
Crazy.

That's all.

So it was 37 yesterday and my buddy calls me and tells me it's "nice" out and "do I wanna ride?"

I did. And he was lying. It was freaking cold!

But we got a nice 32 in. Not often we can say that in Michigan the second week of December.

Anyone south of here taking advantage of the nicer weather?

I've been riding about twice every three weeks, but it's been colder than normal down here the past few days, which apparently is warmer than warm days for this time of year in Michigan. I am pretty much out of shape.

I didn't realize it, but we could have had some interesting conversations between the people in this thread about college football the past few weeks, considering I pull for Southern Cal.

Hey Dre.... glad you're getting out.

Yeah, you need to check the board more often!

btw. weird coincedence... I just read your post and the line "South Carolina where are you" came on from Patty Griffin's Forgiveness..... odd.

Take care.
J

You guys rock! Keep going...!

I haven't been on my bike in some time... months, I suppose. Or at least many weeks. School wrapping up and work have kind of kept me at bay, but mostly that it gets dark before 5:30 pm anymore. Blech.

Been doing some spin classes, and running infrequently though... base probably isn't entirely horrible. School wraps up (forever!) this Friday, and then it's full court press on fitness again... '07 is gonna be the year! Can't WAIT to get back on the road.... cold or not.

You da man Troy! Congrats and good luck on the fitness push! Keep us posted (helps get me out the door too!).

OK, so.... 30 this morning (holy cow it was chilly at first, but it got better). Nice and slow, til the last 5 or so when we got pulled into mid-twenties on the flats, I guess. It felt great... except that my hamstrings are so tight that if they pop, they'll recede into my lower back.

I'm back! WOOT!

Got $500 to spend on something sweet? I might not be a cyclist (yet), nor do I know how to work the MP3 player that I've had for a year (yet), but I'm a runner, and these MP3/Bluetooth-Enabled Cycling Bib Shorts seem really, really, cool!


MP3 Bluetooth-Enabled Cycling Shorts

*edited to fix link*

"To turn the player on -- you guessed it -- just press a button on your shorts."

Carolyn, are you sure we're talking about MUSIC here?

yeah yeah yeah...

Got out for 20 this first day of the year! Felt great!

now, I gotta keep it up!

Nice! Good way to start the year... keep riding!

I rode 25 or so on Saturday, still slow... like you, it felt good to be out there. My legs are pretty shot at the moment (ran a lot the last week), but a few weeks of consistency and we'll be back in the cycling world.

Giddyap Troy. Hey, have you checked out bikejournal.com? I started using it in the fall and have found it to be very motivating. fyi.. fwiw.

Cool, thanks for the link... I'll check out what's there. I use a computer on my bike that I can upload to the Polar site already, in a log there... so not sure if that part is interesting, but it looks like your site has some other cool features.

Troy

We did 30-something miles yesterday, not fast at all but *such* a beautiful day for it. The temperature reached the high 60s later in the afternoon.

The highlight of the day, however, was my friend Jeff who is rehabing from Gilliam Barre Syndrome, a debilitating attack on a person's nervous system, which has him still moving akwardly and often weakly after a full year of recovery. Jeff is the most active and outdoorsy person I know (cycling, mountain biking, running, kayaking), and so it could be no more ironic that a disease which progressively paralyzes a person and recedes, leaving nerve damage in its wake, attacked him of all people. And yet there he was, out on his bike and holding his own, and even though he was back of the pack and clearly tired after about 25 miles, I never heard a word from that man except "awesome" when I asked how he was doing. He embodies the spirit of triumph, and of positive thinking, and he made me love my bike even more yesterday.

So, yeah... a pretty good ride.

T.

That's awesome Troy.

(Sheesh, what happened to the cyclists around here???)

OK, boyz and girlz... tomorrow at 10am we're doing a 62-miler. Niiiiiiice and slooooooow, says Swami Troy.... otherwise this is gonna hurt.

Can't wait! WOOT!

welp, after getting 150 in last week (thanks to the weather and my light schedule), this week has been a bust. Looking to get 40 in either tomorrow or Sunday, but both days are calling for highs in the low 30's and a "wintry mix" (which I'm assuming is like Chex Mix, only colder and wetter).

Have a great ride tomorrow Troy!
J

150 a week is great! Especially for winter, eh?

Eh.. today turned out to be 50. Ended up taking the SAG wagon in... but no shame here, from the time I got up (and found my front tire flat) I went through 4 (4!) tubes. Blew the rear about 25 miles in, replaced it... but realized the stem was bad, and was out of tubes. Waited for nice passerby who gave me one. 20 minute stop. Replaced it, rode 20 more, and BAM! It blew again (I either had it pinched or had too much air). When the SAG wagon stopped and had more tubes, the dude who helped (ironically) blew the tube by pinching it. So, we said, "guys, thanks. We're done. We can do the last 11 miles in the truck."

But what a glorious day for riding, and hey! 50 aint bad for a fat ass like me!

T.


Edited to say:

OH! And since my tire was actually torn, as I discovered... I went and bought new Vitoria tires... RED! Now, with my red handlebar tape, I should go WAY faster. Little known fact that the color of your tires affects your speed.

That's great Troy. Nice outing! Too bad about the flats though. I have no doubt that the red tires will not only cut down on your flat count this year, but increase your average mph a bunch! I, personally, have adopted the "the better I look, the faster it feels like I'm going" strategy.

I was supposed to get my butt outta bed to go ride with the group this morning, but heard rain. So..... I ended up going out for a couple hours in the afternoon and got 30 in. I'll take whatever I can get for the next 11 weeks! Weather wasn't too bad (30 and overcast). I dressed right and wore my sweet winter shoe covers that I bought a few months ago. Felt great the whole way.

Would like to get out for 30-40 tomorrow, but I see that there is supposed to be some "nasty" headed our way. We'll see.

< 20 miles today, but we were just flushing out the legs after yesterday. Felt pretty strong anyway. MAN, I wish this weather would last forever! It was high 60s today... isn't that nuts?

T.

Yeah, I know what you mean about the weather. Last week was fantastic (of course, here in MI, fantastic is anything better than 30 degrees and complete cloud cover). This week has been different. My schedule didn't allow me to get any rides in M-F, but I got 30 yesterday and 30+ today. Even though the temps were about the same between the two days, today felt colder.

We're supposed to get hit with this ice thing again tonight (which never materialized the other day ). Here's hoping for another miss.

Just 11 more weeks until I can ride to my heart's delight again! C'mon April 1!!!

Coldest ride ever for me today. Got some free time around 2pm today. Skies were sunny and blue, temps were around 30 (I took some sweet photos during my travels today... on the blog if you like). Got home, changed and headed out. As soon as my front wheel touched the road the sun disappeared forever. Winds picked up a bit. Temps fell a few degrees. BUT!!!

I got 30+ in today in 28 degree weather! Woot!

Ten and a half weeks until April 1st!!!

Did 35 today with a new group, called Mojo Riders... gonna "join the team," which is to say I'll buy a uniform. Nice group of guys, to be sure.

Regarding today's ride, two words: Ow.

Oh, sorry... TWO words: Ow. OW.

Today was super windy, headwind at every turn and over rolling terrain... still averaged 18 for the first 26 miles, then they dropped me... luckily, one of the fast guys had been behind me to pick up a dropped water bottle... so he came and gave me a wheel and I caught the group again drafting him (I thanked him for that). Then, 3-4 miles later... they dropped me again.

But what a great day of riding! A bit chilly, VERY windy, but awesome. I can't wait to have my legs back!

Come on, daylight savings time! WOOT!

Awesome man..... I've been such a slacker since that first week. The weather is just crap here though. Roads are not rideable (to me). I haven't even gone for a run or hooked the bike up to the trainer. bah.

Keep it up bro.
J

Dude, I totally get the aversion where it regards weather... particularly cold weather. Just make sure that's your only excuse, and go do spin classes anyway! Daylight savings is coming, my friend!

Alright, John man (I think we're alone here, BTW... no other cyclists out there?)... going tomorrow for that same ride as last weekend, but this time 10 degrees colder. You'd better be damned proud of me when I'm done!

Even if I do freeze my arse off and only avg. 8 mph.

Do it bro! A buddy just informed me that daylight savings is way early this year. I'm stoked. Only five more weeks until then! And only eight more until April 1!

Lemme know how the ride goes Troy.

Exactly right... I think it's March 11 hereafter, and in fact will be moved to later in the year to switch back. I know this because we have to patch all our internal and customer systems for the changes... another story.

But yes yes! More light = more riding! Life is good.

Man, I over did it yesterday. I haven't ridden since the middle of January during that warm streak. Got out with a friend yesterday and did 25. Problem is, I rode like I've been riding regularly all winter. Big mistake. My legs and knees are not happy with me right now.

And today we got three more inches of snow...... glad winter is over tomorrow. And I'm diggin' the early time change. Should be able to get out in the afternoons and ride now.

*off to check if the roads are dried out yet from this morning's snow*

Y'ok, finally blew the dust of the thing for the first time since......July. Felt good. I'm sure I'll be sore on Thursday when I go again.

Good job(s), you two... keep getting out there.

I've been riding sporadically, but the last two weekends I've gotten out to do 40 and 35, and once or twice during the week.... now that DST is here, I'm gonna hit it hard. This is the year I'd like to start showing/feeling some consistency. I don't care about speed so much except to "hang," but I want to be able to hit any distance and feel good afterwards.

Last weekend, a colleague from Boston crashed here overnight and we rode Sat. a.m.... he's 53 years old, about 5'7", and he's been riding since he was 13. What a great lesson that was about the strongest riders and the number of miles behind them... he was like a metronome on the hills. Super nice guy too, kept dropping back and pulling this lady who was out with us (she hadn't been on her bike in some time).

Ah, what a great, lifelong sport.

Good ride today. The one Friday was even better. Pushed myself a little this week. Having a heck of a time getting out with the group, so it's almost all "solo" miles. Plus, the work schedule has been allowing me to ride in the afternoon lately. Good for the legs, bad for business, but so it goes...

How about everyone else? Troy, Julie, Dre? How we doin'?

Sorry to hear about your fellow rider Troy. How is he doing? It CAN be dangerous out there. Even for the vets. Thanks for the reminder.

Eek. No, no! I mean, he "crashed" here as in slept at my place, then we rode in the morning. And had a great ride... I was just noting that he was far and away stronger than the rest of us.



I did 40 two Saturdays ago, and had the best ride of the year so far. Now it's time to get out there during the weekdays, and I'm starting that tomorrow... but this past weekend I was in Charleston for the Cooper River Bridge run... I ran the 10K in just under 49 minz. on Saturday, and then got dragged out Sunday to run 8 more (thought much slower). So, my legs are shot. Riding should be interesting this week.

Glad you're keeping active Troy!

It's been brutal here the past week. Low temps (below freezing) and high winds (up to 50mph gusts). Today isn't quite as bad and I haven't ridden since Monday. I'm gonna try it. Got a couple runs in during the bad stretch though including one with Jen (pailblueyes) yesterday!

Well? How was it???

I got out twice this week, once for 30 and once for 20... the 2nd time, the 20, my legs were exhausted. That running nuked me.

Got out for 25 today! Dude, it was cold. Twenty nine degrees and windy. Got 'er done though....

That makes three good rides and a couple runs for the month so far...

Running will make you better on the bike Troy. Stick with it!

GREAT job. Cold riding is tough... but feels good afterward, eh?



Oh, running is not my issue... I'm a runner by design. By practice. Been doing it a very long time... cycling, on the other hand, takes some focus.

Yeah, man. I'm beat. That cold just takes it out of me. But in a good way.


I've been a runner most of my adult life. Just started cycling within the last year or two. Seems we have something in common. I dig how the two disciplines compliment each other so well. Progress has been harder and slower on the bike. Worth every mile though...

Good to hear of your rides, friends. I've been out about three times a week for the past month, but when I rode Wednesday I broke a spoke and was stranded. A kind family stopped to help me and gave me a ride home. Turned out they were friends of some of the families at my school. The back wheel needs to be replaced. I seem to have a lot of problems with rear wheels. This one I'd only had since last September, though it was used. It was a pretty nice wheel: ultegra hub with mavic open pro rim, 32 spokes. I decided to replace it with a set of wheels I can't remember the name of, but they came highly recommended and dirt cheap. This will be the first time I've had non-traditional laced-spoked wheels. I think these will have 20 or so. I hope they last; I probably need to get a backup wheel with as many problems as I have.

Does anyone know the comparison in durability between conventional 32/36 spoke wheels and the wheels introduced in the past few years that have fewer spokes. I can't really find anything written about it, but the fact that the pros use conventional wheels in the cobbled classics like Paris-Roubaix makes me think they must be stronger. Honestly some of the roads around here make me think there should be a classic race through upstate South Carolina.

I'm no expert on this, but I did research and by wheels for my fiance last year and I learned a bit about this. I think it's a matter of wheel quality, not spoke count. That is, you can buy 36 spoke wheels that will break a lot or don't and 16 wheel spokes that break a lot or don't.

I have Bontrager xLites, 16 spokes front and rear, and have (knocking on wood here) never busted a spoke in 2 years. I love the wheels, though I think they're a bit toward the race side rather than the ride side.

The ones I bought for Lee (fiance) are Amercan Classic Sprint 350s, 28/32 spoke count front/rear, and she hasn't had a problem in a year either. Now, her wheels by the way are cadillacs in terms of comfort compared to mine, and her rims weigh practically nothing. But those wheels, Dre, are particularly known for their durability over any road terrain... they were written up in Bicycling Mag last month as the best "all-around" wheel for the money... a set is around $750, so it's a good value.

Long answer to a short question: research the wheel, and I think you'll find that whether a particular spoke count is reliable depends on the particular make of the wheel. But I'll tell you if you're looking for wheels to ride the roads, as opposed to racing, I'd recommend the 350s. It's also, however, a matter of your own 'look' preference... I mean, the 16-spoke wheels look faster, even if they're not. So, I can sit back as she's passing me and think, "yeah, but I probably look WAY cooler."

Edited to add: and Dre, dude... we HAVE to ride some this season. Let me know what your plans are.

FWIW Dre...

I've had a set of Bontrager Selects (24 spoke count) for about 9 months now with absolutely no problems at all. Had a few hard hits and such, but these wheels appear to be very tough. Many of my riding friends up here (riding in terrible road conditions) ride mavic wheels.

Good luck!
J

So, rode none last weekend... yardwork won out. But got out for 20+ on Tuesday, and will do 30 today... and then the rides this weekend! Will be a bit chilly still, but WOOT!

Anybody else ridin?'

Weather is just not cooperating up here, but I'm sitting on 100 this week with the weekend to go. Today's ride was just silly. It was cold (37) and so windy that on the way back, into the wind, I noticed my speedo dip into single digits during wind gusts (of up to 30mph). Climbing hills (not even big ones) into the wind I thought the bike was going to start rolling back down the hill. I just keep tellin' myself it's not going to last much longer.... I hope.

Lord willing and knock on wood, this is shaping up to be a good season!