That is a great site with some incredible photos----that would a dream to be able to go capture the scenes of an incredible event such as the Tour de France.

I don't know if I'd like to be one of those photogs riding on the back of those touring motorcycles---I'd much prefer to be holding on to that "bike" than to be holding onto a camera!!!

That is a great site with some incredible photos----that would a dream to be able to go capture the scenes of an incredible event such as the Tour de France.

I don't know if I'd like to be one of those photogs riding on the back of those touring motorcycles---I'd much prefer to be holding on to that "bike" than to be holding onto a camera!!!

Slept thru my ride yesterday, but did 50 today and then ran for a bit. Anybody else getting out there?

Not a bit. One ride in May and one in June. Nothing in July yet. Pathetic. The band is taking up all my free time (such as it is), but it is really taking a toll on me not being active in some way. Hoping some opportunities open up soon.

I went out and bought a couple of new water bottles today, hoping to guilt myself into a few miles soon...

Hope everyone else is getting some miles in!

Wound up cutting way back on the running since March - major health issues with 2 family members since then have required more of my time at home. Getting out walking nearly every day for about 2.5 miles and running a couple of times a week for about 45 minutes each run. Would love to get an 8K on the calendar.

I'm actually enjoying the tour this year, to my own surprise. I'd thought the doping allegations/scandals/dirty athletes of the last few years would have tainted me, but lo and behold, it seems that the field is level now. Closest tour EVER in terms if overall times, and if I have my way then Carlos Sastra (sp?) is gonna hold his ground in the last time trial, and ride the Champs Elysees victorious. But we'll see! So many great stories this year.

OK, so... let me quote myself: just a mini (.3 mile swim, 12 mile bike, 5K run). What the hell was I thinking??? "Just a mini?" That was absolutely the most pain I've ever been in, in my life. The swim was sooooooo gruelling, didn't know if I'd leave the water without reaching for a canoe oar. But I did! And the bike was good (averaged 19-ish), and the run was slooooooow at 9 min miles, but all together, a GREAT day! Really enjoyed it, and going to sign up for more punishment. Half Iron Man? Jury's still out... very scared of that now... that'd be 1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike and a half marathon, slightly bigger fish. And the Iron Man, full, in 2010? Pie in the sky 'til I get some more experience.

But voila! A triathlete is born. I have the B2B century in Sept., but after that I think it's tri time. Very excited. WOOT!

Colbert Tues night:

"...for the same reason that I call hitting cyclists with my car an enhanced turn signal."

That same Big Picture blog site gave us a conclusion set for the Tour de France.

CONGRATULATIONS TROY!

I know EXACTLY what you mean about the swim. My only Tri was a few years ago and I could not complete the half mile swim. I just figured I had the aerobic fitness *idiot*. They let me (and a few fellow poor planners) continue the tri, but only after the entire field was out of the water. Passed people like crazy in the bike and run, but my pride was pretty well crushed. Having said that, I look forward to doing another someday (with the PROPER swim training!).

Glad to hear about your fantastic feat! Enjoy the feeling.
J

Thanks John! Hope you get back out there to reclaim your pride.

Went up to Mt. Mitchell today to get some climbing in.... holy cow, do I have some training to do before September. We averaged around 17 for the first 8 miles... that's the road leading to the climbs. Then 12 miles of straight climbing (a couple of short flats therein, I guess) and we averaged < 6mph there. My wife was getting back spasms, so we bailed and went back down the hill (now THAT was fun!). Gonna go back in a couple of weeks and conquer the beast... what a great ride that is up there. Blue Ridge Parkway, largest mountain on the east coast... what could be better?

Oh, and: ow. Ouch. Owwie.

Been getting in around 150 miles a week, with big rides at least one day each weekend. Last Sunday did 60, today did 70 but with MUCH better results and a better feeling at the finish. That's the farthest I've ever ridden, and I feel AWESOME! So happy!

Bridge to Bridge in one month is starting to feel a lot more comfy.


You kids getting out there???

Welp, I made a valiant effort to log some miles in August so that I could do my "insane" ride - CFC like last year. No dice. Ended up just pushing too soon and injured my knee. No worries. A little time off the bike and I will be good to go. But, not wanting to chance that my motivation will wane.... I went out and got THIS:

2008 Giant TCR C1. She's a beauty. You'd be amazed how much the local bike shops will mark down last year's models...

Gorgeous! Love it. Congrats John, and welcome back!

3 weeks to bridge to bridge, and I just took 2 weeks off riding (with a couple of days in there, but not much). spent a week at the beach and drank too much, ate too much, and slept too much. Should be interesting!

Thanks Troy. I figured you'd be all over that post.

Hope all goes well on your ride. Couple weeks off won't hurt you a bit. Probably help, actually. Well, except for the "ate too much and drank too much" part... LOL...

I'm definitely out for CFC, but I'll just keep riding to maintain some base heading into winter. Rode the new machine for a few miles this afternoon. Wow. Carbon rides very different from aluminum. Always felt like my aluminum frame (LeMond) rode like a truck. I was right.

How's everyone else doing? Getting out? Dre? Julie? Carolyn? Holla!

Hey John, good to see you back!

I've been a bit of a slacker lately and sure enough, I feel it! Been burning the candle at both ends as they say, and chronically tired, so while I go for walks just about every day, the running has taken a back seat because of being overtired.

However, a day shift 7A - 3:30 PM shift just became available at work; I applied for it and will be starting day shift in a few weeks. I'm somewhat jealous that you have been riding to work and would like to try doing that myself, which was out of the question with 3rd shift. Thinking about it....we have an old Schwinn in the garage that might work but I need a helmet...and then there's driving along the highway for a few miles...but maybe! I'd like to give it a dry run.

I'm looking forward to discussing it with a local bike shop.

- C

My bike is full carbon, but it's the only one I've ever owned... so I can't compare. I've heard others -- including my wife -- say what you're saying though, John. I assume that means you like this new ride better?

By the way, if you don't mind me asking... what % discount did you get on that chariot?

T

One of my bikes, the LeMond is an aluminum frame that I purchased new in 2006 (toward the end of the model year). Another (a ten+ year old bike which Jen bought for me at a garage sale), my Maruishi, is a steel frame. The steel frame garage sale bike is a nicer riding bike than my LeMond. Go figure. Of course, the components and such leave some to be desired.

And, yes, early returns indicate that the carbon frame is now the most comfortable bike I own. Not to mention the sweet Ultegra Grouppo which just makes everything a little better.

In answer to your question, LBS Had the bike marked down to begin with and gave me a total of 20% off. I jumped on it as I am hearing that carbon and aluminum bikes are going to be marked up 15-20% for the 2009 line (per an article in the latest Velonews and confirmation from my LBS). Being a loyal customer (this is the third bike I've purchased at the same shop in two years) and a member of a local bike club probably didn't hurt my discount.

Do I smell a new ride for you Troy?

Thanks for the info, that's interesting re: the differences.

No new ride for me, sir... no time soon. I have a 2004 Madone 5.2, full carbon with Ultegra components. I also upgraded the wheels when I bought it to Bontrager X-Lites, so that's plenty good enough for me, for now. Ask me again once I decide to go pro.

I don't remember the last time I was in here. I've ridden more than ever this year, pushing 4500 miles at the moment. I'm aiming to ride more than I drive, but right now I'm a little behind. I ride to work most days, four miles or so each way, and 3 or 4 rides for the sake of riding each week. Usually about 150 per week. I've been faster than ever, fitter than ever, and skinnier than ever since high school. Feels good.
Oh, and I work in a bike shop now. A little shop in Rock Hill called Rock Hill Bike Shop (how ironic). I've enjoyed it, and it's good to get stuff at such a discount.

Good to hear that some of you are getting out there and riding and getting cool new stuff.

Dre, that's AWESOME. So much for me riding with you! Well, unless I wanna get dropped.

Well, now... here's something for ya!!!


Lance Armstrong Coming Out of Retirement

Anyone tried riding a recumbent bike outside? There was a feature article about them (more expensive) in the newspaper this weekend. Seemed that everyone who was riding them (all put lots of distance miles on them) preferred them and wouldn't go back to the upright style. Seems that chiropracters are advocating them as well. Some racers were intereviewed and wished they'd switched to recumbent earlier.

Anyone with any experience with these on the road?

Dre! Hey bro!

I've been watching you vanish from sight on bikejournal.com this season. I could've ridden with you last season, but looks like both me and Troy would be seeing you from behind now! Congrats on a great season!

Troy, I remember you talking about that bike when you got it. Sounds like our rides are very similar. Mine is full carbon with Ultegra SL stuff. Now I know how the other half has been living!

And no, Carolyn, I've never tried a bike that thinks it's a recliner. J/K... I bet if I had a bad back or something I'd be on one! Let us know if you try it!

So, here's the topo for next weekend's ride:



Now, I rode 60 today (and will tomorrow, or close to it).... and my legs were cramping at about 45 miles onward. When I finished, I was thinking, "hmmmmmm, next weekend, right here is where I start the climb part. Yay!"

Should be interesting!

Question for some of you that have more biking experience than I do: How do you feel about hybrids? A marathon running friend of mine who I was out on a run with today (1st time running in about 4 weeks...and my legs were fatigued but happy!) said that he likes the hybrid. He's done some races but mostly the distance charity rides or tours. He's done a few day trips with another friend of ours for 60 miles, for example.

If I'm going to invest in a new one, I'm trying to understand what will last me as far as for a commuter bike (about 8 miles RT) and also for fun. I thought that weight might not be an issue with such a short ride, but my friend suggested otherwise...and let me know that if I had a lightweight bike that was a pleasure to ride, I might want to take it out more often.

Hybrids? Any thoughts?

Hi Carolyn,
Depends on what, exactly, you're calling a hybrid. I have a couple of true road bikes. Each one is under 20 pounds in weight. These are great bikes to ride anywhere for long or short distance. I've used them for commuting as well (why not?). My main commuter is a Giant Cypress. This is my "tank", at around 40 pounds. IMO, the weight of the bike is important. For commuting, I base my decision on which bike to ride mostly on weather. If it's going to be perfect I'll ride one of the roadies. If the weather is going to be questionable, I'll take the Cypress every time. Also, I usually "retire" the roadies for the season once the winter comes.

And, imo, your friend is right. Get a bike that you love to ride. The rest will take care of itself!

I think commute biking and road biking are different, so I agree with John that a bit of definition is needed. I mean, will you literally on the road all the time? Or will you go on sidewalks, or hit a dirt/gravel trail through a park, etc.? If the latter, you do NOT want a pure road bike... you want something with wider tires to keep you upright (vs. face down). Likewise, to John's point, if you want one bike and you're planning on riding in rainy/other weather, go hybrid. Get something as light as possible, and as comfortable as possible, and make sure it's the right size for you!

Good luck!

Thanks guys for the ideas. I went to 2 bike shops yesterday. One had sold out of all their 2008 stock and they recommended a road bike, said they could order it and have it shipped there where they could put it together for me, etc. My son told them that we just started looking, so we needed to think things through. I certainly would have liked to try out the bike first to see how it fit, felt, etc. Then, we went to REI, and the salesman had me sit on one bike, which was too high for me to even get my feet to touch ground, and asked me how does the bike feel? I said, "well, I guess ok, I can touch the handlebars, but it's kind of hard to tell how it feels." He determined that I needed a "medium" frame and recommended that I look online for the best deals on 2008's, then have a "medium" shipped to REI.

Well, there is no "medium", it seems that the frames are all in cm's. However, I do think that I want a lighter bike. My commute will be all on pavement, but we do have some areas with gravel around here. I

I've done a bit more research and I think I want to take an hour's drive to a shop that is supposed to have a lot in inventory and, per their website, takes a lot of time in making sure buyers get the right fit. I can see where that's important for reducing muscle fatigue on longer rides. Picked up a biking magazine on to learn a bit more, and have been reading on the web too. I'd like to actually see the bike and try it out before purchasing, since I'm kind of new to this.

My only regret is that I didn't come home w/a bike yesterday, but I want to buy the right starter bike, something I can use for commuting but can also take on some longer rides with friends.

Looking forward to having a bike with many miles of safe riding! Will keep you updated.

$$$ tip: look at the 2007 and 2006 bikes, if they have them... no need paying more money for a bike that's only slightly changed. Not sure what price range you're looking at, but "last year's models" were, just last year, the hottest new thing.

Fitting tip: there should be a specific frame size that is right for you. Mine, for example, is 58 cm... so, that's the only frame I ride (talkin' road bike here). I know mountain bikes use a different, less fine-tuned system, so perhaps hybrids do too... but you should be one frame size, and one only... so if you buy something online it should be because 1) you rode a bike of THAT model and liked it, and 2) it is precisely your frame size. To do anything other than those two things is begging for dissatisfaction and/or discomfort. The latter can really cause you problems.

Good luck!

Oh, I'd be happy the right leftover from any year, I just wasn't finding any at all in one shop, and REI only had 2, "small" 2008's. I definitely want to have someone help me figure out what size bike I need, then go from there. I'd like to spend under $1000, I was thinking I might have to spend in the $600 range. I have low back issues but have learned how to work around them enough that I can run w/no discomfort whatsoever to my back. So yeah, the right bike fit is important for me for a number of reasons. Mostly, I want this to be a fun new dimension to lots of areas of my life...commuting, recreation w/ friends, exploring new areas, who knows? So, maybe after Bike #1 I can think about buying online later Bike #2, a more serious distance bike.

...need to find a bike in time for some upcoming fall foliage rides!

OK, so...

Bridge to Bridge is a beautiful, well supported... and very challenging ride. Awesome. Anybody needing a ride to do next Sept., sign up via this link when registration opens for next year!!

At about 55 miles, I felt like a million bucks. About 12 miles and 2700 feet later, anything even resembling a climb got the granny gear and about 7 mph. I was riding along and smiling thinking about how wrecked my legs were at that point... and from there were some additional strong climbs that made me wonder what the hell I was thinking in not training in the hills for this thing. On the other hand, a great challenge and a terrific time... can't wait til next year, though I'm going to be a LOT better prepared.

Now if you'll excuse me, I'm gonna go try to make my legs work again. Two words: Ow. Owwwwwww.

Life is good.

Ok, so...

I signed up for an Iron Man (did I mention this before?). Arizona, November of 2009. Woo hoo! I have to do some events between now and then to get into the rhythm, including a half-IM, so... I figured I needed a good TT bike. Picked it up today.

Trek Equinox 9.5, full carbon (110), mostly DuraAce components except for rear cassette and pedals (Ultegra SL on those) and an SFA carbon crank set. Reynolds Assault clinchers for wheels. Total weight about 19 lbs. with pedals and aero bars.

I am SOOOOOOOOOOO stoked! Eh, I rode it for about 3 miles today just to test drive though.... and wow, it's WAY different than a road bike. I'm very far forward, and in the aeros my weight is all on my shoulders. Plus, on TT bikes the shifters are on the aerobars but the brakes are on the handle bars like normal.... that's gonna take some getting used to.

Woot!!!!!!!

Good grief, Troy! Wow... that is a sweet two-wheeler. Hope you have a great experience with your Tri adventure. Hoping others are getting out as well! This winter has been very difficult for any outdoor recreation, but the roads are currenty dry enough to ride/run.

I can sum up where I am with training in one word... SLACKER. Out.

For the record.... hehehehe....

But... but... that was BEFORE.

Busted and I know it,
T

Speaking of quotes... how are you slackin with that beast in the garage???

Ok, touche, dammit.

In my defense, the weather here has been awful for riding. Even my stupid self has not gotten out in it like last winter. Too much ice.

However...

My neighbor gave me his older set of rollers a couple weeks ago. I set 'em up a few days ago and viola! I'm turning pedals again. The first ride was very strange. Once getting over the feeling I was going to kill myself it wasn't too bad. Today was the second ride. Much easier. Got an hour of pretty good tempo riding in. Not sure I'd want to do more than that on rollers or a trainer.

Beats wasting away all winter I s'pose!

With respect to Trudy's thread, ACTIVE NEW YEAR EVERYONE!
John