Today we were invited to joing the New vCrew of Velo Valero on their training ride. We met at Comal Elementary and headed towards 3009. Today was to be our flat route for mileage ride. It started out as a nice, flat route. I pedaled along side Rana and Colin Russel for awhile. They have a great story. Rana (mom) has MS and is on the Lone Star Chapter MS Society board of directors. Her son, Colin, has been in the Club 100 every year. He rides on the tandem with his mom and for his mom. They began to pull away from me though and I didn't recognize why I was falling back already.
I struggled up a couple minor inclines, but felt justified when Vicki passed me and commented that her legs were burning. I got to the first major turn and Pete was waiting for me. Clearly, our regroup mileage distances were wrong and the group is not regrouping at this point. I tell Pete I feel like I have no legs, have some Gu and we head on. We come upon some of our riders having a flat repair training session on the side of the road. I take advantage of the break to catch my breath and stretch.
Highway 3009 is a rough road surface and constant hills. I pass some of our riders as I speed down some hills, but they catch me on the next up hill. There are points on this road where there is no shoulder and the cars are flying by and many of them don't slow down or give the bikes any space to clearly and safely continue our ride. As we pass the Wild Animal Park, I have to get off of the bike. I already contemplating turning back. I just don't have the energy or the legs to battle this surface and climb these hills today.
Pete and I continue on and I struggle up the next hill. Part way up I decide I can't make the climb and get off the bike. Somehow I lose my balance and almost fall (thankfully to the right out of the path of the traffic) but I manage to jump and bobble and catch myself and not fall! Frustrated, I walk up the rest of the hill. Just then, one of our riders comes by in his minivan. Apparently, he had multiple flats today and is now driving SAG for us. He confirms that we know the route and don't need help before he heads out.
At the bottom of the hill, we get to turn right onto the next highway. This is a new surface and a nice relief. I try to enjoy the surface and make the most of the ride. We come upon a long, flat stretch with beautiful scenery and I realize I'm not enjoying the ride. I can't enjoy the scenery around me. I'm struggling to get my legs to work to push the pedals around and get the wheels to keep turning. This stretch should be easy for me, but I'm struggling. I'm frustrated. I decide I'm done.
At the first stretch of shade, I stop and tell Pete I'm done. He begins telling me what lays ahead if we cut the ride short and head straight back to the parking lot. I try to explain what I just went through on the flat, but only tears roll down my face instead of words coming out. Just then, our SAG pulls up again and I decide I'm getting in. Pete gives me the keys to the truck and I promise to drive the route backwards to check on him.
Pete quickly finished the short route and gets back to the truck before I do. Unfortunately, I ended up a hostage in the minivan with a driver who didn't understand how much more I could do in the truck as SAG and that Pete was taking the short route and was sitting in the sun (no shade) at the parking lot now waiting for us. Thankfully, I was able to recognize Vicki and Alyssa at an intersection trying to determine the correct route. I got him to turn around to check on them and point them in the correct direction. We stopped at the gas station where everyone was regrouping.
Still, I couldn't get the van to take me back to the parking lot. We head out to chase the group into Gruene and come upon Rana and Colin who have blown out a tire of their tandem when crossing the railroad tracks. We manage to get the two of them and their tandem into the minivan. Now I know we need to head to the parking lot! Unfortunately, Rana lives closer and convinces our driver to just take her home and she can retrieve her truck later that afternoon. In the process we get a call to pick up a couple riders in Gruene.
So, we drop off Rana and Colin and head back to Gruene. I am shaking in frustration and cannot believe how this day is turning out. We pick up the next two riders and I'm glad there is some new blood to keep the conversation going. Finally, I get back to the parking lot. Pete has been there for over an hour and was as patient as he could be in the sweltering heat after a hard ride. We jump in the truck and begin to back drive the route. We find Vicki and cheer her on. I tell her we're driving out the 50 mile route to check on Tony and will return.
Further out on the longer route, we find Tony. He's doing well and we watch him stand on the pedals to climb a hill. The rest of the riders give us the thumbs up, so we continue back to the parking lot. Along the way, I beg for a pit stop at a gas station. Here we find some of the hammerheads who did the 50 mile route. They're shocked to see me and then realize I "cheated". I smile and we head back to the parking lot in the truck as they jump back on their bikes.
We are all exhausted and ready to call it a day! So many things went wrong in so many ways today and I just want to get this day behind us. Vicki, who finished the entire 40 mile route, declares this a horrible route. I quickly agree and now know what it's like when you "feel like you have square tires on your bike". I won't try this route again any time soon!
Goals
Today's Miles: 16.4
Total Miles Achieved: 783.12
Financial Investment: $1988.47
Total Weight Loss: 0
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Saturday, August 30, 2008
211 Loop Take Two (a.k.a. Group Mechanical Issues Day)
Today we decided to attack the Harbor Bridge training of the 211 loop again. Tony and members of Pauline’s Last Hurrah team joined us. Once again, my heart rate monitor started going off as we waited for the light to change for the left turn across the highway. This time Vicki was surprised by it. I just shrug it off knowing that it’s nerves.
Pete is leading the crew and I know that I’m going to be on my own to get up the seven mile hill this time, without the assistance of the power meter. As I start to begin the climb and get into the “keep on chugging along” mentality, I realize Pete is stopped in a driveway ahead of me. I stop and have a quick Gu while he tells me he had a loose pedal, or something. We go a little further and he stops again, saying something is wrong, but sends me on my way.
Further down the road, I see one of our riders stopped and fixing a flat all alone. Just then Pete calls and informs me his crank arm is coming loose and he has to head back. He says he’ll drive SAG and see me in a bit. I mention the cyclist ahead and say I’ll call him back with an update. I stop and chat with Don as he finishes fixing his flat. Just as he gets the wheel back on, the tube pops again. He's not thrilled. He hadn’t been able to determine what caused the first flat and now he’s convinced that putting in another tube would just go flat again. I call Pete and leave a message asking him to pick up Don on his way out in the truck. I provide the distance and a quick landmark to direct him to the right location. Don assures me he’s fine and sends me on to finish my ride.
At this point, I’m not just the slow one up the hill, I’m miles behind. That’s okay because sometimes you just have to help your fellow riders. Plenty of people have offered me assistance even when I didn’t need it, so I know the drill and it's my turn to repay the favor. I start down the hill and am not looking forward to attempting this left turn again, especially without a second set of eyes to check for traffic. Just then, I see another cyclist changing a flat on the side of the road. Wow! I stop and check on the guy. He is not riding with us, but we have a quick exchange where I confirm he is good and doesn’t need anything.
I now have less momentum to get up the hill, but I was able to make the turn within the lane width and feel it was a safer turn. I shift and pedal making my way up the hill knowing that I can stop, but that I want to perfect this hill as it’s my Harbor Bridge training. I keep on pedaling and I get to the top with a gear or two to spare. I enjoy the downhill and make the next climb. I decide there isn’t much point in me going the full distance this time when I’m so far behind the group, so I turn back at the same point I did last time and pause for some Gu.
As I start the long and steady climb back up, I’m thankful the wind isn’t blowing like it was last time. I still haven’t seen Pete in the truck and now I’m beginning to get a bit worried. I don’t want to stop in middle of a climb though, so I keep pedaling. I begin to make deals with myself to not shift until I get to this sign, or that driveway, or that rock. I even picked a point at the top of the hill that I couldn’t stop until I got to it. I actually went a little beyond that point because as I approached it, I was being passed by another cyclist.
I pick up the phone to call Pete. He answers and tells me he’s climbing “the bridge”. I tell him I’m at the top and wave at him as he climbs. He tells me the bike mechanic at Roger Soler’s helped him tighten his crank arm and he was good to go to head back out. So he took off on the chase to catch me. He stopped when he got to Don and helped him change the flat again with one of Pete’s tubes. Then Don headed back to the truck.
About then, I turn around and Tony and crew are approaching at the end of their climb. Tony announces he made the climb in his big ring! “Show off!” I don’t know why he’d want to make it that hard on himself to climb the hill other than so that he can say he did it. Must be a guy thing! We exchange some idle chit chat and Vicki catches up with us too. Lilian pulls out her camera and snaps a few photos of the group at the top of the hill.
Now it’s time to climb “the wall” and this week I’m determined to pedal the whole thing without stopping all the way to the top. I stopped down shifting with two gears left and started the deal making with points along the hill. I picked a driveway for my second to last shift, but when I got there I didn’t need it, so I moved the point to the next driveway. By then, I needed the gear and shifted. Now I had one shift left and my legs were burning. Pete shouted some words of encouragement and I tried to latch on to those.
Pete warns me that a cyclist is passing me and cheers me on while coaching me to hold my line. Truth be told, although it was a hard climb, I was sweating like crazy, huffing and puffing, and my legs were burning, I was holding my line well and wasn’t wobbling all over the road. However, being that tired and working that hard, wobbling is a potential so the warning was worth it. A little further and Pete warns me that Vicki is approaching me and will be passing shortly. It saved Vicki some breath and she wasn’t passing all that fast. Then, I made it to the top of the hill. I stopped at the blue sign at the top and just leaned over my handlebars huffing and puffing. Finally able to take some deep breaths, I look up and see Vicki hitting her thighs. I can’t decide if this is her version of a tantrum, or if something is wrong. Just then, she clips back in and heads down the hill, so she must be fine. I take another minute to drink some Gatorade and have a Gu.
Pete and I head out in tandem with him setting the pace. We’re moving at a good clip, but I’m gaining on him (without pedaling.) I told you my gravitational advantage works well down hills. As we’d discussed after last week’s ride, I holler at Pete to “grab a gear” – meaning “kick it up a notch”, or “go faster!” With the wind whipping by though, he can’t understand me, just heard something. So I holler louder “Grab a fear!” He seems to have misunderstood me and is slowing and even unclips a foot like he thinks I want to stop. I scream, “Not stop! Go faster!” Now I know he heard me because he shakes his head no and shouts back, “I can’t. Cramping!”
Yikes! I back off and give him some space to work out the cramp, or decide to stop. He clips back in, so I roll up on his wheel. He worked out the cramp, but I’m still worried. This is the first time Pete has had trouble on one of our rides and it’s happened twice today. Apparently, I use some energy on this concern and I’m inconsistent all the way back to the truck. We fly on some portions and others I fall way back. It was a good ride though and everyone made it back under their own leg power!
Goals
Today's Miles: 21
Total Miles Achieved: 766.72
Financial Investment: $1988.47
Total Weight Loss: 0
Pete is leading the crew and I know that I’m going to be on my own to get up the seven mile hill this time, without the assistance of the power meter. As I start to begin the climb and get into the “keep on chugging along” mentality, I realize Pete is stopped in a driveway ahead of me. I stop and have a quick Gu while he tells me he had a loose pedal, or something. We go a little further and he stops again, saying something is wrong, but sends me on my way.
Further down the road, I see one of our riders stopped and fixing a flat all alone. Just then Pete calls and informs me his crank arm is coming loose and he has to head back. He says he’ll drive SAG and see me in a bit. I mention the cyclist ahead and say I’ll call him back with an update. I stop and chat with Don as he finishes fixing his flat. Just as he gets the wheel back on, the tube pops again. He's not thrilled. He hadn’t been able to determine what caused the first flat and now he’s convinced that putting in another tube would just go flat again. I call Pete and leave a message asking him to pick up Don on his way out in the truck. I provide the distance and a quick landmark to direct him to the right location. Don assures me he’s fine and sends me on to finish my ride.
At this point, I’m not just the slow one up the hill, I’m miles behind. That’s okay because sometimes you just have to help your fellow riders. Plenty of people have offered me assistance even when I didn’t need it, so I know the drill and it's my turn to repay the favor. I start down the hill and am not looking forward to attempting this left turn again, especially without a second set of eyes to check for traffic. Just then, I see another cyclist changing a flat on the side of the road. Wow! I stop and check on the guy. He is not riding with us, but we have a quick exchange where I confirm he is good and doesn’t need anything.
I now have less momentum to get up the hill, but I was able to make the turn within the lane width and feel it was a safer turn. I shift and pedal making my way up the hill knowing that I can stop, but that I want to perfect this hill as it’s my Harbor Bridge training. I keep on pedaling and I get to the top with a gear or two to spare. I enjoy the downhill and make the next climb. I decide there isn’t much point in me going the full distance this time when I’m so far behind the group, so I turn back at the same point I did last time and pause for some Gu.
As I start the long and steady climb back up, I’m thankful the wind isn’t blowing like it was last time. I still haven’t seen Pete in the truck and now I’m beginning to get a bit worried. I don’t want to stop in middle of a climb though, so I keep pedaling. I begin to make deals with myself to not shift until I get to this sign, or that driveway, or that rock. I even picked a point at the top of the hill that I couldn’t stop until I got to it. I actually went a little beyond that point because as I approached it, I was being passed by another cyclist.
I pick up the phone to call Pete. He answers and tells me he’s climbing “the bridge”. I tell him I’m at the top and wave at him as he climbs. He tells me the bike mechanic at Roger Soler’s helped him tighten his crank arm and he was good to go to head back out. So he took off on the chase to catch me. He stopped when he got to Don and helped him change the flat again with one of Pete’s tubes. Then Don headed back to the truck.
About then, I turn around and Tony and crew are approaching at the end of their climb. Tony announces he made the climb in his big ring! “Show off!” I don’t know why he’d want to make it that hard on himself to climb the hill other than so that he can say he did it. Must be a guy thing! We exchange some idle chit chat and Vicki catches up with us too. Lilian pulls out her camera and snaps a few photos of the group at the top of the hill.
Now it’s time to climb “the wall” and this week I’m determined to pedal the whole thing without stopping all the way to the top. I stopped down shifting with two gears left and started the deal making with points along the hill. I picked a driveway for my second to last shift, but when I got there I didn’t need it, so I moved the point to the next driveway. By then, I needed the gear and shifted. Now I had one shift left and my legs were burning. Pete shouted some words of encouragement and I tried to latch on to those.
Pete warns me that a cyclist is passing me and cheers me on while coaching me to hold my line. Truth be told, although it was a hard climb, I was sweating like crazy, huffing and puffing, and my legs were burning, I was holding my line well and wasn’t wobbling all over the road. However, being that tired and working that hard, wobbling is a potential so the warning was worth it. A little further and Pete warns me that Vicki is approaching me and will be passing shortly. It saved Vicki some breath and she wasn’t passing all that fast. Then, I made it to the top of the hill. I stopped at the blue sign at the top and just leaned over my handlebars huffing and puffing. Finally able to take some deep breaths, I look up and see Vicki hitting her thighs. I can’t decide if this is her version of a tantrum, or if something is wrong. Just then, she clips back in and heads down the hill, so she must be fine. I take another minute to drink some Gatorade and have a Gu.
Pete and I head out in tandem with him setting the pace. We’re moving at a good clip, but I’m gaining on him (without pedaling.) I told you my gravitational advantage works well down hills. As we’d discussed after last week’s ride, I holler at Pete to “grab a gear” – meaning “kick it up a notch”, or “go faster!” With the wind whipping by though, he can’t understand me, just heard something. So I holler louder “Grab a fear!” He seems to have misunderstood me and is slowing and even unclips a foot like he thinks I want to stop. I scream, “Not stop! Go faster!” Now I know he heard me because he shakes his head no and shouts back, “I can’t. Cramping!”
Yikes! I back off and give him some space to work out the cramp, or decide to stop. He clips back in, so I roll up on his wheel. He worked out the cramp, but I’m still worried. This is the first time Pete has had trouble on one of our rides and it’s happened twice today. Apparently, I use some energy on this concern and I’m inconsistent all the way back to the truck. We fly on some portions and others I fall way back. It was a good ride though and everyone made it back under their own leg power!
Goals
Today's Miles: 21
Total Miles Achieved: 766.72
Financial Investment: $1988.47
Total Weight Loss: 0
Thursday, August 28, 2008
A Roadrunner Gets Me Up the Hill
Steve challenged us to a fast-paced pace line tonight. I thought he was nuts at the 22 mph speed, but knew I’d fall off the back no matter what speed, so I let him challenge the rest of the group. Sure enough! I fell off at the one block incline from the intersection I don’t like. Even though I was moving at a good clip, there was no keeping that group in sight at that pace. I let them go and Pete let me push myself without killing myself.
We got to “the hill” and I was determined to make it up tonight. The first time, I got part way up, suddenly felt like I wasn’t moving, had no momentum, and was going to topple if I didn’t unclip. So, right in front of Pete, I pretty much gave up and jumped off the bike. I’ve got to figure out how to save something to give it a kick when I feel that lack of momentum to keep me moving. The constant momentum, no matter how slow, will keep me moving up the hill. I don’t have any plans to go up any mountains that would be so steep as to roll me backwards despite my legs powering the pedals forward. So, I walked to the top, caught my breath and decided to try it again.
I take off around the block to attempt “the hill” again. This time Vicki and I pause to catch our breath just before the bottom of the hill. I probably should watch my heart rate rather than say “I’m catching my breath”, but I didn’t and when Vicki was ready, I headed up the hill a short distance behind her. I got distracted by a rider passing me on her second (probably her third) time up and then Laura passing me and doing switch-backs next to me. I pretty much jumped off of the bike at that point as I don’t like climbing a hill in the vicinity of Laura’s switchbacks. Shamefully, I walk up the hill and hope no one is watching from the top. But, I only cheat myself, so I admit to walking.
Meanwhile, Pete is practically doing circles around me as he continues going around the block and up the hill. I should mention that he doesn’t stop at the top to catch his breath, or drop his heart rate either. Show off! Actually, I think he’d just challenged himself to six climbs and was determined to do it and leave me to my own devices to get up “the hill”. To be honest, Thursday nights are good for that as I have the opportunity to ask Steve and JD for coaching and tips that may click for me, or get a different perspective on my ailments or challenges.
Third try, and probably my last as the others are nearing their “six climbs” Steve challenged at the beginning of the night. I countered with “that’s once each!” but the others took him seriously. So much for pedaling smarter, not harder! This time around, I think I’m ready, I turn the bend, start my climb… and suddenly, I know that I’m out of gas and it’s not going to happen. I decide to attempt a “do over” and turn around in the driveway and go back to the bottom. After all, one of the other girls did it tonight! I circle back around, but know that I have less momentum to get me started.
Just then, a road runner runs out in front of me across the road. I stop to avoid him and proceed to watch him across the road. He plays in the driveway until he finally meanders off through the gate and out of sight. By this time, I’ve lost count of how many other bikes have passed me and not one noticed the road runner. I take a deep breath and figure it’s now or never. I start pedaling and shifting. I pedal and shift. I shift, shift, shift, pedal harder. Just then, I cross the line in the road that has been my barrier. I shift again and pedal some more. I’m making it. I keep on pedaling and now I can see the group gathering at the intersection at the top of “the hill”. I pedal and grunt as the group starts to cheer me on. I’m beginning to smile through the pain and I made it to the top! With a triumphant yell and a cheer from the gals, I role in to the rendez-vous point (having attempted "the hill" three times to their six) huffing and puffing, but excitedly jumping up and down as much as one can while still on the bike!
Steve immediately congratulates me and then starts questioning me about what was different this time. I confess to the road runner and stopping to watch it play in the driveway. He points out that I watched the bird until I was no longer distracted and was able to focus on “the hill”. Good point! Now I know what I need to keep in mind next week to get up “the hill” all three times!
Goals
Today's Miles: 12
Total Miles Achieved: 745.72
Financial Investment: $1988.47
Total Weight Loss: 0
We got to “the hill” and I was determined to make it up tonight. The first time, I got part way up, suddenly felt like I wasn’t moving, had no momentum, and was going to topple if I didn’t unclip. So, right in front of Pete, I pretty much gave up and jumped off the bike. I’ve got to figure out how to save something to give it a kick when I feel that lack of momentum to keep me moving. The constant momentum, no matter how slow, will keep me moving up the hill. I don’t have any plans to go up any mountains that would be so steep as to roll me backwards despite my legs powering the pedals forward. So, I walked to the top, caught my breath and decided to try it again.
I take off around the block to attempt “the hill” again. This time Vicki and I pause to catch our breath just before the bottom of the hill. I probably should watch my heart rate rather than say “I’m catching my breath”, but I didn’t and when Vicki was ready, I headed up the hill a short distance behind her. I got distracted by a rider passing me on her second (probably her third) time up and then Laura passing me and doing switch-backs next to me. I pretty much jumped off of the bike at that point as I don’t like climbing a hill in the vicinity of Laura’s switchbacks. Shamefully, I walk up the hill and hope no one is watching from the top. But, I only cheat myself, so I admit to walking.
Meanwhile, Pete is practically doing circles around me as he continues going around the block and up the hill. I should mention that he doesn’t stop at the top to catch his breath, or drop his heart rate either. Show off! Actually, I think he’d just challenged himself to six climbs and was determined to do it and leave me to my own devices to get up “the hill”. To be honest, Thursday nights are good for that as I have the opportunity to ask Steve and JD for coaching and tips that may click for me, or get a different perspective on my ailments or challenges.
Third try, and probably my last as the others are nearing their “six climbs” Steve challenged at the beginning of the night. I countered with “that’s once each!” but the others took him seriously. So much for pedaling smarter, not harder! This time around, I think I’m ready, I turn the bend, start my climb… and suddenly, I know that I’m out of gas and it’s not going to happen. I decide to attempt a “do over” and turn around in the driveway and go back to the bottom. After all, one of the other girls did it tonight! I circle back around, but know that I have less momentum to get me started.
Just then, a road runner runs out in front of me across the road. I stop to avoid him and proceed to watch him across the road. He plays in the driveway until he finally meanders off through the gate and out of sight. By this time, I’ve lost count of how many other bikes have passed me and not one noticed the road runner. I take a deep breath and figure it’s now or never. I start pedaling and shifting. I pedal and shift. I shift, shift, shift, pedal harder. Just then, I cross the line in the road that has been my barrier. I shift again and pedal some more. I’m making it. I keep on pedaling and now I can see the group gathering at the intersection at the top of “the hill”. I pedal and grunt as the group starts to cheer me on. I’m beginning to smile through the pain and I made it to the top! With a triumphant yell and a cheer from the gals, I role in to the rendez-vous point (having attempted "the hill" three times to their six) huffing and puffing, but excitedly jumping up and down as much as one can while still on the bike!
Steve immediately congratulates me and then starts questioning me about what was different this time. I confess to the road runner and stopping to watch it play in the driveway. He points out that I watched the bird until I was no longer distracted and was able to focus on “the hill”. Good point! Now I know what I need to keep in mind next week to get up “the hill” all three times!
Goals
Today's Miles: 12
Total Miles Achieved: 745.72
Financial Investment: $1988.47
Total Weight Loss: 0
Upgrading My Saddle
I decided to upgrade my saddle and try out the new Bontrager saddle. I traded in the Terry one that wasn't working and now I have 90 days to decide if this saddle is right for me.
Greg, one of the Bike World mechanics did the saddle switch for me and I went for a quick spin in the parking lot to confirm the height and adjustment was right.
Goals
Today's Miles: 0
Total Miles Achieved: 733.72
Financial Investment: $1988.47
Total Weight Loss: 0
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Gear Indicator and a Short Water Bottle
It’s finally Wednesday, so we can head to Bike World to see Tom (he’s off on Mondays and Tuesdays.) After riding the 211 loop, I know that I want the gear indicator added to my cable so I can see when I’m about to run out of gears. My hope is that I’ll be able to save that last gear for when I really need the oomph! to get me the last little bit up a hill.
We start by looking at the short water bottles and trying them in my Ride Like a Girl cage on the seat tube. None of them fit! Tom suggests we try a side mount cage. I’m not thrilled about having to give up one of my brand new pink Ride Like a Girl cages, but I decide it’s worth a shot. We pick out a grey one and Tom mounts it with the pink bolts from my Ride Like a Girl cage. It works! We find one short bottle that just barely fits in the side mount cage. At least we find one and now I don’t feel like I’m wasting the space.
Tom handed my bike over to the wrenches to put the gear indicator on. I’m always amazed at how quickly the guys can do the little things on the bike. We were still chatting with Tom and shopping when my bike was done. We needed to get to dinner, so we paid the bill, loaded up the bike and headed to dinner.
Goals
Today's Miles: 0
Total Miles Achieved: 733.72
Financial Investment: $1956.42
Total Weight Loss: 0
We start by looking at the short water bottles and trying them in my Ride Like a Girl cage on the seat tube. None of them fit! Tom suggests we try a side mount cage. I’m not thrilled about having to give up one of my brand new pink Ride Like a Girl cages, but I decide it’s worth a shot. We pick out a grey one and Tom mounts it with the pink bolts from my Ride Like a Girl cage. It works! We find one short bottle that just barely fits in the side mount cage. At least we find one and now I don’t feel like I’m wasting the space.
Tom handed my bike over to the wrenches to put the gear indicator on. I’m always amazed at how quickly the guys can do the little things on the bike. We were still chatting with Tom and shopping when my bike was done. We needed to get to dinner, so we paid the bill, loaded up the bike and headed to dinner.
Goals
Today's Miles: 0
Total Miles Achieved: 733.72
Financial Investment: $1956.42
Total Weight Loss: 0
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Jazmin and I Get Rained Out
Tonight I promised Jazmin I would take her for a ride again. As I headed out from work, I noticed that I could smell rain in the air, but the sky looked clear. Half way home (two miles), it starts pouring down rain. I was drenched running from the car to the house. I called Vicki and she was surprised to hear about the rain. We decide it might be an isolated pocket, so we head out to Bullis Park.
Jazmin and I are early, so we back-drive part of the route. There are a couple stretches where it rained recently, but nothing extreme enough to cause puddles in the road that would stop us from riding.
We met Vicki in the parking lot just as some large raindrops began to fall. We pile into the truck and watch the clouds hoping they will pass quickly. Unfortunately, it looks like the clouds that I drove through earlier with the torrential downpour are on their way toward our route. We decide to declare we are rained out and go to dinner.
Alicia met up with us at Chipotle. We had a leisurely dinner with lots of talk about biking and the big event. Jazmin learned a lot and asked questions when appropriate. So much for her special night with me. She understood and seemed to enjoy the adult dinner conversation as much as a ride.
Goals
Today's Miles: 0
Total Miles Achieved: 733.72
Financial Investment: $2015.24
Total Weight Loss: 0
Jazmin and I are early, so we back-drive part of the route. There are a couple stretches where it rained recently, but nothing extreme enough to cause puddles in the road that would stop us from riding.
We met Vicki in the parking lot just as some large raindrops began to fall. We pile into the truck and watch the clouds hoping they will pass quickly. Unfortunately, it looks like the clouds that I drove through earlier with the torrential downpour are on their way toward our route. We decide to declare we are rained out and go to dinner.
Alicia met up with us at Chipotle. We had a leisurely dinner with lots of talk about biking and the big event. Jazmin learned a lot and asked questions when appropriate. So much for her special night with me. She understood and seemed to enjoy the adult dinner conversation as much as a ride.
Goals
Today's Miles: 0
Total Miles Achieved: 733.72
Financial Investment: $2015.24
Total Weight Loss: 0
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Saddles Don't Point to the Sky?
Pete has wanted to ride the "211 loop" but hesitated taking me out there due to some of the hills. We tried to go a couple weeks ago, but heard there was some major construction out there. Determined, Pete came up with an idea to go out and back to make for a nice 30 mile route and still get in the hill work. He’s never done this portion of the route in the “back” direction, but figures the hill training is necessary before the big event.
The group headed out and we waited for awhile to safely turn left onto the highway for a green light to get triggered. As we stood there, Christina comments that she’s getting nervous and holds out her shaky hand. I tell her she’s not alone and point to my heart rate and the monitor that is going off. Once the light changed, we were headed up highway 16. It's a four lane highway and has a good, wide shoulder to ride on. Most of the cars move to the left lane so you have a good deal of space between you and the cars going 60+ mph.
I chugged along and quickly realized this highway is a slow and constant uphill. I watched the group pull further and further away from me. My cadence matched the group (or at least Vicki), but my speed and my power just were not the same. About then, Pete pulled in front of me and set pace based on the power he thought I was exerting. He hit it right on and I managed to maintain a comfortable chug up the seven miles of hills. He’s been enjoying playing and learning with his new tool the power meter. Now we’ve learned that I too can benefit from the power meter if he’s setting the pace. It’s one of the reasons he wanted the power meter for pulling a pace line through the wind and now we know that it’s a success!
As we chug up the hill, a pack of motorcycles came roaring by on their way for a Sunday drive. I could just hear each of them thinking how crazy we were out there going up this hill without a motor. Trust me, I was thinking that too a couple of times! The roar of those engines doesn't help your motivation to get up the hill. I have learned to listen to how long they accelerate up the hill to truly know where the crest of the hill is and that's a sweet sound when you realize how near you are to the top of the hill. If the roar of the engines is a demotivator, the sound of them no longer accelerating is a motivator!
Pete coaches me through the downhill with a left turn across the highway and then an immediate climb up the next highway. This next climb is the one he really wants us to train on as it is closest to the Harbor Bridge in grade and length that he’s been able to find in town. He heads down the hill in front of me and makes the left turn. I’m not too far behind him and start to make my left turn. Half way through the turn, I realize I’m going pretty fast and turning pretty wide. I realize I’m going to go through the median section with the large, road turtles covering it. I don’t want to brake too hard and cause a skid as I’m crossing the highway, but I don’t want to hit one of the bumps either. I manage to find a straight path through and take a deep breath on the other side. *Mental note: work on turning this bike so I’m not a semi coming across the road.*
I start the climb and find a consistent pace to get me up. Pete shouts some words of encouragement about getting to the top. Surprisingly, I make it up with a bit more ease than I expected. Good! That’s comforting knowing that I have the physical strength and shifting knowledge to get me to the top of the Harbor Bridge on my bike under pedal power!
As with any uphill, there must be a downhill. Whee!!! This is a good downhill. I blow passed Pete and leave him in my dust. Yeah right! But I do allow my gravitational advantage to get me down the hill fast, and I keep pedaling most of the way so I do put some distance between us. I’m sure he “let” me get the distance, but I’ll take what I can get. As I start up the next hill, I try the attack and decide to work on a “fancy shift”. This is where I switch rings and upshift a couple of gears in order to maintain my cadence and have gears to shift down to on the uphill. I was quite fast enough, didn’t shift in the right order, and began the shifting too early in such a way that I ended up spinning my pedals pretty fast for a few seconds, which causes you to lose some speed, and in the blink of an eye, Pete was on my wheel again. The good news is, as I climbed the hill, I managed to find the some power level that Pete and I had been maintaining for most of the climb and I got up the without exhausting myself. Pete congratulated me on finding the right power level and I beamed in surprise and my newly discovered skill. Yours truly is a fast learner! (That, or I’m just stubborn and my stubborn muscles were holding their ground.)
We pause at the top of the hill and I announce to Pete that I don’t think this saddle is the right saddle for me. This helps to serve as my reminder to go to Bike World later and exchange the saddle. I had nothing to prove, so Pete and I decided this was a good point for me to turn around. The faster group would catch me up the next two hills on the return route. The point in the route was to ride the hills, so going the distance was not important for me. I turn around and Pete goes for the distance. I zoom down the hill I just climbed. As I start the attack for the uphill, I hear Steve telling me to sit back on my saddle to climb the hills. I adjust back in the saddle. Then, I hear Steve say “No, sit back in the saddle!” So, I sit back in the saddle! Honest, I have no idea how Steve gets us to listen to him so well that we hear his voice out on our rides.
Just then, I hear CRRAAAAACK! And suddenly find my saddle pointing to the sky. “Oh! That isn’t good.” I come to a stop and get off my bike. I look at the saddle and it doesn’t seem to have broken, it’s just shifted on the bolt and is now pointing skyward. I know I can’t ride like this. I try calling Pete, who shouldn’t be more than a couple miles down the road by now. No answer. I call a second time as our agreement is to call when there is an issue and text when it’s just a status/progress update. Still no answer. “Hmm… he must be climbing a hill.” I send a text message Broken saddle and continue to examine my bike. I can’t get the saddle to budge. To be honest, if it did I’d be worried that it wasn’t stable and therefore not safe to get me up the hills. I open up my seat bag to see what kind of tools I have on me, but I’m pretty sure I only have tubes and CO2 cartridges. I’m right. So, I call Pete again and this time he answers. I explain what happened. He says he’s with the group and they’ll be here shortly.
Now what? Well, there’s a guardrail next to where I stopped, so I lean the bike up against the guardrail and find a post at the right height and plop down. As I sit there swinging my legs and surveying the countryside around me, I decide to cool off a bit. I laid out my gloves to dry. I hung my helmet on a post. I even wrapped my buff around my ponytail so my hair wouldn’t keep blowing and blocking the view of my mirror. Various riders pedaled by and checked on me. I gave the thumbs up sign, replied “I’m good. Thanks!” and chatted with those who slowed down significantly to check on me. I felt like a kid taking a break. I didn’t have a care in the world. There was nowhere I could go and nothing I could do until Pete arrived with the tool. I swung my legs and relaxed while the rest of the group was pedaling and getting extra mileage. So much for the group catching me along the route.
When Pete arrived he confirmed my suspicion that the bolt wasn’t tight and shifting my weight had allowed the saddle to adjust on the bolt. He loosens the bolt and adjusts the saddle. I climb back on and go for a quick circle to check the adjustment. It feels right. I reattach my underseat bag, adorn my helmet and pull on my gloves.
I’ve had plenty of time to assess this hill, so I’m ready to attack it now. We all start up the hill, but I quickly realize it’s a long hill with a steady climb. Makes sense as it was such a long downhill to get here. To add to the struggle, the wind picks up and it’s a distinct headwind. Well, this is supposed to be training and if we’re pedaling to the beach, there’s going to be a headwind at some point coming from the Gulf. Pete is trying to shield me and pull me up at a constant power, but there is only so much help he can lend. Just then, I look ahead and see the road get steep in front of us. My eyes get big and I shake my head and tell myself to just focus on the road in front of me and I’ll get there. Not much further on, I realize that steep hill is someone’s driveway and the road takes a much “flatter” way over the hill. The “flatter” route however puts the highway in a cut-out between two rock walls and now the wind is really blowing in our faces. “Oh come on!” I shout in frustration, but I keep on pedaling. I make it up the hill and am thankful for a rest at the top.
Down “the bridge”, sharp right turn back onto highway 16 and now to climb up “The Wall” as this hill is called. Pete has told me that he fully expects I’ll have to walk part of this hill. I’m determined to prove him wrong. Then I run out of gears. My legs are burning! My lungs are burning! I have to stop, so I do. I huff and puff and then get back on the bike. I still don’t make it all the way to the top. They aren’t kidding about this hill being a wall! I try to start again and almost slip as my cleat misses the pedal. I see a cyclist approaching and I stand back up and wait for her to pass. When it’s clear, I attempt it again, and this time I get to the top – exhausted! I didn’t have to walk it, but I did have to stop twice on the way up.
After we catch our breath (you know it was all me) Pete and I take off down the hill. This is the constant seven mile uphill, so now it’s a gradual and mostly steady downhill. We hit a great rhythm and sometimes I have to grab the brakes to keep from passing Pete. It’s exhilarating and I feel great! I roll back in with a smile on my face and later learn that we averaged 19 mph on the last stretch. This route is a winner! Not only do we get to train for the Harbor Bridge climb, but we get a great finish to a good training ride. We all agree we’ll have to do this one again.
Pete asks if he should have brought me out here sooner. I comment that it would have been good to bring me out sooner after the Fredericksburg ride so I didn’t forget what real hill climbing was like, and so I didn’t have time to work this route up to such a challenge in my head. But, it didn’t work right in the schedule, so it wasn’t a loss by coming out when we did. I’m glad that the rest of the group liked the route so it won’t be a challenge to get out here again for more training.
Goals
Today's Miles: 21.12
Total Miles Achieved: 733.72
Financial Investment: $2015.24
Total Weight Loss: 0
The group headed out and we waited for awhile to safely turn left onto the highway for a green light to get triggered. As we stood there, Christina comments that she’s getting nervous and holds out her shaky hand. I tell her she’s not alone and point to my heart rate and the monitor that is going off. Once the light changed, we were headed up highway 16. It's a four lane highway and has a good, wide shoulder to ride on. Most of the cars move to the left lane so you have a good deal of space between you and the cars going 60+ mph.
I chugged along and quickly realized this highway is a slow and constant uphill. I watched the group pull further and further away from me. My cadence matched the group (or at least Vicki), but my speed and my power just were not the same. About then, Pete pulled in front of me and set pace based on the power he thought I was exerting. He hit it right on and I managed to maintain a comfortable chug up the seven miles of hills. He’s been enjoying playing and learning with his new tool the power meter. Now we’ve learned that I too can benefit from the power meter if he’s setting the pace. It’s one of the reasons he wanted the power meter for pulling a pace line through the wind and now we know that it’s a success!
As we chug up the hill, a pack of motorcycles came roaring by on their way for a Sunday drive. I could just hear each of them thinking how crazy we were out there going up this hill without a motor. Trust me, I was thinking that too a couple of times! The roar of those engines doesn't help your motivation to get up the hill. I have learned to listen to how long they accelerate up the hill to truly know where the crest of the hill is and that's a sweet sound when you realize how near you are to the top of the hill. If the roar of the engines is a demotivator, the sound of them no longer accelerating is a motivator!
Pete coaches me through the downhill with a left turn across the highway and then an immediate climb up the next highway. This next climb is the one he really wants us to train on as it is closest to the Harbor Bridge in grade and length that he’s been able to find in town. He heads down the hill in front of me and makes the left turn. I’m not too far behind him and start to make my left turn. Half way through the turn, I realize I’m going pretty fast and turning pretty wide. I realize I’m going to go through the median section with the large, road turtles covering it. I don’t want to brake too hard and cause a skid as I’m crossing the highway, but I don’t want to hit one of the bumps either. I manage to find a straight path through and take a deep breath on the other side. *Mental note: work on turning this bike so I’m not a semi coming across the road.*
I start the climb and find a consistent pace to get me up. Pete shouts some words of encouragement about getting to the top. Surprisingly, I make it up with a bit more ease than I expected. Good! That’s comforting knowing that I have the physical strength and shifting knowledge to get me to the top of the Harbor Bridge on my bike under pedal power!
As with any uphill, there must be a downhill. Whee!!! This is a good downhill. I blow passed Pete and leave him in my dust. Yeah right! But I do allow my gravitational advantage to get me down the hill fast, and I keep pedaling most of the way so I do put some distance between us. I’m sure he “let” me get the distance, but I’ll take what I can get. As I start up the next hill, I try the attack and decide to work on a “fancy shift”. This is where I switch rings and upshift a couple of gears in order to maintain my cadence and have gears to shift down to on the uphill. I was quite fast enough, didn’t shift in the right order, and began the shifting too early in such a way that I ended up spinning my pedals pretty fast for a few seconds, which causes you to lose some speed, and in the blink of an eye, Pete was on my wheel again. The good news is, as I climbed the hill, I managed to find the some power level that Pete and I had been maintaining for most of the climb and I got up the without exhausting myself. Pete congratulated me on finding the right power level and I beamed in surprise and my newly discovered skill. Yours truly is a fast learner! (That, or I’m just stubborn and my stubborn muscles were holding their ground.)
We pause at the top of the hill and I announce to Pete that I don’t think this saddle is the right saddle for me. This helps to serve as my reminder to go to Bike World later and exchange the saddle. I had nothing to prove, so Pete and I decided this was a good point for me to turn around. The faster group would catch me up the next two hills on the return route. The point in the route was to ride the hills, so going the distance was not important for me. I turn around and Pete goes for the distance. I zoom down the hill I just climbed. As I start the attack for the uphill, I hear Steve telling me to sit back on my saddle to climb the hills. I adjust back in the saddle. Then, I hear Steve say “No, sit back in the saddle!” So, I sit back in the saddle! Honest, I have no idea how Steve gets us to listen to him so well that we hear his voice out on our rides.
Just then, I hear CRRAAAAACK! And suddenly find my saddle pointing to the sky. “Oh! That isn’t good.” I come to a stop and get off my bike. I look at the saddle and it doesn’t seem to have broken, it’s just shifted on the bolt and is now pointing skyward. I know I can’t ride like this. I try calling Pete, who shouldn’t be more than a couple miles down the road by now. No answer. I call a second time as our agreement is to call when there is an issue and text when it’s just a status/progress update. Still no answer. “Hmm… he must be climbing a hill.” I send a text message Broken saddle and continue to examine my bike. I can’t get the saddle to budge. To be honest, if it did I’d be worried that it wasn’t stable and therefore not safe to get me up the hills. I open up my seat bag to see what kind of tools I have on me, but I’m pretty sure I only have tubes and CO2 cartridges. I’m right. So, I call Pete again and this time he answers. I explain what happened. He says he’s with the group and they’ll be here shortly.
Now what? Well, there’s a guardrail next to where I stopped, so I lean the bike up against the guardrail and find a post at the right height and plop down. As I sit there swinging my legs and surveying the countryside around me, I decide to cool off a bit. I laid out my gloves to dry. I hung my helmet on a post. I even wrapped my buff around my ponytail so my hair wouldn’t keep blowing and blocking the view of my mirror. Various riders pedaled by and checked on me. I gave the thumbs up sign, replied “I’m good. Thanks!” and chatted with those who slowed down significantly to check on me. I felt like a kid taking a break. I didn’t have a care in the world. There was nowhere I could go and nothing I could do until Pete arrived with the tool. I swung my legs and relaxed while the rest of the group was pedaling and getting extra mileage. So much for the group catching me along the route.
When Pete arrived he confirmed my suspicion that the bolt wasn’t tight and shifting my weight had allowed the saddle to adjust on the bolt. He loosens the bolt and adjusts the saddle. I climb back on and go for a quick circle to check the adjustment. It feels right. I reattach my underseat bag, adorn my helmet and pull on my gloves.
I’ve had plenty of time to assess this hill, so I’m ready to attack it now. We all start up the hill, but I quickly realize it’s a long hill with a steady climb. Makes sense as it was such a long downhill to get here. To add to the struggle, the wind picks up and it’s a distinct headwind. Well, this is supposed to be training and if we’re pedaling to the beach, there’s going to be a headwind at some point coming from the Gulf. Pete is trying to shield me and pull me up at a constant power, but there is only so much help he can lend. Just then, I look ahead and see the road get steep in front of us. My eyes get big and I shake my head and tell myself to just focus on the road in front of me and I’ll get there. Not much further on, I realize that steep hill is someone’s driveway and the road takes a much “flatter” way over the hill. The “flatter” route however puts the highway in a cut-out between two rock walls and now the wind is really blowing in our faces. “Oh come on!” I shout in frustration, but I keep on pedaling. I make it up the hill and am thankful for a rest at the top.
Down “the bridge”, sharp right turn back onto highway 16 and now to climb up “The Wall” as this hill is called. Pete has told me that he fully expects I’ll have to walk part of this hill. I’m determined to prove him wrong. Then I run out of gears. My legs are burning! My lungs are burning! I have to stop, so I do. I huff and puff and then get back on the bike. I still don’t make it all the way to the top. They aren’t kidding about this hill being a wall! I try to start again and almost slip as my cleat misses the pedal. I see a cyclist approaching and I stand back up and wait for her to pass. When it’s clear, I attempt it again, and this time I get to the top – exhausted! I didn’t have to walk it, but I did have to stop twice on the way up.
After we catch our breath (you know it was all me) Pete and I take off down the hill. This is the constant seven mile uphill, so now it’s a gradual and mostly steady downhill. We hit a great rhythm and sometimes I have to grab the brakes to keep from passing Pete. It’s exhilarating and I feel great! I roll back in with a smile on my face and later learn that we averaged 19 mph on the last stretch. This route is a winner! Not only do we get to train for the Harbor Bridge climb, but we get a great finish to a good training ride. We all agree we’ll have to do this one again.
Pete asks if he should have brought me out here sooner. I comment that it would have been good to bring me out sooner after the Fredericksburg ride so I didn’t forget what real hill climbing was like, and so I didn’t have time to work this route up to such a challenge in my head. But, it didn’t work right in the schedule, so it wasn’t a loss by coming out when we did. I’m glad that the rest of the group liked the route so it won’t be a challenge to get out here again for more training.
Goals
Today's Miles: 21.12
Total Miles Achieved: 733.72
Financial Investment: $2015.24
Total Weight Loss: 0
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Riding in the Rain
We woke up this morning to pouring down rain. After a phone call to Vicki to confirm she had rain out her way, we decided to go back to bed and cancel the ride. A few hours later, Vicki called and invited us to lunch. We met up with Vicki and Ericka to try a Mexican restaurant.
Afterward, Vicki, Pete, and I decided to try and get in a quick ride in Hollywood Park. Rather than starting from Bike World and having to ride backwards on the shoulder back to Bike World at the end of the ride, we decided to start from Pete’s dentist office parking lot. It was perfect as there is a driveway from the parking lot onto a neighborhood street that took us straight into Hollywood Park. As we drove, I noticed what a beautiful afternoon it was turning out to be. I even commented on the bright blue sky and the fluffy white clouds. Just then, it starts to sprinkle. Oops! A few miles later we arrive at the parking lot and the sprinkle has passed.
I’ve discovered that the seat tube of my sleek new Madone is too short for an average bottle. They make shorter bottles, but I haven’t made it to the store to purchase a shorter bottle yet. I mention to Vicki how I can only carry one bottle and she offers a spare short bottle. I take the bottle and try to put it on my cool new Ride Like a Girl cage, but it won’t fit. The top tube is thicker because it encases the bike cables that usually run along the top tube. The short bottle almost fits, but the bite piece of the lid is too tall and won’t allow the bottle to go in all of the way. I know that I can’t ride with a bottle sticking out to the side. We’re going to have to take the bike with us when shopping for a short bottle to confirm it will fit. I have plenty of water in the Camelbak for this ride, so we’re good to go.
The roads are damp, it’s humid out, but the temperature has dropped and I start to think it may be a nice afternoon ride. We decide we’re going to work on attacking “the hill”. As we meander our way on the new (to us) streets, we casually wave hello to the neighbors who seem to be out in mass this afternoon. The ride is uneventful as we approach the required complete stop intersection.
Just as we start down the hill rain drops begin to fall. We keep moving and I learn what it’s like to ride in the rain. My sunglasses are getting rain drops on them. The jersey is beginning to stick to my chest as it cuts through the rain. Vicki’s hands are slipping on the handlebars as she forgot her gloves today. I grasp for my brakes and discover my fingers are slippery on the smooth metal surface that’s now wet.
We pause under a tree but determine the rain is not going to stop. While we stand there clearing the rain from our glasses and trying to dry our hands, I spot a roadrunner on top of a brush pile. He doesn’t stay too long, but he seems to be investigating and hunting for bugs in the pile. We continue on to attack “the hill”. I don’t know what was different about today, but I made it up “the hill” on my first attempt. I’m ecstatic, but want to get better. Afterall, Vicki can get up the hill and still have gears left.
Going around the block to try again, I notice the roadrunner headed for dryer pastures. I’m on the attack and ready to get up this hill a second time. I can feel water running down the back of my knees as I start up the hill. Vicki doesn’t make it up and as I pass her there is a crack of thunder. It startles me and I jump off the bike! I walk up and shake my head as I realize how I just jumped off of the bike. We discuss the weather and decide the thunder sounds close and it doesn’t look like the rain will be passing soon, so we decide to head back to the truck.
It was a quick ride, but it felt good to get out and get some exercise despite the weather. I understand why people don’t want to ride in the rain and I don’t know that I want to try it in more than a drizzle again either. It took a long, hot bath tonight to finally warm up after being chilled to the bone by the damp rain.
Goals
Today's Miles: 9
Total Miles Achieved: 712.6
Financial Investment: $2015.24
Total Weight Loss: 0
Afterward, Vicki, Pete, and I decided to try and get in a quick ride in Hollywood Park. Rather than starting from Bike World and having to ride backwards on the shoulder back to Bike World at the end of the ride, we decided to start from Pete’s dentist office parking lot. It was perfect as there is a driveway from the parking lot onto a neighborhood street that took us straight into Hollywood Park. As we drove, I noticed what a beautiful afternoon it was turning out to be. I even commented on the bright blue sky and the fluffy white clouds. Just then, it starts to sprinkle. Oops! A few miles later we arrive at the parking lot and the sprinkle has passed.
I’ve discovered that the seat tube of my sleek new Madone is too short for an average bottle. They make shorter bottles, but I haven’t made it to the store to purchase a shorter bottle yet. I mention to Vicki how I can only carry one bottle and she offers a spare short bottle. I take the bottle and try to put it on my cool new Ride Like a Girl cage, but it won’t fit. The top tube is thicker because it encases the bike cables that usually run along the top tube. The short bottle almost fits, but the bite piece of the lid is too tall and won’t allow the bottle to go in all of the way. I know that I can’t ride with a bottle sticking out to the side. We’re going to have to take the bike with us when shopping for a short bottle to confirm it will fit. I have plenty of water in the Camelbak for this ride, so we’re good to go.
The roads are damp, it’s humid out, but the temperature has dropped and I start to think it may be a nice afternoon ride. We decide we’re going to work on attacking “the hill”. As we meander our way on the new (to us) streets, we casually wave hello to the neighbors who seem to be out in mass this afternoon. The ride is uneventful as we approach the required complete stop intersection.
Just as we start down the hill rain drops begin to fall. We keep moving and I learn what it’s like to ride in the rain. My sunglasses are getting rain drops on them. The jersey is beginning to stick to my chest as it cuts through the rain. Vicki’s hands are slipping on the handlebars as she forgot her gloves today. I grasp for my brakes and discover my fingers are slippery on the smooth metal surface that’s now wet.
We pause under a tree but determine the rain is not going to stop. While we stand there clearing the rain from our glasses and trying to dry our hands, I spot a roadrunner on top of a brush pile. He doesn’t stay too long, but he seems to be investigating and hunting for bugs in the pile. We continue on to attack “the hill”. I don’t know what was different about today, but I made it up “the hill” on my first attempt. I’m ecstatic, but want to get better. Afterall, Vicki can get up the hill and still have gears left.
Going around the block to try again, I notice the roadrunner headed for dryer pastures. I’m on the attack and ready to get up this hill a second time. I can feel water running down the back of my knees as I start up the hill. Vicki doesn’t make it up and as I pass her there is a crack of thunder. It startles me and I jump off the bike! I walk up and shake my head as I realize how I just jumped off of the bike. We discuss the weather and decide the thunder sounds close and it doesn’t look like the rain will be passing soon, so we decide to head back to the truck.
It was a quick ride, but it felt good to get out and get some exercise despite the weather. I understand why people don’t want to ride in the rain and I don’t know that I want to try it in more than a drizzle again either. It took a long, hot bath tonight to finally warm up after being chilled to the bone by the damp rain.
Goals
Today's Miles: 9
Total Miles Achieved: 712.6
Financial Investment: $2015.24
Total Weight Loss: 0
Thursday, August 21, 2008
New Saddle Demonstration
This week for the women’s only ride, we started with a class session beforehand. There was a large showing, so we split into the new riders and the experienced riders. I now qualify as an “experienced rider”. Actually, I believe the more accurate qualification is “well-educated rider” or maybe even “coached appropriately” but I’ll accept the “experienced rider” label. It’s all a matter of comparison really. Compared to the women showing up who have never ridden before, or haven’t been on a bike in twenty-plus years, I am an experienced road biker (even with only 600 miles, or three months on my legs).
As an “experienced rider” I was taken for the new saddle demonstration and measuring session while the newbie riders were treated to a flat repair lesson. I felt I’d benefit from the flat repair, but I had seen these saddles and was interested to learn more about them. Besides, Pete can teach me flat repair any day. The new saddles are something JD learned about at Trek University this year. They’re the latest from Bontrager and come in three sizes (red, blue, and green – a clever way of disguising small, medium, and large). JD measured my sit bones for the new saddles. As luck would have it, I’m perfectly in between two sizes. Figures! I must say that it’s nice to know for once that this butt doesn’t qualify as “large”. Ha! But, it is measuring my sit bones and not my padding. I’ll take what I can get though.
We were beginning to get the itch to ride. Vicki and I decided we know the route and would head out with the “experienced riders” and meet the group at the usual rendez-vous point. Just then, Steve arrived, so we waited for him to gear up and we headed out! Steve spent most of the ride helping one of the girls learn when to shift. We had a good ride and enjoyed the evening without incidents.
Goals
Today's Miles: 10
Total Miles Achieved: 703.6
Financial Investment: $2015.24
Total Weight Loss: 0
As an “experienced rider” I was taken for the new saddle demonstration and measuring session while the newbie riders were treated to a flat repair lesson. I felt I’d benefit from the flat repair, but I had seen these saddles and was interested to learn more about them. Besides, Pete can teach me flat repair any day. The new saddles are something JD learned about at Trek University this year. They’re the latest from Bontrager and come in three sizes (red, blue, and green – a clever way of disguising small, medium, and large). JD measured my sit bones for the new saddles. As luck would have it, I’m perfectly in between two sizes. Figures! I must say that it’s nice to know for once that this butt doesn’t qualify as “large”. Ha! But, it is measuring my sit bones and not my padding. I’ll take what I can get though.
We were beginning to get the itch to ride. Vicki and I decided we know the route and would head out with the “experienced riders” and meet the group at the usual rendez-vous point. Just then, Steve arrived, so we waited for him to gear up and we headed out! Steve spent most of the ride helping one of the girls learn when to shift. We had a good ride and enjoyed the evening without incidents.
Goals
Today's Miles: 10
Total Miles Achieved: 703.6
Financial Investment: $2015.24
Total Weight Loss: 0
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Poster Promotion
My friend and co-worker, KJ, took this photo of me on my shiny, new, blue road bike and made this awesome poster promoting my fund raising, the ride event, and the cause. She did an amazing job! I love the use of the circles and with the blue and orange, it ties right in to all of the other promotions for the Bike to the Beach event.
The poster is now printed and hanging on the window to my office at work. I sit on a main hallway, so it should get a lot of attention. Now to print the donation matching forms and send more emails for contributions!
Goals
Today's Miles: 0
Total Miles Achieved: 693.6
Financial Investment: $2015.24
Total Weight Loss: 0
The poster is now printed and hanging on the window to my office at work. I sit on a main hallway, so it should get a lot of attention. Now to print the donation matching forms and send more emails for contributions!
Goals
Today's Miles: 0
Total Miles Achieved: 693.6
Financial Investment: $2015.24
Total Weight Loss: 0
Monday, August 18, 2008
New Bike Shorts
After a shower and a nap, Pete and I headed out in search of new shorts today. I know what I can order online, but I’ve been talking to Christina about her shorts. She loves them and swears by them. I’d like to give these gel shorts a try, if I can.
First, we swing by Bike World and bump into JD just back from Trek University. She had all kinds of new information to share with us. Of course, that means we stay and chatted for quite awhile. So much for hitting a few bike shops in town to see what kind of shorts they had in stock that might fit me.
I did find a pair of Pearl Izumi shorts in XXL that fit and the pad is in a much better location than my current Shebeest shorts. I’m not thrilled at what my knees look like, so I decide I’ll have to wear them around the house for an evening with my panties on to confirm the fit is right before I commit to the shorts and cut off the tags.
We then head over to Performance Bike to try on these gel shorts that Christina likes. The price is about half that of the Pearl Izumi shorts, but I can feel the difference in the fabric quality immediately. I’m also not thrilled that there is a drawstring in addition to the elastic waist band. Weird. I try on a pair of XXL and they look better on me than the Pearl Izumi shorts. However, due to the drawstring waistband and a lesser quality fabric (less stretch) I turned four shades of red getting them on. Once they’re on, they’re not too bad. I think about it and decide the cheaper quality and the idea of breaking a sweat to get into my shorts at 6 a.m. is not my cup of tea.
I'll wear them around the house (with panties) one evening this week to confirm they don't stretch out too far or shift around or anything.
Goals
Today's Miles: 0
Total Miles Achieved: 693.6
Financial Investment: $2015.24
Total Weight Loss: 0
First, we swing by Bike World and bump into JD just back from Trek University. She had all kinds of new information to share with us. Of course, that means we stay and chatted for quite awhile. So much for hitting a few bike shops in town to see what kind of shorts they had in stock that might fit me.
I did find a pair of Pearl Izumi shorts in XXL that fit and the pad is in a much better location than my current Shebeest shorts. I’m not thrilled at what my knees look like, so I decide I’ll have to wear them around the house for an evening with my panties on to confirm the fit is right before I commit to the shorts and cut off the tags.
We then head over to Performance Bike to try on these gel shorts that Christina likes. The price is about half that of the Pearl Izumi shorts, but I can feel the difference in the fabric quality immediately. I’m also not thrilled that there is a drawstring in addition to the elastic waist band. Weird. I try on a pair of XXL and they look better on me than the Pearl Izumi shorts. However, due to the drawstring waistband and a lesser quality fabric (less stretch) I turned four shades of red getting them on. Once they’re on, they’re not too bad. I think about it and decide the cheaper quality and the idea of breaking a sweat to get into my shorts at 6 a.m. is not my cup of tea.
I'll wear them around the house (with panties) one evening this week to confirm they don't stretch out too far or shift around or anything.
Goals
Today's Miles: 0
Total Miles Achieved: 693.6
Financial Investment: $2015.24
Total Weight Loss: 0
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Will We Get Rained On?
Vicki joined me and Pete today for a ride at Bullis Park. We had originally planned on the 37 mile loop, but the weather was threatening rain and we decided the smarter choice was a shorter loop staying closer to the truck. My back was sore and I was not ready to get back on the bike. Honestly, I'd secretly been hoping to wake up to a torrential downpour so we couldn't ride. Vicki was sluggish this morning too, so we were all in the same boat and ready for a slower, or at least shorter, ride today.
I got on the bike and my sit bones ached. Not my normally ache, but true pain. Not a good way to start a ride. We stopped at the stop sign and I adjusted the padding of my shorts to better cover the saddle as they should. I climbed back on and went to clip in with authority, but slipped and my soft tissue pounded down into the nose of my saddle. Ouch! That cleared any thoughts of my sit bones aching and off we went down the hill.
Pete took off to pre-test a hill and I clung to Vicki's wheel. I was doing a darn good job of it and keeping my cadence up when we came upon a low water crossing with a steep incline to get out of it. I started shifting and knew I needed to get into the small ring. The shifter wouldn't work and I kept shifting down the gears as I tried to get into the small ring. Suddenly, I was out of gears, out of momentum, and came to a stop in middle of the hill with an "oh darn!" Vicki disappeared and I walked the rest of the way up. I still couldn't manually shift to the small ring, so as I noticed the road was more flat, I hopped back on and hoped I could get it to shift before I got to the next hill.
Eventually, the road started up again and I ran out of gears still unable to get to the small ring. I stopped and tried to get the chain to shift to the smaller ring, but it just wasn't happening. Then I had an idea and shifted gears to a different cog hoping that would change the tension on the chain and then I could shift to the smaller ring. Still no luck! About that time Pete and Vicki were returning down the hill and stopped as I announced "I'm stuck in the big ring!" Pete came over and I showed him how when I pushed the lever to shift it wouldn't go far enough to shift. Pete pushes the shorter lever and the chain jumps to the small ring. Duh! Apparently you have to actually push the correct lever for the chain to shift to a different ring. So much for being one with your bike. It didn't know what I wanted it to do!
Together, we rode up to the bakery and the school. The wind and the humidity slowed me down quite a bit, not to mention my low energy level. I took a break at the school and was ready for the hills of Amman Road. Plus, I know once I get up those that I get to enjoy the downhill of Leroy Scheel.
As I enjoyed the downhill, I hit a small hole in the road and the bump gave me an instant headache. I slowed down when we went over the low water crossing and told Pete I needed a break at Specht Store. I got off the bike and started to see stars. I decided that I didn't have enough in me to get up the last hill back to the parking lot today. I sent Pete ahead as I camped out at a picnic table and awaited my retrieval. While sitting there, I actually got dizzy too. I ate some dried apricots, finished my Gatorade and drank lots of water.
Not the best day of riding, but I did enjoy the cooler weather of 75. Now if we could just get the humidity to drop. I need to be better about taking allergy drugs so my sinuses are more clear for the rides too. Hopefully the rain will pass quickly and we can ride the rest of this week.
Goals
Today's Miles: 14.2
Total Miles Achieved: 693.6
Financial Investment: $1947.13
Total Weight Loss: 0
I got on the bike and my sit bones ached. Not my normally ache, but true pain. Not a good way to start a ride. We stopped at the stop sign and I adjusted the padding of my shorts to better cover the saddle as they should. I climbed back on and went to clip in with authority, but slipped and my soft tissue pounded down into the nose of my saddle. Ouch! That cleared any thoughts of my sit bones aching and off we went down the hill.
Pete took off to pre-test a hill and I clung to Vicki's wheel. I was doing a darn good job of it and keeping my cadence up when we came upon a low water crossing with a steep incline to get out of it. I started shifting and knew I needed to get into the small ring. The shifter wouldn't work and I kept shifting down the gears as I tried to get into the small ring. Suddenly, I was out of gears, out of momentum, and came to a stop in middle of the hill with an "oh darn!" Vicki disappeared and I walked the rest of the way up. I still couldn't manually shift to the small ring, so as I noticed the road was more flat, I hopped back on and hoped I could get it to shift before I got to the next hill.
Eventually, the road started up again and I ran out of gears still unable to get to the small ring. I stopped and tried to get the chain to shift to the smaller ring, but it just wasn't happening. Then I had an idea and shifted gears to a different cog hoping that would change the tension on the chain and then I could shift to the smaller ring. Still no luck! About that time Pete and Vicki were returning down the hill and stopped as I announced "I'm stuck in the big ring!" Pete came over and I showed him how when I pushed the lever to shift it wouldn't go far enough to shift. Pete pushes the shorter lever and the chain jumps to the small ring. Duh! Apparently you have to actually push the correct lever for the chain to shift to a different ring. So much for being one with your bike. It didn't know what I wanted it to do!
Together, we rode up to the bakery and the school. The wind and the humidity slowed me down quite a bit, not to mention my low energy level. I took a break at the school and was ready for the hills of Amman Road. Plus, I know once I get up those that I get to enjoy the downhill of Leroy Scheel.
As I enjoyed the downhill, I hit a small hole in the road and the bump gave me an instant headache. I slowed down when we went over the low water crossing and told Pete I needed a break at Specht Store. I got off the bike and started to see stars. I decided that I didn't have enough in me to get up the last hill back to the parking lot today. I sent Pete ahead as I camped out at a picnic table and awaited my retrieval. While sitting there, I actually got dizzy too. I ate some dried apricots, finished my Gatorade and drank lots of water.
Not the best day of riding, but I did enjoy the cooler weather of 75. Now if we could just get the humidity to drop. I need to be better about taking allergy drugs so my sinuses are more clear for the rides too. Hopefully the rain will pass quickly and we can ride the rest of this week.
Goals
Today's Miles: 14.2
Total Miles Achieved: 693.6
Financial Investment: $1947.13
Total Weight Loss: 0
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Emotional Riding – Not For Me!
I started today’s ride already a little emotionally exhausted. We gathered the troops and were ready to make the 40 mile loop from Cibolo again. Pete was ready to play with his new power meter. Pete was leading the group and I was sweeping (that’s the nice way of giving me “a job” when I’m going to be the slow one taking up the rear anyway.) For the first three mile stretch, I pushed myself a bit and felt I held a solid 15 mph. However, the numbers from the Garmin show that once I made a turn (which Pete says was into the wind) I slowed to about 13 mph.
Sure enough, as we climb the hill on highway 465, I fall back. I pushed to keep up with the group, but was struggling a bit to catch my breath at times. I shifted up the big hill and as I got to the top, I could feel my breathing in my side. I decided that meant I needed to stop and have some Gu. I also took a moment to clear my nasal passages and catch my breath. Finally able to breathe again we headed out.
As we head out, Laura is confused at how we go 14 miles on this highway before the next turn. I think for a second, because I know we only go about seven miles, and suddenly realize she is reading the wrong column on the cue sheet. I point out that she is reading the “total distance traveled” column, not the distance on the current road column. The light bulb goes off! Now she realizes that the pie shop is 15 miles from the start of the ride on today’s scheduled route. She starts to grumble about the group’s plan to stop at the pie shop when it’s only 15 miles in on a 40 mile ride. I point out that she is not required to stop. It also occurs to me that being a slower rider, she can continue on and the fast-paced riders will catch up with her. I was a little snotty in how I told her she wasn’t required to stop and it got her to stop complaining about the route, map and cue sheet that Pete created for today’s ride.
I continue at my pace down the road and get to thinking over the exchange. I’m a little sorry that I was snotty, but I get frustrated at her constant chatter on the bike. I was interpreting her grumbling as an attack on Pete and got a little defensive. On top of that, it’s not like Pete has to make maps or cue sheets for the group. He could say “this is how we’re going” and then ride at my pace all day and the group would either venture on their own, or be forced to meander along with me.
As we crested the overpass of I-10, I saw two cyclists gaining on us. It took them awhile, but they finally caught me, drafted off of me and then slingshot around. They switched who was pulling who and then I watched them do the same passing trick with Laura. Bastards! If you're strong enough to go that fast, don't draft off of me and make me feel slower too! I had to stop at one point to catch my breath again. I was a bit surprised as this was a flat stretch, but I just got off the bike for a minute and then I was good again. Laura realized I'd fallen back and doubled back to find me. Just as I see her, she hangs a u-turn and continues on the route. I realize that she doubled-back because I was not in sight and she wanted to make sure I was okay and not leave me on my own. That was nice of her. Vicki, Pete and I know that we’ll meet at the pie shop though, and if I have an issue, I won’t be shy to grab the cell phone and holler. And if I can’t, and I don’t show up a the pie shop in a reasonable time, the phone calls will start, or the stronger riders will head out on a search and recovery mission.
We arrive at the pie shop just as the faster ones of our group are heading out. Laura begins grilling them about how far they’re going and which route their taking. Tom offers to wait five minutes for her and let her ride with them. She tells him not to wait on her and heads in to the shop. Then she asks how far we’re all riding today. Vicki tells her we haven’t talked about it yet, so we’re still undecided. At which point Laura disappears outside and we think she leaves to catch the faster group. We were all more focused on who got the restroom first and who was ordering what as we try hard to make anyone ordering grilled food to order first to save time.
Pete decided to hang back with us. As we're all getting on our bikes, Laura comes over and asks how far we’re riding. I tell her we decided on the 36 mile option. In response, she bursts with “well I have to ride with someone. I can’t ride alone, so I’d like to ride with ya’ll!” and jumps on her bike and takes off. I look at Vicki for help. She asks me what just happened. I shrug and tell her what was said. We’re all a bit surprised and stumped by it. I was feeling a bit out of my routine all morning and forgot to stretch before we left. I tried stretching a bit on the bike before the first incline and then noticed my glove was rubbing on my hand. I stopped to adjust my glove and move the tag. That was the last I saw of the group.
This has left me at the back of the pack by enough distance that I can’t see the next rider, so I’m truly on my first solo ride. I try to shrug off the emotional outburst, but I can’t. I know Laura and I haven’t had the best interactions today and part of that is the mood I came out with today. I don’t come out to ride for negative interactions though. I can get plenty of that at work and other circles! One of the things I like about biking is the positive interactions and supportive community. Where did all of this come from? Why haven’t I been able to shake my mood today? Why am I letting her get to me like this? How am I going to fix this so I haven’t damaged my positive cycling activity?
As I rode up the next hill (one where I dropped my chain once) I started to hear some popping as the chain shifted from one gear to the next. It was no longer a smooth shift. The wheels in my head started turning and I figured things out. Clearly, the sleek new Madone was not built to hold my weight and the shifting was the first sign of how I clearly could not cut it as a biker. I decided that even though I didn't have this trouble with the demo bike I rode in June, it was because the demo bike was a triple and I got a compact. That solved, I focused on trying to get through the ride as my emotions were a roller coaster.
My heart rate monitor was going off to it's own tune, and there is no way for me to turn it off. At one point, I was ready to chuck the thing into a field, but I knew the wasn't the solution and tried to just take a deep breath. However, I was still having trouble breathing. I try to keep pedaling, but I can’t. I am drained. I just want to sit on the ground and cry. I look at the time and realize it’s still pretty early in Seattle to call for an emotional pick-me-up. I know Trinity would be there for me, but the last thing I need right now is her freaking out that I’m crying on the side of some country road, on a bicycle, by myself, all the way in Texas.
In hindsight, maybe I should have called her for the emotional reality check. Instead, I stop under my climbing tree and try to gather my composure. Thankfully, I’m in the shade, but it still takes me awhile to stop myself from nearly hyper-ventilating, to clear my nasal passages adequately to continue riding, and to get back on the bike. That episode over, I decided to just take it slow and began contemplating route options to shorten my ride as I was clearly going to be way behind everyone else today.
Just then, Pete doubled-back to check on me. That’s two in one day! Clearly this is not a good ride for me. I keep pedaling without a word. I’m not ready to talk and am still focusing on maintaining my composure to get me down the road. Pete silently fell in behind me and paced me. I didn't mention my shifting problems because I didn't want to get into the lack of weight loss I've seen. We rode along and took our usual breaks as needed. My back was hurting and my shoulders were tight. I had borrowed Mom's new Camelbak and on one of our breaks we realized that it may be too big for my torso as the shoulder straps were up and off of my shoulders. I talked through my thoughts of shortening my route and he confirmed my suspicion of the best way to do so. We parted ways as he went for the distance and I headed for the truck. It was then that I realized this "shortcut" would actually cut all of the hills and rough road out of the route. Silver lining!
I made my way back to the truck slower than I should have, but it was what I needed for the day. I took more breaks than I normally would and managed to beat the group back by only ten minutes. They did ten miles more than I did. Laura was amazed to see I had beaten her back and Pete pulled in another five minutes after the group. It was a rough ride for me, but I manged to not impact the group and I'm glad for that. So much for the sleek new Madone. I think the week off has me needing to build back up a little bit. I think too many things changed after a week off of the bike (new bike, new saddle, and new Camelbak.) I think I should have stayed with the shiny, new, blue, road bike for a week and then upgraded to the sleek new Madone. But, too late for that, so tomorrow is another day.
The group, including Laura, all went for a pasta and pizza lunch. It was a nice sealing of the peace treaty without the strain and pressure. I suspect we both came to the ride with some emotional baggage today and found one another as our outlets. It sucks, but there it is, and hopefully it’s behind us. Lesson learned today is that I do not ride well under emotional stress.
When we got home tonight, my new pink Ride Like a Girl! water bottle cages arrived! Pete put my new water bottle cages on the bike for me after dinner. When he did so, he noticed that the rear derailleur was off slightly and made the necessary adjustment. He brought the bike in to show me the new pink cages on the sleek new Madone and asked me if I'd been having trouble shifting. I sheepishly admitted that I had and he pointed out the issue and assured me it was now fixed. This throws my thinking about today's issues all out of psynch, but it's good news that it was the bike and not me. Guess I forgot the simple thing about a new bike taking some time as the cables stretch.
Goals
Today's Miles: 30.1
Total Miles Achieved: 679.4
Financial Investment: $1947.13
Total Weight Loss: 0
Sure enough, as we climb the hill on highway 465, I fall back. I pushed to keep up with the group, but was struggling a bit to catch my breath at times. I shifted up the big hill and as I got to the top, I could feel my breathing in my side. I decided that meant I needed to stop and have some Gu. I also took a moment to clear my nasal passages and catch my breath. Finally able to breathe again we headed out.
As we head out, Laura is confused at how we go 14 miles on this highway before the next turn. I think for a second, because I know we only go about seven miles, and suddenly realize she is reading the wrong column on the cue sheet. I point out that she is reading the “total distance traveled” column, not the distance on the current road column. The light bulb goes off! Now she realizes that the pie shop is 15 miles from the start of the ride on today’s scheduled route. She starts to grumble about the group’s plan to stop at the pie shop when it’s only 15 miles in on a 40 mile ride. I point out that she is not required to stop. It also occurs to me that being a slower rider, she can continue on and the fast-paced riders will catch up with her. I was a little snotty in how I told her she wasn’t required to stop and it got her to stop complaining about the route, map and cue sheet that Pete created for today’s ride.
I continue at my pace down the road and get to thinking over the exchange. I’m a little sorry that I was snotty, but I get frustrated at her constant chatter on the bike. I was interpreting her grumbling as an attack on Pete and got a little defensive. On top of that, it’s not like Pete has to make maps or cue sheets for the group. He could say “this is how we’re going” and then ride at my pace all day and the group would either venture on their own, or be forced to meander along with me.
As we crested the overpass of I-10, I saw two cyclists gaining on us. It took them awhile, but they finally caught me, drafted off of me and then slingshot around. They switched who was pulling who and then I watched them do the same passing trick with Laura. Bastards! If you're strong enough to go that fast, don't draft off of me and make me feel slower too! I had to stop at one point to catch my breath again. I was a bit surprised as this was a flat stretch, but I just got off the bike for a minute and then I was good again. Laura realized I'd fallen back and doubled back to find me. Just as I see her, she hangs a u-turn and continues on the route. I realize that she doubled-back because I was not in sight and she wanted to make sure I was okay and not leave me on my own. That was nice of her. Vicki, Pete and I know that we’ll meet at the pie shop though, and if I have an issue, I won’t be shy to grab the cell phone and holler. And if I can’t, and I don’t show up a the pie shop in a reasonable time, the phone calls will start, or the stronger riders will head out on a search and recovery mission.
We arrive at the pie shop just as the faster ones of our group are heading out. Laura begins grilling them about how far they’re going and which route their taking. Tom offers to wait five minutes for her and let her ride with them. She tells him not to wait on her and heads in to the shop. Then she asks how far we’re all riding today. Vicki tells her we haven’t talked about it yet, so we’re still undecided. At which point Laura disappears outside and we think she leaves to catch the faster group. We were all more focused on who got the restroom first and who was ordering what as we try hard to make anyone ordering grilled food to order first to save time.
Pete decided to hang back with us. As we're all getting on our bikes, Laura comes over and asks how far we’re riding. I tell her we decided on the 36 mile option. In response, she bursts with “well I have to ride with someone. I can’t ride alone, so I’d like to ride with ya’ll!” and jumps on her bike and takes off. I look at Vicki for help. She asks me what just happened. I shrug and tell her what was said. We’re all a bit surprised and stumped by it. I was feeling a bit out of my routine all morning and forgot to stretch before we left. I tried stretching a bit on the bike before the first incline and then noticed my glove was rubbing on my hand. I stopped to adjust my glove and move the tag. That was the last I saw of the group.
This has left me at the back of the pack by enough distance that I can’t see the next rider, so I’m truly on my first solo ride. I try to shrug off the emotional outburst, but I can’t. I know Laura and I haven’t had the best interactions today and part of that is the mood I came out with today. I don’t come out to ride for negative interactions though. I can get plenty of that at work and other circles! One of the things I like about biking is the positive interactions and supportive community. Where did all of this come from? Why haven’t I been able to shake my mood today? Why am I letting her get to me like this? How am I going to fix this so I haven’t damaged my positive cycling activity?
As I rode up the next hill (one where I dropped my chain once) I started to hear some popping as the chain shifted from one gear to the next. It was no longer a smooth shift. The wheels in my head started turning and I figured things out. Clearly, the sleek new Madone was not built to hold my weight and the shifting was the first sign of how I clearly could not cut it as a biker. I decided that even though I didn't have this trouble with the demo bike I rode in June, it was because the demo bike was a triple and I got a compact. That solved, I focused on trying to get through the ride as my emotions were a roller coaster.
My heart rate monitor was going off to it's own tune, and there is no way for me to turn it off. At one point, I was ready to chuck the thing into a field, but I knew the wasn't the solution and tried to just take a deep breath. However, I was still having trouble breathing. I try to keep pedaling, but I can’t. I am drained. I just want to sit on the ground and cry. I look at the time and realize it’s still pretty early in Seattle to call for an emotional pick-me-up. I know Trinity would be there for me, but the last thing I need right now is her freaking out that I’m crying on the side of some country road, on a bicycle, by myself, all the way in Texas.
In hindsight, maybe I should have called her for the emotional reality check. Instead, I stop under my climbing tree and try to gather my composure. Thankfully, I’m in the shade, but it still takes me awhile to stop myself from nearly hyper-ventilating, to clear my nasal passages adequately to continue riding, and to get back on the bike. That episode over, I decided to just take it slow and began contemplating route options to shorten my ride as I was clearly going to be way behind everyone else today.
Just then, Pete doubled-back to check on me. That’s two in one day! Clearly this is not a good ride for me. I keep pedaling without a word. I’m not ready to talk and am still focusing on maintaining my composure to get me down the road. Pete silently fell in behind me and paced me. I didn't mention my shifting problems because I didn't want to get into the lack of weight loss I've seen. We rode along and took our usual breaks as needed. My back was hurting and my shoulders were tight. I had borrowed Mom's new Camelbak and on one of our breaks we realized that it may be too big for my torso as the shoulder straps were up and off of my shoulders. I talked through my thoughts of shortening my route and he confirmed my suspicion of the best way to do so. We parted ways as he went for the distance and I headed for the truck. It was then that I realized this "shortcut" would actually cut all of the hills and rough road out of the route. Silver lining!
I made my way back to the truck slower than I should have, but it was what I needed for the day. I took more breaks than I normally would and managed to beat the group back by only ten minutes. They did ten miles more than I did. Laura was amazed to see I had beaten her back and Pete pulled in another five minutes after the group. It was a rough ride for me, but I manged to not impact the group and I'm glad for that. So much for the sleek new Madone. I think the week off has me needing to build back up a little bit. I think too many things changed after a week off of the bike (new bike, new saddle, and new Camelbak.) I think I should have stayed with the shiny, new, blue, road bike for a week and then upgraded to the sleek new Madone. But, too late for that, so tomorrow is another day.
The group, including Laura, all went for a pasta and pizza lunch. It was a nice sealing of the peace treaty without the strain and pressure. I suspect we both came to the ride with some emotional baggage today and found one another as our outlets. It sucks, but there it is, and hopefully it’s behind us. Lesson learned today is that I do not ride well under emotional stress.
When we got home tonight, my new pink Ride Like a Girl! water bottle cages arrived! Pete put my new water bottle cages on the bike for me after dinner. When he did so, he noticed that the rear derailleur was off slightly and made the necessary adjustment. He brought the bike in to show me the new pink cages on the sleek new Madone and asked me if I'd been having trouble shifting. I sheepishly admitted that I had and he pointed out the issue and assured me it was now fixed. This throws my thinking about today's issues all out of psynch, but it's good news that it was the bike and not me. Guess I forgot the simple thing about a new bike taking some time as the cables stretch.
Goals
Today's Miles: 30.1
Total Miles Achieved: 679.4
Financial Investment: $1947.13
Total Weight Loss: 0
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Back in the Saddle
For our first ride back from vacation, I'm on my sleek new Madone! Vicki arranged for us to meet at Specht Store and ride the Bullis Park route from there. Afterward, we would go in for a drink and some dinner. Jazmin wanted to ride a bike today, so she was allowed to borrow Mom's bike and come out to ride with us. We started out ahead of the group and I told her to stick behind me. At the turn to go up Leroy Scheel, we stopped and I did some rules of the road. This gave her an opportunity to see some of the hand signals, hear some of the announcements and realize the type of riding we do. She was ready for the ride, now.
All together, we headed up Leroy Scheel. This slow and gradual incline usually takes it's toll on me and today's heat made it no exception. We started out at 6:30 and it was still 100 degrees! At this point, Jazmin has gotten the hang of the "on your left" and is ready to pass me as we approach the stop. I tell her to stay behind me as we stop. She listened well and then I prepared her for the hills of Amman Road. The others went up Persimmon Hill. I would have like to try this on my new bike, but I didn't want to venture that with Jazmin as it would require us to be on highway 46 for a stretch. She and I went straight to the school up the hills on Amman Road. She slowed down quite a bit up those hills, but she made it!
After a brief break, we headed for the bakery. This stretch twists and turns a lot, but is a gradual downhill where it isn't flat, so it's usually a quick stretch. I watch in my mirror and Jazmin is not going as fast as I had expected. I slow down as I don't want her out of my sight on a twisty road with some traffic. We make it to the bakery and rest on the bench. Here she pulls the grapes out of her Camelbak and promptly finishes all of the water in her Camelbak. I shrug and tell her that's all there is. The group catches up to us and we all roll out together.
Most of the group pulls ahead pretty quick. I realized Jazmin was in the small ring, so I told her to shift with her left hand. She did and we found a comfortable pace of 10 mph as the two guys behind us decided to pass us. They had not announced themselves as they passed me, so as they came upon her I said, "Jazmin, bikes on your left!" They got the hint and the second guy talked to her as he passed. He said, "Your doing well...." and then as he pulled away, "for an amateur." This motivated her and she took off chasing his shadow.
She bumped it up to 12 mph and we held that almost consistently all the way in. We enjoyed dinner where Jazmin ate more salsa than I ever could, had three glasses of water and tried one of Laura's chicken livers. On the ride home, Jazmin couldn't believe that the eight mile ride was an "easy" ride for me. She enjoyed the ride and Vicki even invited her to come back again next week. We'll see...
I enjoyed the ride and was glad for a slow start back. I don't really feel that I got a feel for my new bike, but I'll get there. Tonight was more of a social ride and it was fun!
Goals
Today's Miles: 8.1
Total Miles Achieved: 649.3
Financial Investment: $1870.63
Total Weight Loss: 0
All together, we headed up Leroy Scheel. This slow and gradual incline usually takes it's toll on me and today's heat made it no exception. We started out at 6:30 and it was still 100 degrees! At this point, Jazmin has gotten the hang of the "on your left" and is ready to pass me as we approach the stop. I tell her to stay behind me as we stop. She listened well and then I prepared her for the hills of Amman Road. The others went up Persimmon Hill. I would have like to try this on my new bike, but I didn't want to venture that with Jazmin as it would require us to be on highway 46 for a stretch. She and I went straight to the school up the hills on Amman Road. She slowed down quite a bit up those hills, but she made it!
After a brief break, we headed for the bakery. This stretch twists and turns a lot, but is a gradual downhill where it isn't flat, so it's usually a quick stretch. I watch in my mirror and Jazmin is not going as fast as I had expected. I slow down as I don't want her out of my sight on a twisty road with some traffic. We make it to the bakery and rest on the bench. Here she pulls the grapes out of her Camelbak and promptly finishes all of the water in her Camelbak. I shrug and tell her that's all there is. The group catches up to us and we all roll out together.
Most of the group pulls ahead pretty quick. I realized Jazmin was in the small ring, so I told her to shift with her left hand. She did and we found a comfortable pace of 10 mph as the two guys behind us decided to pass us. They had not announced themselves as they passed me, so as they came upon her I said, "Jazmin, bikes on your left!" They got the hint and the second guy talked to her as he passed. He said, "Your doing well...." and then as he pulled away, "for an amateur." This motivated her and she took off chasing his shadow.
She bumped it up to 12 mph and we held that almost consistently all the way in. We enjoyed dinner where Jazmin ate more salsa than I ever could, had three glasses of water and tried one of Laura's chicken livers. On the ride home, Jazmin couldn't believe that the eight mile ride was an "easy" ride for me. She enjoyed the ride and Vicki even invited her to come back again next week. We'll see...
I enjoyed the ride and was glad for a slow start back. I don't really feel that I got a feel for my new bike, but I'll get there. Tonight was more of a social ride and it was fun!
Goals
Today's Miles: 8.1
Total Miles Achieved: 649.3
Financial Investment: $1870.63
Total Weight Loss: 0
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
New Madone Arrives!
While we were out sailing Tom called to let us know that my sleek new Madone bike had arrived. We were shocked as it wasn't expected to ship until August 16th, but it had arrived by August 9th! Not much we could do until we got back from our vacation anyway.
I had decided I needed a different saddle on the shiny, new, blue bike, so now I had to have the new saddle moved to the new Madone. Pete and I went down to Bike World tonight to pick up our bikes that had gone in for their tune ups as well as my sleek new Madone. The shiny, new, blue bike looked great! The handlebars were fixed and Pete had selected a nice blue tape to replace the already dirty white tape.
Tom put my sleek new Madone up on the trainer and adjusted the saddle. I climbed up and he had perfectly adjusted the seat. My bike was ready to go. So was I, but there just wasn't enough time in the day today between work, picking up the bikes and sunset to ride, not to mention that thing they call dinner.
The bike looks sharp! I'm excited about the better derailleur and shifting, plus the smoother ride. This bike is an investment in my and my weight loss, so the price of this bike is not being counted in my financial investment for the Bike to the Beach event. Can't wait to get this sleek new Madone on the road and see what I can do now!
New purchases:
Today's Miles: 0
Total Miles Achieved: 641.2
Financial Investment: $1870.63
Total Weight Loss: 0
I had decided I needed a different saddle on the shiny, new, blue bike, so now I had to have the new saddle moved to the new Madone. Pete and I went down to Bike World tonight to pick up our bikes that had gone in for their tune ups as well as my sleek new Madone. The shiny, new, blue bike looked great! The handlebars were fixed and Pete had selected a nice blue tape to replace the already dirty white tape.
Tom put my sleek new Madone up on the trainer and adjusted the saddle. I climbed up and he had perfectly adjusted the seat. My bike was ready to go. So was I, but there just wasn't enough time in the day today between work, picking up the bikes and sunset to ride, not to mention that thing they call dinner.
The bike looks sharp! I'm excited about the better derailleur and shifting, plus the smoother ride. This bike is an investment in my and my weight loss, so the price of this bike is not being counted in my financial investment for the Bike to the Beach event. Can't wait to get this sleek new Madone on the road and see what I can do now!
New purchases:
- Terry Butterfly saddle $54
- Blue tape and wrapping $25.49
- Pink Camelbak water bottle $9
Today's Miles: 0
Total Miles Achieved: 641.2
Financial Investment: $1870.63
Total Weight Loss: 0
Monday, August 4, 2008
Monday Weigh-In
After all of the hill climbing this weekend, I was dreading the weigh-in this morning. Sure enough, I built some muscle and now I'm back to my original weight. Ugh! I know this is to be expected, but at some point one should lose something. Right? At any rate, at least my legs are sore and I know that I really did make some improvements this week.
We're off to Pennsylvania and Maryland for a week for family vacation and sailing. That means no riding, fresh seafood, and desserts are allowed. We'll see how things go when we return. The bikes are going in for maintenance while we're gone, so it'll be a fresh start after a week of sailing.
Goals
Today's Miles: 0
Total Miles Achieved: 641.2
Financial Investment: $1781.14
Total Weight Loss: 0
We're off to Pennsylvania and Maryland for a week for family vacation and sailing. That means no riding, fresh seafood, and desserts are allowed. We'll see how things go when we return. The bikes are going in for maintenance while we're gone, so it'll be a fresh start after a week of sailing.
Goals
Today's Miles: 0
Total Miles Achieved: 641.2
Financial Investment: $1781.14
Total Weight Loss: 0
Sunday, August 3, 2008
Beat Up by the Hills
Today's ride was a shocker! We had a mixed group of newbies, intermediate and hammerhead bikers. Our route options were 21, 37, 46 and 60 something. Based on yesterday's performance, I was planning on the 37, but ready to take the 21 if necessary. Tony wanted to do the 42 mile route (which was actually 46) and everyone was sticking to Tony. I decided I would go as far as I was comfortable and stop and wait for Pete to return with the truck, if necessary. Besides, it'd be some new scenery from the bike. I kept up with the group up Leroy Scheel and felt good all the way up Persimmon Hill.
At Spring Branch Rd, everyone turned left and so did I. Apparently this is where Pete thought I was nuts, but said nothing. I started to wonder myself part way in, but decided if Bob (from Holt Cat) at the age of 55 and 20 pounds heavier than me could do it, so could I. I was surprised that my hip didn't hurt and the group waited for me and Bob in some shade part way in. As we rode past the neighborhood of our property I slowed down over the low water crossing. I knew it was a bit of a blind hill, but didn't remember how blind, or how much up you went after the crossing. I fell off the group here and just kept on going. As I went through downtown Spring Branch where the speed limit is 20mph, I saw a cop car going the other way. Perfect! The group waited for me at the next intersection and as I pulled up I announced, "Sorry, there was a cop, so I had to slow down in the speed limit zone." For those listening it was a perfect line and I got a couple of high fives. Then we were off again.
It wasn't until we made a left turn across highway 281 and turned onto 311 that I wondered what I was thinking. The hills were never ending, the road surface was a challenge, and the sun was getting hotter! I learned how to get angry at hills and just get to the top. Lloyd hung behind me for a bit and was good at knowing when to chat, and when to cheer and when to just silently pedal. He pointed out I was coasting at one point, and I knew I needed a break. I told him that my coasting wasn't good, I was probably getting tired. He went ahead to check on Bob and I found some shade for a quick stretch.
Further ahead, I caught up to Bob and Pete having a shade break and I was ready for another myself. Within a very brief distance, I finally said I had no energy to continue climbing these hills, and push through the pain and sent Pete, Bob and Tony ahead with promises to make my way until Pete doubled back with the truck. Not too much further, the three guys stopped in some shade. Bob and Tony were out of water and getting tired. I caught up with them and we took a detour on 46 where we found a Valero within two miles. After resting in the cool air and getting fresh beverages, we all felt better, but then we headed out and had two more doozies of hills in just two miles before getting to 281.
It was there that I remembered a Starbucks in Bulverde. As we waited for the red light, I announced that I was stopping at Starbucks and Pete could pick me up there. Bob decided to join me, but Tony was determined to truck on. We enjoyed some cold drinks and I had a cup of fruit while we sat in the shade on their patio and enjoyed a faint breeze. An hour later, Bob and I were getting worried and Lloyd pulled up in one of the Bike MS Tundras. Apparently, Lloyd had finished and decided to double back on the route. When he found Tony and Pete, they sent Lloyd to us for the retrieval.
The hills really pushed us and slowed us down so much that the ride took a long time, so the sun got higher and the heat came out. I climbed a total of 1700 feet today (in 32 miles.) Day one of Bike to the Beach is 2700 feet of climbing (in 95 miles.) Despite all that, it was a neat ride and I'd sure enjoy it in cooler weather. It was just after 1:30 by the time we were all loaded in our own vehicles and leaving Bullis Park!
Goals
Today's Miles: 31.8
Total Miles Achieved: 641.2
Financial Investment: $1781.14
Total Weight Loss: -2.8
At Spring Branch Rd, everyone turned left and so did I. Apparently this is where Pete thought I was nuts, but said nothing. I started to wonder myself part way in, but decided if Bob (from Holt Cat) at the age of 55 and 20 pounds heavier than me could do it, so could I. I was surprised that my hip didn't hurt and the group waited for me and Bob in some shade part way in. As we rode past the neighborhood of our property I slowed down over the low water crossing. I knew it was a bit of a blind hill, but didn't remember how blind, or how much up you went after the crossing. I fell off the group here and just kept on going. As I went through downtown Spring Branch where the speed limit is 20mph, I saw a cop car going the other way. Perfect! The group waited for me at the next intersection and as I pulled up I announced, "Sorry, there was a cop, so I had to slow down in the speed limit zone." For those listening it was a perfect line and I got a couple of high fives. Then we were off again.
It wasn't until we made a left turn across highway 281 and turned onto 311 that I wondered what I was thinking. The hills were never ending, the road surface was a challenge, and the sun was getting hotter! I learned how to get angry at hills and just get to the top. Lloyd hung behind me for a bit and was good at knowing when to chat, and when to cheer and when to just silently pedal. He pointed out I was coasting at one point, and I knew I needed a break. I told him that my coasting wasn't good, I was probably getting tired. He went ahead to check on Bob and I found some shade for a quick stretch.
Further ahead, I caught up to Bob and Pete having a shade break and I was ready for another myself. Within a very brief distance, I finally said I had no energy to continue climbing these hills, and push through the pain and sent Pete, Bob and Tony ahead with promises to make my way until Pete doubled back with the truck. Not too much further, the three guys stopped in some shade. Bob and Tony were out of water and getting tired. I caught up with them and we took a detour on 46 where we found a Valero within two miles. After resting in the cool air and getting fresh beverages, we all felt better, but then we headed out and had two more doozies of hills in just two miles before getting to 281.
It was there that I remembered a Starbucks in Bulverde. As we waited for the red light, I announced that I was stopping at Starbucks and Pete could pick me up there. Bob decided to join me, but Tony was determined to truck on. We enjoyed some cold drinks and I had a cup of fruit while we sat in the shade on their patio and enjoyed a faint breeze. An hour later, Bob and I were getting worried and Lloyd pulled up in one of the Bike MS Tundras. Apparently, Lloyd had finished and decided to double back on the route. When he found Tony and Pete, they sent Lloyd to us for the retrieval.
The hills really pushed us and slowed us down so much that the ride took a long time, so the sun got higher and the heat came out. I climbed a total of 1700 feet today (in 32 miles.) Day one of Bike to the Beach is 2700 feet of climbing (in 95 miles.) Despite all that, it was a neat ride and I'd sure enjoy it in cooler weather. It was just after 1:30 by the time we were all loaded in our own vehicles and leaving Bullis Park!
Goals
Today's Miles: 31.8
Total Miles Achieved: 641.2
Financial Investment: $1781.14
Total Weight Loss: -2.8
Saturday, August 2, 2008
Learning to Acknowledge Pain
We had our regular group of Saturday riders join us today. The route du jour is a new route on familiar roads. Pete spliced together the Woman Hollering Creek ride with the start of the Cibolo ride and came up with a 40ish mile route. I was looking forward to increasing my mileage this week and having a good weekend of riding.
I've been reading the Lance Armstrong book slowly, this week and learned a lot about how cyclists don't just train by riding. They also train themselves to ignore the pains of riding a bike so hard, so long, and so far. As I started to feel some pain today in my left hip, I told myself, "buck up and deal with the pain. Quit whining about the couple of hills. The first rest point isn't much further." A mile later, we make the final turn before the gas station where we take a break, and all I can think is "how much further?" So, I holler out to Pete and ask since I know he has the route mapped on his GPS. He tells me it's about another 3/4 of a mile. I make a sigh of relief as I look at the skyline for the sign along the highway. Thankfully, I see it in the distance and latch on to that bit of hope.
I decide to take it easy and just get there. About half a mile later, I reach to shift down a gear and find that I can't. I don't know if I was tired or my hand was in pain, but this was the point that broke me today. I realized how much pain I was in, I felt broken, and I just was not having any fun.
I pulled into the parking lot and spotted the group stopped along side a short wall. Good! I knew I needed to sit down and didn't know if I'd be able get back up if I just sat down on the ground. Now I could sit on the wall. I pulled in behind the group, but stayed back a bit to have some space for me to figure out what was going on. I stopped the bike, got off and sat on the edge of the wall. I quickly wiped my face of sweat, tears, and snot. I took some deep breaths and some sips of water as I tried to stretch out my legs and my aching hip. I saw Pete's legs come walking over and I confessed my pain. He offered to let me rest and go get the truck. I thought about it for a second and told him I thought I could make it back on my own, but I couldn't go any further out. After all, we've only gone 11.75 miles. If I go slow and stop when I need a rest or a stretch and just take my time, I can handle another 12 miles.
Erica quickly offers to ride back with me. I'm appreciative of the offer and that I don't have to ask. I know she'll ride as slow as I need to and won't complain if I make too many stops. Pete talks us through the quickest, flattest, and best surface route to get us back to the truck. I'm confident I know the way and so is Erica. We bid the others a safe ride as they head out. Erica asks me if I've had a Gu, and I realize I haven't addressed my energy level on this break. I have a quick Gu while she finishes her energy bar and then we head out.
I remember how much I dislike access road surfaces on a bike and am thankful Pete gave us a better route option so we're off this surface as quickly as possible. We cross I-10 and turn onto Partnership Road. This road is truly only a single lane road. The surface is questionable, but if you can avoid the bumps and holes, it's worth the scenery. You are truly riding through the middle of fields. The road twists and turns and you cannot see it's path through the fields until it's right in front of you. There seems to be a recent attempt to fill in some of the holes so we are dealing with some loose gravel on the road too.
Our directions were to turn right onto Santa Clara when Partnership comes to a T at Santa Clara. Partnership came to a T, there was no street sign, but I knew the direction was to turn right, so I did. We get to the overpass of I-10 and I know we're not on Santa Clara for two reasons. One, the overpass is a lower incline over the highway; and two, the speedway is not at the intersection of the overpass and I-10. I quickly read the signs and realize we are on highway 465. I figure we have two options, we can continue down the highway and make a left turn onto familiar Lower Seguin, or we can get on the access road along I-10 to Santa Clara and get back on track. Erica and I stop to discuss and we decide we can explore 465 and at least we know we have a good downhill and then know where to turn.
It's a great downhill with a smooth surface and we lucked out with no traffic approaching in either direction for the hill. I enjoy the downhill and reach a top speed of 31 mph. I begin watching for the left turn, but can't seem to find a road on the left. Suddenly, out of nowhere, there's a road. Again, no street sign and the stop sign that might have been a clue is set so far back on the side road that it was hidden from my view by a tree. We make the turn and enjoy the shade a bit. Suddenly, we discover a cemetery on our right that we've never seen before. We've ridden past here, but always in the opposite direction. The largest tombstone is large enough and clean enough that we can make out the name "Zuehl". That's the name of a road we also ride on. Interesting. There are a lot of mini cemeteries in this area. It might be fun to explore them, maybe even make a recreational bike "tour" together to see some of them up close one of these days.
Erica and I keep each other moving and stop in the shade when we feel like we (or I, to be honest) need it. For the first time ever, I get hungry on the ride, so we stop so I can eat part of a Clif bar. The heat is getting to me and it becomes a mental thing to finish the ride. I slow down a bit and am excited when we turn for the home stretch and have a tail wind. We arrive back at the truck and take our time unloading our gear. As we finish up, I look up and Pete and Tom come rolling in to the parking lot. I know we were slow, but wow! They made great time! Come to find out, they cut their route short and only did about 30 miles. The timing was perfect.
I hope I get all of my bad rides of the year out of my system before October. I'm glad that I'm able to admit to my riding buddies that I can't finish and need to turn back. I figure it's part of being humble enough to accept when you need a SAG wagon ride for the big event. I think it's also part of recognizing that you may not realize the extent of all of your injuries from a fall/crash. I truly feel the pain in my hip was courtesy of my Thursday crash. I'll be able to rest up and heal this week as we go sailing and can't ride. I was worried about the break, but I'm now ready for it and glad I had the crash before the trip and not after.
Goals
Today's Miles: 25.5
Total Miles Achieved: 609.4
Financial Investment: $1781.14
Total Weight Loss: -2.8
I've been reading the Lance Armstrong book slowly, this week and learned a lot about how cyclists don't just train by riding. They also train themselves to ignore the pains of riding a bike so hard, so long, and so far. As I started to feel some pain today in my left hip, I told myself, "buck up and deal with the pain. Quit whining about the couple of hills. The first rest point isn't much further." A mile later, we make the final turn before the gas station where we take a break, and all I can think is "how much further?" So, I holler out to Pete and ask since I know he has the route mapped on his GPS. He tells me it's about another 3/4 of a mile. I make a sigh of relief as I look at the skyline for the sign along the highway. Thankfully, I see it in the distance and latch on to that bit of hope.
I decide to take it easy and just get there. About half a mile later, I reach to shift down a gear and find that I can't. I don't know if I was tired or my hand was in pain, but this was the point that broke me today. I realized how much pain I was in, I felt broken, and I just was not having any fun.
I pulled into the parking lot and spotted the group stopped along side a short wall. Good! I knew I needed to sit down and didn't know if I'd be able get back up if I just sat down on the ground. Now I could sit on the wall. I pulled in behind the group, but stayed back a bit to have some space for me to figure out what was going on. I stopped the bike, got off and sat on the edge of the wall. I quickly wiped my face of sweat, tears, and snot. I took some deep breaths and some sips of water as I tried to stretch out my legs and my aching hip. I saw Pete's legs come walking over and I confessed my pain. He offered to let me rest and go get the truck. I thought about it for a second and told him I thought I could make it back on my own, but I couldn't go any further out. After all, we've only gone 11.75 miles. If I go slow and stop when I need a rest or a stretch and just take my time, I can handle another 12 miles.
Erica quickly offers to ride back with me. I'm appreciative of the offer and that I don't have to ask. I know she'll ride as slow as I need to and won't complain if I make too many stops. Pete talks us through the quickest, flattest, and best surface route to get us back to the truck. I'm confident I know the way and so is Erica. We bid the others a safe ride as they head out. Erica asks me if I've had a Gu, and I realize I haven't addressed my energy level on this break. I have a quick Gu while she finishes her energy bar and then we head out.
I remember how much I dislike access road surfaces on a bike and am thankful Pete gave us a better route option so we're off this surface as quickly as possible. We cross I-10 and turn onto Partnership Road. This road is truly only a single lane road. The surface is questionable, but if you can avoid the bumps and holes, it's worth the scenery. You are truly riding through the middle of fields. The road twists and turns and you cannot see it's path through the fields until it's right in front of you. There seems to be a recent attempt to fill in some of the holes so we are dealing with some loose gravel on the road too.
Our directions were to turn right onto Santa Clara when Partnership comes to a T at Santa Clara. Partnership came to a T, there was no street sign, but I knew the direction was to turn right, so I did. We get to the overpass of I-10 and I know we're not on Santa Clara for two reasons. One, the overpass is a lower incline over the highway; and two, the speedway is not at the intersection of the overpass and I-10. I quickly read the signs and realize we are on highway 465. I figure we have two options, we can continue down the highway and make a left turn onto familiar Lower Seguin, or we can get on the access road along I-10 to Santa Clara and get back on track. Erica and I stop to discuss and we decide we can explore 465 and at least we know we have a good downhill and then know where to turn.
It's a great downhill with a smooth surface and we lucked out with no traffic approaching in either direction for the hill. I enjoy the downhill and reach a top speed of 31 mph. I begin watching for the left turn, but can't seem to find a road on the left. Suddenly, out of nowhere, there's a road. Again, no street sign and the stop sign that might have been a clue is set so far back on the side road that it was hidden from my view by a tree. We make the turn and enjoy the shade a bit. Suddenly, we discover a cemetery on our right that we've never seen before. We've ridden past here, but always in the opposite direction. The largest tombstone is large enough and clean enough that we can make out the name "Zuehl". That's the name of a road we also ride on. Interesting. There are a lot of mini cemeteries in this area. It might be fun to explore them, maybe even make a recreational bike "tour" together to see some of them up close one of these days.
Erica and I keep each other moving and stop in the shade when we feel like we (or I, to be honest) need it. For the first time ever, I get hungry on the ride, so we stop so I can eat part of a Clif bar. The heat is getting to me and it becomes a mental thing to finish the ride. I slow down a bit and am excited when we turn for the home stretch and have a tail wind. We arrive back at the truck and take our time unloading our gear. As we finish up, I look up and Pete and Tom come rolling in to the parking lot. I know we were slow, but wow! They made great time! Come to find out, they cut their route short and only did about 30 miles. The timing was perfect.
I hope I get all of my bad rides of the year out of my system before October. I'm glad that I'm able to admit to my riding buddies that I can't finish and need to turn back. I figure it's part of being humble enough to accept when you need a SAG wagon ride for the big event. I think it's also part of recognizing that you may not realize the extent of all of your injuries from a fall/crash. I truly feel the pain in my hip was courtesy of my Thursday crash. I'll be able to rest up and heal this week as we go sailing and can't ride. I was worried about the break, but I'm now ready for it and glad I had the crash before the trip and not after.
Goals
Today's Miles: 25.5
Total Miles Achieved: 609.4
Financial Investment: $1781.14
Total Weight Loss: -2.8
Friday, August 1, 2008
Friday Weigh-In
This week I'm finally happy with some weigh-in results. Thanks to my friend, Lucinda, deciding she needed healthier lunches, I got back on my salad kick this week. With Pete's schedule this week, I also managed to consistently eat breakfast at home each day. I don't know which of these, or if it was both contributed to my losing 2.4 pounds this week. I'll take it! Finally the scale is showing some movement and in the right direction.
Goals
Today's Miles: 0
Total Miles Achieved: 583.9
Financial Investment: $1781.14
Total Weight Loss: -2.8
Goals
Today's Miles: 0
Total Miles Achieved: 583.9
Financial Investment: $1781.14
Total Weight Loss: -2.8
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
