Cold Day Cycling

broderic on March 14, 2009

I have never gone cycling in anything less than 60 degrees except today. My weather widget is telling me that its 44 degrees fahrenheit out there, and I rode in that. At least there was no wind, but there was no sun either.

I was sitting eating breakfast with my mom when I got a text. During the text conversation, a cycle ride was brought up, “No bike ride today?” I texted back my excuses, but it’s really humbling. I want to ride, but always find excuses. Not today.

What does it take to ride in this weather? I don’t know so I gear up. My campy tights are warm. Unlike my knickers these go all the way down, and unlike my knickers these fit really well. I wear my compression t-shirt underneath which I wish was windproof, then a long sleeve winter jersey along with arm warmers. Finally a jacket. Also a warm skull cap and booties over my shoes. Am I warm? Somewhat, but its enough to keep the chill away. It’s actually perfect.

So the ride was good. I took a route that I hadn’t before. Up Lakeside into New Town. It’s a hill and to get back onto Deer Park there’s a short steep hill. It’s tough but I did it.

Here’s the damage: 14.15 miles, 59 minutes, averaging 14.5 MPH with a max of 38 MPH down Pleasant. Nice.

First Days are the Worst Days

broderic on March 8, 2009

When I woke up this morning on my couch, the news was on. I wondered why they’re on at 5 AM? Oops. Daylight savings time kicked in and it was now 6. Why is there no sunlight? So, I had breakfast: oatmeal, coke, and a cup of coffee. I need to fuel up for my bike ride.

There is nothing better than to be on a bike in the cool early mornings. It so happen to be a Sunday coming off of winter and spring should be here soon. What was the temperature? Sixty-five degrees! Nice conditions for the first bike ride of the season.

Over the last two months, I’ve tried to work out. I’ve only done a few weeks and those were rather non-consecutive weeks. Sickness intervened both times. Yet, I feel ready. It’s better to be doing than to be fake doing. I don’t ride the stationery bike at the gym because it’s so fake. I’m just hoping that I’ve built up a decent amount of cardio fitness to make today less hurting.

So I start gearing up, but “The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly” is on. I watch up until Tuco and Blondie make their pact. “Don’t die on me, Blondie.” Classic, but I have to go.

I’m gonna ride the Gios. Hmmm. I need to check its conditions, because it has been a while. Tires? Inflate them. Chain? Oiled? I don’t know, maybe take it in for a tune up. Water? Yes. Clothes? Knickers and the Campy winter shirt which may be too warm for the cool Sunday morning.

I’m going out the front door for the normal route.

It’s a little bit overcast. I wear my favorite Oakleys with the yellow tints. I am cool. In the morning as I warm up with a quick around the block.

Then down Pleasant Hill. Thirty-nine MPH! The air whips by making it cold. I’m happy bombing the hill, but worried a bit as the roads have some moisture. Still fast is fast. Smiling.

Afterwards into the woods and slow steady climb. I’m not tuckered out. Maybe my workouts are fine? But I’m not in any bike fit shape. My pedal stroke is okay, but how will it hold out? I sip a bit of water, must not forget about drinking even though it’s not cold I will still dehydrate from all that caffein. My position on the bike is okay, I’m slightly comfortable. Must start using the drops, but I hate that position.

In no time I’m zipping around the back roads. Then comes the hill on Deer Park right around Soldier’s Delight. It’s not tall, but it is there as an indication of my fitness. I’m up it at 9 MPH, not good, but I’m not breathing to heavy. Down the backside of that hill and I’m doing the cruising thing at 22 MPH. I love this section. This ride was supposed to be an easy one, but I feel like I’ve been riding for two full weeks.

I’m on the turn. I’m on Nicodemus breaking 22 MPH again!. I’m climbing Church. No granny gear, but I’m tuckered a bit. Is this true fitness or just adrenaline from riding the first day?

So this was what it was: 12.45 miles, 50 minuetes, average 14.5 MPH, max 39 MPH. I’m hoping for another ride next weekend. I’m also hoping the numbers improve over the season.

I’ll see you out there!

Amgen Tour of California 2009

broderic on February 20, 2009


Amgen Tour of California 2009 – Prologue
Originally uploaded by Darcy McCarty.
I forgot to mention that the cycling season is starting to ramp up. Here’s a shot from this year’s Tour of California. It’s Tom Boonen running the TT. I just love this guy.

I was looking for a field sprint, but it seems the photogs on Flickr don’t have too many shots of a stage finish. So, here’s Boonen cranking for decent TT finish.

If you look at the 2009 Tour of California starting line up, you’ll find an amazing mass of professionals. Besides the Belgian rocket, Boonen, you’ll see Lance Armstrong suited up for Astana as he begins his climb back into the professional cycling saddle. You have Levi Leipheimer leading this years tour. Then you have the british sprint phenom, Mark Cavendish, taking wins in field sprints. Boonen stop this guy! Lots of Americans: Hincapie, Landis, Hamilton (Aren’t these guys banned for using banned substances?) It’s actually a monster Tour. I should’ve set my Tivo.

Quote of the Day [12.29.08]

broderic on December 29, 2008

“Quit? You know, once I was thinking about quitting when I was diagnosed with brain, lung and testicular cancer, all at the same time. But with the love and support of my friends and family, I got back on the bike and I won the Tour de France five times in a row. But I’m sure you have a good reason to quit. So what are you dying from that’s keeping you from the finals?”

Lance Armstrong (Lance Armstrong), Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story

Link of the Day [12.03.08]

broderic on December 3, 2008

My cousin, Bob, has gone car free. He's riding a bike. That's the way
to commute. Who needs the hassle of owning a car? Who wants to save
money? Be more healthy? Fossile fuels are for sucks.Someone in Hawaii is pushing for electric cars. That's an even crazier
idea. He should be pushing for more bikes. I can't imagine a more
perfect place for a cycle culture. Sunny and warm every day. The
islands are pretty small: you can take a bus around Oahu, so the
distances are not very far. You can always hop off and go for a swim if
you're sweating too much. A more casual attitude. Frick. That's
pretty awesome now that I come to think about it.Hmm. This link of the day post went off on a tangent. I guess it
happens when you're scrambling for posts in the morning over coffee.http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/03/technology/start-ups/03hawaii.html?par
tner=permalink&exprod=permalink