Did you ride today?

Two annual tradition continue: Yes to Battenkill, Cat 4 40+ age group. And again had the flu which morphed in bronchitis, ear and throat infection.

Felt pretty strong before the flu caught on, will see when I get back on the bike.

Anything planned for you Doug this year? Anybody else for that matter

Dan I hope the fitness level gets back on track for you soon. As for me, I'm planning on doing a MS150 ride in Colorado this June, another 100 mile local fundraiser in August, and I'm thinking about getting back to the local CX race series this fall. The CX series depend on how much time I get in the saddle this summer.
 
I'm planning on doing a MS150 ride in Colorado this June, another 100 mile local fundraiser in August, and I'm thinking about getting back to the local CX race series this fall. The CX series depend on how much time I get in the saddle this summer.

The best way to stimulate oneself to excel is to have goals! Nothing better than an event that you promised yourself to do so good for you. You also need to do 1 CX race this year, you owe it to yourself.

On another subject World Cup Cyclocross race in Montreal, I'm spooked about that!
 
Was hoping to get out with the fast boys on Saturday, but woke up with the beginnings of a cold so decided the all out effort was a bad idea. Sunday though I went out with my sweet wife, and she recognized her personal training hasn't provided much in the cardio endurance category, so she struggled as we knocked out 35 miles on a very flat course. Usually on the flats she can hang pretty well, but I was forced to back it off so we'd be together. She wants to schedule a bike tour now, which'll force her to spinning and more rides with me. Weather continues to be excellent here for this time of year, 55 today and mid-upper 50's this week, low 60's this coming weekend and continued sunny.

My thanks to you all on the east coast and mid-west, for taking all the crap weather this winter.

A couple rides on my schedule this year, the ride up to Hurricane Ridge in Olympic National Park. I missed last year, and want to finally get in under 2 hours. (4500' vertical over 18 miles). And I'll probably do a time trial in August just to check my fitness on the year. I don't have a TT bike, or train specifically for TT, but its a great test. Been doing a lot of work in the gym to generate more power, and I'm climbing better already.
 
My thanks to you all on the east coast and mid-west, for taking all the crap weather this winter.

Made me laugh......

I'm happy Bob the weather is perfect on your end of the continent and you have your challenges ahead of you.

And by the way crappy weather going your way for the summer :cool:
 
Dan, one thing is certain in the Pacific NW, the weather window can slam shut at any time, and not open again until after the 4th of July. Then we get 90 days of almost no rain. Considering our normal high price for those dry summer months, this year is a welcome reprive though the snow pac is almost nil and the ski hills are suffering.

Hopefully today I'll get out for my beastly training ride, it'll be my first attempt of the monster hill on the compact double of my carbon frame. Previously only done on my steel bike with the granny. Having started this years riding on that hill, I'm better for it.

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Here in the middle of the Sonoran desert, one doesn't stay shut-in because of excessive rain....yet it has been for the last 2 days. It looks like the sun is peeking from behind some clouds...if so, I'll be getting on to the Pinarello and try to make up for lost time. (after Netanyahu's speech)
 
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Dan, one thing is certain in the Pacific NW, the weather window can slam shut at any time, and not open again until after the 4th of July. Then we get 90 days of almost no rain. Considering our normal high price for those dry summer months, this year is a welcome reprive though the snow pac is almost nil and the ski hills are suffering.

Hopefully today I'll get out for my beastly training ride, it'll be my first attempt of the monster hill on the compact double of my carbon frame. Previously only done on my steel bike with the granny. Having started this years riding on that hill, I'm better for it.

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Bob weather here is also very unpredictable, we never know from one year to next what to expect. Right now they are calling for a cold spring as the Great Lakes are 80% frozen right now and expect it to go up to 95%, the previous record. That's one big cooler and we are downwind from it so no respite apparently. January was one of the coldest on record and February did make the books over as the coldest on record. But this is life and we have gotten used to it I guess.

Nice little circuit you have there Bob, what's the gradient at mile 8 and what's the average for the big hill? Definitely looks like a fun loop, enjoy the ride!
 
The steep part of the hill is about 11%, but one turn is steeper, probably ~15%. Fortunately the steep turn is not too far from the bottom, so your not totally gassed going into it. But after getting round that turn one is likely to be at threshold, or already anarobic, so pacing yourself on that hill is key. Once you make to the top of the steep part, there are a few more miles of 5-7% work. That stretch is long enough to put you deep in the pain cave. After the steep, the rest doesn't visually seem too bad, but your still climbing with these little pitches just long enough to kill any momentum you build. I find myself at 92-94%HR wishing it were over already. Very rural route, only a few cars. Many spots with great views of Mt. Hood. I expect I'll ride the loop once a week at speed, its a great training course.

Sadly, didn't make it out today, but all set for tomorrow. Damn customers!
 
Managed to sneek in time for the loop yesterday. I hate when my anticipation of a strong ride is not met by strong legs. Just didn't have any snap yesterday, legs felt leaden.

The carbon bike is much more efficient then my old steel touring frame, but while extremely comfortable for a more race oriented geometry (thanks CYFAC!) the chip seal was felt more than on my old MERZ. That old steel frame and setup is very comfy. And the original Campy Super Record crankset is as smooth as the spanky ceramic bearings in the Cyfac. And quiet too, my one complaint about Shimano's hollow chainrings is they are just a tad noisy. I wonder is Campy's latest cranks are as smooth and quiet as the classic stuff? I have to keep the drivetrain vey clean and well lubed with the Shimano or I hear more noise, and I am pretty anal about my bike being as silent as possible.
 
Was hoping to get out with the fast boys on Saturday, but woke up with the beginnings of a cold so decided the all out effort was a bad idea. Sunday though I went out with my sweet wife, and she recognized her personal training hasn't provided much in the cardio endurance category, so she struggled as we knocked out 35 miles on a very flat course. Usually on the flats she can hang pretty well, but I was forced to back it off so we'd be together. She wants to schedule a bike tour now, which'll force her to spinning and more rides with me. Weather continues to be excellent here for this time of year, 55 today and mid-upper 50's this week, low 60's this coming weekend and continued sunny.

My thanks to you all on the east coast and mid-west, for taking all the crap weather this winter.

A couple rides on my schedule this year, the ride up to Hurricane Ridge in Olympic National Park. I missed last year, and want to finally get in under 2 hours. (4500' vertical over 18 miles). And I'll probably do a time trial in August just to check my fitness on the year. I don't have a TT bike, or train specifically for TT, but its a great test. Been doing a lot of work in the gym to generate more power, and I'm climbing better already.

Bob,

Hurricane Ridge Road is a challenging but beautiful ride. I've been up there for hiking but my friend rode up it. He's also done Mt. Washington several times and Haleakala.

Best of luck,
Ken
 
Managed to sneek in time for the loop yesterday. I hate when my anticipation of a strong ride is not met by strong legs. Just didn't have any snap yesterday, legs felt leaden.

The carbon bike is much more efficient then my old steel touring frame, but while extremely comfortable for a more race oriented geometry (thanks CYFAC!) the chip seal was felt more than on my old MERZ. That old steel frame and setup is very comfy. And the original Campy Super Record crankset is as smooth as the spanky ceramic bearings in the Cyfac. And quiet too, my one complaint about Shimano's hollow chainrings is they are just a tad noisy. I wonder is Campy's latest cranks are as smooth and quiet as the classic stuff? I have to keep the drivetrain vey clean and well lubed with the Shimano or I hear more noise, and I am pretty anal about my bike being as silent as possible.

When talking about noise is it chain rub or creaking. Carbon frames are notorious to creak if the cups are not well set on the frame. Cups may create a soft creak which is amplified by the frame as CF transmit noise quite efficiently. Don't think Campi is better for that and I use Campi, I regularly undo my cups from the bottom bracket and reinstall to alleviate such problems.
 
Thanks Dan, not creaking noise, though I get some from my cleats when I stand. (Note to self - tighten cleat screws!) And not noisy to most folks, I am just aware of more drivetrain noise overall—I think the chain engaging the hollow chainring just creates the smallest ringing noise. Most folks would never think twice, but as I said I'm anal about bike noises. I hate riding in a group with someone who doesn't maintain their bike or know how to center a derailleur. kck,kck,kck or grind,grind,grind, ka-chuck,ka-chunk. Don't these guys (girls) know a clean bike is a fast bike? Simplest machine in the world and they can't dial it in. Errrrr!

How 'bout the freewheel sound of Chris King hubs. Buzzsaw! There's some noisy ones out there. My DT Swiss could use a little lube on the pawls. I re-lubed my wife's and quieted it down substantially.
 
Just ordered one of these Cardo BK-1 Bluetooth Cycling Communication System - Modern Bike

Riding with my wife, who loves to suck my --- wheel (get yur mind outta the gutter), and who loves to fall off slowly until she's out of my mirror, I was thinking a nifty walkie talkie would be great. Did some searching recently and found this setup. Not cheap, but if it saves one or two shouting episodes with the wife then in the interest of marital harmony it'll be a bargain. Should be nice too on group rides when she's back in the pack a little bit I can check on her when taking a pull at the front.
 
Just ordered one of these Cardo BK-1 Bluetooth Cycling Communication System - Modern Bike

Riding with my wife, who loves to suck my --- wheel (get yur mind outta the gutter), and who loves to fall off slowly until she's out of my mirror, I was thinking a nifty walkie talkie would be great. Did some searching recently and found this setup. Not cheap, but if it saves one or two shouting episodes with the wife then in the interest of marital harmony it'll be a bargain. Should be nice too on group rides when she's back in the pack a little bit I can check on her when taking a pull at the front.

A sharp whistle does the trick......for way cheaper! Anyways Bob if you are dropping the missus it means you are going too fast so slow down before she gets dropped otherwise someday she could be the one doing the dropping, if you get what I mean.

Seriously Bob if you are using a heart rate monitor just find your HR when you wife is comfy and keep it there when you ride with her. If you want to make her stronger I would suggest intervals instead of long rides above her tempo/threshold.
 
Bob, do you really want your wife jab, jab, jabbering in your ear the whole ride?

As for the drivetrain noises, maybe it's time to go belt drive... You can handle one speed on your road bike right? :)
 
Doug, lots of fixies here in Portland, but for the city folks on the flats. If someone could do the big hill on a fixie I'd call 'em Sir.

You could be right -- if it becomes an oppotunity for her to nag me, I'll just have get out of range. Fortunately if she gets back to strength she's a good rider, better than she knows. But she can get knocked back, occasionally, on the slightest incline.

My frustration is when I slow to let her catch up, she thinks its time to rest rather than actually catch up. I end having to come to a full stop. This way I can at least find out how she's doing without the stopping, which when chilly out really makes my knees ache.
 
I'm just funnin' ya' Bob. :P

I hear you on the fixie front. I once did a gravel road race on a fixie and while we don't have huge hills around here it was a challenge. It was just as bad going downhill because you had to take your feet off the pedals and then let the cranks just spin! I went with a geared bike the next year. :lol:

I'm just jealous because while you're out there putting in miles I'm stuck on my rollers downstairs in the basement on the road to nowhere...
 
My frustration is when I slow to let her catch up, she thinks its time to rest rather than actually catch up. I end having to come to a full stop. This way I can at least find out how she's doing without the stopping, which when chilly out really makes my knees ache.

That's were you are mistaken Bob, if you slow down and she catches up to you have to remember she was going full tilt and needs to recover. As the stronger rider it's your responsibility to make sure she has enough time to recover, the flip side is that she will discourage herself and she may just abandon the sport.

You should go back when you drop her and treat that as an interval, go full tilt for whatever distance and when you catch up to your significant other you will be out of breath and you can both recover together. Another suggestion is get yourself a slower bike (mountain bike, cyclocross, gravel) to even the score. It's not a race don't forget!

Just my 2 cents
 
Dan, I've told her I should get some street tires for my fat bike, and ride it, but she looks at me with disdain. You might be right, I've got a jump on her fitness-wise this year, so I need to be gentle. The idea is I will go out with the fast boys in the morning, then have an easy afternoon ride with wifey. She'll be back, she really does love to ride the bike, but she's not one to go out alone. Confidence and competence do not always track together.

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Prague to Vienna 2013

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France, Loire Valley, 2011
 
Dan, I've told her I should get some street tires for my fat bike, and ride it, but she looks at me with disdain. You might be right, I've got a jump on her fitness-wise this year, so I need to be gentle. The idea is I will go out with the fast boys in the morning, then have an easy afternoon ride with wifey. She'll be back, she really does love to ride the bike, but she's not one to go out alone. Confidence and competence do not always track together.

Bob, remember you are a lucky SOB she still rides and enjoys it. My wife stopped riding due to a bad back 7 years ago. So my advice to you is don't screw it up as you can loose it quickly!

BTW the fat bike may have been pushing it, start with the old chromo bike with Campi that you have. :D
 
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