Ebayer Beware

Okay, getting to the root of my triple conversion problem...it is a mountain bike crank. Alvelo put on two different triples this morning with no problems. Mine -- problem. After pouring through the Bontrager site, the difference visually is obvious. Might be wrong crank length too. Dammit!

So much for "stealing" a deal on ebay.

Spin on:(

Italian Bike Porno

Lasts night was the launch event of Pinarello in Fort Myers. Wow! Sweet bikes. I wanted to take the catalog home and rub one out -- it's okay, my Mom doesn't read the blog -- I hope. The details, frame shapes and Italian styling were phenominal. The rep compared the build process versus Trek and I almost felt dirty for owning a Trek. Also got some good intel on compact and cassette combos from the shop owners. Italian beer, lasagna and Pinarello -- aside from a $3600+ bike, it is a cheap nite out. I'll have to add one to my Holiday Wish List.

Spinning more than actual riding. Early darkness and obligations have cut that short.

Spin On

Lessons Learned

First, as I predicted in my last entry, I have signed up for weekly torture, er,umm, Spin classes. I have gone a few times now and have a better understanding of what the class is like so I can better manage my efforts. I must say, I have noted some increased power already, even though Daylight Savings has put a crimp in my training routine.

That leads me to the the title, Lessons Learned. When one rides at dusk with a light attached to one's helmet, it is not wise to breath in through your mouth. Bugs are instantly attracted to the bright light on top of your head. Also, clear lens glasses are a must!

Sent off our package to Tyler Hamilton today -- let's see if we get soem acknowledgement and maybe even some support for R2R.

Spin On

My Growing Distaste For Women

I went to my first-ever Spin Class today with not one but TWO women coaches. That should pretty much explain the title. They tag-teamed my thighs and calves for an hour. And in typical male fashion I will probably go back for more abuse next week. Hell, I'm a glutton for abuse, I will probably sign up for a year.

Having riden about 150 miles a week then a century I figured I was pretty trained up. This was a bit different from the road bike and the home trainer. It DID accomplish my goal of working my upper calves, lower thighs and even my core a bit. It hit my lungs hard again, like Mama, but I got around it. I had to smile when the instructor said "picture climbing a hill this steep" because I had -- more than once.

Like Brother Bob said "Pain is weakness leaving your body." Thank you ma'am, may I have another?

Spin On

Check Your Nipples

Okay, this is not what you're probably thinking... though it is health realated, I am referring to the spouts on my water bottles. After bleaching and scrubbing the nasty protien deposits out of my bottles left from Seagull, I noted a small deposit in the spout. I picked at the spec with an open paper-clip and low and behold a HUGE chunk of brown goo came out. I began probing deeper and tons more followed. It was nausiating to think that I had probably consumed better parts of that crud on various rides.

All that said, keep your nipples clean!

My best to Team R2R

Small Craft Advisory

Maybe I should have listened to the weather reports on Sunday as I headed out -- Small Craft Advisiories. Winds were ripping, especially over the Causeway! Lets start with my nature encounter on Saturday. Did 24 miles and the old saddle made it feel 100% better. I has some issues with the new drive-train set up but expected it due to new cabeling. Coming down past a preserve area I noted a mother raccoon and four of (presumably) her offspring. They got across the bike path the stopped -- just in time for me to get near them. They all growled, hissed and made a break back to the preserve -- missing my foot and rear wheel by inches! Weird.

Sunday I did 60. The way out was of course splendid and wind aided. Side winds aside it felt good. The way back however was a different story. But I was determined, as Brother Bob said, "to leave it all on the road". My "big" and only climb over the Causeway I did 24+ mph down on the way out. On the way back I coasted down and only did 9 mph because the wind was so stiff. But, I did the entire ride in 4 hours solo.

Steed is back in for tweaks before the ride. I used every gear in my arsenal yesterday -- glad I had 'em. Seagull prep down to the final details! Best of luck and healing to Spenghali.

Ride On

Hope To Ride More Than A John Deere

It's only been two days since I haven't ridden and really only one day of training that I missed with scheduled rest days, but I feel like a blob! I crave movement, sweat and the feeling of focus that only biking provides me.

What makes it more frustrating is I picked up the Steed last night. Wow! Really pro-looking shifters, light carbon cranks and nickle coated cassette and chain...schweeeet. I hope to swap out the saddle tonight and get in a few miles, then more over the weekend. What is the rest of Team R2Rs ride schedule look like?

BTW, I'm a large on the jersey scale. Nice fit, tight waist-band.

Ride On

Bursitass

Okay, I know I was complaining on Monday, guess I still am. I felt fairly uncomfortable on the trainer Tuesday even after a rest day. I did a little research on "Saddle Sores" and found an in-depth article from a doctor at The Mayo Clinic who detailed four varieties of saddle sores, then confirmed it with the good Docotor T. My discomfort seems to be bursitis of the ischial tuberosities. Treatment: Naproxin plus a regiment of hot, stretching followed by cold. Sit as little as possible and when I do, make sure it is on extra soft chairs.

So, I followed that up with a little yard work, got bitten by fire ants on my hand and between my toes (Ouch!). Yes, still complaining, but I will end that here. I am looking forward to collecting my rebuilt steed tonight and some gingerly rides this weekend to stay ready for Seagull.

Spin On

Pain In The A**

I fear it is time to retire the new saddle. My icials(sp?) are killing me after this weekends rides. Played hookie on Friday afternoon and after picking up a Chimay on the way home I fit in 24 miles. Saturday morning I go a late start but got in another 24. I was feeling okay about the new Bontrager XXLite Carbon saddle after those rides and had hopefully not wasted my money. Sunday I put on my fluffiest chamois and headed out for a 65. After about 27 miles my butt bones were miserable. I was having to stand and coast every .25 miles. Headwinds or harder effort made it worse. I finished 65 in 4:12 about 15.4 average, but I know I could have done better. Plus high humidity and then heat killed my core. I'm pretty sure I ended up with some heat exhaustion based on the rest of my day. Don't want to be lame, but for the good of all of us and our health/training issues we might want to look at the Metric Century at Seagull as an option. But I might feel a lot better about things after I get my original saddle back on.

On the topic of gear and bike porn, my last component came in and I dropped the bike off for the Ultegra upgrade conversion. My favorite mechanic is doing it at his house and should have it done Monday, plenty of time to put it through it's paces before Seagull.

Ride On

Management Skills (Not)

In this downward real estate sprial, we -- along with everyone else -- have been scrambling to maintain and retain business. Fortunately we have been given some good opportunities. The trade off is stress, long days and little training. I managed Thursday, Friday, Sunday sessions this past weekend, but the distances are falling far short for training for a century like the Seagull. I'm banking on two things: First my Mountain Mama experience and training will still have some effectiveness by October. Secondly, I know the rest of the team is probably in the same boat. While we think it is all flat to rolling hills, I anticipate the distance being a bigger challenge then we thought.

Just a couple more weeks to plan and spin... let's make the most of it -- or settle for the crab and ice-cream ride!

Pedal & Paddle

Age Aches

My body is not feelin' the love this morning. 18 mile spin last night and my knees and wrists ache. My a** is still sore, feeling irritation at two pressure points from the saddle Sunday. The "labiator" on the trainer is usually the most comfortable seat I've ridden, not last night. I'll give the new carbon base saddle one more go, but then I think it has to go back. 100 miles on that brick would be too much if I can't work it out.

No other big shakes on my end (other then my end:)

Spin on

Cycling Shorts

Lots of topics today, but lets start with the Decente Team Shorts. Unfortunately they just aren't working for me.Maybe it is the size L instead of a MED but all my other shorts are L. They chaff and irritate even after washing. Sorry boys (you and mine:) but they are going on sale for a good price -- guaranteed no smudgies.

Went out to the Causeway to watch a client run his first 5K. I passed a woman in a wheel chair as she managed to get to the top of the high-span. I was challenged again by the Hill Gods when my back water bottles popped out just before the summit -- almost hitting the wheel chair lady -- and I had to get off collect them. The God's were f*cking with my head not allowing me to make a complete ascent. Anyway, it was fine, not as bad as most MM climbs but a climb none the less.

I parked and watched the 1000+ runners. It was strangely emotional. Maybe it was the kinship of competition, the desire of these moms, jewelers, lawyers and plain folk to challenge themselves. Watching their faces, seeing the mix of pain and glory in their eyes as they neared the finish. Listening to their labored breaths. It was memorable. Congrats to Dan on a good, strong finish. Also to the young lady who must have had MS but ran. And the older lady who was stumbling to the end but made it across the line. File under "Can Do"

Rode 18, 22, and 55 this weekend. Did the 55 in 3:29 at an average of 15.7 mph. I think that ride was a lot like what Seagull will be like. Windy (20+ gusts), rolling with some climbs. Not sure about the new saddle. My ass felt like a virgin prisoner's after 30 or so. I'm going to try one more time with different shorts. Felt like a good ride but I was hard pressed to imagine doubling that right now. Must -- train -- more...

AC crapped out so I spent the afternoon inside, shaded and watched various sporting events until they got it fixed.

Hope all is well for the rest of my Team R2R comrades.

Back to work!

Another Tooth In The Cog

Happy Birthday to our BiS Bob who adds another tooth to the chain-ring tomorrow! I hope your year is full of hope, promise and rides.

At the risk of sounding maudlin, here are some perspectives from a Sage a few years older. I'm sure you can count a blessing for every tooth on that gear each day you wake up. First -- you woke up!!, second is family, then friends, then a job and so on and so on. You get the point. I have a tendency of not realizing that I have achieved my goals. I have to stop, look back to see that I have, just not exactly as I had expected. 40 is a good time to do that. You are at a "looking forward" point, a place to set new goals and relish in your past achievements. Old enough to know better, but not everything.

Spin-on and I'll see you at the finish, my friend.

Brotherly Advice

Hi Guys,

In talking to my bike shop "counselor" today he recommended changing to a 10 speed cassette since I am making the other changes. Looking around on ebay I found tons but many in differerent configurations 12-27 to 11-23, etc. Do you have any advice, knowledge on the subject?

Hotter 'n hell here today. Planning a long ride tomorrow.

My best

Details

Thanks for calling in and letting me enjoy some phone "Bike Porn" I appreciate the thought.

I have included a pic of the BiS logo modifications, we can all collaborate as we move forward.

Thinking of the Seagull, we should start planning meals and Belgian beverages. I have some swag I am working on and I'll stay on the jersey company to make sure we have Team R2R looking good.

Enjoy!

Recovery Drink(ing)

Went for a good "hills" ride last night 21.5/1:16. Hills here means a high gear balls-out (sorry Meegan) sprint for a couple miles at a stretch. Felt good despite the windier than normal conditions we have had lately.

My apré ride drink was a FRStini. That's a shot of Vox vodka with a splash of FRS to taste. Garnish with an orange slice and enjoy your recovery:)

Thanks BiS for the ride report -- good for you guys, wish I could help keep the pace line going. I agree on the logo idea, I have been wanting to update it and the site but stealing time has been difficult. Got my "Team Shorts" yesterday -- nice, especially the baboon ass chamois. Jersey's should be here in about 3 weeks.

Keep on crankin'

Coffee Break

As I sit at my desk sipping hours old Folders Drip Grind, I hope my BiS team members will think of and toast us shakled to the office with a good coffee (or Belgian ale) after riding the NC coast. Enjoy the beverages, the riding and the time away from the cubicle.

See you at the finish.

Dogs In Heat

Training in the high temps is taking it's toll. I trained inside hard on Friday, 16/:52. It made the Saturday morning ride more like a recovery day. The heat and humidity were inching up with every mile. Add to that some yard work and outdoor chores it was obvious that the distance ride for Sunday was going to get called off. Instead I took the time to clean bikes, prepare suppliments and nutrition, sleep and stay cool. I read an article in Road Bike Weekly that said it takes 6 to 8 weeks to recover from heat exaustion. Maybe I never quite hit that point, but I never quite escape it either.

I am a "Master-Bidder" now. Thanks to some savvy bidding techniques on Ebay I have scored a carbon triple and triple front deraileur. I am waiting to see what Trek will do for the warranty work -- hopefully I can get some relief on triple shifters.

Hope all are well and your training efforts for Seagull are coming along. I will keep you posted on jerseys. KPS is all over shorts (not white).

Keep on spinnin'

A Little Spin

Work and weather allowed so I got out for a little spin last night for about an hour. Though my training hasn't been to the level I would hope for, as Jason Mahokey at http://soiledchamois.blogspot.com said, it keeps my "meat sticks" from turning into sticks of butter. Lots of head wind yesterday which is oddly a challenge like hills, but different. It does raise the heart rate and ping the legs.

Team jersey's sould be in process by now -- hopefully we will be "geared up" by Seagull.

K-Spun suggested matching socks and shorts. I looked at sockguy.com but no dog oriented designs. They do custom as well but time is short.

Gotta Go

Still Feelin' It

Wow! I guess I did myself in on Sunday. Still feeling the effects of the ride with over-training symptoms. I can't tell if the chest ache is from muscle (like heart muscle) or ligaments. Stress hits me that way too. I did note some salt on my shorts after I finshed -- what was the electrolyte pill link? In any event, tonight is off for meeting anyway.

Bike is all clean and ready to go -- when ever I am.

Really looking forward to pushing the Team R2R concepts. I will work out some stickers for our rides (four and two wheel).

More later.

Training resumed last week. I wanted to take a week of two off but mind, body and the pending Seagull Century wouldn't allow it. Friday was to be riding day, but the body/mind said "no." Saturday I got a little later then wanted start and just did 14 of 16 but the heat had really cranked up. I am still feeling the effects of yesterdays 40/2:25 ride with Mark H. We took it out well and had a consistently good ride. The way back was rough. Headwind all the way. I was feeling a bonk coming on -- glad we stopped when we did. The way out was cool and comfortable and I know I did not hydrate enough. Started cramping a little at 25 miles. I felt bad because Mark was feeling strong and thinking about his racing days. But, like a real team member, he found a gear that allowed me to keep up. Thanks! Maybe Mama beat me more then I thought!

I have to re-evaluate my heart monitor settings. I should be at 175 bpm for my max according the the book. I think I am a little higher. I ran between 174 and 177 for ten miles. Like Mark said, that is eather really good or really ineffcient. I feel like I have squirrel heart beating in my chest! Anyway, today is a rest day as I await the arrival of my ebay purchase, a carbon Botnrager triple crank, new in box for a steal of a deal.

Spin on.

What Doesn't Kill Ya...

Had a great ride last night. Temps were low (83º) due to overcast skies all day. Did 18/1:07. I pushed a few simulated "hills" by kicking it to the highest gear and evenly cranking.

Mama threw some crap at me/us but we survived and I think my legs are stronger for the effort.

I am looking at switching out my 53/39 for a triple 52/42/30. Ebay is my helper with a whole new carbon crank, shimano levers and front deraillure. I'll accept opinions.

Spin on!

I Got A Fever

In the words of Christopher Walken on SNL "I got a fever and the cure call for more cow bells." Well okay, mine calls for more bike parts. I took my ride in for warranty repair and ended up with a new Bontrager X Lite Race saddle and carry-all bag. THe saddle is carbon based with the "labiator" slot down the center on hollow titanium rails. My first ride Sunday was a wee bit uncomfortable at the start but I settled in as the heat pain replaced the a** pain. A little more time and we should both be fine.
Also looking at a carbon compact drive on ebay. After the abuse "Mama" threw at me, any weapon I can put in my arsenal is worth exploring.

Trying to get back in a routine for Seagull -- sign up soon!!

Pedal & Paddle

Back in the Saddle

I made it! It was only 12 miles but it felt good to spin on the road. After the mountains I was able to laugh at the head-wind. It brought back some of that lacking energy too. I have to include longer recovery times now that I'm "old."

My heart rate started at a good 70 bpm (resting) and I never reached my max. When we rode the MM I started at 101 resting. I attribute that to the 27 mile ride, elevation and adrenaline, but it really makes a difference to start low. My buddy Mark tells me that they never trained with a high resting heart rate -- mean you were over-training or getting sick.

My goal for the next few months is to spin, build back to some distance and work on controlling my breating.

Have a good weekend all -- pedal and paddle!

Ps. Thanks to all the R2R donors -- we raised $2,150 and awsome start!!

Who's On First

Just a quick query to see who on Team R2R is going to be the first to ride again after the MM. I hope to get a spin in tonight.

The event was great after all the mind numbing climbs eased a bit. Legs still feel a little sore and more sleep is needed -- but duty calls. Thank Heaven 7-11 for Stok shots:)

Pedal & Paddle

On Your Mark...

The Mountain Mama is calling even louder now -- just two days away. If you're not ready now...

Meals are planned, half a suitcase of suppliments are packed, gear and more gear.

Safe and healthy travels, all.

Pedal and paddle

Arrivee

The Tour is over, congrats to Discovery! My training is about over for the MM event. I have tried all the suppliments, fitted my machine the best I can and put most of the training miles behind me now. I have begun to taper my schedule a bit. Did a solo 45 Sunday at a good clip. Started and ended in some rain, but it kept the humidity down and me a little cooler. Now my challenge is to just stay healthy and avoid getting a bug.

Thanks to all who have donated to R2R and for the great sharing of information. I hope both continue to grow as I begin getting ready, dare I say, for the next Century.

Pedal and Paddle

Tour De Farce?

It is a sad state when the tour top contenders all get dropped for use (or alleged use) of performance enhancing drugs. In what is undoubtedly one of the most grueling competitions in sport honest athletes now have to worry about defending their title in the court as well as the public eye. While I am excited to see Team Discovery move ahead, I wish it was not by default. Perhaps Le Tour should go back to it's humble beginnings... an organized pub crawl.

My 2¢

No Show Mojo

Any suggestions on a good taper workout schedule? I had a rest day Monday and was to train this morning but the alarm and wheels just flew off. I had signs of over-training Sunday and think my system wants the rest.

Any info would be appreciated.

As for equipment changes, since I have a warranty issue I think I might upgrade to a carbon Bontrager crank. Yummy.

Pedal and Paddle

Things I learned This Weekend

First, no matter how good the ride feels, it feels good to get off. Rode 23 Friday, 24 Saturday then 66 on Sunday. The long ride felt good, not as uncomfortable as last time. No hills, but I agree that they will be more mental then anything. Plus being a flat-lander I think there is benefit to constant cranking without a decent.

Still having a little trouble with the machine. I did learn that my derailleur has a "trim" setting that makes a short adjustment to eliminate chain slap. I also learned that they discontiued the system and if you don't downshift precisely your chain falls off. Back to the shop again. One tip for the carbon fiber folks -- once a month lift and twist your seat post. Apparently the sweat and oils get in the seat tube and "fuse" it in place. By lifting and turning the seat (mark it's position with tape, first) you avoid the problem.

I should either buy a pair of Bifoakleys or attach my clip on mirror to a 3' dowel. I spent more time twisting my neck trying to see the lens that was too close without readers.

Monterey is getting closer -- keep up the training and the info!

Pedal and Paddle

Bumps In The Road

Okay, it has been a few days off the Blog and the training. Up 22 hours traveling and meeting in Chicago my system said "WHOA!" Got some rest and feeling human again.

Bike is back thanks to Al at the Bike Route www.thebikeroute.com. Headset spacer, rebuilt bottom bracket and a call to Trek for a warranty claim and I'm good to go. Now I just have to go. Riding this weekend despite oppressive temps.

Bob, send me the article please, sounds interesting. I am going to order more FRS for recovery and some gels from Accelerade to compare to Hammer.

All the chemistry aside, it will be the miles that make the difference.

Happy Friday!

Steady Riding Diet

Riding is supposed to be a hobby, right? I have to keep reminding myself that this is for fun and not to stress when I can't hit the road "on schedule". My trusty steed is in the shop getting the afore mentioned problems fixed -- minor adjustment they tell me. Work has been very busy and taken the forefront over many things -- including training. I hope to hit it again tonight. I think the rest may be good for my knee in any event.

Bob, thanks for the "sugar" research. Unfortunately science was never my strong suit. I thought the periodic table was well designed from a graphic stand point but it defied me mentally. My only concern about extra weight comes from a long-haul perspective. While I am within my BMI range, I could be a little lighter. I figure 5 pounds multiplied by 100 miles is a quarter ton of weight I do not need to lug up hills. I have leveled out now and think that is where I will land for the MM.

Thanks again for the research!!

Motivational No-Show

Sunday. I was scheduled to get up and do 40. My body said "Whoa Big Fella, you need sleep! Remember getting up at 4:00 to train during the week? Remember that one extra glass of red wine and piece of cheese cake after dinner?" Okay, still two weekends to do long rides and decent distances during the week until I taper down to the MM. The sleep felt great, I have to admit. I can still get on the trainer this afternoon for a good spin.

Equipment problems are popping up now. For on is my left knee. It is feeling a little "wonkey". It gave out one morning standing. Not pain, just weakness. My bike is acting up too. The headset is loose as a goose! I have about .25 - .5 back and forth play in it. I broke it down and noted a retaing ring is broken, that might be the problem. Also the lower end has a tiny bit of side-to-side play which might get worse as I crank harder. Might have to shoot it. I'll start by getting it in to the shop ASAP Monday. Reason to buy that new bike...Hmmm.

The chemistry experiment was very usefull -- glad I did it this far out. Tried the HEED Electrolyte powder Friday. It went right to my gut (now, it could have been the ruben and 6 doughnut holes -- I have issues:) but didn't sit right. Worked well for the energy portion though. I found Accelerade (at the grocery store by our house) and tried that Saturday. It worked fine too, a bit tastier (un-natural colors and all. Can you say Ridalyn Smoothie?) and left me less thirsty and more refreshed. I followed both by FRS concentrate as a recovery drink -- I think that is a good part of either routine. Today I'll try some Hammer Gel.

Bob, can you give me a little lesson on sugar Vs. sucrose? Gatorade has sucrose, Accelerade ahs sugar. Will one help keep weight off better?

Gotta go, Sunday at the office.

Intestinal Chemistry Set

The goal of this weekend, aside from actually riding outside instead of on a trainer reading bad Closed Captioning, will be to try some of the new suppliments provided by our Director of Doping, Bob B. The temps will be brutal this weekend so I imagine the long ride will be abreviated somewhat. In any event with a counter full of powders and liquids that looks like some high school chemistry lab, I will have the chance to see what works best. I noted the MM temps later next week will hit the 100º mark.

Enjoy the weekend and Le Tour as they hit the mountains!

Non-Scripted Banter

Getting up at 4:30 and hitting the trainer you learn a lot about Closed Captioning and crappy local news. The weather comes on about every two and a half minutes, the anchors repeat the same stories every 12 minutes and CC is riddled with typo's. But I was up and spinning for 16 miles. I remembered the fan this time. It will be an odd couple of weeks training due to my work schedule.

Today's search will be for Accelerade and a creative idea for yet another presentation.

Cheers!

Oh yeah, I have a job

Yesterday was a full day of meetings which kept me working late so I missed the Tour and had to do the afore mentioned short spin yesterday morning. As my buddy Mark H. says though "at least you got on the bike". I am enjoying the banter and the nutritional learning curve though. I am trying to get back on the road tonight with my repositioned bars.

Donations are rolling in -- thank you to all who have helped out. It is great motivation.

Pedal & Paddle

Tuesday Moaning

Due to a number of meetings today I got up extra early and hit the trainer for an easy recovery spin. Morning exercise routines are not my favorite! Seemed to take a long time to warm up -- despite the fact I forgot to plug in the fan. Next time I'm bringing a bar of soap so I can multi-task. My goal now is to stay healthy despite a number of flu cases at work. Anti-bacterial hand gel for everyone!

Let's start formulating a menu. I can help shop when I hit G'sboro.

Best to all. Keep spinning.

Lot of riding this weekend. I have been following the Carb-boom century training schedule which has worked out pretty well. 24 Friday night, 24 Saturday morning followed by a yardwork cool-down. Up Sunday and cranked out 67. 3080 calories, 10' of elevation. Actually felt pretty good, only a slight melt down about 50 miles in, but I pushed through it. That is the hardest part of solo rides, all the encouragement is internal. Some clouds and a little rain helped keep the temps down.

I am dialing in on nutrition and bike fit. Quaker Oats are king in the morning -- like a coal fire burning steadily in you furnace. Hands were a problem so I brought a wrench and made some adjustments along the way. Figured I'd flip the stem upside down last night to see if that helped. I flipped it right side up...DOH! I had it wrong since I replaced it. I couldn't have a Canondale stem on my Trek bike. See what I get for being a purist! Anxious to try it out -- the right way.

Thanks for all the online activity!

Jury Is Still Out

No matter the opinion on Floyd Landis, it is always an inspiration to meet the pros. Our ride "Director of Doping" Bob B. met Floyd and sent along some pics at a speaking engagement.

One thing to note is that there will be no #1 jersey at the start of this years Tour. Team jerseys begin at number 11.

A Good Day For A Ride

First, Happy 4th of July to everyone. I hope you spend your Independance Day with a safe and happy celebration.

Up early today and had a GREAT ride with my friend and co-worker Mark "Iron Man" H. It was a priviledge to ride with someone who has competed in more than one Iron Man. Felt good to ride with someone too, I have been training solo for a long while. We got through 27+ miles pretty quickly on Sanibel. A little more car traffic then normal due to the parade. Finally feel a little more optimistic about the Mountain Mama and hanging with other riders. Thanks Mark!

Thanks also goes out to James, our IT Guru who helped develop this blogsite -- despite a fractured heel and pain killers:-)

One note on being catabolic. I read if you jump in the shower after a ride and get a wiff of amonia, that means you are going catabolic and need to take steps to repair the damage.

Time to relax and enjoy that Atkins shake with a shot of Stok in it and settle in to a hump-day off.

Happy 4th!

Launch Day

Today is an exciting day for me. The Ride 2 The Rescue donations site is done and looks great. I will be sending out the link to a select list of friends and family for starters. I want to thank Jim at EMCC Design for his volunteering to take on the project -- I owe him a pint (or two)!

My massive bike case came in last night along with my Park Tool repair stand. Now if I only had a bike with two tires! The shop apparently lined my tires with the kevlar band inside-out allowing it to flat. The real inconvenience is that it put me behind my training schedule. I'll just have to work a little harder.

Keep the training tips coming!

July 1

Some days it's just not worth the effort. I was scheduled to go the distance 65 miles in preparation for my first distance ride (in 20 years) -- the 70 mile Mountain Mama. 15 miles into it I realized I forgot money. I began devising how I would talk the mini-mart owner into "loaning" me Gatorade, water and a banana. The heat and peleton's were a bit demoralizing as I was on my own. The new high-span on the Sanibel Causeway had just opened up and tons of roadies took the opportunity to test their legs on the only hill in the area.

At 26 miles something felt funny -- other than my a**, legs and hands. I was getting a flat. A problem again. I took out my CO2 tire kit to balance the weight of extra water cages. By 32 the front tire was flat and I was wondering why I spent the money on the kevlar lined Specialized tires. Fortunately I have a loving, understanding wife who drove out to rescue me from a 4 mile hike in cleats back to the car.

Contemplated finishing the miles on the trainer... for a nano-second.

Rest day today and get psyched again for Tuesday.