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