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