Here are a couple observations from my neighborhood.
First is the Minstrel Cyclist I have noted riding around our street. The neighbor's teenage son has taken to riding his bike at night and I see him out riding while I walk Shilo. He is getting faster despite having a bike that is too small and a seat that is too low. The odd part is he wears an iPod and sings -- loudly and off key -- as he circumnavigates the route. Some of America does NOT have talent.
Secondly is the jogger in the morning. Now, I am a very happily married man to a beautiful woman -- my Nifi. And not that I condone the "can't look at the menu" mentality, I think it is male human nature to look at the sister of a neighborhood divorcee when she jogs by with her 0% body fat and rock hard abs. It is just a male reflex to suck in your gut, stick out your chest as you walk your dog, smelling of Rogaine and dog poop. Getting looks for all the wrong reasons.
LABstrong
Friday, November 13, 2009
Friday, October 9, 2009
Riverlution Ride Report
There will be a quiz...
I would have to say the inaugural Riverlution was a success. No mechanicals, no injuries and a great family gathering.
We started out on a misty Minnesota morning at about 51º. As team “captain” I made sure the bikes were prepped, pumped up and numbers were on right side up. After a great breakfast of NMM’s legendary oatmeal bake and fruit, a little talk on group cycling etiquette, we headed out. I have to say I was quite surprised at the pace we held. Our SAG support had not left by the time we reached our first appointed stop, so we kept rolling. At fifteen miles in to the 70, we pulled in and SAG caught up to us for a photo opportunity.
The next leg was the climb I had been dreading/hearing about. It was at least two miles up and this flat-lander could not train for such elevations. But, we climbed, and climbed, saw the false crest -- and climbed some more. I have to admit, I had built it up in my head worse that it actually was. In reality I finally had a long enough climb to find a groove between legs, gear and heart rate. It was over the top and two miles down hill. We pulled over one time on the decent to regroup. Brother One can descend like a stone I found out, so we had to pull ahead on climbs to match him.
Through the town of Maiden Rock and Stockholm there were several little climbs that were steeper than the long one and burned a bit.
But there were flats too. Not my SAG wagon just about took me out right after this shot pulling into a boutique to shop!
I was not the only Little Goat out this day.
From there we met up with Brother Two or “T-Ross” so aptly named for his ancient Ross upright. The sun was out to stay now and it was time to shed some layers. We pushed on again through relatively flat, river estuary land. The roads were a bit rougher here and it made for some pain in the a** riding especially being about 40 miles into the ride. Once I get past that point, I am typically fine. The next agreed spot was Nelson (Cheese Curd Capital of the World) then back over to the MN side in Wabasha (infamous for the filming of “Grumpy Old Men”). Here we met up with our last rider for the final leg of the Riverlution, Diesel Dan. Now we had everyone together and a great photo op on a perfect fall day.
It was agreed that Cutter (think Breaking Away) would push on ahead. He had time to run an errand. That is an indication that he was the youngest and agile of the group by far.
Outside the town of Wabasha and on to Lake City (the reputed home to the invention of water skiing).
One thing I did not realize was the amount of slopes surrounding Lake City. They became the thorn in T-Ross’s side. His bicycle and a headwind made it difficult to keep climbing. But he managed to keep a conversation going and a positive attitude throughout. It was especially fun (and European) to see my nieces waving towels and cheering us on from the side of the road! Too funny.
I tried to keep all my chickens together, but this stretch put BroOne, Cutter and Diesel Dan out ahead. I had expected to see the group in Lake City but they were not in sight. I finally needed to pull over in a rest area for nature break and get off the saddle for a while. There I discovered Cutter and Diesel Dan hanging out. BroOne was gone! I was panicked for a moment then Cutter said he blew by him out of nowhere and pressed on to the end. He then immediately requested a drug test... however most of the drug labs are busy over in France right now mopping up from last year’s Tour. While I try to find the proper Team moniker for BroOne, I am refraining from calling him “Doper.” I have a year to develop a proper Team name so I will keep pondering.
While it was great to have SAG support, they really came in to play when they rescued my stranded nieces when their car broke down after waving us up a climb. We ate some of the prepped food and liquids, but good experience for next year. I drank a lot of fluid as I am used to riding in 100+º temps -- lesson for the team: Drink MORE! And sag really came in to play when we hooked up at a gas station short of home. I was out of water and wanted Diesel and T-Ross to come up, but they kept on going past the stop. I chatted with the SAG Sisters for a while waiting for Cutter whom I assumed was inside. Then they said no, he went on ahead to run his errand.
S**t! I’m just standing here?
Quiz time: How long does it take a Small Goat going 20 MPH into a 9 mile per hour headwind to catch two riders going 15.2 miles an hour with a nine minute head-start?
I have no idea but I did catch them. I had wrapped my sweet Emily’s collar and tags on my stem for inspiration. She just clinked along and kept me paced. When I let up on the throttle I would hear that clinking and push harder to maintain my pace.
That last push pretty much ended the final leg of the Riverlution. We went up the hill into the starting neighborhood and we were greeted by my mom, teary-eyed proud of our accomplishment, waving two small American flags. Now I was teary-eyed. We rode home together, a lump in my throat, proud of my friends, brothers, team and thankful for all the support and contributions made to help Lab Rescue save more dogs.
Great job EVERYONE!
LABstrong
I would have to say the inaugural Riverlution was a success. No mechanicals, no injuries and a great family gathering.
We started out on a misty Minnesota morning at about 51º. As team “captain” I made sure the bikes were prepped, pumped up and numbers were on right side up. After a great breakfast of NMM’s legendary oatmeal bake and fruit, a little talk on group cycling etiquette, we headed out. I have to say I was quite surprised at the pace we held. Our SAG support had not left by the time we reached our first appointed stop, so we kept rolling. At fifteen miles in to the 70, we pulled in and SAG caught up to us for a photo opportunity.
The next leg was the climb I had been dreading/hearing about. It was at least two miles up and this flat-lander could not train for such elevations. But, we climbed, and climbed, saw the false crest -- and climbed some more. I have to admit, I had built it up in my head worse that it actually was. In reality I finally had a long enough climb to find a groove between legs, gear and heart rate. It was over the top and two miles down hill. We pulled over one time on the decent to regroup. Brother One can descend like a stone I found out, so we had to pull ahead on climbs to match him.
Through the town of Maiden Rock and Stockholm there were several little climbs that were steeper than the long one and burned a bit.
But there were flats too. Not my SAG wagon just about took me out right after this shot pulling into a boutique to shop!
I was not the only Little Goat out this day.
From there we met up with Brother Two or “T-Ross” so aptly named for his ancient Ross upright. The sun was out to stay now and it was time to shed some layers. We pushed on again through relatively flat, river estuary land. The roads were a bit rougher here and it made for some pain in the a** riding especially being about 40 miles into the ride. Once I get past that point, I am typically fine. The next agreed spot was Nelson (Cheese Curd Capital of the World) then back over to the MN side in Wabasha (infamous for the filming of “Grumpy Old Men”). Here we met up with our last rider for the final leg of the Riverlution, Diesel Dan. Now we had everyone together and a great photo op on a perfect fall day.
It was agreed that Cutter (think Breaking Away) would push on ahead. He had time to run an errand. That is an indication that he was the youngest and agile of the group by far.
Outside the town of Wabasha and on to Lake City (the reputed home to the invention of water skiing).
One thing I did not realize was the amount of slopes surrounding Lake City. They became the thorn in T-Ross’s side. His bicycle and a headwind made it difficult to keep climbing. But he managed to keep a conversation going and a positive attitude throughout. It was especially fun (and European) to see my nieces waving towels and cheering us on from the side of the road! Too funny.
I tried to keep all my chickens together, but this stretch put BroOne, Cutter and Diesel Dan out ahead. I had expected to see the group in Lake City but they were not in sight. I finally needed to pull over in a rest area for nature break and get off the saddle for a while. There I discovered Cutter and Diesel Dan hanging out. BroOne was gone! I was panicked for a moment then Cutter said he blew by him out of nowhere and pressed on to the end. He then immediately requested a drug test... however most of the drug labs are busy over in France right now mopping up from last year’s Tour. While I try to find the proper Team moniker for BroOne, I am refraining from calling him “Doper.” I have a year to develop a proper Team name so I will keep pondering.
While it was great to have SAG support, they really came in to play when they rescued my stranded nieces when their car broke down after waving us up a climb. We ate some of the prepped food and liquids, but good experience for next year. I drank a lot of fluid as I am used to riding in 100+º temps -- lesson for the team: Drink MORE! And sag really came in to play when we hooked up at a gas station short of home. I was out of water and wanted Diesel and T-Ross to come up, but they kept on going past the stop. I chatted with the SAG Sisters for a while waiting for Cutter whom I assumed was inside. Then they said no, he went on ahead to run his errand.
S**t! I’m just standing here?
Quiz time: How long does it take a Small Goat going 20 MPH into a 9 mile per hour headwind to catch two riders going 15.2 miles an hour with a nine minute head-start?
I have no idea but I did catch them. I had wrapped my sweet Emily’s collar and tags on my stem for inspiration. She just clinked along and kept me paced. When I let up on the throttle I would hear that clinking and push harder to maintain my pace.
That last push pretty much ended the final leg of the Riverlution. We went up the hill into the starting neighborhood and we were greeted by my mom, teary-eyed proud of our accomplishment, waving two small American flags. Now I was teary-eyed. We rode home together, a lump in my throat, proud of my friends, brothers, team and thankful for all the support and contributions made to help Lab Rescue save more dogs.
Great job EVERYONE!
LABstrong
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Ready...Set...
Ride!
The Riverlution is this weekend and I am feeling giddy with anticipation. Bonk is in his clam-shell coffin and winging his way across country thanks to UPS. $50 shipping beats $350 round trip flying.
I have done the most training I can due to my schedule. I finally peaked 150 miles last week topped off with 40 on Friday and 60 on Sunday in 3:41:30. Legs were spanky but my a** was cranky. Just need the saddle time to deaden the nerves some.
So I am off soon and will send pictures and a report. A few new riders have signed up to join the fun but I know that the distant members of Team R2R will be pulling for me to finish and make the big climb.
Finally, thank you to those who responded and donated to the last post. I was very pleased and touched by your generosity and kind words. Please, if you can, donate those dogs need your help!
LABstrong
The Riverlution is this weekend and I am feeling giddy with anticipation. Bonk is in his clam-shell coffin and winging his way across country thanks to UPS. $50 shipping beats $350 round trip flying.
I have done the most training I can due to my schedule. I finally peaked 150 miles last week topped off with 40 on Friday and 60 on Sunday in 3:41:30. Legs were spanky but my a** was cranky. Just need the saddle time to deaden the nerves some.
So I am off soon and will send pictures and a report. A few new riders have signed up to join the fun but I know that the distant members of Team R2R will be pulling for me to finish and make the big climb.
Finally, thank you to those who responded and donated to the last post. I was very pleased and touched by your generosity and kind words. Please, if you can, donate those dogs need your help!
LABstrong
Monday, September 21, 2009
Change One Dog's Destiny
This is the week I ride the First Annual Riverution -- 75 miles surrounding Lake Pepin.
The animals I ride for have no voice. They have no choice. Only a destiny you can help right.
For my part, I wish I could write the words that fill my heart -- but they don't exist. This has been an exceptionally trying year for animal rescue groups. Pets that have been part of a family for years are turned loose. They are found tied up, under trailers, in wetlands -- sick and confused needing treatments and surgeries that only volunteers and your support can provide.
These animal have one thing to give -- unconditional love. For my part, I have ridden my bike over 1,800 miles to train, to raise funds and awareness. If you give $5.00 or challenge me per mile, what will you get? The satisfaction of providing unconditional love to a family or a child and fulfilling the destiny of a great dog who lives only to provide that love.
You can donate at my site or at LRRoF
The group and the dogs they care for need your help desperately. Hopefully you can find it in your heart to throw some good money "to the dogs."
LABstrong
Friday, September 18, 2009
Quick Update
... before a more generous post next week.
Mileage has been slipping terribly due to a number of factors. So, today I put my foot down and told my staff that I would be training in the morning and in after that. I rode 40 miles this morning and it was almost surreal. Now many bikers saw a pod of playing dolphins? Or got within two feet of a wild osprey? I bet I am the only one.
So tonight as I relax with a brew of some sort and the angst and anger of the work day fade, I will sit back, recall my captured moments and smile.
LABstrong
Mileage has been slipping terribly due to a number of factors. So, today I put my foot down and told my staff that I would be training in the morning and in after that. I rode 40 miles this morning and it was almost surreal. Now many bikers saw a pod of playing dolphins? Or got within two feet of a wild osprey? I bet I am the only one.
So tonight as I relax with a brew of some sort and the angst and anger of the work day fade, I will sit back, recall my captured moments and smile.
LABstrong
Friday, September 11, 2009
I'm Güd
...and that's bad. I caught some funk going around and it totally dog boned my training this week. I can feel my muscles turning to marshmallow goo.
I had good rides last week and a decent Spin class Saturday. Since it was a holiday weekend I opted to stay up "Rock Star" late (anything past 11:00) and tipped a few with Todawgz. It was fun and I knew I had Monday to make up a ride. I put in about 25 on Sunday and readied for 60+ Monday. Sunday night I was tired, but having rode and done chores in searing heat I was not surprised. I readied my gear, set the alarm and hit the sack Pre-Rock Star time.
Monday I got up and felt dead. But I knew the Riverlution is coming and I had to ride. I pulled my a** out of bed, turned on the coffee and fed Shilo. And sat. Then I made oatmeal. And sat. Then I walked Shilo. Surly that would get my system going. No luck. Finally, I looked at the calendar and saw two weeks of training left. I sat. My mojo was squashed by rationalizing the time off the bike Monday. I spent most of the day prepping frames for painting -- stripping and copious amounts of sanding.
I haven't been on a bike all week. My energy has been very low and my stress has been high. Too much work to stay home and I choose to listen to my body rather than pound it at the gym. To me that doesn't spell heroics, it spells disaster.
Ten plus hours of sleep last night and I have some energy again. I am hopeful to Spin tomorrow the ride Sunday. Maybe not 60+ but something of significance. Then hopefully a full week to train HARD!
FYI an article in Road Bike Weekly talks about age and the descending opinions on training/versus age and what it can do to our immune systems. They also note the standing record for the Race Across America is 14 years standing and held by a team of three 50+ year old men.
LABstrong
I had good rides last week and a decent Spin class Saturday. Since it was a holiday weekend I opted to stay up "Rock Star" late (anything past 11:00) and tipped a few with Todawgz. It was fun and I knew I had Monday to make up a ride. I put in about 25 on Sunday and readied for 60+ Monday. Sunday night I was tired, but having rode and done chores in searing heat I was not surprised. I readied my gear, set the alarm and hit the sack Pre-Rock Star time.
Monday I got up and felt dead. But I knew the Riverlution is coming and I had to ride. I pulled my a** out of bed, turned on the coffee and fed Shilo. And sat. Then I made oatmeal. And sat. Then I walked Shilo. Surly that would get my system going. No luck. Finally, I looked at the calendar and saw two weeks of training left. I sat. My mojo was squashed by rationalizing the time off the bike Monday. I spent most of the day prepping frames for painting -- stripping and copious amounts of sanding.
I haven't been on a bike all week. My energy has been very low and my stress has been high. Too much work to stay home and I choose to listen to my body rather than pound it at the gym. To me that doesn't spell heroics, it spells disaster.
Ten plus hours of sleep last night and I have some energy again. I am hopeful to Spin tomorrow the ride Sunday. Maybe not 60+ but something of significance. Then hopefully a full week to train HARD!
FYI an article in Road Bike Weekly talks about age and the descending opinions on training/versus age and what it can do to our immune systems. They also note the standing record for the Race Across America is 14 years standing and held by a team of three 50+ year old men.
LABstrong
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