What a fun weekend.
Vanessa and I just completed the first annual Lyondell Bike Around the Bay. The ride started in Fort Anahuac Park in Anahuac, TX. We rode into High Island, then down the Bolivar Peninsula to the Bolivar Ferry. This was a nice 30 mile ride with a slight crossing head wind. We stopped for lunch in Crystal Beach. After the ferry ride we rode across Galveston Island to Moody Gardens.
At Moody Gardens, they had the Saturday finish line/Sunday start line. We stayed at Moody Hotel on site. They had nice rooms, but were under prepared for the people staying over the weekend. We got there and our room was not ready. Over all we had to wait about 1.5 hours to get our room.
The organizers planned for drinks and dinner at Moody Gardens. They announced the dates of next year's ride. Which Vanessa and I will very likely do again.
Sunday morning was a good start. We checked out of the room, and headed over to the start. They had breakfast and drinks before the ride. The ride started on time because they closed 2/3 lanes on the I45 causeway for us to ride over. This was the first time they had a ride do that. It worked pretty well. We ended up riding over the Galveston causeway, the Kehma/Seabrook bridge, and the Fred Hartman bridge. None were really bad to climb, but they were still good climbs.
For a 150 mile 2 day event the ride was very well supported. There was about 450 riders. The plan is to have a cap next year, and we will be guaranteed a spot because we rode this year.
Monday, October 22, 2007
Monday, October 15, 2007
BTU Power Pedal
What fun!!!!
I completed my first Mountain Bike race at Lake Bryan in Bryan, TX. When I knew I was getting a mtb bike, I discussed racing the BTU Power Pedal race with Vanessa. She started calling around to get a hotel. So we made a full weekend of the event.
We drove up Friday evening after work, checked into the hotel, then went to get supper. The plan was to get up in the morning and go out to the park to warm up a little then at 1:00 the NRC/Pedalmasher race team conducts a beginner clinic. The point of the clinic is to go over the rules, give pointers, and such to new riders before their first race. After the clinic they also pre-ride the course and give pointers along the way.
I also saw before leaving work on Friday that Sean from Woodlands Cycling Club was staying at the campgrounds at the park. About 9:00, Vanessa and I got to the park and started getting the bikes ready. After that we rode over to the campsite where Sean, Josh, and Kellie spent the night. They were beginning to move around and get their bikes ready to pre-ride the course. Josh and Sean got me all set up and showed me the right air pressure for my tires and shocks. After all that was done we headed over to the course.
On the way over we rode the last half mile to the finish, then rode a simulated start. On the way to the finish line there was a wash out in the course and I thought I was far enough to the left of the wash out. Oops, guess not I stopped quickly and lost my balance, rammed my handle bars into my shin. Ouch, that will hurt. As we rode my leg hurt but not to bad, so I kept riding. We did the start, and I followed Josh, while Sean was behind me giving me pointers. We rode an easy pace. At one point Josh and I saw a snake on the path, but luckily no one got bit. A little later I went to make a turn and the front wheel slid out from under me. I landed in the sand and took a little skin off my knee. We continued and I followed the beginner course when Sean and Josh followed the sport course. Now I am thinking great, I scraped up both legs and I have not even got to the race yet. How is tomorrow going to go?
Vanessa and I went to the beginner clinic at 1. It was the two of us and two other ladies who were also first time riders. I skipped out on the pre-ride since I had already ridden the course earlier.
That evening Vanessa and I met one of our friends oldest son, who is at TAMU, for dinner, then called it an early evening. Of course I put dressings on my wounds to protect them from the dirt during the race.
Sunday morning came early. The beginners started at 8:30 but I wanted to be sure that I was able to warm up and be ready for the race. We got to the start area at 6:50. I got the bike out, checked the shocks and put air in the tires. Then headed over to the camp site, which I figured would be a good warm up. When I go to the campsite I realized my front shock was really soft. After looking at it, it appeared to be out of air. We pumped it up again, then headed back over to the start. I grabbed my shock pump and carried it with me on the course. I also put even more air in the shock and hopped it would get me through the race. Now I am ready to go. I see Matt from work and talk to him for a moment. Then get my leg marked, and head toward the start line. Vanessa and Matt get some pictures and we find Chris, also from work.
Here we are waiting at the start line. (Thanks to Matt L. for the picture)
Here is another shot Vanessa took at the start.
When the race started, I stayed pretty close to the front, but I know I would not stay there long. We did a few twists and turns before getting into the single track. There was about 4 riders trying to get through the two tight trees at the opening of the single track when I got there. I had to stop and wait my turn. Then there is a bridge shortly after that, which the racer in front of me messed up on. I had to go to the left of the bridge then jump back into the trail. I lost a few placed there but Chris was right on my wheel. I rode a brisk but safe pace through the single track. Then we climbed to the top of the levee. At which point Chris took off and I did not see him again for the rest of the ride. I did a lot of twists and turns. Passed a few B1 and B2 riders. Got passed by several B4 riders. We got back to the start area for our pass through to the east loop and I was tired but still feeling pretty well. I had a rider on my tail which I eventually was able to drop in the next section of singletrack. Matt got a good picture of me leading that rider through the start area.
I was having fun by this point and was just starting into the really tight areas, I just rode at a pace where I could make the turns and stay on the bike. I would let faster riders pass if they were in a group that started after me, which by this point was most of the people who caught me.
The last 2 miles of the course was the most technical, or at least if felt like it after running all out for 45 minutes. I finally made it across the finish line in 54 minutes, and I was still smiling when the finish photographer took my picture. Over all my ranking in my category was 24/34 riders, 28 of which finished. Here is the picture that had of me crossing the finish line.
For my first MTB ride I can't complain. I had fun and accomplished both my goals. Finish and not be last.
Can't wait for the next race.
I completed my first Mountain Bike race at Lake Bryan in Bryan, TX. When I knew I was getting a mtb bike, I discussed racing the BTU Power Pedal race with Vanessa. She started calling around to get a hotel. So we made a full weekend of the event.
We drove up Friday evening after work, checked into the hotel, then went to get supper. The plan was to get up in the morning and go out to the park to warm up a little then at 1:00 the NRC/Pedalmasher race team conducts a beginner clinic. The point of the clinic is to go over the rules, give pointers, and such to new riders before their first race. After the clinic they also pre-ride the course and give pointers along the way.
I also saw before leaving work on Friday that Sean from Woodlands Cycling Club was staying at the campgrounds at the park. About 9:00, Vanessa and I got to the park and started getting the bikes ready. After that we rode over to the campsite where Sean, Josh, and Kellie spent the night. They were beginning to move around and get their bikes ready to pre-ride the course. Josh and Sean got me all set up and showed me the right air pressure for my tires and shocks. After all that was done we headed over to the course.
On the way over we rode the last half mile to the finish, then rode a simulated start. On the way to the finish line there was a wash out in the course and I thought I was far enough to the left of the wash out. Oops, guess not I stopped quickly and lost my balance, rammed my handle bars into my shin. Ouch, that will hurt. As we rode my leg hurt but not to bad, so I kept riding. We did the start, and I followed Josh, while Sean was behind me giving me pointers. We rode an easy pace. At one point Josh and I saw a snake on the path, but luckily no one got bit. A little later I went to make a turn and the front wheel slid out from under me. I landed in the sand and took a little skin off my knee. We continued and I followed the beginner course when Sean and Josh followed the sport course. Now I am thinking great, I scraped up both legs and I have not even got to the race yet. How is tomorrow going to go?
Vanessa and I went to the beginner clinic at 1. It was the two of us and two other ladies who were also first time riders. I skipped out on the pre-ride since I had already ridden the course earlier.
That evening Vanessa and I met one of our friends oldest son, who is at TAMU, for dinner, then called it an early evening. Of course I put dressings on my wounds to protect them from the dirt during the race.
Sunday morning came early. The beginners started at 8:30 but I wanted to be sure that I was able to warm up and be ready for the race. We got to the start area at 6:50. I got the bike out, checked the shocks and put air in the tires. Then headed over to the camp site, which I figured would be a good warm up. When I go to the campsite I realized my front shock was really soft. After looking at it, it appeared to be out of air. We pumped it up again, then headed back over to the start. I grabbed my shock pump and carried it with me on the course. I also put even more air in the shock and hopped it would get me through the race. Now I am ready to go. I see Matt from work and talk to him for a moment. Then get my leg marked, and head toward the start line. Vanessa and Matt get some pictures and we find Chris, also from work.
Here we are waiting at the start line. (Thanks to Matt L. for the picture)
Here is another shot Vanessa took at the start.
When the race started, I stayed pretty close to the front, but I know I would not stay there long. We did a few twists and turns before getting into the single track. There was about 4 riders trying to get through the two tight trees at the opening of the single track when I got there. I had to stop and wait my turn. Then there is a bridge shortly after that, which the racer in front of me messed up on. I had to go to the left of the bridge then jump back into the trail. I lost a few placed there but Chris was right on my wheel. I rode a brisk but safe pace through the single track. Then we climbed to the top of the levee. At which point Chris took off and I did not see him again for the rest of the ride. I did a lot of twists and turns. Passed a few B1 and B2 riders. Got passed by several B4 riders. We got back to the start area for our pass through to the east loop and I was tired but still feeling pretty well. I had a rider on my tail which I eventually was able to drop in the next section of singletrack. Matt got a good picture of me leading that rider through the start area.
I was having fun by this point and was just starting into the really tight areas, I just rode at a pace where I could make the turns and stay on the bike. I would let faster riders pass if they were in a group that started after me, which by this point was most of the people who caught me.
The last 2 miles of the course was the most technical, or at least if felt like it after running all out for 45 minutes. I finally made it across the finish line in 54 minutes, and I was still smiling when the finish photographer took my picture. Over all my ranking in my category was 24/34 riders, 28 of which finished. Here is the picture that had of me crossing the finish line.
For my first MTB ride I can't complain. I had fun and accomplished both my goals. Finish and not be last.
Can't wait for the next race.
Tuesday, October 09, 2007
Double Lake Recreational Area
We went to Double Lake to try the trails there on Sunday. This course is pretty flat with lots of twists and turns. Overall the route was fun. Quite a bit different than Huntsville. I was able to take the new bike out for a real ride.
This weekend is my first MTB race. I am looking forward to it. Look for the race report next week.
This weekend is my first MTB race. I am looking forward to it. Look for the race report next week.
Sunday, October 07, 2007
Pineywoods Purgatory
Yesterday Vanessa and I went to Lufkin, TX to ride in the Pineywoods Purgatory. It is a nice challenging ride through the hills of East Texas. They have a 102, 72, 52, and 25 mile routes. We headed up to Lufkin Friday night and stayed in a hotel.
Saturday morning, we woke up at 5:45, and got ready. Took the bike out to the truck and got breakfast at the hotel. We arrived at the start just before 7:00am. The ride started at 8:00.
There were probably about 200 riders. We met Gary, JC, and Jordan at the start. They were all riding the 25 mile route. Vanessa started with them, and rode the whole way with JC. I did the 52 mile route. We got about 20 miles into the ride and it started raining on us. Not hard, more like a small sprinkle. At the 25 mile mark I met up with Zeke and Diana from NWCC. I rode with them the rest of the way back. After the Rest stop It started raining pretty hard, and kept raining until our route met back up with the 25 mile route.
After the ride the lions club has fajitas and massages available to all ride participants.
This ride is fun and we keep going back. Looking forward to next year. Maybe I will do the Century.
Saturday morning, we woke up at 5:45, and got ready. Took the bike out to the truck and got breakfast at the hotel. We arrived at the start just before 7:00am. The ride started at 8:00.
There were probably about 200 riders. We met Gary, JC, and Jordan at the start. They were all riding the 25 mile route. Vanessa started with them, and rode the whole way with JC. I did the 52 mile route. We got about 20 miles into the ride and it started raining on us. Not hard, more like a small sprinkle. At the 25 mile mark I met up with Zeke and Diana from NWCC. I rode with them the rest of the way back. After the Rest stop It started raining pretty hard, and kept raining until our route met back up with the 25 mile route.
After the ride the lions club has fajitas and massages available to all ride participants.
This ride is fun and we keep going back. Looking forward to next year. Maybe I will do the Century.
Monday, October 01, 2007
Lions Bike for Sight Century
Yesterday Vanessa and I participated in the Cy-Fair Lions Club Biking for Sight Century in Montgomery, TX. This ride was also a recommend ride for the 2008 BP MS150, so I worked as a ride marshal. This is a good ride on a challenging course. I rode the 102 mile route, and I can say that this is the hardest century I have done. I reached a point that the hills wore me out and so did the wind. I did not have any energy left to ride to fast, but I did not just bonk. I fell back to my training that I did over the summer, long slow rides. After the first 20-25 miles, I could not keep my pace much over 16 mph due to wind and hills, but I could keep plugging along.
We started the day and I rode with Jim Crocco, who I used to work with at HP and know him through NWCC. He had never done a century ride before, lots of 40-80 mile ride but never a century.
The route had us going through Richards, Anderson, Iola, Bedias, Shiro, Back to Richards, then on to Montgomery. The road from Bedias to Shiro was long, windy with lots of climbs into the wind. About mile 85, I was ready to be finished, but held on. I like the route, but I am not sure I will do the century out there again for a while.
We started the day and I rode with Jim Crocco, who I used to work with at HP and know him through NWCC. He had never done a century ride before, lots of 40-80 mile ride but never a century.
The route had us going through Richards, Anderson, Iola, Bedias, Shiro, Back to Richards, then on to Montgomery. The road from Bedias to Shiro was long, windy with lots of climbs into the wind. About mile 85, I was ready to be finished, but held on. I like the route, but I am not sure I will do the century out there again for a while.
Saturday, September 29, 2007
New Bike
Well I got the mountain bike.
I bought a Cannondale Carbon Rush 1. This bike was the demo bike that Ken from Bike Lane was riding.
The funny thing is I took my wife in to show her the Rush 6, the Aluminum frame bike I was thinking about getting. We have been riding road bikes which are much lighter, and she picked up the bike and said that it was heavy, then she went down the row and grabbed this bike and said this is the one you need. Who am I to argue with my wife when she says to upgrade to a better bike. Herb was happy to see that and said that they could make us a very good deal on that bike. The MSRP is $6000, but because Ken has ridden it, they sold it at cost.
Now that I have the bike, I am going to try my legs at a mtb bike race in a two weeks. I just registered for the BTU Power Peddle MTB race in Bryan, TX. It should be fun. I will get a chance to see how the bike handles and see what it is like to actually race.
I bought a Cannondale Carbon Rush 1. This bike was the demo bike that Ken from Bike Lane was riding.
The funny thing is I took my wife in to show her the Rush 6, the Aluminum frame bike I was thinking about getting. We have been riding road bikes which are much lighter, and she picked up the bike and said that it was heavy, then she went down the row and grabbed this bike and said this is the one you need. Who am I to argue with my wife when she says to upgrade to a better bike. Herb was happy to see that and said that they could make us a very good deal on that bike. The MSRP is $6000, but because Ken has ridden it, they sold it at cost.
Now that I have the bike, I am going to try my legs at a mtb bike race in a two weeks. I just registered for the BTU Power Peddle MTB race in Bryan, TX. It should be fun. I will get a chance to see how the bike handles and see what it is like to actually race.
Monday, September 17, 2007
Huntsville Classic Mountain Bike Race
Vanessa and I worked at our first mountain bike race the Huntsville Classic. The race was sponsored by Bike Lane. The first race started at 8:30, but Ken mentioned that things would get crazy, so we planned to arrive at 6:30. When we got there we were the second car in the lot. Ken was up and walking around.
It was still dark, so Vanessa slept in the car. I walked around to see what needed to be done. Ken decided that Vanessa and I could work the first road crossing to stop traffic while the race was going on. At this point on the course we got to see the riders right after the start and again just before the finish.
The race started off with the sport category and we knew a few people riding in that group. The sports did 2 laps around the course, so we got to see everyone 4 times. After most of the sports were done, the expert group started. They did 3 laps and we got to see the riders 6 times. Last for the day were the beginners which only did one lap. This group also had some very young kids racing as well. The last rider finished almost 2.5 hours after their start, which made for a very long, but fun, day for Vanessa and I. We finished up and headed back to the start area about 3:00.
After seeing what mountain bike racing is like. I think I may want to give it a go.
It was still dark, so Vanessa slept in the car. I walked around to see what needed to be done. Ken decided that Vanessa and I could work the first road crossing to stop traffic while the race was going on. At this point on the course we got to see the riders right after the start and again just before the finish.
The race started off with the sport category and we knew a few people riding in that group. The sports did 2 laps around the course, so we got to see everyone 4 times. After most of the sports were done, the expert group started. They did 3 laps and we got to see the riders 6 times. Last for the day were the beginners which only did one lap. This group also had some very young kids racing as well. The last rider finished almost 2.5 hours after their start, which made for a very long, but fun, day for Vanessa and I. We finished up and headed back to the start area about 3:00.
After seeing what mountain bike racing is like. I think I may want to give it a go.
Monday, September 03, 2007
Tried Mountan Biking today
A couple guys from work were going to Huntsville State Park to ride the trails today. Luckily Matt had an extra bike and asked if I would like to join them. What a work out.
We got to the park about 8:00 am. Matt lead us through the route. Stopping every so often to allow me to catch up. The route was challenging for a first time trail rider. There were several places where I had to figure out how to climb a rut which required hopping the font wheel.
The entire trail was about 9.5 miles. We rode it twice. The second time Matt rode like he will for his race in two weeks. Chris also rode hard for the second loop. I just rode at the pace that I felt comfortable. I made sure that I could stay on the route, and tried to not stop or put my foot down unless I had to. I did pretty well, I only had to put my foot down 4 times. Once because I hit the soft sand, once because I turned right when I should have turned left. Another was because I could not get over the tree root that was about a foot off the ground. The last one was because I chose the wrong line and hit a small tree on the side of the route.
What fun. I don't know if I will buy a mountain bike or not, but it was fun.
We got to the park about 8:00 am. Matt lead us through the route. Stopping every so often to allow me to catch up. The route was challenging for a first time trail rider. There were several places where I had to figure out how to climb a rut which required hopping the font wheel.
The entire trail was about 9.5 miles. We rode it twice. The second time Matt rode like he will for his race in two weeks. Chris also rode hard for the second loop. I just rode at the pace that I felt comfortable. I made sure that I could stay on the route, and tried to not stop or put my foot down unless I had to. I did pretty well, I only had to put my foot down 4 times. Once because I hit the soft sand, once because I turned right when I should have turned left. Another was because I could not get over the tree root that was about a foot off the ground. The last one was because I chose the wrong line and hit a small tree on the side of the route.
What fun. I don't know if I will buy a mountain bike or not, but it was fun.
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Rode to Work at FMC
Work installed a bike rack last week. So I decide I would find a day where I was not going anywhere during the day so I could ride to work.
I did a partial commute. I parked at the Champions Forrest shopping center. I rode through the neighborhood to Veterans Memorial down to the neighborhood just past Antoine. I cut through that neighborhood to TC Jester, then ride down to the office. The ride was pretty nice. Great ride home too.
The next goal, try to find a SAFE route from home.
I did a partial commute. I parked at the Champions Forrest shopping center. I rode through the neighborhood to Veterans Memorial down to the neighborhood just past Antoine. I cut through that neighborhood to TC Jester, then ride down to the office. The ride was pretty nice. Great ride home too.
The next goal, try to find a SAFE route from home.
Monday, August 27, 2007
Hotter'n Hell Hundred
Well We just completed Hotter'n Hell Hundred in Wichita Falls, TX. What a ride. Vanessa and I arrived in WF early on Friday so we would have plenty of time to check out the expo.
We found a few deals, but the most interesting part was Polar was demoing their new polar CS600 with power. They had a contest and were giving out a free Polar HRM to the person with the highest 2 minute average wattage. They start out with a 3 minute warm-up, then a 2 minute all out effort. I figured that I can do this, it will be interesting to see what my average wattage will be. I watched the guy in front of me give it a go, when he finished he was able to average 354. The previous high before that was 256, which I knew I could beat. I figured that I would fall somewhere between the two riders. I did my warm-up and when we started I had to quickly ramp up my resistance. I ended up getting into the big ring and smallest cog before I topped out. This put my wattage above 400. I reached the point where the only way I could increase the wattage was to increase my cadence. Since I trained around 90 RMPs that is where I topped out. When I finished I held a 2 minute average of 370 watts. Which held up for a couple hours but finally was beat by about 6 people. Most of them were racers even some pro/former pro racers.
Friday evening we met Michael and Chad who I worked with at McLeodUSA. They also brought Michael's neighbor. We went to Texas Roadhouse for dinner. After dinner we met Sheldon and the rest of Team Spoken.
Saturday morning we got up early and went to breakfast at the hotel. As we headed to the start line about 5:00 am, we saw Bill we rode with from team BTX. Bill said Richard was at the start line. Like last year we were able to start first in line. I called Michael and told him where we were. Michael, Chad, Slade, and Marcos was able to join us. Sheldon and crew were a little ways back. The start was delayed a few minute while we waited for the fly over. Once the cannon went off I felt the shock wave before I heard the boom. We were off.
I rode with Michael and Chad to rest stop 3. Traffic was a little busy until we got to rest stop 2, after that it opened up a little. Rest stop 3 was our first stop. There I saw my old boss, Scott, from HP. He headed out a little before we did. Just before Michael, Chad and I left, Sheldon and Rick arrived to the rest stop.
Our next stop was rest stop 5. Once the rest stop was in view, I backed off a little and eased into the break. Again I saw Scott at the stop. When we were ready to go, I rode with Scott for a little bit. Micheal and Chad got ahead of me and I could not catch back up. So I rode by myself to rest stop 7. I saw Scott again at RS 7, but I did not see him once I got through filling up my bottles. So on to the next rest stop.
I was beginning to feel the effects of the heat by this time but it was not too bad yet. I still passed several people, but I was also being passed regularly. When I got to rest stop 8 I saw Sheldon and Rick. I rode with them until just before rest stop 10. We stopped briefly at rest stop 9 also. Between rest stop 9 and 10 I was really feeling the heat. I had to spray my legs down several times.
I stopped briefly at both rest stop 10 and 11. The stretch from Dean back to Wichita Falls was tough due to the wind. I would get passed and jump on a wheel for a while. I did this until I got into town then I just was happy to keep my speed around 15.
I finished with a total ride time of 7 hours and 31 minutes, with an average rolling speed fo 17.5 mph. On the way back to the hotel I stopped off for a short stay in the mist from the fire hose. Boy did that feel good.
We got our room and are ready for next year.
We found a few deals, but the most interesting part was Polar was demoing their new polar CS600 with power. They had a contest and were giving out a free Polar HRM to the person with the highest 2 minute average wattage. They start out with a 3 minute warm-up, then a 2 minute all out effort. I figured that I can do this, it will be interesting to see what my average wattage will be. I watched the guy in front of me give it a go, when he finished he was able to average 354. The previous high before that was 256, which I knew I could beat. I figured that I would fall somewhere between the two riders. I did my warm-up and when we started I had to quickly ramp up my resistance. I ended up getting into the big ring and smallest cog before I topped out. This put my wattage above 400. I reached the point where the only way I could increase the wattage was to increase my cadence. Since I trained around 90 RMPs that is where I topped out. When I finished I held a 2 minute average of 370 watts. Which held up for a couple hours but finally was beat by about 6 people. Most of them were racers even some pro/former pro racers.
Friday evening we met Michael and Chad who I worked with at McLeodUSA. They also brought Michael's neighbor. We went to Texas Roadhouse for dinner. After dinner we met Sheldon and the rest of Team Spoken.
Saturday morning we got up early and went to breakfast at the hotel. As we headed to the start line about 5:00 am, we saw Bill we rode with from team BTX. Bill said Richard was at the start line. Like last year we were able to start first in line. I called Michael and told him where we were. Michael, Chad, Slade, and Marcos was able to join us. Sheldon and crew were a little ways back. The start was delayed a few minute while we waited for the fly over. Once the cannon went off I felt the shock wave before I heard the boom. We were off.
I rode with Michael and Chad to rest stop 3. Traffic was a little busy until we got to rest stop 2, after that it opened up a little. Rest stop 3 was our first stop. There I saw my old boss, Scott, from HP. He headed out a little before we did. Just before Michael, Chad and I left, Sheldon and Rick arrived to the rest stop.
Our next stop was rest stop 5. Once the rest stop was in view, I backed off a little and eased into the break. Again I saw Scott at the stop. When we were ready to go, I rode with Scott for a little bit. Micheal and Chad got ahead of me and I could not catch back up. So I rode by myself to rest stop 7. I saw Scott again at RS 7, but I did not see him once I got through filling up my bottles. So on to the next rest stop.
I was beginning to feel the effects of the heat by this time but it was not too bad yet. I still passed several people, but I was also being passed regularly. When I got to rest stop 8 I saw Sheldon and Rick. I rode with them until just before rest stop 10. We stopped briefly at rest stop 9 also. Between rest stop 9 and 10 I was really feeling the heat. I had to spray my legs down several times.
I stopped briefly at both rest stop 10 and 11. The stretch from Dean back to Wichita Falls was tough due to the wind. I would get passed and jump on a wheel for a while. I did this until I got into town then I just was happy to keep my speed around 15.
I finished with a total ride time of 7 hours and 31 minutes, with an average rolling speed fo 17.5 mph. On the way back to the hotel I stopped off for a short stay in the mist from the fire hose. Boy did that feel good.
We got our room and are ready for next year.
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Katy Flatland Century
It started out as a nice, dark, early morning. We got up around 5 to go to the Katy Flatlands bike ride. It was a little warm but it actually like a good day to ride. We left around 5:30 and were about 10 minutes from the ride start when a thunderstorm rolled through.
We got to Katy Mills mall and there were several rides there getting ready in the rain. Since there was lightening I waited until after the lightening was gone before I got ready. The ride started about 7:15 am, which was a 15 min delay. We continued to wait because there was still lightening in the sky. Finally about 7:45 the rain nearly stopped and the lightening was gone. So we started on the ride. We were among the last probably 25 riders to start.
We were about 2-3 miles into the ride when it started raining again. At first it was just a slight sprinkle, but eventually the rain drops got much larger and hurt even though we slowed down. It stopped before we got to the first rest stop. After that point we had partly cloudy skys for the rest of the ride. Vanessa and I rode together until we reached the split for the 60/100 route. She decided that she was going to ride 60, while I was planning to ride the 100. I figure that with my late start I was the last person to begin the 100 mile ride. I did catch one rider who had a flat tire between RS 2 and RS3. I stopped to help and rode with him until RS4.
At RS4 we caught other riders so now I knew I was not the last rider on the course. I continued to make steady progression as the day went along. I felt strong, but I did not feel fast. I got back around to Brookshire and Fulshear as they were getting ready to close the rest stops. I continued to catch anyone in front of me who was in sight. Just as I was pulling into the parking lot after 101.6 miles, it started to rain again. Luckily it was only a short sprinkle. I think I will easily finish Hotter n' Hell this year but I won't set a new personal best record.
We got to Katy Mills mall and there were several rides there getting ready in the rain. Since there was lightening I waited until after the lightening was gone before I got ready. The ride started about 7:15 am, which was a 15 min delay. We continued to wait because there was still lightening in the sky. Finally about 7:45 the rain nearly stopped and the lightening was gone. So we started on the ride. We were among the last probably 25 riders to start.
We were about 2-3 miles into the ride when it started raining again. At first it was just a slight sprinkle, but eventually the rain drops got much larger and hurt even though we slowed down. It stopped before we got to the first rest stop. After that point we had partly cloudy skys for the rest of the ride. Vanessa and I rode together until we reached the split for the 60/100 route. She decided that she was going to ride 60, while I was planning to ride the 100. I figure that with my late start I was the last person to begin the 100 mile ride. I did catch one rider who had a flat tire between RS 2 and RS3. I stopped to help and rode with him until RS4.
At RS4 we caught other riders so now I knew I was not the last rider on the course. I continued to make steady progression as the day went along. I felt strong, but I did not feel fast. I got back around to Brookshire and Fulshear as they were getting ready to close the rest stops. I continued to catch anyone in front of me who was in sight. Just as I was pulling into the parking lot after 101.6 miles, it started to rain again. Luckily it was only a short sprinkle. I think I will easily finish Hotter n' Hell this year but I won't set a new personal best record.
Thursday, July 05, 2007
Campy Shifter Rebuild
Well my shifter was giving me problems on the ride to College Station
so I decided to try to keep shifting to a minimum. After the ride I
decided to investigate repairing the shifter or replacing it. After
much research, I decided I would try my hand at rebuilding it. I
ordered the parts as was noted on the www.campyonly.com website.
so I decided to try to keep shifting to a minimum. After the ride I
decided to investigate repairing the shifter or replacing it. After
much research, I decided I would try my hand at rebuilding it. I
ordered the parts as was noted on the www.campyonly.com website.
I was out of town the 23rd and 24th, then I had a head cold last
weekend. So I have not been on a bike but 10 miles on the 22nd.
Since I had not been on my bike but once in the last two weeks, I
decided it would be a good time to take my shifter off and give it a
go.
So Sunday evening I took my cables out of the right shifter and took
it off the bike. Gathered the instructions and tools and dove into
the project. Being this was the first time I tried something like
this I did not know completely what to expect. I ended up having to
take my shifter apart about 3 times before it finally went together
correctly. I ended up replacing the index gear and two small "g"
springs.
Being this was the first time to rebuild the shifter, I ordered the
parts from the first place I found them. I have since discovered
another location where I can order the parts much cheaper. All in all
I have spent about $100 to rebuild the shifter. Which is much better
then the $200 it would have cost for a new shifter.
Saturday, June 23, 2007
Ride to College Station
On June 16th. I rode from The Woodlands to College Station. This was a planned ride by one of the Team BTX members as a way to prepare for Hotter'n Hell in just over 2 months. The goal was to have sag support and a nice bunch of riders to make the trip more enjoyable. Vanessa decided to drive and help provide sag support.
I left from the shell station at 2920 and 2978 and rode up to The Woodlands. This netted me just over 9 miles to warm up. Since Gary wanted to ride with me then turn around at some point. I waited on him to get to the shell station before taking off. We were a little later than planned but made good time on 2978. We got to the start point just a few minutes before the group headed out.
The route was to ride Woodlands Pky to 2978. Then up Hona-Egypt rd to 2854. After a brief rest stop, we rode 2854 to 105, then on into Montgomery. In Montgomery we had another short rest stop. After Montgomery we rode our normal route to Richards on 1486. Richards made our 3rd break point. From there we rode 149 into Anderson.
Anderson gave us a good break point. We waited for the rest of the group to catch up. This was also a good place to dry off a little because we got a good rain between Richards and Anderson. From Anderson we headed up HW90 to 244. We followed 244 and enjoyed the nice downhill ride for a while. When we got to Carlos, at HW 30, we stopped at the store to regroup.
HW30 was a nice route with a nice wide shoulder except for 3 bridges. Luckily the traffic was nice and waited for us to pass. They did not have to wait long since the bridges were fairly short. We rode along HW 30 until we reached Bird Pond Road. It was starting to rain pretty good when we got to Bird Pond so we regrouped there near the 90 mile point.
We headed down Bird Pond to Rock Prairie Road then over to HWY 6. At HWY 6 we regrouped at the gas station. This was where those who were ready to finish went straight to the house we were finishing at, the rest of us went for a ride through the Texas A&M campus. Taking the trek through the campus rounded out my ride to 102 miles.
I left from the shell station at 2920 and 2978 and rode up to The Woodlands. This netted me just over 9 miles to warm up. Since Gary wanted to ride with me then turn around at some point. I waited on him to get to the shell station before taking off. We were a little later than planned but made good time on 2978. We got to the start point just a few minutes before the group headed out.
The route was to ride Woodlands Pky to 2978. Then up Hona-Egypt rd to 2854. After a brief rest stop, we rode 2854 to 105, then on into Montgomery. In Montgomery we had another short rest stop. After Montgomery we rode our normal route to Richards on 1486. Richards made our 3rd break point. From there we rode 149 into Anderson.
Anderson gave us a good break point. We waited for the rest of the group to catch up. This was also a good place to dry off a little because we got a good rain between Richards and Anderson. From Anderson we headed up HW90 to 244. We followed 244 and enjoyed the nice downhill ride for a while. When we got to Carlos, at HW 30, we stopped at the store to regroup.
HW30 was a nice route with a nice wide shoulder except for 3 bridges. Luckily the traffic was nice and waited for us to pass. They did not have to wait long since the bridges were fairly short. We rode along HW 30 until we reached Bird Pond Road. It was starting to rain pretty good when we got to Bird Pond so we regrouped there near the 90 mile point.
We headed down Bird Pond to Rock Prairie Road then over to HWY 6. At HWY 6 we regrouped at the gas station. This was where those who were ready to finish went straight to the house we were finishing at, the rest of us went for a ride through the Texas A&M campus. Taking the trek through the campus rounded out my ride to 102 miles.
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
It has been a while
Well, it has been a while since my last post. We had a great MS150.
Vanessa and I met our goal for Pledges this year. Thanks to all who
donated. I now have some of our photos on my website.
http://photo.sabeard.net
Vanessa and I met our goal for Pledges this year. Thanks to all who
donated. I now have some of our photos on my website.
http://photo.sabeard.net
We have been continuing to ride every weekend since the MS150. Mostly
out in Montgomery, TX to ride in the hills to prepare for HH100.
I have been working with Vanessa to help her get stronger in the hills
and in the last three weeks I have seen a difference in how she is
riding. She is doing much better. She is determined to finish 100
miles this year at HH100.
See you on the road. Hopefully I will get more updates in more frequently now.
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
BP MS150
This weekend was the 23rd annual BP MS150. Vanessa and I rode for our 3rd year. This year we rode with Team BTX. Since most of the team lives in The Woodlands, they made arrangements to start from the YMCA at Branch Crossing.
Saturday morning we woke up at 3:30am. Vanessa had to get ready to leave by 4:30, because she did not want to ride 100 miles. She started from Rhodes Stadium, which made the logistics easier. This way we knew how we were getting back to The Woodlands.
I got to the YMCA at about 5:30am. Angelo was already there. I still had to put my bike together, air up the tires, and put on my numbers. I did that while visiting with everyone. We were ready about 6:30. Being the only ride marshal, I gave the safety talk to about 60 riders. Right after that we started the ride at 6:33.
As we left the YMCA, we headed the long way around Branch Crossing to Woodlands Parkway. From there we headed up FM2978 to FM1488 and headed west. Our first rest stop was setup at Magnolia High School. I slowed down for the riders in front of me, but kept going. In Magnolia I caught up to some of the first riders to leave and stayed with them until the second stop. Our second stop was outside Magnolia at an electric company. I stopped briefly, and then got back on the road again. We stayed along 1488 and even caught up to some of the Northwest Cycling Club riders on the normal Saturday route. Our third stop was at the Exxon station in Hempstead. I rested there for about 15 minutes and talked to some of the NWCC riders who were there resting.
In Hempstead I got a little turned around, and turned to soon. We were on 1488 which heads downtown. As I approached downtown I saw a sign for 159 get into the left lane. I turned at the next road and realized that I turned on 1887, one block to soon. So I found the next through road and turned right so I could get onto 159. Once I saw the sign 16 miles to Bellville, I knew I was on the right road.
Riding on 159 from Hempstead was very quite and lonely. I only saw a few other riders on the 16 miles to Bellville. I caught up to some of the group at the last rest stop before lunch. I stopped for a moment to eat a gel, and then off I went again. The road between Hempstead and Bellville was a little rough, so I slowed down a little in that stretch. There was one group from team Devon that caught up to me. I jumped on their tail as the last rider passed. We went a few hundred yards and a rider got a flat. They stopped and since there were plenty of them, I kept going.
Just as I stopped outside of the lunch break in Bellville, Vanessa called and said they were waiting on Gary at the bakery. So I headed there for lunch. JC and Vanessa were sitting on the couch enjoying watching everyone go by. I got an orange juice and a kolache. After eating I chatted with JC and Vanessa for a bit. Then I decided that I had better keep going. I figured I would have to stop several times to help people. Just outside Bellville, I stopped to help a guy who said he had never changed a tire before. I got him back on the road and headed off.
My next stop was in Nelsonville. This is rest stop 4, where Bike Lane is always setup. I stopped by to say hi to Ken and get some lube for my chain. They were busy with no end in sight. I headed out and got to Industry and filled up my water bottles and ate another gel. Between Industry and Fayetteville, I started to notice my thighs getting a little tight. While climbing the hill about 2 miles from Fayetteville I got a bad cramp in both legs. I got to the top of the hill and got off the bike. I watch MJ from my team ride past, and could not do any thing about it. My crap finally passed and I headed on into the next rest stop. I drank more liquids and rested. I saw Pam and Todd from HP. As I was leaving Fayetteville, I got passed by Chad. He and I rode together until the next rest stop. I got more water in my camel back and Gatorade in my bottles. The last few miles into La Grange were not bad. We did have a bit of a head wind, but I was able to keep a good pace. There was one corner I came across and there was a rider down, I noticed the police on the corner were already helping him, so I started slowing riders down.
The finish in La Grange was a welcomed site after 104 miles. I found the team tent and got in line for my massage, got my shower and started looking for my friends on other teams.
I slept pretty well Saturday night considering I was eager to get up in the morning. I woke up once at 2 am to use the restroom, side effect of hydrating all day. Then I woke up at 3:59, before my alarm. I got up started packing up my stuff. Vanessa was just about ready to head over for pancakes. I got dressed and headed over to get in line also. When I got to line, there were only about 15 people in front of me. Vanessa, Gary, JC, and Sheldon were already through the breakfast line.
When we got back to the tent, I finished putting my shoes and stuff in my luggage and getting the bikes ready. About 6:00 I headed to the start to get in line. Vanessa, Gary, and JC headed over about 5:30. We left this year out of the north gate of the fair grounds, which meant that we were heading towards the park. We got started about 7:00am and were in the first group out of the north exit.
It was a little cool and this is when I noticed that my heels were a little tender from the 100 miles the day before. When I got to the first rest stop it was time beat the port-o-let line. Just as I got into the bathroom, I heard a train pass through the area, and was glad I was on this side of the tracks.
After leaving the rest stop I got passed by Mike Robinson from FMC. His birthday was this weekend so he was riding with bunny ears and a tail. We chatted for a little bit and then I headed on to break up a pack that was forming behind us. As I went down a small hill and rounded the corner I saw a rider had dropped his bottle of Gatorade. Since I was already traveling in the upper 20 mph, I took my changes and hoped I would miss the bottle. No such luck I hit it square with my front wheel, and sprayed my leg with Gatorade. The good thing was I hit the bottle in such a way that it did not knock me down, but did through the bottle off the far side of the road.
As I go to the top of the Smithville hill, I say MJ again. We headed down the hill. Shortly after we got down the hill we caught up to Richard. We all turned into the park and stopped at the second rest stop. In the park I saw Roland, Phil, David, Sam, and other BTX riders. I got a few pictures of team members while in the park. I stopped to help one rider with a flat tire just after we climbed a hill. I headed on down the road and saw another rider loose their water bottle as they crossed one of the cattle grates. I missed hitting the bottle, but looked back just in time to see it get hit by Sheldon.
I tried to keep up with Sheldon, but my legs just did not have it. My heart rate stayed low, but I just could not keep up. I guess I pushed it a little too hard on Saturday. The park has some nice steep hills, including the 14% grade right as we finished the park.
I saw Mike again after the exit to the park. So I stopped to help him change a flat tire. While we were stopped I got a call from Vanessa saying that they were at What-a-burger. Mike and I headed off to lunch. He went to the official lunch and I headed over to What-a-burger. Gary and Vanessa were done. JC was finishing up. I told them to go on, and I would catch up to them. I caught JC and Vanessa just before the next rest stop, and Gary right after he put his bike down. I saw they had free massages, so I got my legs worked on. Much better. I told Gary, Vanessa, and JC not to wait on me. I was about 3 minutes behind them, but I easily caught them before rest stop 5. Vanessa got here right calf worked on there and we all waited for her. Once we left Gary and I took off and I pulled for about 5 miles. We were doing 20-22mph and at one point after we pulled through the head wind, we turned and passed a group. After I said on your left, I heard him say “It ain’t braggin’ if you can do it.” I thought that was funny.
Gary and I waited at the last rest stop for Vanessa and JC. As we left out, we started dealing with the first big hills into Austin. At this time the wind started picking up and on one large down hill I even had to pedal to get down it. The cross winds were a little scary a couple times. Going down the hill at 30+ mph and feeling your bike move a couple feet to the side is a little scary.
I waited for everyone in the start of the UT campus. Gary JC, Vanessa, and I all rode in the finish together in a line across the road. I hope they got a picture of the group of us.
So goes the 3rd MS150 in my books. I had a lot of fun and can’t wait for next year. The only thing left is to continue our fundraising for this year. If you feel like supporting, please consider clicking the support my ride to Austin link to the right.
Saturday morning we woke up at 3:30am. Vanessa had to get ready to leave by 4:30, because she did not want to ride 100 miles. She started from Rhodes Stadium, which made the logistics easier. This way we knew how we were getting back to The Woodlands.
I got to the YMCA at about 5:30am. Angelo was already there. I still had to put my bike together, air up the tires, and put on my numbers. I did that while visiting with everyone. We were ready about 6:30. Being the only ride marshal, I gave the safety talk to about 60 riders. Right after that we started the ride at 6:33.
As we left the YMCA, we headed the long way around Branch Crossing to Woodlands Parkway. From there we headed up FM2978 to FM1488 and headed west. Our first rest stop was setup at Magnolia High School. I slowed down for the riders in front of me, but kept going. In Magnolia I caught up to some of the first riders to leave and stayed with them until the second stop. Our second stop was outside Magnolia at an electric company. I stopped briefly, and then got back on the road again. We stayed along 1488 and even caught up to some of the Northwest Cycling Club riders on the normal Saturday route. Our third stop was at the Exxon station in Hempstead. I rested there for about 15 minutes and talked to some of the NWCC riders who were there resting.
In Hempstead I got a little turned around, and turned to soon. We were on 1488 which heads downtown. As I approached downtown I saw a sign for 159 get into the left lane. I turned at the next road and realized that I turned on 1887, one block to soon. So I found the next through road and turned right so I could get onto 159. Once I saw the sign 16 miles to Bellville, I knew I was on the right road.
Riding on 159 from Hempstead was very quite and lonely. I only saw a few other riders on the 16 miles to Bellville. I caught up to some of the group at the last rest stop before lunch. I stopped for a moment to eat a gel, and then off I went again. The road between Hempstead and Bellville was a little rough, so I slowed down a little in that stretch. There was one group from team Devon that caught up to me. I jumped on their tail as the last rider passed. We went a few hundred yards and a rider got a flat. They stopped and since there were plenty of them, I kept going.
Just as I stopped outside of the lunch break in Bellville, Vanessa called and said they were waiting on Gary at the bakery. So I headed there for lunch. JC and Vanessa were sitting on the couch enjoying watching everyone go by. I got an orange juice and a kolache. After eating I chatted with JC and Vanessa for a bit. Then I decided that I had better keep going. I figured I would have to stop several times to help people. Just outside Bellville, I stopped to help a guy who said he had never changed a tire before. I got him back on the road and headed off.
My next stop was in Nelsonville. This is rest stop 4, where Bike Lane is always setup. I stopped by to say hi to Ken and get some lube for my chain. They were busy with no end in sight. I headed out and got to Industry and filled up my water bottles and ate another gel. Between Industry and Fayetteville, I started to notice my thighs getting a little tight. While climbing the hill about 2 miles from Fayetteville I got a bad cramp in both legs. I got to the top of the hill and got off the bike. I watch MJ from my team ride past, and could not do any thing about it. My crap finally passed and I headed on into the next rest stop. I drank more liquids and rested. I saw Pam and Todd from HP. As I was leaving Fayetteville, I got passed by Chad. He and I rode together until the next rest stop. I got more water in my camel back and Gatorade in my bottles. The last few miles into La Grange were not bad. We did have a bit of a head wind, but I was able to keep a good pace. There was one corner I came across and there was a rider down, I noticed the police on the corner were already helping him, so I started slowing riders down.
The finish in La Grange was a welcomed site after 104 miles. I found the team tent and got in line for my massage, got my shower and started looking for my friends on other teams.
I slept pretty well Saturday night considering I was eager to get up in the morning. I woke up once at 2 am to use the restroom, side effect of hydrating all day. Then I woke up at 3:59, before my alarm. I got up started packing up my stuff. Vanessa was just about ready to head over for pancakes. I got dressed and headed over to get in line also. When I got to line, there were only about 15 people in front of me. Vanessa, Gary, JC, and Sheldon were already through the breakfast line.
When we got back to the tent, I finished putting my shoes and stuff in my luggage and getting the bikes ready. About 6:00 I headed to the start to get in line. Vanessa, Gary, and JC headed over about 5:30. We left this year out of the north gate of the fair grounds, which meant that we were heading towards the park. We got started about 7:00am and were in the first group out of the north exit.
It was a little cool and this is when I noticed that my heels were a little tender from the 100 miles the day before. When I got to the first rest stop it was time beat the port-o-let line. Just as I got into the bathroom, I heard a train pass through the area, and was glad I was on this side of the tracks.
After leaving the rest stop I got passed by Mike Robinson from FMC. His birthday was this weekend so he was riding with bunny ears and a tail. We chatted for a little bit and then I headed on to break up a pack that was forming behind us. As I went down a small hill and rounded the corner I saw a rider had dropped his bottle of Gatorade. Since I was already traveling in the upper 20 mph, I took my changes and hoped I would miss the bottle. No such luck I hit it square with my front wheel, and sprayed my leg with Gatorade. The good thing was I hit the bottle in such a way that it did not knock me down, but did through the bottle off the far side of the road.
As I go to the top of the Smithville hill, I say MJ again. We headed down the hill. Shortly after we got down the hill we caught up to Richard. We all turned into the park and stopped at the second rest stop. In the park I saw Roland, Phil, David, Sam, and other BTX riders. I got a few pictures of team members while in the park. I stopped to help one rider with a flat tire just after we climbed a hill. I headed on down the road and saw another rider loose their water bottle as they crossed one of the cattle grates. I missed hitting the bottle, but looked back just in time to see it get hit by Sheldon.
I tried to keep up with Sheldon, but my legs just did not have it. My heart rate stayed low, but I just could not keep up. I guess I pushed it a little too hard on Saturday. The park has some nice steep hills, including the 14% grade right as we finished the park.
I saw Mike again after the exit to the park. So I stopped to help him change a flat tire. While we were stopped I got a call from Vanessa saying that they were at What-a-burger. Mike and I headed off to lunch. He went to the official lunch and I headed over to What-a-burger. Gary and Vanessa were done. JC was finishing up. I told them to go on, and I would catch up to them. I caught JC and Vanessa just before the next rest stop, and Gary right after he put his bike down. I saw they had free massages, so I got my legs worked on. Much better. I told Gary, Vanessa, and JC not to wait on me. I was about 3 minutes behind them, but I easily caught them before rest stop 5. Vanessa got here right calf worked on there and we all waited for her. Once we left Gary and I took off and I pulled for about 5 miles. We were doing 20-22mph and at one point after we pulled through the head wind, we turned and passed a group. After I said on your left, I heard him say “It ain’t braggin’ if you can do it.” I thought that was funny.
Gary and I waited at the last rest stop for Vanessa and JC. As we left out, we started dealing with the first big hills into Austin. At this time the wind started picking up and on one large down hill I even had to pedal to get down it. The cross winds were a little scary a couple times. Going down the hill at 30+ mph and feeling your bike move a couple feet to the side is a little scary.
I waited for everyone in the start of the UT campus. Gary JC, Vanessa, and I all rode in the finish together in a line across the road. I hope they got a picture of the group of us.
So goes the 3rd MS150 in my books. I had a lot of fun and can’t wait for next year. The only thing left is to continue our fundraising for this year. If you feel like supporting, please consider clicking the support my ride to Austin link to the right.
Sunday, April 15, 2007
Katy Ram Challenge
Today Vanessa and I rode the last organized ride before the MS150. Luckily the wind was not nearly as bad as it was yesterday. Vanessa said that since the MS150 was only a week away, she had to ride the 70 mile route today. So that is what we did.
I had a 7:00 ride marshal meeting so we got there early. I got to the meeting then headed back and finished getting ready. There were were easily over 1000 riders on this ride. We started out and I rode with Vanessa. She stayed on my wheel and we kept about a 15 mph pace. Once we got up to 359 we had the wind at our backs. Just before we got to 359, I stopped to help a lady change a flat tire. Vanessa kept going, so I rode hard to catch her. I had enough legs to hold 21-22 mph for the 7 miles to the next rest stop.
We got done around 1:30 pm. It was a much slower pace than I would have ridden by myself, but it was kind of relaxing. When I looks at my results, my HR average was 137. Considering that my zone 1 starts at 137, I spent a lot of time below Zone 1. :-) When I was catching Vanessa my HR would jump to to upper 160s-lower 170s.
Good ride. Next ride MS150. See you in Austin.
I had a 7:00 ride marshal meeting so we got there early. I got to the meeting then headed back and finished getting ready. There were were easily over 1000 riders on this ride. We started out and I rode with Vanessa. She stayed on my wheel and we kept about a 15 mph pace. Once we got up to 359 we had the wind at our backs. Just before we got to 359, I stopped to help a lady change a flat tire. Vanessa kept going, so I rode hard to catch her. I had enough legs to hold 21-22 mph for the 7 miles to the next rest stop.
We got done around 1:30 pm. It was a much slower pace than I would have ridden by myself, but it was kind of relaxing. When I looks at my results, my HR average was 137. Considering that my zone 1 starts at 137, I spent a lot of time below Zone 1. :-) When I was catching Vanessa my HR would jump to to upper 160s-lower 170s.
Good ride. Next ride MS150. See you in Austin.
Saturday, April 14, 2007
Brookwood Spirit Rally
Talk about a windy day. It rained on Friday then stopped overnight. It was cloudy all day with high winds (20+ mph). Vanessa and I decided to do this ride because it supports a great community for adults with functional disabilities. Check it out at BrookwoodCommunity.org
The ride started at 8:00, but we got there at about 6:30 because I had a 7:00 ride marshal meeting and we wanted to be sure to park in a dry area since it had been raining on Friday. The morning started out cool in the low 50s, but the wind made it feel much colder. It was not to bad once we got to riding.
The route headed south out of Brookshire, TX. With the wind at our backs the route did not seem to bad. I stopped at rest stop 1 to wait on Vanessa and Jill. Once they got there Vanessa decided to call it a short ride and rode with Jill. I decided that since they were going 23 miles I would do the 38 mile route. Once we got to Fulshear , TX, I headed south and wound around to 359. At 359 we started the hard fight back to the north. This was where we found out how bad the wind was.
I got in a grove that was comfortable and stayed there. That ended up keeping my speed around 12 mph. Which was enough since I was passing everyone in front of me. I was only caught by one guy on atri bike, so I followed him to the second rest stop. There I ran into Rick (beertruck on bikejournal ). Rick and I rode together from rest stop 2 back to the finish. I was able to keep up with Rick along 1093 while dealing with the cross wind, but once we turned into the wind on 1489, Rick had a noticeable advantage on his recumbent.
The nice thing about this ride is they have food afterwards, and they give you a gift certificate to use in their shop. They also had a couple masseuses giving free massages.
The ride started at 8:00, but we got there at about 6:30 because I had a 7:00 ride marshal meeting and we wanted to be sure to park in a dry area since it had been raining on Friday. The morning started out cool in the low 50s, but the wind made it feel much colder. It was not to bad once we got to riding.
The route headed south out of Brookshire, TX. With the wind at our backs the route did not seem to bad. I stopped at rest stop 1 to wait on Vanessa and Jill. Once they got there Vanessa decided to call it a short ride and rode with Jill. I decided that since they were going 23 miles I would do the 38 mile route. Once we got to Fulshear , TX, I headed south and wound around to 359. At 359 we started the hard fight back to the north. This was where we found out how bad the wind was.
I got in a grove that was comfortable and stayed there. That ended up keeping my speed around 12 mph. Which was enough since I was passing everyone in front of me. I was only caught by one guy on atri bike, so I followed him to the second rest stop. There I ran into Rick (beertruck on bikejournal ). Rick and I rode together from rest stop 2 back to the finish. I was able to keep up with Rick along 1093 while dealing with the cross wind, but once we turned into the wind on 1489, Rick had a noticeable advantage on his recumbent.
The nice thing about this ride is they have food afterwards, and they give you a gift certificate to use in their shop. They also had a couple masseuses giving free massages.
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Back on the Trainer
I got back on the trainer last night. I did a 25 minutes at 200 watts. I have not been riding through the week as much lately, and am trying to get back into that habit. It will really help loose the extra 12-13 lbs I picked up the last few months.
I also found a place on line that had a new wheel identical to the one Vanessa messed up. I ordered one so that I have a complete spare set of rims for our bikes.
I also found a place on line that had a new wheel identical to the one Vanessa messed up. I ordered one so that I have a complete spare set of rims for our bikes.
Monday, April 09, 2007
Tour de Cypress
Burrr!!!!!
We signed up for the Tour De Cypress on Saturday. The ride was down right cold. The high for the day was about 48 degrees with 10-20 mph wind out of the north. Initially we planed to ride the 75 mile route, but once we got to the ride, no one felt like riding that far.
The ride started about 35 minutes late. We decided at the first rest stop, 24 miles sounds good. I rode with Sheldon and Pat. Vanessa rode with Jill. I got back to the car just as the light rain started. Luckily I did not have to ride in it. Vanessa and Jill got a little wet, but were glad to be done.
Before the ride we noticed that Vanessa's had a wobble in it. We got it trued Friday night, but by the she got done with the ride the rim was worse that it was before it was trued. So off to the bike shop we went.
We took the wheel to Bike Lane in Houston. It turns out that she damaged the wheel when she fell. So we bought new rims for her bike. This crash turned out to be expensive.
Sunday Morning was cold so we decided not to ride at all. Which given that it was Easter, it seemed to be a good choice.
We signed up for the Tour De Cypress on Saturday. The ride was down right cold. The high for the day was about 48 degrees with 10-20 mph wind out of the north. Initially we planed to ride the 75 mile route, but once we got to the ride, no one felt like riding that far.
The ride started about 35 minutes late. We decided at the first rest stop, 24 miles sounds good. I rode with Sheldon and Pat. Vanessa rode with Jill. I got back to the car just as the light rain started. Luckily I did not have to ride in it. Vanessa and Jill got a little wet, but were glad to be done.
Before the ride we noticed that Vanessa's had a wobble in it. We got it trued Friday night, but by the she got done with the ride the rim was worse that it was before it was trued. So off to the bike shop we went.
We took the wheel to Bike Lane in Houston. It turns out that she damaged the wheel when she fell. So we bought new rims for her bike. This crash turned out to be expensive.
Sunday Morning was cold so we decided not to ride at all. Which given that it was Easter, it seemed to be a good choice.
Monday, April 02, 2007
Space Race
This weekend we rode in the Space Race. This was a bike ride down in LaMarque, TX to benefit the Ronald McDonald House. We were planning to ride the 80 mile route, but since it was wet most of the weekend we decided to ride the 60 mile route instead.
It was raining when we got to the start point, but we were there nearly 2 hours before the ride start. The ride was put on by the Space City Cycling Club, and they did an excellent job planning and supporting the ride.
Things were dry for the start, but we were about 15 miles into the ride and it started to rain. I was working as a ride marshal, so I got to stop and help several people. I stopped to help a rider with a flat and Vanessa and Sheldon kept riding. Little known to me, they decided to turn at the 40 mile turn off. Being behind them, I assumed that they planned on the riding 60 miles and kept heading toward the 60 turn around. About 5 miles from the rest stop, Vanessa calls and said they turned. :-(
Anyway, I headed back, and as I am about 10 miles from the finish, the sun came out, and the riding was beautiful. I got a flat with a mile to go. It was a good ride, and I finished with 48 miles.
It was raining when we got to the start point, but we were there nearly 2 hours before the ride start. The ride was put on by the Space City Cycling Club, and they did an excellent job planning and supporting the ride.
Things were dry for the start, but we were about 15 miles into the ride and it started to rain. I was working as a ride marshal, so I got to stop and help several people. I stopped to help a rider with a flat and Vanessa and Sheldon kept riding. Little known to me, they decided to turn at the 40 mile turn off. Being behind them, I assumed that they planned on the riding 60 miles and kept heading toward the 60 turn around. About 5 miles from the rest stop, Vanessa calls and said they turned. :-(
Anyway, I headed back, and as I am about 10 miles from the finish, the sun came out, and the riding was beautiful. I got a flat with a mile to go. It was a good ride, and I finished with 48 miles.
Monday, March 26, 2007
Hard week of riding
We had a good and bad week. We were able to ride outside every time this week. Vanessa and our neighbor Gary met me up in The Woodlands and we did a 20 mile ride around The Woodlands. Vanessa got a flat and had problems with her Garmin Edge 305 bike computer. It turned off mid ride. She had been having problems with it not picking up her cadence sensor, and it was auto pausing even while riding at more than 3 mph. I called Garmin and they said I would would need to send it in. They will look at it and repair or replace it. So Vanessa is feeling bike computer withdraw. I had to go get her another cheap computer so that she can still log her miles.
Thursday I took the bike to work and decided to ride around the woodlands again. I got in trouble since I did not call Vanessa and let her know I was riding. Any way I left from the office and was heading down New Trails and saw The Woodlands cycling club race team. I turned around and caught up to them. We rode down 242 and 1488 at 27 mph. What a rush. I could not keep the pace the whole time so I rode twice around the circle and headed back. I stopped to help a guy with a flat tire, then finished at an easy pace. My training plan was interval day so the hard ride was called for.
Saturday we met up with 2 guys from work. Vanessa, Gary, Jordon and I rode from 2920 and 2978 up to the woodlands and met with Chad and Michael. We set a good pace and helped Michael get his legs back. I waited for Gary, Vanessa, and Jordon at Woodlands Parkway. I was following Vanessa at the end of the pack. We were about 4 miles to go when Vanessa slowed down quickly and fell. Her bike went right in front of mine and I fell on top of her. She banged up her bike and helmet, and got some road rash. I let my legs steady, realized I was lucky (no road rash) and then rode back to get the truck. Gary stayed with Vanessa. When we got home I rushed the bikes to the shop, headed to my ride marshal meeting and Vanessa took the bikes back home.
Sunday we rode the bluebonnet bike ride. Vanessa was planning to do the 45 mile route, but ended up doing the 26 mile route instead. I rode the 63 mile route and had a blast. I worked as a ride marshal and stayed with several people with flat tires, the results of 1 accident, and one rider who just was done. I was very happy with the ride. I was effecivly riding by myself and held an 18+ mph average. Not to bad considering the amount of wind and hills on the route. I like this year's route it was much nicer than the last time I did this ride.
Thursday I took the bike to work and decided to ride around the woodlands again. I got in trouble since I did not call Vanessa and let her know I was riding. Any way I left from the office and was heading down New Trails and saw The Woodlands cycling club race team. I turned around and caught up to them. We rode down 242 and 1488 at 27 mph. What a rush. I could not keep the pace the whole time so I rode twice around the circle and headed back. I stopped to help a guy with a flat tire, then finished at an easy pace. My training plan was interval day so the hard ride was called for.
Saturday we met up with 2 guys from work. Vanessa, Gary, Jordon and I rode from 2920 and 2978 up to the woodlands and met with Chad and Michael. We set a good pace and helped Michael get his legs back. I waited for Gary, Vanessa, and Jordon at Woodlands Parkway. I was following Vanessa at the end of the pack. We were about 4 miles to go when Vanessa slowed down quickly and fell. Her bike went right in front of mine and I fell on top of her. She banged up her bike and helmet, and got some road rash. I let my legs steady, realized I was lucky (no road rash) and then rode back to get the truck. Gary stayed with Vanessa. When we got home I rushed the bikes to the shop, headed to my ride marshal meeting and Vanessa took the bikes back home.
Sunday we rode the bluebonnet bike ride. Vanessa was planning to do the 45 mile route, but ended up doing the 26 mile route instead. I rode the 63 mile route and had a blast. I worked as a ride marshal and stayed with several people with flat tires, the results of 1 accident, and one rider who just was done. I was very happy with the ride. I was effecivly riding by myself and held an 18+ mph average. Not to bad considering the amount of wind and hills on the route. I like this year's route it was much nicer than the last time I did this ride.
Sunday, March 18, 2007
Ah a Training Schedule
This week was much better. I ended up riding 4 times this last week. I was actually able to ride my harder workouts also so that will help my recovery.
Monday I rode 30 minutes in zone 1
Tuesday I rode 40 minute of over under intervals
Friday I rode suprathreshold intervals Zone 5 x 2 min
Today I got to ride out side, short 20 mile bike ride
Today, I also played in a golf tournament. First time I did that. It was fun.
Monday I rode 30 minutes in zone 1
Tuesday I rode 40 minute of over under intervals
Friday I rode suprathreshold intervals Zone 5 x 2 min
Today I got to ride out side, short 20 mile bike ride
Today, I also played in a golf tournament. First time I did that. It was fun.
Sunday, March 11, 2007
Back on the Trainer again.
After only riding on the trainer one day in February, I got back on the trainer this week. I got in two short rides. I have to ride the trainer for the next few weeks since the in-laws are here. We have other plans on the weekend.
Got the house back together also so it should be easier to follow my training plan. We shall see.
We are about 6 week until the ride. Time to get back into gear.
Got the house back together also so it should be easier to follow my training plan. We shall see.
We are about 6 week until the ride. Time to get back into gear.
Monday, February 26, 2007
Tri County Hill Hopper
OUCH!!!!
I did not ride last week, and Saturday I worked on the house. Not quite done, but I did not let that stop me from riding Sunday. The Tri-County Hill Hopper started from the Big Red Barn out in Round Top, TX on 2/25/07. This is a nice challenging route with lots of nice hills to climb. Check out their web page for more info. www.hillhopper.org
It was about 40 degrees when we got to the ride. It warmed up pretty quickly once the sun came up. By the time I got to the first rest stop, I decided to take off my jacket. It was a little cool standing around, but once on the bike, I was nice and warm.
Vanessa decided she was going to skip the loop and turn the 76 mile route into the 60 mile route. I worked this ride as a ride marshal also, so I stopped to help 2 people on this ride. The first was a flat tire between two nice hills. It was about 6-7 miles into the ride. I caught Vanessa at the first rest stop.
We left the rest stop and I was talking to another ride marshal when we noticed a guy that seemed to be hurting a little. We pulled over and helped him raise his seat a little. It must have worked because he took off and it took a few minutes to catch him. Making that one change seemed to make a huge difference for him.
So off I went again to catch Vanessa since she kept riding. Turns out she followed Sheldon and realized she missed her turn to skip the loop after she got back to the first rest stop. Needless to say I made the turn. I waited for a few minutes at the 3rd rest stop, then decided I can wait at the car for her. Sheldon's friend, Pat, was at the rest stop and was ready to leave. I decided I would ride with him for the rest of the route.
Off we headed. Down about a mile or two from the rest stop, there were two calves out of the fence. They were standing in the ditch minding their own business, then one of them started to walk towards me. I moo'd loudly and the second calf started to run. First he turned to the fence, then he turned around and headed into the road. Right in Pat's path. We both got a good laugh about that.
We finished up the route. I like this ride, it is a nice challenging route with nice roads and nice hills. Great training for the MS150.
I did not ride last week, and Saturday I worked on the house. Not quite done, but I did not let that stop me from riding Sunday. The Tri-County Hill Hopper started from the Big Red Barn out in Round Top, TX on 2/25/07. This is a nice challenging route with lots of nice hills to climb. Check out their web page for more info. www.hillhopper.org
It was about 40 degrees when we got to the ride. It warmed up pretty quickly once the sun came up. By the time I got to the first rest stop, I decided to take off my jacket. It was a little cool standing around, but once on the bike, I was nice and warm.
Vanessa decided she was going to skip the loop and turn the 76 mile route into the 60 mile route. I worked this ride as a ride marshal also, so I stopped to help 2 people on this ride. The first was a flat tire between two nice hills. It was about 6-7 miles into the ride. I caught Vanessa at the first rest stop.
We left the rest stop and I was talking to another ride marshal when we noticed a guy that seemed to be hurting a little. We pulled over and helped him raise his seat a little. It must have worked because he took off and it took a few minutes to catch him. Making that one change seemed to make a huge difference for him.
So off I went again to catch Vanessa since she kept riding. Turns out she followed Sheldon and realized she missed her turn to skip the loop after she got back to the first rest stop. Needless to say I made the turn. I waited for a few minutes at the 3rd rest stop, then decided I can wait at the car for her. Sheldon's friend, Pat, was at the rest stop and was ready to leave. I decided I would ride with him for the rest of the route.
Off we headed. Down about a mile or two from the rest stop, there were two calves out of the fence. They were standing in the ditch minding their own business, then one of them started to walk towards me. I moo'd loudly and the second calf started to run. First he turned to the fence, then he turned around and headed into the road. Right in Pat's path. We both got a good laugh about that.
We finished up the route. I like this ride, it is a nice challenging route with nice roads and nice hills. Great training for the MS150.
Monday, February 19, 2007
Bulldog Ride and other Training
This week I got one ride in on the trainer. I got an hour in and boy did it feel good to get back on the trainer. Unfortunately that was the only weekday I got to ride. So much for my training plan.
I worked my first training ride as a ride marshal. Saturday 2/17/02, Vanessa and I did the Bulldog Ride. This ride is put on by the Waller Jr High School. It was a good route. Vanessa was able to keep up with me on several of the hills. The morning started out in the mid 40s but warmed up to the upper 50s. We fought the wind for the first half of the ride. But as we headed back down 362 into Waller, we flew. At one point I was holding 27-30 mph. What a rush.
Sunday morning we rode with Gary, JC, and Mike on 2978 and did the 30 mile loop. It was pretty uneventful. I realized it has been a while since we rode on 2978. It was a good riding weekend. Not a lot of miles, but at least they were good.
I worked my first training ride as a ride marshal. Saturday 2/17/02, Vanessa and I did the Bulldog Ride. This ride is put on by the Waller Jr High School. It was a good route. Vanessa was able to keep up with me on several of the hills. The morning started out in the mid 40s but warmed up to the upper 50s. We fought the wind for the first half of the ride. But as we headed back down 362 into Waller, we flew. At one point I was holding 27-30 mph. What a rush.
Sunday morning we rode with Gary, JC, and Mike on 2978 and did the 30 mile loop. It was pretty uneventful. I realized it has been a while since we rode on 2978. It was a good riding weekend. Not a lot of miles, but at least they were good.
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Just simple rides
After doing two organized rides the last two weekends, we decided to join our team on Saturday 2/10. Team BTX met at Charm & Charlies at I-45 and SH 242. We rode up to Conroe and back. It was good to ride with the team again. Since the last time we rode with them was before Christmas. This route was about 40 miles. The temps were in the mid 40s and did not warm up much before we were done. I did attack one hill and decided to not give up until I had no more to give. I saw a new personal high HR. I hit 199.
On Sunday we met Sheldon in Katy again. He was riding a route with another Team Spoken member. It was a nice route out through Fulshear, Brookshire, and back to Katy. Over all it was just over 40 miles. Not bad.
After skipping my training plan the last few weeks. I need to get back on it. Not likely to happen soon because I have to do some repairs on the house. Maybe I can sneak in a few weekday rides.
On Sunday we met Sheldon in Katy again. He was riding a route with another Team Spoken member. It was a nice route out through Fulshear, Brookshire, and back to Katy. Over all it was just over 40 miles. Not bad.
After skipping my training plan the last few weeks. I need to get back on it. Not likely to happen soon because I have to do some repairs on the house. Maybe I can sneak in a few weekday rides.
Monday, February 05, 2007
Big Chill Bike Ride
We headed to Katy on 2/4/07 to ride in the big chill bike ride. This was the first year Vanessa and I did this ride. It was fun. Pretty well organized and supported. It was also a very nice route. For the second week in a row the weather was cold and windy. The wind was out of the south this week and the ride started around 42 degrees. Luckily as the day wore on it warmed up to the upper 50s.
We rode with our friend Sheldon and some of his friends from Team Spoken. This ride was a lot smaller than the Frost Bike 50 so it did not take nearly as long for everyone to be out on the course. We ended up doing the 45 mile route which took us from Katy, TX to Monaville, TX and back. After making good time heading out, we turned around and found out the return trip was a little more difficult. It was a good ride. Just what I needed after not riding for the last week.
We rode with our friend Sheldon and some of his friends from Team Spoken. This ride was a lot smaller than the Frost Bike 50 so it did not take nearly as long for everyone to be out on the course. We ended up doing the 45 mile route which took us from Katy, TX to Monaville, TX and back. After making good time heading out, we turned around and found out the return trip was a little more difficult. It was a good ride. Just what I needed after not riding for the last week.
Monday, January 29, 2007
Frost Bike 50
Frost Bike 50 was the first training ride of the 2007 BP MS150 training season. The ride started at Cy-Fair College and had a pretty good turn out. There were two things that made the ride a bit challenging. The weather was cool and windy. At the start it was around 40 degrees. It warmed up a little during the day but not much. For most of the day the wind was out of the north, and seemed like it was 10-20 mph.
I had decided I was not going to do this ride this year because the last two years the route had one stretch of road that was very rough. Found out the day before that the route had been changed and we would not be riding the bad road. So Vanessa and I figured what the heck. Might as well ride.
We started out and saw our usual friends at the start. The wind was at our back for the start, which meant that we would be heading into the wind from the first turn and up the back side of the route. Nearly half to two thirds of the route was a head wind or a cross wind. But the finish was all tail wind. All in all I was pleased with the new route. We finished the day with a 52 mile ride.
I had decided I was not going to do this ride this year because the last two years the route had one stretch of road that was very rough. Found out the day before that the route had been changed and we would not be riding the bad road. So Vanessa and I figured what the heck. Might as well ride.
We started out and saw our usual friends at the start. The wind was at our back for the start, which meant that we would be heading into the wind from the first turn and up the back side of the route. Nearly half to two thirds of the route was a head wind or a cross wind. But the finish was all tail wind. All in all I was pleased with the new route. We finished the day with a 52 mile ride.
Sunday, January 21, 2007
Getting back to it.
After taking most of two weeks off, it has been difficult to get back into training.
After riding last weekend, I got my new training plan last Monday. I did pretty good sticking to it. I rode Tuesday for and hour on the trainer. I was supposed to ride Wednesday, but found I could not find time to get the training in with everything else I needed to get done.
Thursdays for this training plan is intervals. This week it was quite a work out. I was supposed to ride 20 min in zone 1 and then 8 intervals of 4 min zone 4 followed by 4 min of zone 1. The first two sets were not bad. The third was tough, but I was able to recover and try one more set. After completing the 4th set, I was spent. My goal is to complete all 8 sets next week, but I will be happy to complete 5 or 6 sets. The point of the intervals is to decrease my recovery time between high intensity efforts.
This weekend was rainy, and we had to pickup some things out of town so this weekend was a bust for riding. So here is to sticking to the plan for all next week.
After riding last weekend, I got my new training plan last Monday. I did pretty good sticking to it. I rode Tuesday for and hour on the trainer. I was supposed to ride Wednesday, but found I could not find time to get the training in with everything else I needed to get done.
Thursdays for this training plan is intervals. This week it was quite a work out. I was supposed to ride 20 min in zone 1 and then 8 intervals of 4 min zone 4 followed by 4 min of zone 1. The first two sets were not bad. The third was tough, but I was able to recover and try one more set. After completing the 4th set, I was spent. My goal is to complete all 8 sets next week, but I will be happy to complete 5 or 6 sets. The point of the intervals is to decrease my recovery time between high intensity efforts.
This weekend was rainy, and we had to pickup some things out of town so this weekend was a bust for riding. So here is to sticking to the plan for all next week.
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