This one is a little different. I recently spent some time driving on the highway and noticed a few things about the drivers in the USA. Even though some things are not illegal, you still wouldn't do them in front of a cop, but out on your own with just the other drivers, it seems to be fair game...... Here are some of the offenses I would like to see penalized....
#1 - Texting while driving. Seriously? You should NOT be doing this at all. If someone is sending you a text, then it cannot be important. It can wait until you are stopped, or at your destination. I will not text you if your child broke an arm, your mom was in a car wreck or what ever, I promise I will call you.
#2 - Weaving through traffic like Speed Racer just to slow down after you pass everyone. Seriously You put the moves on everyone like AJ Foyt in the traffic then slow down after? What was the rush?
#3 - When you merge on to the highway from the on ramp and try to take more than one lane as you merge regardless of where the traffic is you are merging into... or better yet, if someone else is doing the multi lane merge and it causes an even bigger multi lane merge from someone else.
#4 - On the highway with 3 lanes of moving traffic... you run across the occasional driver that has to drive in the fast lane. Seriously? I even had one guy I came up on and he was in the center lane, only to move to the left lane to let me pass. Really? SLOWER TRAFFIC MOVE RIGHT.
#5 - As you drive down the highway and sometimes other cars will end up driving with you.... you get the occasional driver that is scared of the left lane. They will only pass on the right. Thinking they will be hidden from the cops...lol. Do they realize that a car passing on the wrong side stands out more?
#6 - Just because my truck down shifted going up that hill doesn't mean I want to race your rice rocket.
#7 - I don't care about the graphics, the wheels, or how loud your exhaust is... a VW Beetle is still a chick car. Other chick cars are Mazda Miata, Mini Cooper convertible, and others...
#8 - Passing some one just to get in front of them to turn. This has happened to me 2 times in the last week. The worst was as I turned on Shrine road by Fents Ice Cream (come on everyone knows where that is) I had a bunch of kids in a Ford Ranger pass me only to slam on the brakes to turn into Ryman Baseball Field. Did I mention the rocket scientists in the truck had a kid jumping around loose in the bed of the truck too. Nice.....
#9 - Speed limit drivers in the Fast Lane. The fast lane is for passing... not driving the speed limit. If you are going to drive the limit with everyone else - just get in the slow lane and drive with everyone else.
#10 - Turn Signals. Some people do not use them. For what ever reason... carrying their coffee, talking on the phone, not paying attention.... the turn signal gets ignored. It is a very useful bit of info for the drivers around you. Use it - they are not optional equipment on your car.
Monday, July 30, 2012
Friday, July 20, 2012
Repairing a Garmin Edge 500
OK - so last Monday on the TNP ride, I got a little crazy. Ended up on the ground. Biggest thing was that when I went down I plainly remember my hand going from the brake lever across the bars and hitting my Garmin. knocking it off the bike. Well.... it came off and still works - but it broke the mounting tabs off the bottom.
The problem is now it will no longer stay on the bike.. those tiny little tabs are what keep it in place. Turns out this is a more common problem with them the tabs breaking off after I did a Internet search. If your unit is less than a year old and it wasn't wrecked - there is a chance you can get it warrantied. Mine is out of warranty... so after checking around it is $90 in the US to get if fixed. Which consists of sending the unit back and getting a newly refurbished unit back. Now this is where my cheapness kicked in... if it's $90 to send it back because it broke - I might as well try to fix it first... what am I out - just the time I spend trying to fix it and whatever supplies I buy.
Doing research on Loctite's website for the best adhesive - this is what I used.....
The Tabs..
The problem is now it will no longer stay on the bike.. those tiny little tabs are what keep it in place. Turns out this is a more common problem with them the tabs breaking off after I did a Internet search. If your unit is less than a year old and it wasn't wrecked - there is a chance you can get it warrantied. Mine is out of warranty... so after checking around it is $90 in the US to get if fixed. Which consists of sending the unit back and getting a newly refurbished unit back. Now this is where my cheapness kicked in... if it's $90 to send it back because it broke - I might as well try to fix it first... what am I out - just the time I spend trying to fix it and whatever supplies I buy.
Doing research on Loctite's website for the best adhesive - this is what I used.....
The package says after 24 hours it can be filed, drilled, and worked. So we shall see.
The mix....
And applied to the Garmin...
I let it dry for 24 hours (just... because I had a ride I wanted to use if for that night). I first filed the blobs flat with the round cam... and it filed nicely. Next I filed the tab shapes (a dremel works fine here). Now I had to notch them. The file didn't want to do this to easily - so I took a hack saw blade and made the grooves - then went back with the file and made them a little wider.
The finished product....
I have since used the computer now 5 times over the last 10 days and took it on and off probably 100 times - showing everyone, and I don't transport my bike with it on. Still looks good. Actually when I filed the tabs I kept fitting it into the Garmin bike mount and I made sure to leave it on the tight side, as compared to the factory fit.
So for $6 at Lowes - you can repair this your self. Get the resin, spend 5 minutes cleaning the Garmin and applying the resin, let it sit 24 hours. File it to fit the mount. Back in business. Worst case is that is still costs $90 to send it back to Garmin as a broken unit.
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
160 miles in 4 days.... highs, lows, wreckage and PR's!
Well - Sunday Carisa and I were able to get out for a bike ride. We chose to do the Young's Jersey Dairy Charity Ride Warm Up #4 Training ride. It is a well supported 60 mile bike ride.
When I say well supported I couldn't believe how nice it was. We got there early day of the ride - each paid the $5 fee to ride. We got under way. 120 cyclist. Big group. As we headed out on the road towards Clifton - it was fun seeing all the riders all down the road. The bikes stretched out for miles. The entire day there were always bikes in sight. The first rest stop came up around mile 10 I think. Carisa and I were just getting warmed up and still had plenty of water so we skipped it. Knowing the 2nd stop was around the 27 mile mark. He headed on. We got to the 2nd stop - refilled our water bottles with ice cold water, had a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, a cup of trail mix, talked with Curtis and we headed back out on the road. Now the rolling hill section. The hills were enough to break up the monotony of the ride. Rolling down one side to blast up the next hill. It became a game with the hills. A game that Carisa and I dominated. We rolled into mile 46 the 3rd rest stop - the lunch rest stop. Asked the people working the rest stop how long they would be here - they said at least another 90 minutes... so Carisa and I headed back out and road for 30 minutes down past Spring Valley and turned around and headed back.
Returning back to the lunch stop now with 67 miles. The lunch there was catered by BarleyCorns (I had heard of it but never had it before) - and it was delicious. They had either chicken salad sandwiches, or turkey sandwiches, sliced watermelon, homemade pasta salad, homemade potato chips, soda, water, cookies, trail mix, tons of food. All you can eat. I love these kinds of stops.
On the way back to Young's Carisa tells me she wants to make it a Century. As we road along I came up with a route for her to ride to hit the correct mileage and I would go get the truck so that I could pick her up and get back to Grandma and Grandpa's house to pick up the kids. I peeled off and ended up with 90 miles, leaving Carisa to finish the last 10 on her own. She did it like a Champ. I am so proud of her. Ride time was 5:27 - total time was just a hair over 6 hours (and that was because I would not stop eating at the lunch stop...lol). So average speed was 18.3mph total for the 100 miles - pretty darn strong for the first century ever (and for someone who got into road biking basically 5 months ago).
Monday was the TNP Ride at the reservoir and on the last race lap - I was riding with Mike chasing down Colin - we went through the last turn and there was a on coming car coming - and we were flying wide around the corner. I ended up bumping Mike and went down on the road. According to my Garmin - I was doing 29mph, and 8 feet later I was stopped. Other than a bruise on my hip, and a sore shoulder I was fine. The bike had torn up bar tape on one side (which of course was new that day..lol) and the brake hoods had holes burnt into them, and a huge scuff on my saddle. I laid there for a moment trying to catch my breath... I was still at race pace laying on the ground - heart rate still at 180 bpm. Everyone was asking me if I was ok - I was, just needed a second to breathe. I saw some people checking my bike out and it was beaten but still ride-able, just like me. I get up and stand up - hop back on the bike - finish the lap and head out on the cool down lap. I feel like an idiot. I can't believe I wrecked. I was just glad I didn't take down Mike. This was my first major road wreck. the funny thing was I have no idea how I can land on the road at 29mph - only end up bruised. My clothes were not even torn up, no blood. I have now used all my luck up. No Lottery tickets for me.
Tuesday was the STSP Ride. I was beaten and bruised - could barely lift my left arm above my head. I did manage to swap out my brake hoods, and re-wrap my handle bars with new tape. I swapped the scuffed seat with the one off my mountain bike (its a mountain bike - gives it character now). And showed up to the ride like nothing happened. I found out quickly on the road - there would be no sprinting for me - and the hills would definitely be a workout as I could not stand and pedal. The left shoulder wanted nothing to do with it. Ended the ride with 25 miles and felt better, glad I got to spin my legs out some.
Wednesday - the Blue Streak Time Trial at WPAFB. 10 miles of Speed... 10 miles of Pain..... 10 miles of truth. Just you vs. the road. There is no hiding on the time trial. You must find a place that pain doesn't matter, suffering is enjoyed, and no matter what your speedometer says, it is not fast enough. I no longer have a time trial bike, no areo bars, no fancy aero wheels. I made the choice at the beginning of the season to do it on the road bike. Today's time 25:34 which translated into 23.2mph average speed. Not too shabby, I really wanted to break a 24 average. I think recovery will make the next one better. Riding 150 miles in the 3 days leading up to the time trial probably didn't help either. But what you going to do, if it doesn't kill you it makes you stronger. Tonight's time was my only 10 seconds slower than my Personal Record. I road my non-aero bike almost as fast as I have ever done this course before. Beaten and Bruised... nice. It is on for next month. Also a shout out to my wife - she road a PR also tonight... 27:53, Great Job!!
Carisa and I before the start
When I say well supported I couldn't believe how nice it was. We got there early day of the ride - each paid the $5 fee to ride. We got under way. 120 cyclist. Big group. As we headed out on the road towards Clifton - it was fun seeing all the riders all down the road. The bikes stretched out for miles. The entire day there were always bikes in sight. The first rest stop came up around mile 10 I think. Carisa and I were just getting warmed up and still had plenty of water so we skipped it. Knowing the 2nd stop was around the 27 mile mark. He headed on. We got to the 2nd stop - refilled our water bottles with ice cold water, had a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, a cup of trail mix, talked with Curtis and we headed back out on the road. Now the rolling hill section. The hills were enough to break up the monotony of the ride. Rolling down one side to blast up the next hill. It became a game with the hills. A game that Carisa and I dominated. We rolled into mile 46 the 3rd rest stop - the lunch rest stop. Asked the people working the rest stop how long they would be here - they said at least another 90 minutes... so Carisa and I headed back out and road for 30 minutes down past Spring Valley and turned around and headed back.
Here is the average at the 50 mile mark - 50 miles in 2 hours 31 minutes = 19.87 average speed
Returning back to the lunch stop now with 67 miles. The lunch there was catered by BarleyCorns (I had heard of it but never had it before) - and it was delicious. They had either chicken salad sandwiches, or turkey sandwiches, sliced watermelon, homemade pasta salad, homemade potato chips, soda, water, cookies, trail mix, tons of food. All you can eat. I love these kinds of stops.
On the way back to Young's Carisa tells me she wants to make it a Century. As we road along I came up with a route for her to ride to hit the correct mileage and I would go get the truck so that I could pick her up and get back to Grandma and Grandpa's house to pick up the kids. I peeled off and ended up with 90 miles, leaving Carisa to finish the last 10 on her own. She did it like a Champ. I am so proud of her. Ride time was 5:27 - total time was just a hair over 6 hours (and that was because I would not stop eating at the lunch stop...lol). So average speed was 18.3mph total for the 100 miles - pretty darn strong for the first century ever (and for someone who got into road biking basically 5 months ago).
Carisa at mile 100- still smiling, Got to love that!
Monday was the TNP Ride at the reservoir and on the last race lap - I was riding with Mike chasing down Colin - we went through the last turn and there was a on coming car coming - and we were flying wide around the corner. I ended up bumping Mike and went down on the road. According to my Garmin - I was doing 29mph, and 8 feet later I was stopped. Other than a bruise on my hip, and a sore shoulder I was fine. The bike had torn up bar tape on one side (which of course was new that day..lol) and the brake hoods had holes burnt into them, and a huge scuff on my saddle. I laid there for a moment trying to catch my breath... I was still at race pace laying on the ground - heart rate still at 180 bpm. Everyone was asking me if I was ok - I was, just needed a second to breathe. I saw some people checking my bike out and it was beaten but still ride-able, just like me. I get up and stand up - hop back on the bike - finish the lap and head out on the cool down lap. I feel like an idiot. I can't believe I wrecked. I was just glad I didn't take down Mike. This was my first major road wreck. the funny thing was I have no idea how I can land on the road at 29mph - only end up bruised. My clothes were not even torn up, no blood. I have now used all my luck up. No Lottery tickets for me.
Tuesday was the STSP Ride. I was beaten and bruised - could barely lift my left arm above my head. I did manage to swap out my brake hoods, and re-wrap my handle bars with new tape. I swapped the scuffed seat with the one off my mountain bike (its a mountain bike - gives it character now). And showed up to the ride like nothing happened. I found out quickly on the road - there would be no sprinting for me - and the hills would definitely be a workout as I could not stand and pedal. The left shoulder wanted nothing to do with it. Ended the ride with 25 miles and felt better, glad I got to spin my legs out some.
Wednesday - the Blue Streak Time Trial at WPAFB. 10 miles of Speed... 10 miles of Pain..... 10 miles of truth. Just you vs. the road. There is no hiding on the time trial. You must find a place that pain doesn't matter, suffering is enjoyed, and no matter what your speedometer says, it is not fast enough. I no longer have a time trial bike, no areo bars, no fancy aero wheels. I made the choice at the beginning of the season to do it on the road bike. Today's time 25:34 which translated into 23.2mph average speed. Not too shabby, I really wanted to break a 24 average. I think recovery will make the next one better. Riding 150 miles in the 3 days leading up to the time trial probably didn't help either. But what you going to do, if it doesn't kill you it makes you stronger. Tonight's time was my only 10 seconds slower than my Personal Record. I road my non-aero bike almost as fast as I have ever done this course before. Beaten and Bruised... nice. It is on for next month. Also a shout out to my wife - she road a PR also tonight... 27:53, Great Job!!
Carisa coming in at the finish!
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Summer Update - 5K and 2 Crits
It's been a while....
I'm back from vacation and busy with summer. It is amazing how quickly time flies. So much to do and so little time. Even without a regular job, I still seem to manage to have a crazy long to do list. And it seems that working out and doing chores never seems to match up well. As I talk with my friends about this... we seem to be thankful that there has been no rain lately... no grass to cut. Otherwise our houses would look like abandoned meth labs. Its just crazy. Finding a balance is tough.
I ran my first 5k race this year - although it wasn't official (I didn't offiically sign up). I just went over to Northwestern (which I can see from my house) and ran the Northwestern 5k (which runs nearly past my house on the roads I run on...lol). So I just got a new to me used Garmin 405... pretty cool thing here. Shows time, pace, distance and pretty much anything you wanted to know (except the next lotto numbers). Now this was the first run with it.... and my 3rd run all year.. before the start I had a 5.1 whopping miles all year long. That's bad. The theory was no running before Mt Mitchell - no shin splints, sore kness - nothing. No runnning, no risk. I digress.... back to the run. We all took off and headed out Nancy Dutton drive, turning on Penny pike and then on to Dredge road. Yeah Dredge... hold on - stopping a flashback from high school where you had to meet someone out there for an afterschool fight...... ok - better now. Part way down Dredge you turned around at the water stop and headed back the same way and finished on the school track. As I ran... .I didn't think it was hard.. it wasn't painful. I just questioned it. Why run... biking is so much more fun. My feet can't coast..... I hope there are no Strava segments on here or this is going to be ugly. ANYWAYS... as I headed back, everyone went straight in to the track to the finish. I turned and went up towards the middle school and ran around there until I hit my 3.1 miles. Finish time was 28:43 - a new personal record for me. Not super fast by any means, but with the training I was happy. Headed over to the official finish now to watch and cheer on the rest of the runners. It was a good time. Next year I will preregister for it and be ready.
Enough about running. This last weekend was the Tour d'Burg in Miamisburg. Criterium racing. A .6 mile loop with 6 corners in it. Tight, Fast and Crazy on a road bike in a group of riders. My kind of thing. Big Dave ran this race and it was hosted by Team Dayton Cycling. Very nice event, and everyone was super friendly. I did the Cat 4/5 race first - race for 40 minutes and see how many laps you can get in. I stuck with the main pack until about 5 laps to go (right around 30 min mark - even though I had been feeling it for the last 6 minutes...lol) So I fell back into the straggling line of hangers on... all trying to get back on the pack and not get dropped and lapped. I think there was approx 60 racers in the race to start. With about 4 laps to go I passed a United Dairy Famer rider and he jumped on my wheel. Alright - someone to work with so we don't get passed by the main pack. I led 2 laps and he just road there. I swung to the left, nothing... he followed. I slowed the pace from 23mpg to 19mph and he stayed there... ok- he is going to stay in my draft until the end and rip past me fresh as a daisy... yeah right. I decided then to hit the next corner and start pounding again... leave him. I ramp up the speed and I'm back up to 24mph... next corner still on the gas.... on the front straight and I look back... I have about 15 yards on the guy... Sweet.. just need to hold it for a couple more laps. Next I hear the lead group vehicle coming around... I'm going to get lapped. The Tour d'Burg car goes by me and points and tells me pull out - so I'm not in the way. DANG! The dude that messed with me kept me from finishing. I should have just kept going and I would have finished on the lead lap. Live and learn. My next race is about an hour away - the Masters Race (means old guys). But before that - Freddy brought his bike for a kids race. One hot lap for the kids. I got him lined up and road off to watch. Freddy told me afterwards one of the other dad's told his kid before the race that he better win or he was going to take his Xbox away from him.... Nice..... Anyway, Freddy took off and did Great. I think he maybe got 5th out of like 13-14 kids. He finished with a smile on his face and that is all that matters! My next race was coming up and the heat was going up.... I think the computer averaged 100 degrees for that race. It was hot. It started and the pace wasn't as bad as the earlier race... or at least it didn't seem so.... but long story short... about 6 min from the end and I was dragging off the main field again. This time I didn't let up. I kept working. I finished the entire race without being pulled. Nice. The results - ended up 8th in my first race (even being pulled out), and in the Masters I was 12th. Not too bad.
I know my blog gets wordy... boring... drawn out... but when I hear from others who read it, it does make me feel good. I was never a writer in school and this shows I'm sure. But I do find it relaxing. I hope that others enjoy it. I know some posts are better than others and this one wasn't great - just felt like I needed to get something going as it has been too long. But I promise if you stick with me I will improve and get better. Thank you for your support!
I'm back from vacation and busy with summer. It is amazing how quickly time flies. So much to do and so little time. Even without a regular job, I still seem to manage to have a crazy long to do list. And it seems that working out and doing chores never seems to match up well. As I talk with my friends about this... we seem to be thankful that there has been no rain lately... no grass to cut. Otherwise our houses would look like abandoned meth labs. Its just crazy. Finding a balance is tough.
I ran my first 5k race this year - although it wasn't official (I didn't offiically sign up). I just went over to Northwestern (which I can see from my house) and ran the Northwestern 5k (which runs nearly past my house on the roads I run on...lol). So I just got a new to me used Garmin 405... pretty cool thing here. Shows time, pace, distance and pretty much anything you wanted to know (except the next lotto numbers). Now this was the first run with it.... and my 3rd run all year.. before the start I had a 5.1 whopping miles all year long. That's bad. The theory was no running before Mt Mitchell - no shin splints, sore kness - nothing. No runnning, no risk. I digress.... back to the run. We all took off and headed out Nancy Dutton drive, turning on Penny pike and then on to Dredge road. Yeah Dredge... hold on - stopping a flashback from high school where you had to meet someone out there for an afterschool fight...... ok - better now. Part way down Dredge you turned around at the water stop and headed back the same way and finished on the school track. As I ran... .I didn't think it was hard.. it wasn't painful. I just questioned it. Why run... biking is so much more fun. My feet can't coast..... I hope there are no Strava segments on here or this is going to be ugly. ANYWAYS... as I headed back, everyone went straight in to the track to the finish. I turned and went up towards the middle school and ran around there until I hit my 3.1 miles. Finish time was 28:43 - a new personal record for me. Not super fast by any means, but with the training I was happy. Headed over to the official finish now to watch and cheer on the rest of the runners. It was a good time. Next year I will preregister for it and be ready.
Enough about running. This last weekend was the Tour d'Burg in Miamisburg. Criterium racing. A .6 mile loop with 6 corners in it. Tight, Fast and Crazy on a road bike in a group of riders. My kind of thing. Big Dave ran this race and it was hosted by Team Dayton Cycling. Very nice event, and everyone was super friendly. I did the Cat 4/5 race first - race for 40 minutes and see how many laps you can get in. I stuck with the main pack until about 5 laps to go (right around 30 min mark - even though I had been feeling it for the last 6 minutes...lol) So I fell back into the straggling line of hangers on... all trying to get back on the pack and not get dropped and lapped. I think there was approx 60 racers in the race to start. With about 4 laps to go I passed a United Dairy Famer rider and he jumped on my wheel. Alright - someone to work with so we don't get passed by the main pack. I led 2 laps and he just road there. I swung to the left, nothing... he followed. I slowed the pace from 23mpg to 19mph and he stayed there... ok- he is going to stay in my draft until the end and rip past me fresh as a daisy... yeah right. I decided then to hit the next corner and start pounding again... leave him. I ramp up the speed and I'm back up to 24mph... next corner still on the gas.... on the front straight and I look back... I have about 15 yards on the guy... Sweet.. just need to hold it for a couple more laps. Next I hear the lead group vehicle coming around... I'm going to get lapped. The Tour d'Burg car goes by me and points and tells me pull out - so I'm not in the way. DANG! The dude that messed with me kept me from finishing. I should have just kept going and I would have finished on the lead lap. Live and learn. My next race is about an hour away - the Masters Race (means old guys). But before that - Freddy brought his bike for a kids race. One hot lap for the kids. I got him lined up and road off to watch. Freddy told me afterwards one of the other dad's told his kid before the race that he better win or he was going to take his Xbox away from him.... Nice..... Anyway, Freddy took off and did Great. I think he maybe got 5th out of like 13-14 kids. He finished with a smile on his face and that is all that matters! My next race was coming up and the heat was going up.... I think the computer averaged 100 degrees for that race. It was hot. It started and the pace wasn't as bad as the earlier race... or at least it didn't seem so.... but long story short... about 6 min from the end and I was dragging off the main field again. This time I didn't let up. I kept working. I finished the entire race without being pulled. Nice. The results - ended up 8th in my first race (even being pulled out), and in the Masters I was 12th. Not too bad.
I know my blog gets wordy... boring... drawn out... but when I hear from others who read it, it does make me feel good. I was never a writer in school and this shows I'm sure. But I do find it relaxing. I hope that others enjoy it. I know some posts are better than others and this one wasn't great - just felt like I needed to get something going as it has been too long. But I promise if you stick with me I will improve and get better. Thank you for your support!
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
My vacation baby and Strava KOM's
OK - I just got home from a little over a week of vacation. I know, rough life. Destination was North Topsail Island, NC.
On the way down we made a pit stop in Greensboro to stop and see the Mellanders. Paul moved to real mountain bike and real BBQ country and hasn't looked back. This is my only time to hang out with everyone and enjoy some good food with friends. The Mellanders surprised us with some great homemade ravioli - I was shown the path so it could be in my future. I always enjoy these educational cooking dinners - they give me the confidence to try to make new things and make my cooking better. It was Paul who took me under his wing and helped me become the cook I am today. Thank you Paul (and Maureen too!) My family and friends Thank you too!
Next up the beach. Carisa and I brought our bikes. We each got out and got some miles in when we could (early mornings and nap times). I ended up with over 125 miles in there. Topsail is a very bike friendly community. I never felt in danger once while riding (from traffic). My first ride out there was to get the lay of the land - and ride over the inter coastal bridge to the island. Man the wind on the bridge is a little un-nerving. Being not too happy with heights doesn't help either, as you ride along and notice that if you would swerve and hit the guardrail, it is the perfect height to hit it and hold the bike back but launch me off in to the gator waters below.....
The Strava segments I found..... Sneads Ferry Bridge: 3rd out of 19. Never could get over the bridge without a cross wind of some kind. Not bad- that is a true effort shown. Sneads Ferry Bridge East Bound: tied for 8th out of 13 (with Carisa) - same deal, crosswind but now winded from just attacking the other direction. 210 Sneads Ferry to Surf City: 1st out of 17, I totally saved myself just for this segment this day. It was a full gas time trial effort. Head down and pound it out. My ride home was ugly. Topsail Townline Sprint - this was a toughy, only got one shot at it and there was no clear way to tell where it started and stopped. So I did my best guess and hammered again. 3rd place out of 19. Should be 2nd - as 1st and 2nd was done on a tandem, and they only got me by 1 second over a half mile. DANG! The last segment I found was 210 Surf City to Sneads Ferry. First out of 22. Not too bad. Again when I did this I treated it as a Time Trial and took my time to warm up there before hammering it home and getting it. I was toasty after this one. Overall the riding was great!
The food in Topsail is very very good. I love seafood. Plenty of places to go that cook fresh seafood. Also lots of places there that have really good junk food. Some of my favorites places I remember were Riverview (best hush puppies and grilled shrimp and fish), The Corner Bake Shop (Amazing cookies, cinnamon rolls, and croissants), Daily Dip has very good ice cream. We also visited Wilmington and hit Chop's Deli and had one of the best sandwiches I have ever had there - the Amsterdam (it was a daily special, not normally on the menu) and then we went to Kilwin's. Both of those places were excellent.
I came home and weighed myself. Moment of truth. I gained. I gained A LOT. I did eat pretty much anything I wanted, just like the old days. SEVENTEEN POUNDS. Yes you read that right. I left weighing 190lbs. Saturday when we got home I got on the scale and it said 207. I expected a gain - maybe 8 pounds, 10 max.... but 17? HOLY COW! Needless to say Sunday I was back on MyFitnessPal. So vacation weigh must not be a real weight - or maybe it didn't have a chance to grab hold. Getting back to my cheerios, regular lunch and dinner, Sunday night I got on the scale again, about the same time as the day before. I weighed 195lbs... are you kidding me - 12 pounds? INSANE...... that is a ton of water and junk weight. The foods on vacation must be full of salt and other retaining things..... it is all I can figure. Craziness.
On the way down we made a pit stop in Greensboro to stop and see the Mellanders. Paul moved to real mountain bike and real BBQ country and hasn't looked back. This is my only time to hang out with everyone and enjoy some good food with friends. The Mellanders surprised us with some great homemade ravioli - I was shown the path so it could be in my future. I always enjoy these educational cooking dinners - they give me the confidence to try to make new things and make my cooking better. It was Paul who took me under his wing and helped me become the cook I am today. Thank you Paul (and Maureen too!) My family and friends Thank you too!
Next up the beach. Carisa and I brought our bikes. We each got out and got some miles in when we could (early mornings and nap times). I ended up with over 125 miles in there. Topsail is a very bike friendly community. I never felt in danger once while riding (from traffic). My first ride out there was to get the lay of the land - and ride over the inter coastal bridge to the island. Man the wind on the bridge is a little un-nerving. Being not too happy with heights doesn't help either, as you ride along and notice that if you would swerve and hit the guardrail, it is the perfect height to hit it and hold the bike back but launch me off in to the gator waters below.....
The Strava segments I found..... Sneads Ferry Bridge: 3rd out of 19. Never could get over the bridge without a cross wind of some kind. Not bad- that is a true effort shown. Sneads Ferry Bridge East Bound: tied for 8th out of 13 (with Carisa) - same deal, crosswind but now winded from just attacking the other direction. 210 Sneads Ferry to Surf City: 1st out of 17, I totally saved myself just for this segment this day. It was a full gas time trial effort. Head down and pound it out. My ride home was ugly. Topsail Townline Sprint - this was a toughy, only got one shot at it and there was no clear way to tell where it started and stopped. So I did my best guess and hammered again. 3rd place out of 19. Should be 2nd - as 1st and 2nd was done on a tandem, and they only got me by 1 second over a half mile. DANG! The last segment I found was 210 Surf City to Sneads Ferry. First out of 22. Not too bad. Again when I did this I treated it as a Time Trial and took my time to warm up there before hammering it home and getting it. I was toasty after this one. Overall the riding was great!
The food in Topsail is very very good. I love seafood. Plenty of places to go that cook fresh seafood. Also lots of places there that have really good junk food. Some of my favorites places I remember were Riverview (best hush puppies and grilled shrimp and fish), The Corner Bake Shop (Amazing cookies, cinnamon rolls, and croissants), Daily Dip has very good ice cream. We also visited Wilmington and hit Chop's Deli and had one of the best sandwiches I have ever had there - the Amsterdam (it was a daily special, not normally on the menu) and then we went to Kilwin's. Both of those places were excellent.
I came home and weighed myself. Moment of truth. I gained. I gained A LOT. I did eat pretty much anything I wanted, just like the old days. SEVENTEEN POUNDS. Yes you read that right. I left weighing 190lbs. Saturday when we got home I got on the scale and it said 207. I expected a gain - maybe 8 pounds, 10 max.... but 17? HOLY COW! Needless to say Sunday I was back on MyFitnessPal. So vacation weigh must not be a real weight - or maybe it didn't have a chance to grab hold. Getting back to my cheerios, regular lunch and dinner, Sunday night I got on the scale again, about the same time as the day before. I weighed 195lbs... are you kidding me - 12 pounds? INSANE...... that is a ton of water and junk weight. The foods on vacation must be full of salt and other retaining things..... it is all I can figure. Craziness.
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
My weight and some bike riding.....
A week has gone by since my big ride of the year. I came back from such a huge bike ride trip with a weight gain. Yes, I may have burnt a zillion calories climbing a mountain and riding a century... but the eating out, the road trip habits, they body trying to retain water to repair itself all added to a weight gain. I left weighing 192lbs and came back weighing 204lbs. Insane.
Things I learned... road trips = bad choices. At least in the past. I am going to make it different from now forward. This trip at pee breaks, and gas stations turned into Sweetarts, trail mix (with M&M's and chocolates,etc) just a load of crap. This weekend I have another road trip and I am planning ahead. Presliced fruit will be the key. It's sweet and good for the body. Smarter choices at restaurants too.... .I love food too much. I just can't fall back into my old self of fried foods - it is just not healthy for my body.
The other thing I came to realize is after a big big ride (or any other huge exertion) that the body does what ever it can to protect it self and start repairing (gaining weight and retaining water). That's good for the body - but bad for the mind when you stare at a number on the scale. The good news is that a week after, I am actually back to where I started 192. It does seem to be coming back down in big jumps again and I am anxious to see where it will stop again. Hoping to see a new low before this weekend.
Sunday was a local bike race - Newmark Center near the Dayton Mall. Put on by Big Dave Sports. Last year at this race I was blown out of the main pack and literally lapped right before the finish (approx 300 yards out). This year a little different. I did screw up and see the 1 lap to go sign but for some reason thought it meant there was one more - not that we were on the last lap. Anyways I was just staying in the group looking forward to kicking it up the last lap and it was over....lol... I missed it - I think I could have easily moved up a good 5-8 positions from where I was... but I wasn't last. I didn't get lapped. I was actually still in the lead pack. Huge difference over last year. Even though I screwed up - I still did good. Our Cat5 race completed 18 miles with a 26mph average speed.
Here is a picture of the team that went to Newmark
The other thing I have enjoyed very much this year is that my wife, Carisa, has started road riding. I can't believe how well she is doing. She really seems to enjoy it. And she is very open to suggestions, and making herself a better rider. Yesterday we had gone out for just a neighborhood ride which is approx 20-25 miles and she looks and me as says this is too much fun, let's keep going. We ended up with 61 miles for the day. Went up through Terra Haute, to Urbana (past the 9/11 memorial), back through Northridge (stopped at my sister's house to refuel) headed to the Reservoir and then back up through Tremont City back home. I think we had like 1400 feet of climbing. The funny thing was I was totally content to just ride back Penny Pike (into a head wind) and spin, just relaxing and winding down the ride. When Carisa jumps in front of me and pulls all the way down the road (approx 2 miles) in to the wind at 19-20mph all the way. She is a beast. Yes I did try to hop into the draft... I admit. She makes me so proud! Proud of you!
And that's all I have to say about that.... Thank you for reading!
Things I learned... road trips = bad choices. At least in the past. I am going to make it different from now forward. This trip at pee breaks, and gas stations turned into Sweetarts, trail mix (with M&M's and chocolates,etc) just a load of crap. This weekend I have another road trip and I am planning ahead. Presliced fruit will be the key. It's sweet and good for the body. Smarter choices at restaurants too.... .I love food too much. I just can't fall back into my old self of fried foods - it is just not healthy for my body.
The other thing I came to realize is after a big big ride (or any other huge exertion) that the body does what ever it can to protect it self and start repairing (gaining weight and retaining water). That's good for the body - but bad for the mind when you stare at a number on the scale. The good news is that a week after, I am actually back to where I started 192. It does seem to be coming back down in big jumps again and I am anxious to see where it will stop again. Hoping to see a new low before this weekend.
Sunday was a local bike race - Newmark Center near the Dayton Mall. Put on by Big Dave Sports. Last year at this race I was blown out of the main pack and literally lapped right before the finish (approx 300 yards out). This year a little different. I did screw up and see the 1 lap to go sign but for some reason thought it meant there was one more - not that we were on the last lap. Anyways I was just staying in the group looking forward to kicking it up the last lap and it was over....lol... I missed it - I think I could have easily moved up a good 5-8 positions from where I was... but I wasn't last. I didn't get lapped. I was actually still in the lead pack. Huge difference over last year. Even though I screwed up - I still did good. Our Cat5 race completed 18 miles with a 26mph average speed.
Here is a picture of the team that went to Newmark
Team Members from left to right: George Collins, Clint Murray, Garry Blair, Dan McCarty, Colin Payton, Fred Peters, Dan Payton, Aaron Dunaway
The other thing I have enjoyed very much this year is that my wife, Carisa, has started road riding. I can't believe how well she is doing. She really seems to enjoy it. And she is very open to suggestions, and making herself a better rider. Yesterday we had gone out for just a neighborhood ride which is approx 20-25 miles and she looks and me as says this is too much fun, let's keep going. We ended up with 61 miles for the day. Went up through Terra Haute, to Urbana (past the 9/11 memorial), back through Northridge (stopped at my sister's house to refuel) headed to the Reservoir and then back up through Tremont City back home. I think we had like 1400 feet of climbing. The funny thing was I was totally content to just ride back Penny Pike (into a head wind) and spin, just relaxing and winding down the ride. When Carisa jumps in front of me and pulls all the way down the road (approx 2 miles) in to the wind at 19-20mph all the way. She is a beast. Yes I did try to hop into the draft... I admit. She makes me so proud! Proud of you!
And that's all I have to say about that.... Thank you for reading!
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
The Assault on Mt Mitchell
The Assault on Mt Mitchell has now come and gone.
I had planned this
ride for nearly a year since completing it my first time last year. This year a
larger group of the Champion City Cycling team made the Journey. Returning
members from last year besides myself were Dan Payton, Dan McCarty, George
Collins and Paul Basler. This years
newest members to complete it were Kevin Holmes, Tony Tucker, Clint Murray,
Alix Payton, Colin Payton, Garry Blair (Julie Blair also went and did the
Assault on Marion), Aaron Dunaway, and Jerry Evilsizor. We also met Mike Michaelson
and Mustafa Nazary there also for the ride. So
we were 16 riders strong there. 
We headed down on Saturday this time- learning from the
debacle of last years (totalling a car and being pressed for time before the
race with all the deadlines). This worked
out much better. We got down to Spartanburg, SC around dinner time. Unloaded
the cars, and got settled in at the hotel.
Ended up heading you to eat and to pick up some last minute details for
the ride.
Sunday AM came and after our free continental breakfast at the hotel, we headed out on the bikes to spin our legs and get a lay of the land. We found the start of the ride and noted some of the course before we would be attacking it on race day.
Sunday AM came and after our free continental breakfast at the hotel, we headed out on the bikes to spin our legs and get a lay of the land. We found the start of the ride and noted some of the course before we would be attacking it on race day.
After a 20 mile spin we all got cleaned up
and went to the Expo center to get our race bibs and information as well as the
goody bags. We took in the Expo they had going on there, some even made some
last minute purchases of nutrition and clothing. I personally liked the Boyd
Wheels booth, even though I could not talk them into a demo set of wheels to
“try out” on the ride.
My Expo score for my wife - $180 Carbon shoes for $37
After this we headed back to the hotel and hit Subway up for
a quick lunch. Then we had to get 4 vehicles out to Tom Johnson’s campgrounds
in Marion. This was so that when everyone was done, and road the bus down we
could drive back to the hotel together rather than ride the bus for another
2-1/2 hours. While they were away
dropping the vehicles Julie, Garry and Alix made a pizza plan for the team. We ordered
a bunch of Pizza and pasta from Pizza hut and ate it in the hotel dining room.
Everyone could sit and talk and relax before we had to get up and be ready to
go in the morning. It was nice and relaxing.
We also checked with the hotel manager that night and they told us they
would have the continental breakfast out early in the morning for the bikers
before our ride. Very cool.
So Monday morning arrives. The dining room starts to fill
with all of the members of the green train. Bikes are being piled up in the
lobby waiting for launching. As we begin the fueling process for the day, there
is a excitement in the air. A nervousness……
Mt. Mitchell is out there waiting.
How will everyone do? 
We calm ourselves and mount the bikes and head 2 miles to the start. We snap our traditional group start picture and take our places in the starting pack.
The clock in front of the Spartanbrug Memorial Hall is counting down to the start. 10 minutes…. Then 5….. closer and closer then the gun shot – we are off. Everyone is flying. This is were my journey begins.
First rest stop is approx 22 miles out… the group I am in gets there in less than an hour and no one stops. Next rest stop at mile 42 on top of Bill’s Hill. I determine I need to stop there to replenish the water bottles and stay hydrated. The group gets there before the second hour passes. No one stops but me out the group. I felt odd stopping but I have to do my own race…. I need water and without my race would quickly be over. I do not want to cramp. Off the bike for 2 minutes… I jump back on the road and I am back on my way. My next planned stop is Marion at mile 75. I am now no longer part of any groups… working harder at my own to keep on pace. I need to get to Marion at 4 hours to stay on target for my goal finish time.
3 miles later I see someone. Mustafa. I ride up to him and start joking around. I ask what the heck he is doing back here and he got shot out of the lead group just before Marion. Dan P, Colin and Paul all were still hanging in there though and looking strong. When he got shot out the back the chase group was so far back that he couldn’t see any riders for a while and somehow made a wrong turn. He stopped to ask directions on how to get back and they gave him the wrong ones. So when he asks me what mile I am on, I tell him 78, he says he is on 94. He ended up 16 miles out of the way. Crazy. And to top it off he is continuing up the mountain. We are riding along and he is very seasoned rider. He critics some of the things I am doing as I climb and he gives me some advice. Small ring and spin, keep up the cadence. Do not power through or waste any energy at this point. I will need it later. The next rest stop is at mile 82. He has to stop and get water. He tells me to keep spinning and he will catch up and help pace me again. I do not see him again until the end. I am in the worst part of the switch backs now. Steep section from mile 82-87. No breaks, just climbing. I see Clint and George in this section working away. We are all working at our pace all moving upward. Switch back on switch back. Finally reaching the top right before we pop out on the Blue Ridge Parkway, Kevin comes up to me and rolls into the rest stop with me. I gather my water and turn around he is gone.... moving on. He is all buiness. So I jump back on and get rolling. I never see anyone else now until the finish. The miles are now clicking off the computer slowly. Like the kids watching the school clock at this time of year, each second feels like ten.
I get to the park entrace. I know there are only two rest stops left. I can do this. I am still on course for my perfect world goal time (7:15). My legs are starting to feel like they have been beaten with socks full of quarters. I push through. I stopped on the side of the road twice – not at rest stops, just long enough to compose myself and eat some kind of mystery gel that claims power and energy with caffine. I need anything at this point that will make my body go on. Finally passing the last rest stop I know that I am less than 2 miles to the finish. My perfect world time has just passed also. Now I need to get as close to it as possible. There is a false flat and I feel so powerfull I see 20 mph for the first time in hours. I can take Lance Armstrong on now… then the hill starts to climb again. There went Lance. I spin. Remember Mustafa telling me to spin. I keep my cadence up and just keep working. I see the parking lots coming. I’m getting excited. Then there they are! Champion City Cycling – Dan, Colin, Aaron everyone cheering me on! It is a blur now. I enter the cones to get my picture at the finish. I see the timing tent people looking for my number. The guy behind me stands and starts to sprint. What? You are going to try to stick it to me now? No Way Jose! I spin harder – click, another gear. I’m kicking for all I have. I crossed the line ahead of him. Who does that. I hope he enjoys his finish picture with my in front of him. Dang dude… was it worth it?
Anyways. I am at the
top – finish time 7 hours 29 minutes. Nearly 4 hours faster than last time (and
an hour fast than just the ride time alone).
After the finish I had to sit there and collect myself. I got emotional.
Everything I had was in that finish. Every fiber of my raw being forced me
across that line. I wanted to cry. I was so happy.
Now I am experiencing the finish a totally different way. The snack bar is open, people are walking around and joking, watching and cheering other riders in to the finish. It is all new to me and I like it. Last year I finished in the rain and 40 degrees. I just wanted to change my clothes and leave. This year it is nice to see everything. I put on my shirt that says “I paid for this shirt with Paul Basler’s money” and went to find Paul. The bet between us was a blow out in my favor. Thanks Paul for pushing me to better myself. Next year I want to do even better.
I boarded the bus to head back down to Marion. I was looking
forward to the free dinner there. Last year it was gone by the time I finished
and got back down the mountain. We pulled up and everyone on the bus hit the
bathrooms first then to the shelter house for food. Spaghetti dinner with salad
or BBQ Pork, cole slaw and roll and Brownies for dessert. Soft drinks, tea and
water for drinks. I had a little of everything and a water. We are not sitting there for more than 40
minutes with the skies open up and pour on us. Not just a rain but a monsoon. I
mean I had to get a jacket out of my bag because the shelter I was under (maybe
150x80 feet) I was still getting wet in as the wind blew the rain and hit us
under the center of that place. I felt bad for Tony and Jerry who were yet to be
accounted for at this point. Turns out that Tony was on the next bus and did
ride through some rain, but was happy to be done. Jerry road through some rain
and HAIL. That is insane. He was doing everything possible to finish. The Sag
vehicle was trying to pick him up like a vulture on his prey. They wanted him
to get in and be done… but he was less than 2 miles from the finish. Jerry did
it. Nicely done my good man. It’s a proud moment of your determination.
Congrats to all my team mates. Everyone finished. Some did it with style, some smashed it, some persaveered in a way I cannot even comprehend. But I want you all to know that I am proud of every single one of you. Awesome job! Thank you to Paul for pushing me harder this year - it was totally worth it! Thank you to Mustafa - your words of encouragement and tips made the ride better, I will always remember them. This was by far a better trip and a great expereince for the Champion City Cycling Team.
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