Some video of a ride with my buddy Louis yesterday, just before dusk.
a bit of video from tonight's ride, just before dusk. - warning - there may be some language....
Posted by Steve on Tuesday, October 13, 2015
Wednesday, October 14, 2015
Swayback
Fortunately, there is a mountain bike trail somewhat close to home. It's not any Oak Mountain, but will do well enough to keep some fitness. I'm not a fan of this trail mostly because it kicks the crap out of me.. It's punchy.. Not much rhythm... Tight.. Roots.. LOTS of roots. Still though - riding with buddies is always good!
Some video of a ride with my buddy Louis yesterday, just before dusk.
Some video of a ride with my buddy Louis yesterday, just before dusk.
Monday, October 12, 2015
Rando-Less - aka The Glassner Autumn Challenge
As much as anything, I've been having a hankerin' just to jot down some abbreviated thoughts and put something out there as a reminder all is well and the bike(s) still get some use!
The work schedule over the past year or so has been more demanding than in years past, so my ability to train for and participate in the brevets has really diminished. Not only that, but the fire for ultra-anything just isn't stoked too hot at the moment. Then again, it's one of those things that requires momentum.
Now - down to cases!
About the only worthy thing aside from some mtb races so far this year, I've done some organized fundraisers and so forth. This weekend was a century ride in memory of a cyclist that was hit and killed by a cager some years ago. Thankfully, my buddy David whom was riding with him at the time, survived the ordeal.
Ok - it's just a century ride (100 or more miles), but the lack of training miles and my desire to ride with some passion - along with the steady and everpresent headwind made for a testy little ride. Summary. It was a good bike ride with mostly my buddy Louis. Below is some video from his Cycliq camera. This was just after a couple of dummies hit the deck as is so very common in these mass start events. Hope their okay, but bloody hell... so many sketchy riders that need weeded out!
It turned out to be a cloudy, but just warm enough day. Perfect, aside from the wind.
And now - the obligatory data for the geeks.
The work schedule over the past year or so has been more demanding than in years past, so my ability to train for and participate in the brevets has really diminished. Not only that, but the fire for ultra-anything just isn't stoked too hot at the moment. Then again, it's one of those things that requires momentum.
Now - down to cases!
About the only worthy thing aside from some mtb races so far this year, I've done some organized fundraisers and so forth. This weekend was a century ride in memory of a cyclist that was hit and killed by a cager some years ago. Thankfully, my buddy David whom was riding with him at the time, survived the ordeal.
Ok - it's just a century ride (100 or more miles), but the lack of training miles and my desire to ride with some passion - along with the steady and everpresent headwind made for a testy little ride. Summary. It was a good bike ride with mostly my buddy Louis. Below is some video from his Cycliq camera. This was just after a couple of dummies hit the deck as is so very common in these mass start events. Hope their okay, but bloody hell... so many sketchy riders that need weeded out!
It turned out to be a cloudy, but just warm enough day. Perfect, aside from the wind.
Friday, October 18, 2013
It's Been A While...
OK, it's been not only quite a while since my last post, but it has also been quite a while since I've had much of anything to report.
Since the hit and run - knee surgery - pelvis fracture and torn muscles last year, I've moved (again) into the deeper south of Alabama, and finally have worked myself into some form. Nothing to write home about, but I've had a few hundred mile rides, but no brevets. Well, that's about to change tomorrow! I have the honor to have new Randonneur and friend, David Orange share his first 200k with me. Up for our pleasure/pain is the Cheaha Challenge 220k.
Things are pretty much ready. Since I've had very little time on the Roubaix, I'm gonna be 'that guy' and ride a brevet on my Tarmac, complete with carbon wheels and power tap hub! HA! David is excited and has asked all the usual (and right) questions. I'm looking forward to getting a control card signed once again... more to come post-ride.
Ride report:
First of all, congratulations and welcome to Randonneuring, David Orange!
We had a bit of a late start - which wasn't too much of an issue, since we were doing this as a preride, thanks to the permission from the Alabama RBA. We intended to start at 7:30, but rolled out shortly after 8:00, I think. The weather was cool to start, but not intolerable. I put on some arm warmers, and had some knee warmers for later, if needed. David, after some indecision, finally settled on some arm warmers and a vest for later. For whatever reason, I left my vest on the bed at home.
Here David, getting ready!
The two intrepids, ready to shove off...
Full of energy, and eagerness... obviously early in the ride. Over 200k and 10,000 feet of climbing up the hills has a tendency to change one's demeanor. Early in the ride, we passed White Plains Elementary school. Not passing up the opportunity to connect the dots to the Eastwood movie High Plains Drifter, we killed some time by incorporating all the Eastwood movies we could remember into a story. THIS is the fun part of riding a brevet.
It was a dreary start. On the drive up, we had some light rain, but figured that would be the end of the rain we would see on this day. (not true) Still though, the views at elevation are always nice.
The rain (and wind) continued to pick up as we climbed the hill, with some nasty gusts towards the top. David, being much lighter than me, made it to the top well before me and was waiting under an awning while the rain came down. We both were pretty chilly and knew the descent was coming up. After a candy bar and refilling our water, I had to prod my riding partner to get a move on. Experience told me that getting back at it sooner rather than later is the key to getting warm again.
The descent down the hill wasn't a lot of fun, as the road surface was wet, and wet clothing made for a big chill. It was nice to ride out of the rain, though. and even noticed the clouds breaking up on the other side of the hill.
On the other side of the hill, and beyond the rain, the mood improved as we worked our way to Tallegada where the turnaround is.
And actual shadows?? Even later in the day, the sunshine will help warm things up. This is a good thing, as I expected up to an hour of riding in the dark. In true Randonneur fashion, we were prepared with reflective gear and lighting.
The rough chip and seal surface, while not the most pleasant to ride on, to me signaled the beginning of the end of the climbing. Still though, not far beyond where I snapped this picture, there was a tasty, extended 13% grade to winch myself up. David, being the better climber was a few minutes ahead of me at this point. We met back up at one of the last turns that would take us back to the control where the rain began before we started the climb earlier in the day. By now, we were both fatigued, but definitely had more left in the tank.
As predicted, we had a touch of riding in the dark. A new experience for David. I ran a low-end 1 watt light on my handlebar, but had my most excellent helmet light that I used to spot some deer in the darkness.
The pace of the finish mirrored the pace on the outbound leg. The traffic was light and very respectful to the 'crazy' cyclists out at night, thankfully!
Again - so grateful to share a 'first' with David. He's a fantastic riding partner, and one that likely will enjoy many more brevets over the coming years. I'm happy this first experience was a positive one, and glad to have been a part of it. To me, this is the essence of Randonneuring.
Ride on...
OH - data geeks.. here is the Strava info:
Since the hit and run - knee surgery - pelvis fracture and torn muscles last year, I've moved (again) into the deeper south of Alabama, and finally have worked myself into some form. Nothing to write home about, but I've had a few hundred mile rides, but no brevets. Well, that's about to change tomorrow! I have the honor to have new Randonneur and friend, David Orange share his first 200k with me. Up for our pleasure/pain is the Cheaha Challenge 220k.
Things are pretty much ready. Since I've had very little time on the Roubaix, I'm gonna be 'that guy' and ride a brevet on my Tarmac, complete with carbon wheels and power tap hub! HA! David is excited and has asked all the usual (and right) questions. I'm looking forward to getting a control card signed once again... more to come post-ride.
Ride report:
First of all, congratulations and welcome to Randonneuring, David Orange!
We had a bit of a late start - which wasn't too much of an issue, since we were doing this as a preride, thanks to the permission from the Alabama RBA. We intended to start at 7:30, but rolled out shortly after 8:00, I think. The weather was cool to start, but not intolerable. I put on some arm warmers, and had some knee warmers for later, if needed. David, after some indecision, finally settled on some arm warmers and a vest for later. For whatever reason, I left my vest on the bed at home.
Here David, getting ready!
Full of energy, and eagerness... obviously early in the ride. Over 200k and 10,000 feet of climbing up the hills has a tendency to change one's demeanor. Early in the ride, we passed White Plains Elementary school. Not passing up the opportunity to connect the dots to the Eastwood movie High Plains Drifter, we killed some time by incorporating all the Eastwood movies we could remember into a story. THIS is the fun part of riding a brevet.
It was a dreary start. On the drive up, we had some light rain, but figured that would be the end of the rain we would see on this day. (not true) Still though, the views at elevation are always nice.
At the third control (checkpoint), it started to rain lightly. Normally not an issue, but knowing we would be climbing to higher elevations, and already having little more than summer clothing on, I was getting concerned. David was better prepared, having the vest. Knew I could improvise if the situation got really bad. Newspaper, trash bags, etc can all be used to help keep the rain at bay, and offer some thermal insulation.
The rain (and wind) continued to pick up as we climbed the hill, with some nasty gusts towards the top. David, being much lighter than me, made it to the top well before me and was waiting under an awning while the rain came down. We both were pretty chilly and knew the descent was coming up. After a candy bar and refilling our water, I had to prod my riding partner to get a move on. Experience told me that getting back at it sooner rather than later is the key to getting warm again.
The descent down the hill wasn't a lot of fun, as the road surface was wet, and wet clothing made for a big chill. It was nice to ride out of the rain, though. and even noticed the clouds breaking up on the other side of the hill.
On the other side of the hill, and beyond the rain, the mood improved as we worked our way to Tallegada where the turnaround is.
What's this.... blue skies?
As predicted, we had a touch of riding in the dark. A new experience for David. I ran a low-end 1 watt light on my handlebar, but had my most excellent helmet light that I used to spot some deer in the darkness.
The pace of the finish mirrored the pace on the outbound leg. The traffic was light and very respectful to the 'crazy' cyclists out at night, thankfully!
Again - so grateful to share a 'first' with David. He's a fantastic riding partner, and one that likely will enjoy many more brevets over the coming years. I'm happy this first experience was a positive one, and glad to have been a part of it. To me, this is the essence of Randonneuring.
Ride on...
OH - data geeks.. here is the Strava info:
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Aerosmith or Gene Autry?
Who cares??
The point is that I'm BACK IN THE SADDLE AGAIN!
After a couple of cautious test rides, I was able to actually put some power down on the pedals! Nothing too crazy, mind you - but the good news is that I didn't feel ripping, tearing, popping or anything I shouldn't have. Just my legs burning and heart feeling like it would leap from my chest.
Nothing to write home about - but worthy of writhing about....here. Nearly 2 months to recover from my Bailey-the-dog vs Steve-on-the-bike incident.
Proud to share my puny numbers:
The point is that I'm BACK IN THE SADDLE AGAIN!
After a couple of cautious test rides, I was able to actually put some power down on the pedals! Nothing too crazy, mind you - but the good news is that I didn't feel ripping, tearing, popping or anything I shouldn't have. Just my legs burning and heart feeling like it would leap from my chest.
Nothing to write home about - but worthy of writhing about....here. Nearly 2 months to recover from my Bailey-the-dog vs Steve-on-the-bike incident.
Proud to share my puny numbers:
Sunday, September 16, 2012
Could it be??
Wow - two days in a row of being on the bike? Yes - it's indoors and on the trainer, but I'm pedaling. Feels eerily familiar, but still a LONG way from normal.
After Bailey the dog took me out, which resulted in busted, this - torn that, I've spent the last month doing.... Nothing. Absolutely nothing. Between the torn hip flexor and hamstring - this is by far the toughest injury I've had to contend with. Yesterday was just 20 minutes to see if something would detach, break or whatever. Today I did a bit more time and power just to break a sweat. I'm SO out of shape, but happy to be spinning again.
I'm hoping to actually make it out on the road next weekend.
You can see that I didn't get at all carried away today. No way do I want to aggravate this injury.
After Bailey the dog took me out, which resulted in busted, this - torn that, I've spent the last month doing.... Nothing. Absolutely nothing. Between the torn hip flexor and hamstring - this is by far the toughest injury I've had to contend with. Yesterday was just 20 minutes to see if something would detach, break or whatever. Today I did a bit more time and power just to break a sweat. I'm SO out of shape, but happy to be spinning again.
I'm hoping to actually make it out on the road next weekend.
You can see that I didn't get at all carried away today. No way do I want to aggravate this injury.
Friday, September 14, 2012
Busted Ass
Never let it be said that I don't bust my ass! The second xray of my pelvis reveals that I did, indeed bust my ass in the Bailey the dog vs Me on the bike, spill. The area circled is called the ischial - in other words; sit bone. For a cyclist, this is a bummer, as that's the exact spot that carries the majority of the pressure, or at least it should be!
The fracture is really secondary to the torn hip flexor and hamstring. Now THAT is painful.
So yeah - while I finish my physical therapy on the newly reconstructed knee, I get a fresh round to treat the muscle tears. Is there an end to this?
The weather in Middle Tennessee is as good as it gets, and boy do I miss riding my bike. At the same time, I'm in no rush to put this recovery into jeopardy.
The fracture is really secondary to the torn hip flexor and hamstring. Now THAT is painful.
So yeah - while I finish my physical therapy on the newly reconstructed knee, I get a fresh round to treat the muscle tears. Is there an end to this?
The weather in Middle Tennessee is as good as it gets, and boy do I miss riding my bike. At the same time, I'm in no rush to put this recovery into jeopardy.
Friday, August 24, 2012
Bummer
Well, the Lance bashers will have a hey-day with the news that Lance Armstrong, 7 time Tour de France 'champion' will stop fighting arbitration with USADA(US andi-doping agency), which will almost certainly lead to the stripping of his 7 TDF championships, as well as other victories within a defined time period.
Bummer.
So much time and energy has gone into this seemingly endless attack on Lance. It's not over, either. Surely there will be civil suits.
Can't we just move forward? The sport of professional cycling has certainly moved past the doping as the 'norm' in the peloton, I think. Now this will dominate the news for..how long?
We should be talking about Jens Voigt's solo break and stage victory, Tom Danielson's gutsy ride - all in the high altitude of Colorado.
I had the incredible good fortune to ride with Lance Armstrong one fine day in middle Tennessee. We chatted about the same stuff that happens on any ride. A bona fide bad ass for sure - now soon to be relegated to the doping scrap heap. One of the few good shots I found of Lance and I from that super-cool day.
Bummer.
So much time and energy has gone into this seemingly endless attack on Lance. It's not over, either. Surely there will be civil suits.
Can't we just move forward? The sport of professional cycling has certainly moved past the doping as the 'norm' in the peloton, I think. Now this will dominate the news for..how long?
We should be talking about Jens Voigt's solo break and stage victory, Tom Danielson's gutsy ride - all in the high altitude of Colorado.
I had the incredible good fortune to ride with Lance Armstrong one fine day in middle Tennessee. We chatted about the same stuff that happens on any ride. A bona fide bad ass for sure - now soon to be relegated to the doping scrap heap. One of the few good shots I found of Lance and I from that super-cool day.
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