Sat, May 30, 2008 - 15.15 mi
15.15 mi in 01:00:10 hours at 15.11 mi/h on Specialized Sequoia Elite. [Cycling] A great ride along the strand. I hadn't been on a bike for a couple of weeks. I can't believe I avoid it sometimes. Today felt fantastic. It wasn't easy on the way out, the regular battle with the headwind. The way back was easier and much faster. I did steady state reps using my CTS Do the Tour audio. Mostly the ride was great.
Posted from My Cycling Log
Friday, May 30, 2008
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Wed, May 14, 2008 - 20.95 mi [Cycling]
Wed, May 14, 2008 - 20.95 mi [Cycling]
20.95 mi in 01:27:25 hours at 14.38 mi/h on Specialized Sequoia Elite. [Cycling] I was working hard following instruction from Chris Carmichael on my ipod. 15 minute warm up. Two 90 second fast pedals; and then the first 8 minute sustained effort period...I was trying to keep my effort level at about a 7. Then I came up on a guy that likes to tow his canoe with his bike. I tucked in behind him but I needed to go faster so I decided to pass. It's a long canoe. we came up on a runer, he drifted to the left, I got pushed left. I had just about managed to squeeze by when I noticed how close I was to the edg of the black top. Well, you focus on the edge, and that's where the bike wants to go. So I went over the edge, into the sand, and over the bars I went.
Posted from My Cycling Log
20.95 mi in 01:27:25 hours at 14.38 mi/h on Specialized Sequoia Elite. [Cycling] I was working hard following instruction from Chris Carmichael on my ipod. 15 minute warm up. Two 90 second fast pedals; and then the first 8 minute sustained effort period...I was trying to keep my effort level at about a 7. Then I came up on a guy that likes to tow his canoe with his bike. I tucked in behind him but I needed to go faster so I decided to pass. It's a long canoe. we came up on a runer, he drifted to the left, I got pushed left. I had just about managed to squeeze by when I noticed how close I was to the edg of the black top. Well, you focus on the edge, and that's where the bike wants to go. So I went over the edge, into the sand, and over the bars I went.
Posted from My Cycling Log
Mon, May 12, 2008 - 14.84 mi [Cycling]
Mon, May 12, 2008 - 14.84 mi [Cycling]
14.84 mi in 01:02:15 hours at 14.30 mi/h on Specialized Sequoia Elite. [Cycling] My first time on "The Girl" after Tour of the Tucson Mountains. It was a good ride overall. Didn't feel as comfortable as I'd like. The wind pattern was a bit different. It was more of a tailwind on the way out and a headwind getting back. I didn't have my computer with me so I wasn't sure how I was doing. But once I saw the stopwatch, it wasn't so bad.
Posted from My Cycling Log
14.84 mi in 01:02:15 hours at 14.30 mi/h on Specialized Sequoia Elite. [Cycling] My first time on "The Girl" after Tour of the Tucson Mountains. It was a good ride overall. Didn't feel as comfortable as I'd like. The wind pattern was a bit different. It was more of a tailwind on the way out and a headwind getting back. I didn't have my computer with me so I wasn't sure how I was doing. But once I saw the stopwatch, it wasn't so bad.
Posted from My Cycling Log
Mon, Apr 28, 2008 - 16.18 mi [Cycling]
Mon, Apr 28, 2008 - 16.18 mi [Cycling]
16.18 mi in 01:05:00 hours at 14.94 mi/h on LifeCycle Stationary. [Cycling] Just a quick ride to get the kinks out from Tucson Mountains.
Posted from My Cycling Log
16.18 mi in 01:05:00 hours at 14.94 mi/h on LifeCycle Stationary. [Cycling] Just a quick ride to get the kinks out from Tucson Mountains.
Posted from My Cycling Log
Monday, April 28, 2008
Lessons from the Tucson Mountains
All hail the conquering hero! I have conquered the Tucson Mountains. They are mine! I OWN them. Ok, perhaps I’m overstating a bit…err…a lot. the truth of the matter is that I survived the weekend’s Tour of the Tucson Mountains bicycling ride put on by Perimeter Bicycling. Don’t get me wrong I did well. There were roughly 1200 starters, and according to the official website I came in 709th. Not great, but considering only 722 finished, not bad either. There were 478 riders that didn’t finish. Officially it took me 5:45:01 from start to finish, with an average speed of 12.8 mph. My cycle computer, which measures on seat ride time told an even better story. Without the 3 food stops,4 stretch breaks, and 1 “nature” stop, it took me 5:03 with an average speed of 14.2 mph. I’ll take it!
The course was one big 72 mile loop around the Mountains outside of Tucson. (Click here for course map). It was a relatively flat course with no real big climbs, just a pretty steady upward slope for most of the first half of the ride. Riders call these “false flats.” (Click here for a profile view). I have to say the toughest part about the ride was the wind. The wind was blowing in such a way that for most of the first half of the ride we were riding into a headwind. With the exception of the relatively long stretch of Ajo Road, we rarely had the benefit of a tailwind.
Overall it was a good ride for me. I improved on my average speed on both the El Tour de Tucson ride in November, and the Solvang half-Century in March. Plus I set a personal record for longest single day ride for me. I also learned some lessons about bicycling in general and myself in particular. Here are some:
1. I don’t mind so much when the 20 somethings pass me like I'm standing still…it’s the 60 somethings that really hurt the self-esteem.
2. I need to learn to eat on the bike. Food breaks take time and often come after I’ve depleted immediate energy stores. Eating on the bike would allow me to be more consistent in my energy level.
3. Kevlar tires rock! The Girl’s new Continental Ultra Gatorskin tires allowed me to do the whole route without a problem. T the half-way mark I heard a woman say she had already had 3 flats.
4. Do more hill reps! I need to get much more comfortable lugging my huge body over hills faster. On the flip side, it would probably be better if my belly had a lot less jelly in it.
5. It’s nice to get encouragement on the road. This ride I did some txtcasting to friends and family thanks to the iPhone. It was nice to get responses while riding. It was also nice to get encouragement from fellow riders.
6. Be nice to the people you pass…you never know when they’ll pass you.
7. Talk nice to your bike.
8. The right equipment makes a difference. I know I look ridiculous in my spandex bib-shorts, but the Performance Ultra bib shorts literally saved my ass.
9. Preparation is key. I know I could have done better had I ridden more over the last month. However, the fact that I’ve ridden over 785 miles this year alone have made a difference.
10. Wear Sunscreen.
And last but most certainly not least, support is critical. Molly has been extremely helpful and supportive of my riding. She’s been my cheerleader and my SAG wagon on many a ride. She’s made all the difference in this and many other areas of my life. And I promise to listen to her next time she says. "Wear sunscreen."
The course was one big 72 mile loop around the Mountains outside of Tucson. (Click here for course map). It was a relatively flat course with no real big climbs, just a pretty steady upward slope for most of the first half of the ride. Riders call these “false flats.” (Click here for a profile view). I have to say the toughest part about the ride was the wind. The wind was blowing in such a way that for most of the first half of the ride we were riding into a headwind. With the exception of the relatively long stretch of Ajo Road, we rarely had the benefit of a tailwind.
Overall it was a good ride for me. I improved on my average speed on both the El Tour de Tucson ride in November, and the Solvang half-Century in March. Plus I set a personal record for longest single day ride for me. I also learned some lessons about bicycling in general and myself in particular. Here are some:
1. I don’t mind so much when the 20 somethings pass me like I'm standing still…it’s the 60 somethings that really hurt the self-esteem.
2. I need to learn to eat on the bike. Food breaks take time and often come after I’ve depleted immediate energy stores. Eating on the bike would allow me to be more consistent in my energy level.
3. Kevlar tires rock! The Girl’s new Continental Ultra Gatorskin tires allowed me to do the whole route without a problem. T the half-way mark I heard a woman say she had already had 3 flats.
4. Do more hill reps! I need to get much more comfortable lugging my huge body over hills faster. On the flip side, it would probably be better if my belly had a lot less jelly in it.
5. It’s nice to get encouragement on the road. This ride I did some txtcasting to friends and family thanks to the iPhone. It was nice to get responses while riding. It was also nice to get encouragement from fellow riders.
6. Be nice to the people you pass…you never know when they’ll pass you.
7. Talk nice to your bike.
8. The right equipment makes a difference. I know I look ridiculous in my spandex bib-shorts, but the Performance Ultra bib shorts literally saved my ass.
9. Preparation is key. I know I could have done better had I ridden more over the last month. However, the fact that I’ve ridden over 785 miles this year alone have made a difference.
10. Wear Sunscreen.
And last but most certainly not least, support is critical. Molly has been extremely helpful and supportive of my riding. She’s been my cheerleader and my SAG wagon on many a ride. She’s made all the difference in this and many other areas of my life. And I promise to listen to her next time she says. "Wear sunscreen."
Friday, April 25, 2008
Fri, Apr 25, 2008 - 20.47 mi [Cycling]
Fri, Apr 25, 2008 - 20.47 mi [Cycling]
20.47 mi in 01:26:34 hours at 14.18 mi/h on Specialized Sequoia Elite. [Cycling] A little warm up before Tour of the Tucson Mountains on Sunday. The last couple of weeks have had no riding at all. I hope I get through Sunday's ride ok. The wind today was blowing really hard on the way out. I think I averaged around 10 mph on the way out. The return trip was much better.
Posted from My Cycling Log
20.47 mi in 01:26:34 hours at 14.18 mi/h on Specialized Sequoia Elite. [Cycling] A little warm up before Tour of the Tucson Mountains on Sunday. The last couple of weeks have had no riding at all. I hope I get through Sunday's ride ok. The wind today was blowing really hard on the way out. I think I averaged around 10 mph on the way out. The return trip was much better.
Posted from My Cycling Log
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Tour of Flanders
This is a pretty tough race that prepares riders for the Paris-Roubaix race. When riders say they have to pay attention at all times, they're not lying. Check out the rider in yellow (Saunier-Duvall Team). A pretty nasty fall.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Thu, Mar 13, 2008 - 30.35 mi [Cycling]
Thu, Mar 13, 2008 - 30.35 mi [Cycling]
30.35 mi in 01:56:53 hours at 15.58 mi/h on Specialized Sequoia Elite. [Cycling] A really good ride today. This is the first weekday 30 mile ride in a long time. The last 30 mile training ride I did at speed was back in December. I did a 30 mile ride with Molly a few weeks ago. After Solvang I've been feeling really strong on th ebike. I was able to maintain a 15+ average mph for a full 30 miles. My goal is to do that at Tour of Tucson Mountains. I need to do a lo to hill reps in the next few weeks. Solvang proved to me that I can climb, although slow, so now it's time to work on gaining some speed up the hills.
Posted from My Cycling Log
30.35 mi in 01:56:53 hours at 15.58 mi/h on Specialized Sequoia Elite. [Cycling] A really good ride today. This is the first weekday 30 mile ride in a long time. The last 30 mile training ride I did at speed was back in December. I did a 30 mile ride with Molly a few weeks ago. After Solvang I've been feeling really strong on th ebike. I was able to maintain a 15+ average mph for a full 30 miles. My goal is to do that at Tour of Tucson Mountains. I need to do a lo to hill reps in the next few weeks. Solvang proved to me that I can climb, although slow, so now it's time to work on gaining some speed up the hills.
Posted from My Cycling Log
Sunday, March 9, 2008
Solvang Half-Century Sat, Mar 8, 2008 - 50.69 mi
Sat, Mar 8, 2008 - 50.69 mi
50.69 mi in 04:04:00 hours at 12.46 mi/h on Specialized Sequoia Elite.
Did the Solvang Half-Century today. I had a decent average. Lots of hills and a strong headwind for the first 23 miles. I'll write more later, I'm beat tonight.
Posted from My Cycling Log
50.69 mi in 04:04:00 hours at 12.46 mi/h on Specialized Sequoia Elite.
Did the Solvang Half-Century today. I had a decent average. Lots of hills and a strong headwind for the first 23 miles. I'll write more later, I'm beat tonight.
Posted from My Cycling Log
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Tour of California: Stage 7
On February 24, Molly and I decided to brave the elements and go to Pasadena and watch the peloton battle the final 30 miles of the Tour of California. In truth, I decided, Molly indulged. We arrived fairly early, and for a while it looked like we might avoid rain. We checked out the booths and collected free swag. I had joked about wearing a Team Jelly Belly jersey on my next big ride, I thought it would be funny given my more than ample physique. So Molly threw down the gauntlet by buying the jersey. (Here I am in Jelly Belly gear) I'm hoping the team will adopt some sort of reverse sponsorship and will pay me not to wear it. But I digress.
We scoped out our spot about 100 meters to the finish line and guarded it for an hour as if we were waiting for the Mainstreet Electrical Parade at Disneyland. It began getting more crowded and at around 2:30pm, the announcement came over the loud "The breakaway is about two minutes away." Almost on cue, as the peloton approached the Pasadena Rose Bowl, the showers began. People flocked from all around to get their spot. Nobody cared about the rain.
The CHP drove by, then came the race judge in the yellow lead car, then the Mavic Neutral support motorcycle and then the lone cyclist. Tom Zirbel, of Bissel Pro Cycling, had gone out the front of a breakaway that had been out in front for most of the day. Zirbel had a 1 minute lead with 30 miles to go. The last 30 miles were 6 loops around the Rose Bowl and surroundings. Each lap was about 4.5 miles. A minute later the 3 remaining riders followed. A few minutes later, what remained of the 180 man peloton that had started the Tour of California came through like a locomotive. In the first lap the chase group closed the gap to about 15 seconds, but for 4 laps after that the gap remained. Each lap we questioned whether the peloton would catch the chase. And with each lap we became more and more convinced Zirbel would hold them all off. Zirbel was impressive and the speed of the peloton rain and all was a sight to see.
The CHP vehicle came around for the last time, we expected Zirbel to be in the lead. To our surprise, the chase group had caught him. George Hincapie, former lieutenant to Lance Armstrong and now captain of Team High Road, was charging hard and opened up a gap the peloton was bearing down behind. In the end, Hincapie decisively won. The veteran took them all to school. The peloton came in with Team Astana protecting yellow jersey wearer Levi Leipheimer. It was a sight to see!
We stayed for the awards ceremony, which was a lot of fun. When the winners left the podium we were standing a few feet away from the likes of 2nd overall winner David Millar and Christian Vande Velde the 3rd place overall winner. As we were leaving Levi was a couple of feet away, although surrounded by, of course, bicycle police.
Here are some pictures of that day...
We scoped out our spot about 100 meters to the finish line and guarded it for an hour as if we were waiting for the Mainstreet Electrical Parade at Disneyland. It began getting more crowded and at around 2:30pm, the announcement came over the loud "The breakaway is about two minutes away." Almost on cue, as the peloton approached the Pasadena Rose Bowl, the showers began. People flocked from all around to get their spot. Nobody cared about the rain.
The CHP drove by, then came the race judge in the yellow lead car, then the Mavic Neutral support motorcycle and then the lone cyclist. Tom Zirbel, of Bissel Pro Cycling, had gone out the front of a breakaway that had been out in front for most of the day. Zirbel had a 1 minute lead with 30 miles to go. The last 30 miles were 6 loops around the Rose Bowl and surroundings. Each lap was about 4.5 miles. A minute later the 3 remaining riders followed. A few minutes later, what remained of the 180 man peloton that had started the Tour of California came through like a locomotive. In the first lap the chase group closed the gap to about 15 seconds, but for 4 laps after that the gap remained. Each lap we questioned whether the peloton would catch the chase. And with each lap we became more and more convinced Zirbel would hold them all off. Zirbel was impressive and the speed of the peloton rain and all was a sight to see.
The CHP vehicle came around for the last time, we expected Zirbel to be in the lead. To our surprise, the chase group had caught him. George Hincapie, former lieutenant to Lance Armstrong and now captain of Team High Road, was charging hard and opened up a gap the peloton was bearing down behind. In the end, Hincapie decisively won. The veteran took them all to school. The peloton came in with Team Astana protecting yellow jersey wearer Levi Leipheimer. It was a sight to see!
We stayed for the awards ceremony, which was a lot of fun. When the winners left the podium we were standing a few feet away from the likes of 2nd overall winner David Millar and Christian Vande Velde the 3rd place overall winner. As we were leaving Levi was a couple of feet away, although surrounded by, of course, bicycle police.
Here are some pictures of that day...
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Wed, Mar 5, 2008 - 12.18 mi
12.18 mi in 01:05:39 hours at 11.13 mi/h on Specialized Sequoia Elite.
This will probably the last ride before going to Solvang. I may take an easy ride tomorrow, but I doubt it. I wanted to do some hill reps today so I came home and did 3 loops around the Home Loop course (see map below). The first hill rep reminded me how much I'm NOT Alberto Contador. As a matter of fact, The Girl is probably carrying the weight of three Albertos with about a tenth of his ability. It also reminded me how much I need to do more hill reps as part of my regular rides. I've been sticking to the flats of the Silver Strand ride.
In any case after stopping to catch my breath before finishing the first rep, I reminded myself of riding within myself. The next two loops were relatively easy. Perhaps I could push it a bit more, but for the ride in Solvang this Saturday, I want to take advantage of the flats, and just get over the one or two larger climbs. :)
Posted from My Cycling Log
This will probably the last ride before going to Solvang. I may take an easy ride tomorrow, but I doubt it. I wanted to do some hill reps today so I came home and did 3 loops around the Home Loop course (see map below). The first hill rep reminded me how much I'm NOT Alberto Contador. As a matter of fact, The Girl is probably carrying the weight of three Albertos with about a tenth of his ability. It also reminded me how much I need to do more hill reps as part of my regular rides. I've been sticking to the flats of the Silver Strand ride.
In any case after stopping to catch my breath before finishing the first rep, I reminded myself of riding within myself. The next two loops were relatively easy. Perhaps I could push it a bit more, but for the ride in Solvang this Saturday, I want to take advantage of the flats, and just get over the one or two larger climbs. :)
Posted from My Cycling Log
Solvang Half-Century 2008
Ready or not...here we go. Molly and I are going to Solvang this Friday to do the Solvang Half-Century ride. A half-century, of course, is a 50 mile bike ride. The last few weeks have seen limited riding on both our parts. I'm not sure how we'll do. For me however, it's a warm-up to the Tour of Tucson Mountains ride (70 miles) that I'm doing in April. Here's a map of what the ride looks like...
Monday, March 3, 2008
Mon, Mar 3, 2008 - 20.80 mi [Cycling]
Mon, Mar 3, 2008 - 20.80 mi [Cycling]
20.80 mi in 01:22:00 hours at 15.22 mi/h on Specialized Sequoia Elite. [Cycling] A good ride, although I can always feel it when more than a couple of days go by without getting on the bike. My left thigh was cramping and I never quite got comfortable on the bike. I did have a nice easy pace on the way out.
On the way back I cruising with the wind behind me, then I got passed by a woman with a full DeWalt racing kit on, I can only imagine she's on the team. I hung on her back wheel but she turned it around about half way from my 10 mile return. I didn't follow her for long, but she made me realize how much I was dogging it. I need a riding partner that's a bit faster than I am. Perhaps it's time to join a club? Solvang is this Saturday!
Posted from My Cycling Log
20.80 mi in 01:22:00 hours at 15.22 mi/h on Specialized Sequoia Elite. [Cycling] A good ride, although I can always feel it when more than a couple of days go by without getting on the bike. My left thigh was cramping and I never quite got comfortable on the bike. I did have a nice easy pace on the way out.
On the way back I cruising with the wind behind me, then I got passed by a woman with a full DeWalt racing kit on, I can only imagine she's on the team. I hung on her back wheel but she turned it around about half way from my 10 mile return. I didn't follow her for long, but she made me realize how much I was dogging it. I need a riding partner that's a bit faster than I am. Perhaps it's time to join a club? Solvang is this Saturday!
Posted from My Cycling Log
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Wed, Feb 27, 2008 - 14.84 mi [Cycling]
Wed, Feb 27, 2008 - 14.84 mi [Cycling]
14.84 mi in 01:00:30 hours at 14.72 mi/h on Specialized Sequoia Elite. [Cycling] The last few weeks have been hard for riding. It's been rainy a lot, as seen on the Tour of California telecasts, and it seems I've had meetings after school a lot lately. Today I had a meeting as well and didn't get on the bike until 4:30. It was a good ride however. On the way I out I fought the regular Silver Strand wind. On the way back another cyclist passed but I decided to get on his wheel. We were moving at a good clip until he got a flat. Solvang Half-Century is barely a week and a half away. Yikes!
Posted from My Cycling Log
14.84 mi in 01:00:30 hours at 14.72 mi/h on Specialized Sequoia Elite. [Cycling] The last few weeks have been hard for riding. It's been rainy a lot, as seen on the Tour of California telecasts, and it seems I've had meetings after school a lot lately. Today I had a meeting as well and didn't get on the bike until 4:30. It was a good ride however. On the way I out I fought the regular Silver Strand wind. On the way back another cyclist passed but I decided to get on his wheel. We were moving at a good clip until he got a flat. Solvang Half-Century is barely a week and a half away. Yikes!
Posted from My Cycling Log
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
See you in Tucson!
It's official! As of last night I'm registered for the Tour of the Tucson Mountains on April 29. A 70 mile ride around the beautiful mountains in Tucson, AZ. I will have bib number 52, so if you see me out there, don't hesitate to say hello. I registered Molly for the 27 mile ride, or as she likes to call it, the Weeny Ride.
I was looking at last year's results and I'm thinking if I can average 14 mph, I'll be done in about 5 hours. This would also be a big increase from my El Tour de Tucson ride last November. Tucson Mountains will also be my longest ride ever by about 4 miles.
Hopefully, work and the weather will start cooperating and I'll put in more ass-on-saddle time.
I was looking at last year's results and I'm thinking if I can average 14 mph, I'll be done in about 5 hours. This would also be a big increase from my El Tour de Tucson ride last November. Tucson Mountains will also be my longest ride ever by about 4 miles.
Hopefully, work and the weather will start cooperating and I'll put in more ass-on-saddle time.
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Sat, Feb 23, 2008 - 33.44 mi [Cycling]
Sat, Feb 23, 2008 - 33.44 mi [Cycling]
33.44 mi in 02:37:26 hours at 12.74 mi/h on Specialized Sequoia Elite. [Cycling] had a good ride today. I rode with Molly most of the way, then I put in a fast 10 miles in the middle. It was a new route today. I haven't mapped it on bikeley yet. Started at Bonita rode down the Sweetwater river path then towards the silver strand path. It was a bit late so I didn't go all the way to Coronado. Fighting a cold righ tnow too.
Posted from My Cycling Log
33.44 mi in 02:37:26 hours at 12.74 mi/h on Specialized Sequoia Elite. [Cycling] had a good ride today. I rode with Molly most of the way, then I put in a fast 10 miles in the middle. It was a new route today. I haven't mapped it on bikeley yet. Started at Bonita rode down the Sweetwater river path then towards the silver strand path. It was a bit late so I didn't go all the way to Coronado. Fighting a cold righ tnow too.
Posted from My Cycling Log
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
My 2008 Season
Well, as the Tour of California has gotten underway, I've made some decisions of what rides I'm participating in this year. Here is the schedule of events:
1. Solvang Half Century - March 9 (50 miles)
2. Tour of the Tucson Mountains - April 27 (70 miles)
3. Pedal to the Park bike ride - May 25 (25 miles)
4. Rosarito-Ensenada Fun Ride - September 27 (50 miles)
5. El Tour de Tucson - November 22 (80 or 109 miles)
I've been wanting to do the Solvang ride since I lived in the area back in the mid-90s. This is when I started riding too. It's a beautiful ride in a beautiful area. So much so that the Tour of California is holding a time trial around Solvang again this year. My goal is to do the Solvang Century next year.
The April ride is a recent decision. Originally the April ride was going to be the Spring version of the Rosarito-Ensenada Bike ride. But I decided to stretch a bit and go back to Arizona for the Tour of the Tucson Mountains. It's put on by Perimiter Bicycling, the same organization that puts on the Tour de Tucson.
The third ride I almost hesitate to list as an event, but it seems like fun. It's the Pedeal to the Park bike ride in San Diego. You can do a 10, 25 or 40 mile ride, ending at Petco Park and a Sunday Baseball Game. Fun Concept.
The last two rides I'm planning on are the same rides I did last year. Rosarito-Ensenada in the Fall and El Tour de Tucson in November. The big difference is that, at least at this point. I'm seriously thinking of doing the complete El Tour, 109 miles. Last year I did the 66 mile ride and wasn't too crazy about my results. This year I'm hoping to be better prepared and ready for the
So these are my markers for this year!
1. Solvang Half Century - March 9 (50 miles)
2. Tour of the Tucson Mountains - April 27 (70 miles)
3. Pedal to the Park bike ride - May 25 (25 miles)
4. Rosarito-Ensenada Fun Ride - September 27 (50 miles)
5. El Tour de Tucson - November 22 (80 or 109 miles)
I've been wanting to do the Solvang ride since I lived in the area back in the mid-90s. This is when I started riding too. It's a beautiful ride in a beautiful area. So much so that the Tour of California is holding a time trial around Solvang again this year. My goal is to do the Solvang Century next year.
The April ride is a recent decision. Originally the April ride was going to be the Spring version of the Rosarito-Ensenada Bike ride. But I decided to stretch a bit and go back to Arizona for the Tour of the Tucson Mountains. It's put on by Perimiter Bicycling, the same organization that puts on the Tour de Tucson.
The third ride I almost hesitate to list as an event, but it seems like fun. It's the Pedeal to the Park bike ride in San Diego. You can do a 10, 25 or 40 mile ride, ending at Petco Park and a Sunday Baseball Game. Fun Concept.
The last two rides I'm planning on are the same rides I did last year. Rosarito-Ensenada in the Fall and El Tour de Tucson in November. The big difference is that, at least at this point. I'm seriously thinking of doing the complete El Tour, 109 miles. Last year I did the 66 mile ride and wasn't too crazy about my results. This year I'm hoping to be better prepared and ready for the
So these are my markers for this year!
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Tour de Tucson: it's about the people
Sat, Nov 17, 2007 - 66.00 mi [Cycling]
66.00 mi in 06:48:42 hours at 9.69 mi/h on Giant Cypress. [Cycling] My first Tour de Tucson and first ride over 50 miles.
Posted from My Cycling Log
--------------------------------------
Today I did one of the most difficult physical things I've ever done in my life. I rode the 66 mile ride of the El Tour de Tucson. I started bicycling on and off, mostly off, since the mid 1990s. Since then one of my goals has been to ride in a century, a 100 mile single day ride. The most I had ever accomplished was the Rosarito-Ensenada 50 mile Fun Ride back in April 2000 and earlier this year in September 2007. I was a bit disappointed in my results in that ride, I decided to train a bit more and enter another organized ride.
The Tour de Tucson had many things going for it. One, it was a very well organized ride, this was the 25th anniversary of that ride. Second, it's a nationally recognized ride, as a matter of fact the League of American Bicyclists, declared the El Tour de Tucson the National Rally for 2007. Lastly, it was in Molly's home town and we had free accomodations at her mom's. Given these reasons and the fact that proceeds go to a wonderful cause, both Molly and I signed up and went for it.
It was Molly's first organized ride, so she took on what she would apologetically call the "Wuss Ass 33 mile ride." I'm pretty sure that by the end of that ride she realized there was nothing wuss ass about it. I took on the 66 mile portion, which I knew would be a challenge for me. Turns out I was right. I was good for about 50 miles, even with the the first 1/3 of that having some sort of hill climbing. I got through the last 10 miles by sheer will.
So, here are some lessons from my Tour experience. Although they are born from cycling, oddly enough they pertain to life in general:
1) When taking on a challenge, prepare. I rode for weeks before this ride, but not enough, and not with a purpose.
2) When going uphill...be patient, find your pace and keep turning the pedals. This is true in life as well.
3) It's not about what we accomplish or how fast we get to the finish line, it's the people along the way that make a difference.
That last point is really important. There were over 12,000 cyclists in this event and thousands of volunteers. Each and every one of them made this event great. The men and women of all ages that manned the aid stations were quick to refill your water bottles and to offer a banana or a sandwich. They were even quicker with words of encouragement and a "you're doing great!" no matter how late in the day it was. The police officers, which voluneered their time to keep us safe along a 109 mile route. And those yellow shirted bike patrol people? They were riding with us but were quick to encourage and stop to help. I saw them help with flat tires, and offer first aid. They were fantastic. It's because of this part of the experience that Molly and I are already planning on doing the 80 mile ride in 2008.
Some pictures from our ride:
66.00 mi in 06:48:42 hours at 9.69 mi/h on Giant Cypress. [Cycling] My first Tour de Tucson and first ride over 50 miles.
Posted from My Cycling Log
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Today I did one of the most difficult physical things I've ever done in my life. I rode the 66 mile ride of the El Tour de Tucson. I started bicycling on and off, mostly off, since the mid 1990s. Since then one of my goals has been to ride in a century, a 100 mile single day ride. The most I had ever accomplished was the Rosarito-Ensenada 50 mile Fun Ride back in April 2000 and earlier this year in September 2007. I was a bit disappointed in my results in that ride, I decided to train a bit more and enter another organized ride.
The Tour de Tucson had many things going for it. One, it was a very well organized ride, this was the 25th anniversary of that ride. Second, it's a nationally recognized ride, as a matter of fact the League of American Bicyclists, declared the El Tour de Tucson the National Rally for 2007. Lastly, it was in Molly's home town and we had free accomodations at her mom's. Given these reasons and the fact that proceeds go to a wonderful cause, both Molly and I signed up and went for it.
It was Molly's first organized ride, so she took on what she would apologetically call the "Wuss Ass 33 mile ride." I'm pretty sure that by the end of that ride she realized there was nothing wuss ass about it. I took on the 66 mile portion, which I knew would be a challenge for me. Turns out I was right. I was good for about 50 miles, even with the the first 1/3 of that having some sort of hill climbing. I got through the last 10 miles by sheer will.
So, here are some lessons from my Tour experience. Although they are born from cycling, oddly enough they pertain to life in general:
1) When taking on a challenge, prepare. I rode for weeks before this ride, but not enough, and not with a purpose.
2) When going uphill...be patient, find your pace and keep turning the pedals. This is true in life as well.
3) It's not about what we accomplish or how fast we get to the finish line, it's the people along the way that make a difference.
That last point is really important. There were over 12,000 cyclists in this event and thousands of volunteers. Each and every one of them made this event great. The men and women of all ages that manned the aid stations were quick to refill your water bottles and to offer a banana or a sandwich. They were even quicker with words of encouragement and a "you're doing great!" no matter how late in the day it was. The police officers, which voluneered their time to keep us safe along a 109 mile route. And those yellow shirted bike patrol people? They were riding with us but were quick to encourage and stop to help. I saw them help with flat tires, and offer first aid. They were fantastic. It's because of this part of the experience that Molly and I are already planning on doing the 80 mile ride in 2008.
Some pictures from our ride:
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