Sat, Sep 13, 2008 - 22.16 mi [Cycling]
22.16 mi in 02:17:02 hours at 9.70 mi/h on Specialized Sequoia Elite. [Cycling] Today wasn't supposed to be a Zone 1 ride. It turned into one because I rode with Molly. I don't mind. I like riding with her and frankly I think today we found her pace. I think a better lighter bike for her would do wonders for or lack of enthusiasm for bike riding, but I don't push it. It's like when I ride a long hill...I can't push it, yet slowly but surely I get over the top. I think eventually she'll want a lighter bike and then perhaps she'll ride more than every other month. ;) I had a good ride today, tomorrow my North county loop.
Posted from My Cycling Log
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Friday, September 12, 2008
Fri, Sep 12, 2008 - 15.00 mi
Fri, Sep 12, 2008 - 15.00 mi [Cycling]
15.00 mi in 01:17:00 hours at 11.69 mi/h on Specialized Sequoia Elite. [Cycling] I have no idea how long today's ride was. I'm only guessing based on my HRM stopwatch. Today I road with Sean, my cycling coach/personal trainer/chief motivator.
Posted from My Cycling Log
15.00 mi in 01:17:00 hours at 11.69 mi/h on Specialized Sequoia Elite. [Cycling] I have no idea how long today's ride was. I'm only guessing based on my HRM stopwatch. Today I road with Sean, my cycling coach/personal trainer/chief motivator.
Posted from My Cycling Log
Thu, Sep 11, 2008 - 17.41 mi [Cycling]
Thu, Sep 11, 2008 - 17.41 mi [Cycling]
17.41 mi in 01:31:15 hours at 11.45 mi/h on Specialized Sequoia Elite. [Cycling] First time I've ever done the East Chula Vista Loop. I modified it on the fly because I didn't realize how long the San Miguel/Mt. Miguel Ranch Rd. climb was. Damn! But I felt good, I found a steady pace, got up it. I should be ok for Rosarito. I just have to keep practicing climbing. In any case, I skipped the trip out to the Otay Lakes and tha southernmost part of the loop. Once I came to Hunte I just took that all the way until I got close to school again. A pretty good ride.
Posted from My Cycling Log
17.41 mi in 01:31:15 hours at 11.45 mi/h on Specialized Sequoia Elite. [Cycling] First time I've ever done the East Chula Vista Loop. I modified it on the fly because I didn't realize how long the San Miguel/Mt. Miguel Ranch Rd. climb was. Damn! But I felt good, I found a steady pace, got up it. I should be ok for Rosarito. I just have to keep practicing climbing. In any case, I skipped the trip out to the Otay Lakes and tha southernmost part of the loop. Once I came to Hunte I just took that all the way until I got close to school again. A pretty good ride.
Posted from My Cycling Log
Wed, Sep 10, 2008 - 25.69 mi [Cycling]
Wed, Sep 10, 2008 - 25.69 mi [Cycling]
25.69 mi in 01:53:06 hours at 13.63 mi/h on Specialized Sequoia Elite. [Cycling] Today was supposed to be an Endurance Pace Ride (Zone 1 and 2). I actually spent almost half the ride in Zone 3 but at the low end of that zone. My avg. HR was 142. I felt very good, like I could ride at this pace for a long time. It wasn't very fast going into the wind, but with the wind at my back it was VERY nice. :)
Posted from My Cycling Log
25.69 mi in 01:53:06 hours at 13.63 mi/h on Specialized Sequoia Elite. [Cycling] Today was supposed to be an Endurance Pace Ride (Zone 1 and 2). I actually spent almost half the ride in Zone 3 but at the low end of that zone. My avg. HR was 142. I felt very good, like I could ride at this pace for a long time. It wasn't very fast going into the wind, but with the wind at my back it was VERY nice. :)
Posted from My Cycling Log
Tue, Sep 9, 2008 - 27.00 mi [Cycling]
Tue, Sep 9, 2008 - 27.00 mi [Cycling]
27.00 mi in 02:05:00 hours at 12.96 mi/h on LifeCycle Stationary. [Cycling] Today's workout was more Steady State Intervals. However I got to the gym early and ended up in a spin class. So, I warmed up for a full hour in Spin Class and then I did the intervals. 5 X 6 min. (Zone 4/5) + 4 min. recovery. I felt good. I'm estimating the miles at around 27 or so, which is what I would do in 2 hours at the pace I worked out today.
Posted from My Cycling Log
27.00 mi in 02:05:00 hours at 12.96 mi/h on LifeCycle Stationary. [Cycling] Today's workout was more Steady State Intervals. However I got to the gym early and ended up in a spin class. So, I warmed up for a full hour in Spin Class and then I did the intervals. 5 X 6 min. (Zone 4/5) + 4 min. recovery. I felt good. I'm estimating the miles at around 27 or so, which is what I would do in 2 hours at the pace I worked out today.
Posted from My Cycling Log
Sun, Sep 7, 2008 - 42.52 mi [Cycling]
Sun, Sep 7, 2008 - 42.52 mi [Cycling]
42.52 mi in 03:24:24 hours at 12.48 mi/h on Specialized Sequoia Elite. [Cycling] A pretty good ride! Felt good most of the way, lots of hill climbing. I'll repeat this every weekend until Rosarito-Ensenada. I even went to the gym after the ride to put in some easy spinning miles in. A good overall ride. I did get a flat at around mile 25. A shame too because I was following a couple of attractive cyclists, we were enjoying pacing each other. Oh well. Til we meet again.
Posted from My Cycling Log
42.52 mi in 03:24:24 hours at 12.48 mi/h on Specialized Sequoia Elite. [Cycling] A pretty good ride! Felt good most of the way, lots of hill climbing. I'll repeat this every weekend until Rosarito-Ensenada. I even went to the gym after the ride to put in some easy spinning miles in. A good overall ride. I did get a flat at around mile 25. A shame too because I was following a couple of attractive cyclists, we were enjoying pacing each other. Oh well. Til we meet again.
Posted from My Cycling Log
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Quick update....more later.
I just realized I haven't updated here in a while. It's been a pretty busy summer. I am still riding, and I may just add a bunch of riding log entries here later in the week. However one of the reasons why I haven't blogged here in a while is that I'm trying to figure out what I want this blog to be.
I want it to be about more than just a training log. On the one hand I like sharing that part, especially now that I'm working with a cycling coach. (More on this in a future post), however I realize that nobody is interested in my training log but me. So I want to broaden the scope a bit. I want this to be a true Tour de Bike. A place where I share not only my training and my weight loss, but my interest and enjoyment of all things cycling. I'll be experimenting here and we'll see how it goes.
I want it to be about more than just a training log. On the one hand I like sharing that part, especially now that I'm working with a cycling coach. (More on this in a future post), however I realize that nobody is interested in my training log but me. So I want to broaden the scope a bit. I want this to be a true Tour de Bike. A place where I share not only my training and my weight loss, but my interest and enjoyment of all things cycling. I'll be experimenting here and we'll see how it goes.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Thu, Jul 17, 2008 - 20.30 mi [Cycling]
Thu, Jul 17, 2008 - 20.30 mi [Cycling]
20.30 mi in 01:18:36 hours at 15.50 mi/h on Specialized Sequoia Elite. [Cycling] A really good ride! One of my fastest 20 miles on the strand. 15.5 mph. I did CTS steady state intervals. Riding will be rough the next couple of days. Tomorrow afternoon there is a "Book Club" meeting after school and Saturday I have an SEA meeting. I'm committed to riding after the latter. I want to kick ass on the Rosarito ride, but more importantly I want to do well on El Tour.
Posted from My Cycling Log
20.30 mi in 01:18:36 hours at 15.50 mi/h on Specialized Sequoia Elite. [Cycling] A really good ride! One of my fastest 20 miles on the strand. 15.5 mph. I did CTS steady state intervals. Riding will be rough the next couple of days. Tomorrow afternoon there is a "Book Club" meeting after school and Saturday I have an SEA meeting. I'm committed to riding after the latter. I want to kick ass on the Rosarito ride, but more importantly I want to do well on El Tour.
Posted from My Cycling Log
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Wed, Jul 16, 2008 - 20.80 mi [Cycling]
Wed, Jul 16, 2008 - 20.80 mi [Cycling]
20.80 mi in 01:22:42 hours at 15.09 mi/h on Specialized Sequoia Elite. [Cycling] After two weeks off the bike and a diet that went south during my week in DC and the week after. I finally got on the bike today. A nice ride actually, rode with a buddy from work. Even though I had a bit of bike envy, he has very high end Madone, I ended up setting our pace. Did a little sprint at the end and I ended up taking it into our car. Felt good. Training for Rosarito-Ensenada and for El Tour started TODAY!
Posted from My Cycling Log
20.80 mi in 01:22:42 hours at 15.09 mi/h on Specialized Sequoia Elite. [Cycling] After two weeks off the bike and a diet that went south during my week in DC and the week after. I finally got on the bike today. A nice ride actually, rode with a buddy from work. Even though I had a bit of bike envy, he has very high end Madone, I ended up setting our pace. Did a little sprint at the end and I ended up taking it into our car. Felt good. Training for Rosarito-Ensenada and for El Tour started TODAY!
Posted from My Cycling Log
Friday, May 30, 2008
Sat, May 30, 2008 - 15.15 mi [Cycling]
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
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
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
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