Daily Miles: 25 Miles
Avg. Speed: 25 mph
April Total: 1258.9
2008 Total: 4775.58
Good ride home today. I tired to mimic what I'm missing on the drives ride and hammered home. Kept the pace at about 25 the whole way, which honestly hurt like hell!
You'll notice a few changes to the blog today. My sister noticed that my previous picture made me look like I had a little T-Rex arm. So I decided to change it up after I found a great picture from this past weekend's race. This picture shows that I do infact have two normal sized arms!
Anyway, let me know what you think...
NPR News Headlines
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Recovery Day
Daily Miles: 25 Miles
Avg. Speed: 17 mph
April Total: 1233.9
2008 Total: 4750.58
Well it was sort of a recovery day. I took the bus to work, and rode home, planning to go nice and slow, but got smacked with a 30 mph head wind on the way home.
Damn wind...
Today will be more of the same. Took, the bus and it looks like another 30 mph headwind on the way home.
I'll be busy as well tonight, so no Drives Ride. So at least I'll be recovered fully which is probably a good thing.
Avg. Speed: 17 mph
April Total: 1233.9
2008 Total: 4750.58
Well it was sort of a recovery day. I took the bus to work, and rode home, planning to go nice and slow, but got smacked with a 30 mph head wind on the way home.
Damn wind...
Today will be more of the same. Took, the bus and it looks like another 30 mph headwind on the way home.
I'll be busy as well tonight, so no Drives Ride. So at least I'll be recovered fully which is probably a good thing.
Monday, April 28, 2008
Tour of Ephrata Race 2008
Daily Miles: 100 Miles
Avg. Speed: Really Fast
April Total: 1208.9
2008 Total: 4725.58
Wow, what a weekend. This was probably the best weekend I've had on the bike in quite a while. My wife and I (and the dog) packed up a rental car for the weekend and headed out to Lancaster for a long weekend of racing around Ephrata. My parents came up as well which was really nice. Hadn't seen them since Christmas.
The races were hit or miss. I really wasn't a fan of the Road Race on Saturday. The course would have been great had the road been closed, but instead, there was a hell of a lot of traffic, and especially a lot of farm equipment that made the road quite dangerous. I finished mid pack; I wasn't really into taking the risks in the final turn to have a better result.
Saturday night, the whole family went to Miller's Smorgasboard. I probably consumed 12,000 calories. It was glorious.
Sunday morning brought the uphill TT. Those who raced know the course. 5 miles on the flats, followed by 3 miles of steep climbing. I was very happy with my result (20th) given the fact that I am probably at least 30 lbs heavier then anyone who finished above me.
Sunday afternoon, brought the crit in downtown Ephrata. The course was nice, I raced it exactly as my coach instructed me, and i finished really well. Not sure on the place, but probably around 10th.
So yeah, fun weekend hanging out with my wife and the dog and my family. Racing was good, food was good, and getting out of the city for a few days was even better.
AND Today's my birthday...
Avg. Speed: Really Fast
April Total: 1208.9
2008 Total: 4725.58
Wow, what a weekend. This was probably the best weekend I've had on the bike in quite a while. My wife and I (and the dog) packed up a rental car for the weekend and headed out to Lancaster for a long weekend of racing around Ephrata. My parents came up as well which was really nice. Hadn't seen them since Christmas.
The races were hit or miss. I really wasn't a fan of the Road Race on Saturday. The course would have been great had the road been closed, but instead, there was a hell of a lot of traffic, and especially a lot of farm equipment that made the road quite dangerous. I finished mid pack; I wasn't really into taking the risks in the final turn to have a better result.
Saturday night, the whole family went to Miller's Smorgasboard. I probably consumed 12,000 calories. It was glorious.
Sunday morning brought the uphill TT. Those who raced know the course. 5 miles on the flats, followed by 3 miles of steep climbing. I was very happy with my result (20th) given the fact that I am probably at least 30 lbs heavier then anyone who finished above me.
Sunday afternoon, brought the crit in downtown Ephrata. The course was nice, I raced it exactly as my coach instructed me, and i finished really well. Not sure on the place, but probably around 10th.
So yeah, fun weekend hanging out with my wife and the dog and my family. Racing was good, food was good, and getting out of the city for a few days was even better.
AND Today's my birthday...
Friday, April 25, 2008
Easy Thursdays
Daily Miles: 40 Miles
Avg. Speed: 18 mph
April Total: 1108.9
2008 Total: 4625.58
Another beautiful day yesterday. Took it easy in preperation for a big race this weekend. Another easy day today and I'll be all set tomorrow.
Really looking forward to this race. Two days, three stages. 50 miles on Saturday on what is basically a long crit course. An uphill TT on Sunday morning followed by a traditional crit in te afternoon.
The only negative: Rain all weekend. At least it will be warm.
Avg. Speed: 18 mph
April Total: 1108.9
2008 Total: 4625.58
Another beautiful day yesterday. Took it easy in preperation for a big race this weekend. Another easy day today and I'll be all set tomorrow.
Really looking forward to this race. Two days, three stages. 50 miles on Saturday on what is basically a long crit course. An uphill TT on Sunday morning followed by a traditional crit in te afternoon.
The only negative: Rain all weekend. At least it will be warm.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Too Much Work
Daily Miles: 40 Miles
Avg. Speed: 19 mph
April Total: 978.9
2008 Total: 4585.58
Proposal, Job, 2 Classes, Cycling Workouts, Sleep...there's not enough hours in a day it seems.
Missed the Drives ride last night becasue I was so freakin busy with school work. I got some sprint workouts in on the commute home, but it's not the same on my commuter bike with my heavy bag on. I'm always a little skeptical about sprinting on the Felt cuz I'm afraid it's going to fall apart on me...
Otherwise, nothing else is new...I'm just wicked busy...OK, so back to work.
Avg. Speed: 19 mph
April Total: 978.9
2008 Total: 4585.58
Proposal, Job, 2 Classes, Cycling Workouts, Sleep...there's not enough hours in a day it seems.
Missed the Drives ride last night becasue I was so freakin busy with school work. I got some sprint workouts in on the commute home, but it's not the same on my commuter bike with my heavy bag on. I'm always a little skeptical about sprinting on the Felt cuz I'm afraid it's going to fall apart on me...
Otherwise, nothing else is new...I'm just wicked busy...OK, so back to work.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Great Dinner Last Night
Daily Miles: 42.5 Miles
Avg. Speed: 19 mph
April Total: 938.9
2008 Total: 4545.58
Last night was a great (and also very healthy) dinner. We started off with a big romaine salad, topped with carrots, celery, avacado, tomoatoes, sunflower seeds, and italian dressing.
Then, we cooked salmon and put it over bow-tie pasta with vodka sauce. It was quite delicious.
Don't forget to vote today!
Avg. Speed: 19 mph
April Total: 938.9
2008 Total: 4545.58
Last night was a great (and also very healthy) dinner. We started off with a big romaine salad, topped with carrots, celery, avacado, tomoatoes, sunflower seeds, and italian dressing.
Then, we cooked salmon and put it over bow-tie pasta with vodka sauce. It was quite delicious.
Don't forget to vote today!
Monday, April 21, 2008
That Fat Ass May Be On To Something
Don't Forget to Vote Tomorrow if You live in PA. Below is a letter explaining why tomorrow's vote (for Obama) is so important from Michael Moore:
Friends,
I don't get to vote for President this primary season. I live in Michigan. The party leaders (both here and in D.C.) couldn't get their act together, and thus our votes will not be counted.
So, if you live in Pennsylvania, can you do me a favor? Will you please cast my vote -- and yours -- on Tuesday for Senator Barack Obama?
I haven't spoken publicly 'til now as to who I would vote for, primarily for two reasons: 1) Who cares?; and 2) I (and most people I know) don't give a rat's ass whose name is on the ballot in November, as long as there's a picture of JFK and FDR riding a donkey at the top of the ballot, and the word "Democratic" next to the candidate's name.
Seriously, I know so many people who don't care if the name under the Big "D" is Dancer, Prancer, Clinton or Blitzen. It can be Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, Barry Obama or the Dalai Lama.
Well, that sounded good last year, but over the past two months, the actions and words of Hillary Clinton have gone from being merely disappointing to downright disgusting. I guess the debate last week was the final straw. I've watched Senator Clinton and her husband play this game of appealing to the worst side of white people, but last Wednesday, when she hurled the name "Farrakhan" out of nowhere, well that's when the silly season came to an early end for me. She said the "F" word to scare white people, pure and simple. Of course, Obama has no connection to Farrakhan. But, according to Senator Clinton, Obama's pastor does -- AND the "church bulletin" once included a Los Angeles Times op-ed from some guy with Hamas! No, not the church bulletin!
This sleazy attempt to smear Obama was brilliantly explained the following night by Stephen Colbert. He pointed out that if Obama is supported by Ted Kennedy, who is Catholic, and the Catholic Church is led by a Pope who was in the Hitler Youth, that can mean only one thing: OBAMA LOVES HITLER!
Yes, Senator Clinton, that's how you sounded. Like you were nuts. Like you were a bigot stoking the fires of stupidity. How sad that I would ever have to write those words about you. You have devoted your life to good causes and good deeds. And now to throw it all away for an office you can't win unless you smear the black man so much that the superdelegates cry "Uncle (Tom)" and give it all to you.
But that can't happen. You cast your die when you voted to start this bloody war. When you did that you were like Moses who lost it for a moment and, because of that, was prohibited from entering the Promised Land.
How sad for a country that wanted to see the first woman elected to the White House. That day will come -- but it won't be you. We'll have to wait for the current Democratic governor of Kansas to run in 2016 (you read it here first!).
There are those who say Obama isn't ready, or he's voted wrong on this or that. But that's looking at the trees and not the forest. What we are witnessing is not just a candidate but a profound, massive public movement for change. My endorsement is more for Obama The Movement than it is for Obama the candidate.
That is not to take anything away from this exceptional man. But what's going on is bigger than him at this point, and that's a good thing for the country. Because, when he wins in November, that Obama Movement is going to have to stay alert and active. Corporate America is not going to give up their hold on our government just because we say so. President Obama is going to need a nation of millions to stand behind him.
I know some of you will say, 'Mike, what have the Democrats done to deserve our vote?' That's a damn good question. In November of '06, the country loudly sent a message that we wanted the war to end. Yet the Democrats have done nothing. So why should we be so eager to line up happily behind them?
I'll tell you why. Because I can't stand one more friggin' minute of this administration and the permanent, irreversible damage it has done to our people and to this world. I'm almost at the point where I don't care if the Democrats don't have a backbone or a kneebone or a thought in their dizzy little heads. Just as long as their name ain't "Bush" and the word "Republican" is not beside theirs on the ballot, then that's good enough for me.
I, like the majority of Americans, have been pummeled senseless for 8 long years. That's why I will join millions of citizens and stagger into the voting booth come November, like a boxer in the 12th round, all bloodied and bruised with one eye swollen shut, looking for the only thing that matters -- that big "D" on the ballot.
Don't get me wrong. I lost my rose-colored glasses a long time ago.
It's foolish to see the Democrats as anything but a nicer version of a party that exists to do the bidding of the corporate elite in this country. Any endorsement of a Democrat must be done with this acknowledgement and a hope that one day we will have a party that'll represent the people first, and laws that allow that party an equal voice.
Finally, I want to say a word about the basic decency I have seen in Mr. Obama. Mrs. Clinton continues to throw the Rev. Wright up in his face as part of her mission to keep stoking the fears of White America. Every time she does this I shout at the TV, "Say it, Obama! Say that when she and her husband were having marital difficulties regarding Monica Lewinsky, who did she and Bill bring to the White House for 'spiritual counseling?' THE REVEREND JEREMIAH WRIGHT!"
But no, Obama won't throw that at her. It wouldn't be right. It wouldn't be decent. She's been through enough hurt. And so he remains silent and takes the mud she throws in his face.
That's why the crowds who come to see him are so large. That's why he'll take us down a more decent path. That's why I would vote for him if Michigan were allowed to have an election.
But the question I keep hearing is... 'can he win? Can he win in November?' In the distance we hear the siren of the death train called the Straight Talk Express. We know it's possible to hear the words "President McCain" on January 20th. We know there are still many Americans who will never vote for a black man. Hillary knows it, too. She's counting on it.
Pennsylvania, the state that gave birth to this great country, has a chance to set things right. It has not had a moment to shine like this since 1787 when our Constitution was written there. In that Constitution, they wrote that a black man or woman was only "three fifths" human. On Tuesday, the good people of Pennsylvania have a chance for redemption.
Yours,
Michael Moore
Friends,
I don't get to vote for President this primary season. I live in Michigan. The party leaders (both here and in D.C.) couldn't get their act together, and thus our votes will not be counted.
So, if you live in Pennsylvania, can you do me a favor? Will you please cast my vote -- and yours -- on Tuesday for Senator Barack Obama?
I haven't spoken publicly 'til now as to who I would vote for, primarily for two reasons: 1) Who cares?; and 2) I (and most people I know) don't give a rat's ass whose name is on the ballot in November, as long as there's a picture of JFK and FDR riding a donkey at the top of the ballot, and the word "Democratic" next to the candidate's name.
Seriously, I know so many people who don't care if the name under the Big "D" is Dancer, Prancer, Clinton or Blitzen. It can be Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, Barry Obama or the Dalai Lama.
Well, that sounded good last year, but over the past two months, the actions and words of Hillary Clinton have gone from being merely disappointing to downright disgusting. I guess the debate last week was the final straw. I've watched Senator Clinton and her husband play this game of appealing to the worst side of white people, but last Wednesday, when she hurled the name "Farrakhan" out of nowhere, well that's when the silly season came to an early end for me. She said the "F" word to scare white people, pure and simple. Of course, Obama has no connection to Farrakhan. But, according to Senator Clinton, Obama's pastor does -- AND the "church bulletin" once included a Los Angeles Times op-ed from some guy with Hamas! No, not the church bulletin!
This sleazy attempt to smear Obama was brilliantly explained the following night by Stephen Colbert. He pointed out that if Obama is supported by Ted Kennedy, who is Catholic, and the Catholic Church is led by a Pope who was in the Hitler Youth, that can mean only one thing: OBAMA LOVES HITLER!
Yes, Senator Clinton, that's how you sounded. Like you were nuts. Like you were a bigot stoking the fires of stupidity. How sad that I would ever have to write those words about you. You have devoted your life to good causes and good deeds. And now to throw it all away for an office you can't win unless you smear the black man so much that the superdelegates cry "Uncle (Tom)" and give it all to you.
But that can't happen. You cast your die when you voted to start this bloody war. When you did that you were like Moses who lost it for a moment and, because of that, was prohibited from entering the Promised Land.
How sad for a country that wanted to see the first woman elected to the White House. That day will come -- but it won't be you. We'll have to wait for the current Democratic governor of Kansas to run in 2016 (you read it here first!).
There are those who say Obama isn't ready, or he's voted wrong on this or that. But that's looking at the trees and not the forest. What we are witnessing is not just a candidate but a profound, massive public movement for change. My endorsement is more for Obama The Movement than it is for Obama the candidate.
That is not to take anything away from this exceptional man. But what's going on is bigger than him at this point, and that's a good thing for the country. Because, when he wins in November, that Obama Movement is going to have to stay alert and active. Corporate America is not going to give up their hold on our government just because we say so. President Obama is going to need a nation of millions to stand behind him.
I know some of you will say, 'Mike, what have the Democrats done to deserve our vote?' That's a damn good question. In November of '06, the country loudly sent a message that we wanted the war to end. Yet the Democrats have done nothing. So why should we be so eager to line up happily behind them?
I'll tell you why. Because I can't stand one more friggin' minute of this administration and the permanent, irreversible damage it has done to our people and to this world. I'm almost at the point where I don't care if the Democrats don't have a backbone or a kneebone or a thought in their dizzy little heads. Just as long as their name ain't "Bush" and the word "Republican" is not beside theirs on the ballot, then that's good enough for me.
I, like the majority of Americans, have been pummeled senseless for 8 long years. That's why I will join millions of citizens and stagger into the voting booth come November, like a boxer in the 12th round, all bloodied and bruised with one eye swollen shut, looking for the only thing that matters -- that big "D" on the ballot.
Don't get me wrong. I lost my rose-colored glasses a long time ago.
It's foolish to see the Democrats as anything but a nicer version of a party that exists to do the bidding of the corporate elite in this country. Any endorsement of a Democrat must be done with this acknowledgement and a hope that one day we will have a party that'll represent the people first, and laws that allow that party an equal voice.
Finally, I want to say a word about the basic decency I have seen in Mr. Obama. Mrs. Clinton continues to throw the Rev. Wright up in his face as part of her mission to keep stoking the fears of White America. Every time she does this I shout at the TV, "Say it, Obama! Say that when she and her husband were having marital difficulties regarding Monica Lewinsky, who did she and Bill bring to the White House for 'spiritual counseling?' THE REVEREND JEREMIAH WRIGHT!"
But no, Obama won't throw that at her. It wouldn't be right. It wouldn't be decent. She's been through enough hurt. And so he remains silent and takes the mud she throws in his face.
That's why the crowds who come to see him are so large. That's why he'll take us down a more decent path. That's why I would vote for him if Michigan were allowed to have an election.
But the question I keep hearing is... 'can he win? Can he win in November?' In the distance we hear the siren of the death train called the Straight Talk Express. We know it's possible to hear the words "President McCain" on January 20th. We know there are still many Americans who will never vote for a black man. Hillary knows it, too. She's counting on it.
Pennsylvania, the state that gave birth to this great country, has a chance to set things right. It has not had a moment to shine like this since 1787 when our Constitution was written there. In that Constitution, they wrote that a black man or woman was only "three fifths" human. On Tuesday, the good people of Pennsylvania have a chance for redemption.
Yours,
Michael Moore
Gas Prices and Driving
I love the wealth of articles on the recent increase in gas prices.
The article link above has interviews with several people who "have to drive." One lady says:
[ "I fill my tank up three times a week. I have to," said Smith, who lives in King of Prussia and works at Temple University. "I'm just spending more. A lot more."]
This is the silliest thing in the world. If you live in King of Prussia and work at Temple, there are no fewer than three direct ways to take public transit to get to work. There's absolutely no reason to drive from KoP to Temple. This lady spends more time sitting in traffic burning her paycheck then actually driving. She probably averages well under 20mpg as well.
Another gentleman: "Venanzi uses the truck, a Buick, for work as a salesman, and he also drives a motorcycle and several antique cars. He's going to drive no matter how much a gallon of gas costs him, he said, but it sure would be nice if something gave.
"They've got to move the taxes around," Venanzi said. "
Hmm...even better. We need to move these taxes around! Your right! None of my tax dollars should be spent to support your gas addiction! In order to do this, we'll add another 25 cents per gallon to the cost of gas to pay for it.
Here's the long and short. Gas prices will continue to go up as long as people still use it recklessly. Figure it out...
[And now I jump off the Soapbox and get back to work]
The article link above has interviews with several people who "have to drive." One lady says:
[ "I fill my tank up three times a week. I have to," said Smith, who lives in King of Prussia and works at Temple University. "I'm just spending more. A lot more."]
This is the silliest thing in the world. If you live in King of Prussia and work at Temple, there are no fewer than three direct ways to take public transit to get to work. There's absolutely no reason to drive from KoP to Temple. This lady spends more time sitting in traffic burning her paycheck then actually driving. She probably averages well under 20mpg as well.
Another gentleman: "Venanzi uses the truck, a Buick, for work as a salesman, and he also drives a motorcycle and several antique cars. He's going to drive no matter how much a gallon of gas costs him, he said, but it sure would be nice if something gave.
"They've got to move the taxes around," Venanzi said. "
Hmm...even better. We need to move these taxes around! Your right! None of my tax dollars should be spent to support your gas addiction! In order to do this, we'll add another 25 cents per gallon to the cost of gas to pay for it.
Here's the long and short. Gas prices will continue to go up as long as people still use it recklessly. Figure it out...
[And now I jump off the Soapbox and get back to work]
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Lower Providence Criterium Race Report
Daily Miles: 71 Miles
Avg. Speed: 21 mph
April Total: 896.4
2008 Total: 4503.08
The Lower Providence Crit is a great race put on in memory of Daniel Harwi.
I was really looking forward to this race because it's flat, fast, and close enough to ride to. The last of these being the most important. It's pretty silly to make the sacrifice ad not drive all week, biking through really shitty weather, only to drive for an hour to ride my bike in a race.
Unfortunately there are only a few races close by (within 30 miles) that I can ride to.
So anyway, I rode over with Taylor and Katie, and with the strong tail wind, we covered the 22 miles pretty quickly.
The race itself was a blast. I felt strong and was in a great position the whole time. I won a preme, and did my fair share of work. I was sitting pretty coming into the final sprint, when some jackass cuts in front of me in a corner and slams on his brakes. I had to unclip to stay upright, and by the time i got back clipped in, about 30 people had buzzed by me. Oh well, that's racing.
In other news, i tried rollers for the first time today. After about 10 minutes, i had it figured out, and decided that they are a great training tool. Look forward to getting some at some point...
Finally, looks like I'll hit my 1000 mile goal for April early this week, which is great. If all goes well, I could easily hit 1200 miles this month.
Avg. Speed: 21 mph
April Total: 896.4
2008 Total: 4503.08
The Lower Providence Crit is a great race put on in memory of Daniel Harwi.
I was really looking forward to this race because it's flat, fast, and close enough to ride to. The last of these being the most important. It's pretty silly to make the sacrifice ad not drive all week, biking through really shitty weather, only to drive for an hour to ride my bike in a race.
Unfortunately there are only a few races close by (within 30 miles) that I can ride to.
So anyway, I rode over with Taylor and Katie, and with the strong tail wind, we covered the 22 miles pretty quickly.
The race itself was a blast. I felt strong and was in a great position the whole time. I won a preme, and did my fair share of work. I was sitting pretty coming into the final sprint, when some jackass cuts in front of me in a corner and slams on his brakes. I had to unclip to stay upright, and by the time i got back clipped in, about 30 people had buzzed by me. Oh well, that's racing.
In other news, i tried rollers for the first time today. After about 10 minutes, i had it figured out, and decided that they are a great training tool. Look forward to getting some at some point...
Finally, looks like I'll hit my 1000 mile goal for April early this week, which is great. If all goes well, I could easily hit 1200 miles this month.
Friday, April 18, 2008
Daily Miles: 42.5 Miles
Avg. Speed: 21 mph
April Total: 825.4
2008 Total: 4432.08
Skipped Greentree last night to get some much overdue school work completed.
It was a good thing too! If i had gone over, I'm not sure I would have been able to get back. I felt like such asshole last night, and this morning, i felt like puking and still don't feel so hot.
I have no idea what's causing this. It's a very strange feeling. At one moment i feel great, the next like I'm dieing.
Maybe it's over training, maybe it's something I'm eating, maybe I'm just a huge puss.
Avg. Speed: 21 mph
April Total: 825.4
2008 Total: 4432.08
Skipped Greentree last night to get some much overdue school work completed.
It was a good thing too! If i had gone over, I'm not sure I would have been able to get back. I felt like such asshole last night, and this morning, i felt like puking and still don't feel so hot.
I have no idea what's causing this. It's a very strange feeling. At one moment i feel great, the next like I'm dieing.
Maybe it's over training, maybe it's something I'm eating, maybe I'm just a huge puss.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Fixie Wednesdays
Daily Miles: 20.5 Miles
Avg. Speed: 17 mph
April Total: 782.9
2008 Total: 4389.58
Wednesday was supposed to be my day off of the bike. BUT...it was a beautiful day...
So I went for a fixie ride around the city, and ran some errands. It's rides like this that remind me that I love riding my bike. Riding around the city, in no particular hurry, on a beautiful bright day, with nothing to worry about is one of the best things you can do in the city.
I love it...
Avg. Speed: 17 mph
April Total: 782.9
2008 Total: 4389.58
Wednesday was supposed to be my day off of the bike. BUT...it was a beautiful day...
So I went for a fixie ride around the city, and ran some errands. It's rides like this that remind me that I love riding my bike. Riding around the city, in no particular hurry, on a beautiful bright day, with nothing to worry about is one of the best things you can do in the city.
I love it...
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Drives Ride and Feeling Like Death
Daily Miles: 77.4 Miles
Avg. Speed: 21 mph
April Total: 762.4
Total: 4369.08
It was a beautiful morning for an early spring commute. It's getting light out by 6AM, so at least half of my morning commute is light. This is amazing. It's been 6 months since I've seen the sun in the mornings, or not needed my headlight during my commute. This was the good part.
The bad: As soon as I got to work, I felt like I was going to die. My head felt like it was going to explode, and my stomach felt like it was trying to rip itself from my body. In short, I felt like KC did. She got me sick. I took a handful of OTC drugs and sucked it up. This was the low point of the day.
I left work and pedaled home pretty slowly. I just wasn't feeling right, and didn't really feel like puking on the bike. It's not fun, and cleaning puke off your bike isn't as fun as it may seem.
I got home, and forced some energy drink down my throat, ate an english muffin, and pondered whether I should do the drives ride or not. Of course, I did. Who cares if I'm sick...?
This is where the day improved significantly. The drives ride started easily enough with the pace averaging between 25 and 30 mph. Then, the fun began. At least three points on the ride, the pace was over 40 mph, and laps two and three averaged about 32-35 mph. I even set myself up nicely for the sprint. The fun factor of the drives ride more than outweighed the nausea I felt the entire time. There's something quite exhilarating about riding 35 mph in a tight group of people you barely know...
Good news is whatever it was that was bringing me down has been purged from my system by my usual flood of sweat.
Avg. Speed: 21 mph
April Total: 762.4
Total: 4369.08
It was a beautiful morning for an early spring commute. It's getting light out by 6AM, so at least half of my morning commute is light. This is amazing. It's been 6 months since I've seen the sun in the mornings, or not needed my headlight during my commute. This was the good part.
The bad: As soon as I got to work, I felt like I was going to die. My head felt like it was going to explode, and my stomach felt like it was trying to rip itself from my body. In short, I felt like KC did. She got me sick. I took a handful of OTC drugs and sucked it up. This was the low point of the day.
I left work and pedaled home pretty slowly. I just wasn't feeling right, and didn't really feel like puking on the bike. It's not fun, and cleaning puke off your bike isn't as fun as it may seem.
I got home, and forced some energy drink down my throat, ate an english muffin, and pondered whether I should do the drives ride or not. Of course, I did. Who cares if I'm sick...?
This is where the day improved significantly. The drives ride started easily enough with the pace averaging between 25 and 30 mph. Then, the fun began. At least three points on the ride, the pace was over 40 mph, and laps two and three averaged about 32-35 mph. I even set myself up nicely for the sprint. The fun factor of the drives ride more than outweighed the nausea I felt the entire time. There's something quite exhilarating about riding 35 mph in a tight group of people you barely know...
Good news is whatever it was that was bringing me down has been purged from my system by my usual flood of sweat.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Monday Miles
Daily Miles: 42.5 Miles
Avg. Speed: 19 mph
April Total: 685.0
2008 Total: 4291.68
A little bit chilly yesterday, but spring is definitely in the air!
I think my new strategy to practice eating on the bike by consuming some JPF (Jersey Pocket Food) on the way to work is working well. Not only am I getting more comfortable eating and riding (after only two days) but I'm not hungry when i get to work and am definitely eating a lot less. Maybe I might lose a few pounds as well, which would be nice come Fitchburg, Ephrata, and pretty much every other vertically inclined road race.
The JPF of choice this week comes from a video from Jelly Belly cycling team website. They combine a slice of white bread, half a banana, and some Nutella. The slice of bread is folded and wrapped up. It's quite tasty, calorie packed, and easy to consume quickly while riding.
I have a few other options for JPF that I’ll post as I get around to trying them.
Avg. Speed: 19 mph
April Total: 685.0
2008 Total: 4291.68
A little bit chilly yesterday, but spring is definitely in the air!
I think my new strategy to practice eating on the bike by consuming some JPF (Jersey Pocket Food) on the way to work is working well. Not only am I getting more comfortable eating and riding (after only two days) but I'm not hungry when i get to work and am definitely eating a lot less. Maybe I might lose a few pounds as well, which would be nice come Fitchburg, Ephrata, and pretty much every other vertically inclined road race.
The JPF of choice this week comes from a video from Jelly Belly cycling team website. They combine a slice of white bread, half a banana, and some Nutella. The slice of bread is folded and wrapped up. It's quite tasty, calorie packed, and easy to consume quickly while riding.
I have a few other options for JPF that I’ll post as I get around to trying them.
Monday, April 14, 2008
Good Morning!
To the guy in a white Nissan:
Put down your cup of coffee.
Stop at Red Lights.
When you clip a cyclist because you don't do the above, don't scream at him.
He will call the Police.
I think it's hilarious that you broke your mirror on my ass.
It's even funnier that you followed me to work, and the Police came.
Hope running that red light was worth $100.00.
Have a nice day douchebag!
Put down your cup of coffee.
Stop at Red Lights.
When you clip a cyclist because you don't do the above, don't scream at him.
He will call the Police.
I think it's hilarious that you broke your mirror on my ass.
It's even funnier that you followed me to work, and the Police came.
Hope running that red light was worth $100.00.
Have a nice day douchebag!
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Mount Joy Race Report
Daily Miles: 60 Miles
Avg. Speed: Race was about 23 mph
April Total: 642.5
2008 Total: 4249.18
Yesterday I entered the Mount Joy RR CAT 3 Race. This race was part of the PA Super Series put on by Red Rose Races, a really well organized promoter.
My opinion of the race was that it was too slow. There were several large teams represented and i was disappointed that they didn't use their numbers to push the pace.
Instead, I spent the first two laps pedaling slower then during my commute, mashing my brakes going not only downhill, but uphill as well. It seemed none of the large teams wanted to work (or couldn't for whatever reason).
Bored, I went to the front and spent the next 4+ laps working to pick the pace up. I was successful in this goal, but worked a little too hard to have much in the tank for the final sprint, so i settled for 16th.
I'm totally cool with this result, as it is directly a result of the work i did. I can't sit in a disorganized group for 2.5 hrs soft pedaling around. I would rather push the pace on the front and kill myself then sit in and contend the sprint. Plus, i figure that as i slowly get in shape, my efforts will pay me back.
That said, I'm really looking forward to getting up to the track and doing some pursuits, where effort in=results out.
Nevertheless, mediocre results aside, it was a beautiful day, with sun, little wind, and 70 degree temps. I'm thoroughly sunburned to boot. Love the weather, and I'm wicked excited to be able to ride in shorts sans arm warmers for the past 4 days. Nice!
I wonder how Labrat did at Evesham?
Avg. Speed: Race was about 23 mph
April Total: 642.5
2008 Total: 4249.18
Yesterday I entered the Mount Joy RR CAT 3 Race. This race was part of the PA Super Series put on by Red Rose Races, a really well organized promoter.
My opinion of the race was that it was too slow. There were several large teams represented and i was disappointed that they didn't use their numbers to push the pace.
Instead, I spent the first two laps pedaling slower then during my commute, mashing my brakes going not only downhill, but uphill as well. It seemed none of the large teams wanted to work (or couldn't for whatever reason).
Bored, I went to the front and spent the next 4+ laps working to pick the pace up. I was successful in this goal, but worked a little too hard to have much in the tank for the final sprint, so i settled for 16th.
I'm totally cool with this result, as it is directly a result of the work i did. I can't sit in a disorganized group for 2.5 hrs soft pedaling around. I would rather push the pace on the front and kill myself then sit in and contend the sprint. Plus, i figure that as i slowly get in shape, my efforts will pay me back.
That said, I'm really looking forward to getting up to the track and doing some pursuits, where effort in=results out.
Nevertheless, mediocre results aside, it was a beautiful day, with sun, little wind, and 70 degree temps. I'm thoroughly sunburned to boot. Love the weather, and I'm wicked excited to be able to ride in shorts sans arm warmers for the past 4 days. Nice!
I wonder how Labrat did at Evesham?
Saturday, April 12, 2008
Friday...
Daily Miles: 25 Miles
Avg. Speed: 20 mph
April Total: 582.5
2008 Total: 4189.18
Another nice day yesterday. Race today, report to follow!
Avg. Speed: 20 mph
April Total: 582.5
2008 Total: 4189.18
Another nice day yesterday. Race today, report to follow!
Friday, April 11, 2008
Welcome to the Skin Show
Daily Miles: 91 Miles
Avg. Speed: 17 mph on the commute 25 mph on crit
April Total: 557.5
2008 Total: 4164.18
Another great day today. The ride back and forth to work was quite pleasant. I was able to ride without a wind breaker and just arm and leg warmers. Coming home was even better. It was a sunny 70 degrees, and my white arms and legs were nicely exposed for the world to see.
THEN, Taylor and I rode the 15 miles over to Greentree for a Criterium training practice. 45 minutes later, I'd hammered off the front, done a good bit of work, and felt really solid. So all in all a good ride.
All that was left was a quick six mile cool down to the closest PATCO station, followed by the easiest ride back into the city I've ever had on public transit. Big props to PATCO for figuring out how to run a train line. SEPTA could learn a thing or two from you all.
So here's my rant: Why do people drive to go ride their bikes? I sort of understand you don't want to ride your full suspension mountain bike 10 miles to get to the trail, but if you own a road bike? There's no excuse.
Here's the breakdown. If you drive from Philly to Greentree it takes an hour. On a bike: 50 minutes. If you have a standard car, you probably use a gallon of gas each way, plus you pay the $3 bridge toll. So, we're looking at about $9 to go ride your bike in a training ride. The cost to ride over: $2.15; and that's only because they close the bridge to bikes at 7 PM so you need to take PATCO back home. PLUS, you never have to drive or sit in traffic, and you get a few extra miles in.
Avg. Speed: 17 mph on the commute 25 mph on crit
April Total: 557.5
2008 Total: 4164.18
Another great day today. The ride back and forth to work was quite pleasant. I was able to ride without a wind breaker and just arm and leg warmers. Coming home was even better. It was a sunny 70 degrees, and my white arms and legs were nicely exposed for the world to see.
THEN, Taylor and I rode the 15 miles over to Greentree for a Criterium training practice. 45 minutes later, I'd hammered off the front, done a good bit of work, and felt really solid. So all in all a good ride.
All that was left was a quick six mile cool down to the closest PATCO station, followed by the easiest ride back into the city I've ever had on public transit. Big props to PATCO for figuring out how to run a train line. SEPTA could learn a thing or two from you all.
So here's my rant: Why do people drive to go ride their bikes? I sort of understand you don't want to ride your full suspension mountain bike 10 miles to get to the trail, but if you own a road bike? There's no excuse.
Here's the breakdown. If you drive from Philly to Greentree it takes an hour. On a bike: 50 minutes. If you have a standard car, you probably use a gallon of gas each way, plus you pay the $3 bridge toll. So, we're looking at about $9 to go ride your bike in a training ride. The cost to ride over: $2.15; and that's only because they close the bridge to bikes at 7 PM so you need to take PATCO back home. PLUS, you never have to drive or sit in traffic, and you get a few extra miles in.
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Something's Got to Give
And it's my legs...
Taking the day off today. Going for a run with the dog to stay loose but that's about it. My rest day is in conjunction with my company's "Green Initiative" that seeks to lower employees' carbon footprint by having them work from home one day per week.
This is kind of moot for me since I already have a carbon footprint on my commute of zero, but I'm not complaining. Being able to take the day off and not lug that freakin laptop around is great, and allows me to ride harder on the fast training rides Tues. and Thurs...
So yeah, working from home sure is nice...
Taking the day off today. Going for a run with the dog to stay loose but that's about it. My rest day is in conjunction with my company's "Green Initiative" that seeks to lower employees' carbon footprint by having them work from home one day per week.
This is kind of moot for me since I already have a carbon footprint on my commute of zero, but I'm not complaining. Being able to take the day off and not lug that freakin laptop around is great, and allows me to ride harder on the fast training rides Tues. and Thurs...
So yeah, working from home sure is nice...
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Yeah!
Daily Miles: 78.5 Miles
Avg. Speed: 17 mph on the commute 32 mph on the drives
April Total: 466.5
2008 Total: 4073.18
So yeah, Drives ride was today; of course this was on top of the 40ish miles I commute...fun times.
We finally bumped it up to 3 laps, which was awesome and the pace stayed above 30 for the majority of the ride which was great.
I think I'm finally over my cold or whatever it was as i felt great during the ride. My new goal is to be able to go off the front at Strawberry Mansion bridge and stay away. Was able to do it to 100 meters tonight...that last few meters is going to be the hardest...it'll be a fun goal...
In other news, over 4K miles in 2008!
Avg. Speed: 17 mph on the commute 32 mph on the drives
April Total: 466.5
2008 Total: 4073.18
So yeah, Drives ride was today; of course this was on top of the 40ish miles I commute...fun times.
We finally bumped it up to 3 laps, which was awesome and the pace stayed above 30 for the majority of the ride which was great.
I think I'm finally over my cold or whatever it was as i felt great during the ride. My new goal is to be able to go off the front at Strawberry Mansion bridge and stay away. Was able to do it to 100 meters tonight...that last few meters is going to be the hardest...it'll be a fun goal...
In other news, over 4K miles in 2008!
Monday, April 7, 2008
Headwinds and Donuts
Daily Miles: 42.5 Miles
Avg. Speed: 17 mph
April Total: 388.0
2008 Total: 3994.68
Today was a really tough day on the bike. I am really looking forward to warmer temps later on this week.
I was pretty tired from yesterday's race, but even more tired of the relentless headwinds and the 12+ hours I spent at work.
I did notice something interesting today on fatty's blog about the donut tour, where you ride a circuit race and eat donuts between laps. Each donut=3min off your time. I decided riding home today that this was the future of cycling for me. I'm 100% sure I could get a negative time. Donuts don't slow me down, they make me faster. I'm also pretty sure there's NO ONE, not even fatty himself, could get close to beating me.
So yeah, if the whole pro thing doesn't work out, I definitely have a future in experimental eating contests. I can eat...and exercise...both in large quantities and at the same time.
That said, i have ridden almost 400 miles this month, and we're only a week in...i think i deserve a few donuts.
Avg. Speed: 17 mph
April Total: 388.0
2008 Total: 3994.68
Today was a really tough day on the bike. I am really looking forward to warmer temps later on this week.
I was pretty tired from yesterday's race, but even more tired of the relentless headwinds and the 12+ hours I spent at work.
I did notice something interesting today on fatty's blog about the donut tour, where you ride a circuit race and eat donuts between laps. Each donut=3min off your time. I decided riding home today that this was the future of cycling for me. I'm 100% sure I could get a negative time. Donuts don't slow me down, they make me faster. I'm also pretty sure there's NO ONE, not even fatty himself, could get close to beating me.
So yeah, if the whole pro thing doesn't work out, I definitely have a future in experimental eating contests. I can eat...and exercise...both in large quantities and at the same time.
That said, i have ridden almost 400 miles this month, and we're only a week in...i think i deserve a few donuts.
Sunday, April 6, 2008
Pinecone Race Report
Daily Miles: 60Miles
Avg. Speed: 23 mph
April Total: 345.5
2008 Total: 3952.18
Today was my first P/1/2/3 Race. The race itself was very similar to what I imagine a spring race in Belgium would be like. Cold, Raining, Fast.
I feel pretty good with the results, especially considering that I had no teammates. I missed the break on lap 3 that ended up staying out which sucked, but I finished third or fourth in the group sprint at the end.
More than anything, i realized that the 1/2/3 field is where I should be racing. It's hard enough to really make me work, but not hard enough where I can't keep up/lead out the group.
A few more races this spring in Cat 3s and I should be able to upgrade to 2. A few more hard training rides like i had this week, and it shouldn't be a problem. The real work begins...
Saturday Miles Update
Daily Miles: 74 Miles
Avg. Speed: 19.5 mph
April Total: 285.5
2008 Total: 3892.18
Saturday, Taylor and I went over and did the Uno Ride in NJ. This time, we linked up with the proper group and had a good hammer. This is probably my favorite Saturday ride. The pace always is great and for the most part, people know how to ride their bikes.
Additionally, because we leave from the base from the base of the Ben Franklin Bridge at 7, we're back in Philly by 11, which leaves the whole day for us to do stuff. Much better then waiting until 11 to go out, then be out until dark.
We were laughing on the way back about riding so hard, and pushing the group. It's inevitable we will, regardless of if we say we're going to "sit in" and relax...never happens.
Avg. Speed: 19.5 mph
April Total: 285.5
2008 Total: 3892.18
Saturday, Taylor and I went over and did the Uno Ride in NJ. This time, we linked up with the proper group and had a good hammer. This is probably my favorite Saturday ride. The pace always is great and for the most part, people know how to ride their bikes.
Additionally, because we leave from the base from the base of the Ben Franklin Bridge at 7, we're back in Philly by 11, which leaves the whole day for us to do stuff. Much better then waiting until 11 to go out, then be out until dark.
We were laughing on the way back about riding so hard, and pushing the group. It's inevitable we will, regardless of if we say we're going to "sit in" and relax...never happens.
Friday, April 4, 2008
Congrats Taylor!!
Daily Miles: 50 MilesAvg. Speed: 17.5 mph
April Total: 211.5
2008 Total: 3818.18
So here's the play by play from Taylor's wedding yesterday evening. I'll even put in some pictures!
3:00 PM We finally got through the visitor processing area at City Hall. Leave it to Taylor to be late to his own wedding!
3:10 PM Get into the courtroom. Listen to the judge with advanced Alzheimer's bumble through the first few ceremonies and hope he has it figured out by the time Taylor and Julie get hitched
3:20 PM Last but not least, Taylor and Julie tie the knot
The judge only fucked up once and called Taylor "Tyler." Julie noticed though. Good for her. When I got married I think I would have repeated anything Bill said to me.
3:40 PM After the ceremony we walked around the city and took a few pictures. Some turned out really nice.
I think this was one of favorite pictures:
4:00 PM Happy Hour. Or Happy 3.5 Hours. We slowly made our way to Morimotos for dinner by swinging through Nodding Head, El Vez, and Moriarty's. The creepy guy in the back of this pic kept trying to pick up my wife...little did he know, the ball and chain holds her down quite well!
Then we went over to Morimotos. It was my first time. I felt a little out of place. I'm just a country boy, but the food was crazy good. Like nothing I've ever had (or will ever have again).
Taylor should be over any time now to pick up the rest of his. I'll let him tell that story if he wants.
Congratulations Taylor and Julie!
Now back to what really matters...Pinecone Race Sunday!!
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Bad Husbandry
Daily Miles: 90 Miles
Avg. Speed: 18 mph
April Total: 161.5
2008 Total: 3768.18
How do you become a bad husband?
1. Go for 6 hour bike rides mid-week
2. Get drunk with teamates after said bike ride
3. Get home to late to cook dinner
4. Be really tired from said six hour bike ride
5. Eat like it's 1999
So yeah, our 4 hour 60 mile bike ride turned into a 6.5 hour suffer fest up and over some of the biggest hills in SE PA. I was planning on being home by 2. It was almost 5 by the time that happened.
Then i went and had some beers. And I'm now starving. And Dehydrated. And i have to ride to work tomorrow. Damn.
So the silver lining is that in the first two days of April, i have already ridden a weeks worth of rides. Geez...So yeah, If i ride tomorrow and friday, get 80 on Sat, and 30 on Sunday at the race, that equals another 200. I'll be halfway to my goal of 1000 miles by April 10!
Feeling rather Pro...And my wife is wonderful...VERY wonderful
Avg. Speed: 18 mph
April Total: 161.5
2008 Total: 3768.18
How do you become a bad husband?
1. Go for 6 hour bike rides mid-week
2. Get drunk with teamates after said bike ride
3. Get home to late to cook dinner
4. Be really tired from said six hour bike ride
5. Eat like it's 1999
So yeah, our 4 hour 60 mile bike ride turned into a 6.5 hour suffer fest up and over some of the biggest hills in SE PA. I was planning on being home by 2. It was almost 5 by the time that happened.
Then i went and had some beers. And I'm now starving. And Dehydrated. And i have to ride to work tomorrow. Damn.
So the silver lining is that in the first two days of April, i have already ridden a weeks worth of rides. Geez...So yeah, If i ride tomorrow and friday, get 80 on Sat, and 30 on Sunday at the race, that equals another 200. I'll be halfway to my goal of 1000 miles by April 10!
Feeling rather Pro...And my wife is wonderful...VERY wonderful
April's Starting Off Right
Daily Miles: 71.5 Miles
Avg. Speed: 22 mph
April Total: 71.5
2008 Total: 3778.18
Did it all yesterday. Commuted hard. Did the Drives hard. Today I'm tired.
It easy to ride a lot of miles when it is as warm as it was yesterday. The high was close to 70 degrees. Even the morning wasn't too bad, as despite the rain, the temps hovered around 50. In my mind, you can't really beat that. There's no amount of rain or headwinds that makes riding in 70 degree weather suck, at least in my mind.
To top it off, by 1830, it was sunny out and the wind had calmed a bit, so the conditions for the drives ride was as close to ideal as you could expect for early spring.
Let's hope the weather continues to hold. I'm doing a TSV Training ride today, commuting a half day Thursday, commuting Friday, Uno ride Sat, and Pinecone race Sunday. All told, that should add up to 300 miles in the first week of April. Got to love Spring!
Avg. Speed: 22 mph
April Total: 71.5
2008 Total: 3778.18
Did it all yesterday. Commuted hard. Did the Drives hard. Today I'm tired.
It easy to ride a lot of miles when it is as warm as it was yesterday. The high was close to 70 degrees. Even the morning wasn't too bad, as despite the rain, the temps hovered around 50. In my mind, you can't really beat that. There's no amount of rain or headwinds that makes riding in 70 degree weather suck, at least in my mind.
To top it off, by 1830, it was sunny out and the wind had calmed a bit, so the conditions for the drives ride was as close to ideal as you could expect for early spring.
Let's hope the weather continues to hold. I'm doing a TSV Training ride today, commuting a half day Thursday, commuting Friday, Uno ride Sat, and Pinecone race Sunday. All told, that should add up to 300 miles in the first week of April. Got to love Spring!
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