Did You Ride Today?

[zipp2001]

Worked The Title 9 Triathlon today, and it was crazy weather for about a half hour. The field is capped at 650 woman only event, and we had 811 woman apply for entry to it. It was 75 degrees, humid, and 12 - 15 wind to start. Then with at least half the field on the bike leg of the event the sky opened up and the wind (35+ gusts) and pouring rain went crazy. We did have one serious crash because of the weather, but hadn't heard an update on her before the event was done. Let's hope it was nothing to serious, and I'm sure I'll get an update from the race director Monday. I ended my day looking like a drowned rat, and a total of 46 miles. Now it's time to give the bike a good cleaning.

 

[jhuskey]

Yes, perfect weather for almost anything. There is a dog about 3.5 miles out on todays ride. He is a very picky chaser since he specializes in chasing cars only. He only gives me a glance. I appreciate a dog of refined taste.

 

[CAMPYBOB]

Consecutive riding day number 80:

I only had time for a short 33-mile ride. I really, really needed to make it to an 8-year old's 'Frozen' themed birthday party...

Somebody, shoot me!

Birthday parties with 'themes'? WTH?

It got up to 74 degrees under a partly sunny sky. The wind was up a little, but nothing like it has been so good to go there. Around 1200' of climbing was all I could get in over the limited time and terrain I had to play with. It was a fun ride with a few good turns of speed and some work low on the bars and making those parts wear out faster!

 

[zipp2001]

Somebody, shoot me!

Birthday parties with 'themes'? WTH?

I used to own a tenpin bowling center and Saturdays and Sunday were birthday party crazy. I would usually have between 6-10 birthday every weekend from October thru April. I think that's how I got so much gray hair.

 

[CAMPYBOB]

I think that's how I got so much gray hair.

I can only imagine the horror shows you had to babysit.


Consecutive riding day number 81:

Just 22 miles, but a nice climbing workout regardless. The Watts returned today. At least enough of them to give me hope I am not permanently slagged.

I climbed like Bahamontes (OK...in my head, at least!)! Just like the 'Eagle of Toledo'! So...maybe the 'Pigeon of Toledo, Ohio'?

Anyway, only 1300' of climbing so no Alpine passes today.

77 degrees under light clouds and sunshine! Perfect! Let's ride! The Crystal Method's 'Keep Hope Alive' was playing in my head and even the chip & seal roads felt fast today.

 

[Uawadall]

2 midday rides in a row, rare for me, i'm usually an early morning rider.

Sunday I road 25.7 miles/17.3 mph/1350 ft. It was wind, was pushing through headwinds for most of it.I diverted from the route a little to take advantage of a tailwind for 2 miles or so, then right back into it.

Monday I took a half day off work and rode in the afternoon. 18.5 miles/18.3 mph/500 ft.

Both good rides, but I prefer the early stuff.

 

[CAMPYBOB]

Monday I took a half day off work and rode in the afternoon.

That's what I'm talkin' about! My wife, her mother and two aunts are headed to a County fair today. I think I'll blow off some of the afternoon and get and early start on the bike.

Retirement should start at the age of 21.

 

[zipp2001]

Both good rides, but I prefer the early stuff.

I don't know how you do it U, my leg's just don't like early, or cool weather. I try to get out at the hottest part of the day because that's when the legs feel best for me. When the weather starts dropping in the mid 50's my leg and arm warmer's are a regular part of my riding gear.

Took the TT bike out after work today for my regular 15 mile out and back route. The temp was 77 degrees with a little sting in the wind at 8-10 mph. Just didn't have the motor today and rolled out at 19.8 mph.

 

[CAMPYBOB]

I try to get out at the hottest part of the day because that's when the legs feel best for me.

Same same. The heat makes the old muscles and bones feel...younger!


Consecutive riding day number 82:

Just another short 22-mile cruise. I kept it pretty flat at about 650' of climbing and for the most part kept the speed well below the sound barrier. WELL below!

Averaged 16.2 MPH enjoying the sunshine and 82 degree air. The wind was light at 7 to 8 MPH and going slow it was not too much of a pain.

Kind of a quiet ride...traffic was really light and the only heart rate rise was when two fawns decided to try and commit suicide in front of a 17-pound road bike. I grabbed the brakes and they lived to tackle a plastic car bumper on some other day.

 

[jhuskey]

Still hot here but 4 consective days. Ok maybe no record but I know things, dark disturbing things about dogs, road grime on cassettes, texters, women in mini vans and horrors beyond imagination.

 

[CAMPYBOB]

...and horrors beyond imagination.

So...Hillary passed out at a campaign stop near you?

 

[CAMPYBOB]

Consecutive riding day number 83: Secteurs of Chip & Seal

I only had time for a very short 17-mile sprint around the farm fields yesterday. The forum was either down or unreachable last night so I couldn't post the ride up until this morning.

525' of climbing over a flat course that took me over two of my usual training roads...freshly destroyed with fresh chip & seal stones that must have been applied only hours earlier. Those two roads will be avoided for the next two or three weeks until they are 'run in' by motor vehicle traffic and weather.

It had rained right after lunch a couple times and the roads dried just in time to get out and have a little fun. The sun came out a few times while I rode and the 75° air felt great! The wind was noticeable at 10-14 MPH, but nothing too painful to push into.

 

[jhuskey]

So...Hillary passed out at a campaign stop near you?

I should be so lucky.

 

[CAMPYBOB]

Consecutive riding day number 84:

22 miles of light climbing. Right around 1200' of the vertical stuff with just one climb that is painful. The sky was sunny and blue, the wind a light 8 MPH and the temperature a warm 75 degrees.

The effort was mainly just tempo work. Going into the red was not the goal this afternoon...just go out, have some fun and get a decent workout in.

Plan goal: Met!

 

[Uawadall]

18.2 miles/18.3 mph/900 ft/89 average cadence...

Decided to spin instead of grind big gears like I usually do. 6 am, 40 degrees and windy.. . Was somewhat surprised that I was reaching 20 mph for stretches in the 39 ring. Lungs worked a little harder, legs a little less. Mid through the ride, I was averaging 95 rpm's, but I went back to my normal style. When i'm in really low gears and spinning fast, I get saddle bounce, it feels weird.

Watch out for that glare, I sound like a broken record, but it is just about the most dangerous riding condition IMO. 5 minutes left in my ride and the sun was directly in my eye. A deer ran right out in front of me.

 

[zipp2001]

Back on the TT bike today but didn't get out until early evening so only rolled out 21 miles because of darkness. Temp was 65 degrees with a 4-6 wind, and I had a light t-shirt under my jersey today. Dug out the arm and leg warmers out for future use. Didn't push hard just set a good tempo and enjoy the scenery.

 

[CAMPYBOB]

Dug out the arm and leg warmers out for future use.

You're harshing my mellow!

I keep telling myself, "Just one more Winter in Ohio...". I got out of the state too little last Winter. This Winter my staff of physiotherapist, masseuse, mechanic, chef, coach and manager will be basing January training camp out of JH's guest house. If it's too cold for shorts we're all packing up the grand tour bus and heading to Solvang.

 

[jhuskey]

I have been trying to pack all my miles into weekday rides. We will be attending the game tomorrow. Kickoff at noon, UT vs Ohio. Tailgating starts much earlier. I can probably ride again Sunday.

 

[CAMPYBOB]

I have been trying to pack all my miles into weekday rides.

Same here. Due to a bunch of rain forecast for Saturday and Sunday. I'll try to work a short ride in on both days, but no promises.

Consecutive riding day number 85:

I rode 51 miles this afternoon in glorious 82 degree warmth and bright sunshine. The wind was a very manageable 7 to 9 MPH and I climbed 2100'. The speed was just 16.4 MPH average...I slowed down for about a mile to chat with a cute young gal on a Giant mountain bike. She wasn't making any speed, but I had passed her earlier when headed North. I was going like a rocket and barely had time to lift the right hand from the drops in a half-hearted wave as I went by on the centerline so as not to freak her out. She had said a breathless 'Hello!' as she was working hard to get up a small incline.

She must have hung an East turn and then a South turn a couple miles below my turns and I come up on her again about 10 minutes after originally passing her. She was trying to get 'back in shape' and her Giant was obviously a new bike. No helmet...sitting bolt upright...no computer. She had no idea how far she had ridden, but I'm guessing it was at least 10 miles. Good for her! I told her she was ahead of 95% of the population in her conditioning, gave her some encouragement and wished her a safe ride before getting back up to speed and blasting into the light headwind for 20 more miles.

The ride felt good and I was unloading on bigger gears all the way home.


The game? You might as well go ride! Or at least fuggeddabout da diabeetus and get bombed out of your gourd. Seriously...you should crush that third rate team from Ohio.

 

[zipp2001]

Did a chilly 25 miles with the TT bike again after work with the temp at 65 degrees with a 6-8 wind. Kept it at a moderate tempo and only attacked a couple of the many rollers on this route. Clocked out at 18.6 mph and just not feeling any real jump in the legs right now.

Will be off to the Cape Saturday to get ready for the last Du/Tri of the season Sunday. Looks like some rain showers in the forecast early afternoon Sunday. These are sprint events so should be done by noon.