HHH Training...........

[aham23]

has anyone started? are you just riding up and down the neighbor hill or what? i would love to hear what everyone is doing, or not doing. i just passed 500 miles for the season and finally feel like i might have some type of cycling for back. now i need to find me a hill to ride up and down, up and down, up and down, up and down......which is kind of hard to do in PLAINFIELD.

Check out the Profile and some Stats I pulled from MotionBased for the double.

http://trail.motionbased.com/trail/chart/get.mb?xy.domain=totalDistance&xy.ranges=elevation&xy.histogram=false&xy.legendVisible=false&xy.primaryRangeAxisVisible=true&xy.secondaryRangeAxisVisible=true&xy.rangeTitlesVisible=true&xy.domainAxisVisible=true&xy.plotForegroundOpacity=0.75&episodePk.pkValue=935166&xy.plotForegroundOpacity=0.75&xy.autoFit=true&xy.width=340&xy.height=227

Summary of Stats (http://trail.motionbased.com/trail/activity/935166)

later.

[Psimet2001]

My commute has a few steep climbs on it, but nothing longer than .2 miles. I am up to near 900 miles in a little less than 8 weeks of riding so far. 431 miles in the last 2 weeks alone. :eek:

I've actually been worried about over training.

We need a hilly ride on a short loop that we can ride 3-4 times one weekend. Any volunteers for the Chiburb area?

[Kimbercop]

Sounds like you guys need another Starved Rock trip before the HHH

[CastIron]

In St. Paul I have a plethora of small but steepish climbs along the Mississippi river (it's really a gorge at this point). I'm assuming it's gonna hurt, but figure I can get fairly close here. Little more concerned about sustained mountain climbs in MT later in fall. I couldn't find a 1500' climb to save my life anywhere within a few hours drive.

[aham23]

Sounds like you guys need another Starved Rock trip before the HHH

actually IAB has a nice 10 mile loop in Bull Valley with about 800 feet of climbing. we could tackle that 4 or 5 times :). i am for something like and know i have to head up north.

the clock is ticking. what weekend are you thinking of Psimet? let me know. later.

[CyLowe97]

how's Saturday for you guys? or Memorial Day?

Bull Valley beckons.

http://www.toporoute.com/cgi-bin/getSavedRoute.cgi?routeKey=NAIKKCIAAERWVSC

[John Wilke]

Head on over to Alpine Valley. Ride a few dozen laps on the Superweek loop:

http://www.routeslip.com/routes/4708

Or other roads in the area in and out of the river valley there. That ought to give
you legs like Oak Trees.

jw

[CyLowe97]

Head on over to Alpine Valley. Ride a few dozen laps on the Superweek loop:
http://www.routeslip.com/routes/4708

Is that just parking at the Alpine Valley lot? Probably want to make sure there's not a massive concert going on that day clogging up the roads....

[aham23]

saturday? could work? i am headed out of town for some meetings so give me a day or two to see what my weekend plans are. yes, i mean ask my wife :) later.

[cminter]

You guys should come up here for a ride, check out the June 3rd ride. http://www.bombaybicycle.org/index.htm
The Bombay rides are free just sign a release and ride. Parking may be an issue since the fair is here that weekend I think. My house is about 4 blocks for the park so anyone can park here and ride over.

I've been riding during the week pulling my younger son in the Burley on these hills:
http://www.toporoute.com/cgi-bin/getSavedRoute.cgi?routeKey=KFLPVKUXPKUVODT
http://www.toporoute.com/cgi-bin/getSavedRoute.cgi?routeKey=MQORBKBFYLHGVCG
So far I've got a little over 1200 miles in this year, doesn't feel like enough. The weather has not helped, too many cool mornings, can't freeze my son just to get some miles.

[CyLowe97]

You guys should come up here for a ride, check out the June 3rd ride. http://www.bombaybicycle.org/index.htm
The Bombay rides are free just sign a release and ride.
Wow, that's a great set of rides they have planned throughout the summer.

Will have to see if there is some time the Illinois crew can get up there, as it is a bit of a drive.

[Psimet2001]

I'm down for Monday. Saturday is Bike the Drive and my wife is already thinking that we are doing it. She's not aweful excited about getting up that early to go ride bikes though. I'll have to keep you posted.

[Psimet2001]

Head on over to Alpine Valley. Ride a few dozen laps on the Superweek loop:

http://www.routeslip.com/routes/4708

Or other roads in the area in and out of the river valley there. That ought to give
you legs like Oak Trees.

jw
I'd like to head up there, but that's about $30-$40 in gas from us.....not to mention the expensive divorce from going to WI two weekends in a row....

[iab]

I rode it Sunday, once, I thought I was going to vomit. I got a a lot of work to do for the HHH:o

Here's the route again, you can park in Ridgefield (where Country Club, Hillside and Ridgefield Rds. meet)instead of down by the lake on CyLowe's map, it's much closer to the loop. Also, CyLowe's doesn't have the Cherry Valley Rd hill, that's another good one, better than the Oak Ridge Rd. hill.
http://www.routeslip.com/routes/32386

I'm visiting my parents this weekend so I am out. They live about 10 miles from the east end of the HHH so I will probably do a little of the route while I am there.

[timmyquest]

how's Saturday for you guys? or Memorial Day?

Bull Valley beckons.

http://www.toporoute.com/cgi-bin/getSavedRoute.cgi?routeKey=NAIKKCIAAERWVSC


Being a 5 min bike ride north of Bull Valley, i'm def. down... Saturday i'm doing the 60 miler in Rockton though so Memorial day sounds good to me, and everyone knows the world revolves around me.

[Brigadier]

I've ridden Stages 2, 3 and 4 so far. This weekend I think I might reacquaint myself with Mounds Park Road as I've got a new bike to break in. If I can't do the climb with a 50/36 and 12-27 cassette I plan on turning in my biking card for something else :eek:

I'll also be out riding the course the 2nd of June and 10th if people are going to be around. The 10th is one of the best BBC rides of the year in my opinion since it hits every major climb between Madison and Black Earth :p

[John Wilke]

Is that just parking at the Alpine Valley lot? Probably want to make sure there's not a massive concert going on that day clogging up the roads....

I know they park there on race days, but I wouldn't otherwise because it's private property and there's a wicked climb comming out of the lot (hardly a warm up). Just find a quiet spot on the side of the road somewhere.

Here's another one, a little closer to the State line - the MGA proving grounds course for Superweek (just ride the road portion).

http://www.routeslip.com/routes/2349

Again, park along the road somewhere, or in Lyons (N. Rail street is nice).

Here's the elevation profile for that course, the big hills are on the SW corner of the loop. It's a winner too!

jw

[CyLowe97]

http://www.routeslip.com/routes/32386
I can't get this routeslip to load or the one JW posted right above. Anyone else having a problem?

I even tried searching these and loading them through RouteSlip, but they never loaded.

Hmm....

[iab]

I can't get this routeslip to load or the one JW posted right above. Anyone else having a problem?

I even tried searching these and loading them through RouteSlip, but they never loaded.

Hmm....
Worked for me at 7:24. I use IE.

[CyLowe97]

Worked for me at 7:24. I use IE.
Strange. They worked finally. I've been trying that one all day.

I blame Bill Gates. :o

[Psimet2001]

<snip>I blame Bill Gates. :o

So do I....I caught an IP tracker running on my work computer today - self imposed BF vacation. :( - just when I was getting the jersey pricing together too....;)

[aham23]

IP tracker. say it aint so. with the events of today it seems clear that they are on to you! :)

monday might work for me. i will know for sure by thursday. later.

[CyLowe97]

So do I....I caught an IP tracker running on my work computer today - self imposed BF vacation. :( - just when I was getting the jersey pricing together too....;)
Rrrrright......

:rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

Anyway, I think I'm going to head up to Crystal Lake on Saturday morning and Monday morning, as well.

[cminter]

The 10th is one of the best BBC rides of the year in my opinion since it hits every major climb between Madison and Black Earth :p

I'll be there for the long route, this may be the longest ride I get in before the HHH.

[jbmadtown]

Wow- all you out-of-towners coming in for the HHH are starting to intimidate me! I've ridden the 100K route in stages and once in full and seem to be taking a much more casual approach to the whole event. I'll be the noob you all blow past early on. After doing the Dairyland Dare last year and what I've done this year I'm sure I can finish (thanks to a triple crank and 27tooth in the rear)- just not quickly.

Good luck to all of you!

[Brigadier]

Wow- all you out-of-towners coming in for the HHH are starting to intimidate me! I've ridden the 100K route in stages and once in full and seem to be taking a much more casual approach to the whole event. I'll be the noob you all blow past early on. After doing the Dairyland Dare last year and what I've done this year I'm sure I can finish (thanks to a triple crank and 27tooth in the rear)- just not quickly.

Good luck to all of you!

I bet you'll clock a good time if you've already scouted the course. The adrenaline gets pumping when you are in a huge pack doing the first few climbs. It is also easy to make up time in the downhills if you are willing to exceed 40 MPH :D

[aham23]

not looking good for me and a trip to Bull Valley this weekend. i am a pretty smart guy and i think the six yards of mulch that just got dumped in my driveway means i am on landscape duty this weekend :(!

i did get out this morning and knock out my first ever interval session. figure i need to do something out of the norm to get ready for the HHH.

later.

[CyLowe97]

I'm going to head up to Crystal Lake on Saturday morning to ride the route iab provided above. If anyone's up for an early ride and wants to meet up, send me a PM. I'm thinking 7:00 am or maybe earlier to get a jumpstart on the traffic.

[Psimet2001]

I'm still looking good for Monday morning, but Saturday may be out of the question. Planned on doing Bike the Drive, but son has a fever. If we don't do Bike the Drive I could be in for tomorrow morning.

I'll know more later on.

[CyLowe97]

I'm still looking good for Monday morning,
Depending on how tomorrow goes for me, I'm in for Monday, as well.

I whipped the 12-27 onto my rear wheel, so I should have plenty o' bailout. :o

[Shemp]

I'm going to head up to Crystal Lake on Saturday morning to ride the route iab provided above. If anyone's up for an early ride and wants to meet up, send me a PM. I'm thinking 7:00 am or maybe earlier to get a jumpstart on the traffic.

If you're up for driving a bit farther there are at least a few of us doing this ride Saturday morning: http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=295253 I have no idea how flat/hilly it is though.

[CyLowe97]

If you're up for driving a bit farther there are at least a few of us doing this ride Saturday morning: http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=295253 I have no idea how flat/hilly it is though.
Thanks for the invite, but I'm going to skip the ride out of Rockton.

Have a great ride. Make sure to have someone take some pics and post them on the board.

[CyLowe97]

Anyone still thinking of meeting up on Monday morning?

I rode this morning before the rain kicked in and had a fun time spinning up and flying down the Bull Valley hills. Plenty steep enough to hit 46 mph coasting down Deer Valley Road as I went back for more. :)

Who's in for Monday?

[iab]

Anyone still thinking of meeting up on Monday morning?

I rode this morning before the rain kicked in and had a fun time spinning up and flying down the Bull Valley hills. Plenty steep enough to hit 46 mph coasting down Deer Valley Road as I went back for more. :)

Who's in for Monday?

It's just Valley Road, no Deer, but that is where a deer jumped in front of me as I was going 35 mph, I hit the brakes hard and came within 2 feet of hitting it.

[Psimet2001]

Probably, but it will have to be early.

[aham23]

you guys got a time for tomorrow yet? i am still in negotiations. actually i am spending this afternoon making a huge deposit in the wife bank.........wait, that sounds bad :)? anyway, let me know what time you two are aiming for. later.

[iab]

I did the east loop of the HHH 100k :o I forgot about Barlow road, that thing kicked me in the ass and at the end I was averaging a whopping 3 mph (as I walked up the remainder of the hill). Think of Valley Rd in Bull Valley, same gradient except it is 3-4 times longer. My out and back to the loop wasn't terribly easy either, there was a nasty wind from the west.

Very pretty though, many wild flowers blooming (lots of that purple and white flox) and very green with clear skies. You can see the route here, 40 miles (actually 42, I took a wrong turn) and 3400 ft of climbing.

http://www.routeslip.com/routes/43006

[CyLowe97]

iab, Barlow is crazy, isn't it? The first time I ever saw that road, I had climbed all the way up Garfoot and then descended Barlow. Serious fast downhill! :eek: :D

Climbing it during last year's HHH all I did was just put my head down and not look at the top until I hit the crest.

Psimet and aham, how early do you want to ride? 7am? 8am? Just let me know. I parked my car at a church lot in Ridgefield: link (maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&q=church+street,+bull+valley,+il&sll=42.263908,-88.363724&sspn=0.009703,0.015428&ie=UTF8&ll=42.26702,-88.363767&spn=0.009702,0.015428&z=16&om=1)

let me know

[cyclpsycho]

I need to check in here more often! I rode the whole course yesterday (100K). Barlow is fun and Lakeview Rd. has another beauty on it :D . There are also some spots of gravel -- some kind of "road construction" :mad: on the last stage. This was my second time this year. The first time there was a 30 mph wind from the south -- not fun!

[Brigadier]

I was just out on the course checking out the final run in into the park. I've decided it is far more fun to barrel down Mounds Park Road than climb it (if you are willing to let loose you could easily hit 45+ MPH :eek:)

I hope all of you are planning on showing up with some low gearing. I was almost dying in a 36x25. Thank goodness it is only half a mile from the ranger station to the top.

[Psimet2001]

Did hill repeats in the Bull Valley area. Steep grades for around here. CyLowe can fill in the details, but we did a lot of them....many times. Felt a ton better than I thought I would. 33 Miles of climbing (up.downs)

Bonus = I hit 50+ twice today. It's been a lot of years since I've been able to do that. Max = 50.4

[aham23]

^^^^ very cool. i need, i mean MUST get out there for some repeats. i may have to sneak out durning work one afternoon this week!

[CyLowe97]

Did hill repeats in the Bull Valley area. Steep grades for around here. CyLowe can fill in the details, but we did a lot of them....many times. Felt a ton better than I thought I would. 33 Miles of climbing (up.downs)

Bonus = I hit 50+ twice today. It's been a lot of years since I've been able to do that. Max = 50.4
I don't have too many details beyond we climbed Bull Valley Road hill twice and Valley Hill Road three times, the short, but deceptive Cherry Valley Road hill twice and road around that area in a few other loops, as well.

The great thing out in that area is there were other folks doing the same hill repeats.

Oh yeah, I only hit 49.7 mph as a max. :D

aham, let me know when you want to head up there for a spin and I'll see if I can arrange some time. Afternoons work well, but traffic can be heck for you getting up this way, I'm guessing.

[cyclpsycho]

Psimet2001 there is a great hill right down the road from us in Sleepy Hollow. Hickory Hollow Drive is a long drawn out hill and right next to it is Oak Hill Drive which is rather steep. Bull Valley in our backyard!

[Psimet2001]

Psimet2001 there is a great hill right down the road from us in Sleepy Hollow. Hickory Hollow Drive is a long drawn out hill and right next to it is Oak Hill Drive which is rather steep. Bull Valley in our backyard!
CyLowe is just around the corner as well. Looked to find the road on the satellite photos...shows lots of nice big houses on that road. I might get thrown out by security. I assume you take McLean to get there.

Post a nice - relatively traffic friendly route through there and I might give it a try.

I kept looking over my shoulder in Bull Valley this morning. I half expected Steadman to be chasing me down to throw me out of the neighborhood.

[aham23]

aham, let me know when you want to head up there for a spin and I'll see if I can arrange some time. Afternoons work well, but traffic can be heck for you getting up this way, I'm guessing.

as of this moment my thought is thursday. my office is in north naperville so it gets me a bit closer. it will come down to the weather and of course work. i will know more on the work front tomorrow. if the weather looks good then i really hope to ride it, but likely a noon depart so i can get back to will county before rush hour. later.

[cyclpsycho]

Here is the way I get there Link (http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=1000504)(the railroad track is the trail). I like a good warm-up, then a few smaller climbs, before hitting the wall.

[aham23]

got the gear loaded up in the car. if all goes my way at work i will be headed up to Bull Valley later this morning for some repeats. should be fun, i think. later.

[CyLowe97]

Here is the way I get there Link (http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=1000504)(the railroad track is the trail). I like a good warm-up, then a few smaller climbs, before hitting the wall.
Thank you for the link! I rode over there at lunch and got myself nice and lost on Beau Brummel and Crane just looping up and down.

I forgot about that Oak Hill Drive until I was cruising back down Sleepy Hollow, so it was a bonus for me. That sucker is steep and had my lungs burning, even if it is only about 1/8 mile long. Will have to go back for some repeats on that one.

I learned a few things on my ride. One is that Boncosky is a terrible road to ride on. I saw the Road Closed sign on Sleepy Hollow after I went under the I-90 underpass, so ducked onto Boncosky. I drive that road every week, but forgot how messed up it is with potholes and missing shoulder. Cars were giving no quarter, even with no oncoming traffic. I was quite happy to get to River Ridge to wind my way back to Sleepy Hollow and the hills. It turned out that I could have easily just stayed on Sleepy Hollow the whole way and that the road was not really closed. Ehh. Two is that I was able to ride through the Fisher Peanuts corporate park to avoid having to ride for the short little time on Randall to get over to Mason (which goes toward my neck of the woods). Much safer to just cross Randall than ride on it, even if only for 100 yards. Live and learn. :)

[aham23]

Done. crap this place is WAY up there! anyway, i only had time for one out and back. pretty much followed the route suggested by Cylowe. i was a bit surprised how much traffic was out there on these roads. anyway, 24.46 miles, 1812 feet of climbing, 17.1 mph avg with a 49.1 mph max. AND no walking :).

i need to plan to get back up there and try to knock out 40 to 50 miles to see how the body reacts. those really steep rises get to me as i just cant not get comfortable sitting and standing seems to blow me up. i think it's a lower back issue and i should get off this computer and stretch!

Complete Stats (http://trail.motionbased.com/trail/episode/view.do?episodePk.pkValue=2880364)

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/195/522087061_9fe10eda01_o.jpg

later.