Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - Today's Ride, Pics and New Crosstraining program Haha!

I work four 10 shifts so figured I'd get in somehill training so that I can ride the flats with Gina this weekend. The things we do to keep the wives riding!:D... Get off work at 1 am, to sleep about 3 am, out of bed at 8:30 am and off to Mom and Dad's to do the yard (Dad's got health issues). So I do the yard then let them buy me breakfast. I'm cheap, I get the $5 special:p

So after all the yardwork, breakfast, driving them on errands and a brief rest I head up to the mtns for some climbing. I don't feel like getting stuck out in the middle of the mtns if something should go wrong and I don't get to start till 2:30 pm.

Big GMR is an 8 mile climb with a 6% average gradient and 2200 ft for the 8 miles. I climb the first time and feel great! SO I turn around at the top and head down to the bottom. Reach the bottom then turn around and do it again. Second time wasn't so happy! I rarely cramp but today the calves cramped 2 miles up the second climb. At first I can't figure it out then realize prolly cause I did the yard with a pushmower. Different muscle angles I guess. I don't cae for Dad's powermower so I use my little spinning blade pushmower type.

So 2 miles up the second climb I cramp as I stood on a steep section. I really felt like turning around but figured sometime you gotta suffer! So I slowed the pace for a mile or two then VOILA! Cramps are GONE!:thumb:... I remain seated for most of the remainder up the second climb. Later near the top I stand again just to see what happens, nope no cramps!

Wow, I need to do the yard before climbing more often. Induce a few cramps here and there for some training on dealing with discomfort and suffering! Glad I stuck it out, it gets better if you handle it properly! I actually felt good at the top of the second climb!:thumb:

4400 ft elvation gain in 16 miles. Plus 16 miles of some serious downhill!:D

Couple of pics for those that like mtn pics!



About 3.5 miles up
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3323/3451154657_d6e1263cf0_o.jpg
7 miles up the first time, still able to smile!:D
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3360/3451154659_7c653576b9_o.jpg

Good work! Last year I felt like I jumped up to stand too often, usually whenever the grade got above 6%. This year I'm working on staying seated longer. That's a kind of cross-training also, because you definitely work completely different muscles standing vs. sitting.

Hey JimF.... Do you have any good climbs where you are? I have some short steep ones here in Alexandria but nothing steady and long. My climbs are normally enough to go totally anaerobic, but nothing where I can just settle into climbing mode like Beaner's workout. I probably need to drive about an hour west.

Good work! Last year I felt like I jumped up to stand too often, usually whenever the grade got above 6%. This year I'm working on staying seated longer. That's a kind of cross-training also, because you definitely work completely different muscles standing vs. sitting.

I myself rarely stand. In the past I've done a few centuries where the first 60-70 miles is all climbing. I stood up maybe 3 times at the most for for section of maybe 20 yards. Lately I stand only to stimulate a few muscles here and there! BUt stillmy statedgy is to remain seated. In my case, style and opinion, it's more efficient.

Like Redskin says, it's easier to settle into a long sustained climb. It usually takes me 3 or 4 miles to warm up and adapt to a climb. If it's less than a mile, it's pretty uncomfortable since it's hard to find the groove.:D

Hi redskins. I have to get out of town a bit to get any real sustained climbing. You can go either way over Rt 601 (Blueridge mt Rd, Mt Weather) between Rt 7 and Rt 50. You can get a good six-mile 6-8% climb in right out of Front Royal on Skyline Drive. But anything between here and the Blue Ridge Mountains is basically shortish rollers. Some are really steep, but they're not very long.

I stay seated on climbs and only stand to stretch muscles.

I stay seated on climbs and only stand to stretch muscles.

About the only time I stand, is when the pavement is rough, I stop pedalling, lift my butt a little, and let the back end of the bike float around, when the pavement settles, so do I.