Suggestions for riding the comback trail?
#1
Guest
Posts: n/a
Mentioned: Post(s)
Tagged: Thread(s)
Quoted: Post(s)
Suggestions for riding the comback trail?
OK, I'm working on the bollard problem, and I've completed a hard 26 mile ride yesterday. So I'll tentatively accept the title of "cyclist" pending further analysis.
I have two major goals this summer:
1. ride my tour out in Pittsburgh - either the trail to Cumberland, or the whole enchilada to DC. This begins August 16.
2. Ride the MS City to Shore both days, 100 miles down, 75 miles back. This is the last weekend in September.
What can I do, other than ride a lot, to get ready for these events? I lost a good chunk of my conditioning over the five weeks I was off the bike.
I have two major goals this summer:
1. ride my tour out in Pittsburgh - either the trail to Cumberland, or the whole enchilada to DC. This begins August 16.
2. Ride the MS City to Shore both days, 100 miles down, 75 miles back. This is the last weekend in September.
What can I do, other than ride a lot, to get ready for these events? I lost a good chunk of my conditioning over the five weeks I was off the bike.
#2
Out fishing with Annie on his lap, a cigar in one hand and a ginger ale in the other, watching the sunset.
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: South Florida
Posts: 16,056
Bikes: Techna Wheelchair and a Sun EZ 3 Recumbent Trike
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 9 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 22 Times
in
17 Posts
Pedal your butt off. Surprisingly, condition lost comes back fairly quickly as compared to getting better shape the first time. Your body is already familiar with the demands, so it's not as strange as the first time around.
I'd suggest maybe having Dan beat ya up on a few rides.
I'd suggest maybe having Dan beat ya up on a few rides.
__________________
. “He who fights with monsters might take care lest he thereby become a monster. And if you gaze for long into an abyss, the abyss gazes also into you.”- Fredrick Nietzsche
"We can judge the heart of a man by his treatment of animals." - Immanuel Kant
. “He who fights with monsters might take care lest he thereby become a monster. And if you gaze for long into an abyss, the abyss gazes also into you.”- Fredrick Nietzsche
"We can judge the heart of a man by his treatment of animals." - Immanuel Kant
#3
Guest
Posts: n/a
Mentioned: Post(s)
Tagged: Thread(s)
Quoted: Post(s)
Still, I've lost a bit from the accident. The week prior to leaving on tour, while on a ride to Philadelphia, I hung with a group of roadies for a mile and a half at 18 MPH. They kept giving me backward glances to see if the fat guy with panniers was still keeping pace with them.
#4
Out fishing with Annie on his lap, a cigar in one hand and a ginger ale in the other, watching the sunset.
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: South Florida
Posts: 16,056
Bikes: Techna Wheelchair and a Sun EZ 3 Recumbent Trike
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 9 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 22 Times
in
17 Posts
It'll come back pretty quick, though. No worries there. Mostly, what you need is to keep your confidence, my friend. It's too easy to slip into the "I can't handle this" mentality for ALL of us. Once there, it seems too hard and next thing you know, you're a couch potatoe again.
I was surprised at my strength on the 26 mile ride. I felt a trifle wobbly, particularly at higher speeds, but I was assured by my riding companion that I was riding better now than I was last year.
Still, I've lost a bit from the accident. The week prior to leaving on tour, while on a ride to Philadelphia, I hung with a group of roadies for a mile and a half at 18 MPH. They kept giving me backward glances to see if the fat guy with panniers was still keeping pace with them.
Still, I've lost a bit from the accident. The week prior to leaving on tour, while on a ride to Philadelphia, I hung with a group of roadies for a mile and a half at 18 MPH. They kept giving me backward glances to see if the fat guy with panniers was still keeping pace with them.
__________________
. “He who fights with monsters might take care lest he thereby become a monster. And if you gaze for long into an abyss, the abyss gazes also into you.”- Fredrick Nietzsche
"We can judge the heart of a man by his treatment of animals." - Immanuel Kant
. “He who fights with monsters might take care lest he thereby become a monster. And if you gaze for long into an abyss, the abyss gazes also into you.”- Fredrick Nietzsche
"We can judge the heart of a man by his treatment of animals." - Immanuel Kant
#5
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: new england
Posts: 748
Bikes: Wife Trek 7100, GT lola, specialzed Hotrock, Trek Grommet, dead Trek 5200(KIA rear derailer failed and brok frame), and Trek 720 (Died of neglect when the 5200 became a stable mate)
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
traat every ride as you own personal TT.
you vs last months you
you vs last months you
#6
Chubby super biker
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Nebraska
Posts: 1,980
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
It'll come back pretty quick, though. No worries there. Mostly, what you need is to keep your confidence, my friend. It's too easy to slip into the "I can't handle this" mentality for ALL of us. Once there, it seems too hard and next thing you know, you're a couch potatoe again.
My months off the bike this winter were never more apparent than after my first few rides this year. My first 100 mile week, in particular, was a challenge. The second was brutal. Then pretty quickly everything got back to "normal" and I was stronger than before. The first few weeks back are going to involve some effort, but after that your strength will continue to grow by leaps and bounds.
#7
Guest
Posts: n/a
Mentioned: Post(s)
Tagged: Thread(s)
Quoted: Post(s)
I've had what may be a minor setback. Or not. I don't know. But the rib soreness is back. A mild soreness, but a soreness nevertheless. I didn't have it when I rode Wednesday, or after riding, but definitely the next day. And this morning as well. I'm half tempted to skip my ride today. I'm worried I'm trying too much too soon.
#8
Out fishing with Annie on his lap, a cigar in one hand and a ginger ale in the other, watching the sunset.
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: South Florida
Posts: 16,056
Bikes: Techna Wheelchair and a Sun EZ 3 Recumbent Trike
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 9 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 22 Times
in
17 Posts
Try a little Aspercreme on the area. Your rib should be fairly strong now an what's happening is most likely a bit of muscle irritation in the intracostal muscles. If it continues, though, check with your doctor.
__________________
. “He who fights with monsters might take care lest he thereby become a monster. And if you gaze for long into an abyss, the abyss gazes also into you.”- Fredrick Nietzsche
"We can judge the heart of a man by his treatment of animals." - Immanuel Kant
. “He who fights with monsters might take care lest he thereby become a monster. And if you gaze for long into an abyss, the abyss gazes also into you.”- Fredrick Nietzsche
"We can judge the heart of a man by his treatment of animals." - Immanuel Kant
#9
JRA.
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Boston, MA
Posts: 505
Bikes: '07 IRO Mark V, '01 Cannondale Jekyll 3000, '07 Rivendell Atlantis
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I think one of my biggest mistakes after getting doored in 05 was not pushing myself hard enough to get myself back in shape. I'd been working hard for a few years to get fit and while I was back on the bike pretty quickly (about 3 weeks) I was pretty timid and pretty much stopped doing any other conditioning or weight training. It's taken me a lot longer to get back to where I was because of this. That being said temperance is key, and listening to your body is also key. Maybe try going on that ride but take it easy and see how it feels today? Take a break and stretch out a bit?
__________________
2009 Bike Friday Season Tikit (commuting folder)
2007 Rivendell Atlantis (touring, general riding, errand runner, stuff hauler)
2007 IRO Mark V (SS)
2006 Rockhopper Comp Disc (Icebike)
2009 Bike Friday Season Tikit (commuting folder)
2007 Rivendell Atlantis (touring, general riding, errand runner, stuff hauler)
2007 IRO Mark V (SS)
2006 Rockhopper Comp Disc (Icebike)
#10
Guest
Posts: n/a
Mentioned: Post(s)
Tagged: Thread(s)
Quoted: Post(s)
It'll come back pretty quick, though. No worries there. Mostly, what you need is to keep your confidence, my friend. It's too easy to slip into the "I can't handle this" mentality for ALL of us. Once there, it seems too hard and next thing you know, you're a couch potatoe again.
#11
Guest
Posts: n/a
Mentioned: Post(s)
Tagged: Thread(s)
Quoted: Post(s)
I think one of my biggest mistakes after getting doored in 05 was not pushing myself hard enough to get myself back in shape. I'd been working hard for a few years to get fit and while I was back on the bike pretty quickly (about 3 weeks) I was pretty timid and pretty much stopped doing any other conditioning or weight training. It's taken me a lot longer to get back to where I was because of this. That being said temperance is key, and listening to your body is also key. Maybe try going on that ride but take it easy and see how it feels today? Take a break and stretch out a bit?
#12
Out fishing with Annie on his lap, a cigar in one hand and a ginger ale in the other, watching the sunset.
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: South Florida
Posts: 16,056
Bikes: Techna Wheelchair and a Sun EZ 3 Recumbent Trike
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 9 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 22 Times
in
17 Posts
OK, I'll put it bluntly then. Get yer arse riding! You can choose to either take thyself in hand and progress, or you can choose to wallow in despair and become a couch potatoe again......it's entirely your choice, my friend. Personally, I hope you get your butt in gear, myself.
As we've seen recently, I fall into that state easily. I'm struggling with the desire to simply take it easy. At the same time I'd like folks to look at me and think, "he's a good rider." Right now, between the weight gain and my being out of shape I don't feel comfortable physically or mentally in the saddle, and I need to be in the saddle to become who I want to be.
__________________
. “He who fights with monsters might take care lest he thereby become a monster. And if you gaze for long into an abyss, the abyss gazes also into you.”- Fredrick Nietzsche
"We can judge the heart of a man by his treatment of animals." - Immanuel Kant
. “He who fights with monsters might take care lest he thereby become a monster. And if you gaze for long into an abyss, the abyss gazes also into you.”- Fredrick Nietzsche
"We can judge the heart of a man by his treatment of animals." - Immanuel Kant
#13
Guest
Posts: n/a
Mentioned: Post(s)
Tagged: Thread(s)
Quoted: Post(s)
OK, I'll put it bluntly then. Get yer arse riding! You can choose to either take thyself in hand and progress, or you can choose to wallow in despair and become a couch potatoe again......it's entirely your choice, my friend. Personally, I hope you get your butt in gear, myself.
#14
JRA.
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Boston, MA
Posts: 505
Bikes: '07 IRO Mark V, '01 Cannondale Jekyll 3000, '07 Rivendell Atlantis
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Can't tell if you're being sarcastic or not. In any case. I think it's OK to let your gym membership lapse if you're touring, getting into an accident, etc... For my part I didn't have a gym membership before my accident, as I couldn't afford one, I was just doing what I could with limited resources at home.
Regarding starting from zero. From what I've read of your story here that is far from true.
__________________
2009 Bike Friday Season Tikit (commuting folder)
2007 Rivendell Atlantis (touring, general riding, errand runner, stuff hauler)
2007 IRO Mark V (SS)
2006 Rockhopper Comp Disc (Icebike)
2009 Bike Friday Season Tikit (commuting folder)
2007 Rivendell Atlantis (touring, general riding, errand runner, stuff hauler)
2007 IRO Mark V (SS)
2006 Rockhopper Comp Disc (Icebike)
#15
Guest
Posts: n/a
Mentioned: Post(s)
Tagged: Thread(s)
Quoted: Post(s)
Can't tell if you're being sarcastic or not. In any case. I think it's OK to let your gym membership lapse if you're touring, getting into an accident, etc... For my part I didn't have a gym membership before my accident, as I couldn't afford one, I was just doing what I could with limited resources at home.
Regarding starting from zero. From what I've read of your story here that is far from true.
Regarding starting from zero. From what I've read of your story here that is far from true.
#16
Out fishing with Annie on his lap, a cigar in one hand and a ginger ale in the other, watching the sunset.
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: South Florida
Posts: 16,056
Bikes: Techna Wheelchair and a Sun EZ 3 Recumbent Trike
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 9 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 22 Times
in
17 Posts
Call it preemptive, Neil.....just a reminder that we actually do care.
Naw, I don't think you're giving up...
Naw, I don't think you're giving up...
__________________
. “He who fights with monsters might take care lest he thereby become a monster. And if you gaze for long into an abyss, the abyss gazes also into you.”- Fredrick Nietzsche
"We can judge the heart of a man by his treatment of animals." - Immanuel Kant
. “He who fights with monsters might take care lest he thereby become a monster. And if you gaze for long into an abyss, the abyss gazes also into you.”- Fredrick Nietzsche
"We can judge the heart of a man by his treatment of animals." - Immanuel Kant
#17
Guest
Posts: n/a
Mentioned: Post(s)
Tagged: Thread(s)
Quoted: Post(s)
#18
Guest
Posts: n/a
Mentioned: Post(s)
Tagged: Thread(s)
Quoted: Post(s)
I've had what may be a minor setback. Or not. I don't know. But the rib soreness is back. A mild soreness, but a soreness nevertheless. I didn't have it when I rode Wednesday, or after riding, but definitely the next day. And this morning as well. I'm half tempted to skip my ride today. I'm worried I'm trying too much too soon.
#19
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Knoxville, Tn.
Posts: 397
Bikes: Felt Z35
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Sounds to me like your comming back fine. The rib is most likely sore because youve been down a while. Don't work so hard at it enjoy riding and getting back in bike shape will come. Sometimes I can turn riding into a job. I have one. I love it but I don't need anouther. Dvrfox helped me with that about a week ago.
Last edited by tntom; 07-18-08 at 10:39 PM.
#20
Guest
Posts: n/a
Mentioned: Post(s)
Tagged: Thread(s)
Quoted: Post(s)
Sounds to me like your comming back fine. The rib is most likely sore because youve been down a while. Don't work so hard at it enjoy riding and getting back in bike shape will come. Sometimes I can turn riding into a job. I have one. I love it but I don't need anouther. Dvrfox helped me with that about a week ago.
#21
Chubby super biker
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Nebraska
Posts: 1,980
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
With that thought in mind, I skipped riding today, because my rib area is still tender, my lower back hurts, it's 95 degrees out, and I have a wedding to attend in a few hours. (First suit I purchase since my weight loss and I get to wear it on a 90 minute drive in my heat-trap of a Neilmobile.)
Funniest part is, it's only about $120 to get the AC fixed. I told my wife this morning that I could find a hundred other ways to spend that money than on a car, and not only that, but on a car to add comfort. She says I'm a cheap old weirdo .
However, I too have a long drive coming up that requires good clothing. Thankfully work has this policy that for any trip over 30 miles we have the option of renting a car, so I'm going to definitely be exercising that option. Were I not, I'd totally cave and use our minivan which would surely incur banter from said wifey .
Sidenote, very good to hear you are back, Neil. VERY good.
#22
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Toronto (again) Ontario, Canada
Posts: 6,931
Bikes: Old Bike: 1975 Raleigh Delta, New Bike: 2004 Norco Bushpilot
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 5 Times
in
5 Posts
You have a heat trap too? For years I had a F-150 "Custom" that had no AC, but refused to break. Then some jerk broke the whole thing for me, so for the past two and a half years I've been pretty spoiled with working ice-cold AC. The new free Taurus has non-functional AC, but with all the windows down and the sunroof open (not just tilted) the air flows pretty dang nice.
Funniest part is, it's only about $120 to get the AC fixed. I told my wife this morning that I could find a hundred other ways to spend that money than on a car, and not only that, but on a car to add comfort. She says I'm a cheap old weirdo .
However, I too have a long drive coming up that requires good clothing. Thankfully work has this policy that for any trip over 30 miles we have the option of renting a car, so I'm going to definitely be exercising that option. Were I not, I'd totally cave and use our minivan which would surely incur banter from said wifey .
Sidenote, very good to hear you are back, Neil. VERY good.
Funniest part is, it's only about $120 to get the AC fixed. I told my wife this morning that I could find a hundred other ways to spend that money than on a car, and not only that, but on a car to add comfort. She says I'm a cheap old weirdo .
However, I too have a long drive coming up that requires good clothing. Thankfully work has this policy that for any trip over 30 miles we have the option of renting a car, so I'm going to definitely be exercising that option. Were I not, I'd totally cave and use our minivan which would surely incur banter from said wifey .
Sidenote, very good to hear you are back, Neil. VERY good.
As for clothing, how about as if you were biking there, simply take your good clothes with you, and find a place to change once you arrive.....
#23
Guest
Posts: n/a
Mentioned: Post(s)
Tagged: Thread(s)
Quoted: Post(s)
You have a heat trap too? For years I had a F-150 "Custom" that had no AC, but refused to break. Then some jerk broke the whole thing for me, so for the past two and a half years I've been pretty spoiled with working ice-cold AC. The new free Taurus has non-functional AC, but with all the windows down and the sunroof open (not just tilted) the air flows pretty dang nice.
Funniest part is, it's only about $120 to get the AC fixed. I told my wife this morning that I could find a hundred other ways to spend that money than on a car, and not only that, but on a car to add comfort. She says I'm a cheap old weirdo .
However, I too have a long drive coming up that requires good clothing. Thankfully work has this policy that for any trip over 30 miles we have the option of renting a car, so I'm going to definitely be exercising that option. Were I not, I'd totally cave and use our minivan which would surely incur banter from said wifey .
Sidenote, very good to hear you are back, Neil. VERY good.
Funniest part is, it's only about $120 to get the AC fixed. I told my wife this morning that I could find a hundred other ways to spend that money than on a car, and not only that, but on a car to add comfort. She says I'm a cheap old weirdo .
However, I too have a long drive coming up that requires good clothing. Thankfully work has this policy that for any trip over 30 miles we have the option of renting a car, so I'm going to definitely be exercising that option. Were I not, I'd totally cave and use our minivan which would surely incur banter from said wifey .
Sidenote, very good to hear you are back, Neil. VERY good.
#24
Guest
Posts: n/a
Mentioned: Post(s)
Tagged: Thread(s)
Quoted: Post(s)
Yes, descent. I have a big problem with braking. I brake on curves. I brake going down hills. I brake going through bollards. How do I get over this? Or around it, at least?
#25
Downtown Spanky Brown
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Enola, Pennsyltucky
Posts: 2,108
Bikes: Motobecane Phantom Cross Pro Kona Lana'I
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Confidence, that and not grabbing that right leaver so hard. You can use the back brake a little more until you get used to carring a bit more speed but generally speaking the faster the bike is traveling the easier it is to balance due to centrifical force.
Nice suit BTW, you look snazzy in pin stripes
Nice suit BTW, you look snazzy in pin stripes