Looking back on the '05 season...My Sat. a.m. reflecting thread...
10-22-05, 07:12 AM
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OCP
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Looking back on the '05 season...My Sat. a.m. reflecting thread...
It's cold, dark and wet outside now.
That's the forecast for the next three days around here.
In my world that translates into rest and recovery time....no riding.
But as I sit at the threshold of setting a new personal best for season miles (3,199.8 and last season I went 3,200) I realize that the outdoor season for me is coming to an end.
Oh I know there are those of you who ride into much colder winter weather too, but because I can not take any chances with my titanium/ceramic hip, I can't afford to crash on anything even slightly frozen on the ground. Soon, the Klein will be hung with care in my basement cycling room and the old Trek will be mounted onto the trainer down there. The video tapes of the '05 tour are waiting.
But this has been a great season for me. Most of us set some sort of personal goals in spring, and as I look back on my list, I did very well. Read mine, then share yours please.
--Total miles
Next week I'll break my record and go well beyond, since I will ride into November probably.
--Take part in a race
The season started as it will end...in a cold, biting wind. I remember my very first race ever. CPcyclist from here at BF was there. Freezing cold, howling wind. I had no idea what I was doing and fell off the back of the main field within the first two miles. Then it was simply an ugly training ride into the wind by myself. 78th place out of 88 riders. But that day, I became a bike racer!
--Personal best for a single-ride distance
This came on a hot Sept. afternoon out in the country. 52 miles, with a stop at a little hispanic deli in the middle of nowhere where I had to motion to the counter guy (no englilsh) that I wanted Gatorade.
--Do a time trial
I entered the Midwest Time Trial Championships and saw more bike bling/porn than I had ever seen before in my life. Oh yeah, I fell apart in a ball of cramps and was humbled. But I did it.
There were a lot of mundain training rides, and some rides that were very special. The biggest one was the Miller Ride for the Arts in Milwaukee. That day was my best day on a bike in '05. My mentor/coach Jerry Pearce rode with me to guide me through the masses for 50 miles. But we did it like a race, and for that one event I rode with a fast peleton, him pushing me all the while. This was bike racing as I wanted to experience. Inches apart. Pulling and being pulled. I ended up doing the 50 in 19.5, by far my greatest effort of the season.
I love the heat of summer.
And I remember that the only BF member I have ever ridden my usual 26-mile training route with was a member who goes by the name of nnewton123 I think. We met at a park and simply rode together, strangers who met because of this forum. He's much younger/stronger than me, but held up to ride together and afterward on that hot, humid morning I remember us sitting in my screen porch drinking Gatorade and eating bananas and granola bars, sweat running off our bodies.
I hit a little burnout in Sept., and even soured to the point of leaving BF. That lasted two weeks or so and I was back.
The end of the season saw new fire in the whole saga of "The Knave" and I've really enjoyed writing about that and posting pictures here for everyone.
What a season it has been.
You?
That's the forecast for the next three days around here.
In my world that translates into rest and recovery time....no riding.
But as I sit at the threshold of setting a new personal best for season miles (3,199.8 and last season I went 3,200) I realize that the outdoor season for me is coming to an end.
Oh I know there are those of you who ride into much colder winter weather too, but because I can not take any chances with my titanium/ceramic hip, I can't afford to crash on anything even slightly frozen on the ground. Soon, the Klein will be hung with care in my basement cycling room and the old Trek will be mounted onto the trainer down there. The video tapes of the '05 tour are waiting.
But this has been a great season for me. Most of us set some sort of personal goals in spring, and as I look back on my list, I did very well. Read mine, then share yours please.
--Total miles
Next week I'll break my record and go well beyond, since I will ride into November probably.
--Take part in a race
The season started as it will end...in a cold, biting wind. I remember my very first race ever. CPcyclist from here at BF was there. Freezing cold, howling wind. I had no idea what I was doing and fell off the back of the main field within the first two miles. Then it was simply an ugly training ride into the wind by myself. 78th place out of 88 riders. But that day, I became a bike racer!
--Personal best for a single-ride distance
This came on a hot Sept. afternoon out in the country. 52 miles, with a stop at a little hispanic deli in the middle of nowhere where I had to motion to the counter guy (no englilsh) that I wanted Gatorade.
--Do a time trial
I entered the Midwest Time Trial Championships and saw more bike bling/porn than I had ever seen before in my life. Oh yeah, I fell apart in a ball of cramps and was humbled. But I did it.
There were a lot of mundain training rides, and some rides that were very special. The biggest one was the Miller Ride for the Arts in Milwaukee. That day was my best day on a bike in '05. My mentor/coach Jerry Pearce rode with me to guide me through the masses for 50 miles. But we did it like a race, and for that one event I rode with a fast peleton, him pushing me all the while. This was bike racing as I wanted to experience. Inches apart. Pulling and being pulled. I ended up doing the 50 in 19.5, by far my greatest effort of the season.
I love the heat of summer.
And I remember that the only BF member I have ever ridden my usual 26-mile training route with was a member who goes by the name of nnewton123 I think. We met at a park and simply rode together, strangers who met because of this forum. He's much younger/stronger than me, but held up to ride together and afterward on that hot, humid morning I remember us sitting in my screen porch drinking Gatorade and eating bananas and granola bars, sweat running off our bodies.
I hit a little burnout in Sept., and even soured to the point of leaving BF. That lasted two weeks or so and I was back.
The end of the season saw new fire in the whole saga of "The Knave" and I've really enjoyed writing about that and posting pictures here for everyone.
What a season it has been.
You?
10-22-05, 07:16 AM
#2
Former Hoarder
Me?
I've been enjoying saga's of the Knave and waiting for a paintjob.
55/Rad
I've been enjoying saga's of the Knave and waiting for a paintjob.
55/Rad
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10-22-05, 07:49 AM
#3
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I have to say that I was very inspired by you, Hip, in entering those races. Now you have me thinking about it...
This was my first full season, and I achieved my goals (two centuries, 2K+ miles), but I have to say that I now wish that I had done more; I still like such a newb!
It's getting dark and cold here too, but the rain is supposed to hold off for a few hours so I'm off for a ride!
This was my first full season, and I achieved my goals (two centuries, 2K+ miles), but I have to say that I now wish that I had done more; I still like such a newb!
It's getting dark and cold here too, but the rain is supposed to hold off for a few hours so I'm off for a ride!
10-22-05, 08:31 AM
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elitist jerk
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I had 2 goals which I acomplished. I wanted to average over 20 mph on my neighborhood loop of 17.5 miles. Last week I got home with 20.40 on computer. Last Oct. 15.5 mph was a struggle. I became a much better climber, something I enjoy and now seek out the sickest hills I can find. Sadly in Dayton it is wet too (with leaves) and the rollers, TDF tapes, and Spinervals will all hopefully help maintain my stronger and larger leg muscles. As I took step kids to dads this morning I thought man I would like to ride today, and of course at major intersection here comes a roadie in full kit, Giant OCR limited, tree trunk legs getting it done in misty rain. Motivated me to go ride......my rollers. 
10-22-05, 09:04 AM
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This will be my first full year of riding in many years. I got back into it as therapy after breaking my back in May of '04. 
However I must report good progress. I'm looking to hit 5000 miles this year! I also managed to train enough to top the hill that kicked my a$$ in my first organized ride. ( In fact I did it again on my solo century yesterday!) Future goals also include a Time trial, and maybe a race. So far I'm slow but happy!!
However I must report good progress. I'm looking to hit 5000 miles this year! I also managed to train enough to top the hill that kicked my a$$ in my first organized ride. ( In fact I did it again on my solo century yesterday!) Future goals also include a Time trial, and maybe a race. So far I'm slow but happy!!
10-22-05, 09:44 AM
#7
Upgrading my engine
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It's depressing to think that the season is coming to an end (for those of you who are blessed with year-round good weather: I hate you all.), but I guess I should face the facts.
If I remember correctly my goals looked like this:
Win a Race- Never happened. My best was 13th. Better luck next year.
Do a Double Century- Never happened, and I'm ashamed of myself. The opportunities were there, especially after RAIN.
Finish RAIN (Ride Across Indiana) With a 20 mph Average- This one actually did happen. That was the highlight of my year.
Top 5,000 Miles for the year- This one is already done. I'm going for 7,000 now.
One Century Per Month- I put of May's century until the end of the month, and I ended up getting a bad stomach problem that forced me to skip the ride. I've done more than 12 centuries this year for an average of one a month, but that wasn't the goal. The big goal that's left is to try to get one done in December when the weather makes you want to quit. December and January are the hardest ones.
Wow....that sure does look like a lot of failed goals, but I've been pretty happy with my year. RAIN was a big highlight for me and that month I had a 1,000 mile month. I feel like I'm a better rider than I was a year ago at this time, and I think I can improve even more by this time next year. I've been a lot of places and had a lot of fun, so I look at the year as a success.
Talk to me in January about next year's goals.
If I remember correctly my goals looked like this:
Win a Race- Never happened. My best was 13th. Better luck next year.
Do a Double Century- Never happened, and I'm ashamed of myself. The opportunities were there, especially after RAIN.
Finish RAIN (Ride Across Indiana) With a 20 mph Average- This one actually did happen. That was the highlight of my year.
Top 5,000 Miles for the year- This one is already done. I'm going for 7,000 now.
One Century Per Month- I put of May's century until the end of the month, and I ended up getting a bad stomach problem that forced me to skip the ride. I've done more than 12 centuries this year for an average of one a month, but that wasn't the goal. The big goal that's left is to try to get one done in December when the weather makes you want to quit. December and January are the hardest ones.
Wow....that sure does look like a lot of failed goals, but I've been pretty happy with my year. RAIN was a big highlight for me and that month I had a 1,000 mile month. I feel like I'm a better rider than I was a year ago at this time, and I think I can improve even more by this time next year. I've been a lot of places and had a lot of fun, so I look at the year as a success.
Talk to me in January about next year's goals.
10-22-05, 10:22 AM
#8
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Since I this was my first full year on the road. I had 3 goals for the year. Double last year’s distance of 1600 km. That was pretty easy and accomplished in June so I increased it to 5000 km, which I'll get in a week or 2 depending on weather. Second goal was to find a riding partner. That never worked out because everyone I found their odd schedule did not mesh with my odd schedule. But that’s OK. I have found I that prefer to ride solo anyways. More therapeutic I guess. My third goal was to ride in some organized rides and I planned for 3 at the start of the season. But with two close family members having strokes just before the first 2, I was needed elsewhere those days and the third I couldn’t get the night off work (12 hour night shifts suck). But over all I still think I had a good first season on the road. I'm still craving more and dreading the end of it but hopefully the trainer will keep me in shape for next season.
10-22-05, 10:48 AM
#9
Unique Vintage Steel
On May 16th I got engaged to my darling girlfriend and future wife. May 16th I also decided that the last 7 months of inactivity after changing jobs to one in front of a computer 8 hours a day had done bad things for my weight and over all physical condition. So, you guessed it, on May 16th I decided to take up cycling again. First on my old 80's department store 'mountain bike' that had been sitting unused for the last several years, then on a new Mongoose Tech 4 full suspension mountain bike when I realized that the old one was just plain bad. Shortly there after I bought the Schwinn on ebay and started cleaning and riding it.
I've logged 725 miles on the cyclometer since buying it in early June, and estimate I probably have over 800 total miles since May. I'm feeling better about myself physically, I have something that I enjoy doing that's not in front of a computer screen and gets me outside in the fresh air. I've lost some weight, I've gained some muscle, and had a great time doing it.
I completed my first Metric Century in September, and did it in just a bit over 4 hours. And I rode with the LBS's 28 mile Saturday ride probably a half dozen times or more. I learned that all of the above can be done on bikes weighing more than 30lbs.
I learned how to work on a bike, take one apart and put it back together. I learned that loose ball bearings in headsets are the devil, and that replacing a headset is best left done to the bike shop.
And last, but certainly not least, I found a wonderful place on the internet to share my experiences on the bike with. To find answers to random questions, both important and not so much. I just want to thank all of BikeForums for giving me just a little more motivation this season.
I've logged 725 miles on the cyclometer since buying it in early June, and estimate I probably have over 800 total miles since May. I'm feeling better about myself physically, I have something that I enjoy doing that's not in front of a computer screen and gets me outside in the fresh air. I've lost some weight, I've gained some muscle, and had a great time doing it.
I completed my first Metric Century in September, and did it in just a bit over 4 hours. And I rode with the LBS's 28 mile Saturday ride probably a half dozen times or more. I learned that all of the above can be done on bikes weighing more than 30lbs.
I learned how to work on a bike, take one apart and put it back together. I learned that loose ball bearings in headsets are the devil, and that replacing a headset is best left done to the bike shop.
And last, but certainly not least, I found a wonderful place on the internet to share my experiences on the bike with. To find answers to random questions, both important and not so much. I just want to thank all of BikeForums for giving me just a little more motivation this season.
10-22-05, 10:57 AM
#10
staring at the mountains
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The girlfriend (at the time) met a local through blogging. He happens to be involved with The Fan Free Clinic (https://fanfreeclinic.org) in Richmond. Through him (whom I have yet to meet), I took up the challenge of training for their Ride To Provide, 150 miles over two days. So I dusted off my 2003 Trek 2300 and committed to riding a lot this year. And I won't go another year without riding. I did a century in July, not only living to tell about it, but I had a blast and proved to myself that I could be in that kind of shape. In April, the thought of a 30 mile ride was daunting, scary even. To be able to see that as a minimum is one of the many reasons why I love this sport.
I've met some great folks, and yes, some of them are here on BF. Driving 4.5 hours to PA to ride is probably the highlight of the summer.
It's been a great first year. I'm not ready for it to be over yet....
I've met some great folks, and yes, some of them are here on BF. Driving 4.5 hours to PA to ride is probably the highlight of the summer.
It's been a great first year. I'm not ready for it to be over yet....
10-22-05, 11:18 AM
#11
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accomplished three goals this year
1. kept in relative shape last winter, dragging myself out of bed at 5:30 am twice a week to spin
2. rode and finished triple bypass in colorado- 120 miles, 10000 vertical feet- 8h56 min- next year hope to go under 8h
3. century in <5h - hotter'n hell hundred, 4h42 min.
but also failed a few- didn't get a 1000 mile month- close, but weather and work combined to do me in
didn't do a double century- maybe next year. currently setting next year and long range goals
next year triple bypass in less that 8h, hhh in < 4h30min, 1000 mile month. long range considering the PAC tour for summer of 07. Have a nice winter eveyrone. wish every saturday was like this one, 54 degrees, no wind, got 46.5 mi, not bad for my first group ride since shoulder surgery 9/10.
1. kept in relative shape last winter, dragging myself out of bed at 5:30 am twice a week to spin
2. rode and finished triple bypass in colorado- 120 miles, 10000 vertical feet- 8h56 min- next year hope to go under 8h
3. century in <5h - hotter'n hell hundred, 4h42 min.
but also failed a few- didn't get a 1000 mile month- close, but weather and work combined to do me in
didn't do a double century- maybe next year. currently setting next year and long range goals
next year triple bypass in less that 8h, hhh in < 4h30min, 1000 mile month. long range considering the PAC tour for summer of 07. Have a nice winter eveyrone. wish every saturday was like this one, 54 degrees, no wind, got 46.5 mi, not bad for my first group ride since shoulder surgery 9/10.
10-22-05, 11:19 AM
#12
Senior Member
I am so glad I live in So. Cal.
I just got back into cycling after a 10 year (or so) hiatus, and I don't plan on stopping anytime soon. Sure, a wee bit o' inclement weather might drop my commute down to one or two days a week, but I'll still be riding.
*grin*
Tim.
I just got back into cycling after a 10 year (or so) hiatus, and I don't plan on stopping anytime soon. Sure, a wee bit o' inclement weather might drop my commute down to one or two days a week, but I'll still be riding.
*grin*
Tim.
10-22-05, 03:03 PM
#13
Race to train
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1. complete a duathalon (done)sprint
2. complete a tri (done)olympic
3. break 1500 miles commuting to pay for bike (done) damn my truck gets bad gas milage
4. do a century (not yet, I'm a wuss)
2. complete a tri (done)olympic
3. break 1500 miles commuting to pay for bike (done) damn my truck gets bad gas milage
4. do a century (not yet, I'm a wuss)
10-22-05, 09:45 PM
#14
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After getting fat(ish) during winter yet again, took the ol' Miele out of mothballs and put up with the pitted headset (the only indexed part on the bike...click steering-not great), wobbly worn-out bottom bracket, and rotten brake hoods for a few more months. Discovered the local hills were more extensive than I'd thought...found BF and online Velonews and spotted the ad that led to the purchase of my Airborne Thunderbird. Just starting to get 'really strong' again thanks to the inspirational qualities of a new and truly fine ride. The Miele is now semi-permanently attached to the vintage Vetta wind trainer that used to keep me trim through the winter, and I'm sipping some Aussie Shiraz in it's honour. 'Some of the old, with some of the new!' Apologies to Ayn Rand.
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Coach Bill
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10-24-05, 10:38 PM
#16
Chainring tattoos rule...
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This is my first full year of riding in 20 years. My goals were pretty simple:
Ride every month (I've been a serious weather weenie) - missed one so far due to travel and weather and excuses / procrastinating.
Ride > 750 miles - Not there yet, but I've almost tripled my mileage from 2004, when I started in late Aug. that year. I'm pretty sure I'll pass it easily, with 150 mi. to go.
Learn to ride in bad weather - Heat - check; Rain - check; cold - check; rain & cold - check. Still waiting for the snow.
Learned that 15 miles in wind, rain and cold is like doing 25 on a sunny, calm day. However it can be a lot more fun if you're not in a hurry and know the right trails to get off the streets and get muddy.
Next year - don't know yet. I want to do a couple of solo centuries, do some group rides (almost all solo so far), and do a lot more climbing. I also want to do some single-track, but I need to get a couple friends out with me for that.
Within the next few years - do RAGBRAI (my old stomping grounds), and maybe the Triple Bypass, just to say I did it once before my knees fail completely.
Oh yeah - I also LMAO repeatedly at numerous posts here and on BikeJournal, particularly the Epic Saga of The Knave!
Ride every month (I've been a serious weather weenie) - missed one so far due to travel and weather and excuses / procrastinating.
Ride > 750 miles - Not there yet, but I've almost tripled my mileage from 2004, when I started in late Aug. that year. I'm pretty sure I'll pass it easily, with 150 mi. to go.
Learn to ride in bad weather - Heat - check; Rain - check; cold - check; rain & cold - check. Still waiting for the snow.
Learned that 15 miles in wind, rain and cold is like doing 25 on a sunny, calm day. However it can be a lot more fun if you're not in a hurry and know the right trails to get off the streets and get muddy.
Next year - don't know yet. I want to do a couple of solo centuries, do some group rides (almost all solo so far), and do a lot more climbing. I also want to do some single-track, but I need to get a couple friends out with me for that.
Within the next few years - do RAGBRAI (my old stomping grounds), and maybe the Triple Bypass, just to say I did it once before my knees fail completely.
Oh yeah - I also LMAO repeatedly at numerous posts here and on BikeJournal, particularly the Epic Saga of The Knave!
