Weekend Rides/Exercise - November 20/21
11-21-10, 03:19 AM
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Weekend Rides/Exercise - November 20/21
Gorgeous weekend in this part of the world ... great for cycling! How is it in your part of the world? Did you get some cycling in? How about other exercise activities?
Saturday - Rowan and I completed a 300 km randonnee on the tandem yesterday with 1.5 hours to spare ... 18.5 hours of cycling in northern Victoria!! Photos and story to follow.
Sunday - Lots of recovery ... no cycling!
Saturday - Rowan and I completed a 300 km randonnee on the tandem yesterday with 1.5 hours to spare ... 18.5 hours of cycling in northern Victoria!! Photos and story to follow.
Sunday - Lots of recovery ... no cycling!
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11-21-10, 04:48 AM
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Saturday 20 November, Rowan and I rode the 300K option of the Cafe Au Lait event from Wangaratta.
Here in Australia, many of the Audax events allow you to choose your distance and this one offered riders 125 km, 200 km, 300 km, 400 km, and 600 km distances in a "flower petal" pattern. We all rode the first 125 km loop together. The next loop was 75 km to make 200 km, the next loop was 100 km to add up to 300 km, and then there were more loops for the 400 km and 600 km riders. I like this loop style because we come back to our van where we can make clothing changes, and stock up on food and water, etc.
The ride started at 6:00 on a chilly 9C morning so we were dressed in several layers, but we knew that it wouldn't be too long before it would start to warm up.
Our first lap headed north to the Murray River and back. It was beautifully flat all the way there and despite some wind, we kept up a brisk pace and made good time to the control. We were a bit concerned about the wind and hoped it wouldn't increase any more than it was throughout the day ... and fortunately it didn't.
After the first control, we encountered the first set of hills on the route ... a series of rollers that went on longer than we would have liked. But it was good practice for us on the tandem. There was a secret control on this section and the banana and orange hit the spot and were much appreciated.
Once we made it through the rollers we were back onto flat ground again and along there we spotted several emus in a field ... most likely being farmed, but they are found wild here in Australia too.
I was really sleepy by the time we got back to Wangaratta so we stopped at a cafe for coffee and cake which were wonderful. I needed that coffee just then! I probably needed the calories in the cake as well.
When we were sitting there, I noticed the window of a store next door to the cafe. It had a Christmas display with a decorated tree and two mannequins ... but instead of a similar display in a Canadian store where the mannquins would be dressed in red and green sweaters and corduroy etc., they were in red and green sun dresses. I'm still getting used to the idea that Christmas happens in summer!
The next loop was basically a climb out to Beechworth and a descent back to Wangaratta. 13 km of the way out was on a rail trail. We knew that there would be climbing on the rail trail but we weren't prepared for the climbing before we reached the rail trail, and we weren't prepared for the grade of the climb on the rail trail. I was thinking it would be something like a 2% grade all the way up because I didn't think trains took on anything much steeper than that, but now I want to look up what kind of train & track went up there.
That 13 km rail trail climbed almost the whole way to Beechworth, and we rode it at the hottest part of the day (28C). It was a slow climb and we made several stops to rest. During that climb, one particular spot on my left sitbone started bothering me.
When we reached Beechworth, we opted to have ice cream at a creamery on the corner rather than stopping in at a bakery. It was a lovely old-fashioned place with good service, good prices, and great ice cream. It really hit the spot.
And the we began the descent. Descending still has moments of terror and panic for me. On the back of the tandem, I can't see what's going on in front at all and travelling at 50-60 km/h on two thin tires without having any control over the situation can be frightening. But it took us no time at all to get back to Wangaratta, which was a good thing because it had taken a lot longer than we'd hoped on the way out.
We did a fast supply exchange and set off on our third loop ... back to beautifully flat roads. Unfortunately not long after we started the third loop, I reached a point where I needed to stop and change shorts. The shorts I was wearing were just not working for me at all. That spot on my left sitbone was killing me. Fortunately I had a spare pair of shorts with me, and the new shorts were quite a bit better.
We were warned about a short, steep hill around the 30 km point of this loop, and we found it and opted to walk it. Climbing with the tandem is challenging, especially climbing steep hills. The gearing on this tandem isn't really set up for steepness. But why build a road up this hill? There was flat ground all around it and yet for some reason the road goes up and over this thing!!
Darkness fell soon after the hill, but it was a bright darkness because of the fullish moon which lit up the fields. I enjoy riding on clear nights with a bright moon.
We stopped in Rutherglen to get our cards signed and have a quick bite to eat, and then began the final leg of our event, the ride back to Wangaratta.
While riding at night can be lovely, it also seems to take a very long time to get anywhere. The sense of speed and distance can be warped. So this last 50 km seemed to take a very long time.
At one point, I was in a bit of a doze, off in my own world, pedalling away quietly, when all of a sudden Rowan shouted, "GET OFF THE ROAD". I nearly fell off the back of the bicycle!! There had been a possum on the road in front of the tandem, and I suspect both it and I had quite a fright!!
With about 15 km to go we started chatting about Christmas just to see if the time would pass quicker, and it did. Next thing we knew we were coming into Wangaratta, having completed a 300 km randonnee!!
It was 12:28 when we rolled into a petrol station. The petrol station was closed, but a friendly trucker recharging the gas tank at the station signed our cards for us, and we headed for the van, and then headed to the motel for a long, long sleep!
Bouquets go to:
-- Chris - the ride organiser who produced the most accurate and well done cue sheet we've come across yet.
-- The people in the shops we encountered along the way to get our cards signed, including the trucker. They were all friendly nice people.
Click for photos: https://www.flickr.com/photos/1430288...7625311269185/
Here in Australia, many of the Audax events allow you to choose your distance and this one offered riders 125 km, 200 km, 300 km, 400 km, and 600 km distances in a "flower petal" pattern. We all rode the first 125 km loop together. The next loop was 75 km to make 200 km, the next loop was 100 km to add up to 300 km, and then there were more loops for the 400 km and 600 km riders. I like this loop style because we come back to our van where we can make clothing changes, and stock up on food and water, etc.
The ride started at 6:00 on a chilly 9C morning so we were dressed in several layers, but we knew that it wouldn't be too long before it would start to warm up.
Our first lap headed north to the Murray River and back. It was beautifully flat all the way there and despite some wind, we kept up a brisk pace and made good time to the control. We were a bit concerned about the wind and hoped it wouldn't increase any more than it was throughout the day ... and fortunately it didn't.
After the first control, we encountered the first set of hills on the route ... a series of rollers that went on longer than we would have liked. But it was good practice for us on the tandem. There was a secret control on this section and the banana and orange hit the spot and were much appreciated.
Once we made it through the rollers we were back onto flat ground again and along there we spotted several emus in a field ... most likely being farmed, but they are found wild here in Australia too.
I was really sleepy by the time we got back to Wangaratta so we stopped at a cafe for coffee and cake which were wonderful. I needed that coffee just then! I probably needed the calories in the cake as well.
When we were sitting there, I noticed the window of a store next door to the cafe. It had a Christmas display with a decorated tree and two mannequins ... but instead of a similar display in a Canadian store where the mannquins would be dressed in red and green sweaters and corduroy etc., they were in red and green sun dresses. I'm still getting used to the idea that Christmas happens in summer!
The next loop was basically a climb out to Beechworth and a descent back to Wangaratta. 13 km of the way out was on a rail trail. We knew that there would be climbing on the rail trail but we weren't prepared for the climbing before we reached the rail trail, and we weren't prepared for the grade of the climb on the rail trail. I was thinking it would be something like a 2% grade all the way up because I didn't think trains took on anything much steeper than that, but now I want to look up what kind of train & track went up there.
That 13 km rail trail climbed almost the whole way to Beechworth, and we rode it at the hottest part of the day (28C). It was a slow climb and we made several stops to rest. During that climb, one particular spot on my left sitbone started bothering me.
When we reached Beechworth, we opted to have ice cream at a creamery on the corner rather than stopping in at a bakery. It was a lovely old-fashioned place with good service, good prices, and great ice cream. It really hit the spot.
And the we began the descent. Descending still has moments of terror and panic for me. On the back of the tandem, I can't see what's going on in front at all and travelling at 50-60 km/h on two thin tires without having any control over the situation can be frightening. But it took us no time at all to get back to Wangaratta, which was a good thing because it had taken a lot longer than we'd hoped on the way out.
We did a fast supply exchange and set off on our third loop ... back to beautifully flat roads. Unfortunately not long after we started the third loop, I reached a point where I needed to stop and change shorts. The shorts I was wearing were just not working for me at all. That spot on my left sitbone was killing me. Fortunately I had a spare pair of shorts with me, and the new shorts were quite a bit better.
We were warned about a short, steep hill around the 30 km point of this loop, and we found it and opted to walk it. Climbing with the tandem is challenging, especially climbing steep hills. The gearing on this tandem isn't really set up for steepness. But why build a road up this hill? There was flat ground all around it and yet for some reason the road goes up and over this thing!!
Darkness fell soon after the hill, but it was a bright darkness because of the fullish moon which lit up the fields. I enjoy riding on clear nights with a bright moon.
We stopped in Rutherglen to get our cards signed and have a quick bite to eat, and then began the final leg of our event, the ride back to Wangaratta.
While riding at night can be lovely, it also seems to take a very long time to get anywhere. The sense of speed and distance can be warped. So this last 50 km seemed to take a very long time.
At one point, I was in a bit of a doze, off in my own world, pedalling away quietly, when all of a sudden Rowan shouted, "GET OFF THE ROAD". I nearly fell off the back of the bicycle!! There had been a possum on the road in front of the tandem, and I suspect both it and I had quite a fright!!
With about 15 km to go we started chatting about Christmas just to see if the time would pass quicker, and it did. Next thing we knew we were coming into Wangaratta, having completed a 300 km randonnee!!
It was 12:28 when we rolled into a petrol station. The petrol station was closed, but a friendly trucker recharging the gas tank at the station signed our cards for us, and we headed for the van, and then headed to the motel for a long, long sleep!
Bouquets go to:
-- Chris - the ride organiser who produced the most accurate and well done cue sheet we've come across yet.
-- The people in the shops we encountered along the way to get our cards signed, including the trucker. They were all friendly nice people.
Click for photos: https://www.flickr.com/photos/1430288...7625311269185/
__________________
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Last edited by Machka; 11-21-10 at 06:01 AM.
11-21-10, 06:01 AM
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Did a 34 yesterday but had a hard time staying with the group. I don't know why, but I just didn't have "it". We'll see how it goes today.
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11-21-10, 06:30 AM
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Sounds like a great ride, Machka.
I went up to Denton and did the 100k option on a charity ride yesterday. It was a beauiful day, but windy, and the parts of the route heading south were pretty slow.
I was planning to do the Tweed Ride in Dallas today, but had some other stuff come up, so that may or may not happen.
I went up to Denton and did the 100k option on a charity ride yesterday. It was a beauiful day, but windy, and the parts of the route heading south were pretty slow.
I was planning to do the Tweed Ride in Dallas today, but had some other stuff come up, so that may or may not happen.
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11-21-10, 07:42 AM
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Saturday 46 miles spent fighting the wind to the point where I thought I'd get blown over.
Of course there were stretches of pavement where I'd look down and see speeds of 35mph with little or no effort.
It seems to have calmed down today, hoping to ride another 40 before some yard cleanup and then watching the Patriots do battle with the Colts.
Of course there were stretches of pavement where I'd look down and see speeds of 35mph with little or no effort.
It seems to have calmed down today, hoping to ride another 40 before some yard cleanup and then watching the Patriots do battle with the Colts.
11-21-10, 07:48 AM
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Excellent job and excellent ride report.
11-21-10, 08:03 AM
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Roughly 45 miles in the beautiful countryside near Albany. Thirty something of it with a group, the rest of it riding to and from the meeting place. A brisk pace on a windy day, felt good.
By the way, for most of the world thats about 72 km
By the way, for most of the world thats about 72 km
11-21-10, 08:11 AM
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did a nice 30 miles on the Blue Ridge Parkway, which runs through the mountains of western north carolina. here is a pic from one of the overlooks. it was cold, but with proper windproof clothing it was nice, and a beautiful day!!
155489_454637001746&.jpg
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155114_454637066746&.jpg
11-21-10, 08:12 AM
#9
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The rest of the world doesn't count.
Besides there's never been a useless BF "average speed" thread that discussed kph.
Nor a pissing contest about who's ridden the most kms over a period of time.
Sooner than later the rest of the world will wake up and realize how dumb the metric system really is.
Besides there's never been a useless BF "average speed" thread that discussed kph.
Nor a pissing contest about who's ridden the most kms over a period of time.
Sooner than later the rest of the world will wake up and realize how dumb the metric system really is.
11-21-10, 08:14 AM
#10
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did a nice 30 miles on the Blue Ridge Parkway, which runs through the mountains of western north carolina. here is a pic from one of the overlooks. it was cold, but with proper windproof clothing it was nice, and a beautiful day!!
Attachment 179365
Attachment 179366
Attachment 179365
Attachment 179366
Jealous!
11-21-10, 08:19 AM
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The rest of the world doesn't count.
Besides there's never been a useless BF "average speed" thread that discussed kph.
Nor a pissing contest about who's ridden the most kms over a period of time.
Sooner than later the rest of the world will wake up and realize how dumb the metric system really is.
Besides there's never been a useless BF "average speed" thread that discussed kph.
Nor a pissing contest about who's ridden the most kms over a period of time.
Sooner than later the rest of the world will wake up and realize how dumb the metric system really is.
11-21-10, 08:52 AM
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11-21-10, 08:17 PM
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So ... anyone else out there riding this weekend? Or playing hockey? Or working out in the gym? ??
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11-21-10, 08:26 PM
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After being so sick over our winter and early spring, it feels great to be back riding again. I'm trying to get fit enough for the Johnny Warren Jamberoo Classic (100km - 62.1m) in January and also for the Loop the Lake in March.
11-21-10, 10:24 PM
#17
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Sooner or later the rest of the world will come around and see the US customary system should be the standard.
But I digress.
This morning I rode.
I did not prepare well.
I ended my ride well short of my 40 mile goal beacuse it felt as if my fingers and toes were going to snap off from the cold.
This with full finger gloves, wool socks, shoes covers, 3 top layers and underarmor tights under my bibs.
Time to pull out the cold weather gear.
11-21-10, 10:52 PM
#18
Uber Goober
Didn't make the Tweed Ride, but did get in a quick 20 miles this afternoon and stopped for a cow picture (see the Road Bike in Front of Oddball Things thread for the picture.)
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11-22-10, 06:00 AM
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On Saturday I rode from the Fair Lawn train station north to Glen Rock, Ridgewood, HoHoKus, Walwick, past Upper Saddle River into NY and back again. Its about 23 miles round trip.
Last edited by PrinceofParamus; 11-23-10 at 05:36 AM.
11-22-10, 07:15 AM
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Kind of a cold and windy weekend here in New England, but I still managed to get in about 25 miles each day on Saturday and Sunday. I had a gift certificate to the LBS to use, so I picked up a new pair of bib tights...kept me nice and toasty during my breezy 40 degree ride.
