Carbo Loading XXXVIII
06-21-18, 12:09 PM
#76
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 39,243
Mentioned: 211 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 18416 Post(s)
Liked 15,556 Times
in
7,331 Posts
Photos from my recent tour that incorporated two days at my 35th high school reunion in Deerfield, MA:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/105349...57695059662912
Click on the first image then advance manually to see the captions.
Not pictured is the very young bear cub I saw in camp at Worthington State Forest in NJ. Mom was nowhere to be seen, which concerned me on two levels. Hope the poor thing was not orphaned. In the morning I let the ranger know in case it was spotted alone again.
Here is the route map:
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/27849657
Total mileage, when things like side trips an exploring are factored in, was about 620. 14 days on the road. 12 days of riding. Day off in Burlington, VT to hang with a friend and a day off at the reunion. Slept in a restored caboose one night, spent two nights in a dorm room at my former school and got one motel room (Hyde Park, NY) because the nearby state park sort of sucks. Other than that, it was all camping.
A lot of bad weather this spring (We have had only one weekend without rain in the last two months) so I was sorely undertrained. Never felt like I was running on all cylinders, but things did get better as the tour went on. According to RWGPS, the ruling grade was a short stretch of 14% in MA. Fortunately, the road is little used and I was able to make it up by delivering the mail. Longest climb was about 6 miles our of Manchester, VT. It was made tougher because I had to pull over about a half dozen times for wide loads (modular houses) coming up the highway.
I had originally planned to spend two weeks touring ID, but an upcoming family reunion nixed that. So now I am thinking about what I would like to do for a post-Labor Day tour. I usually like to hit the road for 10 days. There's an outside possibility that I could head back out to Montana for a quickie I have been thinking about recently.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/105349...57695059662912
Click on the first image then advance manually to see the captions.
Not pictured is the very young bear cub I saw in camp at Worthington State Forest in NJ. Mom was nowhere to be seen, which concerned me on two levels. Hope the poor thing was not orphaned. In the morning I let the ranger know in case it was spotted alone again.
Here is the route map:
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/27849657
Total mileage, when things like side trips an exploring are factored in, was about 620. 14 days on the road. 12 days of riding. Day off in Burlington, VT to hang with a friend and a day off at the reunion. Slept in a restored caboose one night, spent two nights in a dorm room at my former school and got one motel room (Hyde Park, NY) because the nearby state park sort of sucks. Other than that, it was all camping.
A lot of bad weather this spring (We have had only one weekend without rain in the last two months) so I was sorely undertrained. Never felt like I was running on all cylinders, but things did get better as the tour went on. According to RWGPS, the ruling grade was a short stretch of 14% in MA. Fortunately, the road is little used and I was able to make it up by delivering the mail. Longest climb was about 6 miles our of Manchester, VT. It was made tougher because I had to pull over about a half dozen times for wide loads (modular houses) coming up the highway.
I had originally planned to spend two weeks touring ID, but an upcoming family reunion nixed that. So now I am thinking about what I would like to do for a post-Labor Day tour. I usually like to hit the road for 10 days. There's an outside possibility that I could head back out to Montana for a quickie I have been thinking about recently.
06-21-18, 12:11 PM
#77
got the climbing bug
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: San Diego
Posts: 10,206
Bikes: one for everything
Mentioned: 82 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 632 Post(s)
Liked 912 Times
in
275 Posts
@jsigone is complaining about running at only 5,300', though. It's all over 5,000 here; have to go down to the river to even get that low!
I have to drive or ride to get to elevation
__________________
Rule #10 // It never gets easier, you just go faster.
Rule #10 // It never gets easier, you just go faster.
06-21-18, 04:29 PM
#79
SuperGimp
I own 2 of them, both different models, both are comfy for my bones. The Fizik Kurve is the best saddle EVER, though I broke the first one, the redesigned versions they added a layer of kevlar to help it be stronger under flex. No problems yet. This was the saddle I used for my 6day Cali tour from San Fran to LA
I tried a variety of other fizik saddles a few years ago because one of their better points is that they have a nice test ride program at a lot of LBS but I ended up with a Specialized saddle that time... I also like selle italia but fizik is an absolute ass hatchet for my kiester.
06-21-18, 06:09 PM
#80
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2013
Location: North America
Posts: 397
Bikes: Kona Lana'i, Cannondale CAADX Disk
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 55 Post(s)
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Proof positive that it's highly personal - @jsigone and I got identical saddles on identical new bikes and he likes his (fizik antares) and I hate mine so much I made them swap it out after only 2 miles of test riding.
I tried a variety of other fizik saddles a few years ago because one of their better points is that they have a nice test ride program at a lot of LBS but I ended up with a Specialized saddle that time... I also like selle italia but fizik is an absolute ass hatchet for my kiester.
I tried a variety of other fizik saddles a few years ago because one of their better points is that they have a nice test ride program at a lot of LBS but I ended up with a Specialized saddle that time... I also like selle italia but fizik is an absolute ass hatchet for my kiester.
also tried a fabric scoop, it was nice for...10 mins maybe
06-21-18, 06:24 PM
#81
Non omnino gravis
Thread Starter
You ever see one of those videos where a guy on a skateboard is grinding down a handrail, when suddenly the board shoots out from under him, and he takes said handrail right in the hacky sack?
He's more comfortable than I am on a Fizik saddle.
He's more comfortable than I am on a Fizik saddle.
__________________
06-21-18, 09:48 PM
#82
Senior Member
10.2 miles in the heat and wind.... headwind and cross wind for over 1/2 the ride https://www.strava.com/activities/1654078800/overview
06-21-18, 11:48 PM
#83
Senior Member
06-22-18, 08:06 AM
#84
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Brodhead, WI - south of Madison
Posts: 2,928
Bikes: 2009 Trek 1.2
Mentioned: 15 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 239 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times
in
1 Post
Uhhh ... can someone turn off the faucet? 7 inches of rain this month so far, and 16/22 days with rain in them at least some point. Last two rides started out dry, and got soggy real quick. Putting a damper on my miles this week, but it's been a great month really. I'm 75 miles from 300 for the month, so I'll hit that goal some point next week.
06-22-18, 08:18 AM
#86
Non omnino gravis
Thread Starter
Hey, it's gotta rain somewhere. We haven't seen a drop of rain in 51 days, and that isn't likely to change anytime soon-- historically, we've averaged 0.09" for June and 0.04" in July. That's like... mist. Seven inches so far this month? We have 6.6" for the year.
2017 was the wettest year we've had in over a decade, and there was still a stretch where it didn't rain for 132 days.
2017 was the wettest year we've had in over a decade, and there was still a stretch where it didn't rain for 132 days.
__________________
06-22-18, 10:57 AM
#87
got the climbing bug
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: San Diego
Posts: 10,206
Bikes: one for everything
Mentioned: 82 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 632 Post(s)
Liked 912 Times
in
275 Posts
Uhhh ... can someone turn off the faucet? 7 inches of rain this month so far, and 16/22 days with rain in them at least some point. Last two rides started out dry, and got soggy real quick. Putting a damper on my miles this week, but it's been a great month really. I'm 75 miles from 300 for the month, so I'll hit that goal some point next week.
Are you trying top fill up your pool out there? that is ALLOT of water
__________________
Rule #10 // It never gets easier, you just go faster.
Rule #10 // It never gets easier, you just go faster.
06-22-18, 03:09 PM
#88
Just Keep Pedaling
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Lakewood, CA
Posts: 3,355
Bikes: 99 Schwinn Mesa GS MTB, 15 Trek Domane 5.9 Dura-Ace, 17 Trek Emonda SL6 Pro & 18 Bianchi Vigorelli
Mentioned: 30 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 251 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 67 Times
in
34 Posts
On topic of Fizik saddles. I have used a Fizik Vesta for years. But I was getting issues and I have since put a Specialized Power Pro Elaston on my Emonda. I really like it. Took a bit to get it dialed in position wise because I just got it right before AIDS Lifecycle. I knew I could not ride the Vesta so I did what they say not to...change saddles close to big ride. Other than nose was positioned up too much and saddle too high first two days...I was really comfortable all week. Still have Vesta on the Domane for now. Spending $ for another of these Specialized saddles is not in cards for moment as it was expensive. $250
https://www.specialized.com/us/en/pow...ontent=Saddles
https://www.specialized.com/us/en/pow...ontent=Saddles
06-22-18, 04:16 PM
#89
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2013
Location: North America
Posts: 397
Bikes: Kona Lana'i, Cannondale CAADX Disk
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 55 Post(s)
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
The Power is another saddle I've been looking, along with the Pro Stealth, but the Fizik was (much) cheaper. If the Fizik doesn't make it, the stealth should be next...damn saddles 
06-23-18, 01:03 PM
#90
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: 'burque, holmes
Posts: 820
Bikes: Ridley X-Fire (now an ex-bicycle), Trek X-Cal, Giant Defy 3
Mentioned: 14 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 152 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 17 Times
in
13 Posts
Hey, it's gotta rain somewhere. We haven't seen a drop of rain in 51 days, and that isn't likely to change anytime soon-- historically, we've averaged 0.09" for June and 0.04" in July. That's like... mist. Seven inches so far this month? We have 6.6" for the year.
2017 was the wettest year we've had in over a decade, and there was still a stretch where it didn't rain for 132 days.
2017 was the wettest year we've had in over a decade, and there was still a stretch where it didn't rain for 132 days.
You can send your rain here. I'll even ride in it.
06-23-18, 01:32 PM
#91
Non omnino gravis
Thread Starter
This is where the duality of the SoCal resident shows through for many (not naming names or anything) which is it doesn't rain. But when it does, the folks here absolutely WILL NOT ride in it. Like hot acid is falling from the sky or something. It was misty-drizzly the morning we went up GMR (the last time it rained, coincedentally) and like 2/3 of the people turned around and went home.
Unless it's bucketing down (which is rare) I'm out on the road.
Unless it's bucketing down (which is rare) I'm out on the road.
__________________
06-23-18, 02:44 PM
#92
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: 'burque, holmes
Posts: 820
Bikes: Ridley X-Fire (now an ex-bicycle), Trek X-Cal, Giant Defy 3
Mentioned: 14 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 152 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 17 Times
in
13 Posts
Proof positive that it's highly personal - @jsigone and I got identical saddles on identical new bikes and he likes his (fizik antares) and I hate mine so much I made them swap it out after only 2 miles of test riding.
I tried a variety of other fizik saddles a few years ago because one of their better points is that they have a nice test ride program at a lot of LBS but I ended up with a Specialized saddle that time... I also like selle italia but fizik is an absolute ass hatchet for my kiester.
I tried a variety of other fizik saddles a few years ago because one of their better points is that they have a nice test ride program at a lot of LBS but I ended up with a Specialized saddle that time... I also like selle italia but fizik is an absolute ass hatchet for my kiester.
Still have your Antares?
06-23-18, 03:54 PM
#93
Senior Member
This is where the duality of the SoCal resident shows through for many (not naming names or anything) which is it doesn't rain. But when it does, the folks here absolutely WILL NOT ride in it. Like hot acid is falling from the sky or something. It was misty-drizzly the morning we went up GMR (the last time it rained, coincedentally) and like 2/3 of the people turned around and went home.
06-24-18, 10:16 AM
#94
Non omnino gravis
Thread Starter
LOL
The first three days happened on accident. Then it was on purpose. I'm even more impressed by my ability to avoid elevation than I am hitting 34 miles per day.
Though I am bummed I didn't get in a 34.4 on Friday. I would then have the whole set.
The first three days happened on accident. Then it was on purpose. I'm even more impressed by my ability to avoid elevation than I am hitting 34 miles per day.
Though I am bummed I didn't get in a 34.4 on Friday. I would then have the whole set.
__________________
06-25-18, 11:23 AM
#95
got the climbing bug
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: San Diego
Posts: 10,206
Bikes: one for everything
Mentioned: 82 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 632 Post(s)
Liked 912 Times
in
275 Posts
do you get tired of the same loop or is that the only loop that cuts the climbing down to half or a third of normal loops? All of my lunch loops are are usually 1100-1600 ft in 16-20mile ranges. There is one loop that is flatter (800ft) but I pass 2 airport so cross/head wind is 150% stronger than normal 
__________________
Rule #10 // It never gets easier, you just go faster.
Rule #10 // It never gets easier, you just go faster.
06-25-18, 12:21 PM
#96
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: 'burque, holmes
Posts: 820
Bikes: Ridley X-Fire (now an ex-bicycle), Trek X-Cal, Giant Defy 3
Mentioned: 14 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 152 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 17 Times
in
13 Posts
do you get tired of the same loop or is that the only loop that cuts the climbing down to half or a third of normal loops? All of my lunch loops are are usually 1100-1600 ft in 16-20mile ranges. There is one loop that is flatter (800ft) but I pass 2 airport so cross/head wind is 150% stronger than normal
(Except that has elevation AND is thru' a canyon so prone to headwinds...)
06-25-18, 02:57 PM
#98
got the climbing bug
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: San Diego
Posts: 10,206
Bikes: one for everything
Mentioned: 82 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 632 Post(s)
Liked 912 Times
in
275 Posts
who's not watching soccer? or am I the only one
__________________
Rule #10 // It never gets easier, you just go faster.
Rule #10 // It never gets easier, you just go faster.
06-25-18, 03:27 PM
#99
Senior Member
06-25-18, 03:46 PM
#100
Non omnino gravis
Thread Starter
do you get tired of the same loop or is that the only loop that cuts the climbing down to half or a third of normal loops? All of my lunch loops are are usually 1100-1600 ft in 16-20mile ranges. There is one loop that is flatter (800ft) but I pass 2 airport so cross/head wind is 150% stronger than normal
Took back a KOM at mile 64, no less. I got the "Dethroned!" notification during my ride, around an hour in. Knew I would have to cross that segment to get home, so I just hammered it right at the end. Smart to do this after 3.5 hours in the saddle, when it's already a good bit north of 100º? I'll let you know in a few hours.
__________________