There is so much inspiration here
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2006
Posts: 2,990
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
There is so much inspiration here
I mean, really. I found this place 6 months into my current journey. To know you are not alone -truly not alone- really helps to keep the motivation high. It proves that just because we're over 50, we ain't dead. Not by a long shot. We are share the common ups and downs of pursuing a physical dream -to ride- at a "certain age". Some -many? most?- here do some pretty wonderous things and we constantly push to be better. And if you push, you WILL get better. Isn't it a wonderous thing?
And when I read of people who have never climbed before and try just because they haven't.
And when I read of people who do climb who work to make harder climbs, longer climbs... climbs beyond their abilities, maybe. For now anyway.
It makes me try harder. And I win. Like tonight. As I've mentioned a few times, there's no way out of Pacifica that doesn't involve a 600+ climb. I've tried a couple with varying degrees of success. They're hard. Climbing with asthma is just going to be. OK, fine. But there's one way out that I've sized up a number of times and it has always convinced me I wasn't ready. But I've never tried any of the climbs with the LeMond and certainlt not this one. Until tonight. I've never actually analyzed the geography of my rides in toto. Tonight I did and it was revelatory.
I live at 202' above sea level.
From here it's a pretty rapid drop and by the time I get to my central jumping off point, I'm at 89'
So, I head for this beast of a climb and I go 3/4 of a mile to get back to 202' - a 3% climb.
From here, I broke it into segments where I would stop, more to mentally collect myself before moving on.
1096' at 7.8% followed by 660' at 13.5%. Then things get easier: 750' at 11.8% but after that comes 495 ' at 16%. I'm somewhere in the vacinity of 500' above sea level. At no time did my HR get over 167bpm. That's a first. I worked at timing my breathing and taking "belly breaths". Wow, it really works.
So, now I'm riding pretty much level for a mile, mile and a half, then I drop down considerably.
I'm ready to drop back down toward home. But I see another climb and I know what's at the end of that climb. What the heck... I climb 1460' of a 13.2% grade and just below the top I see a side road drop down. I take it; spirit of discovery, right? And find that know I have to climb 1287' at 5.8%.
And I made it. So, where am I and what's waiting for me? I'm at 685' above sea level and I get to drop back down to 202' (lower actually and then I have the last climb home. That one I did all out of the saddle). The 483 feet drop first down a 17% grade -the sign says so- followed by a 19% drop.
Believe me this is an accomplishment. I just cannot believe I did this. And except for a few ocassions where I wanted to give myself a break, I didn't use my granny. OK, I'm convinced: road bikes really are different. Now I know, I'm free.
I never would have tried this but for all of you and for that, I thank you.
Pictured to follow
And when I read of people who have never climbed before and try just because they haven't.
And when I read of people who do climb who work to make harder climbs, longer climbs... climbs beyond their abilities, maybe. For now anyway.
It makes me try harder. And I win. Like tonight. As I've mentioned a few times, there's no way out of Pacifica that doesn't involve a 600+ climb. I've tried a couple with varying degrees of success. They're hard. Climbing with asthma is just going to be. OK, fine. But there's one way out that I've sized up a number of times and it has always convinced me I wasn't ready. But I've never tried any of the climbs with the LeMond and certainlt not this one. Until tonight. I've never actually analyzed the geography of my rides in toto. Tonight I did and it was revelatory.
I live at 202' above sea level.
From here it's a pretty rapid drop and by the time I get to my central jumping off point, I'm at 89'
So, I head for this beast of a climb and I go 3/4 of a mile to get back to 202' - a 3% climb.
From here, I broke it into segments where I would stop, more to mentally collect myself before moving on.
1096' at 7.8% followed by 660' at 13.5%. Then things get easier: 750' at 11.8% but after that comes 495 ' at 16%. I'm somewhere in the vacinity of 500' above sea level. At no time did my HR get over 167bpm. That's a first. I worked at timing my breathing and taking "belly breaths". Wow, it really works.
So, now I'm riding pretty much level for a mile, mile and a half, then I drop down considerably.
I'm ready to drop back down toward home. But I see another climb and I know what's at the end of that climb. What the heck... I climb 1460' of a 13.2% grade and just below the top I see a side road drop down. I take it; spirit of discovery, right? And find that know I have to climb 1287' at 5.8%.
And I made it. So, where am I and what's waiting for me? I'm at 685' above sea level and I get to drop back down to 202' (lower actually and then I have the last climb home. That one I did all out of the saddle). The 483 feet drop first down a 17% grade -the sign says so- followed by a 19% drop.
Believe me this is an accomplishment. I just cannot believe I did this. And except for a few ocassions where I wanted to give myself a break, I didn't use my granny. OK, I'm convinced: road bikes really are different. Now I know, I'm free.
I never would have tried this but for all of you and for that, I thank you.
Pictured to follow
#2
DoubleTrouble
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Vacaville, CA
Posts: 599
Bikes: 06 Co-Motion Tandem, Fuji Team Pro mine,-Hers, Specialized Dolce
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I found the same thing you found. It is a great place to share your ups and downs (pun intended). There are so many people who to share with that will not judge you but take you like you are, warts and all. I am lucky to have the Red Rider with me on the hard rides. She is more than just the stoker. When the hill gets steep and we are at the end of a long long ride, I know that with her energy we can conquer anything. Congratulations on your courage and your victory.
#3
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: SWMO
Posts: 3,185
Mentioned: 11 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1400 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
That's just great Ken, we are getting better, together.
__________________
It's all downhill from here. Except the parts that are uphill.
It's all downhill from here. Except the parts that are uphill.
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Brighton, UK
Posts: 1,561
Bikes: Rocky Mountain Solo, Specialised Sirrus Triple (quick road tourer), Santana Arriva Tandem
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Y'know, to your worldwide readers (!) an important question occurs -
congratulations on the new bike and the fun you're having with it, I love every thing about Lemond bikes....and-
Is it you, is it the bike, what leads who or who leads what into all this hill climbing, distance exceeding, heartbeat measuring, achievement motivation?
I mean, its all great - but is it new metal or new spirit? I think we should be told!
congratulations on the new bike and the fun you're having with it, I love every thing about Lemond bikes....and-
Is it you, is it the bike, what leads who or who leads what into all this hill climbing, distance exceeding, heartbeat measuring, achievement motivation?
I mean, its all great - but is it new metal or new spirit? I think we should be told!
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: St. Joseph, MI
Posts: 427
Bikes: Cannondale T800, Marin Hybrid
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Well said. I love "hanging out" here and reading about everyone's accomplishments, new bikes, new gizmos they have tried for their bikes. I love my wife dearly, but she has no interest at all in biking. When I start to talk about my bike, a ride I took, or want to take, her eyes glaze over, and I've lost her. I love this place.
#7
I need more cowbell.
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Reno, Nevada
Posts: 8,182
Bikes: 2015 Specialized Sirrus Elite
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 23 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by MichiganMike
Well said. I love "hanging out" here and reading about everyone's accomplishments, new bikes, new gizmos they have tried for their bikes. I love my wife dearly, but she has no interest at all in biking. When I start to talk about my bike, a ride I took, or want to take, her eyes glaze over, and I've lost her. I love this place.
__________________
2015 Sirrus Elite
Proud member of the original Club Tombay
2015 Sirrus Elite
Proud member of the original Club Tombay
#8
Senior Member
Ahh, expanding yopur limits and finding out that your limits were nothing but your own fears holding you back. Great ride!
#9
Streetfire
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Slightly Off Center
Posts: 723
Bikes: Trek 1200c, BMC Streetfire, Gary Fisher Wahoo
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
1 Post
Originally Posted by Digital Gee
I know what you mean. I try to share my enthusiasm with my daughters, and they adopt a patient, "how long will this story last?" attitude. Sigh.
Finance person - "How much does it cost and what's the matter with your old bike"
Engineer - "This one has a wammer-jammer fork for greater responsiveness"
Finance person - "How much does it cost and what's the matter with your old bike"
Engineer - "It's a full 1.5 lbs lighter than the xx model"
Finance person - "How much does it cost and what's the matter with your old bike"
#10
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Brighton, UK
Posts: 1,561
Bikes: Rocky Mountain Solo, Specialised Sirrus Triple (quick road tourer), Santana Arriva Tandem
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by Digital Gee
I know what you mean. I try to share my enthusiasm with my daughters, and they adopt a patient, "how long will this story last?" attitude. Sigh.
Age 13, tandem trip around the Isle of Wight, her as stoker, me as captain, family's highest mileage and computer logged speed ( 70? miles, 45+ mph on a long straight downhill with no road junctions) - "wow Dad, that was wonderful" ( just before she fell asleep over the hotel dinner table, narrowly avoiding drowning in the soup)
Now - " So, are you still dithering around on bikes?"
Heh, whaddya do? She's still lovely, and she only does it to tease!
#11
370H-SSV-0773H
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Penniless Park, Fla.
Posts: 2,750
Bikes: Merlin Fortius, Specialized Crossroads & Rockhopper, Serotta Fierte, Pedal Force RS2
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
- greetings from Flatland!
- what is this 'climbing' thing you talk about?
- sounds like too much New Math to me...
:-)
- down here at sea level, we have a thing called 'headwinds,' along with foggy smoke forecasts... the physical hurdle is also mental: ride farther for a longer time...
- and the only way to keep cool in 95F+ is to ride faster!
- what is this 'climbing' thing you talk about?
- sounds like too much New Math to me...
:-)
- down here at sea level, we have a thing called 'headwinds,' along with foggy smoke forecasts... the physical hurdle is also mental: ride farther for a longer time...
- and the only way to keep cool in 95F+ is to ride faster!
#12
feros ferio
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: www.ci.encinitas.ca.us
Posts: 21,813
Bikes: 1959 Capo Modell Campagnolo; 1960 Capo Sieger (2); 1962 Carlton Franco Suisse; 1970 Peugeot UO-8; 1982 Bianchi Campione d'Italia; 1988 Schwinn Project KOM-10;
Mentioned: 44 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1397 Post(s)
Liked 1,336 Times
in
842 Posts
Originally Posted by Terrierman
That's just great Ken, we are getting better, together.
__________________
"Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." --Theodore Roosevelt
Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
Carlton: 1962 Franco Suisse, S/N K7911
Peugeot: 1970 UO-8, S/N 0010468
Bianchi: 1982 Campione d'Italia, S/N 1.M9914
Schwinn: 1988 Project KOM-10, S/N F804069
"Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." --Theodore Roosevelt
Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
Carlton: 1962 Franco Suisse, S/N K7911
Peugeot: 1970 UO-8, S/N 0010468
Bianchi: 1982 Campione d'Italia, S/N 1.M9914
Schwinn: 1988 Project KOM-10, S/N F804069
#14
Time for a change.
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: 6 miles inland from the coast of Sussex, in the South East of England
Posts: 19,913
Bikes: Dale MT2000. Bianchi FS920 Kona Explosif. Giant TCR C. Boreas Ignis. Pinarello Fp Uno.
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 5 Times
in
4 Posts
So how's the lycra coming on then?
Great to think what you can achieve with a bit of effort, a bit of training and a lot of willpower.
Keep going upwards but from where you live- Thats all you can do.
Great to think what you can achieve with a bit of effort, a bit of training and a lot of willpower.
Keep going upwards but from where you live- Thats all you can do.
__________________
How long was I in the army? Five foot seven.
Spike Milligan
How long was I in the army? Five foot seven.
Spike Milligan
#15
King of the molehills
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Detroit 'burbs, east side.
Posts: 1,192
Bikes: '04 Giant OCR2, DIY light tourer built on on Scattante cross frame, '87 Schwinn World Sport F/G conversion, '85 Schwinn Super Le Tour
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
"There is so much inspiration here". Yep, people often say that juuuust about when the cult gets their hooks in them!
Going out for my cult meeting in a few hours...all bow before the skinny tired god!
Going out for my cult meeting in a few hours...all bow before the skinny tired god!
#16
Banned.
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Post-partisan Paradise
Posts: 4,938
Bikes: GF Wahoo '05, Trek T1000 '04, Lemond Buenos Aires '07
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 7 Times
in
2 Posts
What a bunch of hammerheads. Doesn't anyone just ride anymore, for Pete's Sake?
Just kidding. I know how SKT felt a few weeks ago. I'm about ready to wet my pants waiting for my new steed. BTW, if you wet your pants but they are bib shorts, they dry really pretty fast as long as your moving along.
Just kidding. I know how SKT felt a few weeks ago. I'm about ready to wet my pants waiting for my new steed. BTW, if you wet your pants but they are bib shorts, they dry really pretty fast as long as your moving along.