I think that I haven't given myself time to get acclimated to the heat, given the intensity of the rides.

I'm glad that I didn't go to Marshall, VA to ride with DC Rand yesterday, especially with all of the climbing on that ride in conjunctuion with the heat. But, sometimes, I drive myself harder on solo rides than when hanging with a group.

A few more weeks and I should be at the next level of acclimation, then I'll have to see where I am after that. I'm looking forward to some very easy riding this week, since it will still be hot--calling for 100F tomorrow. I wish there was an easier way home from work, though. Dealing with Rossville Blvd is the pits on very hot days.

RAAM finish
 

I'm planning on biking to Annapolis this monday (6/16) to watch some of the Race Across America finishes.
I'll probably head out from B'more city around 9:30.

Any interested co-conspirators?

-GB

Depends if I get a decent ride in over the weekend or not. I am absolutely miserable this week, I volunteered
for an event each day of the weekend with the hopes of being able to ride Monday, which was then hotter then heck so I didn't ride. I'm going nuts! :twitchy:

Flicks on the hill by bike
http://www.baltimorespokes.org/image...c_BikeBuds.gif[Any interest in having a bike party for the June 26 showing of "Chariots of Fire" ? I'll be heading down from Mt Washington, Roland Ave, University and St Paul. If I can "pick you up" along the way let me know. Other bike convoys from other locations are encouraged.]

Go outside and play.

That’s the message from the American Visionary Art Museum, and from Highlandtown.

AVAM offers its summer “Flicks on the Hill” series. Grab a blanket, head for Federal Hill, picnic under the stars, and watch a film inspired by the current exhibition, “All Faiths Beautiful” on Thursdays from June 19–Aug. 7. All movies start at at 9 p.m. on the screen held by the giant golden hand. BYO picnic blanket, yoga mat or lawn chair to sit on. Before the show starts on movie nights, the museum is open and free beginning 5 p.m. (although donations are appreciated). Rain location: Jim Rouse Visionary Center. The summer 2008 line-up is as follows:

June 19, “The Sound of Music”
June 26, “Chariots of Fire”
July 3, “Oh Brother, Where Art Thou?”
July 10, “Close Encounters of the Third Kind”
July 17, “The Gods Must Be Crazy”
July 24, “Quiz Show”
July 31, “Harold and Maude”
August 7, “Casablanca”

Oh man.. I wish I could participate in these rides! I didn't even realize this stuff goes on in baltimore haha. Hopefully my finger heals fast :(

Yep - I got down there too! Since I'm just getting my "sea-legs" back, I just did the shortie ride. I was out and back pretty quick before the heat got to us. It was still ugly humidity!! Some of the sections were a bit cobbled but navigable. I would like to have seen the historic places identified a little better as well. It seems when I'm on my bike, I'm more concerned with moving forward than sight-seeing, but I'd love to for once just ride and stop when there is something cool to check out!!

Glad to see someone else made it out!

Also - NORACER, sorry to hear about your cramping experience. Happened to me last year on the B&A trail in Severna Park. I lost both legs coming over one of those wooden bridges. I thought it was over. the left one cramped first and then while tring to stay upright, I lost the other. I wound up putting the bike down in a grassy area just past the bridge. I know that sucks big time!

Take Care
Don

Hey guys: Been awhile for me. Computer problems at home and really busy at work.
NoRacer and Josh: Both having problems!! Josh lucky to get such quick service, NR: cramps are tough. Perhaps you're riding too hard. I think you can't drink enough in that weather. I feel better drinking only water these days and eating real food vs. power bar stuff. One thing I did on my recent tour(read below) was to wrap a dripping wet towel(the real absorbent ones from REI) around my neck for the entire ride. I would wipe the sweat off my face which felt like a cool bath. It really helped to cool me down. It won't help your legs but it felt great. It stopped the sweat from stinging my eyes as well.
I just got back from a massive ride, Pitt to DC on the Great Allegheny trail and C&O towpath. 330 miles in 3.5 days. 2.5 of the days were in the high heat and humidity:eek: I took it slow and was in the saddle for long stretches. I pulled a 2 wheel Burly with camping gear. it worked great for the GAP but suck on the muddy C&O with its narrow 'wagon wheel like' path. All in all it was a great experience going solo unsupported. Here's a link for a full trip report if you are bored.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BikeWa.../message/11290
Later Charlie

Hey GB What time are they expected to finish? I just took off a bunch of time for my recent trip but am very tempted. I'll touch base w/ you later to let you know.

How did Tour de parks go. I read in the paper turnout was 500ish! Sounds like a good number considering the temps.

TDP; I still don't have the final numbers. Every year we nail some of the previous years problems and get a new problem or two. The final BBQ went really well and most comments were positive so I think it went really well.

I finally figured out where the arrival stats were on the RAAM sight. (not the easiest to navigate!)
and it looks as if the 1st solo riders are due in monday evening. So, it might not be smart for me to leave in the morning unless they're really moving. 3-time winner Jure Robic is way out in front and if he stays that way I doubt he'll be trying to set any time records.

So... I might consider coming down later in the day. Of course, I could easily get caught up in the excitement, stay too long and be riding after dark.

Still reviving my plan. What options do you have Charlie? I'd love to have the company on the ride down.

-GB

Some people are planning to hang out at Mt Airy (the "penalty" box) to mingle with the RAAM riders. I heard ~3pm Monday when the first of the RAAM is expected to go through Mt Airy. Next week I guess we will be hearing about the teams coming through.

Yeah. I could take a jaunt out there instead.

I had trouble with the RAAM site. I gave up quickly though.
My options are unknown as of know but will figure out by tonight or tomorrow. I will also keep an eye on the weather. So are you thinking Mt Airy instead. The ride is decent, good shoulder on Old Fred., just rode it a few weeks ago. Very hilly but not outrageous. It's probably 35 or so miles from Catonsville(I think)
It would be nice to know when the riders will be getting there(or Annapolis). I don't know how they can figure that out when I couldn't figure out where I was sleeping on the C&O everyday. AND they are coming from CA! If we ride at night I have 4 hr(or so) of burn time on my light. Should be more than enough time to get home from Anna.
My internet access will be sketchy this weekend so I'll pM you my phone. Charlie
PS I f we go to Mt Airy we will HAVE to pass my house(on the return) where there just happens to be a few kegs of brew!! If they survive Fathers days that is;-)

Bike to Work Day Pics

Here's the Towson group who stuck around:

http://www.baltometro.org/images/sto...8/B2W08_07.jpg

Hey,

Just gotta throw props out to RacerMike. Thanks for planning a nice group ride today. I had a blast. Unfortunately it will have to be dubbed "the bad luck ride" After his third flat Mike was too frustrated to keep going. Then another guy had 2 flats. 5 people and 5 flats total. I actually ran out of spare tubes...and I didn't even get a flat (which reminds me I hope I have another tube in the basement for tomorrow's ride)

Anyhow, thanks Mike. Great ride. And I learned a good lesson. If there is a guy in the group who rides up every hill in the big ring, DO NOT race him for the KOM. Even if you win you lose.

-D

Is that GreaterB in there too? I love the racing jersey for bike to work day. ;)

Yup, that's him.

I've been wearing the race kit for commuting to give our sponsors and the team exposure.

Thanks for coming out; glad you had a good time and better luck than me. I'm going to pick up some tubes today and I'll get one to you this week. Some notables on my flats: not a single one was from a puncture through the tire; the first happened at mile 17.4 as I was straddling my bike drinking water and not moving; the third happened at mile 23.6 between the time I filled the tube with air and started to put the wheel back on the bike. It was definitely a suck fest; 3 flats in 6 miles.

Hahahaha...funny thing is, I don't even think he was racing!

We'll do it again soon.

Took a nice ride to Codorus State Park last sunday.
Another century for June.
route: http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path...-SP-NCR-return
pics: http://flickr.com/photos/27976837@N0...7605657061311/

-GB

Yea think he was just making me feel fast.

-D

Noice!

I would love to do that with you some time, as it looks like the hills would not kill me on that route.

+1, Nice route!

Btw, I've taken 23mm tires down the NCR (Glen Rock to Essex) when it was dry--no problem.

Hey NoRacer,

Did you wind up riding to/from the Flatlands tour?
A double century day?

-GB

Charlie,

Here's a couple of photo sets of what we missed.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/wabeck/...7605663760760/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mcn7/se...7605672152301/