Hey everyone. Been quite awhile since I posted. Seems y'all been riding a lot. I have only been bike commuting and some climbing, no rec rides until last Sunday, Rally for the river. The JFX was a lot of fun. Lots of bikers, skateboarders, walkers and even a few rollerbladers. Live music, food, excellent weather. The surface of the JFX is awesome. If we could commute on a road like that everyday I am certain the number of bike commuters would grow exponentially.
Saw the pics of the cyclocross race. They seem to be carrying the bikes more than riding them. Is this the way it is or did the camera person just capture them when they were off the bike. Very strange sport, at least from the still pictures. I really liked the pic of the guy running through a sand pit carrying his bike, I can barely run through sand let alone carry a bike. Charlie

I think the picture taker/camera person emphasized the off-bike stuff.

Man, you gotta see how fast these guys dismount and remount for going over obstacles. It's really incredible. Cyclocross was how Euro racers would train in the off season. It's a lot older than mountain biking. And yes, it's pretty strange.

There was one section which was up a pretty steep grassy hill. The beginning of the hill had a series of U-turn switch backs which obviously killed any momentum you might have gained on the approach. Then, a sharp turn directly up the hill about 30ft. to two 24" high barriers- spaced no more than 4ft. apart! I saw several tumble there by their final laps. I also saw many riders running through short technical sections going just as fast or faster then those riding their bikes.

BTW Charlie and all, I've got a friend from work who is a brewer and biker. The 2 of us have been talking about a brewery bike tour. Interested? Suggestions about where to go?

-GB

Okay, lots of posts.

GB-I was there at Druid with the Sunday guys I ride with. We watched the warm ups. got a few Red Bulls from the RB gals and then headed on our way. I wish I had stayed for the race. The course looked intimidating. Rode down to Federal hill and took the JFX back, then I did it another lap. A bit hilly going north of course.

I believe the off bike stuff is called a run-up, not sure.

And I think I would like to give it a try.BBC has a Tuesday evening training session across from Oregon Grille. That's what the site says.

GB-What did you ride on that course. Seems slicks wouldn't get you far. Yes, I would like to give the course a try. I'll be around tomorrow and all weekend.

Check out this ride that's coming up near Gettysburg. A 63 mile cyclocross race, not sanctioned but they have a sanctioned race the day before.

http://www.yellowbreechesracing.org/ironcross/

I have this old Cannondale frame that I've been waiting to trade in-hmmmm.

Last few days I've just been doing hill repeats on Woodbrook. My GPS says 1200' for my short ride but I did it ten times and Mapmyride says 200' per climb. Not sure my GPS is accyrate unless I'm in the desert.

Brewery Bike Tour-definitely. Do you mean putting together an organized event like that Anchor ride up in Boston? I'll volunteer my services to design the swag.

Carroll county here....nice to read you all!
Jeff

Hey Sounds like a plan. Here are a few places:
CITY
Duclaw, brewpub, Fells Point
Brewers Art, Brewpub, Mt. Vernon(Balto)
Wharf Rat, brewpub, Balto(Fells pt. and downtown)

Westside
Ellicott Mills, brewpub, Ellicott City
Clipper City, brewery w/ tours, Lansdowne
Duclaw, brewpub, Arundel Mills

Frederick Area
Frederick Brewing Co, brewery(Wild Goose, Flying Dog)
Brewers Alley, brewpub/brewery
Dogfish, brewpub, Gaithersburg
Barley and Hops Grill & Microbrewery, brewpub
Growlers, brewpub, Gaitherburg

The Duclaw Tour
Locations in Bowie, Arundel Mills Mall, Belair, and Fells Point

As you can see lots of options, I am not a fan of swag but I think it might be prudent in this type of ride:) I have wanted to organize a ride from my home in Catonsville returning to drink my homebrew. I haven't forgotten but slacked in brewing this summer(or drank too much) so current supplies are low. I have spent the last 5 wknds brewing. I should be able to get something together mid-late October if folks are interested. We can ride the hills of Catonsville or the BWI/B&A trail or out towards Frederick, visit some of their brewpubs then return to my house for a nightcap. What are peoples schedule like in the next 2-3 weekends.
GB you work on Saturday, NO? We can do a Sunday ride, works for me. Lets get something going. Who is interested??
Charlie

Monday long ride.
http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path...-Rocks-St-Park
and pics:
http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=+&d=...27976837%40N00

Sunday a group of us started out to review Tour du Port's long route. We had a couple of volunteers with us who have never done that kind of distance so the pace was 9mph. Richard Chambers (executive director of One Less Car) joined us with his new Gary Fisher commuter bike (coco brown with wood styled fenders, three speed internal hub, real sharp looking.) Around 1 pm they decided to cut the route short to 25 miles but a couple of the volunteers wanted to keep riding so dropping everyone else off at the Daily Grind in Canton we headed out to Fort McHenry and back. On the way back I run into the Mayor training for Tour du Port (her schedule does not really permit much consecutive time to bike. So I ride with her and her group (all good friends from the morning rides from city hall) for a total of 75 miles for me.

The first group caught up with a rain cloud so we road a bit in the rain till we spotted a convenience store and had a break till the rain moved on and then we continued. So we did not get all that wet riding so overall it was a great day to be out.

FYI Tour du Port is this Sunday October 5th and the Mayor heads out on the 40mile route at 7:30am. So come out and ride or volunteer (we need more route marshals but anything will help.)

Barry, we'll be there on Sunday - the day after Seagull (first time that has happened). Tell me a bit about the 40 mile route - maybe we'll cnsider the longer route this year.
Check this out - its a few years old but I just found it today - its my husband and son....

http://www.onelesscar.org/TDP/2008/kids.php

Hey all,

Long time no post (for me). Did the savageman Tri as a relay a couple weeks ago. I will have to post how much fun that was one of these days. Been super busy.

Short version. I needs to get crackin' on the weight loss.

Anyhow, the main reason I wanted to post is I was just talking to RacerMike. He went Mountain biking yesterday for the first time and busted his collarbone in 3 places. Just FYI if anyone wanted to send him a get well soon PM or something.

-D

That bites! Hope he heals fast.


So, now you're ready for this century in about 16 days, right? ;) Another chance to be savage:

http://www.whiteclaybicycleclub.org/...CBC/savage.htm (no affiliation with Savageman)

http://www.savagemantri.org/Images/6...savage_640.jpg

LOL, What a joke :lol:

No ride in DE can be called "savage"

Their "savage" climbs?

Duck Hill- .3 miles long avg grade 12%, 16% max?
Fishing Creek- .77 mies long avg grade 12% 16% max?
Bald Eagle- .56 miles long avg grade 8% 11% max?
Red Hill- 2.43 miles long avg grade 4% 8% max?

So lets see what I did at the savageman tri.

Major climbs.

Climb out of westernport- (including the wall). .94 miles avg grade 10%, 31% max
Big Savage mtn- 7 miles long avg grade 7%, 12% max
Climb out of New Germany st park 3.24 miles long avg grade 4% 14% max
Another climb (dunno landmark)- .63 miles long avg grade 7% 15% max
Miller road- 1.2 miles long avg grade 7% 18% max

Yea, hills don't scare me anymore.

Anyhow, while I am going I should do my quick report. It was an awesome ride. For those who don't realize (as I didn't) there is a definite difference between a "ride" and a "race" I previewed the course a month prior to the race. And I thought i did pretty good. On that ride I had a moving time of 5:18 but a total time of 6:02. I did have a lot of stop time due to riding without support, trying call back to my wife to let her know where i was etc. But I did feel i had pushed pretty good when riding.

On race day, I shaved a good amount of time, finishing in 4:39, with a moving time of 4:33. It was a serious ball buster though. I have come to the conclusion that to improve on the hills I finally have to get off my fat behind and get to my weight loss. I am hoping to do this relay again next year and try to improve my time.

-D

RacerMike, My sympathies. Heal fast, boy.

NoRacer, I cruised through your hood yesterday on my B'more-Havre de Grace-Rocks State Park ride. I would've banged on your door and demanded waffles, but figured you were gone for work by 8am.

Charlie, I'm working on the beer run ride. Thanks for the pub suggestions. I'm was concentrating on 4- Ellicott Mills, Clipper City, Brewer's Art and DuClaw. Got a rough loop here. http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/207704 Not too happy with it so far, but I'll work on it some more. I'm thinking of reducing it down to 3 pubs, more direct routes and fewer hills. Is your place an option for either a drinkery or a start/end point?

Barry, I couldn't make the TDP volunteer meeting last week. I'll be there this thurs. night and will do whatever they want me to do on Sunday. What/where are you volunteering?

Also, as a quick aside- 2008 was the first time I ever thought to tally or even to have a bike mileage goal. Mine was 5000 miles by the end of the year. I, quite honestly, had no idea whether I could accomplish that. Now I'm pushing to hit 7K. And so many others here who will likely break the 5k mark this year. Congrats and keep on pushin. -GB

Savageman :roflmao2: I don't know, there seems to be a bit of resemblance to Noracer ;):innocent:

The 45 mile route highlight is North Point State Park. If you have never been it is worthwhile to check out. When we were there on Sunday the foliage was very lush and green and we had a good fog that made it feel like you were standing on the edge of the world as you looked across the bay. I am really kicking myself for not bringing my camera as there were some very dramatic clouds later in the afternoon. But with that being said the ride out is through the very industrial part of Dundalk and not a lot of eye candy. I hate to say but not exactly my idea of a great recreational route but on the way back things get a bit nicer/interesting so the large turn out and the money going to a good cause helps make it a morning well spent riding.

So Veloellen nice looking family you got there. :thumb:

From the feedback I have gotten so far it looks like my volunteer position is event photographer and to ride with the Mayor. :) (Hobnobbing pays off. ;) )

Oh and speaking of the Mayor and Baltimore, we got an honorable mention for being a bicycle friendly city by LAB and Baltimore made it in the top ten list for a sustainable city, see BaltimoreSpokes.org for more info.

GB, my YTD millage is at 4.8K, I feel like a slacker.

Speaking of millage, anyone interested in riding with me sometime between Wednesday and Sunday to review the route markings? It should be at least a 13mph if not 16mph pace not counting stopping to paint arrows and such. The total millage will probably be above 60 miles.

RacerMike, Heal well and fast.

Hi Barry,
I may be able to do the ride with you. I feel I should be doing a bit more bike advocacy work. Let me know when you're thinking, Friday? Can't say for sure but maybe.

Anybody meeting up at Seagull? I know Teacher Bob meets up with some other BBC riders, which I may do. Not sure I can keep up but I can try. My knee feels like toast after some running last week and a bit of hiking over the past two days on the AT. Good hike up to Annapolis Rock with my boys.

I haven't signed up for Tour De Port but may be doing it with my 10 year old on a tandem with my 4 in the tag a long.

Bob-08 is the first year that I've kept track. I remember thinking I would like to do ten thousand, not to be, probably end up around 6k, maybe 6500 by Jan 31.

Derath-I'm with you on trying to lose weight. 5000 miles and same weight. I'm now logging my cals vs cals burned and wow what an eye opener. Looking to drop 20 by end of year. I have come to like climbing where I used to avoid it, doing hill repeats as opposed to all that flat stuff I was doing at Montebello.

Yea that's about my goal as well. It would be amazing to lose it by the end of the year. we shall see

-D

Derath,
That's my goal, just need to stay on track. For instance, two days camping with my kids equaled Orios, hot dogs, pretzels, etc. etc- now I pay. I've been using this website to track my calories vs activity and just trying to keep the numbers right. The weight goal I set for 12/31 means burning about 700 calories more per day than I eat. It's pretty revealing how much more food I eat than what I need. I've been around 203-208 for two years despite lots of riding, just putting in what I burn I suppose. I think I cracked the below 200 mark last week, before the camping trip. I'm a pretty big guy so even hitting 180 will be quite a feat, but one I'm committed to now. Once I get there I'll see if lower is possible.

You guys have been talking about triathlons. There's the Brierman out at Greenbrier SP. That's where I camped on Monday, nice place.

fitday.com

http://www.piranha-sports.com/Race31.aspx

Big Savage is on our Le Saturday Beer Tour route. Always fun passing cars coming down into Frostburg.

Yes, I would have been at work, but you'd be welcome otherwise, 'cept the best I would've been able to scrounge up on that day would have been some french toast made from fake eggs and wheat bread. :twitchy:

All that's missing is the pink Team BBC jersey! ;)

Cough, cough! Mmmhmmm. ;):innocent:

Hey, let's get all of the BF-MD folks together and ride to Salisbury on Friday, then ride the Seagull (aka Assateague) Century on Saturday, then bike back on Sunday. That'll help boost mileages! :D

I wouldn't mind riding out there on Friday, just getting back that's a problem, dinner party in Bmore at 6 pm. Looks like I'm driving out Friday and either sleeping in my van or pitching a tent at Salvation Army.

hey folks
Biker Mike: sorry to hear about your crash. If you need doc advise let me know. I know a few shoulder doctors and therapists.

GB My house is good for start, finish for certain. I am almost back to full inventory. By Columbus day I should have 4 on tap. I couldn't load your link, will try again later.

Barry/GB: I have a crazy wknd but am going to volunteer and try to make tonight's meeting. I actually drove to work today (ugh!!) so I can attend. I also have some old bike stuff to drop off at velocipede. I want to work the event as early as possible. I have to drive my daughter to school on Sunday, mid-afternoon.
Mileage YTD...If you're a slacker barry then what am i?? I think I am nearing 4K, doubt that that 5K will happen in 08.
Weight watchers: I find that lower body workout is crucial but you should also do upper body workouts for total fitness and weight loss. I don't lift weights as I have trouble doing exercise for fitness. I climb. If you are interested in climbing drop me a PM. I have extra gear and can teach you the basics.
Barry: will you be there tonight?, GB what do you look like?? Today is the last of "concert in the park", just can't fit it into the schedule. Too much going in B-more these days....this is a good thing. Charlie

GB is the guy on the far right:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3268/...b778d9.jpg?v=0

Thanks NR, Charlie

Charlie, great finally meeting you last night. I'll probably see you sometime sunday at TDP.
BTW here's another attempt at the Brewers Bike tour:
http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/208698

When you get a chance, PM me your email address. -GB

It was nice to finally meet. I don't where I'll be stationed for the TDP but will try to let you know. I must report around 6:30. i was able to download both bikely files today. The 2nd Duclaw brewery is in a mall. Didn't know if you new that. I'll PM you my email.
Charlie
PS I guess you made it home on the fixie. I went to velocipede after I left you. That place was mobbed. Lots and lots of people.

Hey everybody: There's a MD-bike meeting next Monday night.
Here's the info:
...... Just a short Reminder of the Bike Forum next Monday Oct. 6, 2008 6:00 to 9:00PM at the Johns Hopkins -APL in Laurel Md.
check the Web-Site www.cpabc.org for more info. The APL is off of Route #29 Exit 15. Johns Hopkins/Gorman Rds. head west about 1/2 mile, pass the 1st APL Entrance and take 2nd Entance straight into Building #1-Red Brick Building and we will be meeting in the Parsons Auditorium. Parking is on your left.
We are expecting a good turn-out and it should be a very informative and interesting evening to bring us all update on Bicycle Happenings in Maryland. We are having a planning meeting this Thursday 10-02-08 at 2:00PM at the APL if you are free and able and welcome to attend. Hope to see you all there.

Tour de port people was the mayor wearing a pink shirt/jersey? if she was I think I saw her and about 10,000 other people on delvale rd in dundalk (I do my intervals on delvale, flattest straightest, carless road I know of near me)

I just wish it wasn't $60 the day of to join in the fun, I'd gladly pay $30, the wife told me I should have just has road with the crowd, after all every time I past the nice woman at german and delvale she kept telling me turn left (the direction of the tour) after the first couple times she knew I wasn't with them.

Other than the group of what looked like 500 cyclists running a stop sign (looked like critical mass) in front of me doing 28mph my sunday ride was 18 miles/1 hour worth of hill climbs and sprints.

How was your ride?

Also next sunday is my century a month ride, not sure where to but I'd get started about 630am again, like to cut across the city or so and head of toward frederick, maybe frederick rd all the way out?

All these people doing tour de port, theres got to be more than just me and no racer around here? derath?charlie?hc203?barry?