mjdwyer23

Hey everyone-
I just thought I'd report on my first century and some other stuff. I did the American Cancer Society bikeride from the Ben Franklin Bridge in good ole Philly to May's Landing, NJ on July 11th. I raised 750 bucks and opted to do the 100 mile loop as opposed to the 62.5. I rode with Team Ashley, sponsored by Ashley Furniture and Yuengling. The day was beautiful, overcast in the morning to keep the sun off and warmer in the afternoon. I got with a great group who was doing the 62.5 loop and pacelined with around 20 guys for the last 2/3 of the 100K. It came up in no time, but the guys were all done there except another team mate of mine and myself. We chilled out for the last 37.5 miles and had a great time. We pulled in just after noon with an average of 21 mph for the 100 miles! I was (and still am) totally pumped about this because my goal was to avg. 19, and because this was my first century. Good stuff.

Next, I had been having problems since I got my bike (04 trek 1500 60cm) with shoulder pain after about 30 miles. Last thursday I flipped my stem (so that it was angled down), and tonight I went and cranked out 37 miles at 18.8 with little to no pain. It felt great, so I think I did the right thing. I think I may need to move my seat forward a little bit, because I rarely touch the rear of the seat when I'm cranking. I just need to fiddle around with it now that I got rid of the shoulder soreness.

Finally, I bought some new stuff recently. First: speedplay X3 pedals. I love these things, and my knees feel great after every ride. At the same time I bought a pair of Nike Poggio's for 90 bucks, and they are incredible as well. There's a breeze going through my shoes all the time and it feels great. Lastly, I picked up the Pedro's chain cleaning kit with the clear plastic scrubber and the degreaser and wax. This little device worked miracles on my chain, and now it looks good as new. I haven't used the wax, because I have had no problems with the finish line dry teflon stuff. Has anyone ever used it? What's the deal?

I guess I'll wrap it up, I'm looking forward to many more a century. Have a good one

ruirui

congrats on raising the money for American Cancer Society! where did u score those nike shoes btw..??

rui

mjdwyer23

Guy's Bikes near Bensalem PA

ruirui

sweet... i gotta save up so i can get some shoes and pedals.

on2wheels

Wow, this post is kind of a deja vu. I have a 54" 2004 Trek 1500, and just flipped my stem so that it angles downwards as well. I'm still trying to get used to the new position though, my arms and hands still get a little sore after an hour on the bike. It's amazing how much of a difference a few degrees of stem drop make.

Good job on the American Cancer Society ride. I'm hoping to reach the goal of riding a century next summer (I'm up to 30 miles so far). I may even try to do an MS150 ride if I get to that level of fitness.

mjdwyer23

I'm gonna do the ms150 (175 mile course) this fall assuming my school load isn't bad that weekend. Next summer I want to do a double century by the end of the summer.

mjdwyer23

on2wheels, how do you like the 1500?

SipperPhoto

mmm Yuengling ! I miss visiting PA, so I can get me some of that !

Nice going on the century.. I'm doing my first one in September.. and am psyched for it !

I also hve the X/3 pedals.. had them since xmas... love them !

jeff

mjdwyer23

Yeah Yuengling rocks, the brewery's only 45 minutes from my school...

on2wheels

mjdwyer23: The Trek 1500 is a great bike for the price. You get a lot for your money. I met a cyclist who had an older Trek 2200, which was aluminum frame and fork, and 105 components. He was drooling over the carbon fork and Bontrager wheelset of my 1500. I think it's funny how Trek labels this bike as "Recreational", yet 4 years ago, it would have been in the "Race" category.

The only mods I've made to my 1500 are Shimano SPD pedals (that work with my mountain bike shoes) and a Koobi AU Enduro saddle. I'm quite happy with this bike.