This Ride: 36.5 mi
Kona Miles: 810.5 mi
Month to date: 70.9 mi
2010 Total: 1227.5 mi
I was looking forward to the Tuesday evening ride all day. The humidity was coming down and the temps looked to be around 80 at the start of the ride. Neil suggested the route, but not knowing those roads at all, I only heard Annapolis and Crofton. There were 5 of us at the start.
We really started out at a very lazy pace. My heart rate averaged about 120 for the first 30-40 minutes. Climbing the Naval Academy Bridge, I noticed my rear wheel was “squirrely” again, and sure enough, it was a flat. Quick change, with no evidence of any debris in the tire, off we went after only a short delay.
Things were going well for the ride, when on a lonely, narrow winding road … another flat. This time it wasn’t so easy. The extra spare tube I had only had a very short stem, and wouldn’t seat properly in the rim/tire. A loaned tube and an analysis of where the hole in the old tube was revealed a piece of rock/glass that was imbeded in the tire so it was invisible from the outside and took time to puncture the tube on the inside. I dug it out, reseated the tire, and we were on our way. No other incidents.
I think I’m going to buy a dozen tubes and give them out to peloton members as an offering to the gods of cycling … and get those skins soon. I’m getting a reputation. The first tube had 40 miles (2 full rides) on it before it flatted, the second had about 5 miles. This is 6 flats in about 8 rides, and 4 of those were with the peloton.
The route was pretty. There was more vertical climbing that I knew was available around here. Garmin says we climbed 1769 feet. Oh, and I set a record! I traveled 38.4 mph down one hill, well under the 55 mph speed limit.
I continue to be amazed at the overall improvement in my fitness level. Three and a half months ago, this distance was my longest ever. Today, this is a longer than average ride, but well within my range for a normal day. I’ll not suffer tomorrow for this.
This Ride: 14.4 mi
Kona Miles: 774 mi
Month to date: 34.4 mi
2010 Total: 1191 mi
Early this morning I planned to ride the 545 ride with the Severna Park Pel0ton. There was a light rain falling and it was in the low 70s, with wind and heavier rain on the radar. I passed. Evidently Dangerous Dan was the only rider this morning, and he reported a great ride.
Then, with a sudden change in plans mid-late morning, I saw a break in the rain and a window of just over an hour for a ride and a shower before I headed off to Washington, DC for a meeting. I jumped on the bike, intending to simply ride to the end of the trail and back. Along the way, I changed my mind. I picked up the pace and tried to maintain it as best I could. I slogged through puddles, I caught debris in my teeth, and I lucked out through most intersections. Now, it was a short ride (I wouldn’t have said that a couple of months ago) but I averaged 17.8 mph! That’s my best average time for any distance I’ve put up this year.
I gave the bike a quick rinse with the hose, and made it to the appointment in DC on time.
Tomorrow … I’ll probably ride the 5pm ride. Forecast is looking good, and by that time, I’ll be ready to go.
This Ride: 20.0 mi
Kona Miles: 759.6 mi
Month to date: 20.0 mi
2010 Total: 1176.6 mi
Yesterday morning, it was 45 when I started riding. This afternoon it was 85.
I got my bike back from the shop with a new shifter, a supposed tune-up, new handlebar tape and I installed a handlebar mirror and a tire pump on the frame. (I hope it isn’t used for quite some time.) Something about my bike being away from me for 30 hours just had be longing to be peddling again. I was already tired, having worked our church’s chicken roast all morning, but decided to go out.
I know that by the end of the summer 85 will feel pretty normal, but right now, it’s hot. The breeze generated by riding kept me mostly cool. I dreaded traffic light stops. The heat would build immediately, sweat poured down my face and into my eyes. I went through 2 bottles of water, but should have taken at least a bottle of gatoraide with me. There is an empty bottle beside me right now. It seemed like I battled a headwind both out and back on the ride. But hey, at least it kept me cool.
I would have loved to ride with the peloton this morning, and on the Wounded Warrior ride also, but sacrificial offering of 200 chickens took precedence for me this day.
I’m going to try to wash the bike now. It has quite a bit of accumulated road crud on it.
This Ride: 27.5 mi
Kona Miles: 739.6 mi
2010 Total: 1156.6 mi
What a morning!
I dreamed that I got up ahead of my alarm this morning for the early breakfast ride, and had grabbed my riding gear before I realized that I got up before the alarm. I headed back into the bedroom to turn off the alarm (still dreaming) when the alarm went off. It woke me up and I was completely confused. I got dressed and looked at the temperature and did a double take. The forecast was for 53 degrees. It was 45. I changed my clothing into something warmer, pulled out the bike, and it had a rear flat! I had about 10 minutes before I had to dash off for the Rusty Bridge for the start of the ride. I added a little air, and heard the air escaping, so quickly I changed the tube (yes I checked the inside of the tire) and got off, only a minute or so late to the Rusty Bridge. A little over two miles into the ride I was riding on another rear flat. The peleton wouldn’t let me go, so we changed out the tube, pulled out a staple, and so far (knock on wood) the tire has held.
What a beautiful morning! We’ve got only a few minutes of darkness on these 545 rides now, and riding in the emerging light is glorious. A nearly full moon was in front of us a good part of the way. Sunrise over the water is great. The hills we do on the way to Annapolis are not as challenging as they were a month ago. That’s really encouraging.
We started with 9 riders. At the end of the trail we were down to 5, and 4 stayed for breakfast. Clint told us stories about the 275 mile ride last weekend, and although the writeup was great, hearing it first hand was a lot of fun. Several are riding the Wounded Warrior Ride today and tomorrow. That would be a fun thing to do. Unfortunately my schedule is jammed up.
I ended my ride with the B&A loop. That was a nice addition.
Now to get the bike into the shop. I think I’ll have them put new grips on, adjust the rear derailleur (it won’t stay in one of the gears), check the tire again, and replace the shifter. I wonder if I’ll have the bike back later today.
This Ride: 17.6 mi
Kona Miles: 712.1 mi
2010 Total: 1129.1 mi
What a difference a day makes. It was 13 degrees warmer and the wind was 10 mph slower today. I wore a jersey and shorts rather than the warm-up suit from yesterday. I also had a better attitude. This was a much more enjoyable ride. I rode the same route as yesterday and added two loops at the end on B&A Blvd/Ritchie/Magothy Bridge. That’s a nice loop, with no traffic lights to speak of … all right turns.
Tomorrow I’ll go with the SPP 545 group to Annapolis for breakfast and maybe a little more back. Then I’ll take the bike into the shop for new left front shifters. It will be nice to have that front small ring back on the hills.
This Ride: 11.9 mi
Kona Miles: 694.5 mi
2010 Total: 1111.5 mi
This afternoon I had more excuses not to ride than anyone I’ve seen on Judge Judy. I didn’t sleep last night. I’m tired. It’s been a long day. I want a nap before events this evening. It is windy (20 mph) and cold (55). I pushed it harder than I intended yesterday.
So, I took it easy but rode an attitude adjustment ride. It worked … some. The original goal was to ride with a maximum heart rate of 130, but soon I was off daydreaming and relaxing. It is work trying to keep the heart rate within limits.
In other news, I learned that my new shifter will be in on Friday, and I can take the bike in then for an overhaul and to get the shifter installed. Maybe I can do the 545 ride and still get a little more in that day before the shop opens at 10.
This Ride: 35.0 mi
Kona Miles: 682.6 mi
2010 Total: 1099.6 mi
Member of the Peloton!
Today I decided to ride with the Tuesday evening ride from the SPP, and to wear my new SPP Jersey for the first time. I look pretty good in it if I dare say so myself!
A total of six riders showed up at the Rusty Bridge at 5, and we took off. I had really no idea how far this group goes and was prepared for about 20-25 miles. As you see, it was 35 miles. The first 15 miles were pretty quick, and I was pushing the heart rate into anaerobic territory pretty consistently. I’m amazed at how guys 80 lbs heavier than I am can be pushing these speeds with much lower heart rates. At perhaps the half-way point, when I was in the back of the peloton, I noticed my rear tire was squirrely on a curve, and sure enough, it was going flat. I stopped and nearly had the tube out before the rest noticed I wasn’t with them and returned for support. The tire change was quick and we were back on my way. I appreciate not being alone in that kind of circumstance.
This was a new route for me, south of Annapolis. It is a pretty ride, but I had no idea where we were until after the ride and I looked at the map.
I won’t be able to ride the Tuesday night ride often due to work responsibilities, but it is nice to know there is a group riding regularly that I can join any time.
This Ride: 16.5 mi
Kona Miles: 647.6 mi
2010 Total: 1064.6 mi
I hate intervals. I hate the trainer. Riding indoors makes me appreciate the outdoors even more. No wonder members of the SPP ride outdoors in all kinds of weather!
This is the first time back on a bike since the Metric Century. I was surprised the past two days how sore I was … until I realized that it was the tumble causing the soreness, not the ride. The bruises on my palms were quite sensitive. I evidently stretched something along my back and side. Nothing obviously broken. Today that familiar endorphin buzz was back and felt pretty good.
There is no doubt on the heart rate graph that this was an interval day. I could use higher and flatter tops. Notice that even though I was on the trainer, I climbed 13 feet. (Was that when I quickly went downstairs to get the forgotten water bottle at 8 minutes in?)
Link to Garmin Connect Summary
This Ride: 65.9 mi
Kona Miles: 647.6 mi
2010 Total: 1048.1 mi (Over 1000 miles this year!)
Before dawn, I joined the Severna Park Peleton for the 5:45 ride to Annapolis, breakfast, and return. We had 7 riders most of the ride to Annapolis and 4 back. This is a great bunch of guys. Two regulars joined us at the restaurant. The pace was good. Good conversation most of the way, and no incidents to report.
Once back home, I decided to stretch it out for the day and ride until about noon, figuring a 50-60 mile total was a good goal. Two miles from home, I hit a thorn branch on the trail and immediately flatted the rear. Tools out, I made quick work of the replacement … and then the valve for the CO2 canister wouldn’t work. I have no hand pump. No one else was on the trail, so I hefted the bike onto my back and started walking. After about 3/4 mile I flagged down some riders with a pump, we got the tire inflated, and I headed back home to re-pressurize, went to a local bike shop for a new valve and tube, and launched out for the airport loop.
What a gorgeous day! I started daydreaming, nearly missed a turn, and within seconds was over the handlebars on the ground. I still really don’t know what happened. It was quick. If I had to guess, I probably turned the front wheel so tight that it just stopped. No blood. Sore hands (the bruises are blossoming on the thumb pads). Some stiffness. At least 15 miles from home. I jumped back on, and soon was back up to a good pace and a good remaining ride.
I saw my first mockingbird of the season, played frogger with two squirrels, and saw some dragonflies.
(I hope to figure out how to embed these soon.)
This Ride: 20.6 mi
Kona Miles: 581.7 mi
2010 Total: 982.2 mi
Couldn’t get this posted yesterday. The ride lasted longer than it should have.
Some days are full of challenges. I decided to jump out and get a quick 20 miles or so Thursday afternoon. My front derailleur stopped working … completely. I couldn’t get it to move at all. At least it was stuck in the big ring. I stopped at the bike shop near the end of the ride, and 40 minutes later (now pressed for time), it was determined that the shifter was defective. A new one is on order.
The ride was pretty good. I got a bit confused on the route, choosing a path that I had not planned. I love the hills on St. Margaret. They give me a pretty good challenge (especially in the big front ring).
Rev Rider 