Sunday, February 21, 2010

Three is a Crowd

I was a nice day. It started in the high thirties, climbing into the forties. I felt overdressed for most of the ride.
Isaac and Ori met up at Ori's house. An atypical start location and time. Always check your emails.

We met up with DavidS at Wheatley. Definitely a crowd for January.

I went short after the Sunnyside extension. Stillwell, Bumpy, White Church.
Ori and David did Snake Hill after Sunnyside.

About 55 miles for Ori and David.  Isaac did about 45.

Sunday, February 14, 2010

Some of us need this more than others

I should be doing more training indoors this winter. Maybe it is lack of motivation or too much effort being spent on the 5 Towns 5K.

But when you spend time in a basement on your bike your mind tends to wander and in those monotonous moments pure inspiration flows.
 
This is only a prototype

The carbon fiber boys are currently hard at work. Did you know Shimano makes flush valves?

Thursday, February 11, 2010

2/9/10 - Much Better Conditions

Lucked out with the weather today, with warmer temps, low winds and plenty of sun. Rode 69 miles at a decent pace. I'm getting a head start on my training because I can, and because I know I'm going to get my butt kicked by some of you later on in the season anyway. At least I might still have a slight advantage early on.

I'm glad to report that the cheapo Forté shifters I installed on the Schwinn perform their basic function well enough, even though they're not the greatest by any stretch of the imagination. Yet, at $140 vs. $400 they seem to be a good value, as long as they last. Under normal circumstances I would have invested in Ultegras, but things are different right now.

Conditions permitting, I'm planning to ride this weekend. I'll still be in town until Monday morning. Let me know if you want to join.

2/7/10 - Still Riding Alone

You guys missed a fine day for a ride. The temp actually got as high as 35 in the PM and the sun felt good. Rode 57 miles. Hills: only Snake and Moore's. It was getting late and I wanted to finish before dark. I even skipped the 7-11 break. Perhaps that's why I was feeling pooped during the last 10 miles. It was tough at times due to the headwinds. I could have used some paceline cover.

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Tuesday, February 2, 2010

Bike and Cruise

I did not ride at all during my vacation to the sunny and warm British Virgin Islands. I had hoped to rent some bikes with my family in a little known island named Anegada, but instead we rented a cute little car from China and motored around for a day to a couple of beaches, a bakery, and an iguana reserve.

But if you should want to make a trip to the Caribbean or even Alaska and want to combine it with riding, check out http://www.bikeandcruise.com/ .

I met someone involved with this in Roadtown, Tortola.  He was on a cruise ship that partners with Bike and Cruise and included cycling at many of their ports of call.  They provide the bikes, sag wagon, etc. The cruise line tries to keep your wife occupied while you cycle.

I liked the Alaska itinerary.