Two Wheel Blogs

As recently as two years ago, I would have thought nothing of a Saturday morning ride of 6+ hours and 100+ miles. Of course, that was before I learned what it meant to ride "tempo." Naturally, "tempo" is a relative term based on the skills of the rider, but I'm using it to describe something north of the 18mph pace.

I'll keep this report simple. I finally raced again. Pfoodman's Dirt Crit, week 4. The conditions were tough...muddy, slick corners, wet roots, creek crossing, wet grass. In short, a perfect Belgian cyclocross course.

Pete fell out and who was left? Repeat.

Pete and Repeat were sitting in a boat. Pete fell out and who was left? Repeat.

My father used to drill us with that little joke as kids. Repeat, repeat, repeat.

Saturday's team ride was a little earlier than my schedule could accomodate, so I was left to ride solo around midday. I knew I needed to get at least 2 good hours in and also knew that my ride should include some good hill climbs. That made the decision quite simple, go west young man, go west. That I did and headed west on Clayton into the secret training grounds.

My list of climbs (in order) were:
- Orrville (South to North)
- Old Eatherton
- Ossenfort
- The Melrose twins
- Hawks Rest Drive
- Gredan Drive

Yesterday was the first day of strength training. The line-up didn't look too hard or leave me with the impression that I wouldn't be able to fully complete the workout. I did my warm-up, began my exercises, and started thinking "maybe I haven't lost that much fitness???" That is until the "lunges" surfaces two-thirds of the way through the exercises.

I got a bit of a surprise today. An old friend posted up on a local forum that he was looking for a "fast and long" ride and to call him if interested. I called and learned that another old friend would be in attendance.

Any time I hear that Roger and Barry are looking for a fast and long road ride, I know it is an event that I want to attend...these guys can roll.

I am learning this new mapping stuff...there was some areas where I doubled back on the route (getting to and from the meeting point). This new phone of mine is supposed to track my riding routes, distance, etc...some day I will figure that out too.