Today was a fog to say the least. little sleep over the past two days but all is well with Pete - tired but doing well. Lack of sleep and too much worry had me ineffective at work. The thought of sleep was dancing in my head all day and when I should have slept I went for a ride in the wind. Maybe it was what was needed to clear my head.
the ride went dead into the wind and it was flat against our backs on the way home - others will post the details but it was a mix of hard efforts and regroups. The aerobars came in handy here and there but not in the pack - of course. once again I became the lead-out man which is great - pull hard...then a little more till you about loose it and watch others sprint the prime...not intended but it sure turned out that way - it okay. It's tough to beat Neil and Perry when they rock it...heck its tough to beat them anyway -who am I kidding?
A big round for Pat Smith and his ability to really hammer it out - Pat...I saw you smiling the whole time and after spending so many hours in the shop spinning this winter...it really paid off!
I should apologize for some of the words spoken recently in regards to the ride on Tuesday - so I apologize and give explanation in that I was for some reason blamed by a few here and there for what happened. It was bad that things fell apart, it was bad that it didnt come back together but it wasnt for a lack of trying - hence why I got bent out of shape. Tonight played out well and we finished together and had a lot of fun - I hope it can be like that every time. enough said.
maybe see you on Sat
ac
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
31 deg in the morning....60 deg by 4pm
Commute to work this morning - wonderful morning to say the least. Fast and smooth. While crossing the CR Dam, I saw this guy pull about a 15 lbs carp on shore - crazy. random thoughts on the morning are over.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
I purchased a new jersey today...
I am rather amazed to actually find it...more amazed that is ever existed. Did you know that Iraq had a Jr.National cycling team sponsored by a US group? Neither did I. They suffered a heavy loss due to terrorist acts against the Iraqi people yet they rode in various venues throughout the Middle East.
I say all this to this end - I purchased the last Jr. National Iraq jersey...There may be others out there in circulation but this cultural outreach company had one left. I know that it will start enough controversy to kill a lion - but there are some neat reasons to wear it...my friends that serve as linguists and advisers in Iraq right now tops the list.
Ok - that's it.
enjoy the start to the week all.
ac
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Sat solo heading west......
GREAT day of do-nothing!
I need days where not much is done for forward progress - naps and a movie. It was great. Once the day settled down and the kids went to piano lessons, the sun came out and I headed to the garage to grab a bike.
This young man headed west to Otsego, Albertville, St. Michael and all the other little townships out there and back home in the dark. It was nice and fluid - quick and responsive. Moderate tempo ride with 10 min power intervals here and there - focused on breathing tempo and quick HR recovery.
Great evening
I need days where not much is done for forward progress - naps and a movie. It was great. Once the day settled down and the kids went to piano lessons, the sun came out and I headed to the garage to grab a bike.
This young man headed west to Otsego, Albertville, St. Michael and all the other little townships out there and back home in the dark. It was nice and fluid - quick and responsive. Moderate tempo ride with 10 min power intervals here and there - focused on breathing tempo and quick HR recovery.
Great evening
Thursday, April 23, 2009
RAAM practice tonight
I love this pic! Got lucky with the camera I guess.Well, with 20 plus winds from the south - it made sense to burn the candle down on the way south to enjoy the ride back with some serious back draft action. Was it like 9 tonight? The normal wrecking crew was in force and a couple of new guys - Nick and David....great to have you guys on board.
We headed to Fletcher then headed straight south to Hamel - straight into the wind. We did a pace line to reduce fatigue and were able to hold a nice steady pace to not blow the group apart. The rolling hills were just perfect. With a new rider just getting going on the bike, we ran into the all-mighty bonk. I headed back to wheel him to the turn around point and that was a great workout into the wind all on its own - thus the solo head wind effort I might expect on RAAM from time to time.
With the dogs of war ready and itchin to let loose, the turn around with the wind was the cue to unleash said dogs. How often do you get to spin out in your largest gear on a flat? (unless your Merckx, Boonen or any other voodoo pro). Brian, Jorge, Mark, David and I blasted out at max speed. This then became just as hard but faster. Jorge had some crazy speed...leading out forcing us to bridge three times I think it was. The final stretch into Fletcher was tactics - Brian, Mark and I were toying with each other - pushing to the final sprint at Fletcher at 40 plus mph - again - we had a 20 mph tail wind.
The ride home from Fletcher was solid cross wind and easy going and my hats off to Nick for hangin' in there and after talking with him in the parking lot (handing him some E-caps) he was ready to do it again. I did explain that this wind can be one's worst enemy if not ready for it...he had all smiles and we will see him excel this summer...this is the joy of a group ride - new riders having fun in the face of pain.
Great ride guys!
andy
We headed to Fletcher then headed straight south to Hamel - straight into the wind. We did a pace line to reduce fatigue and were able to hold a nice steady pace to not blow the group apart. The rolling hills were just perfect. With a new rider just getting going on the bike, we ran into the all-mighty bonk. I headed back to wheel him to the turn around point and that was a great workout into the wind all on its own - thus the solo head wind effort I might expect on RAAM from time to time.
With the dogs of war ready and itchin to let loose, the turn around with the wind was the cue to unleash said dogs. How often do you get to spin out in your largest gear on a flat? (unless your Merckx, Boonen or any other voodoo pro). Brian, Jorge, Mark, David and I blasted out at max speed. This then became just as hard but faster. Jorge had some crazy speed...leading out forcing us to bridge three times I think it was. The final stretch into Fletcher was tactics - Brian, Mark and I were toying with each other - pushing to the final sprint at Fletcher at 40 plus mph - again - we had a 20 mph tail wind.
The ride home from Fletcher was solid cross wind and easy going and my hats off to Nick for hangin' in there and after talking with him in the parking lot (handing him some E-caps) he was ready to do it again. I did explain that this wind can be one's worst enemy if not ready for it...he had all smiles and we will see him excel this summer...this is the joy of a group ride - new riders having fun in the face of pain.
Great ride guys!
andy
Whoa - this is nice....
Thursday 79° F 56° F 19 mph winds from south - wunderground report
Seriously - close to 80 Degree's? Looks like a good time to go south then north on today's ride....we have a few routes heading south then back up...I'll be there!
Seriously - close to 80 Degree's? Looks like a good time to go south then north on today's ride....we have a few routes heading south then back up...I'll be there!
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
To Albertville and Back
i didnt check the miles but I think its close to 40....and so were the winds from the north. 6 or 7 of us headed to Albertville then to Otsego and back on 144 where Wonderboy and Jet were waiting on their Mt.Bikes to finish the ride with us.
Despite the wind - it was a great ride and I was glad to see Bernie out once again - always a treat and he likes to pull big speed....thanks for the lead out on the county sign and of course - the big lead heading to Otsego....drafting behind you is like no wind at all. I figured Bernie needed to blow some carbon out of the legs so I let him handle the first part into Otsego then traded off.
One flat - that's it....we are getting better or the roads are getting clear. Fast tempo and strong intervals were in play but the group came together often - it was fun.
Super prime was led out by Mr. Tequila and Wonderboy up the wall...I was in third position with Bernie in tow. At the top of the wall - I led out convinced Bernie was going to come around but I noticed I was alone with Dan about 30 ft back as i took the prime....i about puked...literally.... tonight was a near threshold ride the whole way...Bernie was in true form with his locomotive "long sprints" and of course - he had the smile going.
Despite the wind - it was a great ride and I was glad to see Bernie out once again - always a treat and he likes to pull big speed....thanks for the lead out on the county sign and of course - the big lead heading to Otsego....drafting behind you is like no wind at all. I figured Bernie needed to blow some carbon out of the legs so I let him handle the first part into Otsego then traded off.
One flat - that's it....we are getting better or the roads are getting clear. Fast tempo and strong intervals were in play but the group came together often - it was fun.
Super prime was led out by Mr. Tequila and Wonderboy up the wall...I was in third position with Bernie in tow. At the top of the wall - I led out convinced Bernie was going to come around but I noticed I was alone with Dan about 30 ft back as i took the prime....i about puked...literally.... tonight was a near threshold ride the whole way...Bernie was in true form with his locomotive "long sprints" and of course - he had the smile going.
Friday, April 17, 2009
Under the Stars
Cubscouts last night prevented me from riding with the group - I trust it was a great ride - but the scouts are a blast and it was a wonderful last pack meeting of the season! (cheers and celebration). Upon getting home - I put on the the most colorful array of clothes, added a few lights and grabbed the Cannondale (complete with new d-hanger and now it doesn't ghost shift) and went out for 20 miles in total darkness. Little freaky to do this but I have been steady with 2-3 night rides a week to mentally prep and also it seems the only time to actually get miles on the road.
I opted to keep it moderate with 90-110 cadence and sustained between 20-22 avg. On the warm up section - going up super prime - a car pulls along side me and some guy (Hogland / wife but couldn't tell in the dark) yells - "What are you doing?" Then I figured it out. Only Hogland would take his wife out on a date to thus drive up superprime :) Our wives deserve much credit for putting up with our eclectic habits and hobbies.
I did about half in the country and half in the city and it became wonderful to say the least. Smooth and fast and the temp was perfect. A few thumbs up here and there and an explanation to one family at a stop light in that " I was racing across America in June so I best get used to riding at interesting times." A quick hand off of a TSH brochure - always carry those - and the light turned green and I headed into the abyss again.
This has been a great year already in many aspects for which I am blessed and thankful. Hope to see you on the road soon!
Andrew
I opted to keep it moderate with 90-110 cadence and sustained between 20-22 avg. On the warm up section - going up super prime - a car pulls along side me and some guy (Hogland / wife but couldn't tell in the dark) yells - "What are you doing?" Then I figured it out. Only Hogland would take his wife out on a date to thus drive up superprime :) Our wives deserve much credit for putting up with our eclectic habits and hobbies.
I did about half in the country and half in the city and it became wonderful to say the least. Smooth and fast and the temp was perfect. A few thumbs up here and there and an explanation to one family at a stop light in that " I was racing across America in June so I best get used to riding at interesting times." A quick hand off of a TSH brochure - always carry those - and the light turned green and I headed into the abyss again.
This has been a great year already in many aspects for which I am blessed and thankful. Hope to see you on the road soon!
Andrew
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
to work and back
Why is it that Jorge is so dang pimp in every picture? Does Boonen know you stole his kit?Work was nothing short of busy and hectic - I had no time for play and I am thankful for that. Productivity was high and a job well done was done.
The end of the work day meant another work was about to begin - the ride to the shop for the group ride. I watched people bike by all day - teasing me in a way - in the perfect riding weather - low winds and mid 60's and I think it was actually close to 70? The ride was the 144 loop with an extra loop for good measure on the TT course. It was a quick group and we had new friends to ride with and a tandem - so cool. Quang - thank you for bringing a crazy ray of light as you always do! Love it!
Lots of break aways and hard efforts tonight - extended pulls and of course re-groups. We started and ended as a group and that is always the way it should be. Thank you group for a fun night of talk and just sharing the great weather with friends!
ac
the road in...
it was nice and easy to roll the bianchi into work today - the morning is still chilly yes...but 60 plus degrees today is a bonus. Group ride tonight after work - expecting the 144 loop based on daylight yet - great morning and good coffee on the road in.
Friday, April 10, 2009
Thursday, April 09, 2009
Thursday Night with the crew
grrrrrreat weather....grrrrreat ride.
the group assembled for the 144 route tonight and we were blessed with great weather and good friends. I think it was like 10 or 11 riders and we headed out for a quick paced ride. You could tell that people were just happy to be there in the sun...forgetting about the cares of the day. It was wonderful.
I think we had three flats with the same wheel of the same bike at Fletcher.
The group split from time to time but came together often. The group is strong already and there were some hard efforts put out to test the waters a bit and it was fun.
It was finished with the casual ride through the park and a gathering to celebrate the birthday boy John...Happy B-Day John and have a great weekend down south.
ac
Tuesday, April 07, 2009
Tuesday Night
Great day at work - productive. Great time with the cubscouts and then boyscouts - civic duty. watched my youngest unknowingly smack Danny in the face with the tree limb - predictable. Core/strength workout with weight bench and exercise ball - found new core muscles. Cleaned garage and filed away 12 bikes here and there and up there too - wife happy. Quiet house, all are safe, all are sleeping and the day ends...
All positive moments today - not a single bad one...now that is a good day and it didnt even involve a bike - well - i did ride my mtbike to the end of the street and back so...well...even better.
andy
All positive moments today - not a single bad one...now that is a good day and it didnt even involve a bike - well - i did ride my mtbike to the end of the street and back so...well...even better.
andy
Friends
I love free speech - so does Erik Speaks...LOL
with that being said - I guess I should say that drawing the line at some point has to happen. in this case, attacking or approaching a friends character is that line for me. I may cross lines, of course I do, but it is important to own up to internal mess-ups and just move on.
I am careful to not praise men (people in general term) as we all fail but I will defend my friends to the end and will also hurt my friends - we tend to hurt those that are closest to us. Neil is a good friend and an encouraging person till the end - I have crossed lines with him and owned up to my mistakes face to face.
If the mystery writer has issues with my friend - just take it up with him face to face cuz it wont happen on my humble comments section...geez, I speak as if my blog has a national platform but it doesnt.
Enjoy the blog for what it is - an outlet for me and if others like to read - great...you can read.
andy
with that being said - I guess I should say that drawing the line at some point has to happen. in this case, attacking or approaching a friends character is that line for me. I may cross lines, of course I do, but it is important to own up to internal mess-ups and just move on.
I am careful to not praise men (people in general term) as we all fail but I will defend my friends to the end and will also hurt my friends - we tend to hurt those that are closest to us. Neil is a good friend and an encouraging person till the end - I have crossed lines with him and owned up to my mistakes face to face.
If the mystery writer has issues with my friend - just take it up with him face to face cuz it wont happen on my humble comments section...geez, I speak as if my blog has a national platform but it doesnt.
Enjoy the blog for what it is - an outlet for me and if others like to read - great...you can read.
andy
Saturday, April 04, 2009
couple of things I noticed...
As I progress into the evening here after an interesting/fun/exciting/cold ride today, I realized or am realizing a few things of worthy interest.
I am not 20 years old anymore - not that its a bad thing but that was going through my mind on the 17% grade climb today. I think that would hurt even at twenty and certainly there are some older than I that would say that is an easy climb - I'm just saying I'm not twenty.
Recovery is key and I am enjoying proper recovery to a hard or easy ride thanks to Hammer stuff. There are other great products but I get a deal b/c of RAAM....
I weigh more than John and John takes anti gravity pills - I know he does because he sailed away from us like the wind travels in South Dakota - in fact I think he climb out of Afton no-handed. jerk.
I WILL be training in Stillwater (bikery) and Afton (hill repeats) much more often. What makes you cross-eyed makes you stronger.
I like flat rolling terrain with occasional hills.
I recover well after a brutal climb. I may not climb like a goat but I can pick it up after a climb.
I know this sounds like a list of excuses for falling apart on the last 20 miles of the ride but it is not at all. I am happy with how I have progressed this year. I am proud of our group of friends and I hope I can continue to excel into June to make Team Strong Heart proud.
Tomorrow is going to be at home with a sick daughter making sure that grilled cheese and chicken noodle soup are on the ready.
Oh, another thing I noticed and I am surprised I didnt notice this prior - thermal tights should not be worn under shorts - they dont have the adequate padding or "smooth" surface needed on the first line of defense against chaffing. Lessons learned, realities experienced.
ac
I am not 20 years old anymore - not that its a bad thing but that was going through my mind on the 17% grade climb today. I think that would hurt even at twenty and certainly there are some older than I that would say that is an easy climb - I'm just saying I'm not twenty.
Recovery is key and I am enjoying proper recovery to a hard or easy ride thanks to Hammer stuff. There are other great products but I get a deal b/c of RAAM....
I weigh more than John and John takes anti gravity pills - I know he does because he sailed away from us like the wind travels in South Dakota - in fact I think he climb out of Afton no-handed. jerk.
I WILL be training in Stillwater (bikery) and Afton (hill repeats) much more often. What makes you cross-eyed makes you stronger.
I like flat rolling terrain with occasional hills.
I recover well after a brutal climb. I may not climb like a goat but I can pick it up after a climb.
I know this sounds like a list of excuses for falling apart on the last 20 miles of the ride but it is not at all. I am happy with how I have progressed this year. I am proud of our group of friends and I hope I can continue to excel into June to make Team Strong Heart proud.
Tomorrow is going to be at home with a sick daughter making sure that grilled cheese and chicken noodle soup are on the ready.
Oh, another thing I noticed and I am surprised I didnt notice this prior - thermal tights should not be worn under shorts - they dont have the adequate padding or "smooth" surface needed on the first line of defense against chaffing. Lessons learned, realities experienced.
ac
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)