realskiers
Other Stuff => Biking and other Non-Skiing Activities => Topic started by: midwif on June 09, 2011, 09:37:25 am
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Jim and I plan on doing the Seagull Century (http://www.seagullcentury.org) in mid October. (15th)?
My friends, Heather and Glenn, will be doing it pulling their 2 year old.
I would like to talk as many as possible into doing this as well!.
Flat as a pancake is the rumor. Metric century (62.6) and full century are options.
Of course, stopping at any time is also possible.
This takes place in Maryland. Very scenic.
Let's talk about it!
A great way to enter the looming ski season with the fitness to do this. And since it is flat, is a more obtainable century than many. Though thousands participate. :o
But that just t gives you more people to draft after! ;D
L.
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Jim and I plan on doing the Seagull Century in mid October. (15th)?
My friends, Heather and Glenn, will be doing it pulling their 2 year old.
I would like to talk as many as possible into doing this as well!.
Flat as a pancake is the rumor. Metric century (62.6) and full century are options.
Of course, stopping at any time is also possible.
This takes place in Maryland. Very scenic.
Let's talk about it!
A great way to enter the looming ski season with the fitness to do this. And since it is flat, is a more obtainable century than many. Though thousands participate. :o
But that just t gives you more people to draft after! ;D
L.
flat as a pancake but windy. I actually thought the flatness was hard since I never got a break from pedaling that you do when you go downhill.
Good luck though and have fun.
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This is on the Eastern shore of the Cheasapeake, an area known for the number of the migratory and wintering birds; it's not uncommon to see 100 geese spending the night in one of the local fields. In fact, I once saw so many white snow geese that I at first thought it had snowed or something. Took me a bit to separate them out as individual birds.
Also, the destination of one route is Chincoteague Island, home of Misty and the world renowned wild ponies.
Regarding the wind, if it's blowing against you in one direction, then it should be blowing from behind on the way back.
Lynn's neighbor Glenn is actually in the bike ride business (http://www.bicycleshows.us) himself and run's several large bike rides in the New York City area, so it will be interesting to ride along and hear his "inside" perspective.
Todd: Lynn and I decided this would be a great objective for you for this summer. I can't begin to tell you how gratifying it was for me my second year when I completed a metric century, and that was hillier terrain. It's all about pace, and periodic rest and recovery stops which they provide. (actually, our ride wound up being 78 miles rather than just the metric century -- some of the trail markings had gotten wiped out when the county resurfaced the road the week before the ride). Give it some serious thought.
Mike: You had been talking about a century at the Finger Lakes? This will be much easier than that (with SAG support) and you will already be used to riding in the wind from a summer spent at the beach?
http://www.seagullcentury.org (http://www.seagullcentury.org)
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Maybe this year, if I've built up the endurance. But you do know that that date is probably opening day for Loveland -- and WROD beckons. Gotta get a few turns in at high altitude before short turn camp at A-basin the 2nd week of November. My lungs always need a dry run before they get used seriously at altitude. I am honored that you would think of me.
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I did the Seagull about 20 years ago, and, am going to put this on the calendar for this October, pending what else the tennis diva, has planned. Seagull is mostly noted for the large number of riders, but, heck, I did RAGBRAI where 8,000 ride per day. The wind alongside the ocean is a way of life, it's common to ride at 10 mph or less during northeast'er events.
I've been at 100 miles per week and now that we have transitioned to the beach house, those numbers will go up. the local roads have to be among the best in the US, wide, smooth and safe. Climbing is limited to bridges.
It would be great to do this as a RS event. Maybe Gary and Alice can make the trip.
Hmm, Todd, you've got me thinking about a round trip to Denver in November.
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II've been at 100 miles per week and now that we have transitioned to the beach house, those numbers will go up. the local roads have to be among the best in the US, wide, smooth and safe. Climbing is limited to bridges.
It would be great to do this as a RS event. Maybe Gary and Alice can make the trip.
Hmm, Todd, you've got me thinking about a round trip to Denver in November.
Well, I doubt many of us will be keeping up with you. :-[Also, I vote you to head the pace line! ;)
And yes, it would be great if we could get more to join!
C'mon Gary. Bring Alice please??? I need some girl talk on this ride. ;D
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Long way away from Maine to do a century. I may need to consider it as I am behind on miles for this time of the season. May not have enough miles under my belt to do the Lobster Ride Century on July 23 (which I have doing since '03).
How late can a rider register? Do not want to ride in the rain (especially if I drove down from Maine). I have done centuries in the rain, no fun. :(
Todd, I know you are serious about biking this summer. Doing a century is a great goal to keep you motivated.
As far as pace lines are concerned, I have yet to meet a wheel that I do not want to suck! :o
Jim
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Todd, I know you are serious about biking this summer. Doing a century is a great goal to keep you motivated.
As far as pace lines are concerned, I have yet to meet a wheel that I do not want to suck! :o
Jim
I'll second that emoticon and sentiment!
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Long way away from Maine to do a century. I may need to consider it as I am behind on miles for this time of the season. May not have enough miles under my belt to do the Lobster Ride Century on July 23 (which I have doing since '03).
How late can a rider register? Do not want to ride in the rain (especially if I drove down from Maine). I have done centuries in the rain, no fun. :(
Todd, I know you are serious about biking this summer. Doing a century is a great goal to keep you motivated.
As far as pace lines are concerned, I have yet to meet a wheel that I do not want to suck! :o
Jim
I, for one, will not be riding in the rain. A light sprinkle here and there? OK. It will be cool enough to bring a windbreaker and keep the core dry (not so concerned about legs and feet). But if it's real rain, then I'm either sleeping in or opting for a MUCH shorter ride.
For those that have done centuries, what speed do you ride at. I've never done a century and, even with chamois butter, am concerned about 7 hours of riding. How long does a century usually take?. Bushwacka, you need not reply, I know your average speed is out of my range. Probably true for Jim and Mike too.
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Jim, if you can do a 50-60 mile ride, you can do a century. Averaging 15mph is very doable even if your typical road ride is 13-14mph. In a large organized century, pace lines just "happen". You go about 30% faster when in a pace line. At 15 mph you are looking at just under 7 hours. I am sure there are road clubs in your area that help riders get comfortable in pace lines if you do not have much prior experience.
Mistakes I have seen by inexperienced century riders: 1) Going out too fast. You can get caught up in the pack going way too fast with your heart rate redlining. Easy to get in a pace line early that is way over your ability. 2) Spending too much time at rest stops. The farther into the ride, the faster your legs tighten up at rest stops, the harder to get going again. 3) Carrying too much stuff. Most rest stops are 20-25 miles interval. Carry as much stuff as you would for a 20-25 mile ride at home. Carry a minimal amount of tools, that is what the sag wagons and rest stop mechanics are for. Most sag wagons carry floor pumps - much better than a mini frame pump or CO2 cartridge. Most bigger centuries have dispatchers for the sag wagons, carry a cell phone and call the sag wagon if you have a flat. The coldest temperature is usually at the start - dress for it and plan to peal down as it heats up. The only exception is for potential rain. If big rain is forecasted, that is when I do not ride ;D 4) Not drinking enough fluids. Muscles really tighten up when you get dehydrated. 5) Trying to do a century on a mtn bike. Use a real road bike with road wheels/tires. The corollary of that is use a bike/equipment that you are familiar/comfortable with. A century is not the place for a maiden ride on a new bike.
Assos nut butter is the way to go 8). The pros put enough on that it works through the shorts and cause the saddle to shine. Assos costs more, but that is not an area to save money and then wish you had spent the extra bucks! :o
Sorry if this is more or different than you wanted to hear, but centuries can be a lot of fun. You do your first, and you start looking to do others. :)
FWIW, I have personally done some of the mistakes that I mentioned above. :-[
Jim
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Meput:
Nope, no surprises. Lynn and I averaged about 15 on our metric 2 years ago; and that actually wound up being 78 miles including a few miles of being lost and an unexpected much slower 6 miles back to the hotel at the end of the day. And I was very glad that one of the rest stops had Chamois Butter available -- that was a new experience at the time. (and Lynn WAS noticing the length of time I liked staying in the rest stops)
I was more concerned that you and Living Proof were going to set a pace of 18-20 mph and finish in 5 hours. I can ride 20 mph for a 2-3 mile section on a shorter ride, but wouldn't on a long ride. 15-17 with Mike breaking the wind would be alright.
7 hours is still a long time in the saddle, and I'm sure there are guys that ride that in 4-5 hours (especially on such flat ground). At least we know it will be cool.
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Mike/Meput
Jim and I will do our best to our share some pulling!
Payback's a ****.
L.
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I have NO prior experience with pace lines. I think that makes me a prime candidate to always be at the back of the pack ;D so I can't get in anyone's way or cause any damage???
Actually, I guess I have a little bit of experience. I'm always following Lynn. ::)
I'm a foot off her rear wheel and she's yelling at me to close the distance.
What she doesn't appreciate is the difference in our inertia and how quickly I close that gap if she lets off the gas.
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Some info. Seagull Century URL (http://www.seagullcentury.org) For non-bikers, Cambridge, MD and Oxford, MD are fascinating little towns to visit and walk around. However, October is after the main season, although probably will still have lots of shops and museums open. Check them out on the web. Wallops Island NASA Flight Center is also in the area. The number of ducks and geese in the area will likely be staggering, especially morning and evening.
- Online registration (http://www.teambeacon.com/seagull/ride/registration.asp) open until 10/5
- Each participant must fill out and sign his/her own Registration Form
- Registration cost = $60. -- After 9/15 its $75.
- Day of registration cost = $90 (10/14, 4-7 p.m.; 10/15, 6-8 a.m.)
- No Refunds After September 15
- No over-night parking available at SU
- Make check payable and mail with Registration Form to:
SU Foundation, Inc. - Sea Gull Century
P.O. Box 2655, Salisbury, MD 21802-2655 - Don't forget rider number, $5 replacement fee
- SU is a smoke-free campus
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The date for the Seagull is looking good and the Tennis Diva has given her ok, although she will not be on the trip. I have been meaning to ask if the plan was for a full century or a metric, but, the above posts indicated the full monte!
I agree with Meput's thoughts about how to ride a full, and, my only addition is to start very early as there is only about 11 hours of light. Riding is a pace line at moderate speed is not difficult as long as you pay attention to the wheel right in front of you. One of the great traditions of cycling is pulling others through wind, I've been on both ends, but, I always remember the rides when someone else did the front end during big wind events.
For those concerned about my riding pace, this will be my first "Medicare" century and my engine is not what it used to be. ( I may do a "Livestrong" event in Phila late in August that is 70 plus miles and 6000 feet of climbing). My view of the Seagull is that it is as more a social event and I'm not looking for a personal solo. On weekends, my route is very popular with excellent cyclist and I know my limitations. It hurts to look at the times and heart rate profiles that friends with Garmin technology post. My typical ride is due north/south, and this weekend there were some good crosswinds from the west, resulting in always feeling a headwind. I ride with a heart monitor to pace myself. It clearly shows that any headwind raises the pulse and I feel tired at rides end. Rest is becoming more important.
Meput, if you make Seagull, I commit to getting to Maine this winter! Even if you can't make it, Maine is still on my agenda.
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Oh, the pressure, I feel the pressure :D.
Lets see, 1100 miles round trip in a car to ride 100 miles on a bike. Sounds like a good carbon trade off :o (and I am not even talking about my bike frame :P).
I will seriously consider it.
meput
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Calling all ToddW's!!
If Meput comes all the way from Maine, you just gotta do this with us! 8)
C'mon my friend. Commit mentally and the physical will follow. ;D
Lynn
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Be careful what you ask for lest you regret receiving it ;D
I'm shooting for the Seagull Century. It's a great goal, but I probably won't know until September if I'm up to the challenge. (I even pulled up some ridewithgps.com logs and youtube videos to confirm how flat the area is.) I have no group riding experience either. Maybe you or Gandalf could help with that later if my prospects look good.
Speaking of Gandalf, is he behaving himself in the off-season or does he fantasize about Mariella and her wayward ways? I've been worried about the poor man ever since he wrote
So, focusing on balance and standing on one foot at times while dressing and undressing is probably my most ski-direct activity.
;D It's a real challenge to take my panty-hose off while maintaining balance on one foot. ::)
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Todd:
In general I have a pretty good recall of various topics and thoughts from long ago posts, but I don't remember that one. You are the man!!
And my "longings" for Mariella have been well controlled. Focus was on getting Lynn a pair of Progressor 8's and on biking. Mariella is suffering (silently, I hope) in the darkened silence of storage.
I can understand how concerned you probably are about that many miles on a bike. It was only my first full year of riding when Lynn and I decided to take up Glenn's invitation to do a Metric Century at his Farm Ride in August. But she is right, committing to do the ride was the necessary first step, because from there the focus becomes one of "what training do I need to do" in order to even have a chance at completing this, and Lynn was a little bit hesitant as well, especially since in her world of Marathons and Triathlons you always train at longer distances than you are targeting to compete at. I had aspirations of doing a 50 mile ride prior, never worked out. Lynn and I did a couple of 40 mile rides (from Central Park across the GW bridge to Piermont and back) that included some hills. We decided that we felt fit enough after those rides that, given another food and rest break, we could add another 20 miles (and having the bail out option of the SAG wagon was considered a real possibility).
Lynn is very consistent in cadence and speed, and was good about taking the lead and holding me back to a steady pace, and we did amazingly well. Our group even turned around at one point and rode back into a town to stop at the local ice cream parlor (sort of a self manufactured rest stop). And, surprisingly, we were in the top 25% of arrivals (multiple ride distances). Both of us were able to get massages before things got really busy.
Near the end of the ride, Lynn rode up beside me and asked how I was doing. I told her amazingly well, considering. About that time another woman came muscling by at a slow cadence, and Lynn decided to pace her. I had forgotten that she had said all along that she wanted to finish the ride strong. I tried to catch up, but couldn't handle the pace and I don't think I saw her again for the remaining 3 miles!! It was very good for my humility to see how quickly they dropped me. -- but she couldn't do that now!! -- ;D ;)
What helped me the most wasn't riding long rides so much as thinking of it as multiple 20-25 mile rides. So I would ride 20, take a 15 minute break and ride another 20. And I was amazed to find that I felt that I had enough left that I could ride another 20 after a second 10-15 minute break. And we did. Ohhh, and I unintentionally dropped her on the 6 mile ride back to the hotel after the "end of the ride" dinner at the namesake farm.
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Oh my goodness:
So, focusing on balance and standing on one foot at times while dressing and undressing is probably my most ski-direct activity.
;D It's a real challenge to take my panty-hose off while maintaining balance on one foot. ::)
I may have met a wheel that I DO NOT want to suck!
(http://cwlclan.com/forum/style_emoticons/default/roflmao.gif)
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Honestly Jim
It looks kinda cute!
L. :P
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Lynn,
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. :-*
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Honestly Jim
It looks kinda cute!
L. :P
Well Lynn, I'm very glad that you think so. And I'm equally glad that Jim II doesn't.
And good recall and re-use of the ROTFLMAO icon Meput.
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Maybe you or Gandalf could help with that later if my prospects look good.
Todd: I would be up for that. Finding flat ground north of the Mason Dixon line might be a bit of a challenge. There is a 25 mile out and back near Lynn's house we call the cemetary ride (because the turn around point is a cemetery. It's not as flat as the Eastern shore of the Chesapeake (that reminds me of Kansas), but its still very gentle, and what's an incline in one direction is a down-cline in the other.
Doing that 25 miles, then emulating a rest stop and refilling water bottles and doing it again would be a good training ride. This is usually an early season ride for us and we push each other on the way back, but doing it twice and maintaining a steadier pace would be good. You might even find that you are more prepared for longer distances than you think.
Of course, you would have to ingratiate yourself with the hostess and try to wrangle an invitation .....
How close are you to Port Jervis where I-84 crosses the Delaware?
Another option would be anything similar in your area??
Jim
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Getting to Port Jervis is the easy part, an hour and change. (I live a few minutes from the east side of the Tappan Zee bridge.)
I'll work on ingratiating myself with the hostess ... or crashing her party if that fails.
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Todd
I believe I ALREADY sent you an invite about a month ago!
Jim and I would be happy to tailor the ride(s) to your burgeoning abilities.
Slow and steady is my general motto when faced with a challenging hill/grade/mileage.
Let's set it up.
Have a great holiday weekend.
L.
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Happy July 4 weekend to all forum readers.
I get to lead a local club ride tomorrow. This is the 8th year that I have led this ride. Only a 29 mile ride. Still, I have got to get in my miles so I can consider doing centuries. Things are not as easy now that I am starting my 7th decade. >:(
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In another thread, I mentioned last week I rode 145 miles, and, Jim R. asked for additional info. I thought I'd post it here as it's linked to century training.
I ride 5 days per week and rest for 2. There was a Bicycling Mag article about training for a century (there are many, many other such articles) and this one called for riding 3 straight days at distance using a pace typical of a century ride. The thinking is never to overexert yourself on any one day so that you can ride the next. I ride with a heart rate monitor, so I selected an arbitary low rate and did 35 miles per day for 3 straight days. Each day, I finished and felt that I could continue on for another 35. Rode at some very low speeds, got passed a lot.
Took a rest day, then road 2 days at a brisk pace for 20 miles each day. Got off the bike tired, especially the second day when I rode at some pretty high heart rates. I need to shorten rides where I train at high levels.
So, I'm adding structure to bike riding, as opposed to just going out. I agree with Jim's thinking about riding 25 to 35 miles as a base line for century training. Sooner or later, though, you just have to go long, somewhere around 50 to 60, and learn about eating and drinking while doing an extended ride. After 2 hours on a bike, my body tells me I need more than water. Bonking sucks! If I catch a cool morning this week, I've got a 50 mile ride panned.
My August goal is a Livestrong ride of 70 miles plus 6000 feet of climbing.
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Thanks Mike. Good information.
I'm currently looking for ride locations to do 25-30 with a "rest stop" break and then another 25-30 (but as a loop, not just an out and back on rail to trail. However, I'm thinking that stretching the distance should wait until early September when the temperatures begin to ease a little bit.
Waiting for a cooler day is a wise choice. Bonking does suck. Lynn and I did a 30 mile ride in 98 degree temperatures last year and she scared me.
Of course, the other challenge is controlling the chafe from pedaling on the bike seat for 6-7 hours. Pretty sure I'll have my new bike seat broken in by October.
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say good bye to charfing
http://www.dz-nuts.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=2
also high quality road short do help. Goridonna or assos.
Also you guys are on the right track about Long slow speed distance riding. I very rarely ride outside of a race at or near race speed. The reason for this is the amount of recovery time needed to do that and still go to work AND ride the next day is something I do not have and most do not.
as for bonking, with the right nutrition on the bike you will almost never bonk. I personally use one GU every 1 hour, downing with a light mixture of HEED and Perpetuem mixed in with my water. I almost never drink water straight while riding as more than likely straight water makes you have to pee instead of hydrating you. caffeine as well is a great way to release fat stores from your body and to stop muscle cannibalization.
Lastly I highly recommend taking on huge amounts of Vitamin C in the morning and huge amounts of protein after riding. The C helps your body metabolize quickly and the protein lets your body recover and for me is the only way I can get to sleep at night.
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Bushwacka: Thank You. I don't think I have ever heard of positives for soft drinks during exercise.
Caffeine and Athletic Performance:
Despite considerable research in this area, the role of caffeine as a performance enhancing drug is still controversial. Some of the data are conflicting, which is in part due to how the experimental studies were designed and what methods were used. However, there is general agreement in a few areas:- Caffeine does not appear to benefit short term, high intensity exercise (eg. sprinting)
- Caffeine can enhance performance in endurance sports.
Glycogen is the principal fuel for muscles and exhaustion occurs when it is depleted. A secondary fuel, which is much more abundant, is fat. As long as there is still glycogen available, working muscles can utilize fat. Caffeine mobilizes fat stores and encourages working muscles to use fat as a fuel. This delays the depletion of muscle glycogen and allows for a prolongation of exercise. The critical time period in glycogen sparing appears to occur during the first 15 minutes of exercise, where caffeine has been shown to decrease glycogen utilization by as much as 50%. Glycogen saved at the beginning is thus available during the later stages of exercise. Although the exact method by which caffeine does this is still unclear, caffeine caused sparing in all of the human studies where muscle glycogen levels were measured. The effect on performance, which was observed in most experimental studies, was that subjects were able to exercise longer until exhaustion occurred.
In addition to the beneficial effects on muscle, caffeine may alter the perception of how hard you are working. During testing, athletes are asked to judge their effort, which is referred to as the rating of perceived exertion (RPE). Some studies have yielded significantly lower RPE's -- less fatigue -- when the athlete used caffeine. Other studies have not found this effect. Obviously, the RPE is very subjective, and there are many things that may influence it.
What about Caffeine in Ironman races?
The exercise studies on caffeine involved endurance testing of approximately 2 hours, so there is no specific information related to ultra-endurance races. Pre-race caffeine may be beneficial though, because the longer the race, the more important fat is as a fuel. During the race, caffeinated soft drinks are one of the choices at the aid stations in an Ironman. Whether this source of caffeine is useful is unknown, but these soft-drinks do supply necessary carbohydrate. Because longer races have a greater baseline risk of dehydration, nausea and abdominal cramps, it is very important to consider the side effects of caffeine (below)
Variable results and side effects!
Despite the known benefits of caffeine in endurance exercise, individual results may vary greatly. Differences in metabolism, diet, and frequency of caffeine use are some of the factors that can determine how an individual will react to caffeine. Additionally, some athletes may actually experience a decrease in performance, usually due to side effects of caffeine.
Although caffeine does not appear to significantly alter water balance or body temperature during exercise, dehydration is a potential concern because caffeine is a mild diuretic. Some athletes may also experience abdominal cramps and diarrhea related to the large intestine contractions caused by caffeine. The combination of dehydration and cramping can have particularly detrimental effects on performance.
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although you will see protour rider drinking a coke while riding, I do not recommend that way of caffine uptake. I certainly do not recommend drinking "DIET" anything at any point in time as the chemical compounds used to make DIET are shown to cause people to gain weight.
You can get caffine though stuff like GU, and high end sports drink mixes. Its is much better way to consume as these are complex carbs instead of simple sugars.
The other positive side effect of caffine is it tends to leans people out as your body is actually burning off the fat and using it, and at the same time instead of carbo loading you can fat load which is alot easier and tastier.
asthe article mentions its is important to stay hydrated and like I already said pure water is not a good way to do it as your body can absorb drink mixxes like HEED alot better than pure water.
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You can get caffine though stuff like GU, and high end sports drink mixes. Its is much better way to consume as these are complex carbs instead of simple sugars.
YES. Strawberry and banana GU-gel.
Lynn's husband was a nationally ranked tri-athlete (in his age bracket) and used Coca-Cola (minus the fizz) as well as GU-Gel.
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Todd traveled over to the Delaware River side of New York and took a little bike ride with Lynn and I on Saturday. A bit of pre-Seagull Century training (if 30 miles counts as training for a Century). Unbeknown to us, Lynn was coasting along in the draft taking some pictures (most not very flattering), but she charmingly requested a few be posted.
1. Truckin' -- what a long strange ride it's been. (not really, the song just popped into my head).
2. Lynn and Todd at the start/end point near the Roebling Bridge, which used to be a canal that allowed barge traffic from the Lackawaxen River to cross OVER the Delaware River. The log booms in the late 1800's from up the Delaware were devastating the Canal traffic where the Lackawaxen flowed into the Delaware, so a Canal Bridge was in order. For more that 50 years, the Lackawaxen Canal was the source of coal/energy for New York City. Remnants of the canal are still visible along the road next to the river. Roebling's next engineering feat was the Brooklyn Bridge.
3. Focus on the scenery down the river, not on me cooling off after the ride.
4. A sample barge, but from the C&O Canal in Georgetown, DC.
[Attachment removed after 60 days]
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And a couple more.
[Attachment removed after 60 days]
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Training update. Lynn and I rode 68 miles through the hurricane ravaged New York. A nice ride along the Delaware and Hudson canal. This wasn't level like the Seagull site, but we were pretty wiped out at the end of 68, and doing another 32 will be a challenge. On the other hand, the longest ride I have done this year was 30 something, so guess I should be glad I made it back. The good news was that our average speed was 14.5 and that included a lot of up grade at 9-12 mph, so 15 average on the flats of the "Eastern shore" shouldn't be a problem at all.
At the end of the "out" ride we were looking for a place to eat, only to be informed that the power had been out since Irene and actually came on while we were in a store, but that the water still hadn't been turned back on.
I think Mike mentioned a "bridge too far". Not feeling like its too far, but its long way. Of course, flat ground and more drafting will make a lot of difference.
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Well Guys????
Anyone joining us?
ToddW showed he's got the legs, just needed a few miles under his belt. 8)
Jim 2 has the enduro, but needs a ride (to Maryland from Maine) ;)
LP has the Tennis Diva's go-ahead, but needs to commit. :)
Jim and Lynn have signed up and are ready to roll ( just need that 80 miler planned for next weekend to seal the fitness deal).
BUT, would love to have some RS company.
Just a wee bit of nudging going on here. ;D
L.
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LP is doing some major fence sitting! :-\
My back muscle spasm and sneeze played major havoc with my riding. Some other life projects have not been supportive of back healing. The main issue is going over any decent bump gets to my ribs/upper back. Unless I feel comfortable with a 100 mile Texas Hold'em all-in, I will pass.
The longest I've been out since is 25. It's improving. There is hope.
Thanks for calling me out, I've been avoiding :o
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Saturday is the big day, and, I just want to wish Jim and Lynn the best for the Seagull. I did let them know that I am not going to participate as my body just keeps not liking going over 60 miles. I hope the weather forecast for wind does not materialize. I know we all ride in the wind, but, by the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, storms produce winds off the ocean that can be debilitating. So, make good decisions if the winds blow, a metric can be your friend. Lynn, make sure he does his share of "breaking wind". ;D Pardon the pun.
And, Jim, if it's not a secret, what bike are you going to ride? Funny that you wanted a taller frame, I would like for a slightly shorter one.
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Saturday is the big day, and, I just want to wish Jim and Lynn the best for the Seagull. I did let them know that I am not going to participate as my body just keeps not liking going over 60 miles. I hope the weather forecast for wind does not materialize. I know we all ride in the wind, but, by the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, storms produce winds off the ocean that can be debilitating. So, make good decisions if the winds blow, a metric can be your friend. Lynn, make sure he does his share of "breaking wind". ;D Pardon the pun.
And, Jim, if it's not a secret, what bike are you going to ride? Funny that you wanted a taller frame, I would like for a slightly shorter one.
We have been checking the weather often, and today is the first day that the longer range forecast for Saturday is saying NNW winds at 18mph with gusts to 37. That's a pretty bad forecast. The "optimist" in me is saying that it might work out, the first 2/3's of the ride will be going SE with the wind, maybe the winds will die down as the day progresses and shift slightly for the last 40 miles NW back from Chincoteague to Salisbury, or that the land will warm enough for a seabreeze to cancel some of the overall wind pattern. If not, it will be a much shorter day. :-\
And, at times, Lynn very much appreciates the "larger" wind shadow I create.
I bought a left-over 2010 house brand (Scattante) from Performance Bike. Supposed to be a pretty good frame, stiffer, 980 grams, BB30 bottom bracket and large squoval (square oval) tubes, really thin seat stays, carbon fork and tapered steerer. Ultegra shifters and derailleurs, FSA SL-K carbon crank. Came with Mavic Aksium Race wheels, I replaced with my Neuvation wheels. I also brought over my 13-32 cassette with the medium cage Ultegra rear derailleur, and added an FSA K-wing compact handle-bar, which is much better for my left hand. The stiffer frame, the crank, and the Ultegra shifters were the main attraction.
My other bike was a 56cm, but I had shortened the stem to bring me more upright. This is a 55cm and feels all-around much better. Geometry to the front tube is more upright (or stem is just taller), feels better even when out on the brake hoods. The handlebar is also a compact drop, so riding on the down part of the curve is more upright (tho upright is a misnomer on any road bike).
Surprisingly, it's overall lower, but I haven't quite figured out where or how. The seat on my Fuji was jammed against the roof liner when inside my RAV4 -- the new bike fits easily with a couple of inches clearance. Maybe more drop to the bottom bracket or longer wheelbase? Seat tube and front tube angles are very similar.
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Lynn and Jim: Best wishes for a successful and fun ride this weekend! A 100 miler is quite a challenge, and I admire the drive and determination to take this on. Good on you both!
I trust you are starting the special pre-ride diet and hydration regimen already? Got your bike tuned and in peak condition? Everything lubed and tweaked and humming nicely? 8)
Go get 'em!!!
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Thanks for all the well wishes.
I am not as confident about doing 100miles as I would like to be.
The 80 mile training ride was aborted at 50 due to my need for antibiotics and sleep.
On that ride, I knew at 20 miles that I was in trouble.
Jim is looking pretty good on his bike. He got bikers legs this year. :) 8)
But, I am hoping the "group" dynamic of riding with many others and flat terrain make it possible to finish the 100 miles.
Unless it's too windy. I am not able to bike long periods hunkered down over my handle bars in order to deal with the wind. We will do the metric century if it is gusting. :'(
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Jim is looking pretty good on his bike. He got bikers legs this year. :) 8)
Hmmm...is that so? I think he was wearing long pants when I rode with him in Maryland, so he didn't show off his new legs. :o But I'll take your word for it.... :D
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Thanks for all the well wishes.
I am not as confident about doing 100miles as I would like to be.
The 80 mile training ride was aborted at 50 due to my need for antibiotics and sleep.
Lynn -- thanks for the nice words, 'cause I know you remember the first time I tried to ride with you back in 2009.
Me? I am just amazed that we consider completion of a 50 mile ride (when not feeling well) as a disappointment. :o
Don't forget that you breezed through two other 50 milers, and that we did the 69 miles the weekend of Hurricane Irene with minimal fuel stops because of power and water outages in Ellenville, NY. (and NONE of those were flat)
Svend: I hope that's OK, that I wasn't showing off my legs for you?? :-*
Besides, HelluvaSkier says he's more beautiful than either one of us.
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Jim,
Did you ever ride the stock Mavic rims on your new bike? If so, any thoughts on comparing them to the Neuvations? The Mavic rims are the same as what I ride. As a training wheel, I don't have any complaints about the ride and they remain very true, although the spokes are pitting due to storage in the damp ocean environment.
Your new bike gets some very nice reviews....enjoy!
So, again, make good decisions if the wind blows...and "wind shadow" is a much more civil description of where Lynn should be riding. I keep remembering days when I'd be 25 or so miles from home, riding into a screaming headwind and knowing that it would be hours before I got done. One day I was less than 5 miles from home and bonked...the Tennis Diva had to come and get me.
Enjoy the weekend, in the big picture that's more important than how far you ride. The eastern shore is a neat place.
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I didn't ride the Aksiums. I had already decided that their name on my old Fuji would help sell, and that I was quite pleased with my Neuvation wheels and my Conti 4000S tires. The Neuvations have a slightly more aero profile (probably not noticeable riding) and both have bladed spokes. I did weigh them and the front Mavic was 220 grams heavier and the rear was 120 grams heavier than the Neuvation, so 3/4 of a pound total.
I didn't check to see how much of that was tire and how much was wheel, but Mavic is like IBM of the 60's and 70's. No one ever got fired for picking IBM mainframes.
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Lynn and I both finished the 100 miles in spite of the brutal winds. Eight hours and fifteen minutes total time, including the 4 rest stops.
Quite pleased we finished- but not sure there is much desire to do another.
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Jim & Lynn, congrats on completing your 1st century. Sorry to hear that the winds where brutal. I'll take hills over wind any day. Glad to hear you accomplished your goal. Now that you know you can do it, start planning for your next century. ;D
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Jim and Lynn,
Very well done and a tribute to your determination to "get it done".
As I wimped out of the Seagull, I did do 30 miles yesterday, in the same wind, and it was tough going. Can't imagine being out for over 8 hours. At 15 mph average, you need close to 7 hrs of real riding time, so your breaks had to be short. Riding anywhere near a 15 average, in that wind, is something to be proud of. Just curious, but, did you have a very strong rider to pull the group through the wind via a paceline?
I can understand why you are not tempted to do it again, at least in the near future. One less thing in the "bucket".
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Wow! That's quite an accomplishment. Well done, Lynn and Jim. I am in awe of your grit and determination to complete that route in tough conditions.
When you've recovered and rested, do give us more details on the ride.
Congrats again!
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Jim and Lynn,
Very well done and a tribute to your determination to "get it done".
As I wimped out of the Seagull, I did do 30 miles yesterday, in the same wind, and it was tough going. Can't imagine being out for over 8 hours. At 15 mph average, you need close to 7 hrs of real riding time, so your breaks had to be short. Riding anywhere near a 15 average, in that wind, is something to be proud of. Just curious, but, did you have a very strong rider to pull the group through the wind via a paceline?
I can understand why you are not tempted to do it again, at least in the near future. One less thing in the "bucket".
LP:
Thanks for going riding with us "in spirit". I don't think I would have gotten out in those winds absent the prior mental commitment. The most impressive part was the sheer numbers of people (I saw bib numbers greater than 9000) at the rest stops, second most impressive was the police support - stopping traffic at every intersection to give the bikers the right of way. But still a larger number of bikes on the ground that I expected (and a couple with ambulances in attendance). And then there were the guys doing 18 against a 20mph headwind 85 miles into the ride. Minimal real pace lines against the wind. The winds were seldom directly ahead, and the shoulders were narrow so it was impossible to really get in the wind shadow of the person ahead of you. And the winds were so strong that it didn't feel like you were getting any advantage from being close. We averaged 18+ on the way out, but that was a couple of unorganized groups and before the wind really began to pick up.
Interestingly, I may be much less intimidated by the winds in the future. You ride 14.5 instead of 18 and just don't fight it. The lesson/secret for me was never riding at a point where I really felt like my legs were working.
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Thanks for all the kind comments.
And yes, LP, we felt your spirit with us along the way.
The winds in the first half of the ride were mild in comparison to what followed in the afternoon.
Jim and I tried to play it smart and take it easy the first leg (23 mi). We found a group of 3 guys whose pace was compatible.
They were consistent and smooth. The oldest fellow, John, had recently completed the "America By Bike" riding across the US in 50 days. He was kind enough to let Jim and I draft a bit!.
Other groups we tried to hook with were of varying bike skills. Lots of irregular cadences and understandably, that became more the case as fatigue overtook riders. One amazing father on a tandem with his tweener son just kicked the asses of Lynn and Jim while we tried to draft. We succeeded in hanging with them, until we realized they were dragging us along at 19-20 mi/hr. Too fast for the second leg of the ride. We let them go. Saw them later at rest stops, I don't think Dad was able to keep that pace up either.
There were 4 rest stops at 23, 44,64 and 84 miles. Bathroom lines were always long and time consuming. The last 2 stops, we headed for a nice spot in the woods instead :D.
I spent about 10 min each rest stop doing a few yoga stretches. Really helped keep my back from "dying". The neck still is the most painful part of biking for me. Okay, sometimes my butt feels painfully numb too. ;D
As mentioned, the wind was pretty brutal the last 1/3 of the ride. Literally pushing the bike sideways. (uh, really should have another set of wheels besides the Zipps, next years upgrade along with new ergo handlebars). Taking even one hand off of the handle bars during some of the gusts would have resulted in loss of control of the bike.
All in all, Jim and I are glad we did it, finished it feeling pretty good too. Not sure I feel the need to do another century ride.
Time will tell. The time investment in training for it is significant.
Let me rephrase that. I am NOT doing another century unless there's a RS posse!! I know a group of us could have SLAYED this ride!! ;D ;) ;D
Lynn
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Jim and Lynn,
I remain very impressed with your ride! Just as a point of reference, when I rode on Saturday, started at noon, I did the outbound leg into the wind. At my 14 mile turn around, my average speed was a whopping 12 mph. I was damn glad to get out of the wind. At one point, climbing a bridge, it was all I was riding at at 7 mph to keep from going anaerobic. Just thinking out loud here, but, I wonder if the mental aspect, of riding into major wind and alone, just becomes barricade, as, compared to the "get it done" aspect of a century. The ride with wind at my back was done at speeds around 22 mph. The wind was from the south and I did not have much crosswind.
I'm not in as good condition as 6 weeks ago, on the other hand, I now realize that I was overtrained at summer's end, so the break was a good thing.
So, in spirit, I thought, often. of the two of you both days I rode. Sunday, knowing that you did a ride at a good pace, I just went for it. The wind was still as strong, but, the ride was much easier. But knowing there is only 2 hours of riding makes it easier to get it on.
We will be so well conditioned for the January Elk Demo Day!
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I think a lot of it is mental. In the wind in the past I've felt like I had to beat the wind; yesterday I was just focused on going where I needed to go at cadence and avoiding my legs feeling like they were working.
Both of our bikes have cassettes with a 32-28-25 big gear set -- that makes it a lot easier for me to go lower speeds and keep a higher cadence. I'm pretty sure that coming back up and over the Assateague bridge against the wind I was in the 28 (or maybe even the 32), but it was easy pedaling.
Since I don't need 53-11 I also played some to fill in gaps that the wider range created. My cassette is currently a 13-14-15-16-17-19-22-25-28-32. I gave up the 11 for the 32 and gave up the 12 for the 16.
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Let me qualify that leg strength and gearing ratio's are not my limiting issue when riding, it's heart rate related. Normally, I use a HR monitor and the issue is just keeping my pulse at a level where I can sustain the riding pace, given the distance I pan to ride. It does not take a lot of wind or increased pace to increase the HR 10 or 15 beats per minute over that which can be sustained for hours.
My 65 year old body is reminding me I'm not a kid anymore. >:(
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Me neither.
My limit isn't leg strength so much as the aerobic ability to use the legs. Pushing hard up a hill in a smaller gear at a 75 cadence is much harder on lungs and heart than in a lower gear at an easier 90 .
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Thanks for all the kind comments.
And yes, LP, we felt your spirit with us along the way.
The winds in the first half of the ride were mild in comparison to what followed in the afternoon.
Jim and I tried to play it smart and take it easy the first leg (23 mi). We found a group of 3 guys whose pace was compatible.
They were consistent and smooth. The oldest fellow, John, had recently completed the "America By Bike" riding across the US in 50 days. He was kind enough to let Jim and I draft a bit!.
Other groups we tried to hook with were of varying bike skills. Lots of irregular cadences and understandably, that became more the case as fatigue overtook riders. One amazing father on a tandem with his tweener son just kicked the asses of Lynn and Jim while we tried to draft. We succeeded in hanging with them, until we realized they were dragging us along at 19-20 mi/hr. Too fast for the second leg of the ride. We let them go. Saw them later at rest stops, I don't think Dad was able to keep that pace up either.
There were 4 rest stops at 23, 44,64 and 84 miles. Bathroom lines were always long and time consuming. The last 2 stops, we headed for a nice spot in the woods instead :D.
I spent about 10 min each rest stop doing a few yoga stretches. Really helped keep my back from "dying". The neck still is the most painful part of biking for me. Okay, sometimes my butt feels painfully numb too. ;D
As mentioned, the wind was pretty brutal the last 1/3 of the ride. Literally pushing the bike sideways. (uh, really should have another set of wheels besides the Zipps, next years upgrade along with new ergo handlebars). Taking even one hand off of the handle bars during some of the gusts would have resulted in loss of control of the bike.
All in all, Jim and I are glad we did it, finished it feeling pretty good too. Not sure I feel the need to do another century ride.
Time will tell. The time investment in training for it is significant.
Let me rephrase that. I am NOT doing another century unless there's a RS posse!! I know a group of us could have SLAYED this ride!! ;D ;) ;D
Lynn
congrats to all of you who did this!!
tandem bikes kill in the wind! and slight downhills! Literally one of the most fun thing I have ever done in a charity event was passing a tandem and its 20 plus train of riders at like mile 90. The tandem was going sub 6 hours of riding time they were averaging 22-24mph.
I tend to ride better in the wind especially when i am working for other people. I actually do fight it and push harder single speed mountian biking has given me enough power to deal with weird/strong wind.
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Great comments for endurance rides have been made here:
"Interestingly, I may be much less intimidated by the winds in the future. You ride 14.5 instead of 18 and just don't fight it. The lesson/secret for me was never riding at a point where I really felt like my legs were working." Yes
"One amazing father on a tandem with his tweener son just kicked the asses of Lynn and Jim while we tried to draft. We succeeded in hanging with them, until we realized they were dragging us along at 19-20 mi/hr. Too fast for the second leg of the ride" Drafting a tandem is intoxicating. Very easy to get over your own heart rate max redline when on a tandem wheel.
"I think a lot of it is mental. In the wind in the past I've felt like I had to beat the wind; yesterday I was just focused on going where I needed to go at cadence and avoiding my legs feeling like they were working." Great Jim
"it's heart rate related. Normally, I use a HR monitor and the issue is just keeping my pulse at a level where I can sustain the riding pace, given the distance I pan to ride. It does not take a lot of wind or increased pace to increase the HR 10 or 15 beats per minute over that which can be sustained for hours." Intensive training is not necessary for completing a century, just a reasonable amount of base miles if you carefully moniter your HR max and average; and ride accordingly.
Congrats again Lynn & Jim