tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17117168829250911362024-03-13T13:51:56.357-07:00Cycling Anonymous Hi, My name is Roxanne... and I've become a cycling addict. Welcome everyone to the blog dedicated to everything cycle. cyclinganonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17807693712554566823noreply@blogger.comBlogger43125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1711716882925091136.post-81667757888779389302014-09-07T09:47:00.001-07:002014-09-07T09:47:34.666-07:00My Plan for Returning to the RideThe following is how I'm planning my return, everyone needs to devise their own plan.. including asking themselves if they want to return or if they are able to return due to the extent of their injuries.<br />
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It seems I've been missed since I'm not on the threads anymore talking about cycling, my rides or new tips and tricks... my reaction to people saying it is mixed... some appreciation and some guilt. Over 8 months have gone by and I'm no where near riding like I should be. I took vacation and I'll be damned if the temps weren't still around 99 with "feels like" temps well over 100.<br />
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Meanwhile I've been devising a plan to get back in the game... I have started a no carb to low carb diet to drop some of this weight. It's been working thus far and I expect to drop 10 lbs in no time. I have noticed that I have to make sure I'm getting all of the nutritional elements I need... especially potassium. Since I'm so new at this I need to do more work in learning what to eat and how much or when. For now, since I'm not riding, I've concentrated mostly on losing weight. Would you believe I've contacted 2 posters on craigslist to buy their indoor trainer and neither one will answer me or make arrangements?<br />
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Ok, anyway...<br />
Step 1 - lose weight to make riding easier...<br />
Step 2 - purchase an indoor trainer (aren't I sorry I got rid of that cyclops wind now)<br />
Step 3 - ride indoors as much as I can stand it, but only for short durations at first (say 20-30 min)<br />
Step 4 - Use steps 1 - 4 to help with dietary needs and adjustments for riding<br />
Step 5 - Weather permitting, add outdoor rides on weekends that allow for basic training (which would be mostly flat areas with long sight distances)<br />
Step 6 - rinse and repeat until I'm out riding distances again that I can join the group rides (which requires at least 40 to 50 miles)<br />
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Nothing is ever easy, that's just the way it goes. My friend said, on the phone the other day, maybe cycling is behind you... I gasped... no, I can't say that. I won't say that because it isn't so. I'm a planner, I don't know about you... but I like to plan things out and get them done. Right now I'm only on step 1 because no one will answer my damn emails to buy a trainer! Damn these people for posting something I want and not allowing me to buy it LOL - but seriously I can't afford to buy a brand new one right now :(<br />
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The last cool trick i passed on during a ride was the drop chain trick... if you drop a chain during a ride, pedal backwards and the chain should pick back up. I saw the trick somewhere, wondered if it worked... so when he dropped the chain I yelled out "Pedal Backwards." He did and we were both like holy crap! it worked! we pedaled on for a while thinking "how cool was that."<br />
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I think I hear a celery stick calling my name or something... not only do I need to lose to ride better, I need to lose just to fit back into my clothes! You know you're in trouble when only 3 pairs of jeans will fit and nothing else you own... guess I was lucky to have 3 pairs of fat girl jeans around... ugh<br />
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Happy riding everyone, enjoy it as much as possible as the winter is about to sneak up on us!cyclinganonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17807693712554566823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1711716882925091136.post-48657441589970926292014-08-24T07:25:00.000-07:002014-08-24T07:25:58.763-07:00The Game ChangerSince the accident I've struggled to ride my bike. It's been for a variety of reasons, from available time, to heat, to "fear"... I hate to use the word fear because I'm not really afraid of anything. But in this case, fear is my friend. Someone I've recently spoken to, who races, said to me that an accident is a "game changer" for anyone who races or rides seriously. He was right... but my accident wasn't just some bumps and bruises, it was a head injury and sustained eye damage.<br />
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As someone who lives alone and supports myself I have to be realistic... a word I like to swap for fear. I live in Dallas, TX... one of the most cycling unfriendly places in the US. A co-worker had a serious accident recently and needed care-flight to the hospital for a broken femur. You know what she said? "I'm just glad I didn't have a head injury"... and she's already back to work limping. What caused her accident? A guy who saw a garage sale sign and was so excited he turned right into her crossing an intersection.<br />
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I've been seriously searching for jobs outside of Dallas and will likely get an offer within 6 months. I'm hoping that wherever I go I can bike to work and feel "safer" biking in general. Cycling had become important to me and when people speak to me they say my passion is obvious and serious... so why am I struggling to get on the bike and go anywhere? Why am I finding any excuse not to ride?<br />
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This weekend is of particular heartache for me, it's the HHH event... I did the event for the last couple of years and planned on doing the 60 mile to time myself and enjoy the beers. Instead, I lost my host family and didn't get any training in. Mostly due to injuries and my head and eyes... it still pains me to see other's posting about it and I didn't go.<br />
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Many people have had accidents and I believe all of us deal with them differently. Another friend was taken out by a runner on a trail (who didn't even stop) and broke his hip. He told me "I wouldn't have made it if it wasn't for her"... his significant other who took care of him. That's another issue for me, I'm alone. I had to have my groceries delivered and couldn't leave the house, how lucky was I to have that option?<br />
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What does one do when their surroundings provides a near miss on a regular basis? How do you move past the worry that you'll end up dead.. or worse (yes worse). I have to be more cautious now because of the number of head injuries I've suffered. Not to mention the 10 lbs I put on and how completely out of shape I am!<br />
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I have some time off coming and it looks like temps will still be around 100, but I'm going to toss the bike in the car and try to find a place I feel safer to ride... Fort Worth has some amazing trails I'd love to explore... During weekdays they should be empty? I feel like a schizophrenic the way my mind fights with itself, all the various voices telling me to ride, or don't ride... I'm hoping a change of scenery will help push those voices away.<br />
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I'm hoping I can move past this and put it all behind me. It's been 7 months now and it still seems to fresh in my mind... clearly he was right, a serious accident is a Game Changer...cyclinganonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17807693712554566823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1711716882925091136.post-3282097949933796262014-06-18T17:04:00.001-07:002014-06-18T17:04:15.771-07:00Fake it till you make it - starting overI couldn't wait to get back on the bike to say I did... a huge milestone after a serious accident. I got back on even before my left eye was fully healed. As my heart rate went up, my eyesight went down. Not exactly what you want while riding in traffic, especially in Dallas.<br />
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I have lost some time, with summer approaching and hot temps starting earlier... the window is very narrow. Throw in work and home chores and it's limited... not optimal for getting back into fitness. I had to admit the truth... Not this year. There was a lot I had planned for this year, like the MS 150 and HHH, and would have done them... but now... Not this year.<br />
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Further, I had to realize something else... I'm just not into it yet. I dress out, I get on the bike, I ride... I have yet to experience the joy I use to while riding. The pure joy I felt on the road while hammering away is gone... for now. You can see it in my face...<br />
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I said to a friend "Fake it till you make it"... I've used this phrase before and it's provided success. I've used this with new jobs when I thought "did I over shoot this one? will I be able to do it"... guess what: Fake it till you make it baby. It means you do it like you know how... even if you're faking it... and one day you'll wake up and you won't be faking it anymore.<br />
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I'm not there yet... I still think so much about the accident, I still get so angry... I can see ok again now and I am somewhat normal again... whatever normal is. BUT, my fitness level dropped right off the cliff. Months off the bike and unable to do anything physical! Not even walk. My heart rate just struggles so much on rides and I feel terrible riding with someone else for fear I'm slowing them down or taking the joy out of their ride.<br />
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Last weekend we had a new pavement path open within 3 miles of my home... something I'd been dreaming of - flat training space. I went to check it out and I rode 24 miles total with mapping included... for a fleeting moment I thought I felt it, the joy of riding. But it was fleeting and made me long for it more.<br />
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At least now I can see a light at the end of the tunnel and I'm hoping this fresh pavement will help me improve miles. I'm going to use some leave, hit the trails early... before people figure out they are there and make them unridable.<br />
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It's not over yet... I haven't made it... I'm starting from scratch after more than 2 years in the saddle and being a member of the century club. I can't even pull down 30 miles right now... I'm not there. I had 2 choices: Quit or Fake it till I make it<br />
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I choose the later. A view from those new trails below... why would anyone quit?<br />
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Someone said recently that an accident on the road or in a race is a "Game Changer"... he couldn't be more right. I had no idea how injured I was. I had no idea how long I'd be down. I had no idea how much it would affect the way I ride. All I want to do is go back to that day and decide not to ride... I want my joy back. Guess I'll keep faking it: when I wake up and I'm not faking it anymore... I'll let you know.cyclinganonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17807693712554566823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1711716882925091136.post-14973214569368751132014-04-08T11:02:00.001-07:002014-04-08T11:02:56.216-07:00The Long Road BackIt seems so long since I've ridden my bike... it's going on 2 months. Today I start this post knowing that I've been limited on everything from work to driving through this whole two months. <span style="text-align: center;">It's been hard to get any errands done and I've had to rely on friends to go places once in a blue moon. I finally got a new helmet, this time I upgraded.... hoping I'll never have to "test" it out.</span><br />
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So, with that out of the way I had to get up to the Oakley store to replace my lenses... $140 really? Shit...<br />
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During this time I've had a CT, Xrays, cast, eye appointments and drops, headaches, nausea, loss of balance and partial loss of vision. Each time it seemed like I was getting better something else got in the way. I stare at the bike and sighed... it sits and waits.<br />
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I've been working from home under a watchful eye on medical flex (I'm grateful for that option) and it's almost time to return to the office.<br />
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I still have issues with my eye, that may never change now, and I'm nervous to face those fluorescent lights. I can tell I still react poorly to fast moving images and lights. I have lost most of my near sight due to the accident. Before, I only needed the readers occasionally - After I can't do much without them up close.<br />
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So many people wonder why I've been down for so long, including me. But the truth is, I'm not a kid anymore and this wasn't my first concussion... I'm lucky, very very lucky. Each hour feels like a day, each day feels like a month.<br />
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I finally made it out... <a href="http://www.mapmyride.com/workout/526982758" target="_blank">Here's the map my ride</a> for a total of 6.23 miles.<br />
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Here I am 3 miles into a preselected place for breakfast tacos and coffee... I had intended to do the 16.5 miles around DFW airport... but when my friend canceled I decided to stay closer to home. I was shaking in the shower just thinking about dressing in my kit. During the ride, which was totally up and down, I was busy holding on for dear life. My left eye is not working properly at all and I'll be seeing a regular ophthalmologist soon to see if there is anything more I can do about it.<br />
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When it was over I got off the bike shaking but was glad I pushed myself into riding. I'll ride again soon, but the first ride is the hardest and it's over. To celebrate that I bought myself one (yes only one) glass of the bubbly...<br />
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The most surprising things to everyone was that a) I am still trying to heal completely and b) that I haven't been on the bike (which incidentally made them believe I must have been really hurt, not faking it).<br />
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I was reading a facebook post on a local cycling group page the other day. Just as I was about to click the like button I read all of these "anti-helmet" comments. I realized quickly that these were not like minded people and walked away from the page. I'm a big advocate of helmets... mostly because it kept my head from cracking open on the pavement. Do we need a law forcing us? I don't know... we seem to need laws for just about everything don't we? We seem to lack common sense all over the place.<br />
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But this post is about the long road back... A road I was able to travel BECAUSE I was wearing a helmet. I've taken the long road of healing back, but only been on a short ride so far... This year won't be about Hotter'n Hell, it's about surviving something and returning to the road. Getting back on the horse as they say.... it's the most important thing we ever do.<br />
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The cliche motivational statement here is -<br />
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<span style="background-color: whitesmoke; color: #404040; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 16.545454025268555px;">"Ride as much or as little, or as long or as short as you feel. But ride" Eddy Merckx</span><span style="background-color: whitesmoke; color: #404040; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 16.545454025268555px;"> </span></div>
cyclinganonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17807693712554566823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1711716882925091136.post-84242709143706402822014-03-11T10:36:00.000-07:002014-03-11T11:50:04.265-07:00The AccidentI've heard the inevitable happens and that we should prepare ourselves for it. But I'm here to tell you that you can never prepare for an accident. The very word accident suggests that it didn't happen with planning or purpose.<br />
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Try as I might I have been as safe as I can... or so I thought. There was one nagging thing that I had not yet done... stop riding around White Rock Lake. I thought I was safe enough riding the outside loop and staying off the trail full of pedestrians, kids, dogs, joggers, etc. I couldn't be more wrong.<br />
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I was on my return lap north about 13.5 miles in right about here: <a href="https://maps.google.com/maps?q=3521-3599+W+Lawther+Dr,+Dallas,+TX+75214&ll=32.831087,-96.732975&spn=0.000571,0.00071&hnear=3599+W+Lawther+Dr,+Dallas,+Texas+75214&gl=us&t=h&z=21&layer=c&cbll=32.830999,-96.732951&panoid=WwCzCOjZ-7CZo7IGS0KEng&cbp=12,2.12,,0,7.18" target="_blank">location</a><br />
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note the slim lanes and the bollards keeping me off the right. It's a tight area where a cyclist can easily get over 20 mph but leaves very little room for error... i hadn't noticed that before. She stopped, right there on that little bridge and left me no options but to brake. I tried to stop in time, I failed... the following photos are graphic.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">broken pinky</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Side of the face the day of the accident. Doesn't look like much yet. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A couple of days later with swelling and fluid build up under the eye.<br />
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The eye ended up looking like this and feeling a lot worse. I also struggled with my vision and on day 10 did not have a full recovery.<br />
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I started this posted about a month ago and left it to see if I would bounce back quickly. I did not. 6 weeks past the accident and I'm still struggling with my eye and my head. I've been diagnosed with iris trauma and a severe concussion.<br />
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I would always see posts about accidents, some significant, and be amazed at how people got right back on the bike. While I'd love to get on my bike these days to clear my head and enjoy the weather... I have no balance. Hell, I'm banging around into things while walking let alone on a bike.<br />
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People have had mixed reactions of anger and empathy during this time and I've learned a lot about people I called friends. While I'm here waiting to get well and hoping to return to what I used to be... I'm dreaming of riding... I'm not afraid of the bike, the road or another accident. Maybe I should be? My first ride will be very scary I'm sure and I doubt I'll go very far! I'll be happy to get on the bike, ride it... shake the whole time but feel amazing when it's finished.<br />
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I have what I'd consider a ride partner... he said to me "yaknow, you read all these posts about how to crash and you think about what you'd do when this happens or that happens... but it's clear that it all happens to quickly to act like you'd be some ninja" I'm paraphrasing for sure... he'll laugh at that ninja part.<br />
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He's right and I've done a lot of thinking since it happened. What would I do if I got more seriously injured? How would I work or pay my bills? Who would help me, I'm alone, single, no family... there is no one. I know now I should buy the short and long term insurance right away... it made me think about friendship, money, physical needs, the future. Would I give up the bike? No... but I intend to make sure I'll be ok if I ever have any accident again. ANY accident... we don't like to think about it, we don't want to plan for it because we think it will invite it... but I'm here to tell you - do it.<br />
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I'm likely going to buy an indoor trainer again... a stand still. I have rollers but that was a challenge when I was 100% let alone now... I'm going to buy one and now use it all the time. Fitness, practice, safety and just an overall good tool.<br />
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I hope you never suffer an accident, that all of your riding is incident free. I wish you the best experience in the world that cycling has to offer. I just know that I'll ride with my eyes open and be more prepared, you should too.cyclinganonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17807693712554566823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1711716882925091136.post-20997744651000347352013-11-28T12:43:00.000-08:002013-11-28T12:43:01.791-08:00The Blog That Never Was HHH 2013I had all the best intentions to write a blog about my second trip to Hotter'n Hell in 2013. However, the blog ended up the same way the trip did. Remember that song, "<i>It's never as good as the first time</i>" by Sade? Well... that's how I felt the second time around. I did the usual post registration shopping and didn't really find anything I needed, except claustrophobia! I guess I didn't actually need that did I?<br />
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Wait, I lied... I did find one thing that matched my bike that I had to have...<br />
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This year I had a treat for myself... some massage and a chiropractic adjustment!<br />
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Then back to my host families house for dinner.<br />
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I went in the am as usual and found myself completely unexcited this year... the crowd was all there:<br />
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I was meeting new people and getting ready... putting on the smile for pics and trying to do my Jersey proud, but my heart wasn't in it.<br />
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I met some cool folks and rode with them for many miles.<br />
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Here I am with my buddy Chris, we rode together for 64 miles of the 100. A fellow former Marine we had some great laughs along the way, one booboo and 3 chain drops for me and one flat for him! </div>
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That's what happens when the bike flips into your leg.... at the 30 mile stop with some chain drops, thanks to the guy who fixed it from Bike Mart.<br />
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Chris and I split up at the 64 because I didn't want to slow him down anymore... you can see from this photo just how dazed I was at the end of the day and it actually illustrates how little enthusiasm I felt like I had.<br />
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2013 was a great year for the route, weather and roads... my complaints were related to 2 issues, to many newbys dropping trash on the route and a complete lack of SAG this year. There was no one running the roads like 2012 to pick up people dropping... people waited more than 2 hours for a ride from the 70 mile point. There were a couple of serious injuries this year, I managed to avoid them all and the million and one water bottles dropped on the route. Bottles, moist towels, banana peels, etc all dumped on the damn road by complete amateurs.<br />
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I felt very unprepared for the miles this year and I have no solid excuse for that. I knew what I was getting myself into and didn't have all that magic anticipation... I'll go back next year, but I think I'll skip the 100 miles for the 100k. I want to go for the experience and fun... to enjoy it all without being completely toasted and the major event being over.<br />
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It took me all of this time to write this blog because I just didn't feel into it.... just like the ride. I can't complain however since I ran into someone not many miles from me who rode with me for 64 miles... we'll do some more riding events together next season and that will be awesome. You never know who you will run into, where they will be from, that's one of the best parts if you go alone.<br />
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I'll go back in 2014, but this time it will be more about the event and party then the road itself... wish me luck!cyclinganonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17807693712554566823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1711716882925091136.post-84063804752402635742013-07-01T08:38:00.001-07:002013-07-01T08:38:27.582-07:00I hate it when they're right!From the last Blog of "when life gets in the way" many of you may know that times are stressful right now. Not just for me... I wrote the blog because they are stressful for lots of people. Whether it's stress related or you just love your adult beverage... we drink. Some of my friends lately said "Yeah, it becomes habit after a while." To hit the happy hour, or to have that drink after work to unwind... or whatever.<br />
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All the info I've seen related to Drinking and Cycling has always been to skip the former if you want your performance to increase. As much as this seems like a no brainer... do we really want to give up the booze? I know I didn't...<br />
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As I watch the scale creep up and my miles drop I had to say enough was enough and put down the bev... so long my fine crafted beers...<br />
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or my favorite (lately) of wine<br />
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It was time to make a change.<br />
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So, my first no drinking ride was yesterday and I hated to see how much energy I had, how much faster I could go and generally how amazing I felt! It just didn't seem fair... Even a drink or just two was slowing me way down. 3-4 MPH at least...<br />
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With August around the corner I'm training for the HHH 100 and told everyone "I'm not having a drink until after this ride"... the shock and awe are just ridiculous. Do you know how hard is it to say no to a drink? So... for some encouragement, he's some important info I got to experience first hand (Thanks to another blog with some great info).<br />
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<b>1. Poisons:</b> Most of the alcohol in the beer heads to your bloodstream and is immediately treated as a toxin by your body. Toxins end up in our liver... I don't know about you, but my liver needs a break! I think it might be easier to put that drink down if I picture a glass of bleach?<br />
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<b>2. Feeling that Buzz?:</b> The liver metabolizes the alcohol using enzymes, but there are only so many to work at a time. So, when you hit capacity, the excess hits the blood stream and gives you that buzz... while damaging the heart, brain, organs and your "I'm so fabulous" switch on. You are not fabulous... neither am I.<br />
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<b>3. Glycogen doesn't get converted:</b> So much for the level sugars and proper glycogen stores... as the enzymes are working against the mighty toxin this process just steps aside for a while. So, I'm guessing the more frequently you drink... the more this process doesn't work and thus the beer belly was born! Nothing like it when your legs are bouncing off your belly while you ride... right?<br />
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<b>4. Fat stores increase:</b> I'll guess this one is really dependent on your frame and overall performance standards. I mean Fromme could use a couple ounces of fat... seriously. But the rest of us "regular" folks DO NOT need any help in the fat storage area. Such a serious affect on the blood sugar level process only equals an increase in weight and all the problems that come with it! How silly is it that we try to shave a gram off our shoes, cleats, lbs off the bike and we're carrying an extra 10 lbs/k/stone?<br />
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<b>5. Chips and Dip?:</b> It has been proven time and time again that our "choices" when drinking are um... less than stellar? Well that goes for what we eat as well. Otherwise healthy people who eat organic and lean find themselves neck deep in tacos, chips, burgers and the like when drinking. All of which increase the carb and fat problems! I won't address any of those other poor choices we might make while drinking!<br />
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<b>6. Sleep and Slumber:</b> As a world champion sleeper this one pisses me off the most! As your body tries to rid itself of poison and the blood sugar levels are raging war... you toss and turn all night. There is no "deep" sleep, no rest for your brain and therefor a totally crappy day following (whether you are riding or not).<br />
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<b>7. Dehydration:</b> As we experience record temps in the US this one is pretty important. I pay close attention to how much I'm sweating when I ride and making sure I drink plenty of water. I'll stop at the fountains to cool down with water whenever I can. Hormones control excess urine production on a regular basis... but when you drink alcohol (or coffee) those hormones take a break and you wee wee wee all night long. No liquid = no sweat = heat stroke...<br />
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<b>8. Muscles & Testosterone:</b> A guy problem? not exactly... lack of sleep leads to a reduction in human growth hormone production... and drinking in general hampers testosterone production... but = less muscle gain. Even for women testosterone is important for muscle growth, but mood is also affected.<br />
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<b>9. Cortisol:</b> The evil cortisol, used for fight or flight in the body, is also linked to fat gains in all the wrong places. Apparently, drinking increases the production of this lovely gem... keeping you in a heightened state of excitement AND affecting your belly.<br />
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With all of that I'm most convinced by the ride itself... by how good I felt on the bike mile after mile and even watching my heart rate stay lower than other rides. As I've struggled to ride for the last couple of months I was working against myself with no good reason.<br />
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Giving up the booze isn't easy. I'll have to train my friends not to invite me to drink, or happy hour. I'll get them used to me driving and ordering club soda or virgin something. But what I won't do is give up that feeling I had this weekend on the bike. I just wanted to ride forever... no alcohol is worth that and I'm sure my doctor would agree!cyclinganonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17807693712554566823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1711716882925091136.post-71224564198345642312013-06-01T12:21:00.000-07:002013-06-01T12:21:45.295-07:00When life gets in the way<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This blog will likely touch on a more personal level for those of us who are struggling right now in general. But we all struggle sometimes to find that balance. Lifes balance is an existential thing in general. Work/life or kids or financial or riding/hobbies.</div>
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I'm experiencing some major struggling on all fronts right now - work, home, riding, health. In this vain in it's fair to say that one or more is affecting the other. </div>
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What do we do when this happens? How do we cope and ride and survive without extra guilt over not meeting any of our intended goals? Without the "life could always be worse speech"... I like to talk in terms of our own reality. When things are bad in my house it doesn't make me feel better to think about poor kids in Africa starving (sorry kids in Africa)... I just have to map out a plan and do it. That's the engineer in me and I'm happy for it. Each in our own way must deal and this blog is dedicated to that struggle. </div>
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Work... not everyone has that easy schedule or is retired and can cycle any ole time they please. My days are 9 hours without the commute time and by the time I get home I'm zapped of any energy. </div>
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Making it happen gets harder as the weather heats up and it will be well over 100 degrees here when I'm arriving home. I have to get very early rides in the summer. Or... this year has been </div>
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Rain... rain... threat of rain and more rain. </div>
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Some of you have family obligations... adding more pressure to the struggle and guilt. </div>
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Money... either a lack of to take of your family, bills, obligations or even a lack of to buy cycling supplies for your hobby! I mean we're not crazy enough to give up food/bill/mortgage to buy anything for the bike. If you did you'd be back to the guilty part of this loop!</div>
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Finally... we get to depression, something many people suffer from and it's a self feeding loop. This is the end of the loop for me. Before I would allow myself to pop some pills or let my emotions get the best of me I look at my bike. I know that, more than anything else, riding will fix more than it breaks. </div>
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There is something indescribable about pushing yourself to physical limits and giving your mind time to rest. The worry will be back, but the peace and quiet from the road will help clear my mind. Sure, that guy honking at me, trying to run my over is all of part of the fun. When I can push myself to get on the bike it helps me feel less of those things above. </div>
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I'm not going to say that cycling will save the world from ruin, but I think that more physical activity... even walking... is the way to improving our general mental condition. The bills will be there when we get back, but we can have some peace for a short period of time and it helps you re-group! Our minds need a break... so go for a walk, run, ride and let everything wait. Take your spouse, your kids, your dog and let the rest wait. Instead of that bag of chips, or snack from the machine... go for a walk. Get up, get out and move... I promise, it works. </div>
cyclinganonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17807693712554566823noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1711716882925091136.post-5077670460724840082013-04-18T12:54:00.001-07:002013-04-18T12:57:17.538-07:00What kind of bike are you?I've been wanting to write this blog for a while now. A fun exploration of the kinds of bikes available and what they may or may not say about us. I'll warn you up front that I'm liberal in my bike choices... I'm a bi-bicyclist lol<br />
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THE ROADIE: The road bike is a very common choice and comes in a variety of frames - steel, carbon, titanium, aluminum and a mix of the above. This style can be used for commuting, group rides, solo rides, racing or standing around looking cool!<br />
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When you own and ride a road bike with matching kit you are usually thought of as the "Lance Armstrong" wannabe, snobby, uptight cyclist (partially guilty here since that's my bike). I suggest real cycling clothes and helmet, matching is up to you!<br />
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THE COMMUTER: or grocery bike (yes it's my bike), with baskets and the "mattress" seat. This bike is for the casual ride and/or the rider who has a place to be and stuff to buy. Some people like to ride these with their tiny pooches in the basket, but my dog is 14 lbs which is to heavy for the front and he hates riding in back :(<br />
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Baskets can be on the front, back, sides of the back wheel and these come in single gears or multi! No matching kit needed and depending on your city you may not need a helmet.<br />
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THE MULTI-TASKER: The hybrid was my original choice when I was deciding is I'd "Like" to cycle frequently and can offer lots of riding choices. It's more rugged to go on dirt trails, but not as heavy as the mountain for riding on the road. I rode this for a bit and didn't worry about "hurting" it. Once I realized I might actually get into this thing, I moved up to a road bike.<br />
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Mountain kit or road kit optional on the hybrid. Street clothes are ok, but if you plan on doing serious trail work, I suggest a real kit and helmet.<br />
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THE ANGRY RIDER: The mountain bike rider is someone who likes to get dirty and beat the hell out of their bike! These bikes are made for harsh environments and rugged people who don't mind breaking bones on occasion. Designed for the off-road activity and exciting unknown they aren't for the faint of heart.<br />
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Lots of people race mountain on pre-designated off road trails, usually in a time trail race (how many laps in X time). I suggest a full mountain kit and especially a helmet!<br />
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THE BEND-DOVER: The time trial and/or triathlon style bike is for the lean in and race kinda person. These bikes are designed for fast movement and training of specific muscles. The geometry is intended to help rest muscles you may need for the swimming and running aspects of triathlons and provides a super aerodynamic riding posture... unless you have hips like mine.<br />
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A full road bike kit is suggested, especially a helmet... matching would also be suggested lol. Those TT and Tri folks are special ;)<br />
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THE DOWN LOW: The recumbent bike is usually something "driven" by the more mature rider. I ride with folks on these and they like to wear sandals and talk about how much their ass DOESN'T hurt... The one down side I'm told is that you can't move in the seat on the long ride... Lots of funny jabs we take at each other (Roads and Recumbent)... but it's all in good fun.<br />
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Yes some come with a windshield, kinda pimp right? Wear any damn thing on you like, I suggest a helmet on these since you'll likely be on the road!<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TCXMKkKzbwQ/UXBFgFZMl_I/AAAAAAAACKg/VFUgorjj_X4/s1600/Benjamin_G_Bowden_-_Spacelander_Bicycle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="153" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TCXMKkKzbwQ/UXBFgFZMl_I/AAAAAAAACKg/VFUgorjj_X4/s200/Benjamin_G_Bowden_-_Spacelander_Bicycle.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
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ALL STYLE: For any rider it's about the fun, the enjoyment, the time on the bike... and in that vain you can find all kinds of cool rides out there. Hand built, Old school like this one... We just love bikes... and you can't tell me that when you see someone on an odd or unique bike you don't form an opinion of the rider!<br />
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As a roadie I like to make fun of myself... to see just how silly we are... check out this cool vid, it's one of my funny fav's:<br />
<br />cyclinganonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17807693712554566823noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1711716882925091136.post-6513189154150806932013-04-12T15:35:00.001-07:002013-04-12T15:35:06.052-07:00Who needs Directions?I'm the type o gal that just opens the box and starts putting things together... I might end up looking at a little something, but I'm terrible about following the rules. Tab A, Slot B, whatever! There are lots of training models out there and tons of theories about how to be or become your best... but I would rather find it through trial and error. Knowing that I'm not joining some racing team tomorrow, I figured I got time... right?<br />
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This year, my second season on the bike, I decided to up my game a bit with some new pedals and a heart rate monitor. I figured I could track my progress on a spreadsheet and see if it's helping my rides. Today I took my new toy for it's first spin. I don't like wearing the watch... so I'll have to figure out how to mount it on the handle bars.<br />
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I put in 25 miles and burned 1281 in calories. Avg speed was only 14 mph, but I was more interested in paying attention to my heart rate... scary thing:<br />
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That seems kinda high? No? It's obvious that I'm terribly out of shape and find it amusing that I'm paying for gadgets to tell me so! This is the Polar FT40 model and I think I'm going to get some good use out of it. The guys at the store told me I should do my heart rate first thing... to get the real "resting" rate. To be fair, they weren't clear about that in the instructions :) I also noted this unusual clicking noise and thought something was wrong with my bike... no, um, my heart was gonna explode and the watch was telling me to slow the F*@&%&K down. Nice right? Didn't need instructions for that shit, let me tell ya!<br />
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I also slipped into something a little more comfortable today, the new Time iClic 2 Carboflex pendals :)<br />
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I found them to be firm and you need to apply pressure to be "in" these babies. You also had to be firm in the turnout. I'm wondering if this is the design or if they will get easier in time and wear. I am very pleased with the ease of entry in terms of automatic placement. Your foot just finds this baby... ahhh, so nice. But, I would have ridden longer if I'd gotten the cleat position better. Mile 22ish I noticed some burning pain in the knee... and try as I might to adjust for a longer ride, I had already irritated it to much. :(<br />
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This year is going to be a year of trial and error for me as I try to find the right mix of calories, protein, carbs, etc for an improved year. My goal is to be able to stay on the bike shortly after HHH this year, unlike last years major Bonkout... If I had only put in a recovery ride I may have been ok.<br />
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I don't find disappointment in learning as I go, I find it to be one big adventure that takes my mind of stress and work and whatever else. I imagine that most people who got on the bike didn't have world class trainers, physicians, dietitians, etc telling them what to do. For the rest of us, it's about the ride itself. I do think the heart rate monitor is a huge asset, it helped me listen to my physical responses better than I previously did. I was more aware when I was reaching a red zone and not afraid to back off for fear of looking like a slacker.<br />
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I don't know about you, but I ride to live and sometimes live to ride. I'm 43 now and I know people in their 30s having heart attacks and dealing with health issues they should be able to overcome. I do this for me, my stress, my blood pressure, my sanity, my weight... it's one thing I've invested in that I can stick with and feel good. Since I don't much read directions or listen to what just anyone has to say... I don't push my thoughts on my friends either. We can only direct our own lives, choices and thoughts... and no one, especially me, wants directions from anyone else.cyclinganonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17807693712554566823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1711716882925091136.post-48912983426942685912013-03-26T18:28:00.005-07:002013-03-26T18:28:42.500-07:00The Competitive WeightWhat do you do when you look in the mirror and realize something has gotten out of hand? That you are disgusted at what's looking back at you from the mirror? Winter weight, stress weight, drinking weight... all staring back at you. I was pissed! How did I allow myself to get this way? Who the hell is that in the mirror, this fat person who looks like a slob? As a former Marine I am pretty hard on myself. I'm damn sure not going to put on my USMC jersey looking like some fat ass... I'm seriously not that picture of fitness you see in the HHH thread.<br />
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So, I made a decision, it was time to make a serious change. went out and invested in a serious masticating juicer and a massive amount of veggies... Day 1 - A slow start with getting the machine ($259) and lots of stuff to put in it. Come on, you haven't seen that many green things in one place! No funny comments about those cucumbers either...<br />
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I started with a horrible breakfast filled with bad stuff... saying I needed the energy for yard work I had planned (Yeah I can see you rolling your eyes from here)... but that damn bacon is so good. I thought of it as a "Last Supper" in terms of the last time I would eat that much crap at any one time. I did that yard work, several hours of leafing and mulching etc and had me some juice. My friend was over and tried it... even she was like "hey, that's not bad"... I broke down and had some pasta for dinner to have carbs in the system for tomorrow's ride.<br />
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So, the plan was no coffee, no alcohol, no meats, no meat products. Whole fruits and veggies and the juice... 7 days I stuck to this. I also limited overall calories to under 1200 per day. After the 7 days, I opened things up to healthy items beyond the first limits, but still no meat, no alcohol and very little processed foods if any. I set the calorie allowance to 1600 a day, but tend to stay well below that.<br />
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At day 11 I lost 6.2 lbs... I'm already fitting back into my clothes again and I don't look like that pig I saw in the mirror 11 days ago! I notice that my waist is already much slimmer, that's a bonus.<br />
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What am I really after? To somehow figure out what my competitive weight is and get there. I intend to keep the fitness up full time next year... not letting this get away with me. I found this article, <a href="http://www.bicycling.com/training-nutrition/nutrition-weight-loss/your-ideal-cycling-weight" target="_blank">click here</a>, to be great information for figuring out these magic numbers with plenty of additional info! So step away from this blog when you're finished and pick something to change about your eating habits today... Good luck to you, good luck to me! I have another 10 lbs to go before I'll be happy and more before I reach my competitive weight... depending on my ability to balance muscle weight against fat loss. :) Let's face it, its easier for all of us to ride when our weight is under control.cyclinganonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17807693712554566823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1711716882925091136.post-77607417239273225362013-03-16T16:36:00.001-07:002013-03-16T16:36:28.580-07:00Finally...Well here I am in March with 3 straight days off and all I can think about is riding my bike. I'm guessing that is a great thing. It means I haven't lost interest and that is important to me. Friday I put in some time:<br />
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It was a rough hour and 15 with the damn winds over 24 MPH and gusts around 30. Almost got blown the hell over a couple of times. But, as I watched those other guys fly by me with the wind at their back (bitches) I thought... I'm training harder! Grabbed this shot when I stopped for some water.<br />
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This was the most shade I could find and get a break from the raging wind. As soon as you leave this point on the lake your cheeks are wobbling from the wind in your face again. I must have pushed myself sufficiently, cause I started to notice some cramping... pickle juice to the rescue!<br />
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Stopped at the local bike store and picked some up. I realized on this ride that I was nowhere near hydrated enough or ready for the ride... but, I did it anyway and damn sure enjoyed it. I took today (Saturday) for home stuff... mulching, leafing, watering, etc. Hard labor in the sun and wind and didn't miss the ride since the damn gusts were 34 MPH today. Tomorrow I'll put in two hours and still have mulching to finish and watering to do. That should burn some calories. I started juicing today... be sure to check out the OMG I'm Juicing Blog.... I'll probably lose my mind as well as weight!<br />
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<br />cyclinganonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17807693712554566823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1711716882925091136.post-53831051662710892232013-02-16T12:06:00.000-08:002013-02-16T12:06:05.272-08:00That First Lap was a B!tchIt's February 16th and the feels like temp is SHIT... the temp says 48, but we have a wind out of the north bringing an ice cold chill. I pedaled down to the bike shop and felt that my normal winter long sleeve wasn't going to cut it. The guys at the shop were like "what, you don't have a base layer?"... um, no... and you all should know since you sell me every damn thing I buy? It was funny to me anyway...<br />
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So, long sleeve transfer base layer... check. Off I go with everything I need to stay warm... except that ice cold wind cut my lungs like blades. I mean it burned... I suppose if I lived in Maine this would be nuttin... and I'd be smart enough to have some kind of mouth cover. I pulled my 10 mile lap and was done for the day. I wasn't "cold"... but my lungs were burning from ice cold air and my nose was running like a faucet.<br />
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Now I know you fellas have this snot thing down... or so I thought cause my friend at the shop talked about finishing his rides and being covered in it? Really? ewwww I carry paper towels for this and usually have to blow about twice a ride no matter what the weather. So its never an issue... but on a day like today I was all over the road trying to keep a dry face. ugh<br />
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Meanwhile I could tell I hadn't been on the bike in a couple of months! Not only do I look like a marsh mellow in my bike gear (good lord)... but my muscles were like WTF are you doing? All that huffin and a puffin actually felt good... I found myself thinking ahhh, now I remember why I liked this.<br />
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Best part is that tomorrow it will be 70 degrees... and 72 on Monday. I have off till Thursday and will be riding each day... but the next two days I'll be putting in as many miles and my legs will take me. Without that ice cold wind I should be able to stay out for hours and remind my body what it was like! I'm not going to take next winter off, that's for sure!cyclinganonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17807693712554566823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1711716882925091136.post-58344666886769589982013-01-09T13:15:00.002-08:002013-01-09T13:15:21.301-08:00Thou Shall Not Feel GuiltyI'll have to remind you, the reader, that I'm fairly new at cycling. I probably have 2300 miles under my belt total... less than that when I took on Hotter N'Hell this year. That being said, I finished that 100 miles with 30 MPH headwinds and was pretty damn proud. I did not finish because I was some amazingly fit person who has been riding 100k's in their spare time, I finished because of sheer willpower. I just refused to quit... I watched so many roll by on the SAG and just couldn't. When I was about to call it quits, my co-worker waiting at the finish line sends me a text that says something about balls... and back on the bike I go. Balls? Me? You bet your ass... big brass balls hanging behind my Marine Corps Jersey.<br />
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The down side was that I pushed myself past, way past, my current physical limitations. I had nothing left in me for weeks after the ride and I'm lucky I didn't get sick testing my immune system like that. When I did get back on the bike, I just wasn't enjoying it. The love was gone... briefly.<br />
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Then, the winter rolled in and when it was nice enough to ride, I was at work. Weekends come and its raining... then its cold. Here it is January and raining like hell as I write this and I'm just itching to go for a ride. Problem is... I'm sick with a cold! This season has been really bad for cold and flu and everything else... I picked something up and have been fighting it for days. Today is Wednesday and projected temps for Friday are 70!!! 70 damn degrees. I plan on taking a half-day for work and getting on that bike. Come what may, no matter how I feel.<br />
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As for the title of this blog... I did feel guilty. Horribly guilty for not riding after HHH when the weather was nice. For not grabbing any and every opportunity to get on that bike. I'd look at the bike and hang my head in shame... remembering what this gal said to me right after HHH during a group ride "Yeah, the distance builders (AKA old people) don't come out after. Their not real riders, so they take a break for the season." How those words echo in my head... and the guilt got deeper. Shame that my lack of joy to ride kept me off the bike and how I must not be a "real" rider... I shudder to think about it.<br />
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That was last month... and at some point I realized I shouldn't feel guilty. I'm still new at this and I'm no first class athlete who gets paid to ride and compete. I'm no shameful doping asshole who lies to everyone. I'm a woman over 40 who got on the bike not long ago and only upgraded to the nicer one last January. I've worked my way up to those 40-50-60 mile rides and trained as much as I could for the HHH this year. I rode 100 miles my first trip out and I'm damn proud of that.<br />
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I had to realize that I don't ride to care what other people think of me, or anyone else. How rude was she to say such a thing? People who have ridden longer then she's been alive and she's referring to them as "not real riders." It just goes to show that our arrogance gets the best of us... I don't want to be that person... I don't want to be affected by that persons words... so, I wrote this as a reminder that "Thou Shall Not Feel Guilty" for all of us. And... maybe an arrogant asshole will read it too.<br />
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I will be back on the bike asap and happy for it. I'll train much more this year than last for HHH and finish it again. I will ride after HHH this coming year for recovery and to just enjoy being outside in the fall. I'll eat better, plan better, ride better, train better and be better for it. And if I don't have the urgency to ride again next season... I shall not feel guilty. cyclinganonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17807693712554566823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1711716882925091136.post-38903496193536184352012-11-10T09:47:00.002-08:002012-11-10T09:47:57.062-08:00Screw Lance, Lets RideLook, I understand that this whole doping issue and Lance being a big fat ass liar is a big deal. But like election coverage... I'd like to get back to the good side of things. I am still new to the "sport" of riding and I am still discovering how amazing it is. For those of us that are "normal" folks... I know a few things are true:<br />
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1) Were healthier because we ride<br />
2) It feels good to have a real hobby that's positive (sorry Greygoose)<br />
3) We are still learning about our bikes, ourselves and all of the how to's<br />
4) We dream of being better at it then we are now<br />
5) Our faces light up when we hit the bike store in search of a new accessory<br />
and 6) Lance and his merry gang of cheaters are not going to take the joy out of my riding.<br />
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Screw you Lance, you arrogant lying bastard... for tearing down the sport with your lies and worse... risking your singular testicles health by pumping garbage into your body. How dare someone not treasure the gift they were given? Screw you for crushing all of the hopes and dreams of those who idolized you. Screw you for breaking the hearts of cancer patients everywhere that looked up to your sorry ass. Now that your scandal ridden ass has been ousted with the truth... I'd like to move the hell on.<br />
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I did not think of Lance as a god, like some of you may have.... and for you, my condolences to the loss of innocence... but for the rest of us, I say Screw Lance, Let Ride.<br />
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Riding a bike, any bike has so much to offer us all. Weight loss, saving gas and money, enjoying the outdoors and the wind in your face, and the personal triumph of making goals you set for yourself. While I have hopes of entering a low level race and intend to do the 100 miles again at HHH next year... I have no illusions that I'm going to be in the leagues of Tour D'France'rs anytime soon... and you know what? Thats ok with me and it needs to be ok with you. Let the headlines fade, the fuss will pass and the sport will move on... but for the rest of us, its important that we ignore all the bullshit and ride. Never will there come a day in my life when I let someone else's lies and failures take away something I have pride and joy in.... I will ride, I will improve, I will love it and no one, especially Lance Not so strong will take that away from me.cyclinganonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17807693712554566823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1711716882925091136.post-45061238043441458302012-10-09T11:15:00.000-07:002012-10-09T11:15:08.187-07:00Freeze WheelingOk, its that time of year folks. Temps are falling and the major riding "season" is over for the road rider. Cyclocross is picking up steam and some mountain action is taking off... but us slim, trim road people don't have the same riding systems or gear.<br />
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It is important however to stay on the bike during the off season and keep your legs moving. Some people will use an indoor trainer while others (like me) will put on some warm crap and hit the road. I don't live in North Dakota though... I live in TX, so cold here is 40 degrees. Lets talk about winter gear and indoor training!<br />
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While some people just hop into cyclocross for some mud'n or snow'n fun... other's may not be that hip to buying a second bike or all that gear. You have many choices.<br />
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You can buy some winter gear for your road bike and stick to the roads per usual (when their cleared).<br />
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I have the whole kit for moderate cold riding. Long riding pants, winter long sleeve jersey, skull cap or ear blocks, toe shields and winter gloves.<br />
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Here's a great guide that I totally nabbed from the internet... duh<br />
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The gear you need will be heavily dependent on where you live and how cold it gets (obviously)... or if you want to ride outdoors at all. No one says you have to and there are plenty of indoor trainers to choose from. While you don't lose anything by training indoors, you'll get bored to tears after a while. Not to mention that you are more likely to sit to long and go numb or get saddle sore faster. When you are outside you move around on the seat, stand, stop for lights etc.<br />
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When I was training for Hotter'n Hell, I used the indoor trainer...<br />
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and this is how I felt about it<br />
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especially after this long<br />
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It was obvious I'd rather be able to play outside and take cool pics like this<br />
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That's me eating the water tower of my friends town so I could text it to her! mmmm tasty water tower...<br />
If you are going to brave the cold, go into the local bike shop and get the right gear... otherwise, you may want to just do the indoor thing and wait till it warms up? I'm no going to endorse any one brand, although I have Cyclops in the house... you need to do your homework on what price, brand and style is right for you. I'm ready to upgrade now because my Cyclops wind is to basic... but I'll probably get a nicer Cyclops... So many to choose from and it doesn't hurt to check craigslist, people upgrade or stop cycling or get lazy... save you some cash!<br />
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A quick search of the internet shows lots of styles... but also position in front of the tv is common... some people go anything to keep from getting bored, like this:<br />
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She's clever... and when you aren't home...<br />
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Even El Gato gets into the act...<br />
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It's important to keep up SOME level of physical activity, not only for your waistline, but to make it easier to ride again when season returns! If you're going to invest as much as I have, nothing makes you feel guiltier then thinking of thousands you spent collecting dust... Why do you think people stick the bike in the garage? They don't have to see it, don't have to feel guilty! Me? I sit mine right in the dining room, I have to look at it on my way to the kitchen where I fatten up!<br />
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Don't be a sissy! Go for a ride!<br />
<br />cyclinganonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17807693712554566823noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1711716882925091136.post-33806630223264958192012-09-19T10:27:00.001-07:002012-09-19T13:37:56.963-07:00The blog of Duh MomentsThis blog is dedicated to my dumb ass moments related to things I just didn't know and looked dumb! So, at my expense, you get the 411 on some silly things you may be missing.<br />
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Air em up! Um, your tubes... Depending on your bike and the type of tire you ride on, they will require different volumes of air. You can't just air them up once and ride without filling them again. ALL tires go flat over time, but the higher performance the tire/tube, the faster it loses air. Here is a fantastic Youtube that covers both types of valves!<br />
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Now that you know how, also know that PSI will change during riding and also based on weather. Ask your dealer what PSI is best for your tires, tubes, weather and conditions so you don't end up with a bunch of flats!<br />
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Lube it up - your chain that is... no, not with 40 weight. I ride 50 miles at a shot and will rub my chain about every 100 to keep the grit down. Ask your salesmen at the local store which lube is best for your bike and chain and how often to wipe. I have a "dry" lube that says you can't wipe enough. I could spend all day wiping my chain because the composition sheds this black stuff... its not actually street dirt, its chain. Below is a simple Youtube of applying the lube, my lube is then followed by wiping with a towel and I run the chain backwards same as this to clean. This is maintenance you should do often to keep from having buildup over time that requires replacements. You will need to have full maintenance at some point. I'll cover that later.<br />
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Cross chain? huh? When you look at all of those juicy gears on your bike it turns out that you really shouldn't use two of them. Check out this video, he explains it really well!<br />
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What are those bars for on those other bikes? I know you see people leaning comfortably forward on two bars in the center of their bikes, like this:<br />
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The ride is in a body position, like this:<br />
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What you need to understand is that these bikes, and those handlebars are designed for triathletes, not road cyclists. I made the same "when can I add some of those to my bike" comments and got the "never" response from my bike guy. The Tri bike is ergonomically different to allow the rider to only use specific muscles when riding. Think about it, they have to swim, run and ride to complete the event. This bike allows for relief of muscles needed for the swimming and running when possible. Sure, you could choose to just by a tri bike and only ride road with it, but you won't get the workout or rides you're looking for long term. SO, step away from the handlebars...<br />
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Have a flat? Tools, you need tools! *insert grunting here*... who doesn't love tools? But seriously, when you purchase your bike, be sure to get an under seat bag and fill it with a spare tube, some patches, some CO2 and maybe a multi-tool. They look a little like this:<br />
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Now you have some tools, make sure to attend the maintenance workshop some bike shops have that will instruct you on how to change YOUR tube if you get a flat. I would add a video, but there are way to many bikes or wheel sets to cover, so get some one on one instruction before heading out for that 100 mile ride!<br />
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Liquids, snacks - hey dummy, they didn't put those pockets on the jersey for nuttin! To be serious, if you really intend to ride you need water in your water bottles and snacks in your pockets. A short ride you'll be fine, but a 40-50 (or more) mile ride you will need to break and possibly consume some calories. Depending on your normal diet, water intake, alcohol intake, etc... you may need more then other's. Nutrition for the serious rider is a lifestyle. If you are just piddling around the neighborhood, don't worry to much about it.<br />
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Get fitted... for you're bike. People always tell me I'd love to ride but I have bad knees or bad whatever and it hurts to ride. I explain to them that a properly fitted bike will not hurt at all. It's true! If the bike is right for you in size, you have the seat, handlebars and pedals adjusted for YOU, you'd be amazed at how easy it is!<br />
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In fact, even after a bike is fitted, you may later need adjustments as your body changes or you change equipment. I bought new shoes and had to re-adjust. I started having knee pain and had to raise my seat. The truth is, as you build your body and muscles, pain will tell you to make adjustments... not to power through. Muscle fatigue on a bike is expected, joint pain is not. Training properly over time will help your soft tissue become stronger to support your joints and bones. But don't ever ignore pain, ever. Knee pain and neck pain are major indicators that you need to make some adjustments.<br />
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Lastly for now, listen to your bike. I know some of us are bad about noticing something is wrong with the car because we keep the radio up so loud... but when your riding, especially with a new bike, pay attention. A noisy bike means that something is lose, stretched or you're not taking proper care. Either way, a bike in poor condition can leave you stranded or worse.<br />
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So now that you've had some fun at my expense, feel free to post your silly moments or questions here on the blog or on my Google Plus page and I'll add them to this blog for fun! If you want some credit for your duh moment, let me know!<br />
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<b>post publish comments you need from Jack Cane Custom Cycles: </b><br />
Unfortunately, I see this way too much: Athletes who lube a chain with
out cleaning it -- NEVER lube a dirty chain. You essentially turn it
into liquid sand paper, which drastically shortens the life of your
components. I will be creating a video on a couple points like this
soon.<b>(When he does I'll post that too)</b><br />
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In regards to pumping your tires. If you didn't buy a pump when you
bought your bike -- BUY a pump. It's amazing how many people think
they'll just pump up their tires at their local bike shop (LBS). Spend
the extra $30-$40. It saves so much time and money. If you don't
properly inflate your tires before every ride, you are more prone to
punctures. Your ride quality suffers. Most importantly, you could
damage your rim, which is way more than $40 to repair.<br />
<b> </b><br />
Don't forget tire levers in your saddle bag. Typically multi-tools are
metal which can damage your rim when you're taking the tire off
(especially if it slips). A plastic tire lever protects your rim and
makes it easier to take the tire off.<b> </b><br />
<b>End Edits</b>cyclinganonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17807693712554566823noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1711716882925091136.post-22233691465528562492012-09-13T16:47:00.001-07:002012-09-13T16:47:11.817-07:00My Ass HurtsSeriously... if your ass hurts, we have serious problems. You have to ask yourself, is my seat wrong? Am I wearing the right shorts? Did I butta? Is my bike right for me? Listen... we will have many blogs for these issues... We have one for shorts, one for butta... but I'll cover seats and bikes and the rest. Stick with me and we'll learn together how this happens, how it all works.<br />
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Future videos in the bike shop with seats, shorts, etc. Stay tuned and follow!cyclinganonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17807693712554566823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1711716882925091136.post-20003048233664981172012-09-05T17:07:00.003-07:002012-09-05T17:07:59.185-07:00The Hotter'N Hell BlogI've been on the bike a bunch, but I needed to get some time in for HHH... with projected rain. Here's some vid:<br />
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After 2.5 hours of heavy yard work... I got on the trainer for 2.5 hours! Say'z 40 miles... but I think the outdoor equivalent is more...<br />
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I trained again the next day... and this is how I felt about it:<br />
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I drove to Wichita Falls and met my host family. In case you don't know, over 14k people go to #hotternhell and that means the city is overflowing with people who need a place to stay. A big shout out to my host family who gave me AND my pooch a place to stay for two nights. It's very unusual to find anyone who will let you bring a dog, but it turned out to be a mini vacation play date for mine! I left him to play and I ran off to the event to register!<br />
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As you can see, the registration was a madhouse... a line out the door! Then you check out the shopping in the convention center... </div>
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Hey look, its Richardson Bike Mart... that's where I buy all my gear now. So I said hello, then moved along. </div>
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Check out the nice Police bikes... I got to see them all along the ride the next day helping us with traffic.<br />
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Sponsorship... </div>
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The finish line the day before. I got to walk back and forth under it... if only it was that easy the next day!<br />
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This is my sad face when the Pearl Izumi booth didn't have any bibs in my size...<br />
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These guys were blasting music and having a grand old time in the best viewing location of the crit races!<br />
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Above is the route map... temps the day of would be ok.... but humidity high (bad for heat) and winds were picking up through the day from 13 MPH in the am starting line.... up to 30 MPH on my way to the finish line...<br />
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Then you line up... its a mob scene of unimaginable proportions... yeah yeah, I'm standing next to the Navy in my USMC Jersey... bite me. Lots of people line up for blocks... but not many women sign up for or finish the 100 miles compared to 14k people at the starting line. Also note... no gloves. I forgot them and had to put down the 100 without them... boy did I pay for that.<br />
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The lineup waits until after the flyover and cannons. They play the national anthem... then, the real madness begins.<br />
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We had cattle guards and...<br />
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Sometimes people had a bad day...<br />
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We got to go through the air base this year... The zoomies doused me down with water... I know I was hot and all, but I think it was the jersey... #USMC<br />
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Rest Stops are full of liquids, sometimes munchies and lots and lots of people!<br />
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At the 75th mile the pack is thinned out... and because it was 15 miles from the last stop, people were very tired... worn out more and more as the day goes along. I was pretty toasted here... see video below.<br />
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<br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxQn-r71PeJKIYmlNrfL6QRe6w3WXRfBebnJAjRp4iKn-W_nGyIPqGW4Hk87W686BMpub7IluoU9ML6dA_1vw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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It wasn't easy... and 20-30 MPH winds, 80 plus miles of chip seal... none of it was going to keep me from the finish line... </div>
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They gave out finisher metals this year... for anyone who finished any route. Mine took me a lot longer then most... but I didn't mind... at least not until the pain set it... and the sunburn..... </div>
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So, without the gloves I couldn't feel my little fingers after mile 50... for days. I also got to keep this snazzy tan:</div>
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I had a special recovery plan (Don't try this at home)</div>
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<br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dy7e9-4G2qT43or2jt5VOnQFXwjVmA2NZtKs6lPKx3B4qvDJmtmxXX3LO6jSSJpjTlWBeEBGcUCHbSgpiQnkw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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Bottom line... HHH is like a cult activity for cycling junkies. Some people really love it and go year after year... others, not so much. I went for a weekend group ride this past weekend and a gal said "I didn't really like it, I tossed my metal in the trash"... I was slightly insulting since I felt like it was an achievement... but, that's my deal, not hers. She's young and can take fitness for granted while us older folks grasp at it like an elderly persons oxygen tank!<br />
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Will I be back? Yes... I sent my host family a cool thank you box, including dog toys and treats... can't wait to see em again next year! Besides.. where else would I find that many fit guys in bike shorts? I get to be proud that so few women pass the finish line of 100 miles... and I'll get to do it year after year.cyclinganonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17807693712554566823noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1711716882925091136.post-80235166217461700812012-08-20T18:04:00.001-07:002012-08-20T18:11:02.602-07:00Cham-Wow - Take it in the Shorts<br />
This post goes hand in hand with <a href="http://cyclinganonymous.blogspot.com/2012/08/you-betta-butta.html" target="_blank">You Betta Butta</a> in terms of protecting your goodies. Shorts are important in two major ways:<br />
1) wicking away moisture to keep you cool and dry while riding<br />
2) having additional cushion protection for longer rides (known as the Chamois)<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DvJcEMz8zpE/UDLY3R97QVI/AAAAAAAABRs/Je4Upr7TQEA/s1600/m-ultra-cycle-short.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DvJcEMz8zpE/UDLY3R97QVI/AAAAAAAABRs/Je4Upr7TQEA/s320/m-ultra-cycle-short.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Guy Version</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
All shorts are <b>not </b>created equal... lets be clear about that! I scrimped on my first set of riding shorts and you can to, but eventually you will notice that you need some extra help... and you'll fork out the bucks like I did. If you're just puttering around, then its ok to save on some shorts... just don't go without.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LKFmxqAs0zY/UDLZPIUspuI/AAAAAAAABR8/AmA7WH9ARxk/s1600/Womens-Pearl-Trishort-rear_-633x824.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LKFmxqAs0zY/UDLZPIUspuI/AAAAAAAABR8/AmA7WH9ARxk/s320/Womens-Pearl-Trishort-rear_-633x824.jpeg" width="245" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I think this is the better view :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I know you think it's silly to wear those skin tight shorts (I'm talking to you guys)... but there is a method to the madness. Wicking is important or you will end up stewing in your own juices. The higher the performance, the faster and more efficient the moisture is removed from your body allowing for better overall cooling. Cool is always better and dry is important to reduce saddle soreness or chaffing of any kind. Aside from wicking qualities, inside the short hides the secret! The Chamois:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RBubi8aI89I/UDLSjS4REdI/AAAAAAAABP8/IJmtdMsyEq8/s400/6a010536c802e2970b0134813b156f970c-800wi.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Women's Chamois</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g9b_iaov3VM/UDLUu1maBgI/AAAAAAAABQs/CWICpYZ8vl0/s1600/pearl-izumi-pro-bib-short-chamois.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g9b_iaov3VM/UDLUu1maBgI/AAAAAAAABQs/CWICpYZ8vl0/s400/pearl-izumi-pro-bib-short-chamois.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mens Chamois</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Note that padding is VERY different for men vs women. Also note the descriptions are different - the women's for intermediate use and the mens for pro use. The more often you hit the saddle, the higher level chamois short you want to invest in. Even if you can only afford one pair, you can hand wash and air dry for each ride. I use the speed wash on my washing machine for these and always air dry.<br />
<br />
I finally invested in some Pro shorts, the brand isn't important... what you need to know is that the cut, fit, materials are different between brands and you should figure out which ones are right for you. To be honest, I haven't found the perfect fit for me yet... I do know I need to stick with pro performance chamois and wicking... but the brand of fit is still up in the air.<br />
<br />
Some of the popular brands you'll need to check out:<br />
<br />
Pearl Izumi<br />
Louis Garneau<br />
Castelli<br />
Primal Wear<br />
SHEBEEST<br />
Sugoi<br />
Gore<br />
<br />
Make sure you purchase shorts for your sex (Male/Female) or you will feel really weird under "there"... just sayin.<br />
<br />
Bibs look like this:<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6To_6YYScJU/UDLXk224UQI/AAAAAAAABRk/TVCnqqtvdf4/s1600/10-6659-PNT-ANGLE.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6To_6YYScJU/UDLXk224UQI/AAAAAAAABRk/TVCnqqtvdf4/s320/10-6659-PNT-ANGLE.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
Men like these and they do help with fit and form... but women folks have to go further to undress for potty breaks in these. You know what I mean... don't get it twisted, they do make these for women too! I'm trying to get a set... hoping I don't have to potty on the side of the road.<br />
<br />
In the end, your end that is...your body will tell you that you need some help... you can stumble into the store and say "help, my ass hurts" or... you can say "Can you show me your selection of cycling shorts for men/women with pro performance chamois?" It's totally up to you!<br />
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Once you have your shorts... try not to drown them in water when your hot because you think it will cool you off. Think of what its like to sit around in a wet diaper... oooo, yeah... sound good? Then go ahead and drown your shorts, genius.<br />
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Oh, and for goodness sakes don't wear these!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Uyc2HRnBIl8/UDLgDXs6W5I/AAAAAAAABS0/6n3mRyDLzpc/s1600/foil_cycling_shorts_2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Uyc2HRnBIl8/UDLgDXs6W5I/AAAAAAAABS0/6n3mRyDLzpc/s1600/foil_cycling_shorts_2.jpeg" /></a></div>
<br />cyclinganonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17807693712554566823noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1711716882925091136.post-50223204446940292102012-08-19T08:39:00.001-07:002012-08-19T08:39:27.214-07:00You Betta ButtaWhen I first started on the bike I didn't go far enough to even discuss cream for my undercarriage... I mean seriously! When you're huffing and puffing to make 10 miles at a time, you don't sweat enough to get chaffed.<br />
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Then one day... when I was riding 40 miles in a day, I was like "ouch, what the (insert favorite word here) is that?" So, I went down to my favorite store to see what it was all about and found out it was called "saddle sore"... hmmm, now I'm riding on a saddle? I do some group rides with guys who are 70 (age) plus... and they were like "You betta butta kid"... ok, now I know what's wrong... what product was right for me?<br />
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First I thought "let me try the gal product"... and besides, it's got a cool name:<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EM2SJS2c4RU/UDAJPd9Ki4I/AAAAAAAABLE/7ghn4S1uIa8/s1600/41CvOHMVWiL._SS500_.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EM2SJS2c4RU/UDAJPd9Ki4I/AAAAAAAABLE/7ghn4S1uIa8/s400/41CvOHMVWiL._SS500_.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
This cream actually has some kind of menthol base and I felt like my muffin was all tingly... I just didn't get it and it didn't seem to help with my saddle soreness. Sigh... so, my dealer gave me a sample of the guys standard:<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wR2HVt2iemM/UDAJQBe9aDI/AAAAAAAABLM/Y26f9f5Sqog/s1600/ta5000-4.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="382" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wR2HVt2iemM/UDAJQBe9aDI/AAAAAAAABLM/Y26f9f5Sqog/s400/ta5000-4.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
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It was better than the first, but still wasn't doing the trick completely... there was another one on the market that everyone raves about... the gold standard...so, I shelled out the bucks (it aint cheap!)... but hey man... were talking about my junk here (and yours) so I'm not gonna scrimp on my muffin... (that's my story and I'm sticking to it)<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VushKm4MAQQ/UDAJOeIaUwI/AAAAAAAABK8/aV-aSgzagLA/s1600/2696.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VushKm4MAQQ/UDAJOeIaUwI/AAAAAAAABK8/aV-aSgzagLA/s400/2696.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
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First use and it was like magic trumpets sounded under me... it was like fireworks went off (in a good way). Now I know which one works for me.... but I'm not selling this product, I'm telling you to try them for yourself. If you want to be serious about cycling and ride long hours/miles... eventually you may find yourself sore. If you do, now you know "You betta butta"...<br />
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There are many on the market, I've tried the three above personally, but here are some others you may want to check out:<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IkpnFGIk5qo/UDANAiVdNhI/AAAAAAAABMM/VCiMOVWtjKk/s1600/Qoleum-Qfriction-chamois-cream.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="143" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IkpnFGIk5qo/UDANAiVdNhI/AAAAAAAABMM/VCiMOVWtjKk/s200/Qoleum-Qfriction-chamois-cream.jpeg" width="200" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZdiHBDSK6FI/UDANAPem1ZI/AAAAAAAABME/vUpZhWY8YiU/s1600/Brave-Soldier-friction-zone.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="143" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZdiHBDSK6FI/UDANAPem1ZI/AAAAAAAABME/vUpZhWY8YiU/s200/Brave-Soldier-friction-zone.jpeg" width="200" /></a><br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-flU-2ifz5pQ/UDANBTvbSZI/AAAAAAAABMU/4xO0iRiWKBg/s1600/docs-creme.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="143" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-flU-2ifz5pQ/UDANBTvbSZI/AAAAAAAABMU/4xO0iRiWKBg/s200/docs-creme.jpeg" width="200" /></a><br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MRPW2COmWr0/UDANB7WitkI/AAAAAAAABMc/9NONCsmXHOA/s1600/lube.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MRPW2COmWr0/UDANB7WitkI/AAAAAAAABMc/9NONCsmXHOA/s320/lube.png" width="113" /></a><br />
Dznuts are very popular and kinda the man's version of Hoo Ha Ride Glide...<br />
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If you're not careful about saddle sores they can become serious hazards. People who have ignored them have gotten infected and needed medical attention. Be careful about ingrown hairs, take care of them immediately. These are sensitive topics, but something a long distance rider will deal with. Never shave or conduct excessive grooming when you're planning a long ride or rally, this may lead to serious issues (take it from me)...<br />
<br />
If you have any suggestions about info related to slathering up the goods, add a comment below so people can read it. Ok, I'm off to butta up :)cyclinganonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17807693712554566823noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1711716882925091136.post-86170708618097224092012-08-16T16:50:00.001-07:002012-08-16T16:50:06.253-07:00The New Blog - Cycling Anonymous Hello everyone, I'd like to welcome you to my cycling blog... today, I realized I had a problem... and instead of keeping quiet about it, I decided to share it with you. Maybe you're a professional rider, avid cyclist, crazed mountain biker or thinking about starting out. Let me say up front that this blog will be funny, raw, honest and sometimes rude... If you enjoy, subscribe by email or RSS feed and tag along for the journey... I hope it's a long one!<br />
<h2>
<b>Background</b></h2>
I started about a year ago with a hybrid like this from craiglist... for $200. I didn't know anything about cycling, not even enough to properly air the tires.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cx9e29KnADo/UC18VwZjpGI/AAAAAAAABIM/0XpVEjFnlOM/s1600/agxiaWtlcmVnaXN0ZXJyDQsSBEJpa2UYnLjnAQw.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cx9e29KnADo/UC18VwZjpGI/AAAAAAAABIM/0XpVEjFnlOM/s1600/agxiaWtlcmVnaXN0ZXJyDQsSBEJpa2UYnLjnAQw.jpeg" /></a></div>
I figured it would help me see if I would be committed to riding anything, at 41 then... I wasn't sure if I would take to the hobby/exercise or if my knees would allow it. I ended up riding this bike a couple of times when I figured out I might like it. But I SWORE I wouldn't be "that person"... those Lance wannabees running people off the trails in their fancy little outfits.<br />
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Just a couple of months later... I looked like this:<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cylzDD3vW5Q/UC18mrfN55I/AAAAAAAABIs/ze9hjoNzwjA/s1600/The+Bike1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cylzDD3vW5Q/UC18mrfN55I/AAAAAAAABIs/ze9hjoNzwjA/s320/The+Bike1.JPG" width="313" /></a></div>
I still joke with my "dealer" about my transition. The Trek was good, a woman specific design (WSD) in aluminum. Price point for this is around $960 without any upgrades. When you add in accessories, gear etc... I figured I'm in. Stuck now... like many of you, I need to make a serious investment to encourage myself to stay with it.<br />
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After riding my first "real" bike, I realized I'm to old to be on aluminum anything. The aluminum bikes just end up transferring all of the road to your back and... your bits. I did learn a lot about what I wanted and what I didn't want. Sometimes the later is more important... I also learned that it doesn't have to hurt if the bike fits right. I realized I actually enjoyed it, even though I wasn't very good at anything yet. I was so out of shape that 10 miles seemed like a milestone... yup, 10 damn, long, hateful miles... that's how I felt about it then.<br />
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Now, I need to move up and get more serious... I needed comfort and style. I did allot of research, and I mean ALLOT! While riding I often found myself attracted to one specific brand... but my dealer thought I would prefer to stick with the Trek brand. The Trek Madone is the brand Lance most commonly uses (made for him of course). I tried several of them and wasn't exactly satisfied.<br />
<br />
I asked for a Cervelo RS to be brought from the other store. There was only one left in my size anywhere and I was hopeful. Cervelo is a beautiful piece of equipment to ride, watch, hear... the RS model was designed for the distance rider, not crit racing. The bike arrive, I test drove and it was love:<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XWKZqlWeKfo/UC18fFoC5AI/AAAAAAAABIU/sIKWmBUAfWk/s1600/Cervelo+RS.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="476" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XWKZqlWeKfo/UC18fFoC5AI/AAAAAAAABIU/sIKWmBUAfWk/s640/Cervelo+RS.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I put it on lay-away and had to take the photo to show everyone while waiting. Starting price for this model is $2,600 without upgrades. I had to wait to take him home:<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lgWFW-frRkc/UC18jqwBWUI/AAAAAAAABIk/3fYx88W3uWY/s1600/Jan+2011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="476" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lgWFW-frRkc/UC18jqwBWUI/AAAAAAAABIk/3fYx88W3uWY/s640/Jan+2011.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
it was a big day of celebration! But it was January... and even in TX... it was cold outside. I needed winter gear:<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-63P7_Il_kbI/UC18nYkfxWI/AAAAAAAABI4/Gps1jHJq5yg/s1600/Winter+Gear1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="393" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-63P7_Il_kbI/UC18nYkfxWI/AAAAAAAABI4/Gps1jHJq5yg/s400/Winter+Gear1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Notice the color scheme change... yup, I spent more cash on new colors... cause I'm "one of those people" now... a snob... I wear it proudly! I have summer gear too, because I'm writing this blog in August and its seriously hot outside!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_UHWx75AYCU/UC2D-jUH3AI/AAAAAAAABJw/8dP1MbUKesw/s1600/June+2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_UHWx75AYCU/UC2D-jUH3AI/AAAAAAAABJw/8dP1MbUKesw/s400/June+2012.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
This photo is from June after a 42 mile ride... yes, I'm as red as my USMC jersey! I was training for my first rally, the Colin Classic:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6jQei55NQDc/UC2EmdJocxI/AAAAAAAABJ4/l1Pj6v-Gjd4/s1600/CC+Rally+Start.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="475" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6jQei55NQDc/UC2EmdJocxI/AAAAAAAABJ4/l1Pj6v-Gjd4/s640/CC+Rally+Start.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Front of Rally</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UdGtYS9B-b8/UC2EpkR2rbI/AAAAAAAABKA/-pH4zpEdi7c/s1600/CC+Rally+Start1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="476" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UdGtYS9B-b8/UC2EpkR2rbI/AAAAAAAABKA/-pH4zpEdi7c/s640/CC+Rally+Start1.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Behind me</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
By now I'm hooked... like a junkie... Next up for me is the Hotter N Hell 100 aka HHH ride August 25, 2012 this year. I signed up for 100 miles and hope to hell I can do every last one of them. There will be a blog dedicated solely to that, with video and photos.cyclinganonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17807693712554566823noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1711716882925091136.post-29882464423052441872012-07-23T16:00:00.002-07:002012-08-20T15:12:57.885-07:00Day 24 - My 4 Letter WordToday I returned to work and I wanted to tell you what this 23 days off meant to me... so watch below and see!<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxdK2ZRBwRUhcv2HDZCYjluyFnrBkOZcY4PPJbGen1oiykLYUBWRK4w9p6zXLASkJLZehsbQ0w5ICf65Lo-ew' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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And no, I don't know why I put my face so close to the camera...cyclinganonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17807693712554566823noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1711716882925091136.post-54239617551538585192012-07-22T18:53:00.002-07:002012-08-20T15:12:57.892-07:00Day 23 - D-1... Preparing for the ReturnSo, tomorrow is the big day... back to work! I've used my last day to finish up a ton of things I wanted to get done before going back to work. I was up at 7am to use my new toy on the lawn. The lawn was very thick and long... from procrastination and trying to keep the soils moist in 106 temps. So, 2.5 hours later... my lawn is pristine, I edged and used the hedge clippers... all electric items. Back to being the envy of the neighborhood again!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tb7_jF-db-A/UAw9RnwRD8I/AAAAAAAABEg/rrQZMt83s0A/s1600/photo+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="478" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tb7_jF-db-A/UAw9RnwRD8I/AAAAAAAABEg/rrQZMt83s0A/s640/photo+5.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Like a beacon of environmental glory... the light shines down... </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look at that grass... it was high and thick!</td></tr>
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Inside the house I had to finish up Operation Organize... started many days ago and not finished. Today, its done and ready for use as a brightly lit, inviting office:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All the clutter is gone... </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Plants make everything better!</td></tr>
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I have a dining table... its been covered with dust, plants and who knows what for months and months. Today... it got cleaned and cleared for good!<br />
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That bedskirt you doubted I could replace by myself... done!<br />
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House has been vacuumed, bed made with the new sheets, laundry done...I marinated a bunch of chicken breasts and two pork chops in a basil, EVOO, lemon juice marinade. Then I pushed out a healthy serving of spicy basil pesto... after all, the little processor was already dirty.<br />
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Chops were tasty, but overnight marinade is probably better. The man came by and we made some chops, and potatoes with some peppers for dinner. We even got to use the freshly cleaned dinner table! WOW... how civilized.<br />
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Tomorrow I'll post a video about the vacation, what I learned and how it feels to be back at work.cyclinganonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17807693712554566823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1711716882925091136.post-91920431089424513522012-07-21T18:01:00.000-07:002012-08-20T15:12:57.903-07:00Day 22 - A Crash, A Mower n Some PhoStarted the day nice and early with my bo arriving around 6:25 am for a ride around the lake. Tricky ride today because major running groups seem to take over the lake EVERY DAMN SATURDAY morning... really? You have people all over the damn place. Behind you, coming at you, left of you, right of you, popping out of blind areas... it's literally ridiculous. Hitting the end of our second lap, he's ready to pull the plug and then... down he goes. He took his usual shortcut and it handed him his ass, legs, bike, back... you get the point. Back to my place for disinfection... then he was off.<br />
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I went for some old fashioned breakfast, then spent an HOUR... yes an HOUR calling every store I could think of for an electric mower. I've been trying to find one under $200 in stock nearby and my lawn is way out of control... here it is!<br />
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It's in the box and waiting for early morning hours tomorrow to get to work. Damn it's hot outside...<br />
Check out this huge box in my little car :) Didn't think you could fit a lawn mower in the back of your Fiat... think again!<br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">Then, off to Dalat again. Today I got to try beef "Pho"... it was really Ramen cause of the egg noodles. I ended up spending like 4 hours there talking to the owner about political items of the day, sipping wine and eating more... OMG I'm so stuffed and really need to ride my bike tomorrow! I need to burn these staycation calories before returning to work Monday. LOL</span><br />
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Bike miles to date: 280... I would have put in more today, except the crash... tomorrow, I'll be at it again early and try to get some miles in before running home to mow with my new toy!cyclinganonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17807693712554566823noreply@blogger.com1