I completed a 28-mile ride this morning, that felt like 50 miles! But I’m so impressed with my performance. The route left Roger Soler’s in Helotes, my backyard, and headed north on Highway 16. Turned left on Highway 211, to be greeted by a series of rolling hills, although the outbound journey wasn’t too bad.
The group I was with turned left off 211 at Culebra Road, and we headed for the Exxon gas station just a few hundred yards up that street for a small break. I wasn’t looking forward to the return trip, since I’ve driven SAG for many training rides on this route, and know that 211 from Culebra Road is 7 miles of HUGE, continuous hills. Anyway, I sucked it up and hit the road.
I’ve become a particular fan of the big ring on my bike, so I stayed in it, shifting as I needed, but refusing to go to a smaller ring. I had to test myself. I had to push myself. And I did.
I conquered 211 and remained in my big ring for the entire trip. Granted, there were a couple of times that I slowed. My riding companion up 211 was Lloyd Hensley, I asked him how we were doing for speed, and to my surprise up 211 I was pulling 10 MPH! For me that’s a huge accomplishment.
Anyway, we took a group photo (well my other riding companion, Lillian LaFave did) at the top of the last hill before taking an exhilarating ride down a great hill on 211 back to Highway 16, and a right-hand turn back to the start.
Many of the group had asked: “Tony, are you ready for ‘The Wall?’” That’s another huge hill that greets you as you make the right-hand turn from 211 to Hwy 16. With bravado, I said, “sure!” Anyway, Lloyd had been sharing with me the finer points of his hill work, and had demonstrated how he “walks his bike” while still in his pedals.
We made the turn, and ventured up “The Wall!” I rode seated for a couple hundred feet, but realized that if I was to remain in the big ring I was going to have to pick up some momentum. So, with Lloyd’s encouragement ringing in my ears, I stood in my pedals, leaned forward over the handlebars and proceeded to appear like I was walking in my pedals, and driving up the hill. It really was quite efficient.
Anyway, the trip from there back to Roger Soler’s was a series of rollers. I was told that in the group I was riding in we were maintaining 20 MPH on the flats. That really made me feel good.
I had a good deal of energy still to give so I sprinted off for a ways (not sure how far), just riding as fast as I could. It felt good. I feel good. I believe my training is paying off. At the end of the ride I learned that I’d covered 1,295 feet of elevation during the morning’s outing!
I’m ready for my 55-mile ride Sunday, leaving from Comal Elementary School at 7:30 a.m.
C ya on the road! Tony
Read Pauline's story and support my fundraising in her memory.
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Monday, August 25, 2008
Slippery when wet...28 miles later, good ride!
So, your humble author spent time at the offices of the San Antonio Express-News today, having photographs taken to accompany a story about, well, me! Terrifying to think that my story is of interest to anyone, but if it helps further the awareness of MS then so be it! Apparently it will appear either Sept. 8 or 15.
I had to dress up in my bike-riding garb for the photo shoot. When it was all over, I just felt like riding. I knew of no training rides tonight. And, if I live up to my promise to my wife and not go out on the open roads alone…which is probably not a smart approach for anyone, I had few options.
But if you’ve been following my blog, I’ve used my neighborhood (Sedona in Helotes) as an early-morning ride, maxing at 17 miles. Well today, I re-mapped a route that helped me rack up about 28 miles, and by doing this adding at least 3 hills per circuit (about 23 circuits).
I’ve been toying with the idea of testing my experience and desire to power up hills, so tonight I shifted to the biggest ring and largest cog, and stood up to drive me through every hill. It was intoxicating as I drove the pedals down and began the slow rocking movement of the bike frame from side to side to oppose the force on each downstroke. A couple of times I thought I knew what I was doing, but was quickly reminded that I don’t as I over compensated on the rocking motion and wobbled through nearly wrecking though never lost the control. Phew…
It rained during my training tonight, but I didn’t stop my ride. MS never takes a day off, and people living with MS never have the chance to NOT have the disease be in their lives. The roads were dangerously slick, not fully being washed by the rain but wet enough to float whatever grime was on the roads. I realized there existed a potential hazard, so applied the brakes more heavily as I approached corners, applying them well before the turn in order to dry them.
But one road condition I hadn’t experienced before was how slippery those black strips of tar can be that the road crews use to just fill and seal cracks in the road. A couple of times I could feel my rear wheel “free spin” slightly as I crossed the black lines. Needless to say, I learn quickly and avoided all black lines for the remainder of the evening.
I dodged kids playing football in the streets, quickly maneuvering myself up on the sidewalk as the kids enacted a “hail Mary” long pass without noticing if any vehicles were around let alone me! On lap 5 or 6 the kids began to expect me, and so factored me into their plays.
It was a good ride, and will help me strength train as well as accumulate mileage.
C ya on the road! Tony
Read Pauline's story and support my fundraising in her memory.
I had to dress up in my bike-riding garb for the photo shoot. When it was all over, I just felt like riding. I knew of no training rides tonight. And, if I live up to my promise to my wife and not go out on the open roads alone…which is probably not a smart approach for anyone, I had few options.
But if you’ve been following my blog, I’ve used my neighborhood (Sedona in Helotes) as an early-morning ride, maxing at 17 miles. Well today, I re-mapped a route that helped me rack up about 28 miles, and by doing this adding at least 3 hills per circuit (about 23 circuits).
I’ve been toying with the idea of testing my experience and desire to power up hills, so tonight I shifted to the biggest ring and largest cog, and stood up to drive me through every hill. It was intoxicating as I drove the pedals down and began the slow rocking movement of the bike frame from side to side to oppose the force on each downstroke. A couple of times I thought I knew what I was doing, but was quickly reminded that I don’t as I over compensated on the rocking motion and wobbled through nearly wrecking though never lost the control. Phew…
It rained during my training tonight, but I didn’t stop my ride. MS never takes a day off, and people living with MS never have the chance to NOT have the disease be in their lives. The roads were dangerously slick, not fully being washed by the rain but wet enough to float whatever grime was on the roads. I realized there existed a potential hazard, so applied the brakes more heavily as I approached corners, applying them well before the turn in order to dry them.
But one road condition I hadn’t experienced before was how slippery those black strips of tar can be that the road crews use to just fill and seal cracks in the road. A couple of times I could feel my rear wheel “free spin” slightly as I crossed the black lines. Needless to say, I learn quickly and avoided all black lines for the remainder of the evening.
I dodged kids playing football in the streets, quickly maneuvering myself up on the sidewalk as the kids enacted a “hail Mary” long pass without noticing if any vehicles were around let alone me! On lap 5 or 6 the kids began to expect me, and so factored me into their plays.
It was a good ride, and will help me strength train as well as accumulate mileage.
C ya on the road! Tony
Read Pauline's story and support my fundraising in her memory.
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Valero Bike to the Beach poised for new records!
The Bike MS: Valero Bike to the Beach is poised to set new records this year. Event fundraising past the quarter-million-dollar mark this past week, up 55% from this time a year ago. Last year the event realized $1.65 million, while this year’s event budget is projecting $1.80 million. So far there are over 2,350 riders registered for the year, which is about 68% of our 3,500-rider goal. We’re all making a mark, and dealing a decisive blow against the disease and in support of a world free of MS. Thank you on behalf of my family and families across the country who live with this disease every day. Tony
C ya on the road! Tony
Read Pauline's story and support my fundraising in her memory.
C ya on the road! Tony
Read Pauline's story and support my fundraising in her memory.
Pauline joined today's 45-mile training ride!
Gruene Hall and New Braunfels were welcome distractions on an enjoyable 45-mile ride today, a very special training ride (see photo) as I took Pauline out in public for the first time…well at least the team jersey for Pauline’s Last Hurrah! It was a feel-good situation for me, and helped with another MPH on my average speed as my chest swelled with pride!
We headed out from Comal Elementary School, and wound our way through some pretty scenery. We bumped and bounced along Highway 3009, a particularly challenging routing from the point of view of both the hills and constant jarring. But it was all worth the trip as we rounded the corner to be greeted by a smooth-as-silk (relatively speaking) Highway 1863. Wow, what a pleasant experience.
We headed out from Comal Elementary School, and wound our way through some pretty scenery. We bumped and bounced along Highway 3009, a particularly challenging routing from the point of view of both the hills and constant jarring. But it was all worth the trip as we rounded the corner to be greeted by a smooth-as-silk (relatively speaking) Highway 1863. Wow, what a pleasant experience.
One frustration today was that for probably 10 miles or so I had difficulty with my clip-less pedals. I couldn't "clip in." I stopped to clean out my shoes and the pedals. Carl poured water on my shoes to washout road debris, it worked for a mile or some, but was not a permanent fix. Not sure what the problem is. I'm assuming some adjustment will be needed. I'll visit my buddies at the Bicycle Shack in Boerne.
The crew, largely Valero riders, was lead by the always caring and nurturing of newbie riders (including your author) Carl Crawford. Alas, he took more than one for the group as he repaired 3 of his own flats. But believe there was some agenda behind his tire problems! We later found out that beer begins to flow at noon at Gruene Hall, so we assume he looked for sharp objects just to slow us all and so make it there for drinking time… But his attempt was foiled, we hit Gruene Hall at 11:15 a.m., still a very dry drinking establishment. :-) Next time, Carl.
Our route took us along Gruene Road, passing the Rockin’ “R” tubing area, crossing the Guadalupe River and up the shortest but very steep hill into Gruene. I had to walk. I hit the hill with some momentum but it wasn’t enough, my forward motion was stopped within 20 or 30 feet. It was difficult to get a good running start at the hill given the tubing tourists and vehicular traffic.
We headed out of Gruene (sober), out on Common Street. Headed back to New Braunfels, passing Schlitterbahn water park to the screams of fun-lovers and the over-the-top music blasting across the area. We continued out of town on Spurs Road. Turning south on the IH-35 Frontage Road and back on Farm 482 and the Start/Finish Line at the school in Comal.
This was my longest ride yet. I’m anxious to break through the 50-mile barrier, and hope to do this next weekend. Thanks Carl for a well-supported, enjoyable ride with an equally fun-loving group of riders.
ITEM: my friend and neighbor Monika believed an earlier blog entry in which I talked about being overjoyed at having to use the bathroom was, she believed, a story of me taking care of business while still on my bike! Absolutely not! My point, my fine friend, was that finally I was consuming sufficient quantities of fluid to have to use the bathroom AT OUR NEXT STOP! :-)
C ya on the road! Tony
The crew, largely Valero riders, was lead by the always caring and nurturing of newbie riders (including your author) Carl Crawford. Alas, he took more than one for the group as he repaired 3 of his own flats. But believe there was some agenda behind his tire problems! We later found out that beer begins to flow at noon at Gruene Hall, so we assume he looked for sharp objects just to slow us all and so make it there for drinking time… But his attempt was foiled, we hit Gruene Hall at 11:15 a.m., still a very dry drinking establishment. :-) Next time, Carl.
Our route took us along Gruene Road, passing the Rockin’ “R” tubing area, crossing the Guadalupe River and up the shortest but very steep hill into Gruene. I had to walk. I hit the hill with some momentum but it wasn’t enough, my forward motion was stopped within 20 or 30 feet. It was difficult to get a good running start at the hill given the tubing tourists and vehicular traffic.
We headed out of Gruene (sober), out on Common Street. Headed back to New Braunfels, passing Schlitterbahn water park to the screams of fun-lovers and the over-the-top music blasting across the area. We continued out of town on Spurs Road. Turning south on the IH-35 Frontage Road and back on Farm 482 and the Start/Finish Line at the school in Comal.
This was my longest ride yet. I’m anxious to break through the 50-mile barrier, and hope to do this next weekend. Thanks Carl for a well-supported, enjoyable ride with an equally fun-loving group of riders.
ITEM: my friend and neighbor Monika believed an earlier blog entry in which I talked about being overjoyed at having to use the bathroom was, she believed, a story of me taking care of business while still on my bike! Absolutely not! My point, my fine friend, was that finally I was consuming sufficient quantities of fluid to have to use the bathroom AT OUR NEXT STOP! :-)
C ya on the road! Tony
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Weekend in Kemah, railroad tracks, I go THUD again!
I took some time of from the Blog, lots of stuff happening at the office in preparation for the Valero Bike to the Beach. You know by now that I’m the Vice President for the National MS Society in South Texas. But I still rode this past weekend, with an incident!
I ended up in Kemah, Texas, with some cycling friends. I rode on Saturday, though it was hit and miss after a torrential downpour overnight. Anyway, after breakfast, the skies cleared and the sun came out. So we all raced back to our rooms to change into our cycling gear…though I suspect there was some disappointment, since the night before we had celebrated a little and likely more than one of us on Saturday morning was feeling a little under the weather…
Anyway, we hit the rode. I made it over the Kemah Bridge, slowly! About 10 miles into the ride the heavens opened and the group found itself in the middle of not only monsoon-style driving rain, but also the distant rumbling of thunder. But the intrepid group rode on. Somewhere around mile 15 we approached railroad tracks (still raining). Our lead rider made it over, but the second rider didn’t (I was 3rd). The tracks hit the road at a 45-degree angle, no I didn’t measure the angle, but you get the idea. All the books and cycling gurus will tell you that crossing tracks should be at 90 degrees. So I guess it was inevitable that my friend’s accident was bound to happen.
It was her rear wheel that lost traction on the tracks and skidded out from under her. This pushed her front wheel into the “groove” of the tracks and so she went down with a wet THUD! Fortunately, she was able to walk away with just a small road rash on her knee. Unfortunately, her front wheel folded like a taco. Unable to ride on, she and a fellow rider hung out at the scene as the rest of us rode back to secure a pick-up vehicle.
Riding back to the start, where the vehicles were located, a huge flash of lightning was followed by a bone-shaking thunderous boom. It set off car alarms on the parked vehicles we were passing. Not needing to prove anything, and knowing our friend was okay, we all ducked under a car awning and waited out the weather.
About 30 minutes later, the thunder let up, we hit the road. We later rescued my friend, and that evening relived the ride on the jetty of our host’s home (jutting out into Galveston Bay), grazing on a fantastic shrimp boil and home-marinated quail. And some adult beverages.
We debated the day’s ride distance, but I calculated from the conversation it was around 22 miles.
On Sunday, we awoke to a brilliant morning. I don’t think everyone had breakfast, though most had coffee. We hit the roads around Kemah and pulled off about 44 miles. I felt strong all day, so was looking forward to at least completing my first 50 miles. But before I knew it, the ride was over and we were sitting at the table eating a wonderful breakfast, before helping straighten up the home and then driving back to San Antonio.
Oh, did I forget to mention that I fell on Sunday morning? What worse is that I fell in the driveway BEFORE the ride started! And, I fell on the same knee I’d fallen on just 2 weeks earlier. I haven’t ridden this week because of the swelling and the ache as I walk. But I plan to put in a solid 40 miles on Sunday, wheels down at 7 a.m., at Comal Elementary School.
C ya on the road. Tony
Read Pauline's story and support my fundraising in her memory.
I ended up in Kemah, Texas, with some cycling friends. I rode on Saturday, though it was hit and miss after a torrential downpour overnight. Anyway, after breakfast, the skies cleared and the sun came out. So we all raced back to our rooms to change into our cycling gear…though I suspect there was some disappointment, since the night before we had celebrated a little and likely more than one of us on Saturday morning was feeling a little under the weather…
Anyway, we hit the rode. I made it over the Kemah Bridge, slowly! About 10 miles into the ride the heavens opened and the group found itself in the middle of not only monsoon-style driving rain, but also the distant rumbling of thunder. But the intrepid group rode on. Somewhere around mile 15 we approached railroad tracks (still raining). Our lead rider made it over, but the second rider didn’t (I was 3rd). The tracks hit the road at a 45-degree angle, no I didn’t measure the angle, but you get the idea. All the books and cycling gurus will tell you that crossing tracks should be at 90 degrees. So I guess it was inevitable that my friend’s accident was bound to happen.
It was her rear wheel that lost traction on the tracks and skidded out from under her. This pushed her front wheel into the “groove” of the tracks and so she went down with a wet THUD! Fortunately, she was able to walk away with just a small road rash on her knee. Unfortunately, her front wheel folded like a taco. Unable to ride on, she and a fellow rider hung out at the scene as the rest of us rode back to secure a pick-up vehicle.
Riding back to the start, where the vehicles were located, a huge flash of lightning was followed by a bone-shaking thunderous boom. It set off car alarms on the parked vehicles we were passing. Not needing to prove anything, and knowing our friend was okay, we all ducked under a car awning and waited out the weather.
About 30 minutes later, the thunder let up, we hit the road. We later rescued my friend, and that evening relived the ride on the jetty of our host’s home (jutting out into Galveston Bay), grazing on a fantastic shrimp boil and home-marinated quail. And some adult beverages.
We debated the day’s ride distance, but I calculated from the conversation it was around 22 miles.
On Sunday, we awoke to a brilliant morning. I don’t think everyone had breakfast, though most had coffee. We hit the roads around Kemah and pulled off about 44 miles. I felt strong all day, so was looking forward to at least completing my first 50 miles. But before I knew it, the ride was over and we were sitting at the table eating a wonderful breakfast, before helping straighten up the home and then driving back to San Antonio.
Oh, did I forget to mention that I fell on Sunday morning? What worse is that I fell in the driveway BEFORE the ride started! And, I fell on the same knee I’d fallen on just 2 weeks earlier. I haven’t ridden this week because of the swelling and the ache as I walk. But I plan to put in a solid 40 miles on Sunday, wheels down at 7 a.m., at Comal Elementary School.
C ya on the road. Tony
Read Pauline's story and support my fundraising in her memory.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Twenty neighborhood laps helping with my stamina
I hit the neighborhood at 6 a.m. this morning, much to the surprise of my wife (and me), after rolling from side to side in bed fighting the urge to train! But each training opportunity missed, will be one step backwards for me in my goal of riding 160 miles on October 4 and 5 in the Valero Bike to the Beach.
But I double-surprised myself this morning. Approaching the usual 15-lap mark, about 13 miles, I continued to feel strong. So with no regard for the time I just decided to round it up and rode 20 laps around the outer perimeter of the neighborhood for 17.5 miles (28km). And, for the first time since starting training, my thighs ached as I walked to the office and for much of the day…but it was a good pain. A pain that told me that it’s good to be alive and that I clearly must be doing something correct finally!
Something I didn’t share with you from Saturday was that I actually peed on that training ride! Another first for me, and I was so proud (LOL)! And I had the urge again during my 75-minute training session this morning. Many of you were telling me that I must “take care of business” while riding, and if I’m not, then I’m not drinking enough fluids.
Anyway, I pushed my envelope a little today and kept the bike operating in the big ring only, shifting up and down the rear cassette as needed. This clearly was a contributing factor to my thigh ache throughout the day, but I also felt that it pushed my bike workout to the next level.
I plan to “ride the hood” Wednesday and Thursday mornings. I’m heading out of town to Kemah, Texas, this weekend, where the event I’m involved in will hold a non-drop, relatively easy 30-mile or so ride both Saturday and Sunday. We’ll see if I can pickup my cadence and/or speed this coming weekend.
I haven’t been able to report exact, computer-generated statistics since the weekend. I found that a wire became dislodged from my bike computer, likely a result of the fall I had on Saturday. I can’t see where to plug it back in, so home my cycling buddies on the weekend can help.
C ya on the road! Tony
Read Pauline's story and support my fundraising in her memory.
But I double-surprised myself this morning. Approaching the usual 15-lap mark, about 13 miles, I continued to feel strong. So with no regard for the time I just decided to round it up and rode 20 laps around the outer perimeter of the neighborhood for 17.5 miles (28km). And, for the first time since starting training, my thighs ached as I walked to the office and for much of the day…but it was a good pain. A pain that told me that it’s good to be alive and that I clearly must be doing something correct finally!
Something I didn’t share with you from Saturday was that I actually peed on that training ride! Another first for me, and I was so proud (LOL)! And I had the urge again during my 75-minute training session this morning. Many of you were telling me that I must “take care of business” while riding, and if I’m not, then I’m not drinking enough fluids.
Anyway, I pushed my envelope a little today and kept the bike operating in the big ring only, shifting up and down the rear cassette as needed. This clearly was a contributing factor to my thigh ache throughout the day, but I also felt that it pushed my bike workout to the next level.
I plan to “ride the hood” Wednesday and Thursday mornings. I’m heading out of town to Kemah, Texas, this weekend, where the event I’m involved in will hold a non-drop, relatively easy 30-mile or so ride both Saturday and Sunday. We’ll see if I can pickup my cadence and/or speed this coming weekend.
I haven’t been able to report exact, computer-generated statistics since the weekend. I found that a wire became dislodged from my bike computer, likely a result of the fall I had on Saturday. I can’t see where to plug it back in, so home my cycling buddies on the weekend can help.
C ya on the road! Tony
Read Pauline's story and support my fundraising in her memory.
Monday, August 11, 2008
Team ETC full of zip...up and down hills
Thanks to Team ETC for taking me up on my offer to wear a team jersey, ride with the team and be photographed in that jersey, all for a $50 donation. I hooked up with this great group of people on Saturday (just rcvd the photo today). Had an excellent, very hilly ride, and the group partied hardy after the ride for their team’s Kick-Off Party for the Valero Bike to the Beach.
Flying high with the VCrew from Valero...
The VCrew of Velo Valero, the new folks to riding, invited me out on Sunday for my $50-donation photo offer. Here I am in the multi-colored Velo Valero jersey, riding through strong head winds and flanked by a U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. (ret.). I am so sorry for not remembering her name, but she kept her eye on me most of the day. I know she’s training with her husband for the Rock ‘n Roll marathon in November. Thanks to Carl Crawford/Velo Valero for "shooting me!"
C ya on the road. Tony
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Long day made worthwhile by lady with MS.
I completed my longest training ride so far, 43 miles, out in the Cibolo area. While it was referred to by several on the ride as a “recovery route” (from the rigors of training on Saturday), it was nevertheless very challenging with a head wind nearly all the way.
Okay, I hear every alumni cyclist saying: “We told you so, Tony!” I've always understood the complaints about the head wind on the Valero Bike to the Beach, there's nothing I can do about it, but now I can appreciate those comments.
Anyway, as hard as the ride was today the difficulty just evaporated after my interaction with a lady (Gloria) at our half-way point. She saw the name of the Bike to the Beach on several jerseys and so naturally asked if we were training for the October ride. She introduced herself and said “Thank you, I have MS!” We had a nice chat, and she went on her way.
As we saddled up and rode out of our half-way stop, I heard Gloria (still in the parking lot) proudly tell a lady standing with her, “See those guys, they are riding for me!”
The rest of the day was easy, thanks to Gloria and the appreciation she had for us doing what we do for her. It was a great day! I'm not going to let today's blog end with this and Gloria's wonderful spirit.
C ya on the road. Tony
Read Pauline's story and support my fundraising in her memory.
Okay, I hear every alumni cyclist saying: “We told you so, Tony!” I've always understood the complaints about the head wind on the Valero Bike to the Beach, there's nothing I can do about it, but now I can appreciate those comments.
Anyway, as hard as the ride was today the difficulty just evaporated after my interaction with a lady (Gloria) at our half-way point. She saw the name of the Bike to the Beach on several jerseys and so naturally asked if we were training for the October ride. She introduced herself and said “Thank you, I have MS!” We had a nice chat, and she went on her way.
As we saddled up and rode out of our half-way stop, I heard Gloria (still in the parking lot) proudly tell a lady standing with her, “See those guys, they are riding for me!”
The rest of the day was easy, thanks to Gloria and the appreciation she had for us doing what we do for her. It was a great day! I'm not going to let today's blog end with this and Gloria's wonderful spirit.
C ya on the road. Tony
Read Pauline's story and support my fundraising in her memory.
Saturday, August 9, 2008
THUD...now that's out of the way!
Clip out…clip out…clip out…clip out…
THE GLORIOUS HILL
The route was Highway 474 north to Highway 473 east to Kendalia. We turned south on Edge Falls Road until we hit Highway 3351, continued south again until we turned west back into the sub-division where we started, the home of one of ETC’s executives Lee hanse and his charming wife, Libby. Not sure now exactly where this hill was, but it went across Curry Creek, and while it was the most thrilling experience I’ve had on a bike so far, my hands had subconsciously covered the brake handles. But at those speeds (above 30MPH) I would have had little chance of correcting any poor judgment on my part using breaks, right?
THE CRASH
The street name says it all: Edge Falls Road! This was a mammoth hill. I had built up some reasonable speed, and even called out to a couple of my riding buddies “on your left, I don’t want to stop.” Within 5 feet I had lost my speed, and my forward momentum was quickly deteriorating. I was frantically shifting, looking for the Granny gear when the chain came off the front assembly. So you all know what happened next: no forward momentum, legs (clipped in) spinning frantically but with no gear resistance, and so over I went THUD on the road. I guess the good thing out of this was that the fall took place from a dead stop, since all forward motion had ended. Anyway, I quickly unclipped while laying on the road. Pulled myself up, brushed myself off, and began walking up this behemoth hill until I could find a flat spot to get back on my bike.
I rode up 3 hills today that I believe were a steeper grades than the Corpus Christi Harbor Bridge. You’ll remember, the bridge is the new route to the Finish Line of the Valero Bike to the Beach. So I’m very pleased with my performance.
Off to Cibolo on Sunday, for a 7 am start with a group from Velo Valero.
C ya on the road! Tony.
Clip out…clip out…clip out…clip out…
That was a constant companion phrase circulating my thoughts all day today, but it didn’t help. Yes, as all my cycling buddies warned me, going with clipless pedals will result in at least one fall. So I fell! My hope is that my fall today has removed this cycling right-of-passage from my training! But probably not…
I rode with Team ETC (Energy Transfer Company) today. The route was tough, lots and lots of hills. We headed out from just northeast of Boerne, riding for 37 miles to and back from Kendalia. The curious thing was the new sensation of power in my pedal on the up stroke, given my new pedals and shoes. My struggle before on hills was my ability, with cages, to just “mash” the pedal down with my thigh muscle, with my up-hill speed languishing around 4-5 MPH. But today, I was very happy with speeds of above 8 MPH on equivalent hills.
TALE OF THE COMPUTER:
Average cadence: 62
Distance: 36.8 miles
Average speed: 11.5 MPH (very hilly)
**Maximum speed: 38.3 MPH (oh yes, I remember this hill)
Trip time: 3:10 hours
I rode with Team ETC (Energy Transfer Company) today. The route was tough, lots and lots of hills. We headed out from just northeast of Boerne, riding for 37 miles to and back from Kendalia. The curious thing was the new sensation of power in my pedal on the up stroke, given my new pedals and shoes. My struggle before on hills was my ability, with cages, to just “mash” the pedal down with my thigh muscle, with my up-hill speed languishing around 4-5 MPH. But today, I was very happy with speeds of above 8 MPH on equivalent hills.
TALE OF THE COMPUTER:
Average cadence: 62
Distance: 36.8 miles
Average speed: 11.5 MPH (very hilly)
**Maximum speed: 38.3 MPH (oh yes, I remember this hill)
Trip time: 3:10 hours
TEAM ETC
My thanks to the team for taking me up on my fundraising offer: I'll wear any team jersey for photographs, and join the team on a training ride. I'll post the photograph of the jersey on the event website, all for a donation of $50. The photograph was taken at the Hanse residence, where they put on a party for the team and their volunters. I'm waiting for a copy of the image so I can post on my website. Alas, I had another early-afternoon team comitment in Kerrville, so had to leave shortly after the end of the ride. Those I rode with were a lot of fun, when I saw them! There was a time when I was NOT the last person in the group, but the folks behind me sagged in, so I ended up being the back of the pack, as usual!
THE GLORIOUS HILL
The route was Highway 474 north to Highway 473 east to Kendalia. We turned south on Edge Falls Road until we hit Highway 3351, continued south again until we turned west back into the sub-division where we started, the home of one of ETC’s executives Lee hanse and his charming wife, Libby. Not sure now exactly where this hill was, but it went across Curry Creek, and while it was the most thrilling experience I’ve had on a bike so far, my hands had subconsciously covered the brake handles. But at those speeds (above 30MPH) I would have had little chance of correcting any poor judgment on my part using breaks, right?
THE CRASH
The street name says it all: Edge Falls Road! This was a mammoth hill. I had built up some reasonable speed, and even called out to a couple of my riding buddies “on your left, I don’t want to stop.” Within 5 feet I had lost my speed, and my forward momentum was quickly deteriorating. I was frantically shifting, looking for the Granny gear when the chain came off the front assembly. So you all know what happened next: no forward momentum, legs (clipped in) spinning frantically but with no gear resistance, and so over I went THUD on the road. I guess the good thing out of this was that the fall took place from a dead stop, since all forward motion had ended. Anyway, I quickly unclipped while laying on the road. Pulled myself up, brushed myself off, and began walking up this behemoth hill until I could find a flat spot to get back on my bike.
SCENERY
I rode over a diamond-back Rattle Snake today, a recent road kill and the closest I want to be, thank you very much! I swirved around several quite dead Armadillos, and ducked at one time when several Turkey Vultures descended across in front of me to join a dozen or more of their buddies tearing into a road-kill deer.
I rode up 3 hills today that I believe were a steeper grades than the Corpus Christi Harbor Bridge. You’ll remember, the bridge is the new route to the Finish Line of the Valero Bike to the Beach. So I’m very pleased with my performance.
Off to Cibolo on Sunday, for a 7 am start with a group from Velo Valero.
C ya on the road! Tony.
Friday, August 8, 2008
Clipping in this weekend...for the first time ever!
It’s late Friday evening as I type this. Just smoked a hamburger and fries for dinner. I had planned doing the right thing and eating lots of pasta tonight, but I was late getting back from the Bicycle Shack in Boerne, after they converted my Cannondale to clipless pedals! I added Speedplay X5 Chrome-moly pedals, and bought a pair of Diadora cycling shoes. I look the part, but it remains to be seen if I stay upright or not on both my rides this weekend or not, and so whether the true Tony (Genie) stays in his bottle and doesn’t walk away from riding altogether…
My cage pedals are now a part of my cycling-training history.
I had planned to try clipping in and out tonight on my trainer, but it’s late, and I need to be in Boerne for wheels-down at 7 a.m. So I’ll be using the new pedal system for the first time in a real training ride environment! It’s 40 miles Saturday. On Sunday, it’ll be wheels down from Cibolo City Hall at 7 a.m. for another 40-mile, no drop ride.
C ya on the road (just hope I'm not sprawled out on it...) Tony
I had planned to try clipping in and out tonight on my trainer, but it’s late, and I need to be in Boerne for wheels-down at 7 a.m. So I’ll be using the new pedal system for the first time in a real training ride environment! It’s 40 miles Saturday. On Sunday, it’ll be wheels down from Cibolo City Hall at 7 a.m. for another 40-mile, no drop ride.
C ya on the road (just hope I'm not sprawled out on it...) Tony
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Computers...do they lie?
Okay then! I’m now officially high tech on my bike. Thanks to Stephanie Gordon, co-owner of The Bicycle Shack in Boerne, I now possess a working bike computer…problem is, I can’t read my computer at the office without reading glasses, so how the hec am I supposed to read the screen of something no bigger than a postage stamp?
I could see shapes moving on the screen, and an occasional number (13 or 14.5, I think) as I rode under a tree and the shadow helped reveal the readout. I couldn’t wait to get home to look at my performance. So here are the stats:
Average cadence: 68
Distance: 14.03 miles
Average speed: 13.1 MPH
Maximum speed: 29.6 MPH (but I don’t remember that hill…)
Trip time: 1:03 hours
It all appears quite impressive to me, especially the maximum speed number. I’m sure if I saw that number on my computer at the time it was being recorded I’d likely have begun to wobble in abject fear! Scary stuff, right? Tony Ralf riding a bike at nearly 30 MPH. I need a drink (adult beverage).
The route was hilly, but not totally challenging like my Sunday outing. Interesting, as much as it was a NO DROP ride, I passed two groups receiving help by our leader, Andrea Shull (from Valero Energy Corporation)…flats and pedal problems. As a result, I ended up not catching the front of the group and so rode alone for at least 30 minutes, crossing lengthening shadows on the road as the sun began to set, and for a while I was riding directly into the sun as it just hovered on the road ahead waiting for me. It was a cool feeling to be riding alone, although not recommended, my heartbeat and deep breathing (sucking air) keeping me company.
I hadn’t been on the bike since my 42.5 miles on Sunday, and it showed, well at least I could tell. I was back to breathing hard and my thighs ached again like they did on my first ride 10 days ago.
Heading out to Boerne on Saturday morning with Team ETC (Energy Transfer Company), and to Cibolo on Sunday with a larger Valero contingent. Both teams have agreed to pay the $50 in order for me to wear their team jersey on the ride and to take a photograph with me. Cool fundraising idea, right?
C ya on the road!
I could see shapes moving on the screen, and an occasional number (13 or 14.5, I think) as I rode under a tree and the shadow helped reveal the readout. I couldn’t wait to get home to look at my performance. So here are the stats:
Average cadence: 68
Distance: 14.03 miles
Average speed: 13.1 MPH
Maximum speed: 29.6 MPH (but I don’t remember that hill…)
Trip time: 1:03 hours
It all appears quite impressive to me, especially the maximum speed number. I’m sure if I saw that number on my computer at the time it was being recorded I’d likely have begun to wobble in abject fear! Scary stuff, right? Tony Ralf riding a bike at nearly 30 MPH. I need a drink (adult beverage).
The route was hilly, but not totally challenging like my Sunday outing. Interesting, as much as it was a NO DROP ride, I passed two groups receiving help by our leader, Andrea Shull (from Valero Energy Corporation)…flats and pedal problems. As a result, I ended up not catching the front of the group and so rode alone for at least 30 minutes, crossing lengthening shadows on the road as the sun began to set, and for a while I was riding directly into the sun as it just hovered on the road ahead waiting for me. It was a cool feeling to be riding alone, although not recommended, my heartbeat and deep breathing (sucking air) keeping me company.
I hadn’t been on the bike since my 42.5 miles on Sunday, and it showed, well at least I could tell. I was back to breathing hard and my thighs ached again like they did on my first ride 10 days ago.
Heading out to Boerne on Saturday morning with Team ETC (Energy Transfer Company), and to Cibolo on Sunday with a larger Valero contingent. Both teams have agreed to pay the $50 in order for me to wear their team jersey on the ride and to take a photograph with me. Cool fundraising idea, right?
C ya on the road!
Monday, August 4, 2008
Pappas Posse Jersey...
So here’s the first taker of my offer to wear a team jersey for a donation to my fundraising, and to post the photo on the event website. “Pappas Posse.” Team captain is Chris Shaw (on left), aka General Manager of Pappasito’s Cantina (IH-10, San Antonio). I wore the Pappas jersey for 42.5 miles on Sunday. Posting the image on the event website is in the works.
Remember, for a $50 donation, I will wear your team jersey either on my next ride or with your team on a training ride. Photograph the opportunity and post it on our website.
Remember, for a $50 donation, I will wear your team jersey either on my next ride or with your team on a training ride. Photograph the opportunity and post it on our website.
Sunday, August 3, 2008
Huge elevation, longest mileage...and BONK!
Today’s ride was, for me, particularly grueling. However, the outcome was something I am rather proud of! Mileage for the ride from Bullis County Park totaled 42.5 miles (68.km), which is another first for me since its the furthest I’ve ever traveled on a bicycle. Coupled with this impressive feat was the fact that the ride took place with 2,000 feet (609.6 m) of elevation…a whole bunch of hills!
What’s additionally pleasing is that the first day of the Valero Bike to the Beach takes twice today’s distance, and an entire day, to achieve an elevation of just a little more at 2,600 feet (792.48 m). So I’m definitely feeling an accomplishment.
However, adding to today’s series of firsts was the fact that I “bonked.” I was within about 2.5 miles of our destination and just couldn’t ride another step. Don’t get me wrong, I didn’t fall of my bike, or foam at the mouth or any worrisome things like that. My gas tank was just on “E.” I called out to my riding partner (coach and instructor Pete Templin aka Obi-Wan Kenobi), “That’s it mate, I can’t go any further!” We pulled over to a shaded area. I lent against the bike for support awaiting Pete’s completion of the ride and return with his truck to SAG me in.
I don’t see this as a defeat, rather a good realization of my limits this early in my training.
You may remember that I joined (and completed) a 22-mile Velo Valero ride out of Bullis Park on Wednesday. So when Pete mentioned on Saturday that he was going to lead a ride from that park Sunday, I called my mate and HOLT CAT team captain Bob Harwood, inviting him to join us. I rode with Bob and his team (30 miles) just yesterday. I told Bob that the route was relatively easy! While we were on the “relatively easy” route initially, the group paused at a point where a 46-mile route split off, up Spring Branch Road…the road from H-E-DOUBLE “L.” It was very, very tough. Sorry Bob!
I seemed to have found a “sweet spot-system” for the hills, though it’s a tad dangerous. I shift to the smallest of my 3 front rings, and the largest of my gears at the back. I grab the lowest part of my handlebars, tuck my head down looking at the road only (dangerous) and focus on just pushing the pedals around. I couldn’t care less where the top of the hill is, it’ll appear soon enough! I just conc
entrate on the cadence. It seemed to work on all but one hill today. I had to stop 2/3rds of the way up a hill on Spring Branch Road at a sign post for “Canterbury Road,” and walked about 200 yards up to where my riding “hammer-head” partners were waiting for me. I chuckled, Canterbury Road was where my sister Pauline, brother David and I grew up in Australia! Not sure what it all meant, but the sign-post was poignant reminder for me why I’m doing this training. I got a little chocked up as well!
So, in the driveway of a very kind homeowner, we hung out for few minutes under a shade tree. I sucked down a second GU gel pack (Mint Chocolate, yummy), and continue the ride again. The road was just an endless series of hills, and even the flat was an subtle incline. Each time I exited a curve in the road, there was yet another hill greeting me, mentally challenging for this kid from Sydney!
At mile 27 I ran out of liquids. However, about 3 miles further on out popped a Valero gas station. Bob purchased two POWERades, on sale, one for each us. I poured the contents into my water bottle and what was left I downed it in seconds…it didn’t touch the sides. The lady at the cash register allowed us to re-fill our other water bottles from the facet behind the counter and ice from the cold drinks fountain.
It was the hottest conditions I’ve ridden in so far. The sun was constantly on my back and the wind was hot. I’m writing this at 4:30 pm, 2 hours after my ride ended, and the temperature is currently at 104.5F (40C). So I think it would be safe to assume that we were riding in at least 100-degree heat today. Funny thing, I don’t sweat on my face or head. My arms glisten, but I put that down to the sunscreen I put on at the beginning of the ride. But my jersey was very wet.
Also a curious situation, I don’t need to pee! Sorry, but need to add this feature to the blog, since I’m guessing it means something. I expected to need to use the bathroom regularly given all the liquids I’m drinking…but not at all! I just never get the urge. Any thoughts, anyone?
Oh, one other challenge for me today. My left pedal developed a loud clicking noise about half-way into the ride. I figure it’s come loose! Initially it wasn’t a problem but later in the ride, when I was sucking air an
d trying to stay focused, the clicking became annoying…and I began to count the clicks, which I didn’t want to do. Fortunately for me, after several miles I was able to ignore this distracting noise. I’ll definitely take it in to my bike-shop sponsor Bicycle Shack in Boerne for a tune-up.
I’m taking a break from training on Monday, I am very tired. Stephanie Gordon co-owner of Bicycle Shack is coming by my office to pickup the bike so she can affix my new, still in the box onboard computer. So she’ll need to keep the bike overnight and return it to me on Tuesday. Not sure what training I’ll do if any on Tuesday, though I did hear of an easy Tuesday ride from Bullis County Park…!
C ya on the road!
Read Pauline's story and support my fundraising in her memory.
What’s additionally pleasing is that the first day of the Valero Bike to the Beach takes twice today’s distance, and an entire day, to achieve an elevation of just a little more at 2,600 feet (792.48 m). So I’m definitely feeling an accomplishment.
However, adding to today’s series of firsts was the fact that I “bonked.” I was within about 2.5 miles of our destination and just couldn’t ride another step. Don’t get me wrong, I didn’t fall of my bike, or foam at the mouth or any worrisome things like that. My gas tank was just on “E.” I called out to my riding partner (coach and instructor Pete Templin aka Obi-Wan Kenobi), “That’s it mate, I can’t go any further!” We pulled over to a shaded area. I lent against the bike for support awaiting Pete’s completion of the ride and return with his truck to SAG me in.
I don’t see this as a defeat, rather a good realization of my limits this early in my training.
You may remember that I joined (and completed) a 22-mile Velo Valero ride out of Bullis Park on Wednesday. So when Pete mentioned on Saturday that he was going to lead a ride from that park Sunday, I called my mate and HOLT CAT team captain Bob Harwood, inviting him to join us. I rode with Bob and his team (30 miles) just yesterday. I told Bob that the route was relatively easy! While we were on the “relatively easy” route initially, the group paused at a point where a 46-mile route split off, up Spring Branch Road…the road from H-E-DOUBLE “L.” It was very, very tough. Sorry Bob!
I seemed to have found a “sweet spot-system” for the hills, though it’s a tad dangerous. I shift to the smallest of my 3 front rings, and the largest of my gears at the back. I grab the lowest part of my handlebars, tuck my head down looking at the road only (dangerous) and focus on just pushing the pedals around. I couldn’t care less where the top of the hill is, it’ll appear soon enough! I just conc
entrate on the cadence. It seemed to work on all but one hill today. I had to stop 2/3rds of the way up a hill on Spring Branch Road at a sign post for “Canterbury Road,” and walked about 200 yards up to where my riding “hammer-head” partners were waiting for me. I chuckled, Canterbury Road was where my sister Pauline, brother David and I grew up in Australia! Not sure what it all meant, but the sign-post was poignant reminder for me why I’m doing this training. I got a little chocked up as well!So, in the driveway of a very kind homeowner, we hung out for few minutes under a shade tree. I sucked down a second GU gel pack (Mint Chocolate, yummy), and continue the ride again. The road was just an endless series of hills, and even the flat was an subtle incline. Each time I exited a curve in the road, there was yet another hill greeting me, mentally challenging for this kid from Sydney!
At mile 27 I ran out of liquids. However, about 3 miles further on out popped a Valero gas station. Bob purchased two POWERades, on sale, one for each us. I poured the contents into my water bottle and what was left I downed it in seconds…it didn’t touch the sides. The lady at the cash register allowed us to re-fill our other water bottles from the facet behind the counter and ice from the cold drinks fountain.
It was the hottest conditions I’ve ridden in so far. The sun was constantly on my back and the wind was hot. I’m writing this at 4:30 pm, 2 hours after my ride ended, and the temperature is currently at 104.5F (40C). So I think it would be safe to assume that we were riding in at least 100-degree heat today. Funny thing, I don’t sweat on my face or head. My arms glisten, but I put that down to the sunscreen I put on at the beginning of the ride. But my jersey was very wet.
Also a curious situation, I don’t need to pee! Sorry, but need to add this feature to the blog, since I’m guessing it means something. I expected to need to use the bathroom regularly given all the liquids I’m drinking…but not at all! I just never get the urge. Any thoughts, anyone?
Oh, one other challenge for me today. My left pedal developed a loud clicking noise about half-way into the ride. I figure it’s come loose! Initially it wasn’t a problem but later in the ride, when I was sucking air an
d trying to stay focused, the clicking became annoying…and I began to count the clicks, which I didn’t want to do. Fortunately for me, after several miles I was able to ignore this distracting noise. I’ll definitely take it in to my bike-shop sponsor Bicycle Shack in Boerne for a tune-up.I’m taking a break from training on Monday, I am very tired. Stephanie Gordon co-owner of Bicycle Shack is coming by my office to pickup the bike so she can affix my new, still in the box onboard computer. So she’ll need to keep the bike overnight and return it to me on Tuesday. Not sure what training I’ll do if any on Tuesday, though I did hear of an easy Tuesday ride from Bullis County Park…!
C ya on the road!
Read Pauline's story and support my fundraising in her memory.
Saturday, August 2, 2008
Longest ride, aching muscles, Police bust...
Saturday morning saw me complete my longest ride yet, I believe it was about 36 miles (58 km for my family Down Under), at least according to riding partner Guy Clumpner’s bike computer! We started out at Leon Springs Elementary (8:00 am). We were originally supposed to leave from Starbucks across IH-10 from the school. A late night phone call corrected that…but I forgot to pass that on to my buddy Lisa Danembaum Shaw. She called me half-way through the ride: “Where are you?” And “Where were you?” Reminding me of our plans to hook up at Starbucks. She forgave me, but I felt bad. Sorry Lisa!
The route ended up in and around the back roads of Boerne. We backtracked for the route back to the start, hitting Scenic Loop and Boerne Stage Road. I’m renaming the city BURN-EE; my thighs were on fire on some of the hills…long, gradual hills. I seem to recall one of my riding partners letting out a statement, “Now you know what YOUR ride will feel like.” Reality check, I need more hills.
I appreciated the care given to me by all the HOLT CAT folks on the ride, but especially want to thank Neal Carmichael for hanging with me for much of the ride. A seasoned cyclist originally from Indianapolis, Neal helped me through some of the up-hill grind and the efficiencies of shifting quickly and correctly!
We arrived back at the start around 11:30 am. Like my ride on Wednesday, the heat was a challenge for me. I went through a bottle of POWERade, a bottle of water (each 22 ounces), and filled up at a Valero gas station with another 22 ounces of water. I had no liquids left on my bike at the finish, which I guess was a good thing, right?
One of the riders in the group suffered through 3 flats, while yet another had a flat at our turnaround point…this one saw Guy help change the flat, but as he ran his fingers around the inside of the tire, he sliced his finger open on the offending metal shaving that caused the flat. Nobody had a band aid, so he was leaking the red stuff for a while. It was a solid opportunity for me to learn the finer arts of changing flats…not sure I have that skill yet, though I could likely fumble through without an audience and I do have the supplies when it does occur for me! (Oh, no I don’t we used them to fix today's flats).
A Boerne Police Department cruiser stopped our group to educate us on the need to ride single file on city streets. I’m not sure that we hadn’t been doing that, but I guess someone had called in a complaint! Apparently, this isn’t an infrequent occurrence. The cop was nice enough about it. We made sure we complied for the rest of the trip, which was a good thing since he followed us for some distance…those darn criminals on bikes.
The roads for today’s rider were probably the busiest I’ve experienced so far on my bike. It’s an interesting perspective to see both driver impatience and also driver courtesy. A couple of intersections (controlled by stop signs) required a good deal of attention with increasing vehicle activity as the morning dragged on.
On the drive home I was feeling good, though a little back ache had me promising myself a hot bath at home. I took my bath. Ate lunch (boiled chicken and salad). And took an hour nap. (Hey I’m old as well as tired from the ride…) Anyway, I noticed that my pecs and triceps ached a good deal more than when I worked them out on Thursday. Curiously, my leg muscles haven’t complained once after the rides are over! The route today was quite bumpy, and longer than I’ve ridden before, so I’m guessing my muscles were just complaining about the excessive workout they received. Curiously, my leg muscles haven’t complained once after the rides are over!
When all’s said and done, I continue to feel good about my performance. Am I ready for the Valero Bike to the Beach? “No.” I am, however, looking forward to another 30-mile ride opportunity on Sunday to continue my preparation. This ride will start around 7 am, an hour earlier than today, so I’m hoping the heat will be less as a result (it's forecast tomorrow to be at 100 degrees F., or 38C for the folks in Oz). But I hear you all saying, “Tony, this is Texas…welcome to the summer!” Yeah, well I will remind you about a song by Alice Cooper, “Welcome to my nightmare…”
The route ended up in and around the back roads of Boerne. We backtracked for the route back to the start, hitting Scenic Loop and Boerne Stage Road. I’m renaming the city BURN-EE; my thighs were on fire on some of the hills…long, gradual hills. I seem to recall one of my riding partners letting out a statement, “Now you know what YOUR ride will feel like.” Reality check, I need more hills.
I appreciated the care given to me by all the HOLT CAT folks on the ride, but especially want to thank Neal Carmichael for hanging with me for much of the ride. A seasoned cyclist originally from Indianapolis, Neal helped me through some of the up-hill grind and the efficiencies of shifting quickly and correctly!
We arrived back at the start around 11:30 am. Like my ride on Wednesday, the heat was a challenge for me. I went through a bottle of POWERade, a bottle of water (each 22 ounces), and filled up at a Valero gas station with another 22 ounces of water. I had no liquids left on my bike at the finish, which I guess was a good thing, right?
One of the riders in the group suffered through 3 flats, while yet another had a flat at our turnaround point…this one saw Guy help change the flat, but as he ran his fingers around the inside of the tire, he sliced his finger open on the offending metal shaving that caused the flat. Nobody had a band aid, so he was leaking the red stuff for a while. It was a solid opportunity for me to learn the finer arts of changing flats…not sure I have that skill yet, though I could likely fumble through without an audience and I do have the supplies when it does occur for me! (Oh, no I don’t we used them to fix today's flats).
A Boerne Police Department cruiser stopped our group to educate us on the need to ride single file on city streets. I’m not sure that we hadn’t been doing that, but I guess someone had called in a complaint! Apparently, this isn’t an infrequent occurrence. The cop was nice enough about it. We made sure we complied for the rest of the trip, which was a good thing since he followed us for some distance…those darn criminals on bikes.
The roads for today’s rider were probably the busiest I’ve experienced so far on my bike. It’s an interesting perspective to see both driver impatience and also driver courtesy. A couple of intersections (controlled by stop signs) required a good deal of attention with increasing vehicle activity as the morning dragged on.
On the drive home I was feeling good, though a little back ache had me promising myself a hot bath at home. I took my bath. Ate lunch (boiled chicken and salad). And took an hour nap. (Hey I’m old as well as tired from the ride…) Anyway, I noticed that my pecs and triceps ached a good deal more than when I worked them out on Thursday. Curiously, my leg muscles haven’t complained once after the rides are over! The route today was quite bumpy, and longer than I’ve ridden before, so I’m guessing my muscles were just complaining about the excessive workout they received. Curiously, my leg muscles haven’t complained once after the rides are over!
When all’s said and done, I continue to feel good about my performance. Am I ready for the Valero Bike to the Beach? “No.” I am, however, looking forward to another 30-mile ride opportunity on Sunday to continue my preparation. This ride will start around 7 am, an hour earlier than today, so I’m hoping the heat will be less as a result (it's forecast tomorrow to be at 100 degrees F., or 38C for the folks in Oz). But I hear you all saying, “Tony, this is Texas…welcome to the summer!” Yeah, well I will remind you about a song by Alice Cooper, “Welcome to my nightmare…”
By my reckoning my bike and I have accumulated 127.35 miles together...still not yet the 160 miles of the the Bike to the Beach, but we're getting there, one mile at a time.
Friday, August 1, 2008
Want to promote your team jersey?
Want to give your team jersey some publicity? I will proudly wear your team jersey on an upcoming training ride (evening or early morning, or invite me to your training ride to hang with your team…I need the mileage), I’ll photograph the situation and post that photo on the event’s website. However, always looking for unique approaches to the mission of a world free of multiple sclerosis, and because I am fundraising for the Valero Bike to the Beach each jersey request will cost you a $50 donation to Pauline’s Last Hurrah. I’ll mail the jersey back to you, if you wish, washed and at my expense.
Contact me either (210 694-3222) or tralf@nmsslonestar.org
Alas, I can only do this in the San Antonio area, sorry, but I have barely 9 weeks of training left before the “big show” Oct. 4-5.
You can't beat that with a stick...!
Read Pauline's story and support my fundraising in her memory.
Contact me either (210 694-3222) or tralf@nmsslonestar.org
Alas, I can only do this in the San Antonio area, sorry, but I have barely 9 weeks of training left before the “big show” Oct. 4-5.
You can't beat that with a stick...!
Read Pauline's story and support my fundraising in her memory.
Gym work, slight pumped swagger and weekend rides
Hit the gym for some upper body work at the end of the day. Ouch, I’m not getting any younger, and I ache like a son-of-a-gun! But it hurts so good, right? Pecs, delts, traps, biceps and triceps. But that pumped-up feeling after the workout was kinda cool, and the muscles were hard. So I took off my t-shirt and strolled back to my truck wearing my sleeveless shirt and a slight swagger in my step…”Hey, if you’ve got ‘em, show ‘em!”
Slept like a baby Thursday night, thanks to the workout and oh yeah, (shhh) the two beers I drank in my neighbors driveway!
Friday morning, bounced out of bed at 6 am, hit the neighborhood for 15 miles. “Howdy” to all the neighbors. Exchanging a few “passing” words with a couple of them now, joggers and a lady pushing her baby in a stroller. No, DeAnna, no monster cat today!
Also, I might be new to riding, but I’m not slow in learning the best approach, nor am I reluctant to take advice. As a result, I am pushing myself to use the more efficient bigger ring as often as possible. I noticed how much smoother the pedal stroke was, and how much further you can travel with a little less exertion.
The 15 miles went by quickly, which I think took about 65 minutes. Which makes me feel good, since I seem to have picked up some mileage with little loss of time! By my calculations, my mileage is now up at 91.35 miles since starting my riding last Saturday. So, it’s taken me 6 days to accomplish the mileage of 1 day for the Valero Bike to the Beach…! Er, gonna have to do something about that...
Had intended hitting the gym again today (Friday), but computer system problems at the office saw me and my colleagues staying later than I had planned. And there were some “honey do” things I had to take care of.
SATURD
AY: I’ll be out and about in the MS Society’s Toyota Tundra, which is covered in bright graphics promoting the Valero Bike to the Beach, over the weekend so look for me and say “hi.” I’m riding out of Leon Springs Saturday (8 a.m. wheels down) at the elementary school near Rudy’s BBQ. Riding to Boerne with the HOLT CAT team and captain Bob Harwood. I’ll be wearing HOLT colors, so look for me in the yellow and red jersey. This could be my toughest ride yet, especially if we hit Toutant Beauregard Road…the up-hill direction!
Also working with my buddy, my first coach Pete Templin, to ride Sunday. Possibly out of Bullis County Park. Remember, that was my Wednesday ride, and my first experience of rolling hills. I’ll be wearing my Team Qantas jersey on Sunday.
If you want me to wear your team’s jersey, I’ll take a photo to send back to you (and return the jersey if you want (washed), contact me (tralf@nmsslonestar.org). However, I’m fundraising, so it’ll cost you a $50- per-jersey donation to Pauline’s Last Hurrah.
C ya on the road…!
Read Pauline's story and support my fundraising in her memory.
Slept like a baby Thursday night, thanks to the workout and oh yeah, (shhh) the two beers I drank in my neighbors driveway!
Friday morning, bounced out of bed at 6 am, hit the neighborhood for 15 miles. “Howdy” to all the neighbors. Exchanging a few “passing” words with a couple of them now, joggers and a lady pushing her baby in a stroller. No, DeAnna, no monster cat today!
Also, I might be new to riding, but I’m not slow in learning the best approach, nor am I reluctant to take advice. As a result, I am pushing myself to use the more efficient bigger ring as often as possible. I noticed how much smoother the pedal stroke was, and how much further you can travel with a little less exertion.
The 15 miles went by quickly, which I think took about 65 minutes. Which makes me feel good, since I seem to have picked up some mileage with little loss of time! By my calculations, my mileage is now up at 91.35 miles since starting my riding last Saturday. So, it’s taken me 6 days to accomplish the mileage of 1 day for the Valero Bike to the Beach…! Er, gonna have to do something about that...
Had intended hitting the gym again today (Friday), but computer system problems at the office saw me and my colleagues staying later than I had planned. And there were some “honey do” things I had to take care of.
SATURD
AY: I’ll be out and about in the MS Society’s Toyota Tundra, which is covered in bright graphics promoting the Valero Bike to the Beach, over the weekend so look for me and say “hi.” I’m riding out of Leon Springs Saturday (8 a.m. wheels down) at the elementary school near Rudy’s BBQ. Riding to Boerne with the HOLT CAT team and captain Bob Harwood. I’ll be wearing HOLT colors, so look for me in the yellow and red jersey. This could be my toughest ride yet, especially if we hit Toutant Beauregard Road…the up-hill direction!Also working with my buddy, my first coach Pete Templin, to ride Sunday. Possibly out of Bullis County Park. Remember, that was my Wednesday ride, and my first experience of rolling hills. I’ll be wearing my Team Qantas jersey on Sunday.
If you want me to wear your team’s jersey, I’ll take a photo to send back to you (and return the jersey if you want (washed), contact me (tralf@nmsslonestar.org). However, I’m fundraising, so it’ll cost you a $50- per-jersey donation to Pauline’s Last Hurrah.
C ya on the road…!
Read Pauline's story and support my fundraising in her memory.
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