Nice ride

Today we had a nice ride. Spin and grin as we like to call it. My legs feel much better than they did at this time yesterday.

Really looking forward to this weekend in Big D. Called the bros and everything will be set up. should be a good time.

Second Jazzfest weekend

Today starts the second weekend of Jazzfest for 2005. We are having beautiful weather for it also. Last weekend was absolutely gorgeous, but sad to say I won't be attending again. I have a trip planned for the weekend to Big D to see my little bros. We are all getting together to have some fun. Should be a good time.

As for the ride today, it was great. Nice weather, good group, no flats, legs tired... couldn't have asked for anything better. The wind was not bad today so we kept it around 23-24 for the entire ride. Everyone was taking longer pulls today so it was much easier within the paceline. Randy is a great wheel to be on, eventhough he is the smallest guy out there. He is steady and doesn't make any sudden moves from side to side. I could have fallen asleep behind him today, we were so steady. Great ride, just hope I can stay awake later on today. The coffee mug is looking tempting.

Why I love to ride

Today was a day that confirmed most of the reasons why I love to ride. Didn't start out to be that great of a day. The weather was definitely not cooperating last night and I was expecting it to be uncooperative this morning. Cash woke me at 1:00 am for who knows what, but I couldn't get back to sleep for the next 2 hours. I was then awoken at 5:00am for another Cash encounter. Pushed him aside for hopefully another 20 minutes of bliss. 45 minutes later I got up. And as usual I was late for the early ride today.

All ready feeling the effects of an unrestful night I decided to head out at the normal time and ride back with the group from the normal turnaround. I expected the roads to be wet and I would eventually get a flat. Well the roads were fairly dry and I didn't get a flat. Amazing! I made decent time up to the levee despite all the traffic this morning, just to face a nice headwind all the way out. By the time I had reached the golf course about 9 miles into the ride I was just trying to maintain 20-21. It was tough but I was glad I was out and the pollen had been knocked down from the rain last night. It felt great to take deep breaths without hacking up a lung. My nose was still runny, but that seems to be an everyday nuisance. Nothing to get my panties in a wad over, so I just kept chuggin' away.

I made it to the normal turnaround in pretty good time and there was no sign of the group. Let's keep going. Just chuggin' away at 20-21 into that headwind. Boy is this going to feel good when I turnaround. Legs are aching, heart is pounding, and my chest is hurting from breathing hard. I make it all the way to the dip, another 4 miles from the normal turn and no sign of them. Just as I am heading down the hill I see them coming. All right, I am going to get an extra 8 miles in and get towed home. Screw getting towed, I am going to play the game.

As I turnaround I drop a gear or two and begin to pick it up. Only 5 guys in the group and I make it 6. Just right for a swift paceline, and swift it was. With the tailwind and everyone working well together, I couldn't have asked for a better morning of riding. We maintained 27-30 the entire way back. Nothing like feeling strong at 30 mph and being able to hold that pace. The group was fantastic. We all took decent pulls and no one complained or wavered or disrupted the pace. I really enjoy riding in a paceline where everyone knows what they are doing and all are working together. Nothing like teamwork. Nothing like feeling your lungs burn and you keep asking for more. Nothing like your legs aching and you keep asking for more. Nothing like eating dirt from someone elses tires. Nothing like feeling the air rushing by you. Nothing like going fast. This may sound sadistic, but all in all, I think it's fun!

Spinnin'...

What a difference a day and an easy ride can make. My legs feel wonderful. I believe my fitness is coming back around. Another week of just riding then I will start to run. I have been trying to figure out when I will run, how to find the time?

That is another day. Looking forward to visiting with my parents this weekend. Got some work to do out there and some R and R. I hope the fish are still biting. Can't wait to hook a biggen'.

Catherine is off to see her brother, his wife and their new son. His christening is this weekend and C will be the godmother. I know she will have a great time, just got to make it through those flights and she will be all right.

Stairs hurt

Made it to the early ride again this week. Got to the meeting area before anyone else and couldn't believe I was that late. So I rolled through and met up with Jeff coming the other way a mile down the road. Thankful I hadn't missed the group.

The ride turned out to be pretty smooth through out, just pretty fast and boy do my legs feel it. The stairs in our building have become mountains. I believe going down is worse than climbing. Having to use the handrails on the way down makes me feel very old. I know I am not going to hurt myself this much tomorrow. Only one more day this week, so just get the miles in.

Even though I am hurting, I wouldn't change it.

Early breakfast

Left earlier than normal for a wednesday morning ride so I could get back for an early breakfast. Nice morning. Little wind and no one around. I actually met up with Realdo. He also had to get home early. Nice company. Great bike that was given to him when he left his team in Europe. Said he couldn't have bought it himself. We chatted until I turned around before he did and headed home. Did a little time trial work for the triatholon and passed the normal group on their way out. Nice to spin and let my legs rest a little. Tomorrow is an early day and hopefully I can find out where Waldo has been.

Where's Waldo

Crazy ride this morning. Finally made it to the early ride for a tuesday. Some of the big guns were missing but that didn't change much. Small attack early, but it was easily gobbled up. Should have let them cook out there a while but everyone was itchy.

Got in the game and had some fun. We were taking about two sign pulls, with a slight tailwind. As we approached the dip for the pipes at IMTT, I thought there may be a break but everyone was pretty safe. On the rise a guy's rear wheel locked up and sent everyone everywhere. Never seen someone skid uphill. Never found out what happened but we didn't see him on the way back so I guess he fixed it. We waited around a few minutes and Todd snuck off. Donald and Russell were giving chase. Got in a small group with Randy and two others. Randy did a great pull and got us to within striking distance. Another guy took over and pulled us up to Donald. I got in behind Russell. Donald just kept it cranking and caught Todd just before we got to the turnaround. Awesome! We were up around 26 for a few miles. Donald then motioned us to overtake Todd, but I didn't want to mess with his work. It was impressive.

We made the turnaround and noticed the wind had picked up considerably. I was on the front with Donald and decided to take a backseat for a while. Much shorter pulls will be taken on the way back. We all regrouped under the Lulling Bridge and began to pick it up. It was pretty civil for the next 8 miles then the screws were cranked down. We picked up a few late comers, Realdo being one. This guy is so smooth. We were going about 24 and he picked it up for the next half mile so gradually that we were around 28 when he pulled off. My shest was hurting at this point. The wind was playing havock with me. Couldn't figure out which side we should pull off to. When we passed Florida Ave. I asked what had happened to a few of the guys. No one knew. Oh well, I guess we will find out later.

Pulls started to get shorter and shorter, mine especially. Once I got to the front I would just pull through. Happy to float to the back. Almost didn't get back on after my last pull. Shut down and still no one knew where the others were. So I decided to head back and check it out. Got about two miles down the road and saw three of them. Turned around and pulled them back to our normal ending area.

What happened to John? These guys waited for John who was at the turnaround, but didn't end up with the lead group. I still don't know what happened to him. But we handed a tube to Courtney as she was heading out. We don't know if he got a flat or something else broke. I guess we will find out tomorrow. Where are you Waldo?

Ho hum monday

Just out for a normal monday spin, of course I was late for the group. I actually caught them just before Florida Avenue after being 10 minutes late. They were riding slow. Many of them had gone to Jackson for the races this weekend. So we took it easy.

One of the guys flatted just before the turn around. I went back to help him out. Got tired of his bumbling around and fixed it for him. Nice piece of a radial tire in his tire. Nearly sliced my finger when I checked it. Needed to get going so got on the front and picked the pace up. We were still not going very fast. Easy to carry on a conversation. All in all a decent monday ride. Now tomorrow will be a different story, just hope the rain holds off.

Get your kicks on Route

66 miler today. What wonderful weather we are having. Met David, Richard and Bob at the Zoo and off we went. Had a nice ride out to Ormond with a slight headwind. Richard kept up his "Sergio" reputation and dropped Bob a few times. I would drop back along with David to help him out. When we were approaching Ormond we picked up Taylor. Made the turn around and seemed to still have pretty much a head wind. Am I imagining things or does the levee seem to produce a head wind no matter what direction you are going?

We set a steady pace until Richard got on the front and did his usual surge. David and I dropped back to help out Bob and Taylor. Once we got everyone back together, Bob got smart. He kept David and I in the front and we just kept switching off for the next 12 miles. Each pulling for a mile or so. We just kept a steady pace around 20-21. Richard had enough as we were approaching the golf course and moved up. Once he got to pull he did his usual surge and David and I stuck with him. We rotated around a couple of times and when Richard took his last pull near the helipads I surged and David followed, dropping Richard and hopefully teaching him a lesson.

We kept the pace up until the hospital just to make sure Richard would get the picture. Lessons told but probably did not sink in. We eased up and soft pedalled to the dog levee. I decided to turn back around and rode with Taylor back to Florida Ave. Had a decent tailwind but we rode fairly easy and shot the shit. I checked the time and decided I needed to pick it up and get home. By this time my knee was hurting and it was hard to keep a good rhythm. I did my best and felt great getting back. I was surprised at how refreshed I felt. I had not riden that far in probably over a year. I really hope to do this more often. Looking forward to long rides, especially if I have a great tailwind.

Tax day ride

Beautiful day. Got to the meeting area on time and no one was around. Am I on time? Just keep on going. Easy day anyway. As I approached the stables I saw Justin heading toward me. Not late, someone is here. He turned around and we headed out for the normal ride. Nice easy pace, just resting our legs for the weekend. I will be doing a long ride tomorrow and Justin is racing in Jackson this weekend. Good luck to him.
We talked about taxes and wondered how people actually do it. Seems like every year the government takes more out of me on this day. Justin can take up to 9 deductions. I have a measly 2, but I wonder about putting the dogs as deductions. They are dependents. I guess 4 legged creatures are just not that important during tax season.
Anyway looking forward to a pretty relaxing day at work. Not much going on. Waiting on others before I can actually do somethings. Thinking about the nice weather and the ride to the Spillway tomorrow, good 54 miles or so. Then across the lake to check out some properties in Madisonville. Should be a great weekend.

Squirrelly J

Got up in time to meet the group for the early ride, but of course I still ended up being late. So I decided to meet them on the return. as I approached the stables I noticed a flashing red light up ahead on the levee. There they are and they are not going hard, yet. So I shift down a few gears and assume the time trial position and hopefully can last long enough to catch them. Doing well so far. After about a mile I have closed the gap to about 100 meters and psst...psst...psst...Fudge! Flat tire again. I decide to give what I have left and get to the group. Thank goodness Jeff took a look back and had everyone slow. I almost crashed into them as I said I have a flat.
Robin was quick to assist. I have no problem with that, since this is what he really enjoys to do and he does a great job. After checking everything out with my wheel and replacing the tube we were off. I noticed it was a small group. Good, no one should be out hammering away since my thighs have been screaming at me from the two previous days. We had a very civil ride out. We all took about two sign pulls and then peel off to the back. A nice clip at about 23-24.
When we turned there was a nice head/cross wind and it was blowing pretty hard. I had to stand on the pedals just to catch up to everyone before I lost them. Ended up at the back of the pack and behind the one guy that seems to always be in a group that just can't seem to keep things flowing. We will deem this guy "Squirrelly J". To make matters worse the eschelon left no room for me to get any relief or very little from time to time, since the levee is only about 7 to 8 feet wide. So I am the odd man out just trying to hang on and my thighs are burning from the two previous solo days in the wind.
Well "Squirrelly J" made me concentrate so hard on trying not to crash off the edge that I didn't think much about my legs. Constant yoyo effect with severe side to side movement. I know he has been told about this many times but it just doesn't sink in. Well it is good test of patience and I know before we finish the ride a few guys will drop off for home.
Thankful for three of them to go, I finally had room in the eschelon. Greatful for the job Donald and Luke did for us on the way home, since they pulled the entire time at about 23-24. I am not going to mess with someone elses workout. I needed that time at the back to spin and clean out some of the lactic acid that had pooled from the previous days. I just hope I can stay clear of "Squirrelly J" on future rides.

Early riser

Riley got itchy this morning around 5:20, so instead of listening to his collar make noise I decided to get the boys up and take them for a walk. Since I was up so early I decided to take a quick ride because I needed to be at work early today to go out in the field. A little cooler than it has been but no wind.

Used my tail light this morning. Haven't done that in a while, but I haven't been riding before 6 either. Today was going to be a day of just trying to maintain an even pace, but utilize different gear ratios. Well didn't stick to that game plan. Just ended up pounding the pedals to maintain 20. Legs are a little tired. Those few days off hurt and I know tomorrow will hurt. I am going to try and make it to the early ride so I can really hurt myself. Love that pain.

Windy...

Had to leave work early and get in a ride. Felt very sluggish this morning but the day was just too nice to pass up for a bike ride. So I got home around 3:30 and changed quickly and set out for a quick 25 miler. As I was riding to the levee I should have put on some sunglasses. The wind was just kicking everything up and I must have rubbed my eyes raw with all the dust and pollen that has been airlifted.

Finally made it to the levee and headwind city. This is going to be a gruelling ride. And sure enough, it was. My legs were aching the entire ride. I thought I would get a break when I turned around, uh uhn. The wind was unpredictable, but seemed to be mostly coming off the river. No relief there since the levee runs parallel. Should have gotten up early.

Rain on standby

4:20 and all hell seems to be breaking loose outside. Lightning and thunder. I thought it was pouring out. Well looks like no need to get up early since it's going to be wet. So I roll over and continue dreaming of sunny days.

6:00 can't sleep any longer so time to take the dogs for a walk. Had a hard time getting Cash up from his eventful weekend. Walk outside and it is bone dry, no rain. What's up with this? Let's hurry up guys so I can get a ride in before the rain comes.

Finally riding about 6:35 only 15 minutes late. Nice little tailwind to start but that only means headwind returning. Nothing new here. I should meet someone on the return trip around Florida Ave. Going pretty good on the way out no one in sight. It was deserted up there. I'm not complaining but it is nice to see others sometimes. Well I get to where I thought I would meet someone but no one there. So on I go, past Williams and over the bridge and finally see two people heading my way. Almost made the normal ride.

Robin and a new guy Jeremy are heading my way, so I turn around with them and we had a nice ride back. The wind wasn't bad and we kept the conversation lively. Got home at a decent time and was glad I didn't end up getting soaked. The front is just west of us and I have a feeling I may get wet on my commute home. I guess the you can't avoid getting wet everyday.

Ridin' with Serge

5:55, late again. Quick walk for the doggies and off on the bike. Thursday is an early ride since we go further. It is also fast. I knew I wouldn't mee the group at the meeting area so I decided to try and meet them at the normal turnaround. I am all ready leaving 10 minutes after they have met and it takes me 15 minutes just to get there. Now I am down 25 and they are going to have at least 5 guys that can really motor. Time trial...

So riding to the meeting area is used for warm-up. As I approach the meeting area there is a large congregation of Entergy vehicles, and they are all parked on the levee. Not going to get them to move so off in the grass. Back on the levee after a minute and psst...psst...psst.. Crap! Flat tire. Now I have something else to worry about, only been riding 20 minutes and I am using my spare. I find the piece of rock embedded in my tire and use my last CO2 cartridge. I hope I don't get another flat since I am on the way out. Letting faith take its course.

Now I am looking for anything that may cause a flat. Enough of that, there is a nasty headwind I am facing alone. No help. So down on the bars, well no time trial bars just resting my forearms on top of the handlebars. Uugh, my legs are tired from yesterday. Just trying to maintain 20. I am doing pretty well but it's another 10 miles to the normal turnaround. I keep repeating to myself, just do circles and keep your rpms up.

Finally get the to the turnaround an I have beaten the group on their return trip. Bonus time before I turn around with the group. Not long and here they come... FAST! I make my u-turn and what a relief, tailwind. Or is it? They catch me and as the group begins to go by not many are saying much. This is fast. So I am looking for a place in the line and no one will let me in. Nice. I end up at the tail behind Justin. He didn't even know where I had come from. I think he may have been a little cross-eyed at that point.

All of a sudden I am jammin' on the pedals. Surge #1 for me and probably the 20th for the rest. I missed a hard one. It's not over yet. 30 seconds of really hard riding and then I am coasting. Maybe this isn't so bad. Then I am jammin' on the pedals again. Coasting. Jamming. This goes on for the next 10 miles and then the group begins to disintegrate. Guys in the middle of the pack are dropping back and guys in the back begin to pass. People everywhere and we haven't much room to manuver. I move through the group picking the safest line I can. Not much left in my tank but was glad I could keep up.

We finally shut it down and catch our breath for the next mile. Hard but fun. Found out we got up to 32 and I am sure we were around 27-28 for most of it. My speedomoter read 0. Need to fix that. I will be looking forward to riding with Sergio again next week. Always nice to hurt your self.

Tailwinds appreciated

Riley was anxious to get up this morning, so no need for the alarm clock. Nice and warm this morning, but very windy. Got ready pretty quickly and started out for the meeting place near Oak st. Boy this is easy, nice tailwind, actually great way to warm up before things get crazy on the levee. got to the meeting place and noone was around, I can't be that late. Saw a few guys up the road and they were going easy, just to see if any late comers, me. Randy actually showed up after me and we chatted a bit about cleaning the headset on my bike. It's feeling kind of gritty. I hope all it needs is a cleaning. I think I am up for the challenge.

Great tailwind going out. Everyone got a turn at the front 24-25. Made the turnaround and thought oh man headwind returning. Not exactly so. We had more of a cross wind and a true head wind just after Florida Ave until the small bridge before the golf course. Then a cross wind. We actually were going about 24 most of the way back. Surprised at how fast we got home, except for the train that decided to stop before David and I could cross. While waiting I heard about his skiing adventure and how sore he was. I guess cycling doesn't prepare you for everything. Just makes me look forward to starting to train for the running part of the triatholon.

Paceline rotation

Hard time getting up before the sunrise again. Tried to make it out there for the early long ride but just couldn't get up soon enough. Darkness is too inviting for sleep. Finally got up and hoped that the weather and wind would cooperate. Nice morning with little wind and cool enough for me to wear long sleeves. After taking the boys for their morning ritual, set out for the ride. I was glad to warm up quickly since I felt a chill this morning. Knew I would miss the group and catch them on the return. Set out at a moderate pace and just maintained tempo 20-21 trying different gear ratios to change things up a bit. Passed the normal turn around feeling pretty good and was wondering if I had a tail wind or head wind. I thought it was a head wind until I turned around, no wonder I felt so good. Saw Luke out ahead of the bunch and turned with him so I could catch up on the skiing scoop. Sounds like the guys played hard, but isn't that what life is all about. We talked for a bit until the group caught up. I then started jabbering away with others in the group and was surprised of the pace, civil. This is great! After a while the pace began to pick up and a rotation started at the front. Got in the game and had a great time. I really enjoy a swift paceline just pulling off as soon as you get to the front. I kept thinking we were pulling over to the wrong side but that didn't matter too much until the end when I got tired and less guys were working in the group. Oh well got my heartrate up and hurt my lungs, but it is all good.

Sleepy monday

Long friday night... Had a great time at the Sweetart's ball but got home very late. This in turn lead to a unrestful weekend. With the time change and all it was difficult to get up this morning before the sun rise. Finally got out on the bike after not riding all weekend. Kind of bummed about that since the weather was beautiful. Oh well ended up doing the normal ride alone. Saw Eddie and Randy out there and they also were alone. Looks like the time change has gotten to everyone. Kept a nice pace for the ride, 19-20 just trying to spin my legs and breath normally while thoughts of the triatholon going through my head. Lots of time to train but it will be here sooner than you know.
The house... curb appeal is getting much better, added grass to the area where the concrete was removed, painted the porch and steps and added some slate tile to the walk from the gate to the steps. Looks pretty good. You can really appreciate doing things on your own, even if they don't look professional.

Foolish friday

YO! Ready for the weekend and hopefully some dry weather. As it looks it will be very windy, therefore looking for some bodies to draft behind and take some turns at the front.
Had our supper club last night. Mexican. Yummy. I really pigged out, as usual. Free food... can't pass it up. We had a delicious chicken soup, quesadillas, shrimp salad, jalapeno cornbread, brownies and of course wine. Should be know as a wine club. Everything went well and we were all full at the end.
Tonight is the Sweetart's Ball. Catherine and I will be volunteer photographers for the event so we can get in for free. There's my favorite word again. Should be a blast as we get to see some of the local schnawbee's throw it down. We will have to get some photo's of this.