I was ready for a steady fast ride this morning. Well that didn't happen. Surge here, bridge up there, catch your breath, attack and bridge. No rhythm today, just yoyo riding. that just hurts.
I was feeling it as we were about to turn around and eased up. I soft pedalled to the end, which was a mistake. I almost missed the boat for the return. As I dropped down and hit 27 to catch the group as they were passing under the Luling bridge. That hurt and we were going 24 for a little while. As I was talking with Matt we had a gap form and we had to hit it again to catch up. A small group of 3 went off the front and the rest continued at a reasonable pace. Then Paul jumped and I went with him. I was at 33 and still couldn't catch his wheel then as he caught the three he looks back at me and says "Just wanted to see if I could catch them". Crap a gap opened again and I had no gas left. The group then swallowed me up and hit the gas. As I was looking for somewhere to hide a few of the sitters wanted me in front of them. So I am out of the saddle trying to latch on again. By this time I am sweating buckets and am all over my bike. I had a bad feeling about what was coming. Sure enough more surges and then I was done with 8 miles to go. Uugh! Thankfully a few others were also and we made it back at a much easier pace.
Now I know to be more aware of what's going on and less worried about keeping the pace high. Sit in if I have to and be patient. I just may take a nap today at work. Always a good place to get some rest. HA!
Thursday, June 30, 2005
Wednesday, June 29, 2005
Wet without rain
It's so humid now that your wet and it isn't even raining. Steamy and sticky can wrap up how the weather is down here now. We are in for a nasty summer, as usual.
Just a short jaunt today, 20. Got home early to take care of some chores before our party saturday. The wife has gone loopy and has me doing crazy chores around the house so everything will look perfect. Too perfect if you ask me. Got to show some faults to others or they don't think your real. Anyway it's number 40 for me and should be a good time. Looking forward to that first cold beer.
Just a short jaunt today, 20. Got home early to take care of some chores before our party saturday. The wife has gone loopy and has me doing crazy chores around the house so everything will look perfect. Too perfect if you ask me. Got to show some faults to others or they don't think your real. Anyway it's number 40 for me and should be a good time. Looking forward to that first cold beer.
Tuesday, June 28, 2005
Wet with sweat
Didn't feel so hot this morning, but I was soaked to the bone after the ride. We encountered two flats, someone running off the road and a 10 mph crash. All in all still a good time. It maybe time to spilt the group up somewhat for safety reasons, especially on tuesdays. There seems to be alot of people showing up and most are just ones that want to hangon for a fast ride. If they get in the rotation they end up pushing themselves too much and make it dangerous for everyone else. I think I will try to get some to ride earlier perhaps and see what happens.
Getting back to the ride, the flat tires were times to really get the sweat going. As you stop by the roadside and your body has no other means to cool you but the sweat from your pores, it just comes out in buckets. When you are moving it doesn't seem so bad but I am sure I sweat just as much. The legs were spasing earlier today at work. I think I have finally caught up in my liquid consumption, but will continue to pore them down my throat throughout the evening.
I didn't see the guy get run off the road but it is in a bad area that many don't know how to handle. There is a short descent with a shicane at the bottom. The first corner has a small rise in it. The leaders need to be aware of the group and push through quickly then ease up some to let the rest come through unscathed. Well this doesn't seem to ever happen and today this guy got caught in the wrong place and had no where else to go but in the grass. He then got left behind as half the group sat up but the leaders kept on going. We had a hard chase after the gap had grown, but managed to latch on before things got to out of hand. Lot's of up and down surging so I am feeling kind of tired. The wife wants to run later this evening, so if we do I may not ride tomorrow to catch up on some zzzzsss.
Getting back to the ride, the flat tires were times to really get the sweat going. As you stop by the roadside and your body has no other means to cool you but the sweat from your pores, it just comes out in buckets. When you are moving it doesn't seem so bad but I am sure I sweat just as much. The legs were spasing earlier today at work. I think I have finally caught up in my liquid consumption, but will continue to pore them down my throat throughout the evening.
I didn't see the guy get run off the road but it is in a bad area that many don't know how to handle. There is a short descent with a shicane at the bottom. The first corner has a small rise in it. The leaders need to be aware of the group and push through quickly then ease up some to let the rest come through unscathed. Well this doesn't seem to ever happen and today this guy got caught in the wrong place and had no where else to go but in the grass. He then got left behind as half the group sat up but the leaders kept on going. We had a hard chase after the gap had grown, but managed to latch on before things got to out of hand. Lot's of up and down surging so I am feeling kind of tired. The wife wants to run later this evening, so if we do I may not ride tomorrow to catch up on some zzzzsss.
Monday, June 27, 2005
Yawn
The eyelids were heavy this morning and have been for the last few days. Can't seem to get enough rest even when I am not doing anything. I am thinking it is my diet. I have lost some weight and now I think I need to be eating before all workouts and not just before the long ones.
We had a small group today and set out at a nice easy pace, no faster than 20. Perfect. I almost feel asleep at the back of the group. The road was mesmerrizing and a few times my eyelids did close as if I was to drift off in slumber. That changed on the way back. Noone was interested in heading home quickly so I went to the front and started doing 20. After a while I decided to let the next guy have a turn. He kept it at 20 to 21 and was slowly catching two tri guys that had gone around us. They went hard for a minute or two but we were slowly gaining back on them. Then John got to the front and he decided that we had to catch them. I just continued with my pace of 20 to 21 and let him go. He drifted back thinking we were having a hard time. Nah, go ahead.
He picked it up again and passed the two guys. We were still gaining on them and finally passed them a few minutes later and John had quit. So I decided to jump. I was at 26 for about half a mile and David came around me. I didn't think he felt like going hard but was glad to see him there. John had latched on also. Shortly after David came around he pulled off and then John quit, again. Pissed me off, so I took off and left everyone. I kept it around 25 to 26 for then next mile and got myself in a little oxygen debt but the ride was over. I stopped at the playground and spoke with Robin about a headset issue then softpeddaled with Joe the rest of the way home. I thought I was teaching someone a lesson today, but I instead taught myself to stick to my own gameplan of easy monday.
We had a small group today and set out at a nice easy pace, no faster than 20. Perfect. I almost feel asleep at the back of the group. The road was mesmerrizing and a few times my eyelids did close as if I was to drift off in slumber. That changed on the way back. Noone was interested in heading home quickly so I went to the front and started doing 20. After a while I decided to let the next guy have a turn. He kept it at 20 to 21 and was slowly catching two tri guys that had gone around us. They went hard for a minute or two but we were slowly gaining back on them. Then John got to the front and he decided that we had to catch them. I just continued with my pace of 20 to 21 and let him go. He drifted back thinking we were having a hard time. Nah, go ahead.
He picked it up again and passed the two guys. We were still gaining on them and finally passed them a few minutes later and John had quit. So I decided to jump. I was at 26 for about half a mile and David came around me. I didn't think he felt like going hard but was glad to see him there. John had latched on also. Shortly after David came around he pulled off and then John quit, again. Pissed me off, so I took off and left everyone. I kept it around 25 to 26 for then next mile and got myself in a little oxygen debt but the ride was over. I stopped at the playground and spoke with Robin about a headset issue then softpeddaled with Joe the rest of the way home. I thought I was teaching someone a lesson today, but I instead taught myself to stick to my own gameplan of easy monday.
Thursday, June 23, 2005
5 years
Today marks the 5th anniversary of Catherine and my marriage. We have had some bumpy rides, but we also have had some great times. I love this woman more and more each day. It has been a slow process of understanding each others quirks, but I enjoy seeing things continue to progress toward a better union of our marriage. I believe that she thinks I am off the deep end every now and then, and she is probably right, but I can always count on her to bring me back to reality. Without her I would be lost. I am always greatful for the time we share and will share. I love you Cat.
Tuesday, June 21, 2005
Only the first day of summer
Well I think summer arrived a month ago here in the Crescent City. It has been hot and will be for the next 3 months. Riding has been great with the addition of the new, used, Litespeed. I rode my first Giro on sunday in about two years. Had a great time! Ended up with 63 miles for the day then headed out to see the parents with the doggies.
The boyz always have a great time there and so do I. Only one problem was that Riley wouldn't rest and I ended up with very little sleep. So I was pretty tired yesterday and I believe it has continued today.
Got to visit with Wuzzer last night. Hadn't seen him or chatted for over a year. We had a good visit at the Bulldog whilst Tulane got their butt's kicked by Texas at the College World Series. I hope they can turn it around but they have a long rode to go.
Catherine and my 5th year anniversary is approaching. We celebrated at the Pelican Club in town this past saturday. Great food, service and atmosphere. It also helps to know the chef. Richard really did it up for us and I am very thankful for his hospitality. I hope I can return the favor in the future.
The boyz always have a great time there and so do I. Only one problem was that Riley wouldn't rest and I ended up with very little sleep. So I was pretty tired yesterday and I believe it has continued today.
Got to visit with Wuzzer last night. Hadn't seen him or chatted for over a year. We had a good visit at the Bulldog whilst Tulane got their butt's kicked by Texas at the College World Series. I hope they can turn it around but they have a long rode to go.
Catherine and my 5th year anniversary is approaching. We celebrated at the Pelican Club in town this past saturday. Great food, service and atmosphere. It also helps to know the chef. Richard really did it up for us and I am very thankful for his hospitality. I hope I can return the favor in the future.
Thursday, June 16, 2005
Is it really a day off
Went running yesterday morning instead of the normal ride, is that really a day off? We have to be having record highs. I only ran 4 miles and had swimming pools in my shoes when I was done.
Today we had a nice ride that was pretty swift. Had a few that sat at the front but wouldn't do much work until someone from 4 or 5 back would come around them, me. I did alot of work today at the front. It was fun but it did hurt occasionally. I had been wondering when I would feel better on the bike since getting back from our vacation. We ranged from 22-30 mph for the entire ride. A little to eratic for most and I think it took it's toll. We unfortunately had someone crash near the end of the ride. One guy just killed himself at the front then pulled off and quit and dropped like a stone. Others were coming fast and ended up hitting brakes which lead to a near pile up. Well one guy went down and looks like he broke his collarbone. Ouch! I only know this because I had stopped to change some tires at Robin's vehicle and the followers gave us the report. I hope he is all right and can get back up on the bike soon.
Today we had a nice ride that was pretty swift. Had a few that sat at the front but wouldn't do much work until someone from 4 or 5 back would come around them, me. I did alot of work today at the front. It was fun but it did hurt occasionally. I had been wondering when I would feel better on the bike since getting back from our vacation. We ranged from 22-30 mph for the entire ride. A little to eratic for most and I think it took it's toll. We unfortunately had someone crash near the end of the ride. One guy just killed himself at the front then pulled off and quit and dropped like a stone. Others were coming fast and ended up hitting brakes which lead to a near pile up. Well one guy went down and looks like he broke his collarbone. Ouch! I only know this because I had stopped to change some tires at Robin's vehicle and the followers gave us the report. I hope he is all right and can get back up on the bike soon.
Tuesday, June 14, 2005
Arenberg maiden ride
I will sound like a broken record over the next few months, because it is damn hot. I thought I was melting out there. I rode a Litespeed, Arenberg, potential purchase from David if all goes well with the negotiating. Robin fitted me yesterday on it and boy what a difference to the clunker Lemond, Alpe du Heuz, I have. Shifted great, responded well, felt wonderful. Just hope David and I can come to an agreement.
Started out fast and stayed that way for the entire ride, except for the flat on the way back. Going out we were steady at 27-28, occasionally reaching 30. The group was large and I believe we didn't drop many. I was able to bridge gaps and hang on going out, but as we neared the turnaround I began to feel chills. Not good since we had another 23 miles to return home. I had finished half of my water and began to swig from the last bottle. I thought I would just hang on for the return. Then the flat.
Standing there a pool began to form at my feet. I looked around and noticed that no one else was having such a problem with their sweat so I decided to soft pedal and try to cool off before we strated hammering again. I was joined by three others and I thought about having us work together to see how long we could stay out front. Naaa, let's take it easy for as long as we can. I started to feel much better, then Todd came screaming through. I jumped on his wheel and he and I had an immediate gap. We worked well together for about 5 miles before I was wasted. The group caught us and I just sat on. We still kept up around 25-27 for the rest of the ride.
My legs actually feel pretty good right now but the rest of my body is not too happy with my antics this morning. The Arenberg pulled through with flying colors, so I think it's time to make a deal.
Started out fast and stayed that way for the entire ride, except for the flat on the way back. Going out we were steady at 27-28, occasionally reaching 30. The group was large and I believe we didn't drop many. I was able to bridge gaps and hang on going out, but as we neared the turnaround I began to feel chills. Not good since we had another 23 miles to return home. I had finished half of my water and began to swig from the last bottle. I thought I would just hang on for the return. Then the flat.
Standing there a pool began to form at my feet. I looked around and noticed that no one else was having such a problem with their sweat so I decided to soft pedal and try to cool off before we strated hammering again. I was joined by three others and I thought about having us work together to see how long we could stay out front. Naaa, let's take it easy for as long as we can. I started to feel much better, then Todd came screaming through. I jumped on his wheel and he and I had an immediate gap. We worked well together for about 5 miles before I was wasted. The group caught us and I just sat on. We still kept up around 25-27 for the rest of the ride.
My legs actually feel pretty good right now but the rest of my body is not too happy with my antics this morning. The Arenberg pulled through with flying colors, so I think it's time to make a deal.
Monday, June 13, 2005
Sunburned
Whew! Saturday we avoided Arlene but she took the winds and any cooling effect north. Now it's just damn hot! Anytime the sun is out and I am in it, I just feel like my skin is burning. Am I just getting older or is the ozone really disappearing or disappeared? I think the later. Why can't we just try some alternative fuels. If all the oil was gone what would you do?
Sunday we finished our decorative patio out back and I believe the sun fried my brain. Still feeling light headed from it all, or maybe it's all the hard work the wife has me doing. Just got to keep on, so that new bike doesn't bring down the house when it arrives. I maybe living on the streets soon, but I am looking forward to a nicer ride than the Lemond.
Sunday we finished our decorative patio out back and I believe the sun fried my brain. Still feeling light headed from it all, or maybe it's all the hard work the wife has me doing. Just got to keep on, so that new bike doesn't bring down the house when it arrives. I maybe living on the streets soon, but I am looking forward to a nicer ride than the Lemond.
Friday, June 10, 2005
Steammmy
Uuhg! Can't go outside these days without breaking a sweat. This morning was no different. I was, I thought, on time this morning and sure enough the group had all ready left. I then made up the 3/4 mile difference over the next 3 miles and I was drenched. I actually started to feel sick during the ride this morning. Fortunately it was at a reasonable pace and I made it home ok. A cloud covered the sun up and gave us some relief. I think if the sun had been out for the entire ride I may have wretched.
Weekend is looking to be pretty wet. Sucks for the super regional Tulane is hosting. Hopefully they can win early and send Rice packing. Stay away Arlene until the games are wrapped up.
Weekend is looking to be pretty wet. Sucks for the super regional Tulane is hosting. Hopefully they can win early and send Rice packing. Stay away Arlene until the games are wrapped up.
Thursday, June 09, 2005
Close call
After killing myself yesterday doing field work in the direct line of the sun and recovering from an awful headache yesterday, I almost killed myself and a few others on the ride this morning. So after a hard ride on tuesday and toating alot of weight around yesterday, I was feeling pretty tired this morning. I actually got out to the meeting area early so I decided to continue my warmup and rode a few extra miles before joining the group.
We started out smooth and it pretty much continued that way for most of the ride. But for some reason people were continuously yo-yoing for the ride. Since the pace was not insane and I was able to stay with the group it was just annoying that some couldn't keep the pace even. I guess this pissed me off as I pointed out a truck coming up the levee to cross our path, I kept up my pace and so did the truck. I really thought he was going to stop and he did so at the last minute when I snuck through. Everyone else was not so trusting, and I don't blame them, so they really slowed to a crawl. I caught alot of crap for that one. I had made eye contact with the guy, but he was the typical asshole truck driver we meet up with. Got to hurry up and wait for the frontend loader to fill him up.
No close calls after that until the end when I took off where we begin to shut it down and a mower was coming up the levee. I could see he was turning to head back down, but his wheels just skidded along the paved path and I had a head of steam approaching and no where to go. Thankfully he slammed on his brakes and yet again I appeared the idiot. Twice in one ride was too much for me. I need to pay more attention to what is happening all around rather than just in front of me.
We started out smooth and it pretty much continued that way for most of the ride. But for some reason people were continuously yo-yoing for the ride. Since the pace was not insane and I was able to stay with the group it was just annoying that some couldn't keep the pace even. I guess this pissed me off as I pointed out a truck coming up the levee to cross our path, I kept up my pace and so did the truck. I really thought he was going to stop and he did so at the last minute when I snuck through. Everyone else was not so trusting, and I don't blame them, so they really slowed to a crawl. I caught alot of crap for that one. I had made eye contact with the guy, but he was the typical asshole truck driver we meet up with. Got to hurry up and wait for the frontend loader to fill him up.
No close calls after that until the end when I took off where we begin to shut it down and a mower was coming up the levee. I could see he was turning to head back down, but his wheels just skidded along the paved path and I had a head of steam approaching and no where to go. Thankfully he slammed on his brakes and yet again I appeared the idiot. Twice in one ride was too much for me. I need to pay more attention to what is happening all around rather than just in front of me.
Tuesday, June 07, 2005
A flat was a blessing
Whew! We were flying this morning. My legs felt like lead from last night's run. Had a hard time going out and got dropped at the dip. I was in a bad position and had been doing alot of work going out. After the rise I pulled off to let others through and they jumped. I couldn't get back on. I decided to take it easy so I would have something for the return.
I picked it up when Donald came by and a few others latched on. We were trading off pretty regularly. The group finally caught us and I managed to stay with the leaders and rotate through just as much as they were. Everyone was pretty drained and it made me feel good that I could maintain. There were some surges that put me into oxygen debt but I held on and was able to stay with the group. Then it happened "Flat!" Whew, a rest as we all eased up.
Once that was fixed we joined back up with everyone else and then another flat. Well this pretty much meant the ride was over. No one took off, just soft pedalled and we still made it home at a decent time. But I know I am really going to feel it later and I can see myself taking a nap after lunch today just to feel normal. Lesson learned, don't try to do to much after a run when you haven't been doing much in the first place.
I picked it up when Donald came by and a few others latched on. We were trading off pretty regularly. The group finally caught us and I managed to stay with the leaders and rotate through just as much as they were. Everyone was pretty drained and it made me feel good that I could maintain. There were some surges that put me into oxygen debt but I held on and was able to stay with the group. Then it happened "Flat!" Whew, a rest as we all eased up.
Once that was fixed we joined back up with everyone else and then another flat. Well this pretty much meant the ride was over. No one took off, just soft pedalled and we still made it home at a decent time. But I know I am really going to feel it later and I can see myself taking a nap after lunch today just to feel normal. Lesson learned, don't try to do to much after a run when you haven't been doing much in the first place.
Monday, June 06, 2005
Rain rain go away
Got pretty soaked on sunday and got dressed this morning for a ride and decided against it. Glad I did because it dumped again. Sucks getting your only pair of cycling shoes soaked. They seem to take forever to dry. This will just get me to do a good run tonight. I have started to pick up my running over the last two weeks and my legs are just getting used to it. Looking forward to October.
Mom had her birthday friday and she seems to be doing well. Her fevers have subsided and she is getting her energy back. I can't even begin to imagine having a disease that can effect your entire livihood. I am pulling for her and just want her to have a relaxing life. I believe relaxation is the key to longevity. Hope you can relate.
Mom had her birthday friday and she seems to be doing well. Her fevers have subsided and she is getting her energy back. I can't even begin to imagine having a disease that can effect your entire livihood. I am pulling for her and just want her to have a relaxing life. I believe relaxation is the key to longevity. Hope you can relate.
Friday, June 03, 2005
Vacation
Been a while since my last post, but I have the vacation blues. Traveled to the mountains in NC and had a blast with the wife and the doggies. The only problem was that I missed my bike. The roads were awesome for riding. Everytime we went for a drive, all I could think about was pedalling along. Man that sucked! It would have been great to go for a ride each morning. The weather was wonderful and the temperature was just right. Got to get back up there again and the next time a bike is coming with us.
We hooked up with some old friends in Atlanta and then again in Roanoke, VA. Had some great homebrew and far too many other beers over the 12 days. Time to detox and sweat out all the impurities. Not too difficult down here in the Big Easy where summer has all ready set in. Just walking out the door and you begin to sweat. Makes me want to look for a job up in the mountains.
We hooked up with some old friends in Atlanta and then again in Roanoke, VA. Had some great homebrew and far too many other beers over the 12 days. Time to detox and sweat out all the impurities. Not too difficult down here in the Big Easy where summer has all ready set in. Just walking out the door and you begin to sweat. Makes me want to look for a job up in the mountains.
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