North winds

We may have some relief in sight. There was a northerly wind this morning and we had cloud cover for the entire ride. Thank goodness, because I worked my fanny off. Matt had his nice new time trial bike but he was civil on the way out. Others just couldn't seem to get organized. Donald kept letting gaps form and would just sit on. So I said to myself, "Fuck this, if anyone else wants to work they will follow". I went around him and we had four of us working together. Nice little paceline holding 23-24 into the wind. I was pretty tired at the turnaround, but the tailwind coming home was nice, at least until it became a crosswind and the pace really increased. Matt picked it up when Donald decided to play and we were hitting 30. There were many just hanging on, then a gap formed and we had 3. We pushed hard until Florida Ave, where we met up with some traffic which really slowed us down and about 4 others then caught up. We picked it up again and kept it around 25-26 for a few miles then all of a sudden only 2 were working, myself and Randy. Finally Matt came around and we were going 28. That dropped everyone else and finally Randy and I were dropped at the Huey P when Matt went to another gear. I had had it by then. Kind of hard to keep the fluids up when you don't get much time to gather yourself after taking a pull. I think it will take me all day before I have to pee. Just hope the wind holds for the day and brings some needed rain.

Wet shoes

Keeping up with the riding, just not with the heat or my posts. Anyway, had the maiden voyage of the new shoes, Nike Poggio III. Nice, with the exception of sweat retention. My feet are 6 inches above ground but I am still standing in water. Once the sweat reaches the mesh do you get any relief. The shoes seem to run on the hot end, but that could just be the weather. I look forward to wearing them in the winter. Everything else about them is right on. As for the ride, nothing out of the ordinary. Had Luke and David put in a small attack. Found out later it was to get back at Jeff from the day before. I don't think it bothered him at all. VJ dropped a water bottle on the return trip which got everyone to slow while he went to retrieve it. Just wishing it would rain! Can anyone send us some cool weather?

Thirsty Thursday

Another hot day to ride. Boy am I glad I have decided to ride with 3 water bottles. Sure makes a difference recovering after the ride. I literally look like I just got out of the pool when we are done. When I see some of the guys that don't even have a bottle, I wonder how they manage the rest of the day. I even drink water all day long to replenish the punishment I am dealing my system every morning. I am actually looking forward to a beer ar two this evening.

As for the ride, it was fairly civil when you look at who showed up. No one rode too agressively and it just suited everyone. Similar to how the last few stages of the Tour have been going for the peleton. Just hanging around until the finish. We all thought Howard would lay down the sprint at the end but it turns out no one reacted, so I jumped and no one was there. Got up to 31 which made me feel good that I could get above 30 on my own. Other than that just maintained 23 to 26 for the rest of the ride with a long spell at 18 at the turnaround. Not bad.

POW!

The weekend was full of cycling and I loved it. I got over 115 miles for the two days and felt great. Nice that the wife didn't mind so much, especially since I got home sunday before she even got out of bed. Just glad I was able to get to bed early enough to have enough zzz's before riding. I decided to skip monday's ride and recoup from the previous week, but the running bug got to me. So I went out that evening and put in a quick 2.5. Just enough to really get you sweaty.

The morning was no different. Talk about sweating. I was glad I had 3 water bottles for the ride. We had a nice little tailwind on the way out and the group wasn't too large. I sat at the back until going through the dip when I almost flew off the path. Just before the climb on the other side there is a small hump and you go over at an angle. Well if you are leaning too much, like I usually do, your backend gets airborn and scares the bejezzus out of you. Well today I had to do everything I could to stay on the path and thankfully I did and didn't cause anyone to crash behind me. A small gap formed as I was collecting myself after the near grassy experience. I got back on and then found myself heading toward the front rapidly. Woo, what's going on here? I am just maintaining pace and everyone else is dropping off? I guess so. Then I saw what was happening up front. Riders were starting to attack. The group did well and didn't panic. Just maintained pace and slowly brought back each escapee. But as soon as he was passed another would attack. Well if this keeps up I will be up there soon. Sure enough I was, but I really didn't attack, I just maintained 27, what 27! I didn't even realize we were going that fast. I kept an eye on the shadow I was casting and nothing was behind me. No help, so just keep going for as long as you can. As I neared the Luling bridge I said this is probably it for me. Looked back and still had about 50 meters but I am dying here. So I drop a couple of cogs and stand up waiting to be swept up by the group. Didn't do so bad as I was able to maintain 5th wheel and then eventually got to the front again before we turned for home. I felt pretty satisfied as we had left everyone strung out along the levee.

Heading for home was much more civil until POW! Holy shit was someone shot. John's tire blew big time. He ended up with a hole in the sidewall. Luckily Todd used an old race number of Randy's and placed it between the tube and tire. Good ole tyvek. That stuff is great in the winter for a chest warmer. We got started back up after leaving a pool of sweat on the levee and went at a very civilized pace 20-21. We gradually picked it up and caught up to a few guys that didn't wait but soft pedalled while the flat was being fixed. Then things got nasty. We had a little headwind and the pace continued to grow. 22-23 we had 6, 23-24 we had 4, 24-25 we had 2. Where is everyone? Finally Rob comes around but now we are doing 26 into the wind. Ouch, but at least there were 3 of us. We had a tight little rotation working and got a huge gap on the rest. I finally had enough when we reached the Huey P and shut myself down. Did I mention it was hot? Whew!

As usual... HOT

The dog days of summer are here. Yesterday's ride was at a civil pace and nice, but hot. Today was a little squirrelly and hot. On the way out no one seemed to be able to maintain a constant speed. Once the rotation dropped to about 6 riders everything was fine. Just when others tried to join in the mix, well it mixed it up. Anyway we had a good time on the ride razzing each other and cracking jokes. Made me feel pretty good that I could still laugh, carry on a conversation and maintain 23 to 25 without any problems.

We had lots of traffic to deal with today. Strange how somedays there are tons of people out on the levee then nobody is there. I guess some of the group can't handle the obsticles as well as others. Rest day tomorrow, hoping for rain to cool us off a bit here.

Hot and tough

I was actually early to the meeting area this morning and there all ready was a large group, so I pedalled through and decided to see if Robin was around the parking area. I needed to put a washer in my headset and he had the tools. He was in kind of a rush so I decided to forego the repair until after the ride. I picked up the pace and eventually caught up to Todd. We chatted for a bit then Rob and Matt came screamming by on their time trial bikes. No way let them go.

A few minutes later the group caught us and I decided to play it smart today and sit at the back for a while. It was kind of windy and I didn't mind not working too hard for a change. Well that all ended around the parish line. I got tired of watching the terrible way part of the group was trying to work a paceline at the front and decided to get in the mix. Things started working better and the pace increased. I was following Donald so everytime he started up the fast side I would slide over. Then I stepped on Charlie's toes alittle when he decided to get on Donald's wheel. I apologized but got no response from him. As soon as he got to the front he gapped the group. Fine go ahead, but everything broke down. People were everywhere, so I bridged up and we worked together until the dip. I don't like following people through there. Made it through unscathed and then we had Todd and VJ with us.

Things began to get tough. The pace upped to 26-27 from 24. I started to feel pretty drained but managed to hang on and occasionally pull through. I was glad to hang on with the leaders until the end this time without giving in to the insanity pace.

We started pack farily civil and seemed to have a headwind again, but the pace at 23 was reasonable. Had a decent number of people taking pulls and then there were 5, then 4, then 3, then 2, then noone and I was up front. I just held the pace at 23 and finally someone came through. Ok time for a break. I got back to where I could sit in and then observed why no one was going to the front to help out. Donald get's it in his mind sometimes that the pace should be what he would like it to be. If it is too fast well he will just sit on the back of the rotation and then everyone else will do the same. Fine, I'll sit here too for a while. Once we hit 20 I said this is enough and went around. Strong head wind, but I kept it around 22. Finally got some help and we made it back safely in a realitively quick outing.

Stopping at Robin's vehicle, I finally realized how freaking hot and tired I was. Thank you Robin for the bottle of water. The rest of the ride home was much more pleasant. I am still learning patience on the bike, but it feels satisfying to work your ass off in the process.

Wrong shorts

Well the ride went well but my package didn't turn out so well. I have to remember to not wear the shorts that are a little to big on the longer rides. the ole willie was rubbed raw this morning due to the rising temps and all the sweating I do on the bike. Thank goodness for Boudreaux's Buttpaste. This stuff works wonders and I wouldn't even be able to walk without it. The shower this morning was a new level of pain but I got through it. Time to buy some shorts that are the right size. Tired of this experience.

Humbled

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.