Did a 40-miler with Mike and Bob on Saturday. The usual Brands route up Round Swamp Rd., LIE service road, and back to Brands. Very easy pace, a little windy on the way back, too.
Sunday AM ride was a longshot since we were out late on Saturday night. Also, some errands to run and work to do for Monday, so I skipped it. Too bad, as it turned out to be a bit warmer, after all.
I have been reading Pyzahl's reports from Trevor's rides. There is a slower group doing the same route. I'm thinking about joining them after Thanksgiving. Also, possibly will meet up with Pyzahl for RP2IB ride if possible. Another good ride with tough hills at the end, but generally with a smaller group. As a bonus, there is a Bakery at the end!
Will be away from Thursday to Saturday for the holiday. Not sure what riding plans will develop yet.
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Winter Weather is Here
After trading some e-mails with Mike and Bob during the week, we had tentative plans for Saturday and Sunday. Saturday was wet due to leftover rain from Friday night. I went to Brands at 7:00am but there were no other takers. I did a solo 24 miles up to the LIE and back. I rode the rain bike, along with a rain jacket, think it might turn into a wet ride. The roads were wet but only got a little dizzle the last five miles of the ride.
Sunday, we met up at Brands earlier than usual (6:30am) as some of the guys had other commitments for the day. It was a cold one, 35F at the start. Everyone broke out the cold weather gear for this one. For me it was: full shoe covers, balaclava in head/ears configuration, ski gloves, AMFib bib tights, and winter riding jacket. I thought I might be a little over-dressed, since I wear this outfit down to 20F, but it worked out well. We rode at an easy pace and overheating was not a problem at all. We kept the group together and, as the sun came up, got to enjoy the remnants of the LI fall foliage. On the return leg, Bob had a mechanical when his front derailleur cable slipped out of the bolt but it was not dragging and he was able to ride it in with no problems. Nice tailwind on the way home, too!
I'm off from work on Monday too but no riding plans at this point.
Sunday, we met up at Brands earlier than usual (6:30am) as some of the guys had other commitments for the day. It was a cold one, 35F at the start. Everyone broke out the cold weather gear for this one. For me it was: full shoe covers, balaclava in head/ears configuration, ski gloves, AMFib bib tights, and winter riding jacket. I thought I might be a little over-dressed, since I wear this outfit down to 20F, but it worked out well. We rode at an easy pace and overheating was not a problem at all. We kept the group together and, as the sun came up, got to enjoy the remnants of the LI fall foliage. On the return leg, Bob had a mechanical when his front derailleur cable slipped out of the bolt but it was not dragging and he was able to ride it in with no problems. Nice tailwind on the way home, too!
I'm off from work on Monday too but no riding plans at this point.
Sunday, November 04, 2007
Another "Light" Riding Week
Skipped ride on Saturday morning due to a late night out for dinner on Friday night and some dreary weather on Saturday morning.
Since it was a whole week with no ride, I was not really up for a "sufferfest" at Trevor's ride so I headed to Brands to meet Mike and Bob for an easier pace. That didn't quite work out as I had some time constraints and we were a little late starting out. I did solo 40 miles up the LIE service road and back. A total of only 95 miles for the past two weekends! Not good.
I think I will try to hit the trainer this week and prepare myself for Trevor's, next weekend. Part of the problem is that it starts one hour later than EB, so its a long day when coming from Nassau county. :-(
Since it was a whole week with no ride, I was not really up for a "sufferfest" at Trevor's ride so I headed to Brands to meet Mike and Bob for an easier pace. That didn't quite work out as I had some time constraints and we were a little late starting out. I did solo 40 miles up the LIE service road and back. A total of only 95 miles for the past two weekends! Not good.
I think I will try to hit the trainer this week and prepare myself for Trevor's, next weekend. Part of the problem is that it starts one hour later than EB, so its a long day when coming from Nassau county. :-(
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Final EB for 2007
A windy morning in Manorville as the group assembled for the final 2007 Early Birds ride. Actually, the ride continues year-round but most of the East End Cycling team will switch over to Trevor's ride out of Port Jefferson for the winter. Also about a 55-mile ride but it starts at 8:30am instead of 7:30am and there is no food stop.
Today's ride was intense (for me). It blasted out of the parking lot and several riders were dropped in the first mile. It didn't really regroup until there was a flat tire about 10 miles into the ride. It was together again until the hills by the "tanks", at which point a group of 5 went off the front. I chased by myself, about 50 yards behind. Once over the tanks, myself and another rider were chasing a group of four.
We were HAULING down Sound Avenue, and a 3rd rider went of the back of the lead group. So now it was 3 chasing 3. The front group bypassed the regroup point and we did too so as not to lose them. A few miles later, the front group let up so we could catch on. Then the 6 of us pacelined to the deli in Cutchogue.
The remainder of the group arrived at the deli a few minutes after us. The group was mostly together on the return leg of the ride. A second flat, but it was repaired quickly.
At Rt. 51, two broke away. At first I just intended to close the gap and follow the wheels, but no one came with me, so we were three in front for a short while. When we go to the steep part of 51, I was dropped and chased, on my own, most of the way down 51. The group behind was hammering and caught me, then the lead two, just as we turned onto Rt. 111. A hard pace again split the group into several pieces but I was able to stay with the front.
I know, its not a race, but I definitely rode as hard as I would in any race. A really good, tough, ride to finish off the EBs!
Some of PyZahl's pictures from todays ride. Also, check out his ride report.
At the start in Manorville.
Rest stop in Cutchogue.
Waiting while they change flat #2.
Today's ride was intense (for me). It blasted out of the parking lot and several riders were dropped in the first mile. It didn't really regroup until there was a flat tire about 10 miles into the ride. It was together again until the hills by the "tanks", at which point a group of 5 went off the front. I chased by myself, about 50 yards behind. Once over the tanks, myself and another rider were chasing a group of four.
We were HAULING down Sound Avenue, and a 3rd rider went of the back of the lead group. So now it was 3 chasing 3. The front group bypassed the regroup point and we did too so as not to lose them. A few miles later, the front group let up so we could catch on. Then the 6 of us pacelined to the deli in Cutchogue.
The remainder of the group arrived at the deli a few minutes after us. The group was mostly together on the return leg of the ride. A second flat, but it was repaired quickly.
At Rt. 51, two broke away. At first I just intended to close the gap and follow the wheels, but no one came with me, so we were three in front for a short while. When we go to the steep part of 51, I was dropped and chased, on my own, most of the way down 51. The group behind was hammering and caught me, then the lead two, just as we turned onto Rt. 111. A hard pace again split the group into several pieces but I was able to stay with the front.
I know, its not a race, but I definitely rode as hard as I would in any race. A really good, tough, ride to finish off the EBs!
Some of PyZahl's pictures from todays ride. Also, check out his ride report.
At the start in Manorville.
Rest stop in Cutchogue.
Waiting while they change flat #2.
Sunday, October 21, 2007
EB South
Second-to-last EB ride for the year. Headed south with about 14 riders and a tailwind. Only lost one rider on Dune Road. Together for the rest of this nice, fast ride.
I think next week is the last EB out of Manorville, then it will switch to Trevor's Ride.
I think next week is the last EB out of Manorville, then it will switch to Trevor's Ride.
Saturday, October 20, 2007
LLoyd Neck Out-and-Back
Met at Brands parking lot for a 7:00am start. Two other riders were there, Bob and Mike. We talked about last week's Cold Sping Harbor loop and decided to head in the same direction today. Roads were wet from previous day's rain. And I jinxed myself by commenting, "These are the kind of roads where you get alot of flats."
Here is the GPS track of my ride.
We rode an easy pace up to Cold Spring Harbor. Bob and Mike needed to head back at that point but Bob described a little extension to the ride that he had done up to LLoyd Neck Harbor. He mentioned that it went up Snake Hill Road, so I decided to add another 10 miles to my ride.
On the way back, I flatted (as predicted!) at the bottom of Snake Hill so that was a bit annoying. I need to replenesh my CO2 supply today! A nice ride, good weather, and good company.
Here is the GPS track of my ride.
We rode an easy pace up to Cold Spring Harbor. Bob and Mike needed to head back at that point but Bob described a little extension to the ride that he had done up to LLoyd Neck Harbor. He mentioned that it went up Snake Hill Road, so I decided to add another 10 miles to my ride.
On the way back, I flatted (as predicted!) at the bottom of Snake Hill so that was a bit annoying. I need to replenesh my CO2 supply today! A nice ride, good weather, and good company.
Thursday, October 18, 2007
TOSREC - PyZahl's Photos
Pyzahl had his camera (thanks again!). So here are some shots from the ride.
Reviewing the plan as we wait to board the ferry from Orient Pt. to New London, CT.
Sunrise framing the ferry as we board.
On the road!
Most of the ride was through scenic, tree-lined roads.
Fall foliage.
The group navigates a turn.
Coffee break after 45 miles.
104 miles later, back in New London waiting for the ferry home.
Reviewing the plan as we wait to board the ferry from Orient Pt. to New London, CT.
Sunrise framing the ferry as we board.
On the road!
Most of the ride was through scenic, tree-lined roads.
Fall foliage.
The group navigates a turn.
Coffee break after 45 miles.
104 miles later, back in New London waiting for the ferry home.
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
TOSREC
Updated 18-Oct-2007
Here is my GPS track of the ride.
Met up today with 5 other riders for the Tour of Southern Rural Connecticut. This is a homegrown century ride put together by John Y. from the SBRA Early Birds. The other riders are all EB veterans. We had a forecast of good riding weather, light wind, temperature in mid-60's.
I left the house this morning at 4:30am to meet the group at Orient Point for the 7:00am ferry to New London, CT. We met there, got our tickets, loaded our bikes and got on board. The ferry is huge, as it transports cars, trucks, and passengers. There is a smaller, faster, high-speed ferry but it doesn't allow bikes.
We stowed the bikes and headed upstairs for a cup of coffee as we started the 1 hour and 20 minute ferry ride. Once in CT, we disembarked and started our ride. We were quickly out of the New London and into rural areas.
Nice smooth roads with wide shoulders and only light traffic. Colorful beginnings of the fall foliage surounded us as we passed lots of farmland, lakes, state forests, and small towns. I had never been in this part of CT but it reminded me a little of Vermont, will smaller hills. One unfortunate incident at mile 25... a water bottle fell from the rider in front of me, and as I drifted right to avoid it, I accidently caused PyZahl, who was right behind me, to go off the road. The soft shoulder grabbed his wheel causing him to go down. No apparent injuries or bike damage but it was kind of a scare that was in the back of my mind for the rest of the ride.
After 45 miles we stopped for coffee at Dunkin Donuts. One rider decided to shorten to a metric century while the other 5 of us proceeded on an additional loop North. More scenic roads and rolling hills for an additional 30 miles. This was a quite hilly ride, with total elevation gain around 7,000 ft., at bit more than the Gold Coast century.
We met up with our 6th rider and some of ther other guys grabbed a quick lunch. I had a Clif bar and felt like it was enought to hold me for the last 35 miles back to New London. We rode strongly and made good time back to the ferry terminal by 3:30pm. The ferry departed at 4:00pm and we had a smooth passage back to LI.
All-in-all, a great route and excellent group of riders. Its good to see some new places from the bike. I think we maintained a good touring pace and though the hills were challenging, they were not too difficult. Can't wait to do it again next year.
GPS track of the ride and links to PyZahl's picks to follow...
Here is my GPS track of the ride.
Met up today with 5 other riders for the Tour of Southern Rural Connecticut. This is a homegrown century ride put together by John Y. from the SBRA Early Birds. The other riders are all EB veterans. We had a forecast of good riding weather, light wind, temperature in mid-60's.
I left the house this morning at 4:30am to meet the group at Orient Point for the 7:00am ferry to New London, CT. We met there, got our tickets, loaded our bikes and got on board. The ferry is huge, as it transports cars, trucks, and passengers. There is a smaller, faster, high-speed ferry but it doesn't allow bikes.
We stowed the bikes and headed upstairs for a cup of coffee as we started the 1 hour and 20 minute ferry ride. Once in CT, we disembarked and started our ride. We were quickly out of the New London and into rural areas.
Nice smooth roads with wide shoulders and only light traffic. Colorful beginnings of the fall foliage surounded us as we passed lots of farmland, lakes, state forests, and small towns. I had never been in this part of CT but it reminded me a little of Vermont, will smaller hills. One unfortunate incident at mile 25... a water bottle fell from the rider in front of me, and as I drifted right to avoid it, I accidently caused PyZahl, who was right behind me, to go off the road. The soft shoulder grabbed his wheel causing him to go down. No apparent injuries or bike damage but it was kind of a scare that was in the back of my mind for the rest of the ride.
After 45 miles we stopped for coffee at Dunkin Donuts. One rider decided to shorten to a metric century while the other 5 of us proceeded on an additional loop North. More scenic roads and rolling hills for an additional 30 miles. This was a quite hilly ride, with total elevation gain around 7,000 ft., at bit more than the Gold Coast century.
We met up with our 6th rider and some of ther other guys grabbed a quick lunch. I had a Clif bar and felt like it was enought to hold me for the last 35 miles back to New London. We rode strongly and made good time back to the ferry terminal by 3:30pm. The ferry departed at 4:00pm and we had a smooth passage back to LI.
All-in-all, a great route and excellent group of riders. Its good to see some new places from the bike. I think we maintained a good touring pace and though the hills were challenging, they were not too difficult. Can't wait to do it again next year.
GPS track of the ride and links to PyZahl's picks to follow...
Sunday, October 14, 2007
Fast Early Birds Ride
Another cool morning, this time out in Manorville for the Early Birds. North route, for a change. It was a fast ride but I was hanging comfortably for 95% of the ride. Got dropped on the hill on Rt. 51 and just could not jump back on to the wheel. Then, the wind was a factor and I watched the group slowly pull away, even when I was doing 27-28 on the flats.
A hard ride, but it felt good and I really didn't "blow up", just couldn't hold the wheel when the attack went. Well, there is always next week!
A hard ride, but it felt good and I really didn't "blow up", just couldn't hold the wheel when the attack went. Well, there is always next week!
Saturday, October 13, 2007
Cold Spring Harbor Ride
Only one other rider showed up at the Brands lot this chilly morning. I had to break out the fall/winter gear, long finger gloves, long sleeve jersey, base layer, and tights. The two of us headed out for the usual LIE ride. We met up with a third rider just past Hempstead Turnpike and the three of us proceeded up Round Swamp Rd. to the LIE service road. Two of us decided to change things up and head to Cold Spring Harbor. We went over some of the same roads as the Triangle Ride and the Gold Coast Century.
Here is the route as well as I can remember. Lots of turns, so I'm sure I got some of it wrong.
Good ride, brisk pace, with a few climbs. If I remember it, it could be a good solo route too, over the winter.
Here is the route as well as I can remember. Lots of turns, so I'm sure I got some of it wrong.
Good ride, brisk pace, with a few climbs. If I remember it, it could be a good solo route too, over the winter.
Tuesday, October 09, 2007
More Tour de Parc Stuff
Here is a link to photos. Mostly the same as below with a couple of new ones.
Sunday, October 07, 2007
Early Birds Today plus Tour de Parc Results & Photos
Here are the results from Saturday's Tour de Parc. Two East End riders placed in the 35+ masters race.
Here is a link to some photos from the 3/4 race.
Great, fast ride with the Early Birds. South route again, with some wet roads, but a fast pace! Legs were a little dead after Saturday but the group stayed together, for the most part. A few regulars were missing either racing in Prospect Park or at the cyclocross in Southampton. Off from work tomorrow so I will probably do a short ride in the AM.
Here is a link to some photos from the 3/4 race.
Great, fast ride with the Early Birds. South route again, with some wet roads, but a fast pace! Legs were a little dead after Saturday but the group stayed together, for the most part. A few regulars were missing either racing in Prospect Park or at the cyclocross in Southampton. Off from work tomorrow so I will probably do a short ride in the AM.
Saturday, October 06, 2007
2007 Tour de Parc Race Report
On the line, ready to start.
I raced wit the Cat. 3/4's today at the Tour de Parc at Cedar Creek. I missed it last year and the race was not held the year before that. The whole family came by to watch the race, and that was really special.
I got there early and picked up my race number. After watching the Cat. 5 race, I took a warmup ride down to Jones Beach and back. A few minutes later we were lining up for the start (photo above). There seemed to be small breakaways off the front for practically the whole race. Mostly, just one or two guys at a time. At one point it looked like the field would split in half but it was pulled back together.
This was one of the biggest fields I've raced in, at least 50 racers (40 were pre-registered by Friday night). There was constant shifting of lines, but amazingly, no crashes, even with the tight hairpin on one end of the 1-mile course.
I had two laps where I tried to bridge to a lone breakaway with two other riders but we never did quite make it. The pack eventually caught us. One scary moment, there was a loud "bang" and some guy's front wheel just exploded (a bunch of spokes just gave way). He kept it upright somehow and drifted to the side of the course, but those of us behind him had to hustle back to the group.
Short clip of the peloton passing by the start/finish with 4 laps to go.
In the end, the finish was a group sprint, and I finished somewhere in the middle of the pack. Maybe they will post results online in the next couple of days. There were two other East End riders in the race but none of us placed in the top 8 places.
Tomorrow, Early Birds on tap.
Sunday, September 30, 2007
Short Rides for a Busy Weekend
Kind of a busy weekend so I did two shortened rides. Or rather, the same short ride, both days.
Saturday I arrived at Brands parking lot at 7:00am for the usual group ride. We were missing our usual leader, Jamie, but the seven of that showed decided to do the usual route out on the LIE to exit 52 and back. By the time we got to the end of Round Swamp Rd. and hit the first hill of the LIE, we were down to 5. Two hills later, down to four. We made the turnaround, stayed together to the final hill of the LIE but after that we were down to two. The two of us flew back to Brands with the help of a nice tailwind.
Sunday, I had an early family commitment so I skipped the Early Birds and did the 40-mile route again. A bit cool at the start but, as on Saturday, it warmed up nicely by the halfway point.
I'm registered to race next Saturday at the Tour de Parc. If I wasn't racing I sure would like to be out in Southampton for the Whitmore Cyclocross races. The cyclocross WORLD CHAMPION (yes, WORLD champion), Erwin Vervecken will be racing. Maybe I can get there somehow for Sunday's racing. Lots of other national champions will be there as well. This will really be a showcase of some top riders.
Here is my report from last years race.
And, for your viewing pleasure, Erwin Verveckin winning the 2006 World Championship!
Saturday I arrived at Brands parking lot at 7:00am for the usual group ride. We were missing our usual leader, Jamie, but the seven of that showed decided to do the usual route out on the LIE to exit 52 and back. By the time we got to the end of Round Swamp Rd. and hit the first hill of the LIE, we were down to 5. Two hills later, down to four. We made the turnaround, stayed together to the final hill of the LIE but after that we were down to two. The two of us flew back to Brands with the help of a nice tailwind.
Sunday, I had an early family commitment so I skipped the Early Birds and did the 40-mile route again. A bit cool at the start but, as on Saturday, it warmed up nicely by the halfway point.
I'm registered to race next Saturday at the Tour de Parc. If I wasn't racing I sure would like to be out in Southampton for the Whitmore Cyclocross races. The cyclocross WORLD CHAMPION (yes, WORLD champion), Erwin Vervecken will be racing. Maybe I can get there somehow for Sunday's racing. Lots of other national champions will be there as well. This will really be a showcase of some top riders.
Here is my report from last years race.
And, for your viewing pleasure, Erwin Verveckin winning the 2006 World Championship!
Monday, September 24, 2007
The Tour de Parc LIVES!!!
I just found out that the Tour de Parc is ON this year! October 6th, at Cedar Creek Parc. I just registered for the Cat 3/4 race! Cool! I thought racing was done for the year but this should be a fun one. Lots of riders from Nassau, Queens, and NYC who don't do the Kreb Friday Night race.
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Warm Weekend
A warm weekend was on tap as highs were predicted in the low to mid 80's for Saturday and Sunday.
Saturday, I hooked up with the Brands group for great ride down to the LIE service road, and back. We had six riders in a pretty strong group. For me, the pace was perfect, not hyper fast and not too slow either. Just nice cruising speed. It was a little misty in the morning but its good that we got an early start since it rained on-and-off for most of the afternoon. I tacked on a loop to Jones Beach afterward to get my total mileage up to 54 for the day. It felt pretty good to enjoy this ride since the Highlander (last weekend) was so tough!
Today, a sunny but windy Early Birds. Once again, on the south route. Medium sized group and I was able to hang with the pack for whole ride, excepting one small section before the rest stop where the group was broken up crossing a busy street. I tried to chase back on but they were really moving. So, I pulled into the 7-11 about 15-20 seconds later. Percy was at the ride. Here is his ride report with a couple of pics.
Just finished placing a couple of bike part orders. As the 2007 season is winding down, I am taking stock of whats worn out after a year of riding... rear tire, chain, cassette, etc.
Someone at the Early Birds mentioned that he is trying to get together a fall century ride in October in Connecticut. They did it last year and all had a good time. It is a challenging ride. Stats from last year indicate 116 miles and over 8,000 ft of elevation gain. They leave from Orient Point in the morning and catch the ferry to New London CT. They go through rolling back roads in CT then get the ferry back in the evening. For me it would be a very long day, with a long drive at each end. I will have to see if I can take a personal day at work, but it would make a nice "last century" for the year.
Saturday, I hooked up with the Brands group for great ride down to the LIE service road, and back. We had six riders in a pretty strong group. For me, the pace was perfect, not hyper fast and not too slow either. Just nice cruising speed. It was a little misty in the morning but its good that we got an early start since it rained on-and-off for most of the afternoon. I tacked on a loop to Jones Beach afterward to get my total mileage up to 54 for the day. It felt pretty good to enjoy this ride since the Highlander (last weekend) was so tough!
Today, a sunny but windy Early Birds. Once again, on the south route. Medium sized group and I was able to hang with the pack for whole ride, excepting one small section before the rest stop where the group was broken up crossing a busy street. I tried to chase back on but they were really moving. So, I pulled into the 7-11 about 15-20 seconds later. Percy was at the ride. Here is his ride report with a couple of pics.
Just finished placing a couple of bike part orders. As the 2007 season is winding down, I am taking stock of whats worn out after a year of riding... rear tire, chain, cassette, etc.
Someone at the Early Birds mentioned that he is trying to get together a fall century ride in October in Connecticut. They did it last year and all had a good time. It is a challenging ride. Stats from last year indicate 116 miles and over 8,000 ft of elevation gain. They leave from Orient Point in the morning and catch the ferry to New London CT. They go through rolling back roads in CT then get the ferry back in the evening. For me it would be a very long day, with a long drive at each end. I will have to see if I can take a personal day at work, but it would make a nice "last century" for the year.
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Highlander Ride Report
Rest stop at mile 85.
Up at 4:15am for oatmeal and coffee. Got suited-up and out the door by 5:15am for the 1-hour-plus drive from Corning to Bristol. As in previous years, arrived at Bristol Ski Resort in the pre-dawn darkness, along with everyone else who was preparing for the 7:00am start of the 100 mile route.
Quickly checked in and picked up my ride number (#193). Then back to the car to put the bike together and get ready to go. Weather was going to be a factor this year more than in previous years with a forecasted high of only 52F, possible rain, and wind. I picked up some new bib-knickers from Brands the day before for a little more protection from the cold. I ended up wearing toe warmers, base layer, 5BBC jersey, windproof vest, and long-fingered gloves.
Post-ride, I was pretty happy with my clothing choice as we seemed to have every kind of weather during the ride (sun, clouds, wind, rain, wet roads, dry roads, etc.).
The ride was every bit as difficult as in the past two years, possibly even more due to the weather. I hit my first snag at mile 13 with a flat tire, but I located the offending sharp stone, replaced the tube, and reinflated with my CO2 cartridge and was rolling again in a few minutes. There was a photographer on Miller Hill again so I hope to be able to post that photo in a couple of days.
After climbing Miller Hill and grabbing a couple of Fig Newtons at a rest stop, I tackled the fastest downhill of the ride. Last year I topped out at 54 mph on this downhill but due to the wind and damp roads, I kept it at a more reasonable 48 mph this year.
The first "Monster" hill climb was Bopple, but since it comes up after only 27 or so miles, my legs were pretty fresh and I was able to struggle up to the top. A few people were there ringing cowbells and shouting encouragement. A few short miles later we hit "Monster" # 2, Gannett Hill, not as steep as Bopple but longer and without much recovery time from the last hill.
The next 40 miles are some very tough rollers then a nice cruise to Italy Hill Road. Another rest stop and a couple of miles to "Monster" #3, Sliter. Coming after 67 hilly miles, this was the hill I was most worried about. Luckily, I was able to drag myself up it.
Some more rollers, another downhill ride along the lake, and I met up with the family at a rest stop around mile 85. We chatted a little and I munched a Clif bar. Then off to the final "Monster", Griesa Hill road. This is a long climb but not as steep as the previous three, so I was able to get in my lowest gear and spin myself up.
Grinding up another hill, 19 miles to go!
Got rained on for the last 10 miles, mostly downhill, back to Bristol Mountain. I picked up my complimentary wine and headed back.
Legs don't feel too bad this morning but temperature here is only 40F and my warm clothes are still wet and dirty from yesterday. So, no ride this morning.
...Back home now. Its still nice out so I did a short recovery ride to Jones Beach and back!
Sunday, September 09, 2007
Training Rides
Did 80+ miles on Saturday, about 30 of it with the Brands group and another 50 on my own. I intentionally hit as many hills as possible to try and get the climbing legs warmed up for next weekend. Man, I wish I spent more time doing hills this summer!
This morning did Early Birds, South route. I skipped the 7-11 rest stop with about seven other riders to get home a little earlier today. I felt surprisingly strong even after yesterday's hard ride. Next weekend is the Highlander. Will do maybe 20 miles on Friday before we head upstate. Hopefully we will have good weather. Report to follow!
This morning did Early Birds, South route. I skipped the 7-11 rest stop with about seven other riders to get home a little earlier today. I felt surprisingly strong even after yesterday's hard ride. Next weekend is the Highlander. Will do maybe 20 miles on Friday before we head upstate. Hopefully we will have good weather. Report to follow!
Sunday, September 02, 2007
Labor Day Weekend Rides in Corning
Did the Early Birds last Sunday. Finished with a secondary group after stopping to assist with a flat < 10 miles to go.
This weekend we are up in Corning, NY. Yesterday and today I did a 65-mile ride from Corning to Hammondsport and back. Must of the route is flat, following the river valley but the loop from Savona to Weston to Hammondsport and, finally, back to Bath is quite hilly and a small taste of what is to come at the Highlander.
Here is the route I followed.
It was good to get in two "long-ish" rides with some variety of hills. Also some nice 40+ mph descents! This morning was especially tough as I was riding into a headwind for 20 miles, all the way from Batch back to Corning. Tomorrow, we are heading back to Long Island early since tomorrow is the first day of school. I will try to get in a short ride before we leave. May just try to get up Harris Hill and back.
Later!
This weekend we are up in Corning, NY. Yesterday and today I did a 65-mile ride from Corning to Hammondsport and back. Must of the route is flat, following the river valley but the loop from Savona to Weston to Hammondsport and, finally, back to Bath is quite hilly and a small taste of what is to come at the Highlander.
Here is the route I followed.
It was good to get in two "long-ish" rides with some variety of hills. Also some nice 40+ mph descents! This morning was especially tough as I was riding into a headwind for 20 miles, all the way from Batch back to Corning. Tomorrow, we are heading back to Long Island early since tomorrow is the first day of school. I will try to get in a short ride before we leave. May just try to get up Harris Hill and back.
Later!
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