Last night I opted out of the Tuesday Night Ride to do some trail work with others of the Mid MN Cycling Club, MMCC. This time around we tackled Plum Creek...it needed some loving. With 12 (a record) workers we were able to tame the grass and cut back the canopy. I'm always impressed at how fast the grass can grow. The section I was mowing was mid chest in spots!
Not only was the grass out of control but the mosquitoes were in abundance. Hoping beyond hope that I don't get a flat this weekend at the Chequamegon 100!
The past two days were off days. Heading out shortly on the road bike for a few hours. Excited to spin the legs and unwind.
Next week the TNR is leaving the shop at 4:30 for the Summer Solstice Century Ride.
Later.
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
A Different Week.
Last week I was able to fit in a ton of riding, almost 400 miles. This week appears to be much different. We were all caught up at work but after this past weekend we are back in the weeds and I'm stuck in back doing repairs. I love doing repairs but my other duties then suffer. So instead of an early morning ride it's in to do some repairs. Not complaining however, being too busy is good!
Tonight is trail work so no riding there.
I will get a ride in Wednesday with Thursday and Friday being easier days in preparation for the Chequamegon 100 on Saturday.
I'm going to have some tired legs, so it's for the best this will be an easy ride week!
Last night the family and I went out to the BMX track to watch some races. Team Revolution has a strong team. Super fun to watch. Brinna is on the fence if she wants to try it or not. I don't blame her, I bike all the time and look at the track in awe and fear.
Ride On.
Tonight is trail work so no riding there.
I will get a ride in Wednesday with Thursday and Friday being easier days in preparation for the Chequamegon 100 on Saturday.
I'm going to have some tired legs, so it's for the best this will be an easy ride week!
Last night the family and I went out to the BMX track to watch some races. Team Revolution has a strong team. Super fun to watch. Brinna is on the fence if she wants to try it or not. I don't blame her, I bike all the time and look at the track in awe and fear.
Ride On.
Monday, June 17, 2013
Westside Dirty Benjamin.
Saturday the Dirty B went down, and like previous years in didn't disappoint. Not sure on the numbers but heard about a 170 toed the line.
The sun was out and the heat was creeping higher. Luckily it later clouded up and stayed relatively comfortable.
The race was an odd one this year. The lead group was big, about 40-50? riders strong. But there was no organization or attacks so the pace was pretty mellow. I for one, on a single speed, was ok with that! A side benefit for cruising at a comfortable pace was a lot of chit chatting was able to happen. Many of these riders I only see at races.
The only checkpoint comes in at 61 miles. It's a mad dash to get to your drop bag and on your way again. This is where the first big break will happen. I feel I'm pretty fast here but someone tied my bag together and I struggled with the simple know. As I looked up the hill I saw several riders disappear into the woods and single track. I chased a bit but was in the group, now around 15-20. Initially the pace was hot but slowed back up and a few others climbed back on.
The next section to cause a break comes around mile 80 and the BRAAAP section. This is a short section through some undeveloped lowlands behind some houses. Like last year I struggled with the section on the single speed. Out on the road two main groups formed with some chasers behind. I was in the second group of about 7. We, or rather they, were killing it trying to bridge the gap. Being on a single speed I wasn't able to hand much assistance in the way of chasing as I was giving it everything I had to just hang on. We were going anywhere from 23-25 mph. So yeah, the legs were spinning.
Eventually I let them go. I was currently the lead single speed and the pace was killing me. I rode the last 10-12 miles mostly solo.
Even with a slower average speed, 18.8 vs last year of 19.5, I was glad to roll into the finishing parking lot. Cold water and real food were on my mind and the crew of the WDB came through.
For the second time in a row and third time overall I was the single speed champion. I believe I was around 18th over all: 5hrs 40some minutes, 18.8 avg, 108 miles, just under 3000 feet of climbing.
Thanks WDB crew...another fun day.
I drove home in some of the hardest rain I've ever encountered. North of Maple Grove the skies cleared as if it never rained.
At home I was alone so decided I should mow and just get it over with. Had to stop half way through for a water break, got a bit light headed!
Sunday I was up somewhat early and on the bike again heading to the in-laws cabin for Father's Day. I took a less than direct route in hopes of taking advantage of the predicted wind. Not often it happens but it worked! Once to Little Falls I made my turn east and the wind pushed me down 27 at a great clip. Ended with 74 miles and a day on a windy lake.
Got up early this morning to go mountain biking but the legs and I were tired. Not worth it...back to bed. Of course I'm trying to figure if I made the right decision...I know I did but I am me!
Trail work tomorrow at Plum Creek, 5:30.
Later.
The sun was out and the heat was creeping higher. Luckily it later clouded up and stayed relatively comfortable.
The race was an odd one this year. The lead group was big, about 40-50? riders strong. But there was no organization or attacks so the pace was pretty mellow. I for one, on a single speed, was ok with that! A side benefit for cruising at a comfortable pace was a lot of chit chatting was able to happen. Many of these riders I only see at races.
The only checkpoint comes in at 61 miles. It's a mad dash to get to your drop bag and on your way again. This is where the first big break will happen. I feel I'm pretty fast here but someone tied my bag together and I struggled with the simple know. As I looked up the hill I saw several riders disappear into the woods and single track. I chased a bit but was in the group, now around 15-20. Initially the pace was hot but slowed back up and a few others climbed back on.
The next section to cause a break comes around mile 80 and the BRAAAP section. This is a short section through some undeveloped lowlands behind some houses. Like last year I struggled with the section on the single speed. Out on the road two main groups formed with some chasers behind. I was in the second group of about 7. We, or rather they, were killing it trying to bridge the gap. Being on a single speed I wasn't able to hand much assistance in the way of chasing as I was giving it everything I had to just hang on. We were going anywhere from 23-25 mph. So yeah, the legs were spinning.
Eventually I let them go. I was currently the lead single speed and the pace was killing me. I rode the last 10-12 miles mostly solo.
Even with a slower average speed, 18.8 vs last year of 19.5, I was glad to roll into the finishing parking lot. Cold water and real food were on my mind and the crew of the WDB came through.
For the second time in a row and third time overall I was the single speed champion. I believe I was around 18th over all: 5hrs 40some minutes, 18.8 avg, 108 miles, just under 3000 feet of climbing.
Thanks WDB crew...another fun day.
I drove home in some of the hardest rain I've ever encountered. North of Maple Grove the skies cleared as if it never rained.
At home I was alone so decided I should mow and just get it over with. Had to stop half way through for a water break, got a bit light headed!
Sunday I was up somewhat early and on the bike again heading to the in-laws cabin for Father's Day. I took a less than direct route in hopes of taking advantage of the predicted wind. Not often it happens but it worked! Once to Little Falls I made my turn east and the wind pushed me down 27 at a great clip. Ended with 74 miles and a day on a windy lake.
Got up early this morning to go mountain biking but the legs and I were tired. Not worth it...back to bed. Of course I'm trying to figure if I made the right decision...I know I did but I am me!
Trail work tomorrow at Plum Creek, 5:30.
Later.
Friday, June 14, 2013
Off Day.
Yesterday I worked till noon. Biked home (yep biked to work), made lunch, then tackled the garage. The thing was a mess. Getting a bike in or out was a major challenge. Two hours later we finished.
We then pulled out our patio furniture and ate dinner outside. Gorgeous day.
Slept in this morning. Hoping for a spin after work. Then the Dirty Benjamin tomorrow!
Later.
Thursday, June 13, 2013
Sun.
The battle with the rain continues. Sorry, it's like a broken record.
I left yesterday morning around 7 to wet roads. The further east and north I got the drier it became. I noticed the south and a bit west was getting dark, but radar showed it staying that way. By the time I turned for home the skies in front of my were dark. Damn. The last hour of the ride was in the rain. It was actually fun but getting home with sand drenched shoes, clothing and bike sucks. The ride is the easy part! I was able to get in 3.5 hours and 66 miles.
Today is my off day and the skies decide to dump a whole bunch of sunshine. Sure is tempting me. Today is my 9-noon day too. But with this being Jen's first week off of school she's got all kinds of plans...wish me luck.
FYI:
A couple of events are coming up you may be interested in.
The first is on June 18th (Tuesday) there will be trail work at Plum Creek (River Bluffs). Meet at the trail head off 33rd at 5:30. It's tick and mosquito season so dress appropriately. Just realized this is the Tuesday Night Ride so I may or may not be there...but I know of several others.
The following Tuesday, June 25th, will be the Summer Solstice Ride. Leaves the shop at 4:30 for 100 miles at 20+ average. New route was picked to hopefully avoid the chaos of previous routes!
Later.
I left yesterday morning around 7 to wet roads. The further east and north I got the drier it became. I noticed the south and a bit west was getting dark, but radar showed it staying that way. By the time I turned for home the skies in front of my were dark. Damn. The last hour of the ride was in the rain. It was actually fun but getting home with sand drenched shoes, clothing and bike sucks. The ride is the easy part! I was able to get in 3.5 hours and 66 miles.
Today is my off day and the skies decide to dump a whole bunch of sunshine. Sure is tempting me. Today is my 9-noon day too. But with this being Jen's first week off of school she's got all kinds of plans...wish me luck.
FYI:
A couple of events are coming up you may be interested in.
The first is on June 18th (Tuesday) there will be trail work at Plum Creek (River Bluffs). Meet at the trail head off 33rd at 5:30. It's tick and mosquito season so dress appropriately. Just realized this is the Tuesday Night Ride so I may or may not be there...but I know of several others.
The following Tuesday, June 25th, will be the Summer Solstice Ride. Leaves the shop at 4:30 for 100 miles at 20+ average. New route was picked to hopefully avoid the chaos of previous routes!
Later.
Wednesday, June 12, 2013
I Survived!
Yesterday I did my first Tuesday Night Ride (TNR). Weather, scheduling conflicts, lack of desire, school functions, and family all kept me away till now. I was a bit nervous...I didn't want to get dropped.
The night was perfect. NO WIND! We did hit a bit of rain but did I mention that there wasn't any wind?! Temps were good too. Warm but not hot. We also had a big group. I'd guess about 12 at the start, maybe more. Down a few at the end.
Of course we hit hills: 4 whores, Hollyhock, Farming, Old Shep, Tower, and home through the St. Joe Rollers. My garmin showed about 3000 feet of climbing.
I was never the first up the hills but I didn't fall off the back either. A couple times I waited for other riders to assist in bridging back up. A few minutes into the bridge attempt I would realize I don't have the power I once had and found myself in the hurt locker. Not having been in a group like that for a bit either I was a bit rusty managing my speed while drafting. Too fast, too slow, dig, brake, ugh.
Ride ended with 68 miles at a 22mph average. The legs are a bit heavy this morning but not bad. Surprised and happy. My lower back and upper left butt cheek however were killing me on the ride last night. Most of my focus was on that. Pushing the single speed this weekend at the Dirty Benjamin may hurt and not be the smartest thing I've done...but then again I've never claimed to be a smart man.
Got up at 4:50 this morning to ride but thunder, lighting, and rain brought me back to bed. It seems to have passed. Out for a 3-4 hour cruise then work.
Later.
The night was perfect. NO WIND! We did hit a bit of rain but did I mention that there wasn't any wind?! Temps were good too. Warm but not hot. We also had a big group. I'd guess about 12 at the start, maybe more. Down a few at the end.
Of course we hit hills: 4 whores, Hollyhock, Farming, Old Shep, Tower, and home through the St. Joe Rollers. My garmin showed about 3000 feet of climbing.
I was never the first up the hills but I didn't fall off the back either. A couple times I waited for other riders to assist in bridging back up. A few minutes into the bridge attempt I would realize I don't have the power I once had and found myself in the hurt locker. Not having been in a group like that for a bit either I was a bit rusty managing my speed while drafting. Too fast, too slow, dig, brake, ugh.
Ride ended with 68 miles at a 22mph average. The legs are a bit heavy this morning but not bad. Surprised and happy. My lower back and upper left butt cheek however were killing me on the ride last night. Most of my focus was on that. Pushing the single speed this weekend at the Dirty Benjamin may hurt and not be the smartest thing I've done...but then again I've never claimed to be a smart man.
Got up at 4:50 this morning to ride but thunder, lighting, and rain brought me back to bed. It seems to have passed. Out for a 3-4 hour cruise then work.
Later.
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
Looking Forward.
Typical...never happy in the now.
On my ride yesterday morning, which was awesome, my thoughts kept drifting off to the next season of fat bike racing (Tuscobia and Arrowhead). I really like these events and have decided to make them my priorities so maybe that's why my thoughts surround these events. Or maybe it's the humidity! I don't mind heat but hate humidity.
It's only June! 6 more months till snow. Racing in Alaska is still a goal but not for a couple years.
In more realistic news I'm hitting up my first Tuesday Night Ride tonight! Wish me luck...it's going to hurt so good.
Ride On!
On my ride yesterday morning, which was awesome, my thoughts kept drifting off to the next season of fat bike racing (Tuscobia and Arrowhead). I really like these events and have decided to make them my priorities so maybe that's why my thoughts surround these events. Or maybe it's the humidity! I don't mind heat but hate humidity.
It's only June! 6 more months till snow. Racing in Alaska is still a goal but not for a couple years.
In more realistic news I'm hitting up my first Tuesday Night Ride tonight! Wish me luck...it's going to hurt so good.
Ride On!
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