Summer has arrived here on the Gulf Coast of Florida. Dammit!
Yesterday, it was a real scorcher. Depending on where you were, the temp was around 93-95 degrees. For our Canadian friends, that would be in the neighborhood of 35 degrees Celcius. It's making me sweat just thinking about it.
I missed my usual Monday ride, so something possessed me to ride yesterday, despite the weather. It was hot, make no mistake about it...especially when you stopped. While moving, you had the benefit of some air helping to keep you cool. When you stop though, look out! What did surprise me though, is that I handled the heat much better than I ever have in the past. It's amazing what getting in shape can do for you.
I hope that we still get some more moderate temperatures. I'd rather not go full tilt into summer right now. You hear me God? I'm asking for some mild temps at least until mid June. Do what you can...I appreciate it.
MY next update will most likely occur while I'm up in North Carolina. Gonna spend the Memorial Day weekend riding in Tsali. Ohh, and do I need to say...it's cooler there?
Wednesday, May 25, 2005
Monday, May 23, 2005
What a story.
Downhill racing is not for the faint of heart. You have to be a little bit nuts to go hell bent for leather down a rock strewn, root infested mountainside at speeds that can top 30mph. Now, imagine doing that and being blind! That's exactly what Bobby McMullen does! My hat's off to him. His blindness is only one of many obstacles he's had to overcome, yet he's never given up on his competitive spirit.
I just can't get over the idea of this guy DH racing, and having to use a spotter to do it. I've got all my senses and I wouldn't try DH. Incredible, absolutely incredible.
More power to ya, Bobby!
I just can't get over the idea of this guy DH racing, and having to use a spotter to do it. I've got all my senses and I wouldn't try DH. Incredible, absolutely incredible.
More power to ya, Bobby!
Saturday, May 21, 2005
I'm expanding my horizons...
That's right...I'm expanding my horizons. But don't worry, it doesn't mean that I purchased the latest 50 Cent CD, or that I started putting mayonnaise on my sandwiches. Nope. I'm talking about expanding my biking horizons. I decided it was high time I sample the trails other than my local ones.
I had to go to Tallahassee to have the shop give the bike the once over, and I decided to take the opportunity to do some riding while I was there. Originally, the shop was gonna hook me up with a local so I'd get to ride the best trails. Well, everybody had other commitments. Likely excuse. They probably didn't want to hang with a tourist. Fine. I'll go by myself. That's exactly what I did. Got directions and off I went. The trails are located in Tom Brown Park, a park run by the city of Tallahassee. It's a very well thought out park. They've got ballparks, a BMX track, an R/C track, just to name a few. The trails are a nice mixture of mild to wild. The trails are well marked for difficulty level. Difficulty doesn't come close to describing some of the stuff I saw... descents that take some serious brass to ride. Lots of roots, making for a fairly technical set of trails.
There were some nice fast, twisty sections that made letting off the brakes and riding with the flow an absolute blast! Combine that with a variety of terrain, and those trails make for some "not to be missed" riding.
There is one downside. There are alot of trails that are not marked on the map, and it makes for a veritable web of trails, which is not easy for the first timer to go in and find there way back without just retracing their steps.
Two big thumbs up for Tom Brown Park. I'll be going back, that's for sure.
I had to go to Tallahassee to have the shop give the bike the once over, and I decided to take the opportunity to do some riding while I was there. Originally, the shop was gonna hook me up with a local so I'd get to ride the best trails. Well, everybody had other commitments. Likely excuse. They probably didn't want to hang with a tourist. Fine. I'll go by myself. That's exactly what I did. Got directions and off I went. The trails are located in Tom Brown Park, a park run by the city of Tallahassee. It's a very well thought out park. They've got ballparks, a BMX track, an R/C track, just to name a few. The trails are a nice mixture of mild to wild. The trails are well marked for difficulty level. Difficulty doesn't come close to describing some of the stuff I saw... descents that take some serious brass to ride. Lots of roots, making for a fairly technical set of trails.
There were some nice fast, twisty sections that made letting off the brakes and riding with the flow an absolute blast! Combine that with a variety of terrain, and those trails make for some "not to be missed" riding.
There is one downside. There are alot of trails that are not marked on the map, and it makes for a veritable web of trails, which is not easy for the first timer to go in and find there way back without just retracing their steps.
Two big thumbs up for Tom Brown Park. I'll be going back, that's for sure.
Wednesday, May 18, 2005
Can I have some cheese with my whine?
I love my new bike, but I just have to take a moment and bitch about something...
What is with those big ass tires?!?! They have loads of grip, and in really sandy sections they just float over the soft stuff. But Gawd Almighty they're big and slow. These tires are meant for gravity freaks and huckers. What the hell are they doing on a cross country bike? 2.1's yeah, 1.95's definitely...but 2.35? Why didn't they just give me an anchor to put around my neck?
What is with those big ass tires?!?! They have loads of grip, and in really sandy sections they just float over the soft stuff. But Gawd Almighty they're big and slow. These tires are meant for gravity freaks and huckers. What the hell are they doing on a cross country bike? 2.1's yeah, 1.95's definitely...but 2.35? Why didn't they just give me an anchor to put around my neck?
Ride, ride, ride...then ride some more.
My second ride on the Blur, and it was a nice long one. 15.5 miles. These longer rides are easier to do than I thought. I really wish I'd considered doing them sooner. Ya know what they say though... hindsight is 20/20. The only thing I need to do is find some alternate routes that offer some good mileage. If I keep doing this same route, I can see it already, I'll get bored of it really quick. I'd like to keep upping the mileage on these long distance rides, but I think I'm getting ahead of myself.
I still have to work on my fitness, so my training will not change much for a while. I want to drop another 20lbs or so, then I can incorporate some riding skills(hill climbs, sprints, etc) into my weekly rides.
This may not be the best training program, but doggone it, it's workin' for me:
3 Weekly rides...
My first race, which is why I'm doing all this, is still up in the air at the moment. The Florida State Championship Series starts in September, and one of the races will be held in Tallahassee- so that should be an easy one to get to. But I've long held a desire to compete in a 24 hr race (not solo mind you). In September is the 24hrs of Pisgah in North Carolina. If I could get some teammates, that would be a very cool event to try.
Now, maybe when I'm more fit and skilled I could try this total ass kicker of a race. 55 miles and 13,000 ft of climbing. That makes my legs sore just typing that!
I still have to work on my fitness, so my training will not change much for a while. I want to drop another 20lbs or so, then I can incorporate some riding skills(hill climbs, sprints, etc) into my weekly rides.
This may not be the best training program, but doggone it, it's workin' for me:
3 Weekly rides...
- 1hr interval training
- 1 long distance ride
- 1 ride of 8-10 miles
My first race, which is why I'm doing all this, is still up in the air at the moment. The Florida State Championship Series starts in September, and one of the races will be held in Tallahassee- so that should be an easy one to get to. But I've long held a desire to compete in a 24 hr race (not solo mind you). In September is the 24hrs of Pisgah in North Carolina. If I could get some teammates, that would be a very cool event to try.
Now, maybe when I'm more fit and skilled I could try this total ass kicker of a race. 55 miles and 13,000 ft of climbing. That makes my legs sore just typing that!
Monday, May 16, 2005
Full suspension. It's the cat's meow.
My patience paid off. The weather Gods cooperated, and I got to take the new bike for a shakedown cruise.
The big question, or questions... how was it? was it worth the wait/money? are you glad you got it?
Let me start by saying that after today's ride, I have scheduled an appointment with a plastic surgeon. No, I didn't suffer some disfiguring injuries. The appointment is to get this smile removed.
Seriously though, allow me to expound on the details of the ride.
I didn't get a long ride in, but it was eye opening to say the least, an epiphany of sorts. Where I noticed the advantages of the suspension the most, was on a sandy, root infested descent. On the hardtail I could get some speed up, but I had to keep it in check, lest the roots bounce me right off the bike. Today, I bombed down that trail, with a sense of confidence as if I'd been riding this bike for years. The speed I was able to carry down the trail, due to the suspension eating up the bumps, was incredible. Keep in mind that I was being a little cautious. I know it's a mtn bike, and it's gonna get scratched...but sue me if I want to keep it in good shape for a little while anyway.
Where was I? Ohh yeah, the trail. I expected full suspension to offer some immediate noticeable differences, but this was way more than I could've imagined.
I've talked with a couple of Blur owners, and they've each commented on how much they wrecked, going from hardtails to the F/S Blur. As I mentioned a moment ago, I was being cautious, but I was still expecting some slips ups, close calls, or just plain goofs, due to the combination of suspension and the overall handling of the bike. As it was, I didn't have any problems whatsoever. It was as if I'd been riding the bike for ages.
The last thing I'm gonna talk about right now are the tires. The Kenda Nevegal's are perfect for our trail conditions. It was like riding on a friggin' rail! They do have one down side...but I'm not sure if it's the tread pattern that is the culprit, the bigger tire, or a combination of the two. The problem is slinging sand/debris. The front tire was kicking up so much sand, my legs were coated. Not to mention, there's sand in every nook and cranny of my bike. I spent 2 hrs getting sand off it, and I still haven't touched the drivetrain. I hope that sludge Shimano uses wears off soon. I dread the thought of having to battle this problem after every ride. Eek!
The bottom line. I love it! I'm glad I got it! It was worth it!
The big question, or questions... how was it? was it worth the wait/money? are you glad you got it?
Let me start by saying that after today's ride, I have scheduled an appointment with a plastic surgeon. No, I didn't suffer some disfiguring injuries. The appointment is to get this smile removed.
Seriously though, allow me to expound on the details of the ride.
I didn't get a long ride in, but it was eye opening to say the least, an epiphany of sorts. Where I noticed the advantages of the suspension the most, was on a sandy, root infested descent. On the hardtail I could get some speed up, but I had to keep it in check, lest the roots bounce me right off the bike. Today, I bombed down that trail, with a sense of confidence as if I'd been riding this bike for years. The speed I was able to carry down the trail, due to the suspension eating up the bumps, was incredible. Keep in mind that I was being a little cautious. I know it's a mtn bike, and it's gonna get scratched...but sue me if I want to keep it in good shape for a little while anyway.
Where was I? Ohh yeah, the trail. I expected full suspension to offer some immediate noticeable differences, but this was way more than I could've imagined.
I've talked with a couple of Blur owners, and they've each commented on how much they wrecked, going from hardtails to the F/S Blur. As I mentioned a moment ago, I was being cautious, but I was still expecting some slips ups, close calls, or just plain goofs, due to the combination of suspension and the overall handling of the bike. As it was, I didn't have any problems whatsoever. It was as if I'd been riding the bike for ages.
The last thing I'm gonna talk about right now are the tires. The Kenda Nevegal's are perfect for our trail conditions. It was like riding on a friggin' rail! They do have one down side...but I'm not sure if it's the tread pattern that is the culprit, the bigger tire, or a combination of the two. The problem is slinging sand/debris. The front tire was kicking up so much sand, my legs were coated. Not to mention, there's sand in every nook and cranny of my bike. I spent 2 hrs getting sand off it, and I still haven't touched the drivetrain. I hope that sludge Shimano uses wears off soon. I dread the thought of having to battle this problem after every ride. Eek!
The bottom line. I love it! I'm glad I got it! It was worth it!
Some rather ill timed showers
I should be sitting here typing about the new experiences of my first ride on the new bike. I should be waxing poetic about how cool full suspension is, and how I didn't know what I was missing all these years. I should be recounting all the comments I got about the bike, and how great it is to have people lusting after my bike, instead of the other way 'round.
But no, I don't get to talk about any of that. Why? More friggin' rain, that's why!
The bad news is that Monday ain't lookin' any better. It appears to be a carbon copy of today.
Well, at least it gave me a chance to get my cycle computer mounted, and get my chain properly cleaned up. I don't know what Shimano puts on their chains when they leave the factory, but it has to be in the glue family, I swear. All it is, is a debris magnet. The test rides yesterday left the chain coated in sand. If I'd gone out on the trail with that crap on the chain, it'd take forever to get it clean.
Getting those little things done meant that the day wasn't a total washout(pun intended).
That's basically taking a frown and turning it upside down.
Do I know how to end on a high note, or what?
But no, I don't get to talk about any of that. Why? More friggin' rain, that's why!
The bad news is that Monday ain't lookin' any better. It appears to be a carbon copy of today.
Well, at least it gave me a chance to get my cycle computer mounted, and get my chain properly cleaned up. I don't know what Shimano puts on their chains when they leave the factory, but it has to be in the glue family, I swear. All it is, is a debris magnet. The test rides yesterday left the chain coated in sand. If I'd gone out on the trail with that crap on the chain, it'd take forever to get it clean.
Getting those little things done meant that the day wasn't a total washout(pun intended).
That's basically taking a frown and turning it upside down.
Do I know how to end on a high note, or what?
Saturday, May 14, 2005
This bike would be light if it weren't for those damn tires.
My bike was weighed at the shop today, and it came in at 27lbs. Not bad for a XL frame. What I don't understand is why it came with 2.35 tires. Those are monsters! The spec sheet indicated that the tires were 2.1's. I'm wondering if larger tires weren't included due to the fact that it is a larger frame? I'm at a loss, I really am. Ohh well, I don't know why I'm bitching about it...I'll use them, and once they're worn down I'll switch to 2.1's or possibly even 1.95's.
I've got a Stan's No Tubes kit, but I'm not gonna use it on these tires, not if I'm gonna be changing them out in the coming months.
The cool thing is, that if I go to 1.95's and the Stan's, I'll probably get the total bike weight down to around 25 lbs. There's a 200 gram difference between the 2.35 and the 1.95. For two tires that's almost a pound.
I've got a Stan's No Tubes kit, but I'm not gonna use it on these tires, not if I'm gonna be changing them out in the coming months.
The cool thing is, that if I go to 1.95's and the Stan's, I'll probably get the total bike weight down to around 25 lbs. There's a 200 gram difference between the 2.35 and the 1.95. For two tires that's almost a pound.
The day has come!
The new bike is now in my grubby little hands. After what seemed like an eternity of hoping, and a fair amount of work on myself, I finally got it!
Ok, enough of the talk. Time for some porn, bike porn that is.
Enjoy.
What all the fuss was about.
Mmmm. Carbon fiber.
Blur. Virtual Pivot Point. 'Nuff said.
Made in the good ole U.S. of A.
Fox RP3 shock...ProPedal efficiency. W00t!
fi'zi:k
fi'zi:k Gobi
XTR hydraulic disc brakes, and Fox F100RLT fork.
$500 cranks. Note to self: whatever you do, don't mess those bad boys up!
More XTR goodness. Dual control levers.
Some of the best tires on the market. How in the world do you pronounce "Nevegal"?
The 'S' man. Or, the Santa Cruz emblem for those not in the know.
Ok, enough of the talk. Time for some porn, bike porn that is.
Enjoy.
What all the fuss was about.
Mmmm. Carbon fiber.
Blur. Virtual Pivot Point. 'Nuff said.
Made in the good ole U.S. of A.
Fox RP3 shock...ProPedal efficiency. W00t!
fi'zi:k
fi'zi:k Gobi
XTR hydraulic disc brakes, and Fox F100RLT fork.
$500 cranks. Note to self: whatever you do, don't mess those bad boys up!
More XTR goodness. Dual control levers.
Some of the best tires on the market. How in the world do you pronounce "Nevegal"?
The 'S' man. Or, the Santa Cruz emblem for those not in the know.
Friday, May 13, 2005
Fare thee well...
I pick up my new bike tomorrow, so today was the last ride on my old hardtail. It earned its final paycheck. It was a nice long ride. The computer shows just over 15 miles logged. Not a bad farewell ride. That Giant was a good bike, well over 1200 miles were put on it and I never had any major mechanical problems with it. Not bad for a $650 bike. Now it's time to pull the computer off, and my grips, so I can change them over to the new bike.
Stay tuned for pictures...lots of pictures.
Stay tuned for pictures...lots of pictures.
Wednesday, May 11, 2005
Slower than ice cold molasses
Has anyone ever heard of that ancient disease called Dragon Ass? Well, my ass was a draggin' today.
Headed out for my usual Wed ride, and evidently I went off without my legs. I was so sluggish. My plan early on was to do my long distance ride today. 10 minutes into the ride I knew that wasn't happening. I cut it short around the 8 mile mark.
Hopefully my game will be on come Friday.
Just so you don't think my whole day was a disaster, there is some good news, real good news. I talked to the bike shop today, and finally everything has arrived. I'll be able to pick up my new bike this Saturday!
That little tidbit right there made my day...made my week, actually.
I'm outta here. Gonna try and find where I left my legs at.
Headed out for my usual Wed ride, and evidently I went off without my legs. I was so sluggish. My plan early on was to do my long distance ride today. 10 minutes into the ride I knew that wasn't happening. I cut it short around the 8 mile mark.
Hopefully my game will be on come Friday.
Just so you don't think my whole day was a disaster, there is some good news, real good news. I talked to the bike shop today, and finally everything has arrived. I'll be able to pick up my new bike this Saturday!
That little tidbit right there made my day...made my week, actually.
I'm outta here. Gonna try and find where I left my legs at.
Sunday, May 08, 2005
Another day in paradise.
Hmmm, Ya know what? It just occurred to me that I didn't really have anything pertinent to say. I just felt the need to add something to the site. I typed two paragraphs and didn't really say anything. Now I know what a lawyer feels like.
I did everyone a favor and deleted what I originally had typed. If it had stayed I would've had to post a disclaimer about operating heavy machinery and reading this entry.
Abridged entry:
It was a nice day, I rode.
I did everyone a favor and deleted what I originally had typed. If it had stayed I would've had to post a disclaimer about operating heavy machinery and reading this entry.
Abridged entry:
It was a nice day, I rode.
Saturday, May 07, 2005
I'm tempted to ride. Must. resist.
It rained like crazy Thursday night, and early Friday morning. It cleared off, and made for a great Friday afternoon. I woke up to equally nice weather today. It's clear as can be, not a cloud in the sky, and the high is around 75 degrees. I wish it could stay that way all year. Sigh.
It's so nice out, I've been thinking very deeply about grabbing the bike and hitting the trails. I've gotta keep telling myself to stick to my plan and not overdo it.
Me:"It's an awesome day out, I ought to get a ride in."
Myself: "Don't overdo it. You just did 14 miles yesterday."
Me: "Maybe just a little one?"
Myself: "No."
Why can't the weather be like this all the time?
It's so nice out, I've been thinking very deeply about grabbing the bike and hitting the trails. I've gotta keep telling myself to stick to my plan and not overdo it.
Me:"It's an awesome day out, I ought to get a ride in."
Myself: "Don't overdo it. You just did 14 miles yesterday."
Me: "Maybe just a little one?"
Myself: "No."
Why can't the weather be like this all the time?
If at first you don't succeed, read a book.
It's said that one of the best ways to improve your riding, is to ride with someone better than you...makes sense, right?
Geography precludes me from having any major mtn biking talent nearby, so I have to go for the next best thing...a book. I've got a couple of mtb skills books, and I've been fortunate to pick up some good nuggets out of those books. My most recent purchase though looks to be the best skills book on the market. Mastering Mountain Bike Skills was written by Brian Lopes and Lee McCormack. It's a wonderful book, full of great information. If you're the type to look for tips and techniques anywhere you can, then you can't go wrong with this. Ohh, and if you order from them, you get the book signed...a nice touch.
I'm not being paid for this infomercial, honest.
A must read!
Geography precludes me from having any major mtn biking talent nearby, so I have to go for the next best thing...a book. I've got a couple of mtb skills books, and I've been fortunate to pick up some good nuggets out of those books. My most recent purchase though looks to be the best skills book on the market. Mastering Mountain Bike Skills was written by Brian Lopes and Lee McCormack. It's a wonderful book, full of great information. If you're the type to look for tips and techniques anywhere you can, then you can't go wrong with this. Ohh, and if you order from them, you get the book signed...a nice touch.
I'm not being paid for this infomercial, honest.
A must read!
Friday, May 06, 2005
One down, and...many more to go
I was set for the possibility that I would have to come here and type something about the best laid plans of mice and men, because I didn't get to do my long distance ride. Well, I DID get my long distance ride in. W00t!
I clocked 13.6 miles this afternoon. Now to many out there, 14 miles is not really a "long distance ride", but considering I usually ride with other people and we're lucky if we get 8 miles in, this was a momentous occasion. The best part was that at the end I still felt like I could ride farther. That's gotta be worth somethin', right?
If I can do one of those rides every week, I'll be on my way.
I clocked 13.6 miles this afternoon. Now to many out there, 14 miles is not really a "long distance ride", but considering I usually ride with other people and we're lucky if we get 8 miles in, this was a momentous occasion. The best part was that at the end I still felt like I could ride farther. That's gotta be worth somethin', right?
If I can do one of those rides every week, I'll be on my way.
Thursday, May 05, 2005
Let's ride!
I guess it's time to get my act together and get this training thing humming.
I've been doing intervals on an indoor trainer twice a week, but I've noticed that it had some negative impact on my riding. My trail rides were suffering in the speed department. On the up side, my aerobic capacity has increased. So it's not all bad news. I think I'm going to cut back to doing intervals just once a week. Twice a week is more than I can handle at this stage in my training.
In addition to the intervals once a week, I'm going to concentrate on one long distance ride a week. The route I have planned at the moment should clock in at around 14-15 miles. I'm looking forward to getting into a strong routine.
I think it's a good time for a pic of my soon to be, new ride. When I get the actual bike, It'll be time for some serious bike porn.
My new bike...except mine will be black anodized. Have I mentioned that I can't wait to get it?
I've been doing intervals on an indoor trainer twice a week, but I've noticed that it had some negative impact on my riding. My trail rides were suffering in the speed department. On the up side, my aerobic capacity has increased. So it's not all bad news. I think I'm going to cut back to doing intervals just once a week. Twice a week is more than I can handle at this stage in my training.
In addition to the intervals once a week, I'm going to concentrate on one long distance ride a week. The route I have planned at the moment should clock in at around 14-15 miles. I'm looking forward to getting into a strong routine.
I think it's a good time for a pic of my soon to be, new ride. When I get the actual bike, It'll be time for some serious bike porn.
My new bike...except mine will be black anodized. Have I mentioned that I can't wait to get it?
I'm getting a new bike!
That's right, I'm getting a new bike. I've had my current bike(a Giant Rainier) since Jan '02. It has been a great bike, with hardly no problems. Earlier this year I did get a small crack on the seatpost tube, which resulted in a brand new 2005 frame. So, it has been an excellent bike.
I decided though, it was time for full suspension. My new bike, which is on order as I type this, is a '05 Santa Cruz Blur... with full XTR kit.
I can't freakin' wait!
My trusty Giant hardtail. Soon to be retired.
I decided though, it was time for full suspension. My new bike, which is on order as I type this, is a '05 Santa Cruz Blur... with full XTR kit.
I can't freakin' wait!
My trusty Giant hardtail. Soon to be retired.
Tryin' out this blog thing...
So this is what "blogging" is, huh?
I'm in the midst of getting in shape and working on my biking skills, so I can make a go of racing later in the year when the Florida State Series begins. I'm gonna use this "blog" to commit to paper...err, umm, the computer; my trials, tribulations, and successes, during this process. I'll also toss in anything of a mtn biking nature that suits me. How's that for covering all the bases?
Now, let me go and figure out the rest of this blog site.
I'm in the midst of getting in shape and working on my biking skills, so I can make a go of racing later in the year when the Florida State Series begins. I'm gonna use this "blog" to commit to paper...err, umm, the computer; my trials, tribulations, and successes, during this process. I'll also toss in anything of a mtn biking nature that suits me. How's that for covering all the bases?
Now, let me go and figure out the rest of this blog site.
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