Posts Tagged ‘Sunshine Cycle Shop’

« Older Entries

Good luck, John

Friday, February 19th, 2010

At 9 AM my friend, John, will head into St. Francis for surgery to repair a broken collar bone. It will be his first time to go under the knife. When I talked to him yesterday, he was nervous and excited — but more just relieved that it would soon be over. Here’s to quick and solid healing to one of the guys that has most influenced me on the bike.

John James

John James awaits the 2009 SC Criterium Championshps

I first met John in the early 90s when I was in grad school. Newly married with no kids, I got me a mountain bike to ride some of the trails that existed back in those days. It was the first time riding a bike since my early childhood.

It was Mike McMillan that invited me to join the shop crew on some of the rides on Piney Mountain (yes, there used to be mountain bike trails where George Hincapie’s house is now located) and sneaking into the back of Paris Mountain State Park to ride on the fire roads. John was in the group, but I thought he was a mute. He didn’t talk much and he seemed to have one expression on his face all the time.

After a time, I eased off of the shop rides. They were just way to fast and technical for me! I started to do more riding by myself as I tried to improve my handling and endurance. Of course, the headquarters for all of this was Sunshine Cycle Shop.

Then I had kids, started a business, got involved in politics, and all kinds of other stuff. It wasn’t long before the bike was gathering dust in the garage. It was actually a vintage Vespa that brought me back into the shop. Mike McMillan was trying to help me get it running.

That introduced me once again to the bicycle. However, this time it was a road bike. I found it was a bit easier to keep up with the group and that is when I started to get to know John a little better.

At first it wasn’t very positive. I thought John was a snob. Turns out, he didn’t think that much of me either. He thought I was one of those flash-in-the-pan riders that would never learn anything and just be in the way.

At first I just avoided him on rides. However, as I slowly started to get stronger, I would end up around him more and more. I also started to hang out at the shop a bit asking questions about how I could be a better rider.

It wasn’t long before I learned that first impressions — even ones that go on for awhile — can’t always be trusted. Ultimately, it was John who ended up making me believe that I could actually ride the bike quite well. He was the one that took me under his wing to explain how you are supposed to behave in a group ride — or race.

That is really one of the great things about cycling. It is an activity that gives you common ground with people across social, cultural, and personality divides. Before long you find that you are knocking down some of your preconceived notions and you discover a friend.

John will probably kill me for posting this. He doesn’t like the attention. Maybe that is why I’m enjoying doing it!

Thanks, John, for being a mentor and a friend. Get that collar bone set and get better soon. Summer is coming and I’ll miss you on the Thursday night death march!

Tags: , , ,
Posted in Life | 3 Comments »

Happy Birthday to me — I hope

Wednesday, February 3rd, 2010

This is for my wife. She asked me last night what I wanted for my birthday. So, I went back to my Christmas list and then added a couple things.

Here you go, Beautiful Redhead…

pgnc1-2331845t300x300I’m really in need of some more Cytomax. I’ve been using Heed for awhile and it is fine, but I like the taste of the Cytomax better. Race season is nearly upon me (as a matter of fact, it starts before my birthday!) and I know I’m going to need to be properly fueled.

matltodextrinWhile you are at it, I’ll take some maltodextrin. This is the complex carb I mix with the Cytomax to make my “meal bottles.” You can find both of these at Performance Fuel over on Orchard Park, or you can order it online. Oh, and make it a BIG bottle. My body thanks you!

I realize that some people don’t like getting money as a gift — or even a gift card. However, it will soon be time to build up my black TCR Advanced. The parts should arrive at any time, but I’m certain there is going to be something I have overlooked. It would be pretty nice to have a gift card from Sunshine Cycle Shop in that card beside my birthday cake.

Here is something for me that might be good for you! You know how I sweat like a horse. How about ordering me some of these? Action Wipes are bigger than those little baby towels. This way I can get myself cleaned up a bit before I get home. However, I still like those baby wipes for the bike. There most be some chemical in them that just cuts right through the chain crud.  You can get me a BIG package of those as well.

Okay, but here is the biggie… my birthday is February 21. I know that is typically the time when we would celebrate at your parents’ place. However, there is the 2010 Greenville Spring Training Series races that weekend and it will be the first race at the BMW Performance Test Track for the year. I know you can’t give me a win for my birthday, but it sure would be nice if I we could celebrate the birthday another time and I could give it a try for a win as my present to myself.

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Events, Life | 4 Comments »

Vacation and rest – not always the same thing

Tuesday, December 29th, 2009

Normally when I post here on LowCadence.com I have an idea what I’m going to write about. The title goes in first and then I flesh out what has been stewing in my brain looking to get dished out. Today I realize I need to get something served up, but the broth doesn’t seem very thick today. Maybe it has something to do with vacations and rest weeks.

Last week I was out of town visiting my parents for Christmas. Jim had me take along the bike and I put in some good miles there on the flat roads of southeastern North Carolina. The only proscribed ride that I did not finish was the last one. It was supposed to be a 3 hour ride with three low cadence 10 minute efforts spread through it.

I went out side the night before to make sure everything was ready on the bike. The ride was going to have to start early because I was supposed to leave the swamp and by lunch head back to Greenville. It pays to get prepared the night before. However, going out there showed me it also helps to be prepared before you go on vacation!

My rear tire was as flat as could be. I tried putting air in it to find the leak.  I had some patches I could use to get me going. PSSSSSST. I knew right away I was doomed. It was the stem. Patches don’t work on stems and I didn’t bring an extra tube!

I emailed Jim and told him what was happening. He said to learn my lesson and plan on doing the ride when I got back. Of course, my first real rest week since I started training was supposed to start on Monday. This change of plans would shorten that a bit.

Monday rolled around and I was ready to go… or so I thought. I didn’t have an extra tube at home and Sunshine Cycle Shop wasn’t open yet. I put on a second set of wheels and headed out the door.

It was very frustrating getting out of town. It seemed that I was hitting every red light. Those of you who are on a training plan know how frustrating this is when you are supposed to be holding a steady cadence and wattage. Finally I made it to Old Buncombe and things began to settle.

The plan was to continue down Old Buncombe Road and then cut behind Furman to ride towards 186 and then toward the mountains. Of course, I would have to turn and around and come back to make it only a three hour ride. Unfortunately, I didn’t get the chance.

Right as I neared Poinsett Highway on Old Buncombe, I started to feel my rear wheel go soft. I looked down and sure enough, the tire was sagging. Within seconds it went completely flat. I pulled off to the side of the road and tried to call my wife. Remember, I didn’t have an extra tube.

After trying several times to contact the Beautiful Redhead, I started walking. In my mind I knew I wouldn’t have to walk the entire distance. I was certain that someone would stop and pick me up. So, I slung the bike over my shoulder and started to make my way toward Cherrydale along Poinsett.

Twenty minutes later, Jason, a triathlete, pulled over and offered me a ride. He was kind enough to take me all the way to Sunshine (the shop was open by this time). I learned he had been going the opposite direction when he saw me. Having pity, he found a place to turn around and come pick me up. Thanks, Jason – and Alex.

At Sunshine John told me I should have called and he would have come to pick me up. That has crossed my mind, but I’m always taking advantage of their service and that just seemed a little too far to go on a cold December morning just as they were opening. John was kind enough to change out my wheels for me.

Turns out it is time for new rubber. My tires were potted with holes and in some spots were getting bare. So, I had new heavy duty training type tires put on with new tubes to fill them out.

Then I got back on the road. However, my schedule cut me short. I still managed to get in the requisite 3 x 10 minute sessions, but my 3 hour ride got cut back to 2. We’ll see what Jim thinks of the effort when I get his report.

So, that leads me to today. I’m not on the bike today, Wednesday, or Thursday. It is a good thing. Three solid days of no stress on my hip should be a good thing. It has been pretty sore for weeks now. I’ve seen some improvement, but then something tweaks it and I have a flare up again. I think this is just what I need.

On the other hand, it is hard to know what to do with myself. It isn’t that I don’t have anything to do! I have plenty! It is more a mental thing. In the back of my mind I’m still operating under that compulsion, “Oh, I’ve got to figure out how I’m going to work my training into the schedule today!”

Stop. Take a deep breath. It is a rest week. Do what you are supposed to do… rest.

Tags: ,
Posted in Training | No Comments »

The siren call of white

Friday, December 4th, 2009

After meeting with Dave Mruz with Eastside Chiropractic, I knew I needed to do something about my saddle. It crossed my mind to see if somehow I could repair it. I realized that was playing with fire seeing all the trouble I was having. The decision was made to get a new one.

On my way to Sunshine Cycle Shop, I thought it through and it only made sense to get the same saddle this time around. First, I love the Toupe saddle. It is the saddle I have used since I started riding the road bike. Second, it would make the adjustment of the bike much easier seeing that the measurements could be moved from the old to the new and there would be less chance for an ill fit.

Then it was time for the most important question of all… What color should I get?

Specialized Toupe Saddle - White

Specialized Toupe Saddle - White

I decided on white. When I first got the white frame, I determined I would not go euro and turn it into an all white bike. The temptation was there and I was even encouraged to do so. However, I resisted.

I grabbed several saddles and put them in position on the seat post. After alternating back and forth between the white and black, I just couldn’t get away from the white. The black and gray accents just seemed to be made for my Giant TCR Advanced frame — which is white, gray, and black. I just had to do it.

Looking good with the white Giant TCR Advanced

Looking good with the white Giant TCR Advanced

Now I’m pretty pleased with the look. I still have the black bar tape going. I really don’t see myself going white with that. However, I might try a gray tape at some point when my current black wears out.

Yep, the white is taking over. Next up? Check it out!

Specialized BG S-WORKS Road Shoe

Specialized BG S-WORKS Road Shoe

Purrrfect!  White out!

Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in Bicycles | 1 Comment »

A Blue day at Sunshine

Saturday, October 31st, 2009

I was looking forward to going over to Sunshine Cycle Shop to give some of the Blue Competition Cycles demo bikes a try.  Unfortunately, I wasn’t mad enough to take one of the bikes out in the rain.  That cross bike sure could have handled it, though!

I ride a Giant and love it.  However, these Blues look and feel pretty good.  The twenty-two pound mountain bike was n-i-c-e!  The video you see here contains the first published pictures of the bike assembled.

Tags: , , ,
Posted in Bicycles, Events | 2 Comments »

A mile of pain

Saturday, October 10th, 2009

This morning I had a fun ride with the Sunshine Cycle Shop Hour of Power crew.  Granted there was a smaller number due to the weather and another large organized century ride.  The group stayed together well and while it wasn’t as fast as it can be, it was great for me.

The last time I was on the bike was last Saturday when I finished my racing season.  I took the wheels off the bike and it hung in my basement the entire week until I put it back together for the morning ride.  I even forgot to put air in the tires before I left!  I must have been riding around on 80 pounds of pressure.

I felt good, but continued to take it easy through the ride.  I don’t think I came out of the saddle for speed until we reached the Meece Bridge Road sprint zone.  We didn’t even sprint.  However, for the sake of testing the legs I uncorked near the end anyway.  Even then I didn’t get much over 1000 watts.

Once I approached the quarry road, I decided to make some plans for the future.  I pushed the lap button on my Garmin as we crossed the bridge.  My plan was to go up at a nice steady speed and set a baseline for this climb that can be quite painful.  I was curious what the data profile would look like.

picture-17

The red line is my heart rate, gray line = cadence, blue = speed, yellow = power, and orange = elevation.  Not sure why the speed is jumping around.  Could it be the Garmin was freaking out due to the cloudy skies?  Interestingly, it only happened during a 10 minute period in the whole ride.

Anyway, here are the numbers: Distance = 1 mile, Average Grade = 2.4% (that is all?), Elevation Gain = 128 feet, Power Max = 582 watts, Power Avg = 355 watts, Heart Rate Max = 188 bpm, Heart Rate Avg = 183 bpm, Cadence Min = 68 / Max = 113 / Avg = 87 rpm, Speed = 19.2 mph.

Now, I’ll just store these numbers away and compare it to future attempts during the ride.  It will be very interesting to see how this one compares to one of those times when we’re actually racing up that 2.4% grade.  Of course, that is the average.

The hardest section of the climb is about 7% for about a third of a mile.  A few slight dips in the beginning and halfway are followed by a long shallow climb at the top.  It brings the average down, but the fact that it follows the harder climb makes the finishing sprint a killer.

I call it the mile of pain.  Besides the physical characteristics about the mile there is the competitive side.  Normally in this group we are racing to the top.  That means you have someone breathing down your neck the whole way.  On those days, you can feel that queasy feeling at the finish.

Today I climbed it in 3 minutes and 10 seconds.  Don’t know when I’ll be able to climb it again.  With the Ride For Mike coming up, it will be several weeks before I’ll be back on the Hour of Power ride.

Tags: ,
Posted in Rides, Training | 1 Comment »

I’ve been framed

Thursday, September 3rd, 2009

I’ve talked a bit about my lack of a bike to ride recently.  However, I haven’t shown you any pictures of the damage.  That is partly because I didn’t want to look at it.  My bike has been at Sunshine Cycle Shop since the day I crashed.  Well, I stopped by yesterday to go out with the old and in with the new.

You get the idea of the force with which that guy hit me.  People have the impression that carbon fiber is very fragile.  Really it isn’t.  It takes just the right force applied in just the right way to end up with a result like that.

Well, out with the old!

The crack in my 2009 Giant TCR Advanced frame

The crack in my 2009 Giant TCR Advanced frame

In with the new!

My new 2010 Giant TCR Advanced frame!

My new 2010 Giant TCR Advanced frame!

The main reason why I stopped by the shop was because John had sent me a text just as I sat down for lunch letting me know that the replacement frame from Giant had arrived.  Oooooooo, a 2010 Giant TCR Advanced frame with a white satin mate finish.  The lettering is a combination of exposed carbon weave and a black paint with silver highlights.

The frame weighs in at 2.8 pounds.  The geometry seems to be the same, but the size of the tubes seem to be a bit smaller.  I’ll have a better idea of the setup once my components get moved over.  Oh, there is also a matching fork to complete the set.

Funny, but the new SRAM Force shifters I received have white accents.  It is as though they were made for this frame.  I’ve got my fingers crossed hoping that today I’ll get another text from John telling me that I need to take this sweetness out for a test ride!

Tags: , , ,
Posted in Bicycles | 9 Comments »

Hello, Max Heart Rate

Saturday, August 22nd, 2009

Today was Tyler Crotts’ last official Hour of Power ride before he heads off to Brevard College for the year.  I don’t think it will be his last Hour of Power for the year though.  I’m sure he’ll be coming back so his elders can help keep him humble.

I was still feeling the effects of Thursday night’s ride.  It was a tough one, and I didn’t sleep that well Thursday or Friday night.  I knew the alarm was about to go off before it rang.  After an inner battle, I finally rolled out so I could be there to kick Tyler’s you-know-what.

The first order of business was to pump up my tires that had been switched a bit.  I had taken my tires from my race wheel set and moved them to my training wheel set.  My regular riders were starting to show threads.  It seemed like a good idea to get some more out of the race tires while getting my race wheels all prepped with new rubber for the SC Road Race Championships.

Wouldn’t you know it… the tube exploded at 100 psi.  I didn’t have time to change the flat.  I just threw my front SL on the bike and headed for the shop.

Pulling up I found a good crowd ready to roll out!  There were several levels of riders represented.  Of course, the ones I noticed first were the number of Greenville Spinners Bicycle Race Team members.  Randy was bringing some reinforcements!

Hmmmm, John James was the only other POA guy there.  It would be just the two of us.  Oh boy, and there was Jeff Cash.  Tony was there as well, but he was riding his cross bike.  The sprints could be interesting today.  I’m sure Tyler would be gunning for one himself.

The first test came at the pee-tree sprint on Meece Bridge Road (click to see the infamous tree).  The Spinners started the train.  Looking ahead, I saw Jeff, Randy, and one other rider breaking away.  John was sitting holding a steady pace and letting them move.  I decided to bridge up so I could recover a bit before fighting it out.

I caught them and moved onto Jeff’s wheel.  He was the one I was watching out for.  The plan was to match his acceleration until we crested the small rise about 300 meters or so from the finish.  Then I would attack from third wheel.

It never happened.  John came flying around and Jeff jumped on his wheel.  I held my pace to let those two guys go for it.  I figured my chances were pretty good with John.  I might as well save myself for the next battle.

It came sooner than I thought it would!  Before I knew it we were pulling onto Grove Meadow Road.  This is the “pace-line road.”  It is a long stretch without stop signs.  We typically end up getting in a single line pace-line and move along at around 22 – 24 mph.

I got on the front first.  I figured I would get my pain out of the way early so I could recover before turning up the quarry road.  It worked like a charm.  As we turned onto Keller Road, I was about 10th and sat in for the next couple of minutes before we hit the bottom of the climb.

John started them up with a nice steady pace.  I stayed in my 53 and just launched a do-or-die attack from behind.  Looking back was not an option.  However, I know now that John picked up a “false” pace as though he was coming after me and others sat on his wheel.  It bought me some more time.

My goal was to stay in this attack mode until I reached the false flat.  I didn’t make it.  I had to shift down and recover about 50 meters from my target.  Later I noticed that my computer had me pegging 197 bpm at that point!

Once I did make it over the hump, I hazarded a glance behind and didn’t see anyone.  I was now moving at around 16 mph and trying to recover a bit.  Then I looked back again to see a lone rider coming up behind me.  It was Jeff.  He was just coming around this corner – this picture is from the vantage point about where I was.

No way was I going to give it up after suffering so much!  I grabbed some more gear and tried to stay over 20 mph. Thankfully, it worked and my go-for-broke attack paid off… but I’d say two matches went up in smoke at once with that one!

It took me until the State Park entrance sprint before I was recovered enough to give it another go.  Right away I messed up because I got separated from John’s lead out because I got caught behind some slower riders.  Things worked out though because the break came to a halt due to a car stopped in the middle of the road.

Seems that these folks stopped to talk to some people standing on the shoulder of the road.  As we came up on them and began to make our way around the stopped vehicle, we noticed that the people on the shoulder of the road were attempting to coax a pot-bellied pig to move out of the ditch.

The pig out of the way, we started ratcheting things up again.  I got on Jeff’s wheel as he was following Tyler.  Web Fitton and Randy Hutchison were also in the mix at that point.  However, as we hit the bottom of the climb… it was Tyler, Jeff, and me.

Then things got dicey – and it had nothing to do with a pig.  Jeff and I had momentum taking us right onto Tyler’s wheel.  I could see Jeff was getting ready to move on Tyler, but I realized I could get the jump on him by pinning him behind Tyler while I moved up the right side.

I made my move, but Tyler must have been aware of Jeff because he moved to the right.  That brought Jeff over to me and for a moment the three of us were bar-to-bar with me tight-rope-riding the white line.  Thankfully, none of us touched and Jeff and I drag raced for the line.

After that, John played spoiler for Art and took Oak Leaf.  On Nature Trail Jeff finished strong by holding off John.  We all rolled into the shop pretty tired, but with lots of stories to tell.

It was such a beautiful day, I decided to put in some extra miles and did an easy spin down Chick Springs to Main Street.  From there I did a couple laps of Cleveland Park and then went home.  A very profitable 45 mile morning.

Speaking of beautiful…  If you get a chance, click on the links I’ve placed in the post.  They are Google Street Views of some of the points on our ride.  Of course, these were taken in the winter, but if you play around with the views, you can get a good idea of the terrain and scenery that we get to enjoy around here.

Tags: , , , , , , ,
Posted in Rides | 2 Comments »

What a relief!

Friday, July 10th, 2009

When I left the office and headed home to get ready for the Thursday ride, I was feeling pretty apprehensive and yet excited.  Excited because I was going to get to ride after being off the bike for two days and apprehensive because I wasn’t sure how my shoulder would react to the effort.  The ride would tell the story.

I stopped into Sunshine Cycle Shop to pick up my new helmet before heading out. Steve Baker came in while I was there to interview John James for a story he is putting together for GO Magazine.  I won’t give away his subject, but I’m pretty excited to read it when it comes out.

When I brought my bike up to the group, I was happy to see there were a number of riders there.  It was a good group of regulars.  It was good to see Rob back out.  Anthony was also there.  Speaking of Anthony, turns out he was the Barley’s rider that was telling me to pull through at the last Donaldson Center ride I rode.

We pulled out and I was feeling pretty good.  I had rubbed my shoulder down with some Biofreeze and it felt downright normal.  Word was we were going to go on the Hour of Power route.  That sounded good because there would be less climbing.  Then I heard that we would be tacking Paris Mountain onto the end of it!

The first test of my shoulder would be the Meece Bridge Road sprint.  As we approached the attack zone, John moved over and Anthony moved to the front.  I moved onto his wheel.  It was pretty much he and I as we neared the rise that starts the run in to the finish.  He shifted to gain more speed and I shifted two and jumped.  He let me go.

Then it was time for a little climb.  This would put a different strain on my shoulder as I would climb the quarry road.  I let the group go on ahead.  My plan was just to ride up steady at my own pace.  I had already told John that I wasn’t going to go for it.  He would have to fly the POA banner on this one.

Well, what do you know.  By the time we reached the false flat I was sitting on the wheel of Art who was in the lead at that point.  I just kept tapping out my cadence and moved to the front.  There was no doubt that John was back there and soon he would be coming around to take over.   My plan was just to keep spinning and keep the force in my legs and avoid pulling on the bars. Sure enough, John came around and took the finish.

Now I was toast. To say my legs felt like Jello wouldn’t be a good description.  Do you remember Stretch Armstrong – those dolls that you could stretch for unnatural distances?  Well, that is what my legs felt like – gooey but hard.  It didn’t help that Bob and I got caught at an intersection and had to chase back to the group just before we turned to go up Altamont Road.

Again the rest of the guys started up ahead of me.  I was about 30 seconds behind because I got caught up in some traffic at an intersection.  I figured some of the riders would come back to me, but there were several I knew I wouldn’t see again until the top.  Anthony had gone home, so I knew he wasn’t ahead.

Passing several riders I came up on Bob and Tyler.  I was surprised that I caught Bob just before the halfway point.  However, I couldn’t get past them.  They sped up a bit and I slowed some.  We continued this way for some time.

It was on this climb that the ache in my shoulder became more noticeable.  It was probably because my body was just getting tired.  I was also rocking on the bike a bit more causing me to pull on the bars.  It is a good training mechanism to cause me to focus on using my legs more instead of burning energy in the rest of my body.

This post is getting long enough.  There were lots of other things that I could write about – like the time Bob and I went into an unfamiliar corner way too hot and nearly came to grief together.  There was the race between Tyler and I to see who would be back to the shop first.  There were plenty of little odds and ends that make these rides so much fun.

I just hope that this time McPain will read this before Gunny calls him.

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Rides | 3 Comments »

A tale of two rides

Saturday, June 27th, 2009

I woke up before the alarm went off.  The light of the already rising sun was coming through the window.  Over on the dresser were the various items I would need for my morning ride.  After a bit of psyching myself up, I rolled out of bed to get ready to head out to Sunshine Cycle Shop for the Hour of Power.

Friday’s recovery ride had my body feeling pretty good.  The calf that has been giving trouble still hurt slightly, but not nearly as bad as the morning before.  I figured after getting a bite to eat, I would be ready for some fun sprinting.

As I pulled into the lot, I could see a good number of riders.  A quick glance showed that the normal sprinters weren’t around.  Luis was the only one I could see.  Bob sometimes mixes it up, but there was no John, Tyler, Tony, Peter, or any of those guys.  Hmmmm, this could be interesting.

Then Mike came out and announced that we were going to do the traditional route backward.  I guess there would be no need to have anyone there going for the sprints – we wouldn’t know where to attack.  Suddenly, my morning was taking on a whole different feel.

Turns out it was okay.  It was a pretty good workout.  You think that the route will be easier because there are so many long climbs going the traditional route.  However, what goes up must come down.  The difference is that the backward route has more short “popping” climbs.

The one negative was that our stops to wait for the slower riders were much longer.  It was much harder to get the feeling of a sustained effort.  Most times it was Luis, JWinn, Billy (who joined us after the ride started), and myself building a gap and then waiting.

I’m pretty sure that if we hadn’t had the down times I would have averaged some solid wattage for the entire ride.  What that means is that this route is not easier.  As a matter of fact, my average wattage was 189 watts for the entire ride.  Compare that with 162 watts of one of my recent Hour of Power rides.  The climbing?  This morning we climbed 3038 feet cumulative.  The traditional route takes us over 3020 feet.  This route is looking harder all the time!

Still, it just didn’t seem as fun and it didn’t seem to be as good of a work out.  For most part, though, it was good to mix things up.  I’m sure we’ll be doing it some more in the future.

Once back at the shop I hung out for a bit, but I was feeling like I needed to get a bit more in on my legs.  I mentioned to Bob that I was planning on getting in some more miles and he decided to go with me.  It was a simple ride, but it was a great one.

It wasn’t the route.  It was basically an over and back of Altamont Road.  The one change was that Bob decided to take us on Audubon Road.  Other than that we headed over to Furman to cool down in the shade before heading back up to the top and then returning to the shop.

First, it was fun to hang out with Bob.  It seems like a long time since the old crew had been together on one of these rides.  With just the two of us it was kind of like old times.  We were taking it easy, so there was time to talk.

After cresting the top, I started down at an easy pace.  Bob followed.  The air was cool because of the shade and the wind created as I descended.  Over to the right I could see out toward the mountains in the distance.  The bike shifted easily beneath me as I carved my way through the curves.

It was during this section that I got hit with that thought.  It is a sensation that every cyclist experiences.  It is that almost giddy feeling that comes to your upper chest and pops up on your face as a smile.  I call it the “everything’s right with the world” feeling.  You might want to call it a “Now THIS is why I ride my bike” experience.

Of course, we had to turn around and head back.  As we started up Altamont, I told Bob I wasn’t going to press my lap button to time the climb.  This one was going to go unrecorded.  We discussed what we thought our times might be.  I guessed it could be anywhere between 16 and 18 minutes.

What a difference it makes riding with someone!  The climb seemed to go much faster with someone to talk to and get encouragement from during the hateful sections.  As we neared the top, I saw a lone rider ahead of us.  It was an encouragement to keep my pace up and perhaps we could catch him before the top.

He must have heard us talking because he picked up his pace.  As we neared the wall I said to Bob, “He can have it.”  Then we turned onto that final climb.  I put my head down and just began to pace it up.  When I glanced up, I saw that the rider ahead was much closer now.  Then I went around him.  Whew!  He was suffering!

At the top I glanced at my computer.  Yes, I didn’t use the timer, but I couldn’t help but notice the time of day as we started the climb.  Turns out we covered the two miles in 15 minutes and 30 seconds.  That really wasn’t so bad for not trying.

Right there at the first turn from the top was a dad and his two daughters with a lemonade stand.  The Life’s Little Instruction Book says to always stop and buy lemonade from these young entrepreneurs, so we pulled up and got a couple of cups.  Wow!  That was some great lemonade!

From there is was an easy ride back to Sunshine Cycle Shop.  That second 22 mile ride took as long to complete as the earlier 28 mile one.  We climbed nearly as much, though we didn’t work quite as hard.  If I had to rate the two, I’d have to give the second one the higher score.

Overall it was a good day – and a good week.  I’ve finally started getting in some +100 mile weeks.  Yep, I haven’t had a 200 mile week in ages.  This month has been my biggest month yet for the year with over 450 miles.  In the past, July has always been a good mileage month.  I’m looking forward to it.

Tags: , , , , , , ,
Posted in Life, Rides | 2 Comments »

« Older Entries