Well biking season is "winding down". I don't like to admit it but it's true. Leaves on the ground making it difficult to see the trail means the intensity has backed off, as of yesterday we were into daylight savings time - yep , getting dark by 5.15 :(
That being said, it has been a great fall for biking, warm temps, some dry days. This past weekend I headed down to Traverse city, MI for my final race of the year "the Iceman Cometh Challenge" Really really great race. 4700 entered makes it by far the largest mountain bike race in North America. This might be the most fun I have had at an event all year. What a party! I loved it. If you are reading this, and have never taken part in this race, you should. Not technical at all, mostly double track, I finished it in just over 2 hours, but the vibe - so go, the beer at the end, tailgate parties, music and jagerbombs!
Monday, November 7, 2011
Friday, October 14, 2011
Stowe!
It says so much. It is a town, it is a way of life, it congers up images of butternut squash soup and skiing.
We are staying smack in the center of town at the oh so Vermont, Green Mountain Inn Nice. I don't know if it gets any more "Vermont" than this place.
I really like this town, and the whole state of Vermont. I have wanted to get back here for a long time, since first driving up Smugglers Notch and thinking what a great ride this would be. So here we are. Heather went off to do some of the things that interest her (photography and shopping) while I headed out to do a 90k countryside loop, not climbing the notch from Stowe, but doing a counterclockwise loop, and descending from the notch into Stowe.
The ride seemed really really easy for the first part - I guessed I was mostly descending. I now realize that I also had a tailwind. The only downside to doing the ride in this direction is, after completing 60 easy k, you have a 1700 foot climb into the wind.
Ha! I was feeling tired. But this is the reason that I came here...beautiful roads.
Finish it all off with a long trail ale and dinner at Harrisons and a stroll in the rain.
Tomorrow? Do it all again in the other direction with my k-town buds...Fil & John - who just got into town! Yee Haw!
Garmin details here.
We are staying smack in the center of town at the oh so Vermont, Green Mountain Inn Nice. I don't know if it gets any more "Vermont" than this place.
I really like this town, and the whole state of Vermont. I have wanted to get back here for a long time, since first driving up Smugglers Notch and thinking what a great ride this would be. So here we are. Heather went off to do some of the things that interest her (photography and shopping) while I headed out to do a 90k countryside loop, not climbing the notch from Stowe, but doing a counterclockwise loop, and descending from the notch into Stowe.
Beautiful ride - rollers, beautiful countryside, rivers, mountains...
The ride seemed really really easy for the first part - I guessed I was mostly descending. I now realize that I also had a tailwind. The only downside to doing the ride in this direction is, after completing 60 easy k, you have a 1700 foot climb into the wind.
Ha! I was feeling tired. But this is the reason that I came here...beautiful roads.
Tomorrow? Do it all again in the other direction with my k-town buds...Fil & John - who just got into town! Yee Haw!
Garmin details here.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Shenandoah recap (Long)
On Sunday I took part in the Shenandoah 100 - the third NUE series race I have done this year. Tho others being the Mohican and the Lumberjack.
Brief stats:
100 miles
12,400 feet of climbing
11,380 calories burned
12 hours of riding
Garmin Link
I headed down Friday morning - an 11 hour beautiful drive through NY, Pennsylvania and Virginia. Arriving on Friday night for a Sunday race was the right thing to do. This is a camping event and 600 riders with families were there. Wish I had pictures - amazing a whole community appears for a few days.
Saturday fellow Canadian Chris arrived, along with his girlfriend Tara. They showed really nice Westphalia.
Cool. No not cool, very very warm and humidity much higher than we get in Ontario.
First thing, Sat afternoon Chris is tweaking his bike when he notices a crack in the top tube - yep, his Fisher is not going to be ridden in this race. Amazing thing is, the fellow in the next campsite has two tallboys and offers Chris one to ride! Hat's off to Jody! Thank you.
So the plan now is Chris is going to not so much race, as ride the course.
Sunday 6.20am race start - just getting light and we are off.
After a bit of flat asphalt, we start climbing, and it quickly turns to dirt road, and we start a 7k climb, gaining about 250m of elevation. I am feeling strong - passing quite a few riders - and perhaps working just a little too hard, no problem though, I will back off once we hit the first bit of singletrack. Well we hit this single track - rock gardens. It takes me no time to realize I don't have enough air in my rear tire, and I have a good chance of pinch flatting. Ssssssssssssssssssssssssss. And there it is, a flat 14k into the ride.
Quickly pull over - and this is where it gets funny (well frustrating at first, funny after a while)...this really happened...
I start remove the tube, Chris stops and joins me, I add my spare - it won't hold air, the valve is busted. Chris passes me his spare, and patches my original tube, Chris's tube won't hold air, I remove that tube, and pass it back to Chris (he finds a hole in it :( ) I take the tube he has patched, and put it in the tire - pump it, and it won't hold air ARRRGH. I remove it, pass it to Chris he finds a second hole in it. I take his spare that he has patched and put it in the tire - pump it up,and it holds air. All this takes almost 40 minutes. Chris has stayed with me the entire time (thank you Chris!)
We are now in 595 & 596th place of 600 - yep only 3 people behind us. No way to make up 40 minutes, so I think, well I am going to "ride" this rather than kill myself racing it. Simple change, and I am feeling great - we have the whole mountain to our selves - we don't catch the first rider for 20 minutes - sweet downhill and we are into aid station 1 - (no spare tubes until aid station 2)
Chris & I are pretty compatible - I'm faster on the downhills, but he is just faster on the flats and inclines - so I draft him for a while, as we start catching and passing riders, and just having a good time riding - until we get to a climb not long after aid station 2 - it is steep, a rocky rough bench cut that goes for miles. It is in the trees, but it is hot and very humid. People are calling it stupid. People are walking their bikes. People are sitting by the side of the trail trying to cool down. It's a 10km climb that gains 500 meters of elevation. Chris takes a sit down, I decide to continue walking, climbing and decide I will take a break at the top - but once I get to the top, I see many people recovering before the downhill - did you say downhill? Yes no break for me - what an amazing downhill, 10km long! For those that know the area this is Hankey mountain.
What a change - 10 minutes earlier I was pushing out of my mind the idea of quitting, now I am loving it.
Chris and I meet up at the aid station again and head out on to some flat paved road - a nice change, being in the open air, and with the downhill, I am feeling better, my core temperature has cooled off somewhat.
The flat's don't last for long - they never do, and we are into another 10k climb - this one is all a blur...climb hot hot hot, we are still passing riders, so many riders we pass. Then another super sweet downhill - the best of the day. Speaking of day, at this point we have now been riding for more that 7 hours, and we are at aid station 4. We are at the beginning of the biggest climb of the day, they call it soul crusher. From the bottom of the climb to the peak it is 30 km. Not the steepest climb, just relentless. There will be an aid station 22km into the climb, and following that a nice little decent, before you resume climbing.
We continue to climb passing riders, some riding, some walking, some stopped dealing with cramps. Chris and I continue to ride, a nice easy pace (well not so easy for me, I am running a 1x8 ..with a 12-30 cassette, wish I had a 34).
An hour and 40 min later we make it to the aid station 5, and refuel - oh yeah the aid stations are packed with coca cola, PB&J, smarties, bananas, potato chips, nuts etc. Chris has brilliantly arranged for a drop bag at this station, and it has a ham and cheese sandwich that he devours, and gets some energy back, then we are off again....wow,....this little descent is so much fun 5 foot water bars that you launch off off...this goes for say 2k, then we are into the final 5km of climbing, or as someone called it..the 13 meadows of mind f*ck! It never seems to end.
It does end and we have a few smaller descents followed by climbs as we ride the ridge - then we are into the big downhill - possibly the best downhill I have been lucky enough to ride. 700 meter drop over 10km! Balls to the wall hold on for life, trust your bike and trust your complex to keep you on the trail right side up! YeeHaw!!!! Most fun of the day.
I want to mention, any of these long climbs followed by a downhill would be a great one day ride.
Final aid station, a bitch, yes a bitch of a climb - the same climb we started the day on, and one final fast downhill and the finish line 11 hours and 55 minutes after we started. What a great day on the bike. The beer after was amazing ---mmmmh. Cheesebuger for dinner. Sleep. Rain comes. Coffee in the morning and the long drive back home.
Loved it. Great company with Tara & Chris.
End of the day I was 307th of 519 men that started - not that it matters. I know that not "racing" it, not having the pressure of beating the next guy allowed me to really have fun on this.
Edit:
I usually ride a SS 29 Rigid, however I did this on a 29r hardtail 1x8 - glad for it.
I got bit and stung. I don't know what they are called - gnats - blackflies? Either way I must have 30 itching bites from these things, and I also managed to get a wasp stuck in my jersey on the final descent, and was stung multiple times. F*($@*# I am still itching!!
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Mohican recap
What a difference from last year's Mohican. This year dry, hot and humid, with absolutely no rain.
I was somewhat concerned about the heat, and it did become a factor. (more later)
I cruised up to the start line with Lyndsay (yes, Lyndsay from Stouffville) and Ian (DMBA), just as they were calling out the 100 mile wave - great way to start, warmed up and already rolling. We hit the hill out of town...how to describe this, just think a long, long paved road climb, with 200 other riders all jockeying for position. Nice. A left and we are onto the dirt roads, past the pig farms, then another left and decending rough single track - *&^($@ have I mentioned that I LOVE this race! Settled into a good pace with 6 or 7 other riders - after a while, maybe an hour I started to admit to myself that perhaps the pace was not sustainable over 10 hours, and man is it getting hot and humid in the forest.
The single track...ahhh, so nice - we got glimpses of it last year, but it was too wet. This year conditions were perfect. 20 miles of single track, switchbacks winding around a mountain - so cool. Cruised through the first aid station, felt good. Coming into the second aid station at mile 34, I felt strong. I was struck by how different I felt at this spot last year - at that time I was cold, exhausted, and those first 34 miles had taken 5 hours. Today it was about 3hr45min for the same.
Around noon it started to get warm, I mean hot, real hot. The tempurature topped out at 34c, but I am sure on those dusty roads and rail trails it was much hotter. The 15 miles of rail trail wasn't bad - I really was able to keep up a good clip of 18 -21kph on my 32x19 SS. The dirt roads with the rolling hills were a killer in the heat though - I know at one point I started thinking, half seriously, I could just lay down in the shade until say 4pm when it cools off.
I kept going
at some point - must have been around 75 miles, I started over heating, I had hosed myself down at the aid stations, was taking electrolyte tablets (and advil) drinking lots - but I was shivering, alot. Just could not cool down. Even in the forest, it was so hot and humid, I tried walking for a bit, but just kept sweating and shivering. The descents were a relief - air cooling. Well at some point - hmmm, maybe 85 miles in I vomited, yes I was bloated no liquids seemed to be making there way into my system. So a lot of liquids came up (I had been drinking heed all day, and no I don't think heed was the problem, just the heat, and my system had started to shut down). After that I felt much much better, took in some water and felt stronger.
One of the advantages of having done this race before, is that you have an idea of where the end is, and what is coming next. With about 7 miles left, I decided to kick it up, to give it everything I had. I did not want to get passed by anyone before the end of the race. Funny things go through your head during these races -- let me finish, I want a beer, and at the same time, the competitiveness. I mentioned at the beginning of this note that I had settled into a good pace with 6 or 7 other guys, well all in all I would say there were about that many, maybe 10 guys that I kept seeing during the race, they would pass me, I would pass them, one might be coming into an aid station as I was leaving etc. Well I didn't want to get passed by any of these guys - and one was coming up behind me fast, so, in my "own little race" (but it feels so important at the point), I hammered and dropped him. Feeling good, I exited out of the final single track, motivated and giving it all into the final few climbs, where I caught two more riders (walking up a hill). On to the finish line, ice cold water wating for me - have a sip, poor the rest down my back, and fill that beautiful glass with cold beer!
Nice. Loved it
I was somewhat concerned about the heat, and it did become a factor. (more later)
I cruised up to the start line with Lyndsay (yes, Lyndsay from Stouffville) and Ian (DMBA), just as they were calling out the 100 mile wave - great way to start, warmed up and already rolling. We hit the hill out of town...how to describe this, just think a long, long paved road climb, with 200 other riders all jockeying for position. Nice. A left and we are onto the dirt roads, past the pig farms, then another left and decending rough single track - *&^($@ have I mentioned that I LOVE this race! Settled into a good pace with 6 or 7 other riders - after a while, maybe an hour I started to admit to myself that perhaps the pace was not sustainable over 10 hours, and man is it getting hot and humid in the forest.
The single track...ahhh, so nice - we got glimpses of it last year, but it was too wet. This year conditions were perfect. 20 miles of single track, switchbacks winding around a mountain - so cool. Cruised through the first aid station, felt good. Coming into the second aid station at mile 34, I felt strong. I was struck by how different I felt at this spot last year - at that time I was cold, exhausted, and those first 34 miles had taken 5 hours. Today it was about 3hr45min for the same.
Around noon it started to get warm, I mean hot, real hot. The tempurature topped out at 34c, but I am sure on those dusty roads and rail trails it was much hotter. The 15 miles of rail trail wasn't bad - I really was able to keep up a good clip of 18 -21kph on my 32x19 SS. The dirt roads with the rolling hills were a killer in the heat though - I know at one point I started thinking, half seriously, I could just lay down in the shade until say 4pm when it cools off.
I kept going
at some point - must have been around 75 miles, I started over heating, I had hosed myself down at the aid stations, was taking electrolyte tablets (and advil) drinking lots - but I was shivering, alot. Just could not cool down. Even in the forest, it was so hot and humid, I tried walking for a bit, but just kept sweating and shivering. The descents were a relief - air cooling. Well at some point - hmmm, maybe 85 miles in I vomited, yes I was bloated no liquids seemed to be making there way into my system. So a lot of liquids came up (I had been drinking heed all day, and no I don't think heed was the problem, just the heat, and my system had started to shut down). After that I felt much much better, took in some water and felt stronger.
One of the advantages of having done this race before, is that you have an idea of where the end is, and what is coming next. With about 7 miles left, I decided to kick it up, to give it everything I had. I did not want to get passed by anyone before the end of the race. Funny things go through your head during these races -- let me finish, I want a beer, and at the same time, the competitiveness. I mentioned at the beginning of this note that I had settled into a good pace with 6 or 7 other guys, well all in all I would say there were about that many, maybe 10 guys that I kept seeing during the race, they would pass me, I would pass them, one might be coming into an aid station as I was leaving etc. Well I didn't want to get passed by any of these guys - and one was coming up behind me fast, so, in my "own little race" (but it feels so important at the point), I hammered and dropped him. Feeling good, I exited out of the final single track, motivated and giving it all into the final few climbs, where I caught two more riders (walking up a hill). On to the finish line, ice cold water wating for me - have a sip, poor the rest down my back, and fill that beautiful glass with cold beer!
Nice. Loved it
More beer later, good times with good friends (new and old). Sleep.
Going back to the states this weekend to do another 100 mile race.
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
After a lengthy break, we now return to regular programing
After a lengthy hiatus, I am going to start writing again. My motivations for this blog were to record myself, maybe motivate myself, share some of the riding experiences with friends, those reasons still hold true.
Almost 3 months, what have I been doing? Riding and more riding. No running. I spent a week in South Carolina with some friends. The usual wet, rainy days - not complaining though, I could climb Caesars head twice a week for a year and not get tired of it.
As for races - I have done the Paris Ancaster - so much fun. I think that is just about it (ok - one more..the next post will be about the Mohican).
Overall fitness assessment - pretty good, not quite where I was last year at this time, but close.
More later
Almost 3 months, what have I been doing? Riding and more riding. No running. I spent a week in South Carolina with some friends. The usual wet, rainy days - not complaining though, I could climb Caesars head twice a week for a year and not get tired of it.
As for races - I have done the Paris Ancaster - so much fun. I think that is just about it (ok - one more..the next post will be about the Mohican).
Overall fitness assessment - pretty good, not quite where I was last year at this time, but close.
More later
Sunday, March 13, 2011
back in the saddle
Until yesterday it had been two full weeks since I had rode outside - no running in that time, and no trainer...just Joyride - and many days of that.
Why? A combination of work, lousy weather and just plain fed up of the weather.
Either way I can say that my jump skills have been improving, as well as my technical skills - can't wait to get on the trails.
However my cardio was hurting. I got out for almost 40k yesterday, and an additional 55k today. Both rides were really not enjoyable. +1c, windy and overcast - it still amazes me how much a difference the sun makes - I would rather ride in -10c with the sun than the current weather.
South Carolina is coming up fast - I will be there in 12 days. The plan for this week is to ride or run every day, with a good long 5+hr ride on Tuesday, then taper next week. In addition - I am now on injury watch - yes, that means taking it easy on the jumps at JoyRide. I took a good tumble on the resin ramp Thursday - now when you crash, it really takes 99% of the impact away - you land on 1" of "resin" - like a rubber mat, and under that mat is about 1 foot of foam. Still, when you do land(crash) you are coming from 8 - 10feet up.
So, I have a bruised foot, and just generally hurt all over. Not bad but enough to make me remember I want to be injury free when I go away.
Ride stats from today and yesterday
Why? A combination of work, lousy weather and just plain fed up of the weather.
Either way I can say that my jump skills have been improving, as well as my technical skills - can't wait to get on the trails.
However my cardio was hurting. I got out for almost 40k yesterday, and an additional 55k today. Both rides were really not enjoyable. +1c, windy and overcast - it still amazes me how much a difference the sun makes - I would rather ride in -10c with the sun than the current weather.
South Carolina is coming up fast - I will be there in 12 days. The plan for this week is to ride or run every day, with a good long 5+hr ride on Tuesday, then taper next week. In addition - I am now on injury watch - yes, that means taking it easy on the jumps at JoyRide. I took a good tumble on the resin ramp Thursday - now when you crash, it really takes 99% of the impact away - you land on 1" of "resin" - like a rubber mat, and under that mat is about 1 foot of foam. Still, when you do land(crash) you are coming from 8 - 10feet up.
So, I have a bruised foot, and just generally hurt all over. Not bad but enough to make me remember I want to be injury free when I go away.
Ride stats from today and yesterday
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Sunday morning - enjoying my coffee
Heather & me will be heading out for an XC soon - in the afternoon I will get out on the cross bike for a spin.
Was at JR for a bit yesterday - very diffferent crowd on a Sat. afternoon vs. a Tuesday evening. Fairly sure I was the oldest guy riding, and maybe one other in his forties. :(
Friday I got out for another run - an exact same 7.75km loop that I did last Wednesday. Was feeling strong, yeah, let's shatter the time from last week. Run completed in 46:48 exactly 1min11sec faster than last time. Not nearly as quicker as I thought it was. I am liking this route - and I may make it a little "time trial" route.
Had my new walkman out - whoops, strike that, I keep dating myself - I took my first run with my 16gb Ipod Nano - very slick. Spent my 46:48 running with Rinôçerôse playing. Thinking I am going to have play something a little more up tempo if I want to go faster.
Was at JR for a bit yesterday - very diffferent crowd on a Sat. afternoon vs. a Tuesday evening. Fairly sure I was the oldest guy riding, and maybe one other in his forties. :(
Friday I got out for another run - an exact same 7.75km loop that I did last Wednesday. Was feeling strong, yeah, let's shatter the time from last week. Run completed in 46:48 exactly 1min11sec faster than last time. Not nearly as quicker as I thought it was. I am liking this route - and I may make it a little "time trial" route.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Feb 22 update
Chilly ride tonight. Rode from 3 rocks with Carmen for about 2hrs & 37k on the dirt roads. -13c.
1866 feet of climbing
37km
2hr8min
125bpm ave/hr
164max
Looking forward to warm weather.
1866 feet of climbing
37km
2hr8min
125bpm ave/hr
164max
Looking forward to warm weather.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Sat. Feb 19th spin
Once the biking video was done, what next? SRV rocks! intervals to guitar solos Yeah
No heart rate, about 1.5hrs. Good session
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Epic Faceplant at Joyride, and a Feb. spring ride
First I'l speak about the epic facepant - The night was going well - too well, I landed two new transfers, was taking many drops, balance was great. My fall came in a spot that, well isn't really that difficult, see below for the "dramatic recreation"
Really, not a tough section to make, by this point I have cleared the 6" wide ledge drop-in and the log section
Well, I was off balance - bike went oneway, I put my hands out to grab the platform, and didn't quite make it. Ouch - taste the blood in the mouth, feeling like the nose is broken, thinking I am going to need some dental work. Fortunately only blood, no missing teeth - the chips in my mouth appear to be from the wood platform.
Anyways two days later and the mouth is feeling much better, swelling on the chin has gone down.
I also have some nice arm scrapes
That was Thursday. Yesterday (which looked way different than today) was beautiful - I took the afternoon off and got in an 80k+ ride - up past Ravenshoe. Very cool Very Windy. So good to feel the warmth of the sun.
This was in Mt. Albert.
Ride details here
Well, I was off balance - bike went oneway, I put my hands out to grab the platform, and didn't quite make it. Ouch - taste the blood in the mouth, feeling like the nose is broken, thinking I am going to need some dental work. Fortunately only blood, no missing teeth - the chips in my mouth appear to be from the wood platform.
Anyways two days later and the mouth is feeling much better, swelling on the chin has gone down.
That was Thursday. Yesterday (which looked way different than today) was beautiful - I took the afternoon off and got in an 80k+ ride - up past Ravenshoe. Very cool Very Windy. So good to feel the warmth of the sun.
Ride details here
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Ziggy Run
Almost a full moon, no need for the headlight, felt strong. 7.75km, no stopping, a good (for me) pace. Details are here
Monday was a 1hr spin at JoyrideFit studio, and 1.5hrs of playtime ...new for me last night were transfers.
Sunday was a tough 75k ride.
Joyride tomorrow.
Friday afternoon plan is to get 80 - 100k on the cross bike.
Friday, February 11, 2011
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Pass the salt please
Yikes - Thursday already, and I just finished cleaning my superlight after the Sunday ride -so much salt. It really boggles my mind, how much salt was on the bike (wasn't even thinking of the damage I was doing to the bike not cleaning it off right away).
Anyway, today is Thursday and that means ....Joyride!!! :) I renewed my membership this past Sat. seems I have been there 60+ times in the last year.
That often Tom...then why the f*ck can't you do a transition or a tail whip?
This week has been good, ran maybe 2k last night,
Tues I did 90min on the trainer ...really good night on the trainer..80's music and some early 2000's techno kept me going.
Looking forward to some warmer temperatures this weekend, and another metric century.
Anyway, today is Thursday and that means ....Joyride!!! :) I renewed my membership this past Sat. seems I have been there 60+ times in the last year.
That often Tom...then why the f*ck can't you do a transition or a tail whip?
This week has been good, ran maybe 2k last night,
Tues I did 90min on the trainer ...really good night on the trainer..80's music and some early 2000's techno kept me going.
Looking forward to some warmer temperatures this weekend, and another metric century.
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Good long ride today
It snowed last night - so there was a fresh 5" of the white stuff coating everything (including the dirt roads - the paved ones were wet).
Very cool scenery though - it really is a beatiful area, southern Ontario forests, streams and farmlands. We saw , horses wearing coats, a field of turkeys, cows (fascinated by the cyclists) a pair of woodpeckers, a murder of crows, a pond filled with geese - lots of wildlife on this overcast day. The kind of ride that in hindsight makes you wish you took photos of the ride, then you remember, you were constantly being splashed with mud, slush, salty water etc.
We headed south to Greenwood, and completed our 33k loop, but decided we should ride a bit more - at least to the top of the hill. 67km later, for a total of 100k and almost 4,000 feet of climbing we arrived back at the car, after skirting the edge of Uxbridge, then heading into Zephyr. Details here Hat's off to Carmen for being one of the people that can put up with a cold wet winter slush ride.
Finished up with a hottub and am watching the game as I type this.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Registered!
I registered for a couple 100 mile races tonight, the Mohican100 - I did this last year, it was the toughest race I have ever done, see the report here
I also registered for the Lumberjack 100.
No riding tonight.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Weekend activities
Good weekend - started by working from home Friday, and managing to squeeze a 40 min ride on the trainer in the middle of the day, followed by skating in the evening.
Saturday was to be a big day in the saddle - I drove down to the Pickering go to meet up with Sean Van D. & his friends that had caught the train out of Toronto. We rolled from the parking lot at 8am - cold, as we headed north it got colder. By the time we hit Hwy 7 a few of the folks had freezing body parts so we headed back south.
Sean picked up the pace here - him on a 29r (as were the rest of the guys) and me on the cross.
It was (for me) a 100% effort to keep up with him - and I did get dropped just before the train station. Good effort, my body needs a workout like that. You (me) spend so much time on the trainer - thinking your fit, then you get outside and start climbing on roads, and then you remember how difficult it is.
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/65631969
So only a 35k ride, but this allowed me to go for an XC ski with Heather (and her first time out on the new skiis.). Good time, very sunny in the afternoon and much warmer than the morning. 6k at Vivian forest
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/65689267
I also managed to get out for another ski yesterday, 1 short skate ski loop (I must take lessons) then a real hammer fest with Mark & Carmen at Dagmar
http://connect.garmin.com/player/66042188
Joyride tonight and maybe a run after.
Saturday was to be a big day in the saddle - I drove down to the Pickering go to meet up with Sean Van D. & his friends that had caught the train out of Toronto. We rolled from the parking lot at 8am - cold, as we headed north it got colder. By the time we hit Hwy 7 a few of the folks had freezing body parts so we headed back south.
Sean picked up the pace here - him on a 29r (as were the rest of the guys) and me on the cross.
It was (for me) a 100% effort to keep up with him - and I did get dropped just before the train station. Good effort, my body needs a workout like that. You (me) spend so much time on the trainer - thinking your fit, then you get outside and start climbing on roads, and then you remember how difficult it is.
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/65631969
So only a 35k ride, but this allowed me to go for an XC ski with Heather (and her first time out on the new skiis.). Good time, very sunny in the afternoon and much warmer than the morning. 6k at Vivian forest
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/65689267
I also managed to get out for another ski yesterday, 1 short skate ski loop (I must take lessons) then a real hammer fest with Mark & Carmen at Dagmar
http://connect.garmin.com/player/66042188
Joyride tonight and maybe a run after.
Friday, January 28, 2011
Skating!
Yes! First time on skates in, what, maybe 18 years?
Ha! I dug out the skates... look at these badboys circa late '80s?
We went to Cedar Grove - on 10th line just below the 407...very cool spot ...outdoor rink, next to a river
Music playing from the 50s & 60s - not rock. Very cool. Poor ice.
After some work in getting the skates on - yeah, I had to go barefoot to get my feet in, I was on the ice, and once the pain wore off, it was really great being out there.
Well - time for bed - meeting up with some folks at 8am in Pickering for a long road ride tomorrow.
Workouts this week - a couple sessions in the basement on the trainer, and a few days at joyride - good good times hanging with friends and jumping.
Music playing from the 50s & 60s - not rock. Very cool. Poor ice.
After some work in getting the skates on - yeah, I had to go barefoot to get my feet in, I was on the ice, and once the pain wore off, it was really great being out there.
Workouts this week - a couple sessions in the basement on the trainer, and a few days at joyride - good good times hanging with friends and jumping.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
What a difference a few days make.
Today we (Carmen, Mark and me) got out for a 3hour XC through that wonderful area - glen major/walkers woods/brock tract, lots of snow - thanks Carmen for the picture
Distance: 15.45 km
Calories: 2,120 C
Moving Time: 02:18:57
Elapsed Time: 02:59:05
Avg Speed: 5.2 km/h
Avg Moving Speed: 6.7 km/h
Elevation Gain: 498 m
Heart Rate
Avg HR: 126 bpm
Max HR: 164 bpm
As soon as I got home I had a recovery drink - needed, as the fatigue from the ski is starting to set in.
full stats here
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Bonking!
I bonked on Sunday - didn't even realize it was coming on.
I headed out of the house in a rush, on my way to a DMBA meeting in Uxbridge. No time for breakfast - no worries, suck back 200 Calories of "Recoverite", head to the meeting devouring a powerbar on the way. A few hours later the meeting finishes, try to buy some food (no luck - cash only - no problem, still have another powerbar in the car, it's now 1pm and I am heading out with a group for an XC ski. Ski goes well, hmm feeling hungry, get home, at 3.30 - my better half says ...Groceries! Quick change of cloths and...bonk in the grocery store, lethargic, cold and ready to fall asleep. Make it out of the store, get home, make a sandwich, fight to stay awake, so tired, fall asleep, wake up after a couple hours, every muscle feels completely drained - and here I am two days later still feeling it, paying the price for not ensuring
1 - I kept my body fueled
and
2- not re-fueling with the right stuff within the optimum window for recovery.
Long explanation, but it is what it is. I haven't felt this depleted in a long time.
So this past weekend I ran 8k on Friday, Joyride on Sat. and 10k XC ski on Sunday.
Yesterday's activities were snowshoveling and house cleaning.
Tonight? Hmmm - I can't find anyone to do an XC ski, or outside ride so...Joyride on the way home from work for an hour, then either go for a run or get on the trainer.
btw...it's now been 15 days of no beer, wine, or any alcohol....borrring!
I headed out of the house in a rush, on my way to a DMBA meeting in Uxbridge. No time for breakfast - no worries, suck back 200 Calories of "Recoverite", head to the meeting devouring a powerbar on the way. A few hours later the meeting finishes, try to buy some food (no luck - cash only - no problem, still have another powerbar in the car, it's now 1pm and I am heading out with a group for an XC ski. Ski goes well, hmm feeling hungry, get home, at 3.30 - my better half says ...Groceries! Quick change of cloths and...bonk in the grocery store, lethargic, cold and ready to fall asleep. Make it out of the store, get home, make a sandwich, fight to stay awake, so tired, fall asleep, wake up after a couple hours, every muscle feels completely drained - and here I am two days later still feeling it, paying the price for not ensuring
1 - I kept my body fueled
and
2- not re-fueling with the right stuff within the optimum window for recovery.
Long explanation, but it is what it is. I haven't felt this depleted in a long time.
So this past weekend I ran 8k on Friday, Joyride on Sat. and 10k XC ski on Sunday.
Yesterday's activities were snowshoveling and house cleaning.
Tonight? Hmmm - I can't find anyone to do an XC ski, or outside ride so...Joyride on the way home from work for an hour, then either go for a run or get on the trainer.
btw...it's now been 15 days of no beer, wine, or any alcohol....borrring!
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Time won!
I usually work in a office, but some days, if I have too much work on my plate, I work from home - today is one of those days, and today I looked at the clock...12pm, hmmm, I can squeeze in a basement spin.
Quick change, add air to the tire, pop Spinervals 9.0 - have mercy into the player, and away we go.
Spinervals 9.0 is one of the very hard videos , - 2 hours long, and after a quick 5 min warm up, it is launches in hard with on/off heavy gear high cadence intervals.
Cool
31 min later
320cal
aveHR 139
maxHR 165
Really good stuff, I haven't been breathing hard like that since my last outside ride with Carmen.
Quick change, add air to the tire, pop Spinervals 9.0 - have mercy into the player, and away we go.
Spinervals 9.0 is one of the very hard videos , - 2 hours long, and after a quick 5 min warm up, it is launches in hard with on/off heavy gear high cadence intervals.
Cool
31 min later
320cal
aveHR 139
maxHR 165
Really good stuff, I haven't been breathing hard like that since my last outside ride with Carmen.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Absolutely the place to be tonight, was Walkers woods with the gang for a nice 12.5k XC ski
The only thing that still feels a bit odd, is ...no beer after the session, as most of us have decided to give our livers a break for January.
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Thursday updates
Winter has set in - in a nice way, not uncomfortably cold, five or six inches of snow on the ground - the thaw last week did not melt all the snow in Durham forest, and there has been more since that time - so it is not all that ridable. This has been, however the best winter of training to date for me. The weight is staying down, I am getting a ride or run in almost everyday, and the cardio feels great. This is the ride from Tuesday with Carmen
View Larger Map
40k - and it included a 2k slog through the snow. Really cool route - made even cooler by all the snow - 4" fell while we were out, making visibility a challenge at times. Overall this was a really great adventure, heading south for 20k on snowcovered dirt roads, trying to keep the speed down as you descended into, well you could not see more than 15-20 feet in front of you. I don't think we saw more than 15 cars either - I really enjoyed this route and will get out there again soon.
This ride on Tuesday followed 3 consecutive days at Joyride - did I mention bunny hop? I am getting the rear wheel off the ground now, but still look (and feel) awkward doing it.
One more thing I want to mention.
I was fortunate enough to take part in a wonder full New Years eve celebration. 18 of us went out for a forest hike, followed by snowmen, campfire, chili, and a birthday cake! Fun times, really great people.
Back to Joyride tonight!
View Larger Map
40k - and it included a 2k slog through the snow. Really cool route - made even cooler by all the snow - 4" fell while we were out, making visibility a challenge at times. Overall this was a really great adventure, heading south for 20k on snowcovered dirt roads, trying to keep the speed down as you descended into, well you could not see more than 15-20 feet in front of you. I don't think we saw more than 15 cars either - I really enjoyed this route and will get out there again soon.
This ride on Tuesday followed 3 consecutive days at Joyride - did I mention bunny hop? I am getting the rear wheel off the ground now, but still look (and feel) awkward doing it.
One more thing I want to mention.
I was fortunate enough to take part in a wonder full New Years eve celebration. 18 of us went out for a forest hike, followed by snowmen, campfire, chili, and a birthday cake! Fun times, really great people.
Back to Joyride tonight!
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