I like to ride my bicycle - for long distances. I have earned the California Triple Crown and finished the Furnace Creek 508. My goals include qualifying for RAAM and ...(read the blog to find out).
"The bicycle has a soul. If you are able to love it as it deserves, it will give you emotions you will never forget."
Mario Cipolini
"Nothing compares to the simple pleasure of a bike ride."
John F. Kennedy
"The important decisions in my life I make while out riding my bike."
Former Italian Prime Minister Romano Prodi
"Pain is temporary, quitting lasts forever.” Lance Armstrong
Tuesday, December 30, 2003
The first words I heard this morning was my wife saying "It snowed last night!".
I woke up to six inches of snow. This means no work! So, what to do? Ride the rollers!
I did 50 minutes on the rollers during the mid-day while listening to Queen's Greatest Hits. Then, I went to the gym with Martin and did my normal workout (20 minutes on the stair climber and then lifted).
Sunday, December 28, 2003
The rain continued today.
We left the red lot with just cloudy skies. But soon, the rain started falling and it continued for the rest of the ride.
Did 30 miles of mild climbing. My average heart rate was just 100 bpm, but then we were riding the tandem. I took the afternoon off, but Joanne did the afternoon ride.
Training update: with the days off this week, I managed to get some serious riding in. I feel I'm on track, but the milage increases on the Death Valley Double gets closer. According my my training schedule, my next long ride is 75 miles in lenght.
Saturday, December 27, 2003
I have been lucky with the weather lately. While there have been showers, I have not had to ride through rain, that is until today.
I left the house at 7:45 am and rode by myself for 30 miles. As there was a very strong wind from the south, I did not want to ride into it, or have to retrun by riding into it, so I headed east. The sky was cloudy, but no water was falling. I took State St. all of the way to Cascade Hwy, and then turned around and headed back into town. I met Rod Coakly who was riding into town and joined him.
We arrived at the red lot with 30 minutes to spare, so we went to MacDonlds to warm up. While we were there, it started raining, and it rained for the rest of the day. I did another 31 miles with the club, all of it in a very cold rain. My fingers got cold, my toes got cold, and my nose got cold. But, I did not let it get me down. I kept my thoughts on my goal, the Spring Death Valley Double, now just over two months away.
In total, I rode 61 miles, which was ten miles short according to my training schedule but with the strong wind, I will call it even.
Today's weather...
Friday, December 26, 2003
Post-Christmas Ride
Al D, Joanne and I did 36 flat miles north of Salem to Willamette Mission Start Park and back.
Today, I learned something very important: Never, never, ever go on a bicycle ride in the month of December without wearing your booties! By the time we got back to the house, my toes were in pain.
Rode my Cannondale and it started making popping sounds. We stopped twice to investigate, but we could not find the cause.
Wednesday, December 24, 2003
Christmas Eve, and we go for a ride!
The weather was not that bad - showers and 44°. Whenever the weather is poor, there is a strong wind from the south, and today was no exception. We headed toward Aumsville straight into the wind. The going was slow, but fun none the less. Once we obtained Aumsville, the ride back was very quick and fun. We got in 30 miles today.
Monday, December 22, 2003
Worked out in the gym tonight.
I did twenty minutes on the stairclimber, then lifted. It was leg night.
Sunday, December 21, 2003
Sevety miles today.
It was not raining, but it was misty, foggy, wet and cold when I got on the bike today. The forecast was for clearing in the afternoon, but it did not.
I rode my Cannondale in the morning. The club headed up to Sublimity and then to Stayton. Since I had ridden hard yesterday, I tried to take it easy, but no, I just could not control myself. I worked on the rollers and tried to stay with the lead group. This wore me out so I did take it easy coming back into Salem.
But, five miles out, I broke a spoke in the rear. I opened up the brakes by the rim still would no spin freely. None the less, I rode it home.
So, I had wanted to do the afternoon ride, but my Cannondale was broken. What could I do? Ride the Lemond!!!
The roads were mostly dry so I decided to take my new ride out for a spin. The bike is sweet. Light, responsive, yet stable on the corners. Comming down Jordan, I took the corner without braking, if fact, I did not even feel the need to brake. Fun.
Saturday, December 20, 2003
Back on the bike after a death in the family.
Took the tandem out to Helmick State Park and back at 17.5 mps. The roads were wet, it did shower on us, and the bike got dirty but we had a great time. It was so nice to be riding!
Sunday, December 14, 2003
Jetting to Gervis.
It was raining, so there was no reason to ride slowly. My aveage for the ride was 16.6 for the 47 mile ride. Not too bad considering that there was a very strong south wind we had to fight all of the way back to Salem.
Friday, December 12, 2003
We had unexpected sad news tonight. My wife's mother passed on due to a sudden major heart attack. I will miss her.
Saturday, December 06, 2003
Took the weekend off due to illness.
Wednesday, December 03, 2003
Rode the rollers tonight, on my Cannondale (did not want to sweat on the LeMond!).
I did 21 miles while listening to Delierium "Odyssey: The Remix Collection".
My average heart rate for the 1:00:45 that I was on the bike was 150 bpm.
Tuesday, December 02, 2003
My new bicycle is ready!!!
2004 LeMond Victoire Classic Frame
Durace Triple Groupo
Bontrager Race X Lite wheels
Deda Newton handlebar
Deda Blackstick seatpost
Selle Italia SLR Gelflow saddle
See it here: 1, 2 and 3.
Now I have to wait till the rain stops before I can ride it.
Sunday, November 30, 2003
The day began cloudy but the sky cleared for us.
We rode 39 fast miles on the tandem today. Life is good!
So, we did the afternoon ride also! The ride amounted to 21 additional miles, but we did not finnish before the rain started.
Saturday, November 29, 2003
Woke up to the sound of rain. But by the time the ride started, the rain had stopped leaving wet roads. Rod Coakly had a flat early in the ride so Joanne and I stopped to offer moral support while he fixed it. As such, the three of us rode the balance of the ride together.
We stopped at a coffee shop in Mt. Angel for a quick lunch before returning to Salem. While Rod had one flat, I had two. The second was on the way in and I kept filling the tie with CO2. It got me home without stopping to fix the flat! But it stills needs to be fixed.
Tuesday, November 25, 2003
Tuesday night at the gym.
Worked on my legs and then joined my wife for yoga.
Monday, November 24, 2003
Back on the rollers again.
Essential equipment for a roller session...
1) Tunes - I listened to Zero One tonight.
2) Fan - but I did not use one, which is why ...
3) Sweat band - is important.
I did 21.67 miles at 21.6 miles per hour with an average heart rate of 144. No crashes and the kitty name Simone (after Gilberto Simone) watched me for a while.
Sunday, November 23, 2003
Yesterday was our anniversary - nine years in the saddle with many more to come.
I had just moved back to Oregon from Arizona and I was single (again). I met Joanne on a Salem Bicycle Club ride, and we have ridden together ever since. Even got married at a SBC meeting!
So, we spent the night at the Flying-M Ranch - in the Honeymoon Cabin!
But, we made sure we got back into town for the afternoon ride to Turner. Coming back into town, we saw this: 1 & 2.
The ride was still cold, very enjoyable none the less.
Saturday, November 22, 2003
Forty one miles in the cold.
We joined the Salem Bicycle Club and we rode as a group, the chase group that is. The lead group was too fast for us, but none the less, we rode hard hoping that we could catch them. It did not come to pass.
Tuesday, November 18, 2003
Driving to work this morning, my cell phone rang. "Someone stole the bikes!" said my wife.
My heart stopped. Our bikes were gone! Wait a minute, I had not left the garage open. In fact, was did not even open it!
Then, she explained that the bikes in question were our flower pot bikes in our front yard. These were two old cruisers that we retired and converted into yard decorations. Well, someone took them last night, leaving the baskets and pumpkins. We are sad.
Sunday, November 16, 2003
Sunday's ride was a challenge!
We left Salem into one of the strongest headwinds I have encountered in a while. In less than five miles, we had decided to change direction - away from the head wind! Instead of 50 miles, we rode just 25, but it was a very tough 25 miles. At one point, Kurt Haas commented that the weather was so terrible, that this could be considered a training ride for the Monster Cookie Ride.
Saturday, November 15, 2003
The weather forecast was correct - wind and rain.
We left Salem and in an hour and 10 minutes, we were in Woodburn because of a strong tailwind. We stopped for a quick lunch at the Artic Circle and then headed back toward Salem. The tailwind was now a strong headwind and it dropped our speed down to 15 miles per hour. Then the rain began. Now the best day for a 50 mile ride, but it was fun none the less.
After the ride, I started building my bicycle. See 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7. I still have work to do but I can't work on it till next Saturday.
Friday, November 14, 2003
The weekend is upon us, and the nice weather that we have been enjoying will turn to rain. Oh well, good thing I bought that long sleave jersey this week.
But I have some good news! My frame arrived. I would not let Steve Lewis of Scott's Bicycles open the box till I went home and got my camera. Take a look at my new beauty.
Tuesday, November 11, 2003
Vetran's Day!
Al D called and we went for a ride. He choose the route, and it was not flat. Al is stronger than I and I worked very hard today. 55 miles and very sore legs later, I went to yoga. Yoga still hurts.
Found this along the route today. Yes, it had just happened.
Monday, November 10, 2003
Another migraine forced me to come home from work early. I manage to make it to the gym, but life in not good.
Sunday, November 09, 2003
Feeling much better and went for a ride.
We enjoyed a quick ride to Monmouth and back on the tandem.
I'm working on the Cannondale - installing 53 and 39 tooth chainrings, and I did not finish it in time for today's ride.
Saturday, November 08, 2003
Stiff suffering. Not riding today.
Friday, November 07, 2003
Friday at noon I got a migraine. Came home a sleep with ice on my head untill 4:00 pm.
Thursday, November 06, 2003
Another Thursday night at the gym.
But this time, we did something different - yoga!
Since my wife is the yoga teacher, and she has been trying to get me to take her class for three years, and since Martin was interested, I went. I hurt. Yoga is work!
Wednesday, November 05, 2003
Tuesday, November 04, 2003
The long dark nights of Winter, part two.
OK, while rollers are fun, I'm also going to workout twice a week at the gym with Maritn. Tonight was the first night and I took it easy hoping not to be sore the next day. Only time will tell if I was successful.
Tuesday night rollers.
An hour on the rollers and no crashes! Woohoo!
I took it easy tonght as I worked hard in the gym last night. Felt good to be on the bike.
Monday, November 03, 2003
Another Monday night at the gym.
Sunday, November 02, 2003
Snow in Silverton!
The weather has taken a turn for the worst. This morning, the roads are wet, the sky is theating, and I don't want to ride my bike! But I do.
Three of us leave the red lot toward Silverton. Only Randy, Joanne and myself are foolish enough to brave this cold day. I ride hard trying to keep warm. I am thankful I remenbered my booties!
We take a short break in the coffe shop in Silverton. After a small lunch, we head back. The air is getting colder and soon snow starts to fall. It does not stick, but we enjoy a ride in the snow back into Salem.
Saturday, November 01, 2003
A cold, clear ride up north to Bauman Farms (1, 2, 3, 4 and 5).
I wore a long sleeve jersey, cycling bibs, tights, jacket, but no booties. As such, my toes got cold. So cold that I was in pain! Note to self: better to wear too much than not enough!
Thursday, October 30, 2003
Tonight, I rode with the group from Scott's Cycles. It was dark, we rode fast, and I didn't crash!
We headed north into the night, headlights blazing. It was a quick, flat ride but it was very interesting. Riding in the dark, even with lights, it is difficult to see road hazards. And I hit more than one unseen "bump in the night". None the less, I completed the ride with no flats.
However, the big news of the day is that I ordered a new bicycle frame!
I have wanted a new bicycle for some time.
However, my Cannondale still serves me very well. I have over six thousand miles on it. I have upgraded the components several times. The bike is pretty much "dialed in". Still, I found myself longing for something different, something that is a bit more comfortable on the long rides that I enjoy.
I started looking around. My first decision was frame material. My choices are: steel, aluminum, titanium and carbon ( or a combination of carbon and something else). First I ruled out carbon. This decision was not based on fact, I just like my bikes to go "ting" instead of "thunk". Next, I ruled out a mixture of carbon and a metal. Same reason. This left me steel, aluminum and titanium. Steel is very compliant, but is generally heavy. The Cannondale is aluminum, and I wanted something different. So, I took a hard look at titanium bikes. I was looking at Litespeed and Seven but I was not excited by either. Don't know why.
Then, one day I walked into the local bicycle shop and saw a titanium LeMond. The LeMond Web Site describes it as "One of the most elegant and technically advanced Ti frames available anywhere, from anyone. Handcrafted one at a time here in the U.S. using shaped Reynolds 3/2.5 Ti tubing that's mechanically butted as opposed to chemically milled for added strength." I had found my new bicycle!
Monday, October 27, 2003
The long dark nights of winter are here. Darkness falls at 5:30 pm now, so riding after work means riding in the dark.
Now, I am not opposed to that, but it brings on it's own set of issues. One is, "I can't see where I'm going!" I have lights, but no handlebar light can replace sunlight. The darkness hides hazards. I find myself making last moment avoidance maneuvers. Not a good thing.
A few years ago, I tried riding a trainer. The bicycle is supported at the rear wheel by the trainer, in effect, making a stationary exercise bicycle. You do not need to worry about balance. The trainer holds you upright. So, there you are, on a bicycle that can't fall down. Not exciting. In fact, it is boring.
The only thing to do is to ride rollers!
A few months ago, my good friend Martin gave me his rollers. Rollers are a set of parallel cylinders that you place the bicycle on. Then, you get on the saddle and start spinning. There is nothing to hold you up except your balance. Fun!
I set up the rollers in the doorway between the kitchen and dining room. I placed my Cannondale on them and got on, holding onto the doorway with my left hand. I slowly started peddling, picking up speed. It was a bit sticky letting go. I gently balanced myself and then quickly moved my hand to the handlebar. I was spinning! I was shaky at first, but I managed to stay upright for a full 15 minutes before I crashed.
I was just spinning along, when I found myself falling over to the right side. I fell against the doorway and no harm was done. I guess my mind drifted off and I forgot what I was doing. I got right back on and finished the hour long ride with only one more crash. Note to self: when on the rollers, don't daydream!
Sunday, October 26, 2003
It's getting close to the Thanksgiving Holiday, and that means that it is time for the Ballston Community Turkey Dinner!
Another really great day for a bicycle ride, and with a destination like the Ballston Community Turkey Dinner, life is very good indeed!
Saturday, October 25, 2003
Today, we rode with the Salem Bicycle Club to the Buena Vista Ferry. This was the last weekend of the year that the ferry will operate: it is closing for the winter. But the today's weather was nothing more than fantastic! The skies were clear, the tempters was in the low 70s and the riding was good. Took a few photos which you can see here.
We took River Road south out of Salem. This is a quiet road running along the east bank of the Willamette River. Due to the steepness of the bank, there are few homes along the road. As I came around a turn in the road, the heard the distinctive noise of a chainsaw. Now I grew up with chainsaws and I know what sounds like. My father was not a logger, but we had enough land that he could meet our family's fireplace needs with the wood that my father would cut up with his chainsaw. I looked up and saw someone using a chainsaw to clear the wild blackberrys along side of the road. Who needs a weed wacker if you own a chainsaw?
Tuesday, October 21, 2003
We had a very good trip!
Three of us, Tom Tilque, my wife Joanne and myself left the Randolph C. Collier rest stop on a cool but very clear Friday morning and rode to Happy Camp. Highway 96 is narrow, and winding, but very scenic. Traffic was light (it is October) and very courteous, except for one log truck driver who gave us a "thumbs down" sign. We spent the first night in Happy Camp, and we were happy campers. Joanne and I spent the night in the smallest motel room we have ever seen. We had to wait till we turned of the TV before we could bring our bicycles in!
The second day was tough. We enjoyed an "epic climb" of over 20 miles with the last nine miles at 9%. However, the descent was fun, if not a bit cool. We spent the night in Cave Junction, a town that owes it's existence to the fact that it is where the junction to the Oregon Caves is.
The last day was a quick ride in the rain to crescent City. Two sunny days out of three is more than you can ask for in October!
I forgot my camera, but Tom did not. Photos here.
Sunday, October 12, 2003
Sort of a clear - cloudy - raining day. That is, it was clear when we started out, but soon the clouds came in. The it rained. It rained so hard that we delayed leaving our rest stop for 30 minutes hoping that the rain would stop. We finally rode off during a slight let up, but soon the skies opened up and dumped on us.
None the less, the ride out to the pumpkin patch was fun. We saw barns, pumpkins, horses, baby chicks and tractors!
On the way back, we came upon another leftover from the night before.
Sunday, October 05, 2003
Today I lead the Salem Bicycle Club's "Highwheeler" ride in the Ankeny Wildlife Refuge. Only two of us braved the dreary skies. However, any day on the bike is a good day. My pictures are here.
Since it looks like we will not be doing the Death Valley Double, Joanne and I are planning a short three-day credit card pack down in Northern California. We will ride from the Randolph C. Collier rest stop on I-5 to Cresent City, Ca. This is a three day rice with stops in Happy Camp, Ca and Cave Junction, Or.
You can see a really large (2145097 bytes) map of the route here.
Saturday, October 04, 2003
Death Valley is a no go!
1) I mailed in our applications on Saturday, September 29.
2) On Monday, September 32, I received an e-mail directed to the Planet Ultra list advising that the ride is filling up and anyone who's application is postmarked by 9/29/03 will be accepted.
3) On Tuesday, October 1, I received an e-mail directed to the Planet Ultra list advising that the ride is full. Any applications received on or after 10/1/03 will be returned unopened. Also, if your name does not appear on the registration list, you are not registered. The e-mail goes on to say that I could join a waiting list by sending an e-mail.
4) Due to the confusing e-mails, I asked by e-mail what our status was. I have yet to receive a response.
I am a bit disapointed by the way all of this came about. First, they advised we would be in (by virtue of mailing by 9/29. Then, I was advised we were not in. As such, I am not riding today.
Monday, September 29, 2003
Last week was a busy one for me.
I rode on Monday, Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday.
Monday and Wednesday were short but quick rides as the sun is setting much earlier now. No endurance training here, just some speed work.
Saturday was another story. I rode 80 miles in some very high heat. The temperature in Salem was a recorded 97 degrees F and in Corvallis it hit 100 degrees! While I did stay hydrated, I did not eat and this was a mistake. I had a very hard ride and I just about limped back to the house. My average was below 15 miles per hour. I guess every now and then I have to do something stupid so I learn not to do that again.
Sunday was the Salem Bicycle Club's Peach of a Century. Joanne and I rode 110 miles on our tandem and I had a much better day. Our average was over 18 miles per hour, much better than yesterday.
Training update: I rode 235 miles last week instead of 180. So, it seems that I am back on track. Next week calls for 200 miles with a long ride of 140. And, I have just the ride - Mary's Peak!
Tuesday, September 23, 2003
Monday Night's ride was quick and fun. Since I had such an easy ride on Sunday, I was able to work on Monday. I was please that there some short, steep hills on the route so I could work on my climbing. Ouch!
Tuesday I will presenting my photographs at the Salem Bicycle Club meeting. Hope they hide the cookies from me. I hope to ride on Wednesday and Thursday before taking Friday off.
This weekend I'm playing around with the idea of riding centuries on both Saturday and Sunday.
Sunday, September 21, 2003
This last week was very hard. I did not ride at all during the week due to work. It was the week before the beginning of Fall Term and we had to upgrade both servers and all the workstations.
However, on Saturday, I did a long ride. I rode the last three remaining Willamette River ferries: Buena Vista Ferry, Wheatland Ferry and Canby Ferry.
My photographs can be seen here.
From Salem, I headed south on River Rd toward Independence. Instead of crossing the Independence Bridge, I turned south and headed toward the Ankeny National Wildlife Refuge. I cross the Willamette River for the first time on the Buena Vista Ferry. Then, I turned to the north and followed the river up to the Wheatland Ferry. Using it, I crossed the river for the second time. I continued north and used the Newburg Bridge for the third river crossing and continued into Willsonville where I stopped for lunch. Refreshed, I used the Canby ferry for the fourth and final river crossing.
There was a strong headwind from the north, which made the section between the Wheatland Ferry and the Newburg bridge very difficult. However, the wind was my friend coming home from Canby.
On Sunday, I lead the Salem Bicycle Club's Vintage Bicycle Ride. My phones are here.
Training Update: This week I was supposed to ride 190 miles total, with a midweek ride of 50 miles, a long ride of 110 miles and then a recovery ride of 30 miles. Instead, I did no midweek ride; a 126 mile long ride and a very short 14 mile recovery ride on Sunday. My total for the week was 140 so I was short 50 miles.
But, since Fall Term has will start on Monday, I do not expect to miss my midweek rides this week. The goal is 180 miles and I should have no difficulty achieving that goal.
Sunday, September 14, 2003
I returned today from the Salem Bicycle Club's Florence Overnight Ride. We had a great time and the weather could not have been better. Keith and Pat Lippy do this ride every year, and this year they made it a SBC club ride. We started at the Eugene Airport and took quiet HWY 36 to Florence. On Sunday, we returned using the same route (70 miles each way).
Training Update:
This week I rode just 165 miles which was a bit short of my goal of 180 miles. In addition to Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday, I intended to ride both Monday and Thursday. However, I took Monday off as a rest day, and family business prevented me from riding on Thursday. None the less, I feel I am still on track for the Death Valley Double.
Next week's goal is 190 miles with 110 of it on Saturday. I have not decided what rout to take on Saturday. Perhaps I will head down toward Marcola.
Wednesday, September 10, 2003
Wednesday's night ride way short and quick. Seems it is getting darker earlier and the blue skies have been replaced with clouds. Because of this, only Krik and Andy joined us on our ride tonight. We headed north into the flatlands. A strong south wind pushed us away from Salem, and worked against us on the way back. The entire ride was just 22 miles long and we averaged just over 17 miles per hour.
On a different note, I added a quote from John F. Kennedy today. It speaks well of how I felt today after the ride.
Sunday, September 07, 2003
The ride went very well. We headed south into the headwind at a very good clip and reached Independence to join the short route riders. After that, we slowed down and enjoyed the ride.
Our destination was E.E. Wilson Wildlife Area. This was the home of Camp Adair.
Of course I brought along my camera.
- Monument Park
- Camp Adair Map
- Old Glory
- Hank's Classic Burley
- Another Turkey
- Another Resident
- Another Resident
- Another Resident
Training update:
The goal for this week was 160 miles, however I rode 299 miles. I had three long rides - 80 on Monday (Labor Day), 100 on Saturday and 60 on Sunday in addition to two 25 mile mid-week rides. I believe that this is the most miles I have ridden in a non-tour seven day period. As such, I am tired and in danger of over-training. So, I will back off next week. Monday and Wednesday will be easy rides but I will return to the West Salem hills on Thursday. Saturday and Sunday will be 75 miles each as we will be riding the tandem on an overnight ride from Eugene to Florence and back.
The weather this morning...
Updated: 7:38 AM PDT on September 07, 2003
Observed at Salem, Oregon
Temperature: 57 °F / 14 °C
Humidity: 100%
Dew Point: 57 °F / 14 °C
Wind: South at 8 mph / 12.9 km/h
Pressure: 29.96 in / 1014 hPa (Steady)
Conditions: Mostly Cloudy
The radar does not show any rain coming our way, so... we will ride the tandem and leave the rain bikes at home!
Saturday, September 06, 2003
Ninety-nine miles and over 4000 feet of elevation gain. Yahoo!
I stayed with the fast riders of the club till we came to the first hill. There, I dropped off mosty because I didn't want to work that hard to stay with them. After that, I was on my own for the rest of the ride. Near the end, I did more hills even though my legs were cooked. Let me tell you, I got in touch with my inner chain ring (30 x 25).
I am please with my progress, but I do feel that I could be overtraining. Tomorrow is a flat 60 mile route and I'm looking forward to it. The only problem is that it might rain!
Friday, September 05, 2003
Thursday night was quite warm - 90 degrees F. I did 26 miles and 2300 feet of elevation gain. I was a bit weak, and slow, but I really enjoy suffering up the hills with sweat running into my eyes!
I must have been out of my mind scheduling a 150 mile ride to the coast and back for Saturday. I have scaled it back to 100 miles and some elevation gain. Saturday's forecast is for clouds and then showers on Sunday. Got to get my rain bike back together again.
Wednesday, September 03, 2003
Another Wednesday night ride in the hills east of Salem. I felt weak tonight, mostly because I did not sleep well last night. You see, I had an intense pain in my right side just below my ribs. It was bad enought that I could not lie on either side, and as I find it had to go to sleep while on by back, it was a tough night.
Go to the doctor you say? Well, I have. They (yes, they) can find nothing wrong. Guess I'll have to wait till it is so bad that they can not help but find a problem.
So, my training plans for the rest of the week...
Thursday - West Salem Hills with about 3000 feet of elevation gain.
Friday - rest day
Saturday - a 150 mile ride to the coast and back.
Suday - an easy 60 miles.
Sounds like fun!
My training results for the week of 8/24 - 8/31: my goal was 160 miles but I rode 191.54 miles. However, my long ride was short, but I more than made up for it during the mid-week.
Tuesday, September 02, 2003
Sunday, was a tough day. Our legs were cooked and the ride was long, so we decided to ride the tandem. The first half of the ride was into a headwind toward Canby. We labored and slowly made our way. However, the destination was worth it - The Swan Inland Dalia Show. My photos are here. The return to Salem was easiler as the wind was now in or favor. However, we did 87 long, hard miles.
On way home, we came upon this. Must have been a tough night.
I have decided not to buy the Corima as it is just too big for me.
Sunday, August 31, 2003
I wanted a tough ride today, and I got what I wanted. Eighty miles, three major hills, then a stiff head wind.
The Salem Bicycle Club headed north out of Salem on Wallace Rd. We did Springhill Rd and then the route took them over the ferry to the flat lands. I decided to heed the call of the hills and road Walnut Hill, Amity Hwy and the Eola Hill Rd. before crossing the ferry.
This is what I needed. After the hills cooked my legs, I still had 40 miles to ride. I made it, but I fell asleep on the living room floor after the ride.
On another note, I rode the Corima tonight. It maybe too big for me. I have a fitting appointment with Joe Dodson on Tuesday. I'll find out then if I should but the Corima.
Saturday, August 30, 2003
We did a short, 30 mile ride but at a very quick pace. From Salem, we headed north on Wallace Rd to the Wheatland Ferry. From there, we returned to Salem riding with a single that crossed the ferry with us. He enjoyed the pull!
We were supposed to ride from Stayton to Mill City and back. However, I brought the wrong cycing shoes! Different cleats you see.
The big news of the day is that I will purchase a Corima Puma!
Thursday, August 28, 2003
Ahh, the west Salem hills are filled with the sound of ... sweat dripping into my eyes.
I was desending Orchard Heights at 30 miles per hour when a bee stung me on the left side of my neck. Without thinking, I reached up with my right hand and grabbed the bee. "OK", I thought, "now I'm holding a bee. Better get rid if it." I tossed it. My neck was hurting as my jersey was flapping in the wind and hitting the site of the sting. Rather than come to a stop, I zipped up my jersey.
Another 26 mile ride (that makes four in a row). But this time there was some serious climbing. Did three major hills: 50th & Andrea, Glen Cr. and Gibson/Skyline/Orchard Heights. However, the highlight of the day was when I rode pass three teenage girls who called out "Nice outfit!" I was wearing '97 STP jersey and Saturn shorts.
Tomorrow is a rest day. Then three long rides this holiday weekend.
Last night, we rode the tandem on a short 25 mile ride with just one, very steep hill. Yes, it was Hibbard! This hill is just 100 yards long, but at 14%, you really need to get in touch with your inner chian ring.
I felt out of sorts yesterday. Weak, with an unset stomack. Thanks to the construction company that left their porta-potty unlocked!
Last Tuesday, I fixed the Club's Mac. It was a bad print job. It must have started out life as a wanted print job, but by the time I got to it, it was bad and unwanted.
Tonight, I plan to do some serious hills in West Salem.
Tuesday, August 26, 2003
Today is a rest day, and the night of the Salem Bicycle Club General Meeting.
But, I got a call from the Newsletter editor; the Mac has died! I will leave the meeting early and then attmept to fix the Mac.
I normally do not take quizies, but I could not resist the "Which science fiction character are you?"
Monday, August 25, 2003
Crater Lake was a blast! No wait, that was several thousand years ago.
The Crater Lake Rim Ride was 63 mile of fun including 6222 feet of elevation gain. In one blinding desent, we reached 53.3 miles per hour. While we fell short of our 55 mph goal, we did break our old record.
Of course, I took some photos! This one is my favorite!
You can see the rest of the pictures here.
Tonights ride was a short 25 miler with just one hill (70th St.). Tomorrow should be a rest day.
Thursday, August 21, 2003
Wednesday afternoon as I drove home from Portland, I could see that the Salem skies were filled with smoke from the forest fires to the west. Sunlight filtered by the smoke cast an erie pale glow upon the landscape. Not the best for bicycle riding, but that is what I did.
We rode more hills incluling Culver/Gannon. Joanne and I rode our tandem, and we were able to keep up with the singles, but that was only because they waited for us.
Tomorrow morning, we leave for Crater Lake for the Crater Lake Rim Ride. We have done this ride many times before and it is a real gem, that is if you like climbing.
My intention is to break 55 MPH on the tandem!
Monday, August 18, 2003
I rode some hills tonight, and for the first time in a long time I felt strong, which felt good! We did Aumsville Hwy up to 72nd. This would be a two mile climb gaining several hundred feet (my altimiter is broken). I had energy to spare and life is good.
Sunday, August 17, 2003
The Champoeg Pack Down was a success!
Bob, LaRee, Joanne and myself wandered on up to Champoeg State Park on a cool Saturday morning. Joanne and I could not help to stop an smell the flowers along the way. Once at Champoeg, we enjoyed lunch at the Butteville Store and then explored the park. The ride home on Sunday was helped by tail winds! See photos here.
Saturday, August 16, 2003
It is Saturday morning and we are about to leave on a short, two day pack down to Champoeg State Park. It is only thrity miles per day, but I am feeling a bit ill so I am happy the for the short days. The weather forecast is for clear skies and not too hot. Sounds like fun!
Thursday, August 14, 2003
My blog is now located on a NetWare 6 server located in my home.
It took some time to get blogger and NetWare to work together. First, I had to create a special blogger user and set his home directory to the blog direcory below wwwroot. Once that was configured, everything fell into place!
I have decided to attempt the 2003 Death Valley Double Century.
So, I guess I better set up a training schedule...
| Week of: Monday - Sunday | Weekly Goal | Midweek | Sat | Sun |
| August 25 - August 31 | 160 | 50 | 90 | 20 |
| September 1 - September 7 | 160 | 30 | 80 | 50 |
| September 8 - September 14 | 180 | 40 | 90 | 50 |
| September 15 - September 21 | 190 | 50 | 110 | 30 |
| September 22- Septemter 28 | 180 | 30,10 | 100 | 40 |
| September 29- October 5 | 200 | 40 | 140 | 20 |
| October 6 - October 12 | 120 | 40 | 60 | 20 |
| October 13- October 19 | 230 | 20,10 | 200 | 0 |
Monday, June 30, 2003
Watermelon is Done!
...or at least the ride is over. I got a lot of work yet to do. Photo's coming soon.
Monday, June 23, 2003
Weekend Wrapup
Did not ride, not feeling up to it. Slept till 1:30 pm on Saturday. Took a nap on Sunday.
Joanne rode the Forest Grove credit card packdown.
Wednesday, June 18, 2003
I'm back on the bike!
I have not been riding much this year for several of reasons.
The first is that I have been taking a class two nights a week. The material is interesting so I have no trouble motivating myself to study and I did very well. However, I now need to pass the certification exam (Cisco CCNA).
The second reason I have not been riding much is that I coordinated both the Monster Cookie Metric Century and the Watermelon Rides for the Salem Bicycle Club.
Lastly, I have become ill. This started late last year and has been increasing all year long. I have a Colonoscopy scheduled for July 1, and perhaps I will know more then.
None the less, I wife and I rode our Meridian Tandem on the 100 mile route of the Strawberry Century. This ride was real hard on me. While we averaged the same speed as last year, my average heart rate was 13 bpm higher, well into my aerobic zone (for four hours). Last year, I was in the Temperate zone for four hours. Oh, how the mighty have fallen. Hard.
Sunday, March 30, 2003
Just another nice day, on a hill!
Why did I decide to ride the hard ride today? Was it the 3000 feet of elevation gain? Was it because my legs were already tired from yesterday? Was it because I'm out of shape? No, it was because I've been told that the hills are my friends. They make you strong!
Yea right. To day was the hardest ride since last years Ride the Rockies. The legs were screaming on the last few hills, and I was useless for the rest of the day. None the less, I did take time to snap this view of Mt. Jefferson from atop a 16% grade known as Val View Dr.
I took this view of the Captial before the ride started.
Saturday, March 29, 2003
A Very Nice Spring Day!
This was the first very nice day of the year. The sky was blue and the temperatures were very nice - almost 70 degrees!
Joanne and I took our tandem out for a ride today. We traveled with the Salem Bicycle Club to the Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival. The first stop was in Mt. Angel, where ten years ago, the Spring Break Quake damaged the Catholic Church.
The Wooden Shoe Farm is located between Woodburn and Monitor. The club will visit the festival twice this year. Today the tulips were just beginning to bloom, but the daffodils (1,2,3,4) were very nice.
Alas, on the way home, we ran over some glass and Mark suffered a flat.
Tonight, I am attending the Alice B. Toeclips awards.
Sunday, March 23, 2003
Sping means rain!
I did the short afternoon ride, mainly as I was too tired from yesterday's ride to do anything else. Since Joanne took out her brand new Co-Motion Americano I wished I could have done the longer early ride. Oh well.
It rained. While we did not get completely soaked, we did get very wet. But, halfway throught the ride, the rain stopped and we began to have fun.
It's Spring!
Been feeling better (or at least the doctor hasn't called me and let me know the test results), so I got on my bicycle and went for a ride.
The Salem Bicycle Club scheduled ride is a 50 miler. I didn't feel up to that so I decided to shortcut it. We headed out River Rd to the south where we found one car that did not survive a Fridaya night.
The group got ahead of me, or another way to say it is I dropped off of the back. But, as we neared Buena Vista, I could see everone ahead of me. I picked up the pace and put my heart rate to 164 bpm, my lactate threshold, and kept it there for five miles till I caught up. It felt good to work hard. The down side to this was I ended up not shortcutting; I did the entire 50 miles.
The lunch stop was in Independence where I came upon this cow.
Upon returning to Salem, I rode through the Capital Mall, and yes the Cherry Trees are in bloom!
Sunday, February 16, 2003
What a Wet Weekend!
No, I did not ride. Instead, I did homework and worked on the Monster Cookie ride.
But, I did ride both days last weekend, and it was wonderful. On Sunday, Mt. Jefferson was bright against a clear blue sky. This photo of Mt. Jefferson was taken outside of Turner, Or.
Tuesday, February 11, 2003
Oregon Coast Pack Down
I finally got my pictures up. See them here.
The week started out mildly wet, I had one good day, and them it justed rained and rained.
Sunday, January 19, 2003
Frist ride in two weeks!
Well, today's ride was a success! While I was weak, I did the entire 32 miles without too much pain. The ride was mostly flat. We started in fog, but it slowly cleared as we neared Silverton. Along the way, I came upon this old barn.
We had a nice stop in Silverton, but with all of the clothes I was wearing, it was very warm in the bakery. So, we soon left and headed for home.
I do wish automobile drivers would pick up after themselves.
Lastly, I did not ride on Saturday as I attended the Peace Rally in Portland, Or.
Friday, January 17, 2003
My first weekend off this year
I did not ride last weekend. I have been having some strange pains and when I woke up on Saturday, I did not feel up to riding. I went back to bed fell back asleep. Same for Sunday.
On Tuesday, I saw my doctor. Here is a short report to the management team at work...
Let me give you all an update on my condition. (Thanks to Berniece for reminding me).
He poked. He prodded. He shook his head and will refer me to another doctor.
He said the pain is in the area where the large and small intestine meet. (Hi, good to meet you!) The gastroenterologist (spelling courtesy of Google) will do a look/see. Yes, that involves inserting a tube with a camera to the area in question. They will sedate me. I will be in la-la land and won't remember a thing. Too bad.
My doctor will be sending paperwork to the gastro.... who will be contacting me for an appointment. I suppose then we will schedule the procedure.
Yesterday was a bad day for me - all day long. I do not know if the poking and prodding caused additional pain or not, but today, the pain is not as bad. I'm still feeling a bit lightheaded, but I am better than yesterday. However, I no longer look forward to mealtime.
Now, what to do about my bicycling vacation which is suppose to start on January 25? Well, I'm going to force myself to get on the bicycle this weekend, and I guess I will just see how it goes. Wish me luck...
Monday, January 06, 2003
The First Metric Century of the Year!
Woke up to fog, not rain on Sunday. It was a bit cold, but not to an extreame - 42 degrees F.
I intended to ride both Salem Bicycle Club rides - a 38 and a 17 miles. The morning ride started at 10:00 am and we rode in the fog for the entire ride. I almost believe that I would rather ride in the rain than ride in a thick fog. Our return to Salem took us on Aumsville Hwy and over Aumsville hill. The descent was in a very heavy fog. I could not see cars until I was almost upon them. I did have my rear flashing blinking, but I was a bit concerned. Fortunately, no cars came up behind me on the descent.
I stopped briefly at the house before heading out for the second ride. I had just turned north on 17th St NE when I heard "Come here boy". I thought nothing of it until I heard the sounds of a dog running on asphalt behind me. Since I was in front of him, my first reaction was to sprint away from the dog. However, this dog was fast, or my legs were tired as he stayed with me. I turned to look and saw a large white dog running hard in the traffic lane just behind me. As the dog was in the traffic lane, he was blocking a black SUV.
After seeing the dog, I decided that my fear was unfounded. He was not growling or making any threatening moves, he was just having fun running with me! We came to a red light and I stopped in the left turn lane. The dog came up to me and looked at me as if he was asking why we stopped? He wandered over to a field and when the light turned to green I made my turn and left him behind. I hope he made it home OK, but then not all dogs that wander are lost.
I finnished the day with 62 miles, my first metric century of the year!
Saturday, January 04, 2003
The First Flat of the Year!
Oregon is known for it's rain. And this morning, it was raining. It was raining as we dressed for the ride. It was raining as we rode down to the ride. It was raining as we were signing in for the ride. But, once we were on the ride, the rain ended and the sky cleared. However, Tom Tilque also got the first flat of the year.
The weather was very good (for Oregon in January). We were in-between rain showers with warm temperatures. I saw a faint rainbow behind three old farm trucks. This seemed to be the defining moment of the ride.
Wednesday, January 01, 2003
First Ride of the Year
Woke up to a very overcast sky, temputures in the low 50s, wet roads but no rain!
Not only was it the first ride of the year, but it the club also had it's first accident of the year. Before the ride, Rod Coakley was standing over his bicycle, waiting. Then, apparently without cause, he fell to his right. He must have attempted to start, but each wheel was on the opposite side of a car park stop. No, he was not hurt.
In addition, I came upon the first abandoned car of the year.
