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
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 |