| (Long Distance) Ramblings |
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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." "Nothing compares to the simple pleasure of a bike ride."
"The important decisions in my life I make while out riding my bike."
"Pain is temporary, quitting lasts forever.” Lance Armstrong
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Monday, May 24, 2004
Sunday, May 16, 2004
I finished the Davis Double! It was a tough ride, Doubles always are, but I had some problems that I had to overcome on this ride. My ride started well. The weather was cool and I was feeling strong. My average was good and the bicycle was performing well. I made the lunch stop in good time and I had only 80 miles left to ride. However, the next section was hard. It was the climb up Resurrection Hill. I took it easy by shifting into my small chain ring and started spinning up the hill. But by now the sun was out and the heat was getting to me. I stopped in the shade of a tree, must be the only shade on the climb, and rested. As such, I did the last mile easily. At the rest stop, I found a chair in the shade and took advantage of it. I felt a bit weak, but getting better every minute. Then I tried to stand. My legs had no strength and I nearly fell down. I sat back down surprised. My legs were not crimping, they were not even sore, but they also had no strength. I waited several minutes and tried again. I suffered the same result. I could not stand. Now I was worried. I had trained too hard not to finish this ride. So, I ate some energy gel, and rested. I let several more minutes go by before attempting to stand, but again, I could not. I called over a volunteer who gave me some V8 and I rested longer. After thirty minutes, I was able to stand. My calves were tight, but I could finish the ride. I ate as much as I could, the melon was especially good, and took off. Thankfully, I could pedal. While the rest of the ride was mostly downhill or flat, I had strength in my legs and did not suffer on the remaining short climbs. I finished the riding well. While I did have difficulties, I overcame them and finished. As such, I am quite satisfied with my performance. My statistics: Miles: 199.21 Average: 16.2 Maximun Speed: 44.1 Ride Time: 12:16:54 Start Time 5:15 am Finish Time: 9:30 pm Total Time 16:15 Thursday, May 13, 2004
I have been way to busy to ride lately. On Monday, Maritn and I were surpose to work out together, but I did not make it. Tuesday was another day off as was Wednesday and tonight. Instead, I have been working on The Watermelon Rides. However, tonight I cleaned my bicycle, mounted the bicycle rack on the Honda and packed my bags as I am off to the Davis Double Century tomorrow morning. I feel good, and the weather will be mild so I expect to finish. In fact, I looking forward to a good ride. Wednesday, May 05, 2004
Tuesday, May 04, 2004
Monday, May 03, 2004
Sunday was another nice warm day in Paradise. I rode 50 miles with the Salem Bicycle Club. I took it easy for the most part, however, there was a few times that I did work hard. Joanne and I were east bound on HWY 22 when we saw a bicyclist pull out from a driveway in front of us. I could tell he was quick by the way he picked up speed. Not being able to help myself, I took off after him. He had 100 feet on me but I slowly reeled him in. I pulled up beside him which startled him. I apologized and took the lead taking the pace up to 23 miles per hour. He got on my wheel and I pulled him into Salem. It was fun! Saturday, May 01, 2004
The weather was great, the hills were tough, and I rode hard. Joanne and I did the Ride Around Clark County (RACC) today on our singles as our tandem is being painted. Joanne decided to do the 65 mile loop so I decided to ride the 100 mile route. My intent was to ride as fast and as hard as I could. I was successful and came in with an average of 16.9. It was over 18 mph but the last 25 miles were very hard on me. Clark County is just north of the Columbia River in Washington State. Here, there are no flat roads, just rollers and lots of them. With only one climb of note, I gained nearly 5000 feet of elevation gain. Even so, I had a good ride and feel that I am well on my way of finishing the Davis Double Century in two weeks.
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