| (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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Thursday, March 23, 2006
Mid-Week UpdateSo far, I have had a good week. On Tuesday, I rode with the folks at Scott's Cycling. We did the Salem East Route. This means we slowly roll out of town on State St. until we reach Cordon Rd. Once past Cordon, the pace picks up as we head toward 62nd. But then, the group slows down as we are preparing for MacLeay Rd., a one mile hill at 5%. The group breaks up once we begin the hill. I stayed with the lead group for most of the hill, but I was not riding well. My legs felt like lead and my lungs could not get enough air as I climbed. About two thirds of the way up the hill, I had to drop off and let the lead group ride away from me. My goal now was not to let myself get caught by the first chase group. I slowed down and began to recover. Looking up the hill, I saw that others were dropping off. I slowly reeled them in and hoped to get back on the lead group, but I ran out of hill. Next, we regroup as we head toward Jordan Rd. Now, we head back down the hill on Culver/Gannon and the racing begins again. This time we race down the hill at 40 miles per hour n negotiating 30 mph turns in the road. I have descended this hill many times and each time I am more comfortable. I was third down the hill. Lastly, there is a flat sprint on 62nd with the "Stop Ahead" sign the fininhing line. I worked hard and lost second place to Kenny who edge me by half a wheel. The balance of the ride is slow as we head back to the shop. On Wednesday, Joanne and I rode the tandem north of Salem. It was a warm March night and we had fun rolling along at an easy pace. Speaking of the tandem, Joanne and I have decided to buy a "rain tandem". This bike would include fenders (that never come off)and disk brakes. So far, a Cannondale seems to meet our needs. Tonight, I will work out with Martin, and then do an hour of intervals on the rollers at home. I should sleep well tonight.
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