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
Monday, December 29, 2008
The Snow is Gone and the Rain is Back!
Tonight, I worked out in the gym.
I spent twenty minutes on the treadmill, looking down to the first floor watching folks work out on the weights. Not too much exciting there except for the young man practicing his kick boxing. I would not want to be the target of those kicks!
For sounds, I had my iPod. And it was loud.
So, there I was, walking at 4 miles per hour with the treadmill inclined so I could keep my heart rate at 120 beats per minutes with sweat running into my eyes. Yum.
Next, I joined those lifting and work my arms for fifteen minutes with no resting between machines, just one right after another.
Why am I working out? I'm not ready to say, but here is a clue...
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Thursday, December 25, 2008
The Dead of Winter...
What does one think about in the Dead of Winter?
You think about warm, Summer rides.
A rare picture of Keith and Pat Lippy in matching jerseys!
Friday, December 19, 2008
Headlines in the local paper I hate to see "Another winter storm may be on way". The Salem Bicycle Club has canceled all rides this weekend (already). Luckily for me, Joanne is filling in as the Spinning instructor at Gold's gym on Saturday morning.
My friend Martin sent me a YouTube video - of the trike he build! Last summer, he sold it and the new owner put the video up. In Martin's words "Ain't she sweet!"
Additional videos of the trike without the engine cover and of the engine itself.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Monday, December 15, 2008
Winter Snow Storm
Our lawn gnome seems to enjoy the snow. I however, feel trapped inside my house. I can't ride by bicycle!. Looks like a good day to do house works.
Joanne worked over an hour to thaw the hummingbird feeder which was frozen solid.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Salem Festival of Lights Holiday Parade
More
Joanne and I attended the Festival of Lights Holiday Parade. I arrived at 5:00 pm to claim sidewalk for the 6:30 parade start. I managed to endure the cold with the help of my 20 oz Latte, a blanket, and many layers of clothing.
Shortly after 6:00 pm, I was joined by Carol and Martin whose daughter, Marni, was warm inside the YMCA where she works. Right at 6:30, as the parade started, Joanne joined us. Fun was had by all.
Friday, December 12, 2008
Did you say Snow?
From the National Weather Service...
Synopsis...a strong...rapidly intensifying low pressure center made
landfall onto the olympic peninsula at about 1 PM PST this afternoon.
This low pressure system pushed a strong fast moving front onshore
late this morning...which was pushing into the Cascades this
afternoon. This front has been characterized by a burst of strong
winds with rapidly lowering snow levels as a very cold air mass
begins to move onshore. High surf will begin pounding the coast by
this evening...with minor coastal flooding possible Saturday. The
combination of snow and wind will continue blizzard conditions for
the mountains into tonight...with snow continuing through the
weekend. As colder air moves into the district Sunday...a weak
secondary low pressure system will likely bring enough moisture to
cause accumulating snow down to the valley floor. A cold Arctic air
mass will linger across the Pacific northwest through next week...
bringing the longest and most intense cold spell the district has
seen for at least a decade.
I have ridden my bike in snow, and trust me, it is not fun. If indeed it does snow, I intend to ride the Power Cranked equipped Cannondale to two-hours ecah weekend day. Please, do not pray for snow!
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Monday, December 08, 2008
Golds Gym in the Winter
It is winter.
It is raining in Oregon.
It is dark after work.
Sounds like it's time to go back to the gym!
I did some cardio and then worked my arms tonight. Nothing too serious, but yes, I am getting back into lifting weights at Golds. Martin and I plan on meeting on Monday and Thursday nights at Golds for some winter workouts. I hope to increase my upper body muscle mass and strengthen my bones as bicyclists tend to have brittle bones.
Sunday, December 07, 2008
Three Prairies Route Map
The route begins in Newburg and travels to the southwest to Dallas. The route then returns to Newburg and then visits Mt. Angel to the southeast.
Sunset in the Willamette Valley
Friday, December 05, 2008
Crash!
Five of us were riding on a dark, country road. We all had lights, and they were very good lights. But we did not see the barb wire crossing the road until it was too late. Gary was in the lead and the barb wire got caught up in his front wheel and he went over the handlebars. Joanne and I were next but we did not go down; we just flatted.
Gary is OK, just some scraps and soreness.
Apparently, just before a vehicle could not make the corner and went off into the farmer's field. When they came back onto the road, they brought portions of the barb wire fence into the road. I really hate it when cars do not pick up after themselves.
Tomorrow, Joanne and I will attempt our twelfth 200 km, one per month for the year.
Meanwhile, here is my bike enjoying a rest during this year's Oregon Bicycle Ride.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Back on the Bike!
Seems every year, come fall, I catch a cold. This year, it was an especially bad cold, one that kept me out of work for two weeks and off of the bike for even a long time. But, I'm almost over it and I feel well enough to get back on the bike.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Fourteen Years!
Yesterday, the day of our fourteenth wedding anniversary, Joanne and I drove up to Hood River. After a very nice dinner at the The North Oak Brasserie, we retired to our lodgings at the restored Hood River Hotel.
On Sunday, we rode the Historic Hood River Railroad.
Photos
Some thoughts about our anniversary celebration...
- Why do we always forget to bring our bathing suits? Yes, we purchased yet another set. The hotel required them in their spa.
- Why do we both have a cold? Let's just say we went to bed early and did not sleep well. A warm soak in the spa does work wonders though.
- At least the weather was very nice! We had clear skies but the morning was very cold!
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Tandem Bicycle Maintenance
Summer is over; Fall has fallen in the form of wet rain. As such, we are now riding our rain bikes.
On the first of November, we took the Cannondale rain tandem out and rode the Oregon Randonneur Rorest Grove - Birkie Permanent. During the ride, we noticed that our tandem was in need of some maintenance. The front bottom bracket was complaining very loudly. We wondered if it would last the entire ride, but it did.
Today was a very sunny day, a day just screaming "Get out and ride your bike!". But I am coming off a five day illness and while I really wanted to ride, it would be best if I took another recovery day. So, I decided to do some maintenance on the Cannondale Tandem.
Now, I could have taken it down to the local bike shop to have the maintenance done, but then I would be free to ride.
I put the tandem in the repair stand and started. I did not get far. This bike has ISIS bottem brackets and I did not have the correct tool to pull the cranks. Off the the LBS I go and come back with the correct crank puller ($15.99 )and one new bottom bracket($18.99). It was the last one they had.
With my new tool, I successfully pulled the captain's cranks off. Now, looking at the bottom bracket, I realized that I did not have the correct tool to remove the ISIS bottom bracket. Off to the LBS I go and come back with the correct bottom bracket tool ($18.99).
I successfully pull the bottom bracket and install the new one. I clean the cranks and reinstalled. Being a bit of a perfectionist, I decided to check the stoker's bottom bracket. While it was not nearly as bad as the front, it also needed replacing. The drive chain also was worn and needed replacing. Calling another LBS, yes they had the correct sized bottom bracket, but it was a high end one and it costs $59.95. Ouch! In comparison, the new chain was only $32.95.
So, after $34.98 in new tools and $122,85 in parts, the rain tandem is ready to face the worst of the Oregon winter.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Rinal Virtual Directeur Sportif Results
I finished 75th out of 123 "virtual" teams.
1 Team Davis Wheelworks 11442
2 Team North Road 10743
3 Fromagerie Duval 10688
4 TeamBornFromJets 10484
5 The Saint 10123
6 Diminutive Vikings 10027
7 Crazy D's Chain Gang 9929
8 Pigs on Wheels 9878
9 Guttersnipes 9870
10 Or Thereabouts 9505
11 The Bike Game 9469
12 The Down Tube Shifters 9465
13 Lactic Euphoria 9391
14 Chase Group 9270
15 Tarmac 'n Cobbles 9226
16 Slipshod Hauenstein 9214
17 Echelon of Fools 9080
18 Big Farmers 8938
19 Por La Victoria 8878
20 Team QCI 8759
21 Donkeys 8625
22 Fuzzy Pear Shapes 8615
23 Crevaison 8611
24 Vamos Alejandro 8553
25 Velo!Velo!Velo! 8541
26 Terra Della Quercia 8501
27 Spin Kings 8494
28 Didyagetanyonya 8437
29 92ers 8433
30 Viva la Lactique 8416
31 Rudie Can't Fail 8353
32 Frinking 8299
33 Down Road Team 8298
34 3½ foreheads 8296
35 St. Domingo 8293
36 Team Gunners 8276
37 Roller Coasters 8268
38 Team Commonwealth 8241
39 Dreaming of Cobbles 8189
40 Vincere del Mori 8158
41 Kickstand 8082
42 Coyotes Rotadores 8054
43 The Welsh Wizards 8052
44 Thousand Islanders 8025
45 Sí Ja Da 7915
46 Rolling Thunder Review II 7826
47 TVM 7802
48 Rothar Beag 7796
49 Stoempers 7792
50 Red Rockers 7791
51 Square Wheels for Speed 7789
52 Almost Not Going Spanish 7779
53 Super Axe Hackers 7723
54 Pigilito 7688
55 Col d'Beer 7671
56 Suitcase of Courage 7548
57 Rogue Ryderz 7469
58 Monkey Merkin 7467
59 Mysterious & Inscrutable Team X 7456
60 Huzunspor 7407
61 No Experience Necessary 7403
62 92ers 7374
63 A Very Special Episode 7371
64 Way of the Cross 7362
65 Team ALO 7259
66 Gianluca Express 7254
67 The Guesstimate 7251
68 Let Them All Ride 7240
69 South Berkeley Flahutes 7224
70 Derailleurs in the Mist 7221
71 Fast Fiets 7213
72 Docile Bodies 7191
73 Club Charts Charly 7186
74 Multiple Scoregasm 7157
75 Hoary Marmots 7139
76 Euskaltel-Euskadi 7114
77 Team HC 7091
78 Team Arland 7091
79 Hennie's Homies 7066
80 Team Angst 7051
81 Quartz Stout 6975
82 RHCP 6955
83 Muk's Mob 6848
84 Mapei 6842
85 Sopwith Camels 6806
86 Unibrow 6802
87 Motoescapism 6786
88 Phlyers 6769
89 GoGo Popo 6738
90 Team Low Road 6659
91 Team Gangsta Party 6659
92 Jakobus 08 6641
93 Nutella and Beef Jerky 6630
94 Curragh Couriers 6625
95 Bulletproof-ish 6619
96 Zabriskie's Mustache Ride 6566
97 Casher's Mashers 6554
98 WWJD 6549
99 kCycle 6545
100 Team PUK 6509
101 Zegno1 6472
102 Far More Arrogant Republics 6407
103 Phat Arses 6393
104 House of Pain 6385
105 Audrey Hepburn's Neck 6384
106 Team WaD 6292
107 Thunder Riders 6241
108 Dark Horse 6207
109 They Might Be Burritos 6149
110 Hit You W/The Real Thing 5899
111 Team Hastily Assembled 5883
112 Team Foolish Sentiments 5796
113 The 29 Team 5708
114 Specialcheese 5668
115 Fernwood/Piuma 5593
116 H&H Cycling 5443
117 Cycling Challenge 5409
118 Rainier Roadmasters 5396
119 Urban Assault Velos 5361
120 Urban Assault Velos 5361
121 No Clever Name 5358
122 Lions of Flanders 5024
123 I Loves Me Some Dirt 4739
Monday, October 20, 2008
Virtual Directeur Sportif 2008 Results
Thanks to PodiumCafe.com
At the beginning of the Cycling Racing season, I decided to participate in a virtual cycling competition. I picked 15 cyclist to form my team. Each cyclists was assigned a value and I had 150 points to spend. Exactly 150 points.
My stragey was to concentrate on three teams - Astana, CSC and Slipstream. I did diversify somewhat by filling in the balance from other teams. While I was researching my team, ASO announced that Astana would not parcipate in the Tour de France, but I decided not to revise my picks and keep Levi Leipheimer and Chris Horner. Also, I when out on a limb by picking Oscar Sevilla hoping that Rock Racing could somehow get a UCI license.
Another factor in my results was things I could not control. Maqnus Backstedt fell and broke a collar bone early in the season and Tome Danielson also had an early season injury. Also, one of my cyclists, Paolo Bossini, tested positive for drug doping.
How did I do? Well, Podium Cafe is still calculating the final results, but I did finish outside of the bottom third!
Name Points
Levi Leipheimer 1520 Astana
Fabian Cancellara 1622 CSC
Andy Schleck 800 CSC
Tom Danielson 0 Slipstream
Chris Horner 175 Astana
David Millar 125 Slipstream
Magnus Backstedt 66 Slipstream
Matti Brescher 427 CSC
Oscar Sevilla 0 Rock Racing
Rene Haselbacher 0 Astana
David Zabriskie 271 Slipstream
Bobby Julich 30 CSC
Marzio Bruseghin 455 Lampre
Tomas Vaitkus 10 Astana
Chris Anker Sorensen 190 CSC
Lars Bak 50 CSC
Nicki Sorensen 10 CSC
Robert Forster 70 Gerolsteiner
Christian Vande Velde 366 Slipstream
Karsen Kroon 402 CSC
Jason McCartney 10 CSC
Maartijn Maaskant 505 Slipstream
Paolo Bossoni 0 Lampre
Pat McCarty 0 Slipstream
Danny Pate 35 Slipstream
Friday, October 03, 2008
The 508
I am in Santa Clarita, the start city for the Furnace Creek 508. Tomorrow morning, Alex "Kakapo" Kohan will race this epic event. I, along with Kieth and Mandy, will be supporting him.
Last year, I crewed for Mark "Nutria" Newsome. Last year, I wanted to ride. This year, I am content with supporting Alex.
Sunday, June 08, 2008
Wednesday, June 04, 2008
Tuesday, June 03, 2008
May Madness
May Statistics
April Miles: 1420.62
April Elevation: 60,453
Year to Date Miles: 3983.69
Year to Date Elevation: 148,361
This was an exceptional month for me. I doubled both my April Miles and Elevation gain. I guess I could say that I was in search of that place called "over training". I think I found it.
The month started off with something I have never done before - a Flèche Ouragan. At the end of this 24 ride, my team and I had ridden 269 miles. Next up was a Saturday Century at 97 miles. The next weekend started early with the Race Across Oregon Training Camp during which I rode 430 miles in four days, and they very hot days in Central Oregon. If that was not enough, the next weekend I did my first 600 km Brevet (358 miles). But the month was not done as there was a fifth weekend in May. So, I did another Saturday Century.
I should be tapering my miles, but June looks to be a very hard month. I start will a 400 km Brevet which will earn me my Super Randonneur award. Also, I plan on riding the Salem Bicycle Club's Watermelon Double Century later in the month.
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Race Across Oregon Camp
Portland to Maupin via Highway 216
Distance: 116.62
Elevation Gain: 7350
Maupin to Spray
Distance: 100.98
Elevation Gain: 8427
Long Creek to Prinville
Distance: 133.51
Elevation Gain: 5816
Warm Springs to Timberline Lodge
Distance: 74.58
Elevation Gain: 7975
Monday, May 19, 2008
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
I'm a RAO Camper!
Yes, tomorrow I start the Race Across Oregon Four Day Camp. Four wonderful days of riding the Race Across Oregon route. I am so excited.
What could make it better? Well, tons of heat! The forecast for tomorrow is for a high of 90° and the rest of the week is only going to get hotter. Yum!
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Wednesday, May 07, 2008
Tuesday, May 06, 2008
Monday, May 05, 2008
Sunday, May 04, 2008
The Route
The Team ready to ride at 6:00 am, Saturday Morning.
Mark, waiting in the snow.
The after lunch in Sisters, Or.
Sandy, achieving the summit of Santiam Pass.
Paul, with the summit sigh.
A cyclist's nightmare, a closed store!
Where to stay warm in the middle of the night? In the Post Office!
Thursday, May 01, 2008
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Wednesday Night Ride
April Statistics
April Miles: 721.87
April Elevation: 30,715
Year to Date Miles: 2563.07
Year to Date Elevation: 87,908
The heavy rain this month decreased my mileage. Last year, my April miles totaled 825.36, but I am still ahead of last year. It rained 19 of the 30 days in April, as the following graphic shows...
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Oregon Randonneurs Three Capes Loop Brevet
Overlooking Capes Mears
The view from Cape Lookout
Climbing in the Oregon Sun!
Elevation Graph
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Cherry of a Ride
This little known ride is a real gem. The 2008 edition was the third year for the ride and Joanne and I have done all three.
After a continental at the local Super 8 motel where we spent the night, we check out and drove the short distance to the start of the ride. After paying our day of ride registration we were on the course at 7:45 am. We head through a quiet downtown The Dalles and then up Lower 8 Mile Road to Emerson Loop Rd. After climbing up to an elevation of 1148 feet, began a steep decent. After we had pick up speed on the Cannondale tandem, I took my eyes off of the road to look at my computer to see how fast we were going. I saw 39 and thought that was about what I expected. Then it came to me. I had set the display of my HAC4 computer to temperature, not current speed. 39° was the temperature, not our current speed!
The route is passes the first rest stop to an out on 8 Mile Road to where it turns to gravel and then back to the same rest stop. As Joanne and I were feeling well, we blew by the rest stop and continued on toward the gravel. This section of the road is genital rollers but it continues to climb. Since it is an out and back, we were able to wave "Hello" to several riders who were coming back as we headed out. After turning around, we picked up speed and were soon passing the riders we had waved hello to. One jumped on our wheel. We were happy to pull him along until he decided he had enough fun and returned to his left behind girlfriend.
The first rest stop on the 2008 Cherry of a Ride.
After leaving the first rest stop, we descend back to The Dallas via 8 Mile Road. The wind was in our face and as such we just putted along not working too hard. The route took us back through downtown The Dalles where a raised, red Toyota pickup truck tailgated us. The road was two lanes wide, but Big Red was happy to follow us through town at 20 mph. Jealous I guess.
We took the River Front Trail, a multipurpose path along the Columbia River before heading westward Highway 30. This is a gem of a road, lightly trafficked and with great views of the Columbia River Gorge.
Looking westward on Highway 30 outside of The Dalles
There is one thing about Highway 30, it climbs up to Rowena Crest Overlook. The climb is 600 feet in just 3 miles. But once on top, you are rewarded great views of the Gorge.
Looking east from the Rowena Crest Overlook
After leaving the Overlook, we descend into the small town of Mosier where we found the local cafe, the HWY 30 Cafe. Joanne and I must return and spend some time exploring this cafe.
HWY 30 Cafe in Mosier
But, across the street, one can buy a classic International Dump Truck if you have $4,500.
International Dump Truck for Sale in Mosier
We decided to skip the 10 miles through the Mosier Tunnels as we have been there, done that and scattered the tourists before. Instead, we headed up the toughest hill of the day - Dry Creek Road. This rises 1,700 feet in seven miles with several steep sections. During this climb several singles passed us. As they passed, they praised us. Seems climbing hills on a tandem is an achievement to one riding a single. To further there impression, we blew by the water stop on the hill and continued to climb to the top, where we enjoyed a fast, but windy descent.
Reaching the bottom of the hill, we could have turned to the left and returned to The Dallas in four short and flat miles. But no, we turned to the right and headed toward the final climb of the day. By now we were tired and we just limped along, hoping that beyond the next turn we would find the top of the last hill. We had that thought many times as there were many turns that were not the last turn before the final descent. Finally, it came, we descended and the ride was finally over.
2008 Cherry of a Ride Elevation Graph
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Three Capes Postponed!
This weekend's event is postponed until next Saturday (Apr 26), same time, same location. We will be using the Three Capes route unless more unforeseen circumstances indicate otherwise. The event is still an ACP event.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Spring in Oregon
After suffering through 90° heat in California last week, I come home to Oregon to find a much different reality. This, from our Randonneur RBA...
"With snow forecast for the Three Capes route on Saturday, 3 capes route will not be run.
I'm currently working on a route that is in the Willamette Valley and does not go above 500 feet. The start would be the same and you'd travel as far south as Albany before returning to Forest Grove. I will be preparing the materials for this alternate route tonight. Start location is the same.
Still, if the weather looks anywhere close to freezing in the valley I will be postponing the ride until next weekend (Apr 26). I will make that decision before Thursday evening."
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Monday, April 14, 2008
Saturday, April 12, 2008
Comparing the 2007 and the 2008 Davis 12 Hour Challenge. Notice 2008 temperature (pink) graph!
Friday, April 11, 2008
Goals for the Davis 24 Challenge
I have been quite this week. I only road my bike on Wednesday, and did not work out at the gym at all. Why? Because I was tapering for the Davis 24 Challenge, a 24 hour time trial.
I did this ride last year, or I did the 12 hour version. I did 177.5 miles with an average of 15.5. Total elevation gain was over 8300 feet according to my HAC4. The reason I cut my ride short at 12 hours was that I had foot problems. I forgot to wear my orthotics.
This year, I have better orthotics, better training, but more weight (by 10 pounds). Also, the temperature is foretast to be 86°, 10° warmer than last year.
Goals:
1) Ride for 24 hours
2) Average 15.0 mph for the long day loop
3) Have a negative split; have a faster average on the second 12 hours.
Very high goals, but one must always reach.
Wednesday, April 09, 2008
Saturday, April 05, 2008
Friday, April 04, 2008
Del's Tuesday Ride Writeup
We fittingly started our season on April Fool's Day this year.
Weather was sunny and although only 54 degrees it was an
excellent evening to ride. Much better than the rain, snow and
hail (sometimes all at the same time) I had been commuting in
the last 5 days. After a lot of emailing and other sleuthing, I
have 45 riders listed by name, and I know there are still a few
I don't know about. Please remember that signing in (legibly)
is a requirement, an important part of keeping the rides legal.
It is also a huge help to me in writing up these recaps and just
trying to keep track of rider's welfare. I pretend like I don't
really care, but have been known to wait around in the parking
lot after dark for overdue riders. The people who read this
missive all sign in, but some of your friends perhaps do not
know they are supposed to, so please remind them.
Mike and Dave made up the first early group, on the road
before I arrived at about 5:45 to sign in a bunch of eagerly
waiting guys. More than a dozen left the park about 5 or 10
minutes before six, including a few that didn't realize this was
not the "main bunch". And finally we had nearly 30 in the
actual peloton. We were just a few minutes late and a bit
confused as quite a few riders arrived late due to flat tires
and other mishaps en route to the start. There were several
new riders, including several Portland Velo riders who I did
not meet and could not keep up with. It was great to see
Pat Murphy back on his bike after missing the last half of
2007 recovering from a high-speed close encounter with a
vehicle. Pat was riding strong again, but cautiously. A new
rider was Sam Huffman, one of the stronger randonneur
riders, who recorded an interesting gps track of today's ride.
We started at an easy pace, delayed by stop lights in the
first few blocks. As usual, the pace increased significantly
as we left the city and enjoyed the rolling open roads. The
pack split up on high-speed Mountain Road and the yoyo
effects of the Advance roller-coaster. I've been too busy
to scout or pre-ride any routes lately, so was surprised at
how bad the torn up roads were through Wilsonville. Thanks
to everybody for riding sensibly through that pothole minefield.
It was also the opportunity for a few of us off-the-back chasers
to finally regain contact for just a few minutes before getting
shelled again by the diminishing pack on Wilsonville Road.
I spent a lot of the ride chasing with Jay, within sight of the
pack but not even close to contact. Frustrating. Wish I
could tell you the play-by-play on the climbs, but I was out
of it. I did hear that anonymous Mitch Lee perhaps "won" the
kom, with John Hatfield, Ken James and Mark Steger close.
Thanks for the surprise regrouping at the top of McConnell
I got to see the fast guys again briefly. Thanks to all for a
fun ride on a pleasant evening.
Thursday, April 03, 2008
Wednesday, April 02, 2008
A very nice ride, even if a redneck in a beater black Ford pickup truck threw an empty can of deodorant at us. This caused me to wonder why this jerk would have a can of deodorant at hand and why it was empty. All I can say is that he needs to improve his aim, he missed us by a mile.
Tuesday, April 01, 2008
Davis 12/24 Hour Roster
Roster for the 2008 Davis 12 and 24 hour challenge.
Stewart Thompson 12 solo
John Wayne Horton 12 or 24 solo
Ron Smith 24 solo
David Kees 24 solo
Jim Karanas 24 solo
Bobbi Fisher 24 solo
Brett Walker 24 solo
Kevin Marr 24 solo
Bill Brier 24 solo
John Lauer 24 solo
Hugh Gapay 24 solo
Lowell Morgan 24 solo
David Goggins 24 solo
Patty Jo Struve 12 or 24 solo
Joanie Heilinger 12 solo
Joan Grant 24 solo
Bill Albers and Debbie Albers 24 Tandem
John Henry Maurice and Mark Newsome 24 Team
Gary Franck and Joe Farinha 24 Team
Monday, March 31, 2008
March Madness is Over!
March Miles: 804.95
March Elevation Gain: 21,614
Year to Date Miles: 1841.2
Year to Date Elevation Gain: 57,193
This was a good month for me. While I did not ride as many miles as last year (833.27), I did 16 rides in 2008, one more than 2007. Lastly, my 2008 total miles exceeds 2007 by nearly 200 miles.
Now, April is going to be very busy. On April Fools Day, I will join Del on his Tualatin Tuesday Night Rides. He has a habit of ripping my lungs out. Then, on the following Saturday is the Oregon Randonneur Birkie Brevet, 124 miles of fun. The very next Saturday is the Davis 24 Hour Challenge. Mark Newsome and I will be riding as a two person 50+ team. The very next week is the Oregon Randonnuer Three Capes Brevet, 186 miles of fun. And, if I can talk Joanne into it, I would follow that up with The Cherry of a Ride the very next day. I then have a weekend off (so far) before I ride a 24 hour Fleche. I maybe crazy, but I know I will be tired.
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Should have been an easy recovery ride. But no, let's go do some hills! All of the way, my leg's were saying "Ouch".
During the ride, Jean asked "If your legs feel like they are about to burst open and explode, what happens next?"
Saturday, March 29, 2008
This one was hard. When I woke up, I did not want to ride, but Joanne did not allow me to wimp out and not ride. Once on the tandem, life was better, but then the rain started. The cold rain created a perfect opportunity for a test of character. Yes, my hands are cold. Yes, my toes are cold. Yes I can't see because of rain drops on my glasses, but will I stop? No.
Thursday, March 27, 2008
DuraAce 7800
Information on the new DuraAce features is leaking out and from what I have read, I really, really want this on my Lemond. Why? This is why...
"Optional equipment for the new levers includes an updated Flight Deck integrated wireless computer. In addition to the usual speed and distance functions, the new Flight Deck will add an on-board altimeter, inclinometer and heart rate monitor. For the first time, ride data will also be downloadable to a PC for later analysis."
From CyclingNews.com
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Sunday, March 09, 2008
Saturday, March 08, 2008
Chehelam Mountain runs east/west and is just north of Newburg. On the northern side, farmland covers the base but you enter forests as you approach the summit. The graph above represents my climb from Schools south to Newburg. As you can see, you climb nearly 1000 feet in just under five miles. This makes the average grade just 4%.
When I first returned to Oregon in the early 1990s, this was one of my favorite climbs. While the road is a state highway, traffic us usually light and courteous.
Wednesday, March 05, 2008
Tuesday, March 04, 2008
Sunday, March 02, 2008
Saturday, March 01, 2008
Thursday, February 28, 2008
February Summary
February Miles: 628.64
February Elevation: 25,592
Year to Date Miles: 1036.25
Year to Date Elevation: 35,579
February was a good month for me. I rode eleven times during the month, six times on one our tandems, my Lemond three times, and once each on my Colnago and Power Crank equipped Cannondale. I passed 1000 miles for the year and we traveled down to Death Valley National Park where we rode in Chris Kostman's Death Valley Training Camp and then extended our stay so we could add a RUSA Permanent, our second of the year.
My legs are feeling good, but I did not lose any weight during the month. I am at 200 pounds and holding. I need to drop to at least 185 by July and the Race Across Oregon.
March will continue to be a busy month for me. I have only three event rides schedules, all randonnées. I plan on riding the Snoozeville Populaire and the Birkie Brevet with the Oregon Randonneurs and Brevet with the Seattle International Randonneurs. But, more importantly, I plan on at least two "Ride to Sunrise" rides. I will wake up at 3:30 am, and ride to sunrise which is at 6:00 am at this time of year. The only thing the could stop me is rain. I dislike riding in the rain at night.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Sunday, February 24, 2008
A New Ultra-Cycling Event in the Northwest
Glenn Johnson is hosting a 12/24 hour time trial starting in Vancouver, Washington in May. The Seattle PI has a blog entry about the route.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Death Valley Training Camp Photos
Flowers north of Furnace Creek carpet the landscape.
74 year old Gerd Rosenblatt at the top of Dante's View.
My proof that I rode to the top of Townes Pass!
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Monday, February 18, 2008
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Handmade Bicycle Show
Last Sunday, Joanne and I attended the Handmade Bicycle Show mostly to attend the seminar on Long Distance Cycling as both George Thomas (Race Across Oregon) and Chris Kostman (The 508) were on the panel. In addition, Jonathan Mass (Cycle Oregon) was also a member. This is what I gleamed...
Jonathan Mass - "Cyclists will ride forever as long as you feed them every ten miles."
Chris Kostman - "You are telling my you have only thrown up once and you are quiting. What's up with that?"
George Thomas - "Long Distance is relative."
All three are pearls of wisdom.
Friday, February 08, 2008
Good Times, and Not So Good Times
I was looking through some old photographs when I came upon this picture of Russ and Meg Rawlings.
Instead of making me smile, I grew sad. Click on the photo of Meg below to find out why.
Thursday, February 07, 2008
These are not goals for 2008
These are the events I will ride this year.
1) Chris Kostmans' Death Valley Training Camp - Feb. 16
2) Davis 24 Hour Challenge - April 12
3) Race Across Oregon Four Day Training Camp - May 14
4) Northwest Tandem Rally - July 2
5) Race Across Oregon - Two Man 50+ Team - July 19
6) Oregon Bicycle Ride - August 9-16
7) Ring of Fire 24 Hour Time Trial - Sept. 20
Plus various Centuries and the Oregon Randoneur Brevet series
Wednesday, February 06, 2008
Power Cranks Make Me Sweat!
The rain continues and no one showed up for the Salem Bicycle Club Wednesday Night Ride. So, I drove home and did 45 minutes on the power cranks.
While my average heart rate was low at 114 bpm, the sweat was dripping off my forehead!
I can now understand why Sal would choose to ride in the rain rather than doing back to back sessions with the power cranks.
Meanwhile, until the rain goes away and the sun comes back, I can only remember what a warm, sunny day in Montana feels like...
Sunday, February 03, 2008
It feels like Spring
When we were getting dressed for today's ride, Joanne asked me if I thought she should wear her rain jacket or her wind shell. I looked at her in disbelief. She knew from my look that the only correct answer was to wear the rain jacket. The average precipitation for January is 5.84 inches. This January, we have enjoyed 8.34 inches. December was no better; the average is 6.46 inches but we had 8.25 inches. It has been a wet winter.
But today was different. On our forty mile ride today, it never rained on us. It seems that every ride for the last two months has been in the rain, but not today.
We even saw patches of blue sky. It has been so long, I had forgotten how beautiful blue sky really is. Gorgeous!
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Where are my 2008 Resolutions?
To answer that question, let's review my 2007 Resolutions...
2007 Resolutions
1 Record all of my food intake at Fitday.com
2 Record all of my century rides in the UMCA Year Rounder Challenge
3 Finish the harest double century in California - The Devil Mountain Double
4 Finish the Davis 24 Hour Challenge with at least 350 miles
5 Finish the Ring of Fire 24 Hour Time Trial with at least 325 miles (307 last year)
6 Ride a week long self supported tour with my wife (Arizona perhaps?)
Results
1 I did not record all of my food intake at Fiteday.com
2 I did not record all of my century rides in the UMCA Year Rounder Challenge
3 I did not rinish the harest double century in California - The Devil Mountain Double (I did not even attempt this ride.)
4 I did not finish the Davis 24 Hour Challenge with at least 350 miles. I forgot to wear my orthotics and stopped at 12 hours due to foot pain.
5 I did not finish the Ring of Fire 24 Hour Time Trial with at least 325 miles (307 last year). Again, I stopped early.
6 I did ride a week long self supported tour with my wife and it was Arizona.
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Power Cranks - First Ride Reports
And I thought I knew how to spin.
I installed the power cranks on my old Cannondale CAAD3 and purchased a trainer as per many suggestions that I try the Power Cranks on a trainer before I go out on the road. This was good advice. I could only sustain proper pedaling for a few minutes at a time. Based upon my reading, this was expected. None the less, it was somewhat frustrating. I had trouble bringing my right leg over top dead center. I would raise it up but before it went over, it wanted to stop. As such, I spent only 30 minutes on the bike during the first session. The next day, I was back on the bike and spent 45 minutes on it. The second session went much better than the first and I even got to the point where I could let my mind wander.
Monday, January 21, 2008
Feel the Power!
I have finally made the leap and purchased a set of Power Cranks.
Many of the local cyclists that I admire such as Kenneth Philbrick, Jon Wolf and Sal Ortega use them to train. How are Power Cranks different? "PowerCranks are a modified set of cranks that use a clutch bearing in each crank arm to allow only the crank to engage in a forward direction and as a result, the cranks operate independently of one another." (1)
In other words, you have to pull the crank up so you can push down on it. Ouch!
(1) Ben Larsen, PowerCranks: Crank it up, www.cyclingnews.com
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Forest Ridge starts Biker Awards for students
Our local newspaper reports on the expansion of the Bicycle Reward Program that is the subject of my Alice B. Toeclip Award nomination. The short article can be view at the Statesman Journal Website.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Monday, January 14, 2008
Friday, January 11, 2008
Alice B. Toeclip Nomination
The local(?) bicycle advocacy group, the Bicycle Transportation Alliance "... presents the Alice B. Toeclips Awards to individuals, businesses, and organizations in Oregon and SW Washington whose work has promoted the use of bicycles and increased the livability of our communities."
With the help of Mary Schmidgall, a long time Salem Bicycle Club member, I wrote the following nomination...
Nominees: Don & Sally Hopkins, Bill & Gail Bonniksen,and Scott's Cycle & Fitness
For the past nine years, students at Highland Elementary School in Salem have had an extra incentive to finish their schoolwork. Every six weeks, the names of those students who have completed all their reading homework assignments are entered into a drawing to win a bicycle. Two lucky students hear their name announced, and know they will soon be pedaling their own brand new bike. So far, more than 140 new bikes have been awarded.
This program was begun with the 1998-99 school year by Don and Sally Hopkins of Salem. In 2005, Bill and Gail Bonniksen, also of Salem, joined with the Hopkins' to contribute the necessary funds. Each couple donates $150 every six weeks. The winning students are presented with a $200 certificate redeemable at Scott's Cycles & Fitness of Salem, with Scott's contributing the $50 difference. Owners Larry Lewis and Steve Lewis assist the child and parents in choosing just the right bike and a properly fitted helmet.
Sally Hopkins, a former educator, says that the chance to win a bicycle serves to motivate the students in doing their homework. She says the feeling of "the wind blowing through your hair as you sail down the street" (wearing a helmet, of course) makes it worth doing that homework. Don Hopkins adds that their intention is to help the teachers to help the kids to learn. "The thrill of getting a bike really motivates!" says Don, an avid cyclist who rode two of the Salem Bicycle Club's event rides and obtained the 1,000 miles in the saddle milestone this year.
In addition to motivating the students, the bicycle award program teaches the hardworking students and their parents the value of owning a bicycle, with the feeling of freedom and sense of independence that only riding a bicycle can bring. It also gives the students a means of getting to school or going to a friend's house which keeps them active, reduces the number of vehicles on the road, and keeps our air cleaner.
This year, inspired by the Hopkins' and the Bonniksens, the program is being expanded to include Forest Ridge Elementary School in Keizer, sponsored by Ozzie & Carolee Rose and Lucille Whitman of Salem.
The Hopkins' and Bonniksens long-term, consistent financial commitment to supporting cycling for children in the Salem area introduces scores of children to the thrill and independence of cycling. This continuing support positively impacts hundreds of people throughout the Highland School district and beyond, and now will spread even further to other parts of the Salem/Keizer area.
Wednesday, January 09, 2008
Wet Wednesday Night Ride
Yes, I went for a short bike ride in the rain. Why not? It is only January in Oregon, the rain fall rate was not that high, and I do own a rain bike. So off I went.
Tuesday, January 08, 2008
PRESIDENT'S LINK
The Salem Bicycle Club has elected me President for the 2008 calendar year. One of my responsibilities will be to write a column in the Club's newsletter, The Spokes. This is the first of ten that I will be writing.
Allow me to introduce myself. I am John Henry Maurice, your Salem Bicycle Club President.
I started riding bicycles twenty years ago. My first bicycle was a $90 garage sale Miyata 210 and my first ride was just fifteen flat miles. During that ride, I saw others riding in groups. I soon found out about the local bicycle club. I joined and they took me in and taught me many things. They taught me that riding with friends was fun. They taught me that while a fl at road is easy, a hilly road makes you strong. They taught me that I can explore the world around me on my bicycle and it is a much better world than the one I see from my car.
Upon my return to my home state I joined the Salem Bicycle Club. Riding with the Club, I met many new friends. Club members introduced me to the roads surrounding Salem, and many of the hills. I met my wife on a Club Ride. A Club member introduced me to the two day Seattle to Portland Classic and another joined me on riding Seattle to Portland in one day. Another Club member introduced me to packed down bicycle touring. Other Club members introduced me to the Oregon Bicycle Ride and supported touring. But most of all, Club members introduced me to the fun of riding with a club.
As many of you may know, I ride somewhat further than fi fteen miles now, and my bicycles cost me more than I care to admit. But I always enjoy riding with the Club. That is why I decided to take a larger role with the Club. My only goal is to make the Salem Bicycle Club an inviting place for folks to experience the joys of riding a bicycle. I hope to see you on a ride soon!
Sunday, January 06, 2008
Prairies and Wetlands
Four of us rode the Prairies and Wetland 200K RUSA Permanent. Sal met us at our house at 6:30 am and we drove up to the start in Newburg together. The drive was interesting. We drove through a heavy downpour of rain mixed with snow. The van's thermometer read 37 degrees F, a temperature that
we did not like. But, as we drove northward, the rain lessened and then ended. We arrived to grey but dry skies, very wet roads and an extremely strong south wind. Yes, our route took us to the south. Paul Rozelle joined us at the start to make a total of four of us.
After warm cups of coffee, we pushed off and crossed the Willamtte River on our way to Mt. Angel. The strong south wind kept our pace very slow and we made the control with just minutes to spare. Along the way, the rain began to fall, but soon ended. The only advantage of a strong wind is that it will dry you off quickly.
The worst part of the ride was riding Hwy 47, in the dark, and in the rain. But we made it to Forest Grove where we had a nice break. And, I had to fix three flats.
The best part of the ride was riding back to Newburg from Forest Grove on closed back roads due to a bridge outage. We just walked around the barriers making the second permanent in a row that we cross a closed bridge