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, February 03, 2009
January Rides Recap
January is not a friendly month here in Salem. It rains, and snows, and freezes. It can be quite ugly.
This year, it was no exception. We had lots of snow, and lots of cold temperatures, but we also has lots of nice days.
In terms of precipitation, the total for the month was 3.56 inches, which is below the normal total of 5.84 inches, so it was dryer than average.
I rode ten days in January, five on days that it rained (but not on me!), three days with just clouds, one day in the sun and one day when it snowed! I rode every Saturday, every Wednesday night and just one Sunday. My total mileage was 548.84 and my altitude gain was 16,473 feet. In addition, I did three sessions on the trainer. Two of my rides were in excess of 100 miles.
So, I did not break my January record (660 miles in January of 2006, but my altitude gain was just 12,726 feet.) but I am very happy with my results.
I think I am well on my way to being ready for the Furnace Creek 508 in October.
In February, I plan on concentrating on three things...
1) Riding my RUSA Permanent on February 15
2) Racing the Jack Frost Time Trial - Tandem division on February 22
3) Riding hills whenever I can.
My mileage will slip a bit, but I hope to obtain at least 450 miles with 25,000 feet of elevation gain - all if the weather cooperates!