It's cold. My eyelids froze shut as I walked back up the hill from getting the girls on the bus. It's cold like 300 weight fleece on under a heavy down puff ball jacket. It's cold like my cats water bowl was frozen solid- IN THE HOUSE this morning.
So with that said, no desire to go out on the bike. I'd be willing to get out on by skinny skis, but the bike doesn't offer much appeal in these temps. That being said it should warm up (to the teens) by the weekend, so maybe a quick spin on one of those days.
Working on my cross bike for next year. Big Al at Team World HQ is helping me with my sizing. I think I was about to order to big of a bike, so I need to do a bit of math to make sure I get the right size. Looking at the Chilli Con from Salsa- nice ride.
Ok, back to work.
Ride safe.- DEA
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Ski Racing
Seems my ability to get on my bike has been derailed by ski season. Particularly my oldest kid's ski season. Here's a pic from last weekend's GS race at King Pine. He placed 13th out of 40 racers.
These two were taken today at Wildcat Mountian. This was a GS that was in pretty tough racing conditions. We had 6 inches of new snow fall before the race and another 3-5 fall during the race and that snow was on top of some pretty icey base. Made for a lot of crashes and some pretty cautious skiing by a lot of kids. D3 finihed 19th out of 46.
I have been shooting photos and getting a fair amount of snowboarding in so its all good. Still need to meet up with DEA and A! for some turns though.
JJ
These two were taken today at Wildcat Mountian. This was a GS that was in pretty tough racing conditions. We had 6 inches of new snow fall before the race and another 3-5 fall during the race and that snow was on top of some pretty icey base. Made for a lot of crashes and some pretty cautious skiing by a lot of kids. D3 finihed 19th out of 46.
I have been shooting photos and getting a fair amount of snowboarding in so its all good. Still need to meet up with DEA and A! for some turns though.
JJ
Saturday, January 03, 2009
2009 off with a bang
Been out riding a fair amount in 2009, it's the 3rd and I've ridden the past two days- so I'm at like 66%. So here was tonight's ride.
Now it's off to the movies with the girls (each have a friend over)- good times!
Ride safe.
DEA
Now it's off to the movies with the girls (each have a friend over)- good times!
Ride safe.
DEA
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
A few thoughts on winter gear
I've been riding with these shoes for the past few days and I am pretty happy so far. The temps haven't been out of control cold, but I do have one ride that was into the upper 20's with a good deal of wind and a bit of water and snow spray coming up from the road. I'm wearing just a thin wool cycling sock (PI Tour Socks) and I think I can go up to a slightly thicker sock and stay comfortable down to 20 degrees, beyond that I think I'll have to through booties on over the shoe- and then they should be super warm. I did make one modification, I put in a piece of plastic between the cleat and the bottom of the shoe to completely cover the holes in the sole for the cleat plate.
I'm sure that area is sealed, but water and cold always seem to find ways to get in so why give them easy access? Now that is keeping my feet warm, I'm also trying to keep the rest of me a bit cleaner, dryer and ultimately warmer. So introduce my newest front fender (I don't know where all the old ones go?), this one is from a large plastic kitty litter container. It works well!
Why a fender? Cuz I don't want all this up in my teeth:
Here is my poor bike in all its dirty splendor. I might try to sneak out on the cross bike for my next ride since I'm mainly on roads and maybe I'll get my average speed up over 10mph!
For night riding I've found that the Knog Frog can attach right to your helmet. These are crazy bright for their size.
That's it from here, tomorrow is a new year- and I'm pretty psyched with that idea! Happy and Safe New Year to everyone and ride on.
late edit: cool idea here
DEA
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
yup I'm hooked
ok, it's like crack, use it once and want to use it more.
Rode again today.
DEA
PS- did get out to ski today as well, so I do know it's winter!
Rode again today.
DEA
PS- did get out to ski today as well, so I do know it's winter!
New Toys and Soon a New Year
My wife led the charge in hooking me up with a new toy for Christmas, a toy I've quitely coveted for a few years now. I think I'm glad that a bit of time had passed as the latest version is just ridiculous in terms of features. What is the new toy? Not this:
That is Dennis's new toy- and yes I now have car envy- but back to me, my new toy- a Garmin Edge 705
This is the craziest piece of electronics I've ever owned. And I've been owning electronics for a day or two. This is on par with when I bought my Commedore 64 back in the early 80's. So needless to say it's cycling season again in my world!
Got out for a ride with Dennis on Sunday, a short gravel grinder. He had a few drive train issues that kept us from climbing too much (see what happens when you grab a geared bike!). This was D before the trouble came:
You will notice he is wearing knickers and not going for the full on winter tights, he's tough. I was in full on snivel gear, and happy I was.
Just to prove I too was on the ride:
Now that you know that we actually rode I can give you the cool map and player that shows where we went, how fast, what the elevation was, how long it took, yada yada yada- this stuff is crazy! Here is the link- when you get to the page you can select the map view (I like the satellite view), and then you can click on the play button to make it all work.
That was my first ride, but I wasn't done. It might be ski season and Shawnee Peak might be tempting me with their lights for night skiing, but I chose instead to go for a night ride. Here was the loop. I will say you may need a bit of patience as the pages can be a bit slow to load.
In other news I also got my first two rides in the new Pearl Izumi winter shoe, so far so good- but I do see myself needing to wear booties in real cold temps. Last night was down to 35 and my feet were fine for out over an hour, but I would guess that at that temp I would start feeling a bit cold at two hours- but we will see.
That's it for now. Home with the kids today and thinking of sneaking out for some turns over at Shawnee Peak.
Ride safe.
DEA
That is Dennis's new toy- and yes I now have car envy- but back to me, my new toy- a Garmin Edge 705
This is the craziest piece of electronics I've ever owned. And I've been owning electronics for a day or two. This is on par with when I bought my Commedore 64 back in the early 80's. So needless to say it's cycling season again in my world!
Got out for a ride with Dennis on Sunday, a short gravel grinder. He had a few drive train issues that kept us from climbing too much (see what happens when you grab a geared bike!). This was D before the trouble came:
You will notice he is wearing knickers and not going for the full on winter tights, he's tough. I was in full on snivel gear, and happy I was.
Just to prove I too was on the ride:
Now that you know that we actually rode I can give you the cool map and player that shows where we went, how fast, what the elevation was, how long it took, yada yada yada- this stuff is crazy! Here is the link- when you get to the page you can select the map view (I like the satellite view), and then you can click on the play button to make it all work.
That was my first ride, but I wasn't done. It might be ski season and Shawnee Peak might be tempting me with their lights for night skiing, but I chose instead to go for a night ride. Here was the loop. I will say you may need a bit of patience as the pages can be a bit slow to load.
In other news I also got my first two rides in the new Pearl Izumi winter shoe, so far so good- but I do see myself needing to wear booties in real cold temps. Last night was down to 35 and my feet were fine for out over an hour, but I would guess that at that temp I would start feeling a bit cold at two hours- but we will see.
That's it for now. Home with the kids today and thinking of sneaking out for some turns over at Shawnee Peak.
Ride safe.
DEA
Friday, December 19, 2008
Winter is almost here
Sunday is the Winter Solstice, that will be the "start of winter" but more importantly it will be the shortest day and hence the turning point when days FINALLY start getting longer. That is one tough part of living in a northern clim, the days can get really short. By 4 pm this time of year it is already getting pretty dark. And as I write this at 7:05am the sun is just coming up. It makes for a tough go at staying active when you leave the house in the dark and return in the dark. That being said we are almost at the turning point, can you tell I'm ready for that?
The holidays are almost here, so I'm getting excited for a bit of down time and the chance to get out on the hill with the girls.
The bike- haven't ridden it since that warm night. We're full on back in cold and snow, so soon we'll be heading out for night skiing instead of thinking of the bikes. Of course I'm thinking a great deal about what frames will be on the order form from Salsa. They have a new scandium 29er SS that looks pretty sweet- basically the Mamasita with an EBB. Then there is also the Chilli Con cross bike that is priority one. Time will tell!
Ok enough out of me, I need coffee.
DEA
The holidays are almost here, so I'm getting excited for a bit of down time and the chance to get out on the hill with the girls.
The bike- haven't ridden it since that warm night. We're full on back in cold and snow, so soon we'll be heading out for night skiing instead of thinking of the bikes. Of course I'm thinking a great deal about what frames will be on the order form from Salsa. They have a new scandium 29er SS that looks pretty sweet- basically the Mamasita with an EBB. Then there is also the Chilli Con cross bike that is priority one. Time will tell!
Ok enough out of me, I need coffee.
DEA
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
A night ride
Temps crept up into the 50's yesterday rendering my dreams of getting out for some high speed crust cruising null and void, so I chose instead to grab the bike and lights and headed out for a little over an hour. The funny part was riding around in December, checking out all the holiday lights and being HOT. I didn't think I was over dressed, (on top- long sleeve craft baselayer, craft fleece jersey, sugoi shell) but it wasn't long before the jacket and fleece were unzipped well past the 3/4 mark.
It was a great ride, with only a few surprises. A couple times I found snow and ice in the road when I wasn't quite ready for it- but just as the bike was starting to get away from me I'd end up on clean pavement and it would all come back together.
I'm wondering if that will be the last "warm" ride. Usually this time of year a ride can only last as long as my hands and feet will stay warm- nothing over two hours. We shall see!
I hope everyone is having a good build up to the holidays. I know I need to get shopping here pretty soon!
later,
DEA
It was a great ride, with only a few surprises. A couple times I found snow and ice in the road when I wasn't quite ready for it- but just as the bike was starting to get away from me I'd end up on clean pavement and it would all come back together.
I'm wondering if that will be the last "warm" ride. Usually this time of year a ride can only last as long as my hands and feet will stay warm- nothing over two hours. We shall see!
I hope everyone is having a good build up to the holidays. I know I need to get shopping here pretty soon!
later,
DEA
Monday, December 15, 2008
Does a bike get lonely?
My bikes are spending their first winter in a space that is unheated. I wonder if they get lonely? They are dry and out of the weather, but have no heat to keep them warm. Do they care? Time will tell.
I have not been on my bike in over a week. That sort of scares me, I need to get out on a ride or set up the trainer. I want to make sure my legs and namely my ass don't forget what riding a bike is all about. Time will tell.
It's warm out right now- hmmm maybe an outdoor ride?
DEA
I have not been on my bike in over a week. That sort of scares me, I need to get out on a ride or set up the trainer. I want to make sure my legs and namely my ass don't forget what riding a bike is all about. Time will tell.
It's warm out right now- hmmm maybe an outdoor ride?
DEA
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Its a comin.....
THE FIRST MAJOR WINTER STORM OF THE SEASON WILL DEPOSIT A VARIETY OF PRECIPITATION ACROSS WESTERN MAINE AND MUCH OF NEW HAMPSHIRE. HEAVY ACCUMULATIONS OF SNOW... SLEET... AND FREEZING RAIN ARE EXPECTED ACROSS THE REGION.
FREEZING RAIN WILL ACCUMULATE UNTIL MIDDAY FRIDAY OVER MUCH OF THE REGION. SOUTHERN INTERIOR MAINE AND SOUTHEAST INTERIOR NEW HAMPSHIRE WILL SEE A HALF TO ONE INCH OF ICE... ALONG WITH SLEET AND SOME SNOWFALL. THE WEIGHT OF THE ICE WILL BRING DOWN TREE LIMBS AND POWER LINES... RESULTING IN POWER OUTAGES. LESS ICE... A QUARTER TO A HALF INCH... WILL ACCUMULATE IN THE FOOTHILLS OF MAINE AS WELL AS WESTERN NEW HAMPSHIRE... WHERE SNOW AND SLEET WILL DOMINATE. ICE ACCRETIONS WILL ALSO APPROACH A HALF INCH ALONG PORTIONS OF THE MAINE AND NEW HAMPSHIRE COASTLINE.
IN ADDITION TO THE ICE... SNOW WILL ACCUMULATE 8 TO 14 INCHES OVER NORTHERN AREAS. ACROSS THE FOOTHILLS OF MAINE... 6 TO 12 INCHES OF SNOW WILL ACCUMULATE. OVER PORTIONS OF SOUTHWEST INTERIOR NEW HAMPSHIRE... 4 TO 8 INCHES SNOW WILL FALL. LIGHTER ACCUMULATIONS... 2 TO 5 INCHES WILL FALL OVER THE CAPITAL REGION OF MAINE... WITH 1 TO 3 INCHES ACCUMULATING OVER FAR SOUTHWEST MAINE AND SOUTHEAST NEW HAMPSHIRE. FINALLY... AN INCH OR TWO SNOW WILL FALL ALONG PORTIONS OF THE MAINE AND NEW HAMPSHIRE COASTLINE.
COASTAL FLOODING WILL OCCUR NEAR THE TIME OF THE MID MORNING HIGH TIDE FROM ABOUT PORTLAND AND POINTS SOUTH ALONG THE COAST.
THE WINTER WEATHER IS DUE TO AN AREA OF LOW PRESSURE WHICH WILL MOVE UP THE COAST TONIGHT... CROSSING OVER THE MAINE COASTAL WATERS FRIDAY MORNING. WARM AIR POURING IN ALOFT WILL OVERRIDE COLD AIR NEAR THE GROUND. THIS WILL CAUSE THE MIX OF PRECIPITATION ACROSS THE REGION.
FREEZING RAIN WILL ACCUMULATE UNTIL MIDDAY FRIDAY OVER MUCH OF THE REGION. SOUTHERN INTERIOR MAINE AND SOUTHEAST INTERIOR NEW HAMPSHIRE WILL SEE A HALF TO ONE INCH OF ICE... ALONG WITH SLEET AND SOME SNOWFALL. THE WEIGHT OF THE ICE WILL BRING DOWN TREE LIMBS AND POWER LINES... RESULTING IN POWER OUTAGES. LESS ICE... A QUARTER TO A HALF INCH... WILL ACCUMULATE IN THE FOOTHILLS OF MAINE AS WELL AS WESTERN NEW HAMPSHIRE... WHERE SNOW AND SLEET WILL DOMINATE. ICE ACCRETIONS WILL ALSO APPROACH A HALF INCH ALONG PORTIONS OF THE MAINE AND NEW HAMPSHIRE COASTLINE.
IN ADDITION TO THE ICE... SNOW WILL ACCUMULATE 8 TO 14 INCHES OVER NORTHERN AREAS. ACROSS THE FOOTHILLS OF MAINE... 6 TO 12 INCHES OF SNOW WILL ACCUMULATE. OVER PORTIONS OF SOUTHWEST INTERIOR NEW HAMPSHIRE... 4 TO 8 INCHES SNOW WILL FALL. LIGHTER ACCUMULATIONS... 2 TO 5 INCHES WILL FALL OVER THE CAPITAL REGION OF MAINE... WITH 1 TO 3 INCHES ACCUMULATING OVER FAR SOUTHWEST MAINE AND SOUTHEAST NEW HAMPSHIRE. FINALLY... AN INCH OR TWO SNOW WILL FALL ALONG PORTIONS OF THE MAINE AND NEW HAMPSHIRE COASTLINE.
COASTAL FLOODING WILL OCCUR NEAR THE TIME OF THE MID MORNING HIGH TIDE FROM ABOUT PORTLAND AND POINTS SOUTH ALONG THE COAST.
THE WINTER WEATHER IS DUE TO AN AREA OF LOW PRESSURE WHICH WILL MOVE UP THE COAST TONIGHT... CROSSING OVER THE MAINE COASTAL WATERS FRIDAY MORNING. WARM AIR POURING IN ALOFT WILL OVERRIDE COLD AIR NEAR THE GROUND. THIS WILL CAUSE THE MIX OF PRECIPITATION ACROSS THE REGION.
Monday, December 08, 2008
Grinder Bust
Saturday morning at 7am, it was cold and lonely. In fact it was so lonely that I opted to get back into bed (where it wasn't so lonely).
Later as the sun came up and the temps reached a balmy 26 degrees I went out for a ride. The gravel was nice, slick in places, but firm and fast (and I was slow and fat). So not much in the way of a group ride, but that will come.
That's about it. Ready to ski. Missed the sprints up at Great Glen- looked like a good turn out.
Time to think skiing!
later
DEA
Later as the sun came up and the temps reached a balmy 26 degrees I went out for a ride. The gravel was nice, slick in places, but firm and fast (and I was slow and fat). So not much in the way of a group ride, but that will come.
That's about it. Ready to ski. Missed the sprints up at Great Glen- looked like a good turn out.
Time to think skiing!
later
DEA
Wednesday, December 03, 2008
Gravel Grinder is coming
Saturday, December 6th the Gravel Grinder will take place. The weather looks good- high temp of 35, sun, and a cold night leading into the day means the gravel will be firm and fast (and I'll be slow and fat).
We may negotiate the start time to an 8am start just to better deal with the temps- but we'll see.
Looking forward to this!
later,
DEA
We may negotiate the start time to an 8am start just to better deal with the temps- but we'll see.
Looking forward to this!
later,
DEA
Monday, December 01, 2008
December 1st
The first day of the last month of 2008. Hmmm, can't say I'll be upset when 2008 is behind me! That being said I had a great couple of days as K and I headed over to see PowderJew in Vermont. We hit up Killington for our first turns of the season while PJ hucked steel for a few hours. We then just chilled out in the hot tub and watched HUNDREDS of canadian geese come in and land on the river behind PJ's house. Add to that great food for both dinner and breakfast and it was a good weekend over in the green mountain state.
As far as riding my bike- nothing to speak of since Thanksgiving. It snowed last night, followed by rain so the roads suck at the moment- may be time for the studded tires.
That being said I'm starting to get ready for ski season (after we do the TWAF Holiday Gravel Grinder this weekend)- still looking to be skiing over at Shawnee Peak this winter, so that will be cool to be back at the hill I grew up on. My parents ski there as well (my Dad is there every day, all day) so it will be fun to connect with them on a regular basis.
That's about it at the moment, waiting for my new winter riding shoes to show up- tracking them now- should be here tomorrow. Then at least I'll have toasty feet!
Ok enough out of me- get out and get some fresh air.
later,
dEA
As far as riding my bike- nothing to speak of since Thanksgiving. It snowed last night, followed by rain so the roads suck at the moment- may be time for the studded tires.
That being said I'm starting to get ready for ski season (after we do the TWAF Holiday Gravel Grinder this weekend)- still looking to be skiing over at Shawnee Peak this winter, so that will be cool to be back at the hill I grew up on. My parents ski there as well (my Dad is there every day, all day) so it will be fun to connect with them on a regular basis.
That's about it at the moment, waiting for my new winter riding shoes to show up- tracking them now- should be here tomorrow. Then at least I'll have toasty feet!
Ok enough out of me- get out and get some fresh air.
later,
dEA
Friday, November 28, 2008
Thanksgiving Day Ride
I'm listening to Alices Restaurant as I missed it yesterday and the day just didn't feel complete. That being said we did start a new Thanksgiving Day tradition as my brother in law Frank and I got out for a good spin down at Fort Rock in Exeter. Now I have a special relationship with Fort Rock, as I left a great deal of my shin down on some rocks at Fort Rock, and that was in the back of my minds when we got down there. With that said the wreck had to do with a bridge, so I just made sure I walked the bridges- and that served me well.
We lucked out with the weather, it was about 40 degrees, no wind, and it was dry. I had brought down the Mamasita for the day, which meant I had brought gears and suspension- which quickly revealed itself as a good decision.
We spent a good hour out cruising around and found some great sections of trail that I would like to get back and ride again. Especially one section that reminds me a great deal of some of the trails over at Kingdom, fast, swooping (sort of like Old Web), and fairly smooth. We also rode some trails that had more roots and rocks than any one trail should have. The type of trail that you can clean if you go balls out on it, but if you check up and loose your momentum you end up stopping dead.
By the end we knew we had to start heading home as there was some juicy Turkey waiting. So we loaded up and headed back for a fantastic Thanksgiving Day dinner.
I hope all of you had a great Thanksgiving!
Ride on.
DEA
We lucked out with the weather, it was about 40 degrees, no wind, and it was dry. I had brought down the Mamasita for the day, which meant I had brought gears and suspension- which quickly revealed itself as a good decision.
We spent a good hour out cruising around and found some great sections of trail that I would like to get back and ride again. Especially one section that reminds me a great deal of some of the trails over at Kingdom, fast, swooping (sort of like Old Web), and fairly smooth. We also rode some trails that had more roots and rocks than any one trail should have. The type of trail that you can clean if you go balls out on it, but if you check up and loose your momentum you end up stopping dead.
By the end we knew we had to start heading home as there was some juicy Turkey waiting. So we loaded up and headed back for a fantastic Thanksgiving Day dinner.
I hope all of you had a great Thanksgiving!
Ride on.
DEA
Friday, November 21, 2008
How Many Layers
Riding your bike in November in northern New England can be a bit of an exercise in how much you can wear and how many lights can you put on your bike. The reason being rather simple, it's dark by 4:10pm and the air temps are in the 20's with wind chill taking things down into the single digits.
But with it not quite ski season yet (Shawnee Peak is slated to open in mid December)and knowing the holidays (read wayyyyyy to much food and beer) right around the corner it's important to try and stay moving and try to keep the belt creep from going much beyond one notch.
This all brings me to last night. I thought I had another rider to go with me, but he bailed out about a half hour before we were to head out so it was me and the iPod. As I was getting ready I began to find it humorous how much crap went into a hour or so ride. Here is what I was wearing: long sleep t-neck base from Craft, my winter full zip jersey from Bikeman, a second heavy full zip "jersey" from Craft (more like a 200 weight fleece), a wind/rain shell from Sugoi, thermal knickers from Pearl, thermal wind front tights from Craft, heavy wool socks, heavy shoes, Pearl AmFib covers, fleece balaclava, Smartwool spring weight ski gloves, helmet (with light) and clear glasses. Then on the bike:2 knog flashers, one big flasher, a bar light set on flash mode, and the L&M Arc on the head. All this crap to go for a ride. It takes me about 15 minutes to get it all on and situated and another 10 to take it all off- for a ride that last night went for 70 minutes. The comical part- I have to trainers that I could have set up in the room and just donned shorts and shoes and been good to go!
Of course that would defeat the purpose. There is something very satisfying about riding in cold, dark, even wet conditions. It you've got the right snivel gear you can really be comfortable, and for what ever reason you feel tough (and in my case it makes up for my obvious lack of fitness!).
TWAF Holiday Gravel Grinder Part Deux Update
Here are the excuses or comments thus far:
A1: "Two weeks to get in shape, two weeks to get in shape, two weeks to get in shape..............shit"
JJ: "at least there are no food gorging type holidays before then"
Someone who claims to be my mother: "Very funny! Should I warn everyone that after many many many many
many ...... years of experience following the author's father that a time frame is an absolute JOKE as are any attempts at saying where you will go, end up or otherwise travel?! I hope the snow isn't too bad! I might be tempted to join you if I knew there were other 60 year old women in the crowd~ M"
Howie: "Oh, sure…..schedule it on the day of the Atomic Sprints…..nice. Now I’ll have to make up some excuse as to why I’m not at the Sprints…."
Fletcher: "This is awesome--here's the rub; it falls on the big SAT test date, so I won't be able to make it... Great invite, though!"
My boss: "Hi Captain of TWAF and Minister of Propaganda,
I am in, but I am hoping that I can't go. If my beloved UNH Wildcats win 2 more games (Sat vs Maine and 2 days after Thanksgiving in the NCAA Playoffs), I hope to be on a road trip to watch them.
Also, I need to be at Gordon College by 7pm that evening to listen to an angel (I mean my son!) sing. Maybe we can just ride back roads all the way down to Cape Ann?
By the way, don't you know that it is ski season, it's cold, I haven't been on my bike since July, and What are you thinking, anyway?
The Chief Head Knocker"
JJ again: "ran the TWAF GG part deux by the boss, was informed that D3 and I will be in Boston the night before at Celtics game returning very late/early. Also on the 6th, I have to attend a parade that D3 is in for school that I was informed would not be wise to miss. I'm old, lazy and out of shape. The moon is in the wrong phase. My biorhythms will be off that day. I might have gout or some other aliment by then. I might not come back from Jamaica. The ride won't be challenging enough.
How's that? Trying to cover myself with ample excuses."
And we also have one t-shirt going out to Brian Roche, "I'll bite...gotta tune up my MTB trannie though..."
So there you have it. I'll keep you updated as we get closer.
later and ride save,
DEA
But with it not quite ski season yet (Shawnee Peak is slated to open in mid December)and knowing the holidays (read wayyyyyy to much food and beer) right around the corner it's important to try and stay moving and try to keep the belt creep from going much beyond one notch.
This all brings me to last night. I thought I had another rider to go with me, but he bailed out about a half hour before we were to head out so it was me and the iPod. As I was getting ready I began to find it humorous how much crap went into a hour or so ride. Here is what I was wearing: long sleep t-neck base from Craft, my winter full zip jersey from Bikeman, a second heavy full zip "jersey" from Craft (more like a 200 weight fleece), a wind/rain shell from Sugoi, thermal knickers from Pearl, thermal wind front tights from Craft, heavy wool socks, heavy shoes, Pearl AmFib covers, fleece balaclava, Smartwool spring weight ski gloves, helmet (with light) and clear glasses. Then on the bike:2 knog flashers, one big flasher, a bar light set on flash mode, and the L&M Arc on the head. All this crap to go for a ride. It takes me about 15 minutes to get it all on and situated and another 10 to take it all off- for a ride that last night went for 70 minutes. The comical part- I have to trainers that I could have set up in the room and just donned shorts and shoes and been good to go!
Of course that would defeat the purpose. There is something very satisfying about riding in cold, dark, even wet conditions. It you've got the right snivel gear you can really be comfortable, and for what ever reason you feel tough (and in my case it makes up for my obvious lack of fitness!).
TWAF Holiday Gravel Grinder Part Deux Update
Here are the excuses or comments thus far:
A1: "Two weeks to get in shape, two weeks to get in shape, two weeks to get in shape..............shit"
JJ: "at least there are no food gorging type holidays before then"
Someone who claims to be my mother: "Very funny! Should I warn everyone that after many many many many
many ...... years of experience following the author's father that a time frame is an absolute JOKE as are any attempts at saying where you will go, end up or otherwise travel?! I hope the snow isn't too bad! I might be tempted to join you if I knew there were other 60 year old women in the crowd~ M"
Howie: "Oh, sure…..schedule it on the day of the Atomic Sprints…..nice. Now I’ll have to make up some excuse as to why I’m not at the Sprints…."
Fletcher: "This is awesome--here's the rub; it falls on the big SAT test date, so I won't be able to make it... Great invite, though!"
My boss: "Hi Captain of TWAF and Minister of Propaganda,
I am in, but I am hoping that I can't go. If my beloved UNH Wildcats win 2 more games (Sat vs Maine and 2 days after Thanksgiving in the NCAA Playoffs), I hope to be on a road trip to watch them.
Also, I need to be at Gordon College by 7pm that evening to listen to an angel (I mean my son!) sing. Maybe we can just ride back roads all the way down to Cape Ann?
By the way, don't you know that it is ski season, it's cold, I haven't been on my bike since July, and What are you thinking, anyway?
The Chief Head Knocker"
JJ again: "ran the TWAF GG part deux by the boss, was informed that D3 and I will be in Boston the night before at Celtics game returning very late/early. Also on the 6th, I have to attend a parade that D3 is in for school that I was informed would not be wise to miss. I'm old, lazy and out of shape. The moon is in the wrong phase. My biorhythms will be off that day. I might have gout or some other aliment by then. I might not come back from Jamaica. The ride won't be challenging enough.
How's that? Trying to cover myself with ample excuses."
And we also have one t-shirt going out to Brian Roche, "I'll bite...gotta tune up my MTB trannie though..."
So there you have it. I'll keep you updated as we get closer.
later and ride save,
DEA
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Getting COOOOLLLLLDDD
Got in an hour on the road last night, and in some ways I'm still thawing out. Pretty soon I'll be spending more time at Shawnee Peak, getting in turns instead of riding, but right now the bike remains the priority.
It felt good to get out, it's amazing how the thought of riding in the dark with temps in the upper 20's and a ripping wind can almost cause you to grab a beer and hit the couch. But once you are out there it's not bad (provided you have the appropriate snivel gear!).
I've got a good loop for this type of ride where I'm never more than 3 miles from the house, that way if anything goes south on me I can either get home quick or K can come to my rescue in a short bit of time.
That's it at the moment.
Ride safe.
DEA
It felt good to get out, it's amazing how the thought of riding in the dark with temps in the upper 20's and a ripping wind can almost cause you to grab a beer and hit the couch. But once you are out there it's not bad (provided you have the appropriate snivel gear!).
I've got a good loop for this type of ride where I'm never more than 3 miles from the house, that way if anything goes south on me I can either get home quick or K can come to my rescue in a short bit of time.
That's it at the moment.
Ride safe.
DEA
Monday, November 17, 2008
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Final Race of 2008
Last race of the Great Glen CX series, and I have to say it was good that it was the last race! I had fun, but I was slow and just didn't have any snap. In some ways I'm very ready to put the 2008 season behind me and get down to doing the work needed for 2009.
Today the wind was a big issue as well as a good amount of mud. In fact I crashed on my first lap when my front wheel found the edge of a ditch and the wet earth just gave way- it was sort of funny but I was third wheel when it happened and by the time I picked up my butt off the ground I was DFL. From there I fought back to the pack and then blew up. So for about two laps I held tough, then I hung back for the final four laps. I beat on other dude who looked to be struggling sort of like I was.
The other issue was the temp dropped by over 15 degrees in less then 30 minutes- so a race where you were very comfortable in shorts and a summer weight LS jersey quickly became a very cold race with winds up over 40 mph and temps dropping into the 30's.
I am looking forward to building my base for 2009 and seeing how I can vastly improve upon this season. It shouldn't be hard, but I will have to put in the work and make sure I remain consistant. Time will tell!
Now it's time to start dreaming of snow storms and great days out on the trails (XC) and out on the hill for some lift serve.
Ride safe!
DEA
Today the wind was a big issue as well as a good amount of mud. In fact I crashed on my first lap when my front wheel found the edge of a ditch and the wet earth just gave way- it was sort of funny but I was third wheel when it happened and by the time I picked up my butt off the ground I was DFL. From there I fought back to the pack and then blew up. So for about two laps I held tough, then I hung back for the final four laps. I beat on other dude who looked to be struggling sort of like I was.
The other issue was the temp dropped by over 15 degrees in less then 30 minutes- so a race where you were very comfortable in shorts and a summer weight LS jersey quickly became a very cold race with winds up over 40 mph and temps dropping into the 30's.
I am looking forward to building my base for 2009 and seeing how I can vastly improve upon this season. It shouldn't be hard, but I will have to put in the work and make sure I remain consistant. Time will tell!
Now it's time to start dreaming of snow storms and great days out on the trails (XC) and out on the hill for some lift serve.
Ride safe!
DEA
Friday, November 14, 2008
Wet and dark ride
This whole daylight savings thing messes with my chi (whatever that is) and has caused me to not ride my bike. With it being Thursday (yesterday, not today) and with the past weekends efforts still making me walk funny and the upcoming weekends efforts in front of me I decided it was time to ride my bike. Of course when it's 7:30pm, raining/sleeting and is 34 degrees out you have to dig around for snivel gear and lights.
I was half hoping to not find what I was looking for and say I had put in the effort, but much to my surprise everything sort of found me (or was that my kids and wife wanting me to get the hell out of the house and stop complaining about not riding, so they brought me a big pile of snivel gear and lights?)
I suited up in my kermit the frog ninja suit (mash these two up),
found the booties, grabbed the ipod, grabbd lights and headed out the door. I got outside and thought to myself, "self, this is stupid. It's cold. It's wet. It's dark. You have two perfectly good trainers you could mount up and watch Smallville while you twiddle away on the bike."
While that was a good thought I also realized I was all dressed up so I might as well get out for a spin. I grabbed the cross bike, hit play and out I went. It wasn't long before I was actually enjoying myself and thinking about what people must think as they drove by. My version goes like this: "wow, look at that dedicated and rugged cyclist who is out in this crazy weather. If only I could find a poster of him I'd hang it on my wall and build a shrine to his greatness."
Of course here is the likely reality, "Really Buffy I just can't figure out this housing crisis, OH JESUS i just about ran over some fool on a bike, he must be riding to the night shift at the Big Apple, Stupid bastard- next time get a designated driver! Sorry about that Buffy, what was I saying- oh wait I've got another call coming in- it's my shrink."
Anyway the ride went well and I got in after about an hour. The best part is stripping down, I always feel like I'm pulling off a wet suit, reminds me of when I used to windsurf in the fall and you had this massive pile of wet clothign that was supposed to keep you warm.
So that's my story, not much of one, but I do feel better today and my legs were happy to get out and spin- now I just need to do this everyday and then I too can mount a comeback.
ride safe,
DEA
I was half hoping to not find what I was looking for and say I had put in the effort, but much to my surprise everything sort of found me (or was that my kids and wife wanting me to get the hell out of the house and stop complaining about not riding, so they brought me a big pile of snivel gear and lights?)
I suited up in my kermit the frog ninja suit (mash these two up),
found the booties, grabbed the ipod, grabbd lights and headed out the door. I got outside and thought to myself, "self, this is stupid. It's cold. It's wet. It's dark. You have two perfectly good trainers you could mount up and watch Smallville while you twiddle away on the bike." While that was a good thought I also realized I was all dressed up so I might as well get out for a spin. I grabbed the cross bike, hit play and out I went. It wasn't long before I was actually enjoying myself and thinking about what people must think as they drove by. My version goes like this: "wow, look at that dedicated and rugged cyclist who is out in this crazy weather. If only I could find a poster of him I'd hang it on my wall and build a shrine to his greatness."
Of course here is the likely reality, "Really Buffy I just can't figure out this housing crisis, OH JESUS i just about ran over some fool on a bike, he must be riding to the night shift at the Big Apple, Stupid bastard- next time get a designated driver! Sorry about that Buffy, what was I saying- oh wait I've got another call coming in- it's my shrink."
Anyway the ride went well and I got in after about an hour. The best part is stripping down, I always feel like I'm pulling off a wet suit, reminds me of when I used to windsurf in the fall and you had this massive pile of wet clothign that was supposed to keep you warm.
So that's my story, not much of one, but I do feel better today and my legs were happy to get out and spin- now I just need to do this everyday and then I too can mount a comeback.
ride safe,
DEA
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