Cycling Diary

June

2010-07-03T21:20:00.000-05:00

June 11 Bike the bricks went horribly. On th 5th turn guy in front of broke too hard and I broke and blew my tire. I managed to hold on but I was out of the race. I didn't go around once. :( I am okay and the bike seems to be alright.

June 12 Collin Classic was a success. 60 miles avg speed 16.4 mph. I was by myself most of the way and south wind blowing at 15-20 mph. I saw a wicked crash right in front me. Cyclist hit a rough patch of road flew over the handle bars, slid across the pavement and into a ditch. We must have been traveling around 26 mph when it happened.

June 30 Rode 33.50 miles with the group average speed 18.5. It was a small group and they decided to push me along. Mind you these guys avg 26 to 30 mph. All in all it was a wicked awesome ride. Legs are soar but that's okay!!!

Keep peddling!!!

Sunday May 23 2010

2010-05-23T18:57:00.000-05:00

I got some good rides in last week total miles 108.4. Saturday was not so great. I rode with the mckinney velo group and my legs were not cooperating. On top of that, there was a southwind blowing from 15 to 20 mph. I just kept the legs spinning the best I could. I only averaged 14.4 mph. I am just glad it was over.

Last night, I was invited to a Mckinney Velo party. Stephen Weber and his wife Julie hosted the party and it was great to fellowship with the riders from that team. I am probably going to join the group. They are a great group of guys and gals. They all have been very encouraging.

Today, I went for a very short ride to loosen up the legs and took the kids out this afternoon for a ride. We jumped up in the pool after that. A good Sunday.

This week I am gearing up for some Crit racing. First one on Tuesday night. I am bit nervous but I want to be prepared for bike the bricks. Not sure where I am going to fit in but I am going to do my best to hang. I just pray I don't crash. : )

Back from the Dead.

2010-05-17T19:26:00.001-05:00

Well I know it's been awhile. I have been trying to recover from allergies. I finally had my first good week on the bike. I rode 53 miles with the group from Plano Bicycling Association. We headed out to Lake Lavon in Texas. They opened up the dam for an event that we were hoping to bypass. Well we made it over the dam but someone flatted and we had to wait. Then all the other cyclists started to fly by. How embarrassing. This was their race and we were in the middle of it. Anyway, we pressed on. We were challenged to go up a couple of hills that were not so challenging. As I was getting ready for the second climb, I noticed a cyclist in front of me that I was about to pass and shouted on your left. He couldn't hold is line and yelled again "On your left!" He didn't slide over. We shared some words and I chose to ignore him. Obviously, he had a different understanding of what "On your left" meant.

I was up front for the most of the ride led us back over the damn which was nice. With about 7 miles to go my legs were getting tired. I had led most of the way and now the guys who sat on our wheels all day pushed forward. Andrew one the guys I met last time was riding a hybrid with knobby tires. He kept up without a problem. Nice to be young. : )

Overall it was a great ride at an avg speed of 18 mph. Not too bad. A lot of complainers that the pace was too fast. Oh well. One woman was complaining that she got dropped in a no no drop group. She was able to catch up because the red lights.

On Sunday I rode out to Weston TX, 30 miles at an avg speed of 15 mph. I took it easy and just got the legs spinning. I am now getting ready to watch stage 2 of the Tour of California. It looks like it rained in Stage 2.

Quit complaining and keep peddling!!!

Friday - Monday April 30 - May 3

2010-05-03T20:39:00.000-05:00

Rode 17.82 miles at avg speed of 17.2 mph on Friday. Yoo hoo that was fun. I took the day off from riding on Saturday and helped Danielle with a yard sale. We made a little cash and the garage is squeaky clean. The rest of the day was filled with chores and playing XBOX with Alex.

Sunday, I got in with group. I almost missed them as the passed on the other side of the road. I had to hop off the bike and run up over the median to catch them. I went a little further than usual but couldn't hang. Tim flatted and the group waited on him as I rolled up to help. I gave him CO2 since he had nothing to inflate his tire. So, I was back with the group but not for long. Alex wanted to go to Toys R US because he had 3 gift cards. So I turned early to head back home. I rode 30.29 miles avg speed 16.4 mph. The south wind was gusting at 25 mph and I could never get settled into a good pace. I wasn't happy with my ride.

Today, I didn't get to ride because of rain and should be back on the bike tomorrow. I mad salmon cakes for dinner which turned out pretty good. I was surprised how tasty they were. It must be because I am an excellent cook.

Keep eating and peddling!

Wednesday Night Ride

2010-04-29T07:53:00.000-05:00

I am feeling a better. Not quite 100% but getting closer. Went to the bike shop yesterday to see about changing my crankset. It wasn't worth it. So I will keep riding my triple until the next bike upgrade.

I went to the crit race on Tuesday night and watched the McKinney boys race. I am probably going to race in the next two weeks.

Last night, we had a small group and I was able to keep up for a little bit longer. My legs felt good but still recovering from cold.

Keep peddling!

Wedneday - Sunday April 26,2010

2010-04-26T12:20:00.000-05:00

I went out with the group last Wednesday, knowing I was sick. I did manage to keep up for a little while and took my normal shortcut.

The next morning, I felt horrible. I went to my doctor and she loaded me up with meds. For three days, I stayed in bed. I was unable to attend the Germafest Bike Rally in Muenster, TX. : ( I was pretty heart broken but my health is more important. Danielle took very good care of me. : )

Yesterday, I felt a bit better and I had to get the legs spinning again. Danielle chased me on her scooter. I went at a very slow pace and managed 22 miles at an avg speed of 14mph. Like I said, I took real slow.

I am still not a 100%. I am not going to ride this evening and just get some more rest. I am still very tired. It sucks not feeling well especially when the weather is perfect.

Drink plenty of fluids and keep peddling!

Saturday, Sunday, Monday, Tuesday

2010-04-20T22:08:00.002-05:00

Saturday April 17: Rained in the morning. Legs felt like crap. Group cancelled their ride and I tried to sprint in the afternoon. I roade or 30 minutes and my legs were sore.

Sunday April 18: Rode with Mckinney Velo. I hung in there for a little while and finished up on my own. A little over 42 miles. Legs felt better.

Monday April 19: Short ride but hard 12 miles avg speed 17.5 mph.

Tuesday April 20: Took the night off. I am not feeling well. I am a bit run down.

Last Week Eater Sunday - Tuesday April 13th

2010-04-13T20:58:00.001-05:00

Sorry for the delay but seriously who reads this anyway. Hopefully, this blog will be around for my children to read and say, wow dad was one crazy cyclist. : )

Easter Sunday, I rode 40 miles and enjoyed a nice easter dinner with Danielle, Dianne and the puppies. Glazed Ham, garlic mashed potatoes and asparagus wrapped with prosciutto.

April 5th: I took the day off from cycling

April 6th: Checked out the crit race off of renner road. Man, it was pretty exciting!!!
The first race was interesting and in the second race, 4 guys broke from the group and were never caught.
I didn't hang too long for the third race but I did watch them start. Holy cycling shoes, Batman! They jumped on the pedals like their life depended on it. It was a huge fast start and watching them going into the corners almost at full speed was mind numbing.

April 7th: Rode with a small group from Mckinney Velo and it was a tough ride. West wind was blowing with wind gusts at 35 mph.

April 8th: Caught Doc Perkins on my solo ride and we broke off because I needed the extra miles. I had my best ride solo. 20 miles with an average speed of 17.8 mph. I was tried for 18 but couldn't hit it.

April 9th: Day off and day of rest for my Saturday ride.

April 10th: I rode with a different group from PBA (Plano Bicycling Association). 50.11 miles with an average speed of 17.1 mph. Great ride overall. I stayed up front for most of the day. We split out at the lake for riders who wanted to go for a longer distance. We split again at Renner Rd. I went with the faster group. We tried to get a pace-line started but didn't happen. We caught db-lite at a light and surged forward. It was just a few guys sharing the load pulling the rest of the group. It was okay I really enjoyed pushing myself. All in all great ride!

April 11: Took the children for a leisurely 6 mile ride. Well not leisurely for them but they enjoyed it.

April 12: I did some hill training out at Erwin Park. Kept the Cadence up and managed okay.

April 13: Today!!! I rode 19.5 miles 15.7 mph. South wind slowed me down.

Whew!!! I have 853.9 miles this year and getting ready for Germanfest Rally in Muenster, TX.

KEEP PEDDLING!!!

Saturday April 3rd

2010-04-03T20:36:00.005-05:00

It was perfect day, no wind and warm tempratures. I rode with a group in Plano, TX called db lite. They are part of the Plano Bicycle Association, I joined last month. I woke at up at 6 am and made a light breakfast. When I arrived, it was a little chaotic. I asked a few other riders where db lite was meeting and they all told me different places each time. I parked and waited as the sea of cars started pulling into the parking lot. There were all types of riders from the people just learning the rules of the road to the guys and gals who like to dance on the pedals. How cliche.

Anyway found the group, introduced myself, and signed in. Steve and Liz were the group leaders. Liz shouted the instructions and in few minutes we were off. I wasn't too sure what to expect but considering the field of riders, I didn't worry too much.

The pace was pretty slow but enjoyable nonetheless. Everyone was very nice and respectful towards each other. There were three other guys about at my level and we were all waiting when things were going to pick up. It never did. Although I felt frustrated at times because I wanted to go faster.
I talked to a lot folks on the ride and there were two older women that just cracked me up. They wanted me in front so I could pull them along. I obliged. We stopped for a break for about 15 minutes and we were off again. I was able to lead the group with Steve beside me and I felt better there because I actually felt like I was getting workout. I talked with Liz for a bit about our families and before you know it, we were finished.

45 miles with an avg speed of 15.7 mph. All in all it was a fun ride and really enjoyed the company. I got some nice compliments from some other riders on how smooth I rode. That was nice to hear. I really appreciated everyone. So thanks to Steve, Liz, Carlos, Andrew, Alex, Tim and all the other riders who made my ride a pleasent one.

I will probably get ride in tomorrow and next week will go up on the next group. So keep peddling easter eggs!

Wednesday Night Ride

2010-04-01T07:44:00.000-05:00

Rode 22.09 miles with an average speed of 15.6 mph. I rode with the group for a a little while and took my short cut. The guys caught up with me to finish the evening with a great ride. This Saturday I am planning my ride with the PBA (Plano Bicycle Association). I am sure tI will find a group at my level. Again, I want to say thanks to all the guys at Mckinney Velo, they are an elite group of guys and have been encouraging me from day one. I know I will still try to do a few rides with them and hope to be stronger by next year.

So keep peddling!

Weekend Ride and Yesterday

2010-03-30T21:01:00.001-05:00

Saturday was brutal. South to South West wind hollowing at 20 to 30 mph. Got in with the group and rode with them for about 10 miles then the fun began. There was a new guy in the group and I knew he wasn't going to make it. About 20 miles in, he had turned back and I asked if he was okay. He sounded discouraged but he was fine. It's a tough group to hang with but they will make you stronger a rider. You just got to hang. Anyway, I took my shortcut and the three guys from the main group caught up to me. John had me hop his wheels and told me not to rotate. So I hung to their wheels for about 3 miles but I couldn't hang. The wind was crazy. Anyway a bunch of riders passed me but it was okay. I was going at my own pace. One rider got left behind in a different group that had passed me and he was lost. So I helped him get back on track. We traded wheels for awhile until he was back on track. I finished up with 48 miles with an average speed of 14.7 mph. The wind killed me. My leg were so soar after my ride. I took a jacuzzi bath and then Danielle massaged my legs.... Ah what relief.

Sunday I took the day off.

Yesterday I rode 20.7 miles at an avg speed of 16.7 mph. I felt really good. My legs felt great! I love this time of year.

Tomorrow, I am riding with the group. I will let you know how it goes so keep peddling.

Got my Bike back from the shop

2010-03-24T21:00:00.000-05:00

I received my free tune up from the local bike shop. They re-trued by rear wheel. Fixed the rattling in the front. We got 8 inches of snow last Sunday it all melted by Monday. I have been on the bike since last thursday but hopefully I can get a ride in tomorrow. : )

On a disappointing note, last week Tony Kornheiser an espn radio personality decided to bash cyclists.
Listen to his stupidity here: http://bit.ly/cm0u4z. Luckily, Lance Armstrong got wind of this broadcast and straightened him out. How can we do a better job helping drivers understand we are human beings in this small small world?

Keep peddling.

The Weekend Ride

2010-03-14T18:31:00.001-05:00

It was gorgeous weekend in North Dallas! Saturday was an interesting ride. I waited for the Mckinney Velo boys to take another beating but their were only about 7 riders which was quite odd. We took a different route at a slower pace and there was hope I would be able to hang with the group. Then the fun began. I hit a hole and my bag broke and it started swinging on the seat post. Bill helped get it off and I a put it in the back of my shirt. After 5 miles, the pace picked up and we hit a couple of hills and I fell behind but I kept the guys in my sight. They stopped to figure out which way they wanted to go. I caught up and said jokingly, there was something in my back slowing me down...:-) Danny said it was because of my hairy arms :( I laughed and shaved my arms today. Anyway, I am glad they stopped because for the next 5 miles I stayed with the group. We were heading to Celina, TX and one of the guys had to turnaround so I did with Danny and another guy. Danny helped me out with peddling and my pace. We split off and then my computer quit working so I am guessing I did about 27 miles based on my heart monitor. I know it was a short ride for Saturday but a hard workout.

Today I was out on my own. It was another beautiful day. I took the same route as yesterday except I rode all the way out to Celina. The road was very bumpy and my legs were killing me. I did manage 38.54 miles at an average speed of 15.4 mph. I am going to rest tomorrow.

Keep your legs rested and keep peddling.

Wednesday Night Sprint

2010-03-11T07:54:00.001-06:00

Two guys showed up and we moved our location from the previous spot to avoid any traffic. I went as hard as I could and I still couldn't keep up. On top of that, I had a severe muscle cramp in my left calf. Oh man did it hurt. I pulled over and stretched it out. I didn't push myself after that. The guys and I talked about dangerous and rude drivers during our cool downs. It was interesting they had the same fears that I did. We came to the conclusion that drivers are not really angry with the cyclist but with the inconvenience we put them through being on the road. Can't we all just get along. : )

No exercise today. I am going to rest my legs. Here is a helpful link for a cramped calf muscle:
http://www.ehow.com/how_4915629_alleviate-calf-muscle-cramp.html

For now a day of rest. Keep peddling!

Google adds Bicycling to Google Maps.

2010-03-10T07:45:00.000-06:00

Well it's about time. Now you can map your bicyling route in google maps. It looks like it is still in beta and I will report more on it's features when I play with it for a bit. It was nice to see Google is joining the fitness revolution! I really don't konw if there is a fitness revolution going on and if not well then there should be.

Keep peddling!!!

Wind Wind go Away

2010-03-07T07:57:00.000-06:00

Another gorgeous day in North Texas with the exception of the south wind. I waited for the group right by my house. It is very exciting to see them come up the road knowing I will be jumping into the pack. Talked with Steve a bit and Bill about how our riding was going. They are always very encouraging and I appreciate all the advice they have given me. I rode a litte further with them than usual so I didn't get discouraged when I got dropped. My goal for today was to put in 50 miles.

I took a shortcut knowing the boys in white and orange would be coming back by me. Dang, the south wind was a killer. I hate that feeling of spinning your legs and going no where. As I talked about in a previous post about bad drivers, one guy in a small red pickup truck honked is horn as he got right up on me. It startled me but I was able to keep the bike steady. Boy, was I pissed! Two riders passed me a little later and the group came shortly after that. There were a couple stragglers behind me. John came up and patted my back as he passed and I was able to jump on his wheel for a bit and then he turned off. Then there was a woman who came up beside me and asked me if I was going to finish the route. I told her that I was going back towards my home and I was going to take a different way with less hills.

She said she would ride with me because she wanted to avoid the hills on the big boy route. : ) Boy it was nice to have company for a change. We rode about 20 miles together. We switched off from leading and it worked out really well. It helped me save my legs until the end of the ride. She told me about the Plano Cycling Association which I am going to join this week. I need to start riding with groups at my pace as well but she did say that this Mckinney route is the best one she has been on. She pulled ahead of me with about 10 miles left and I didn't catch her name but I really appreciated the company.

All in all it was a succesful ride 51.2 miles with avg speed of 15.4 mph. I hope to get out today ride about 20 miles because I have a lot house chores to get done. Enjoy your Sunday and keep peddling.

March 3rd

2010-03-05T12:14:00.002-06:00

Well, I was all setup and ready to go for the Wednesday night sprint. I was in a meeting with the president of our company and he invited me to the Dallas Mavericks game. So my mind went back and forth... ride my bike or go to the mavs game. Go to the mavs game or ride my bike. Since, I have never been to a NBA basketball game, I chose to go to the basketball game. Thanks, Mark.

I had a great time and the Mavs won. I should be back on the pavement on Saturday with the group.

So slam dunk the road and keep peddling.

Feb 28

2010-03-01T12:47:00.000-06:00

I managed to get a quick ride yesterday, a little over 20 miles. There was a wicked south wind and I was leaning to my right for about 6 miles and killed my avg speed down to 14.7 mph. I took the kids back out on the road for another couple of miles. Good day all around. My right knee is a bit sore so today will be a rest day. I will go for a run tomorrow and then Wednesday will be sprint day. Hopefully, I will do a little better than last week. Chris Carmichael has some pretty good training videos for us beginners out there. So enjoy and keep peddling.

http://www.mastertheshift.com/masters/carmichael/videos/index.asp?videoID=cc31

Feb 27

2010-02-27T20:00:00.000-06:00

It was a gorgeous day! After doing all my chores, I headed out for a wonderful ride. I felt pretty good with the exception of right knee was a little sore. I was cruising a long averging 17 mph until I made my turn to head back to the house. How much I love the wind! Made it home with putting 38.7 miles under my feet. Got home and took my shower and then took the kids on a 3 mile ride. All around it was great day to be out.

SPRINT

2010-02-24T22:03:00.001-06:00

Met up with the group this evening. It took me a little while to find the place but once I got there, I was ready to go... Well almost ready. While pumping my rear tire, I broke the valve. Nuts! I fumbled to get my tools out. Finally, 8.32 minutes later I was ready to go. Good thing I am not a tire changer for Jimmy Johnson or he would have lost his last NASCAR race. It was nice though the guys waited on me. Tim, Jeff and Bryan are some of the guys from McKinney Velo. I am telling you these guys are great.

Okay now to the sprint. You ride as hard as you can and then rest. Well as usual I hung in the back and did the best I could do. Boy it seems like I am out of shape. I rode hard but I couldn't keep up. It's okay. I didn't get discouraged and did the best I could do. It was a good workout.

So be safe and keep peddling.

Pay attention. Don't be rude and do the right thing.

2010-02-23T13:24:00.009-06:00

Since I have been riding, I have noticed two things about automobile drivers, there are good ones, there are bad ones and then there are distracted ones. Well those are three things about drivers.

First I will talk about the good ones because I will only have to spend a short time writing about them. These drivers always pass with plenty of room between the car and the cyclist. I usually give a kind wave after they pass. When a driver is reluctant to pass, I look what is front of me, I slow down and then wave the driver on by. 9 out of 10 times this worksout nicely and I always give a friendly wave afterward. So thank you for the good drivers out there.

Second, the bad drivers. These are the ones who think they own the road and would like nothing better than not to have you, the cyclist, on it. That's right. They will get right up next to you and rev their engine as they pass. Cough! Cough! They get so close, you could reach in and grab their cell phone and finish up their call. They will blast their horn as they are passing to scare the bejesus out of you. They scream expletives at you and may even throw stuff at you. Oh and let's not forget the hand gestures they give. What you need to remember as a cyclist is to remain calm, keep peddling in a straight line and whatever you do, DO NOT INSTIGATE the driver into more asinine behavior. The last thing you want to have is a confrontation with a 3 ton vehicle and a trip to the emergency room or even worse a trip to the morgue. So be smart and don't antagonize drivers. Obey the state and local laws in place. Always give proper hand signals and I mean proper ones! You have to be on your toes and pay attention!!! Always be prepared to report any incident to the local authorities. We have a right to be on the road.

Now lastly distracted drivers. There is not much you can do about this unless you get active with legislation to stop the "cellphone/texting while driving revolution"! Apparently, we are so busy with our lives we need to call and text while driving. This is not good for the cyclist and you shouldn't do it while you are riding. It is tough enough trying to eat and drink while on the peddles. What is sad, it will probably take countless tragidies for someone to do something about it but it is the world we live in.

I want to share this article. Although no one was killed, it just goes to show you how vindictive an automobile driver can be. So be safe and keep peddling.

Doctor's prison sentence isn't a sea change for cyclists

Feb 21

2010-02-21T19:11:00.000-06:00

It poured rain early this morning and I didn't think I was going to be able to get out and ride. It was actually relaxing to hear the rain hit the ground from outside the bedroom window. The rain stopped around 9:00 am and knew I could ride with the group at 1. Waited on the group and met them on the route. One gent got a flat and we waited on him. Steve Weber one of the nicest guys of the bunch gave me an awesome greeting. I ran with them for about 8 miles and was dropped like a hot potato. I know I still have a long way to go.

I was bit discouraged and decided to cut my ride short. I was 16 miles in and as I was making my turn home and saw another cyclist turning towards me from the opposite direciton. He caught up to me and he told me was from Connecticut and he was not familiar with the roads out here. I said, well I was about on my way home but I would ride with him.

It was nice to have someone to ride with me. It might be time for me to find a group that I can keep up with. So I ended up riding 32.66 at an average speed of 15.7 mph. I actually finished up my ride with my new friend from the east coast. So cheers, Al Hubert and keep on peddling.

February 20th

2010-02-21T10:22:00.000-06:00

Oh gee. Didn't get a chance to ride my bike last weekend. Crazy weahter in Texas. We received 8 inches of snow and it that is very unusual for this part of Texas. Actually I think it is very unusual for any part of Texas.

Anyway I managed to get out yesterday but for only a quick 20.57 mile ride. It's pouring rain outside now but hopefully it will clear out by this afternoon. I felt really good yesterday. My legs were burning which was okay because it made me push harder.

I am going to make an effort to ride Wednesday night with the group. Anyway that is all for now going to make an egg white omelette with some green peppers, tomatoes, and little bit of cheese. So enjoy the winter pictures and keep peddling.

Feb 6,7,8

2010-02-09T11:55:00.001-06:00

Cold and dreary. I rode 40.29 miles with a north west wind at roughly 10 miles per hour. I could not feel my feet. I need some warmer gear. On Sunday, I rode my old route a little over 20 miles with a south east wind of 12 mph. Again, my feet were freezing even after doubling up on my socks. Oh well. Yesterday I ran my usual 5k and that felt pretty good. I got on the scale this morning down to 201 from 204. Wednesday nights are sprint nights with Mckinney Velo. If the weather cooperates, I will try to make it out at 6 pm.

Pictures below are from Sunday's ride.

Sprint or not to Sprint

2010-01-27T19:53:00.000-06:00

I rode 11.5 miles at an average speed of 17.5 mph. I did a 2 mile loop in the neighborhood. I am desperately trying to knock off some pounds in a healthy way. I also ran 3.25 miles yesterday. Rain tomorrow so I will run one more day then take Friday off.

Keep peddling.