alphseeker Posted July 26, 2012 Share Posted July 26, 2012 QUOTE (Ancient Ways @ Jun 14 2012, 07:04 PM) QUOTE (ReGorLaTroy @ Jun 14 2012, 02:43 PM) Looks like they're going after Lance again... ...any constructive thoughts? Maybe, I just want to believe he's innocent. But it would be hard to pass all of those drug tests along the way, wouldn't it? He's done so much for the sport of cycling and for the cancer community, it would be such a shame if all of the allegations turn out to be true. Witch hunt...or does new round of allegations have credibilty? It sounds like this might be a rehash of the same allegations. I'm convinced everyone who won was cheating at this point. For the majority of them, including lance i think it was simply blood doping - It wasn't performance enhancing drugs such as roids' - back in the 90's and early 2000's if you weren't blood doping you were not competitive that is an accepted fact and unfortunately they keep finding ways to mask sudden infusions of their own stored blood which boosts oxygen levels - There is no way they can climb 8-12% grades for 6-8 miles straight at speeds up to 20 miles an hour without some kind of "help" and that has been the norm lately. That is why you see very good riders just hit the wall halfway up these climbs while others just keep going all the way to the top as if they riding the flats - some are doing it some are not - Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alphseeker Posted July 26, 2012 Share Posted July 26, 2012 (edited) QUOTE (iluvgeddy05 @ Jul 26 2012, 09:36 AM) Hi Cyclists, I am considering a benefit ride this September 15th. It will be a century ride, not a race, but a fundraising opportunity for AIDS research and support. I have been riding since March and my last "really long" ride was 43 miles. It was tough, but very rewarding. The good thing about this ride is you can do any distance from 42 to 100 miles, so should the day come and I am not prepared for the full, I can choose a shorter option. So... any advice for this newbie? Encouragement? Am I nuts? I can currently do a good 35 miles comfortably now so I think I am on pace to train for something bigger. I'm just scared! There are some BIG hills in this monster ride around one of the Fingerlakes in upstate NY here. It's going to be beautiful, but tough (duh) I'm also eager to try this because when I started running a few years ago, my confidence held me back from doing a full marathon. When I finally decided I wanted to try for the 26.2, injuries started showing up after years of beating my body on the pavement...and it's been over a year battling impact-causing problems in my lower legs. I have turned to cycling to keep me outdoors and going. Thanks.. I do at least two centuries a year and am not in the best of shape you just need to remember you are doing it for fun and take your time at all the rest stops - I make it a point to stay at each stop for at least 10 minutes and eat and drink each time - yeah most centuries have 4-5 stops and it adds about an hour to your time but all you simply do is deduct that time from your ride - Another factor is how much of elevation gain is there for the route and where is most of the climbing going to be? if there is a 5 mile 6% grade climb at mile 80 then things may be a little tough but if most of the climbing is early on or spread out evenly than by pacing yourself you should be just fine - If this is the Aids Ride For Life century then I just looked at the route on map my rides and there are only 2 decent climbs a cat 5 and a cat 4 and both of those happen in the first 10-15 miles - there is only 2350' of total climbing so it's fairly easy - you should have no problem making good use of the rest stops and lots of chamois butter http://www.mapmyride.com/s/routes/view/bik...ithaca/22936446 Edited July 26, 2012 by alphseeker Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iluvgeddy05 Posted July 30, 2012 Share Posted July 30, 2012 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iluvgeddy05 Posted July 30, 2012 Share Posted July 30, 2012 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alphseeker Posted August 3, 2012 Share Posted August 3, 2012 Well i hate bragging but this summer has been just awesome for riding - The hottest it's been on any ride is about 78 degrees - Yesterday, "AUGUST 2" it was only 73 degrees and that is why i live in the cycling mecca, San Diego - San Diego is in the process of spending 3.8 billion in new bike lanes and paths and even out in the rural areas they have been expanding the white stripes for our safety - Putting in around 135 miles a week, 4 times a week getting ready for another century in Sept. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alphseeker Posted August 8, 2012 Share Posted August 8, 2012 is no one riding??? it's awful quite in here lately Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TullSkull Posted August 12, 2012 Share Posted August 12, 2012 USA Pro Cycling Challenge to kick off next week here in Durango Colo.. Anyone going to be here? USA Pro Challenge Comes to Durango Co.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iluvgeddy05 Posted August 13, 2012 Share Posted August 13, 2012 I've been riding quite a bit for my century training! I got new shoes and clips, my first ever. I really like them, they help on the hills, but my knees are getting used to the new form. They have been a bit sore lately, so I am training easy as I can without doing damage. Got 40 miles in this past Saturday, including two biggie hills. I was really proud of myself! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alphseeker Posted August 13, 2012 Share Posted August 13, 2012 QUOTE (iluvgeddy05 @ Aug 13 2012, 08:37 AM) I've been riding quite a bit for my century training! I got new shoes and clips, my first ever. I really like them, they help on the hills, but my knees are getting used to the new form. They have been a bit sore lately, so I am training easy as I can without doing damage. Got 40 miles in this past Saturday, including two biggie hills. I was really proud of myself! Thats a good ride - i'm sure it gives you confidence when you realize you only have to do 60 more miles spread out over an entire day with 5 rest stops - You'll be just fine - For the first couple of rides being clipped in don't use to much power on the upstroke, i know it gives you a ton of power but it also is something your knees aren't use to - Clipless pedals only add about 10-15% increased output efficiency but over 100 miles that really adds up - i got my first pair in 1987 - Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iluvgeddy05 Posted August 16, 2012 Share Posted August 16, 2012 QUOTE (alphseeker @ Aug 13 2012, 09:34 AM) QUOTE (iluvgeddy05 @ Aug 13 2012, 08:37 AM) I've been riding quite a bit for my century training! I got new shoes and clips, my first ever. I really like them, they help on the hills, but my knees are getting used to the new form. They have been a bit sore lately, so I am training easy as I can without doing damage. Got 40 miles in this past Saturday, including two biggie hills. I was really proud of myself! Thats a good ride - i'm sure it gives you confidence when you realize you only have to do 60 more miles spread out over an entire day with 5 rest stops - You'll be just fine - For the first couple of rides being clipped in don't use to much power on the upstroke, i know it gives you a ton of power but it also is something your knees aren't use to - Clipless pedals only add about 10-15% increased output efficiency but over 100 miles that really adds up - i got my first pair in 1987 - Good to know as I have been pulling up more... any advice I get is so much appreciated! Actually, I rode yesterday and consciously focused on spinning around full circles rather than favoring pushing over pulling. I have been swimming on off days which feels great on my legs, even though I hate swimming (though I used to say I hate cycling, and look where I ended up...!) I'm away this weekend so no long ride for me, but that's OK. I can take a break, no biggie. If anything I've learned from running is that rest can sometimes be more beneficial than an extra workout... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iluvgeddy05 Posted August 20, 2012 Share Posted August 20, 2012 (edited) Since my weekend-off plans did not end up working out, I did over a half century yesterday (57 miles) for another charity ride! I didn't have to raise money this time; the registration fee was considered donation. Free food and beer at the end too! Tough the first 20 miles out - two big climbs, but relatively easy after that. Feeling good today - a little fatigued but not sore. The worst part was the intimidation being among all these fancy cyclists, bikes and jerseys Edited August 20, 2012 by iluvgeddy05 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iluvgeddy05 Posted September 12, 2012 Share Posted September 12, 2012 My century is this weekend Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ancient Ways Posted September 12, 2012 Share Posted September 12, 2012 QUOTE (iluvgeddy05 @ Sep 12 2012, 03:53 PM) My century is this weekend good luck. i've been straight sick for 3 weeks and don't know when I'll ride again so I'm jealous Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iluvgeddy05 Posted September 17, 2012 Share Posted September 17, 2012 I did the full 100! I'm really proud of myself and it was SUCH a great day. If you're interested in photos: http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.3...=3&l=8c1507fe40 Thanks for all the encouragement here too!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ancient Ways Posted September 18, 2012 Share Posted September 18, 2012 QUOTE (iluvgeddy05 @ Sep 17 2012, 11:46 AM) I did the full 100! I'm really proud of myself and it was SUCH a great day. If you're interested in photos: http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.3...=3&l=8c1507fe40 Thanks for all the encouragement here too!! congrats. like the photo of the bike computer: proof! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AgentScotty Posted September 24, 2012 Share Posted September 24, 2012 Congrats on your first c, iluvgeddy05. I had what was probably the most serious crash I've ever had today: My chain skipped as I got out of the saddle for a climb, the bike lurched side to side as I attempted to regain control, the rider tailgating me hit my back wheel, and I went down hard, mostly on my left hip then the back of my head. The back of the helmet got smashed up pretty good, but it did its job. None of the riders tailgating me went down. Later, when I got home and looked at my helmet under better light, I saw I also hit on the left temple and upper forehead, but the helmet took those hits for me as well. If this happened back in 2001 or earlier when I wasn't wearing a helmet, I'd probably be in intensive care or pushing daisies right now. I have to get a new helmet tomorrow, and will also have to retape the left handlebar and replace the little "Shimano 105 Flightdeck" covers on the ends of both brifters, but it beats the heck out of being worm food. Until seeing a bad crash last year, I used to leave the chinstrap on my helmet on the loose side, but have been wearing it tighter ever since. It looks like that paid off for me today, as the helmet took 3 hits and stayed in place. Oh well, today was only my fourth ride for September, but also my third century for September (yeah, I finished the ride, damaged helmet, bruised hip, and all), and I'll probably be riding another century next weekend. I have six centuries and one 200k for 2012, versus the ten centuries I had for 2011. I'm still short of 4000 miles for the year, which I had by mid-July in 2011. Even in 2011 I was aware that 2011 might be my best year ever, so I haven't been pushing myself too hard to match or beat it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iluvgeddy05 Posted September 24, 2012 Share Posted September 24, 2012 QUOTE (AgentScotty @ Sep 23 2012, 10:46 PM) Congrats on your first c, iluvgeddy05. I had what was probably the most serious crash I've ever had today: My chain skipped as I got out of the saddle for a climb, the bike lurched side to side as I attempted to regain control, the rider tailgating me hit my back wheel, and I went down hard, mostly on my left hip then the back of my head. The back of the helmet got smashed up pretty good, but it did its job. None of the riders tailgating me went down. Later, when I got home and looked at my helmet under better light, I saw I also hit on the left temple and upper forehead, but the helmet took those hits for me as well. If this happened back in 2001 or earlier when I wasn't wearing a helmet, I'd probably be in intensive care or pushing daisies right now. I have to get a new helmet tomorrow, and will also have to retape the left handlebar and replace the little "Shimano 105 Flightdeck" covers on the ends of both brifters, but it beats the heck out of being worm food. Until seeing a bad crash last year, I used to leave the chinstrap on my helmet on the loose side, but have been wearing it tighter ever since. It looks like that paid off for me today, as the helmet took 3 hits and stayed in place. Oh well, today was only my fourth ride for September, but also my third century for September (yeah, I finished the ride, damaged helmet, bruised hip, and all), and I'll probably be riding another century next weekend. I have six centuries and one 200k for 2012, versus the ten centuries I had for 2011. I'm still short of 4000 miles for the year, which I had by mid-July in 2011. Even in 2011 I was aware that 2011 might be my best year ever, so I haven't been pushing myself too hard to match or beat it. That's scary! Hope you heal quick... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AgentScotty Posted September 25, 2012 Share Posted September 25, 2012 QUOTE (iluvgeddy05 @ Sep 24 2012, 09:22 AM) That's scary! Hope you heal quick... Thanks, I hope so, too. I feel sore all over, but a good part of that is just from doing the century. I went and got a new helmet today. It feels a lot lighter and more secure on my head than the old one did. The ventilation is supposed to be better, too, but I don't know if we'll get any more hot days this year to find out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iluvgeddy05 Posted October 8, 2012 Share Posted October 8, 2012 Cycling in the cold sucks! Was barley 50F here yesterday - I only lasted an hour. I had layers on but I guess not enough Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AgentScotty Posted October 9, 2012 Share Posted October 9, 2012 I did close to 56 miles last Friday after work when it was in the mid-high 70s (but ended up finishing in the dark in the low 60s), took Saturday as a rest day, but then wimped out on Sunday and Monday due to the cold, so you went an hour farther in the cold than I did. I'm not ready for it to be this cold out and it's still a long way down to the winter lows that will be here soon enough. Cold fingers, toes, and nose/ears/face take me out of the ride the fastest. It's not been cold enough to put on the balaclava yet, but I've used the booties once or twice, and the long-fingered gloves several times. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AgentScotty Posted November 17, 2012 Share Posted November 17, 2012 I'm still managing to bag a ride here and there. This past Monday was forecast nearly a week in advance to break 70 degrees, so I put in a request last week to leave early. It didn't get quite that warm (more like 66-68 degrees) but I was able to get out of work just past noontime, get on the road before 2pm, and bag 63.5 miles (102 kilometers). As the sun goes down by 4:45 now that Daylight Savings is over, I was still on the road an hour or so after sunset. The days will keep getting shorter for another 5 weeks, but then they'll start getting longer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alphseeker Posted December 8, 2012 Share Posted December 8, 2012 Wow - 70 degree weather every day - I hate living in a big city like san diego but with the mountains just 30 minutes away and this perfect weather it truly is a cycling mecca - :P Been riding 5 days a week / never need more than a thin base layer - Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WIDE-ANGLE WATCHER Posted December 10, 2012 Share Posted December 10, 2012 Wow - 70 degree weather every day - I hate living in a big city like san diego but with the mountains just 30 minutes away and this perfect weather it truly is a cycling mecca - :P Been riding 5 days a week / never need more than a thin base layer - I love San Diego, for many reasons, but especially the weather and all the miles of Mtn. bike trails.http://i815.photobucket.com/albums/zz77/tanhuntland/Bike99.jpghttp://i815.photobucket.com/albums/zz77/tanhuntland/CycleEastlake2010.jpg Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AgentScotty Posted December 10, 2012 Share Posted December 10, 2012 It's nice to see there's nice biking weather somewhere. :) It's been mostly in the 30s-40s here the last few weeks, with an occasional 50+ rainy day. It looks like I'll have to get some fenders and raingear if I'm going to ride at all. I put in 4422 miles so far this year, my second-best ever, but a far cry from last year's 6389 miles. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alphseeker Posted December 13, 2012 Share Posted December 13, 2012 aaahhhhhh - 66 degrees and not a cloud - 147 miles last 4 days - Gearing up for the first century of the year - Stagecoach century decemeber then in Feb. we have a century that starts at 5500' and eventually drops 70 miles down to the bottom of the desert to sea level for a dinner and beer at the local cantina with a luxury bus ride back to the beginning http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j199/bauhaus92/photo.jpg Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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