Partnered 18 miles back roads around Clarksburg/West Sacramento
Well, it turns out I was nursing a cold. A very minor one, but still a cold. Since I can't make the Twin Cities Bridge loop, we cut out the first half of the ride and park in Clarksburg and tootle around the backroads. Trying to figure out a way up to the levy, we manage to catch a small group of riders. T's road racing blood cannot be denied and we overtake the other riders. Then we see and pass (at about 18mph) another group of riders. Then we see a huge group at the school in Clarksburg. This luckily means a pitstop for T and we find out the group is actually a tour ride (and I've forgotten the company's name) that travels the south Sacramento River vineyards over a few days, averaging about 60 miles a day. I ask T if this still counts since we passed people that were doing a multi-day long-distance tour. He confirms that of course it still counts.
September 27, 2009
September 23, 2009
Ride Report 9/23
55.6 mile group ride Sacramento to Davis & back via long detour West Sac
I can't tell if I'm getting a cold or just having a bad allergy attack today. Regardless, I set out to join the Wednesday morning Sacramento Wheelmen ride. We take a fairly direct route to South Davis with a fairly large group of about eight. The rest of the group goes for breakfast at Cindy's while I run errands in Davis (pick up my contacts, license the Trek & buy a tiny cable lock, bigger seat wedge, and a bell). On my way back, I see the group leaving Cindy's and just manage to catch them. We take a meandering ride back through West Sacramento and some really beautiful housing developments. I can't help but wonder what the occupancy rate is, given the economy, though. I manage to eat both my Odwalla bars on the go, not having stopped to eat in Davis. I never knew Jefferson Blvd was this long, and after a few decades, we finally make it back to W Capitol Blvd and back to downtown Sacramento. I decide it must be allergies because I managed to bike that far and not collapse.
I can't tell if I'm getting a cold or just having a bad allergy attack today. Regardless, I set out to join the Wednesday morning Sacramento Wheelmen ride. We take a fairly direct route to South Davis with a fairly large group of about eight. The rest of the group goes for breakfast at Cindy's while I run errands in Davis (pick up my contacts, license the Trek & buy a tiny cable lock, bigger seat wedge, and a bell). On my way back, I see the group leaving Cindy's and just manage to catch them. We take a meandering ride back through West Sacramento and some really beautiful housing developments. I can't help but wonder what the occupancy rate is, given the economy, though. I manage to eat both my Odwalla bars on the go, not having stopped to eat in Davis. I never knew Jefferson Blvd was this long, and after a few decades, we finally make it back to W Capitol Blvd and back to downtown Sacramento. I decide it must be allergies because I managed to bike that far and not collapse.
Ride Report 9/22
Solo 25.6 miles Riverside Blvd past Garcia Bend Park & back
Just an exploratory ride today. Riverside Blvd is one of the north-south streets with a good bike lane, so I decide to take it as far south as I feel like and then turn around. I first go to the bike trail south of the Sacramento Marina. I'm playing with fire here and the gods strike me down with a front flat in return. I have learned my lesson about biking that path. Never again! This is flat #4 on the Gatorskins. On a random side note, I recognize a cyclist from the Folsom Cyclebration criteriums who asks if I need help.
The houses south of Florin Rd are big and pretty and make for some nice daydreaming. I follow a bike path on the levee south of Garcia Bend Park, but it is blocked after a couple of miles due to construction. I amuse myself by passing judgment on the houses that back the levee and choose one or two I wouldn't mind owning. Who am I kidding--I'd take any of them!
Just an exploratory ride today. Riverside Blvd is one of the north-south streets with a good bike lane, so I decide to take it as far south as I feel like and then turn around. I first go to the bike trail south of the Sacramento Marina. I'm playing with fire here and the gods strike me down with a front flat in return. I have learned my lesson about biking that path. Never again! This is flat #4 on the Gatorskins. On a random side note, I recognize a cyclist from the Folsom Cyclebration criteriums who asks if I need help.
The houses south of Florin Rd are big and pretty and make for some nice daydreaming. I follow a bike path on the levee south of Garcia Bend Park, but it is blocked after a couple of miles due to construction. I amuse myself by passing judgment on the houses that back the levee and choose one or two I wouldn't mind owning. Who am I kidding--I'd take any of them!
Ride Report 9/19
28.8 miles Avenue of the Giants, Visitors Center to Phillipsville & back
This is my sole vacation trip, so I have to take my bike with me!
I remember the Avenue of the Giants being a twisty little road with redwoods encroaching on every turn. However, the southern stretch at least is at least partly a small highway, the main route for the tiny towns along the Avenue that count on tourists for their very survival (or so it seems). The views are astounding, the temperature is chilly, and the traffic is almost nonexistent. It is amazing to consider that most of the redwoods today are descendants of clearcutting and are at most 80-100 years old.
In spite of my hopes for a flat road, there are a few pretty good hills along the way. At Phillipsville, we stop at the general store to drink sodas and watch the locals. Based on the ten minutes I see of Phillipsville, the locals are very...eccentric, although I do envy their living in the middle of the redwoods.
On the way back, I'm surprised by how chilly I get. Thank heaven for arm warmers. I had intended to bike the entire length of the Avenue, but I decide to spend some time among the trees on foot instead.
This is my sole vacation trip, so I have to take my bike with me!
I remember the Avenue of the Giants being a twisty little road with redwoods encroaching on every turn. However, the southern stretch at least is at least partly a small highway, the main route for the tiny towns along the Avenue that count on tourists for their very survival (or so it seems). The views are astounding, the temperature is chilly, and the traffic is almost nonexistent. It is amazing to consider that most of the redwoods today are descendants of clearcutting and are at most 80-100 years old.
In spite of my hopes for a flat road, there are a few pretty good hills along the way. At Phillipsville, we stop at the general store to drink sodas and watch the locals. Based on the ten minutes I see of Phillipsville, the locals are very...eccentric, although I do envy their living in the middle of the redwoods.
On the way back, I'm surprised by how chilly I get. Thank heaven for arm warmers. I had intended to bike the entire length of the Avenue, but I decide to spend some time among the trees on foot instead.
Ride Report 9/17
Solo 46.4 miles Twin Cities Bridge loop in about 3:14
While researching river routes, I was surprised to discover how few routes there are across the Sacramento River. The next bridge after the Freeport Bridge is about 13 miles away, but I figured it would be worth it to give it a try.
South of Pocket Rd, Freeport becomes Hwy 160. There is little to no shoulder, but the traffic was incredibly light, so I had no worries there. I rode well away from the shoulder to be more visible and to try to minimize my flat tire risk. Most drivers gave me as much room as they could when they passed. A few only gave me as much room as they had to. A very special few got completely flummoxed by having to follow a bike and trailed behind me far longer than they needed to and passed me going 20mph.
The ride is very nice for scenery and for large houses to drool and dream over. The Twin Cities Bridge was even more heart-in-your-throat scary than the Freeport Bridge. Unfortunately, my phone's MP3 player crapped out about halfway through the ride. Not a big deal, but I already have a hard time motivating myself on long solo rides, and I keep finding myself pootling along at 13-14mph if I don't pay attention.
On the way back, I cut the ride a little short by crossing back over the Freeport Bridge and head back home straight up Freeport. Nice ride!
While researching river routes, I was surprised to discover how few routes there are across the Sacramento River. The next bridge after the Freeport Bridge is about 13 miles away, but I figured it would be worth it to give it a try.
South of Pocket Rd, Freeport becomes Hwy 160. There is little to no shoulder, but the traffic was incredibly light, so I had no worries there. I rode well away from the shoulder to be more visible and to try to minimize my flat tire risk. Most drivers gave me as much room as they could when they passed. A few only gave me as much room as they had to. A very special few got completely flummoxed by having to follow a bike and trailed behind me far longer than they needed to and passed me going 20mph.
The ride is very nice for scenery and for large houses to drool and dream over. The Twin Cities Bridge was even more heart-in-your-throat scary than the Freeport Bridge. Unfortunately, my phone's MP3 player crapped out about halfway through the ride. Not a big deal, but I already have a hard time motivating myself on long solo rides, and I keep finding myself pootling along at 13-14mph if I don't pay attention.
On the way back, I cut the ride a little short by crossing back over the Freeport Bridge and head back home straight up Freeport. Nice ride!
Ride Report 9/15
28.8 miles Freeport bridge loop
So, after looking at Mapquest, I figured out how to take S Land Park to Greenhaven to Pocket and then to Freeport. I swear this loop gets shorter every time I ride it. I expected it to be at least 33 miles, but the above is what my cyclocomputer recorded. Still a pretty ride in spite of the stomach-dropping ride over Freeport bridge, and the wind is never a pleasant surprise on S River Rd.
So, after looking at Mapquest, I figured out how to take S Land Park to Greenhaven to Pocket and then to Freeport. I swear this loop gets shorter every time I ride it. I expected it to be at least 33 miles, but the above is what my cyclocomputer recorded. Still a pretty ride in spite of the stomach-dropping ride over Freeport bridge, and the wind is never a pleasant surprise on S River Rd.
September 14, 2009
Ride Report 9/13
36 miles Folsom-Auburn-Folsom partnered
Today more hills. And one really big hill.
Back to Folsom to bike Folsom-Auburn Rd from Folsom to Auburn and back. The consensus is that I can do Foxy's Fall Century, but it will be very hard, and in the meantime I need to pile on base miles and hills.
The hills start out rather gentle and rolling. Then long, gentle and never ending. My heart rate goes from 145-174, but nowhere too frightening. At the top of the neverending long hill, I stop in the shade to eat and give my back a bit of a rest. The next hill is the big one.
The pitch starts out manageable, but soon turns steep. And it keeps going and going. I'm in my tiny gears but still moving at 6-7mph. My heart rate is only 180, but I soon start fighting against hyperventilating. I keep pedaling. I can't fill my lungs, but I know I can't hyperventilate and I try to keep my breathing deep and steady. But I can't fill my lungs and I just have to stop or I'm going to panic. Once I'm not pedaling, my body gives in to gasping for air. I'm still trying not to panic. T comes back quickly and makes sure I'm not dying. I just feel like I am.
Since we're still on the steepest part of the hill, once I'm ready to move again, I circle downhill for a short distance to build up my speed and then turn around to go back uphill. My knees start yelling in protest immediately. The pitch improves, but still the hill goes on and on. The only consolation I can cling to is the long long coast on the way back down. Well, that and a very delicious meal at the cafe at the top of the hill.
So, another feather in my cap. The way back to Folsom is spoiled by a few uphills about which my legs let me know they are not pleased. We head back to the Folsom Cyclebration and watch a men's 45/55 1,2,3 Two Bridges criterium. The finish is nicely dramatic and requires a photo finish consult. We call it a day and go home. I am starving for the rest of the evening and eat an impressive amount of food to make up for the calories burned today.
Today more hills. And one really big hill.
Back to Folsom to bike Folsom-Auburn Rd from Folsom to Auburn and back. The consensus is that I can do Foxy's Fall Century, but it will be very hard, and in the meantime I need to pile on base miles and hills.
The hills start out rather gentle and rolling. Then long, gentle and never ending. My heart rate goes from 145-174, but nowhere too frightening. At the top of the neverending long hill, I stop in the shade to eat and give my back a bit of a rest. The next hill is the big one.
The pitch starts out manageable, but soon turns steep. And it keeps going and going. I'm in my tiny gears but still moving at 6-7mph. My heart rate is only 180, but I soon start fighting against hyperventilating. I keep pedaling. I can't fill my lungs, but I know I can't hyperventilate and I try to keep my breathing deep and steady. But I can't fill my lungs and I just have to stop or I'm going to panic. Once I'm not pedaling, my body gives in to gasping for air. I'm still trying not to panic. T comes back quickly and makes sure I'm not dying. I just feel like I am.
Since we're still on the steepest part of the hill, once I'm ready to move again, I circle downhill for a short distance to build up my speed and then turn around to go back uphill. My knees start yelling in protest immediately. The pitch improves, but still the hill goes on and on. The only consolation I can cling to is the long long coast on the way back down. Well, that and a very delicious meal at the cafe at the top of the hill.
So, another feather in my cap. The way back to Folsom is spoiled by a few uphills about which my legs let me know they are not pleased. We head back to the Folsom Cyclebration and watch a men's 45/55 1,2,3 Two Bridges criterium. The finish is nicely dramatic and requires a photo finish consult. We call it a day and go home. I am starving for the rest of the evening and eat an impressive amount of food to make up for the calories burned today.
Ride Report 9/12
Oh, somewhere between 12-15 miles on the UCD Cruiser around Lake Natoma/Folsom area at Folsom Cyclebration
For the one and probably only time, I took out the UCD Aggies cruiser to ride in public at the Lake Natoma Cruiser Ride, part of the three-day Folsom Cyclebration. My friend S is along with my (her?) hybrid, but first we go to the Lake Forest Business Park to watch several criterium races. I especially wanted to watch the women's races, since this may be the type of event I ride in next spring if I stick with training. So naturally the women's races start at 7:30am. It's the first time I've (voluntarily) seen 5:30am in a long time, and I think the experience will hold me for quite a while.
Apart from the insanely early start to the day, I do enjoy myself. T meets us at the race course and comments on the races, strategies, riders, etc while we watch. The women's fields are tiny (19) compared to any of the men's races (40 or more). We watch the two women's crits and the men's category 5. Then T heads off to ride the Gold Rush 100k route to see if it would kill me and S and I go to Lake Natoma for the cruiser ride.
It's a smallish event and the weather (overcast, random sprinkling) has kept attendance low. We register for the cruiser ride, get our free swag and pedal off to Lake Natoma. S can't handle hills at all, so any time we come to one, she has to get off and walk. I think I'm doing pretty well on my single speed cruiser, but I still have to go as slowly as I can not to outpace her. At the halfway point (about 5 miles) is a poor lonely Jamba Juice rep with a tray of smoothies. We drink our smoothies and debate whether to continue the loop, double back or just jump onto Folsom Blvd and cut back on surface streets. The lack of hills makes Folsom Blvd our choice of return route, and we are pleasantly surprised to discover that bike paths parallel Folsom almost the entire way to Greenback.
S has had it for the day, so I hand her the keys to my truck and go meet T at the cyclocross course. We decide to head back to the criterium course, eat lunch, and watch the last races. I have to pedal back to Lake Forest, but other than one hill I have to push the cruiser up, I manage to pump along at about 13mph. The criteriums are entertaining, and a couple offer nice exciting breakaways and pursuits, but by the time the last race starts, we are both burned out on bike racing and decide to call it a day.
For the one and probably only time, I took out the UCD Aggies cruiser to ride in public at the Lake Natoma Cruiser Ride, part of the three-day Folsom Cyclebration. My friend S is along with my (her?) hybrid, but first we go to the Lake Forest Business Park to watch several criterium races. I especially wanted to watch the women's races, since this may be the type of event I ride in next spring if I stick with training. So naturally the women's races start at 7:30am. It's the first time I've (voluntarily) seen 5:30am in a long time, and I think the experience will hold me for quite a while.
Apart from the insanely early start to the day, I do enjoy myself. T meets us at the race course and comments on the races, strategies, riders, etc while we watch. The women's fields are tiny (19) compared to any of the men's races (40 or more). We watch the two women's crits and the men's category 5. Then T heads off to ride the Gold Rush 100k route to see if it would kill me and S and I go to Lake Natoma for the cruiser ride.
It's a smallish event and the weather (overcast, random sprinkling) has kept attendance low. We register for the cruiser ride, get our free swag and pedal off to Lake Natoma. S can't handle hills at all, so any time we come to one, she has to get off and walk. I think I'm doing pretty well on my single speed cruiser, but I still have to go as slowly as I can not to outpace her. At the halfway point (about 5 miles) is a poor lonely Jamba Juice rep with a tray of smoothies. We drink our smoothies and debate whether to continue the loop, double back or just jump onto Folsom Blvd and cut back on surface streets. The lack of hills makes Folsom Blvd our choice of return route, and we are pleasantly surprised to discover that bike paths parallel Folsom almost the entire way to Greenback.
S has had it for the day, so I hand her the keys to my truck and go meet T at the cyclocross course. We decide to head back to the criterium course, eat lunch, and watch the last races. I have to pedal back to Lake Forest, but other than one hill I have to push the cruiser up, I manage to pump along at about 13mph. The criteriums are entertaining, and a couple offer nice exciting breakaways and pursuits, but by the time the last race starts, we are both burned out on bike racing and decide to call it a day.
Ride Report 9/11
18.2 miles Nimbus Hatchery to Beals Point (yay, I finally found out how to spell it!) & back
Today I repeat the loop we rode on Sunday. My shoulders are still stiff, but not sore. Parking is no problem, even on a Friday, and it is nice to see so many people making use of the bike trail. The climbs start immediately on leaving the Hatchery, and my back starts complaining. I have a hard time of it on the way up and realize I would probably benefit from a few miles' warmup before tackling hills. My heartrate hits 188 on the last steep climb to Beals Point and I reach the benches feeling like puking or crying, but do neither. I have Beals Point completely to myself, so I sit and watch dried up Folsom Lake for several minutes before I feel ready to tackle the ride back.
As usual, the miles-long coast on the way down is fun, exhilarating, and a little scary around those corners. I reach the dam before I'm ready and brace myself for the climb back to Hazel Ave. It's just as steep as I recalled, but shorter. I still have to stop to gulp air at the top, but I made it! Now, if only my legs are strong enough for the drive home...
Today I repeat the loop we rode on Sunday. My shoulders are still stiff, but not sore. Parking is no problem, even on a Friday, and it is nice to see so many people making use of the bike trail. The climbs start immediately on leaving the Hatchery, and my back starts complaining. I have a hard time of it on the way up and realize I would probably benefit from a few miles' warmup before tackling hills. My heartrate hits 188 on the last steep climb to Beals Point and I reach the benches feeling like puking or crying, but do neither. I have Beals Point completely to myself, so I sit and watch dried up Folsom Lake for several minutes before I feel ready to tackle the ride back.
As usual, the miles-long coast on the way down is fun, exhilarating, and a little scary around those corners. I reach the dam before I'm ready and brace myself for the climb back to Hazel Ave. It's just as steep as I recalled, but shorter. I still have to stop to gulp air at the top, but I made it! Now, if only my legs are strong enough for the drive home...
Ride Report 9/9
Total 53.5 miles in 3:35 group ride Sacramento-Woodland-Davis-Sacramento
There are only five of us on today's Sacramento Wheelmen ride, including John & Sally on their tandem. After debating on today's destination, we settle on Davis. Some time in the last week I went totally crazy and decided I want to ride Foxy's Fall Century, only a REAL century this time. One hundred miles, hills and all. So, the Wheelmen take my goal to heart and pile on my miles by taking me to Davis via the Tower Bridge, north along the river and then to Woodland. We head south on County Road 102 (Poleline).
The speed is faster than last week's ride and we hover around 17-18mph for most of the ride. The Wheelmen even let me pretend to do them a favor by taking a turn pulling, which I learn is a lot harder than it would seem. It's more difficult to maintain a smooth speed than I expected and my speed jumps from 17.8-19mph and all spots in between. There is no wind whatsoever, but I had not realized how much I was benefiting from being in the back until I am out front. I bow out after only a mile or so and take my rightful place at the back.
Along the way, I get to enjoy the rather large lingo the Wheelmen have for road hazards. "Car back" and "car up" are self-explanatory. "Big back/up" means a large truck is coming. "Really big back" is used when a semi is coming up behind us. They also use "long lead" to refer to a car that's still a ways away, and occasionally "pair up/back" which refers to two cars/trucks.
As we come to downtown Davis, the riders debate about where to go. John and Sally go to Crepeville while the rest of us stop at a new place called Posh Bagels. I just have an ice water and my whole wheat newtons. We stop at the Freewheeler to get air for my rear tire, which has had a slow leak. The pressure is only 40psi, which does not bode well for the ride home. In the meantime, we get distracted drooling over the bikes on display. They have this year's Trek 1.2 WSD on clearance for $719 and a gorgeous Trek WSD (didn't catch the model) that is only $2250. Maybe someday. I ask the sales clerk if they carry Specialized Armadillos, since I am becoming disenchanted with my Gatorskins, and he says they carry something called a hard case tire that is supposed to offer three-layer protection against punctures. I will have to do some research.
I'm not sure what happened to John and Sally, but we three head to the Frontage Rd via bike path, and my rear tire promptly goes flat right after we get to the Frontage Rd. We discuss the merits of CO2 cartridges vs mini pumps, brands of tires/tubes while I change my flat. We are on our way again and head straight to Sacramento on the causeway. Three flats in three weeks. While my average has slowed, I'm still apparently suffering from my flat jinx.
My rear wheel magnet got disturbed during the flat change, so my speedometer readings are inconsistent for several miles. Just when I'm about to stop to fuss with it, it seems to straighten itself out. At least something on the rear wheel works right.
There are only five of us on today's Sacramento Wheelmen ride, including John & Sally on their tandem. After debating on today's destination, we settle on Davis. Some time in the last week I went totally crazy and decided I want to ride Foxy's Fall Century, only a REAL century this time. One hundred miles, hills and all. So, the Wheelmen take my goal to heart and pile on my miles by taking me to Davis via the Tower Bridge, north along the river and then to Woodland. We head south on County Road 102 (Poleline).
The speed is faster than last week's ride and we hover around 17-18mph for most of the ride. The Wheelmen even let me pretend to do them a favor by taking a turn pulling, which I learn is a lot harder than it would seem. It's more difficult to maintain a smooth speed than I expected and my speed jumps from 17.8-19mph and all spots in between. There is no wind whatsoever, but I had not realized how much I was benefiting from being in the back until I am out front. I bow out after only a mile or so and take my rightful place at the back.
Along the way, I get to enjoy the rather large lingo the Wheelmen have for road hazards. "Car back" and "car up" are self-explanatory. "Big back/up" means a large truck is coming. "Really big back" is used when a semi is coming up behind us. They also use "long lead" to refer to a car that's still a ways away, and occasionally "pair up/back" which refers to two cars/trucks.
As we come to downtown Davis, the riders debate about where to go. John and Sally go to Crepeville while the rest of us stop at a new place called Posh Bagels. I just have an ice water and my whole wheat newtons. We stop at the Freewheeler to get air for my rear tire, which has had a slow leak. The pressure is only 40psi, which does not bode well for the ride home. In the meantime, we get distracted drooling over the bikes on display. They have this year's Trek 1.2 WSD on clearance for $719 and a gorgeous Trek WSD (didn't catch the model) that is only $2250. Maybe someday. I ask the sales clerk if they carry Specialized Armadillos, since I am becoming disenchanted with my Gatorskins, and he says they carry something called a hard case tire that is supposed to offer three-layer protection against punctures. I will have to do some research.
I'm not sure what happened to John and Sally, but we three head to the Frontage Rd via bike path, and my rear tire promptly goes flat right after we get to the Frontage Rd. We discuss the merits of CO2 cartridges vs mini pumps, brands of tires/tubes while I change my flat. We are on our way again and head straight to Sacramento on the causeway. Three flats in three weeks. While my average has slowed, I'm still apparently suffering from my flat jinx.
My rear wheel magnet got disturbed during the flat change, so my speedometer readings are inconsistent for several miles. Just when I'm about to stop to fuss with it, it seems to straighten itself out. At least something on the rear wheel works right.
September 8, 2009
Ride Report 9/8
21 miles S Land Park to Florin to Riverside & back north on Freeport
Today I intended to do the Freeport Bridge loop by adding on a few miles on S Land Park (as well as the only hills within miles of my house other than overpasses). I get turned around and end up going away from Freeport on Florin and then on Riverside Blvd. Still, it's a pretty ride and there are bike lanes on all the streets except the nasty stretch on Florin. So, when I finally stumble on Freeport and then realize I'm heading north instead of south, I decide to call it a day and head home. I need to consult mapquest.com before I attempt this route again.
Today I intended to do the Freeport Bridge loop by adding on a few miles on S Land Park (as well as the only hills within miles of my house other than overpasses). I get turned around and end up going away from Freeport on Florin and then on Riverside Blvd. Still, it's a pretty ride and there are bike lanes on all the streets except the nasty stretch on Florin. So, when I finally stumble on Freeport and then realize I'm heading north instead of south, I decide to call it a day and head home. I need to consult mapquest.com before I attempt this route again.
Ride Report 9/6
18.5 mile partnered ride Nimbus Hatchery to Beals Point & back
Today's program calls for hills. YAY!!
Or not. After my ass kicking the day before, my shoulders are a giant ache and I can't move my head much to the side at all. In addition, my lower left back which has been almost silent since early in riding the Bianchi is now protesting loudly about being on a bike today.
The parking at Nimbus Hatchery is ridiculous due to construction. After an emergency trip to the bathroom for me, we are off to ride the only hilly portion of the ARBT trail. My back starts its protest from the first ride up Hazel Ave to the path access. The hills kick my ass for the second day in a row and I spend a good portion of the ride in my little chainring spinning along at 7-8mph.
The ride to Beals Point is supposed to be a warmup for the ride to Auburn, but my lower back is one huge knot at the top of the climb and I have to lay down on my back with my knees in my chest to get the knot to relax. After realizing that I'm not just complaining, T calls the day's ride short.
I'm so wiped out from yesterday's high-speed ride and today's climbing that T actually allows me to just lie down and whine for probably twenty minutes until I'm ready to take the ride back. It's almost entirely downhill and, although not steep, I still ride my brakes quite a bit due to the many blind corners and relatively steady traffic of oncoming cyclists. Still, it's fun to take the ride at 23, 24, 26mph without pedaling.
As we come up to the dam, my stomach starts to churn and my heartrate picks up as I contemplate that last climb from the trail to Hazel. I get my speed up as much as I can, switch my gears and shift into the baby gears when the hill comes around the corner. Toward the top, I want to stop and get off, but with T and the riders at the top of the hill cheering me on, I stutter to the top. If it weren't for the clipless pedals, I never could have made the climb without being able to pull up on the pedals to keep myself moving forward. My legs feel like rubber and I want to get off the bike, but I have to upshift for the coast down the hill to the Hatchery.
Today's program calls for hills. YAY!!
Or not. After my ass kicking the day before, my shoulders are a giant ache and I can't move my head much to the side at all. In addition, my lower left back which has been almost silent since early in riding the Bianchi is now protesting loudly about being on a bike today.
The parking at Nimbus Hatchery is ridiculous due to construction. After an emergency trip to the bathroom for me, we are off to ride the only hilly portion of the ARBT trail. My back starts its protest from the first ride up Hazel Ave to the path access. The hills kick my ass for the second day in a row and I spend a good portion of the ride in my little chainring spinning along at 7-8mph.
The ride to Beals Point is supposed to be a warmup for the ride to Auburn, but my lower back is one huge knot at the top of the climb and I have to lay down on my back with my knees in my chest to get the knot to relax. After realizing that I'm not just complaining, T calls the day's ride short.
I'm so wiped out from yesterday's high-speed ride and today's climbing that T actually allows me to just lie down and whine for probably twenty minutes until I'm ready to take the ride back. It's almost entirely downhill and, although not steep, I still ride my brakes quite a bit due to the many blind corners and relatively steady traffic of oncoming cyclists. Still, it's fun to take the ride at 23, 24, 26mph without pedaling.
As we come up to the dam, my stomach starts to churn and my heartrate picks up as I contemplate that last climb from the trail to Hazel. I get my speed up as much as I can, switch my gears and shift into the baby gears when the hill comes around the corner. Toward the top, I want to stop and get off, but with T and the riders at the top of the hill cheering me on, I stutter to the top. If it weren't for the clipless pedals, I never could have made the climb without being able to pull up on the pedals to keep myself moving forward. My legs feel like rubber and I want to get off the bike, but I have to upshift for the coast down the hill to the Hatchery.
September 5, 2009
Ride Report 9/2
43 miles total, about 35 mile group ride with Sacramento Wheelmen ARBT to Amore & back
Ah, what a nice change! Joe, the Wednesday morning ride leader, is back from vacation and he truly does ride at 15-16mph. There are only four of us at the ride start, but we pick up two more along the way. For a miracle, I'm not the slowest rider in the group, either. The six of us take the ARBT east to Gold River and a small coffee shop called Amore. The owner is a hoot and tells us "This is no Starbucks; this is a classy place!" when we try to bus our tables after eating. Joe offers to buy "the new rider" a drink, so I don't refuse a Mocha Glacier. I learned my lesson about eating food on a warm day, so I stick to my Odwalla bar and the Glacier drink gives me a massive brain freeze when I start to gulp it down.
On the way back, one of the riders starts to bonk from not eating and drinking two cups of coffee and has to stop to eat something. Joe drops back to check on her and they meet up with us where we are waiting at the Howe Ave underpass. On the way out, one of the other riders and I speculated on why some bridges smell like urine and others don't and why you would choose to pee under a bridge rather than in the grass or behind a tree.
I leave the group at the Guy West bridge to shorten my trip home, and as usual get lost in Sac State trying to find my way to J St. I actually end up right behind Joe and another rider who have a similar ride home and we chat the whole way up M St to when I actually split from the group and go south on 34th St to home.
Ah, what a nice change! Joe, the Wednesday morning ride leader, is back from vacation and he truly does ride at 15-16mph. There are only four of us at the ride start, but we pick up two more along the way. For a miracle, I'm not the slowest rider in the group, either. The six of us take the ARBT east to Gold River and a small coffee shop called Amore. The owner is a hoot and tells us "This is no Starbucks; this is a classy place!" when we try to bus our tables after eating. Joe offers to buy "the new rider" a drink, so I don't refuse a Mocha Glacier. I learned my lesson about eating food on a warm day, so I stick to my Odwalla bar and the Glacier drink gives me a massive brain freeze when I start to gulp it down.
On the way back, one of the riders starts to bonk from not eating and drinking two cups of coffee and has to stop to eat something. Joe drops back to check on her and they meet up with us where we are waiting at the Howe Ave underpass. On the way out, one of the other riders and I speculated on why some bridges smell like urine and others don't and why you would choose to pee under a bridge rather than in the grass or behind a tree.
I leave the group at the Guy West bridge to shorten my trip home, and as usual get lost in Sac State trying to find my way to J St. I actually end up right behind Joe and another rider who have a similar ride home and we chat the whole way up M St to when I actually split from the group and go south on 34th St to home.
Ride Report 9/5
43.1 mile group ride with Sacramento Wheelmen, Garden Hwy to Power Line, Elverta Rd and back
Today I continue my growing self-masochistic tendencies and join the "lively" Sacramento Wheelman Saturday morning ride. I know I'm going to get my ass handed to me; it's just a matter of how badly.
Since I show up with T, everyone assumes I know what I'm doing or that T has filled me in as we set off from downtown. As we head north, the speed is not too extreme, but as soon as we hit Garden Hwy, we are close to 20mph and I'm in trouble. I try to hang on to the group, but as the pace picks up to 22-23mph, I get dropped off the back a couple times and T has to actually push me along to catch up to the group. My heartrate is in the 180s and I'm starting to panic. I'm pushing the big gears, but it's too draining. At the halfway point, several riders congratulate me and tell me "Good job." When I complain that I can't keep up, one of them tells me that if I'm close enough that the group waits for me, it still counts.
When we regroup, I desperately suck down some water, but my body is in too much stress to be hungry even after 15 miles or so. The pace picks up immediately, and I get dropped off the back within a couple miles. I'm frustrated and refuse T's offer to push me back up to the group. Thankfully, he lets me get dropped and we tootle along the last half of the ride at about 15mph.
Today I continue my growing self-masochistic tendencies and join the "lively" Sacramento Wheelman Saturday morning ride. I know I'm going to get my ass handed to me; it's just a matter of how badly.
Since I show up with T, everyone assumes I know what I'm doing or that T has filled me in as we set off from downtown. As we head north, the speed is not too extreme, but as soon as we hit Garden Hwy, we are close to 20mph and I'm in trouble. I try to hang on to the group, but as the pace picks up to 22-23mph, I get dropped off the back a couple times and T has to actually push me along to catch up to the group. My heartrate is in the 180s and I'm starting to panic. I'm pushing the big gears, but it's too draining. At the halfway point, several riders congratulate me and tell me "Good job." When I complain that I can't keep up, one of them tells me that if I'm close enough that the group waits for me, it still counts.
When we regroup, I desperately suck down some water, but my body is in too much stress to be hungry even after 15 miles or so. The pace picks up immediately, and I get dropped off the back within a couple miles. I'm frustrated and refuse T's offer to push me back up to the group. Thankfully, he lets me get dropped and we tootle along the last half of the ride at about 15mph.
Ride Report 9/4
32 miles ARBT north access to Elverta Rd, E Levee Rd, Ueda Bike Path to Discovery Park thru Old Sac & home
Today I take the route I meant to take on the first. The computer has been calibrated to the narrower tire size and all is right with the world. I'm getting kind of tired of all the surface streets that cross the north path, but it's not the ARBT, which I have been dreading for the last several weeks because I've ridden it so damn many times. Unfortunately, I took my ride late in the day today (I left around noon), and I start to run into packs of high school age kids spread across the path and completely ignoring the world. The group that does know I'm coming gives me about a foot of path to pass them on. The groups that don't respond to "Bike, Bike, BIKE!" as I'm coming up behind them get cursed at as I have to ride on the dirt beside the path to pass them.
At the end of the trail, I can't stand the thought of passing even more teenagers blocking the path, so I cut across Elverta Road to E Levee and go south to Discovery Park. On the ARBT, I experiment to find my max heartrate and start pedaling as fast and hard as I can. At 23mph I hit 187bpm and feel like I'm going to puke. My legs feel like rubber, so I let off after maybe 30 seconds. The mystified cyclist that I blasted past half a mile back breezes past me as I whimper into Discovery Park at about 14mph. My heartrate yesterday was 186 in 17th gear at 89rpm.
I stop long enough to stop the nauseated feeling and start to limp home through Old Sacramento. Naturally, I get a flat (my 2nd on the Gatorskins) to repair on my back tire. Not impressed with the Gatorskins so far.
Note to self: When experimenting with max heartrate, do it when I'm almost home, not with six miles to go.
Today I take the route I meant to take on the first. The computer has been calibrated to the narrower tire size and all is right with the world. I'm getting kind of tired of all the surface streets that cross the north path, but it's not the ARBT, which I have been dreading for the last several weeks because I've ridden it so damn many times. Unfortunately, I took my ride late in the day today (I left around noon), and I start to run into packs of high school age kids spread across the path and completely ignoring the world. The group that does know I'm coming gives me about a foot of path to pass them on. The groups that don't respond to "Bike, Bike, BIKE!" as I'm coming up behind them get cursed at as I have to ride on the dirt beside the path to pass them.
At the end of the trail, I can't stand the thought of passing even more teenagers blocking the path, so I cut across Elverta Road to E Levee and go south to Discovery Park. On the ARBT, I experiment to find my max heartrate and start pedaling as fast and hard as I can. At 23mph I hit 187bpm and feel like I'm going to puke. My legs feel like rubber, so I let off after maybe 30 seconds. The mystified cyclist that I blasted past half a mile back breezes past me as I whimper into Discovery Park at about 14mph. My heartrate yesterday was 186 in 17th gear at 89rpm.
I stop long enough to stop the nauseated feeling and start to limp home through Old Sacramento. Naturally, I get a flat (my 2nd on the Gatorskins) to repair on my back tire. Not impressed with the Gatorskins so far.
Note to self: When experimenting with max heartrate, do it when I'm almost home, not with six miles to go.
September 1, 2009
Ride Report 9/1
28.2 miles* in 2hrs north bike path to Elverta & back
More fussing with the seat position. I pay more attention to my form today, making sure I keep a bend in my elbow, straighten my back and stay on the rear of the saddle. It seems to work, since I have minimal hand irritation and I can't rule out lingering injuries from my fall on Friday since it's my right hand that gets numb and my right elbow that is far stiffer than my left.
My goal is to maintain 17mph+ the entire way, but this path crosses so many surface streets, I don't average anywhere near that, though I do keep my speed up on the long stretches between roads.
No records set today, although I have to hussle back home and shorten the planned ride (I intended to tack on a few miles by looping out to Discovery Park) to meet a man about selling a dog crate.
*I finally realized today that I have not recalibrated my cycling computer to the new tire width, so I have no idea if that affects my mileage calculations since I installed the Gatorskins.
More fussing with the seat position. I pay more attention to my form today, making sure I keep a bend in my elbow, straighten my back and stay on the rear of the saddle. It seems to work, since I have minimal hand irritation and I can't rule out lingering injuries from my fall on Friday since it's my right hand that gets numb and my right elbow that is far stiffer than my left.
My goal is to maintain 17mph+ the entire way, but this path crosses so many surface streets, I don't average anywhere near that, though I do keep my speed up on the long stretches between roads.
No records set today, although I have to hussle back home and shorten the planned ride (I intended to tack on a few miles by looping out to Discovery Park) to meet a man about selling a dog crate.
*I finally realized today that I have not recalibrated my cycling computer to the new tire width, so I have no idea if that affects my mileage calculations since I installed the Gatorskins.
Ride Report 8/30
30.1 mile partnered ride ARBT Guy West Bridge to Sunrise & back
I still feel a little wiped out from the heat yesterday and from having to get up early (8:00am--hey, I do work swing shift!) two days in a row. I'm still fussing with seat positioning/hand numbness to see if I can resolve the issue. My right hand and elbow are definitely feeling effects of my flip over the handlebars. So, I am not at my best, but I practice drafting and manage to keep up when T pushes it to 20mph for a short period.
As with yesterday, I feel worst when my heartrate creeps up around 170, as if I just don't have any reserves to pull from. I am happy with the way the Gatorskins corner, though, especially since they look as if they have no tread whatsoever. Three days without a flat. A new record for me.
On the way back, the wind comes at us from an angle, so I practice finding the dead spot and drafting to the side. I probably look like a squirrely newbie to the other cyclists on the path as I drift back and fort seeking the magical windless spot. Like I'm not used to looking like an idiot on the trail by now...
One of the cyclists we pass both ways on the path is a teenager on a nice Specialized road bike and who is wearing nice gear. His form is spazzy, but it is nice to see someone so young getting into the sport nonetheless.
I still feel a little wiped out from the heat yesterday and from having to get up early (8:00am--hey, I do work swing shift!) two days in a row. I'm still fussing with seat positioning/hand numbness to see if I can resolve the issue. My right hand and elbow are definitely feeling effects of my flip over the handlebars. So, I am not at my best, but I practice drafting and manage to keep up when T pushes it to 20mph for a short period.
As with yesterday, I feel worst when my heartrate creeps up around 170, as if I just don't have any reserves to pull from. I am happy with the way the Gatorskins corner, though, especially since they look as if they have no tread whatsoever. Three days without a flat. A new record for me.
On the way back, the wind comes at us from an angle, so I practice finding the dead spot and drafting to the side. I probably look like a squirrely newbie to the other cyclists on the path as I drift back and fort seeking the magical windless spot. Like I'm not used to looking like an idiot on the trail by now...
One of the cyclists we pass both ways on the path is a teenager on a nice Specialized road bike and who is wearing nice gear. His form is spazzy, but it is nice to see someone so young getting into the sport nonetheless.
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