Saturday I had enough and started googling Do It Yourself kits for arks! Man, was it raining or what? The last time I rode was Friday morning. Was it 4 days of rain? I was getting cabin fever by Sunday afternoon so I went over to my folks house in Gulf Breeze for some meatloaf and watched Japan beat up on Hawaii in the Little League World Series. While I was starting to chant USA, USA, USA my legs started twitching and I found myself air pedaling. Ever air pedaled while watching baseball? Shows you how much I was itching for a ride...
Well, today the weather could not be better for cycling. The temps are in the 80s with plenteous sunshine and much lower humidity. Who wants to ride???
All this week we have great rides planned including 3 rides this coming Labor Day weekend. Check the Ride Calendar at the bottom of this blogulation for all the details! Tonight's ride should be very well attended as everybody is chomping at the bit like a bunch of race horses...uh, Clydesdales that is! Come on out for some great peloton antics from the cast of unusual characters that can only be identified as the Firestone and Summit Group!
See you out on the road,
Bob
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
The Full Moon...and so much more!
The weather forecast for tonight's Full Moon Ride is just about perfect! It may be the first time this year that we will actually have the bright moonlight to guide us back to Chicken Bone Beach. There will also be a breeze out of the west southwest which is absolutely perfect for the tailwind express on the way back. Not that you will want to rush back, with the clear skies, full moon and gentle Gulf breeze...perfect conditions for a gorgeous bike ride! Come on out to the beach tonight! Details are on the Ride Calendar at the bottom of this blog.
Please remember to bring $3.00 to get in the gate at Fort Pickens National Park.
Check out the Ride Calendar for other great group rides this week and coming weekend!
Speaking of great rides, The Lillian Loop was a really fun ride this past Saturday. The pace was a bit frisky, but the group stayed together with absolutely no flats or mechanicals! We didn't even have an Armadillo Incident, (thankfully!) We made the first rest stop in about an hour and everyone filled the bottles and talked of Tim "Supermarket" Fox's sprint win on the bridge into Lillian. He attacked with half a mile to go into a headwind. Several tried to catch the big Clydesdale boy, but he had the bit between the teeth.
A few of us got dropped in the hills just before we exited Alabama. We reassembled on the bridge and rode to the second and last rest stop. There was some debate as to whether we should take Bauer Road back, thus adding another 7 to 8 miles on our total. The general consensus was to stay on the shorter route...55 miles was long enough for this warm August morning. (I think some had visions of the absolute sufferfest down the beach road a number of weeks ago. That day, we started out with a 45 mile intention and ended up with 70 miles in the hot sun...there was carnage strewn for miles!)
Once back in the saddle, the pace was again spritely...meaning mid 20s, all the way to Navy Blvd. We then jogged south to Star Lake and the secret passage through the Country Club and east to the ominous Barrancas Bridge. Several of the climbers were feeling a bit twitchy as we started up the lower slope. Then, out of nowhere, as though he had just polished off a heaping bowl of his favorite morning steriods cereal, Tim "Boheemoth" Fox puts the hammer down! He tweaked that carbon Trek of his all the way to the sign at the top. Winning the second and only other sprint of the day.
Well, the sudden acceleration had left a number of us at the back sucking air. In fact, I was last over the top and therefore pretty much assured of not latching back on to the peloton which had all regrouped within a half a mile or so. After getting two red lights, I decided it wasn't worth the effort and should just cruise the last few miles with these overworked pistons.
Just then, I noticed a big fuel truck stopped at the traffic light about 300 yards ahead. Hmmm...maybe, I thought, just maybe... Just then the light turned green and I jumped on it to see, if just maybe, I could catch his draft! (Uh, kids don't try this at home.) If I could, he would unwillingly pull me back up to the pack. The timing was absolutely perfect. I was just about maxed out just as I caught his huge draft which literally pulled me towards his rear bumper. I was way over on the right side barely behind, yet still in the sweet spot. "You big hunk of over loaded fuel truck you! Oooh yeah baby!!!"
You should have seen the faces of the group as I blew by them at 35mph! "Ha! Take that you scum sucking pigs!" John "Gianni Bugno" Duke, Richard "Left Lane" Lopiccolo and I think maybe Sheila Sheila all gave chase but to no avail. All in all, I'd say it was a great ride!!!
You know, when you think about it, our group rides really are good fun. Don't miss out on the next flurry of peloton antics. Come on out tonight or real soon and enjoy some good clean fun with a peloton full of characters!
See you out on the road,
Bob
Please remember to bring $3.00 to get in the gate at Fort Pickens National Park.
Check out the Ride Calendar for other great group rides this week and coming weekend!
Speaking of great rides, The Lillian Loop was a really fun ride this past Saturday. The pace was a bit frisky, but the group stayed together with absolutely no flats or mechanicals! We didn't even have an Armadillo Incident, (thankfully!) We made the first rest stop in about an hour and everyone filled the bottles and talked of Tim "Supermarket" Fox's sprint win on the bridge into Lillian. He attacked with half a mile to go into a headwind. Several tried to catch the big Clydesdale boy, but he had the bit between the teeth.
A few of us got dropped in the hills just before we exited Alabama. We reassembled on the bridge and rode to the second and last rest stop. There was some debate as to whether we should take Bauer Road back, thus adding another 7 to 8 miles on our total. The general consensus was to stay on the shorter route...55 miles was long enough for this warm August morning. (I think some had visions of the absolute sufferfest down the beach road a number of weeks ago. That day, we started out with a 45 mile intention and ended up with 70 miles in the hot sun...there was carnage strewn for miles!)
Once back in the saddle, the pace was again spritely...meaning mid 20s, all the way to Navy Blvd. We then jogged south to Star Lake and the secret passage through the Country Club and east to the ominous Barrancas Bridge. Several of the climbers were feeling a bit twitchy as we started up the lower slope. Then, out of nowhere, as though he had just polished off a heaping bowl of his favorite morning steriods cereal, Tim "Boheemoth" Fox puts the hammer down! He tweaked that carbon Trek of his all the way to the sign at the top. Winning the second and only other sprint of the day.
Well, the sudden acceleration had left a number of us at the back sucking air. In fact, I was last over the top and therefore pretty much assured of not latching back on to the peloton which had all regrouped within a half a mile or so. After getting two red lights, I decided it wasn't worth the effort and should just cruise the last few miles with these overworked pistons.
Just then, I noticed a big fuel truck stopped at the traffic light about 300 yards ahead. Hmmm...maybe, I thought, just maybe... Just then the light turned green and I jumped on it to see, if just maybe, I could catch his draft! (Uh, kids don't try this at home.) If I could, he would unwillingly pull me back up to the pack. The timing was absolutely perfect. I was just about maxed out just as I caught his huge draft which literally pulled me towards his rear bumper. I was way over on the right side barely behind, yet still in the sweet spot. "You big hunk of over loaded fuel truck you! Oooh yeah baby!!!"
You should have seen the faces of the group as I blew by them at 35mph! "Ha! Take that you scum sucking pigs!" John "Gianni Bugno" Duke, Richard "Left Lane" Lopiccolo and I think maybe Sheila Sheila all gave chase but to no avail. All in all, I'd say it was a great ride!!!
You know, when you think about it, our group rides really are good fun. Don't miss out on the next flurry of peloton antics. Come on out tonight or real soon and enjoy some good clean fun with a peloton full of characters!
See you out on the road,
Bob
Monday, August 23, 2010
Final Summary of the 300 Mile Challenge
300 miles in 6 days, no big deal, right?! No, it really wasn't any big deal. It was just a personal challenge to see how I could juggle work, family and other responsibilities while upping my weekly miles by 30 to 50 percent. Don't get me wrong, I'm really pleased with my accomplishment. However, I couldn't have done it without the help of several of you, namely Left Lane, Circle K, David "Lawman" Carroll, as well as many others. None more than big Tim "Supermarket" Fox who personally pulled me through many an early morning mile even when I didn't want to go any further. He is a great draft and even greater friend! A huge thanks to all!!!
What follows is a sampling of the results of the 300 miles. I say a sampling because I don't think I have experienced all the results yet.
Miles: 308
Resting Heart Rate: 56bpm last Friday morning. This morning it was finally back to the pre 300 mile pace of 52bpm.
Weight: Total lost was 9lbs. As of this morning I have gained back 3 of those pounds.
Mental/Emotional Outlook: Really encouraged by the accomplishment and the overall response of this AARP body to the increased workload.
Physical Wear and Tear: All the little ailments have cleared up...even the sore upon the saddle. My legs, however, are still a bit sluggish although they feel much stronger than pre 300 condition.
Other Observations:
Yelled at by motorists: 3 times
Early morning Rainbows: 4 full and 3 partial (This was such an added benefit that it makes the next observation almost tolerable)
Rained upon: 7 times including 2 absolute drenchings
Cleaned bike: 2 times
Flats: 1 flat...although none on the road. It was in my garage when I went out to ride one morning...strange. Lesson: always have an extra set of wheels ready to go, otherwise you'll just say forget it and go back to bed!
Mechanicals: 1...a broken spoke. Check out lesson learned above. (And keep an eye on all weedhoppers and Young Jedis!)
Water bottles consumed: 31 bottles of water and Gatorade (I thought this a very interesting statistic...about 1 bottle for every 10 miles.)
Hosed down by a water bottle: 1 time by Tim "Supermarket" Fox as we crossed 300 miles early Thursday morning on Chapel Drive in Pensacola. (He was trying to celebrate...but he had iced water in the bottle!!!)
Energy bars consumed: 5 Clif bars and 7 Bonk Breaker bars.
Gels consumed: 8 Clif shots (2 Mocha and the rest Strawberry)
Shot Bloks consumed: 27 bloks (All Strawberry except 6 Mountain Berry)
Comments: Glad to be done.
-Had a rough time on Saturday's 58 mile ride after completing the 300 miles. I was calling to the engine room for more power and the guys in the engine room were laughing at me! Frankly, the legs needed a rest but I wanted to ride. I took Sunday off and I am feeling a bit more springiness in the pistons today.
-Had a bit of an upset stomach the last couple of days. I think it was so many gels and shot bloks over the last week. (I don't want to see one of those for a few days)
-I changed my chamois creme after a day of dealing with the saddle sore. I think changing to a different creme must have helped because it cleared up after a couple of days...and some rest.
-The stiff knee problem cleared up by just spinning a bit more than usual. I simply used a one or two tooth smaller gear for the same speed. Never did ice them down. However, I highly recommend icing after a ride in the mountains. I rode in Yosemite National Park a few years back and did an absolute beast of a climb one day. I got back to the hotel and could barely walk...I mean I was some kinda hurting. Put my feet up for 30 minutes or so with a bag of ice on each knee and I was a new man! Even hiked the Upper Falls Trail with the kiddos.
I'm looking forward to the next challenge, and...
Seeing you out on the road,
Bob
What follows is a sampling of the results of the 300 miles. I say a sampling because I don't think I have experienced all the results yet.
Miles: 308
Resting Heart Rate: 56bpm last Friday morning. This morning it was finally back to the pre 300 mile pace of 52bpm.
Weight: Total lost was 9lbs. As of this morning I have gained back 3 of those pounds.
Mental/Emotional Outlook: Really encouraged by the accomplishment and the overall response of this AARP body to the increased workload.
Physical Wear and Tear: All the little ailments have cleared up...even the sore upon the saddle. My legs, however, are still a bit sluggish although they feel much stronger than pre 300 condition.
Other Observations:
Yelled at by motorists: 3 times
Early morning Rainbows: 4 full and 3 partial (This was such an added benefit that it makes the next observation almost tolerable)
Rained upon: 7 times including 2 absolute drenchings
Cleaned bike: 2 times
Flats: 1 flat...although none on the road. It was in my garage when I went out to ride one morning...strange. Lesson: always have an extra set of wheels ready to go, otherwise you'll just say forget it and go back to bed!
Mechanicals: 1...a broken spoke. Check out lesson learned above. (And keep an eye on all weedhoppers and Young Jedis!)
Water bottles consumed: 31 bottles of water and Gatorade (I thought this a very interesting statistic...about 1 bottle for every 10 miles.)
Hosed down by a water bottle: 1 time by Tim "Supermarket" Fox as we crossed 300 miles early Thursday morning on Chapel Drive in Pensacola. (He was trying to celebrate...but he had iced water in the bottle!!!)
Energy bars consumed: 5 Clif bars and 7 Bonk Breaker bars.
Gels consumed: 8 Clif shots (2 Mocha and the rest Strawberry)
Shot Bloks consumed: 27 bloks (All Strawberry except 6 Mountain Berry)
Comments: Glad to be done.
-Had a rough time on Saturday's 58 mile ride after completing the 300 miles. I was calling to the engine room for more power and the guys in the engine room were laughing at me! Frankly, the legs needed a rest but I wanted to ride. I took Sunday off and I am feeling a bit more springiness in the pistons today.
-Had a bit of an upset stomach the last couple of days. I think it was so many gels and shot bloks over the last week. (I don't want to see one of those for a few days)
-I changed my chamois creme after a day of dealing with the saddle sore. I think changing to a different creme must have helped because it cleared up after a couple of days...and some rest.
-The stiff knee problem cleared up by just spinning a bit more than usual. I simply used a one or two tooth smaller gear for the same speed. Never did ice them down. However, I highly recommend icing after a ride in the mountains. I rode in Yosemite National Park a few years back and did an absolute beast of a climb one day. I got back to the hotel and could barely walk...I mean I was some kinda hurting. Put my feet up for 30 minutes or so with a bag of ice on each knee and I was a new man! Even hiked the Upper Falls Trail with the kiddos.
I'm looking forward to the next challenge, and...
Seeing you out on the road,
Bob
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Ride Summary and Results of Day 5 of the 300 Mile Challenge
Can anybody spank David "Twin Six" Murphy? Even the Young Jedis could not beat him in the final sprint tonight! They gave it all they had in a Yoda & Skywalker tag team, but to no avail. Twin Six is riding lately like a twin overhead cam V-8. The man is virtually unstoppable. Hmmm...that get's me to thinking; I had a second broken spoke earlier this week, if Twin Six were a Clydesdale, I bet those Young Jedis would figure out a way to crimp his style. David, you should probably keep on eye on your machine.
Other notables who were there until the final acceleration were John "Gianni Bugno" Duke, David "Lawman" Carrol, Tim "Grocery" Fox and the bodacious Brit Keith "Big Motor" Irwin. Seems as though everyone is peaking just at the right time for the big race coming up next month; The Pensacola Cycling Classic!
Great ride tonight. Big group expressing some friskiness and the Sultans of Speed definitely showed up. Everybody don't forget to wish Trish "The Kat" Kuhnell a very Happy Birthday! I won't tell you how old she is as that wouldn't be polite, however it's somewhere between 39 years old and 41 years old. Just in case I forgot to mention it, "Happy Birthday Trish!"
If you missed all the peloton antics tonight, don't fret yourself as we have tomorrow evening's ride and two more rides this weekend as well as the group favorite Full Moon Ride next week. For all the details check out the Ride Calendar at the bottom of this blogulation.
Now, results for Day 5 of the 300 Mile Challenge:
1. Miles: AM: 39 miles PM: 26 miles Total today: 65 miles Total to date: 288 miles To go: 12 miles
2. Resting Heart Rate: 56 bpm
3. Weight: lost today 2lbs Total lost 7lbs
4. Mental/Emotional Outlook: Very encouraged and upbeat.
5. Physical Wear and Tear: Feeling much better. I think my body is adapting to the increased workload. Feet are better, knees are just a bit stiff after riding, although while in the saddle they feel good, no other issues other than my saddle has a sore, if you get my drift?!
Comments: Another big thank you to Tim "Grocery" Fox for dragging my huge carcass around the roads this morning. I had no intention of doing that many miles today...but my Clydesdale brother, like the Energizer Bunny, he just kept going and going and...
It is a relief to know all that's left to complete 300 miles in 6 days is 12 miles tomorrow morning. I really would not want to try and accomplish this every week, I think for my schedule it is too much. I can do 150 to 200 miles each week without putting undue strain on the loved ones and other things that are important to me. However, it sure is fun trying little adventures like this. Next one? I think the Pensacola to Tallahassee Ride this Fall looks pretty good. The dates are October 7 to 10. Stay tuned for details.
Well, after tomorrow's 12 miles, I'm taking the rest of the week off to rest and spend some quality time with the lovely Mrs Graves. I pick her up at the airport tomorrow evening...can't wait to see her! I'll do a final summary of the 300 mile challenge and lessons learned in the next day or two.
And then, I'll see you guys again for the Saturday morning ride and...
...out on the road,
Bob
Other notables who were there until the final acceleration were John "Gianni Bugno" Duke, David "Lawman" Carrol, Tim "Grocery" Fox and the bodacious Brit Keith "Big Motor" Irwin. Seems as though everyone is peaking just at the right time for the big race coming up next month; The Pensacola Cycling Classic!
Great ride tonight. Big group expressing some friskiness and the Sultans of Speed definitely showed up. Everybody don't forget to wish Trish "The Kat" Kuhnell a very Happy Birthday! I won't tell you how old she is as that wouldn't be polite, however it's somewhere between 39 years old and 41 years old. Just in case I forgot to mention it, "Happy Birthday Trish!"
If you missed all the peloton antics tonight, don't fret yourself as we have tomorrow evening's ride and two more rides this weekend as well as the group favorite Full Moon Ride next week. For all the details check out the Ride Calendar at the bottom of this blogulation.
Now, results for Day 5 of the 300 Mile Challenge:
1. Miles: AM: 39 miles PM: 26 miles Total today: 65 miles Total to date: 288 miles To go: 12 miles
2. Resting Heart Rate: 56 bpm
3. Weight: lost today 2lbs Total lost 7lbs
4. Mental/Emotional Outlook: Very encouraged and upbeat.
5. Physical Wear and Tear: Feeling much better. I think my body is adapting to the increased workload. Feet are better, knees are just a bit stiff after riding, although while in the saddle they feel good, no other issues other than my saddle has a sore, if you get my drift?!
Comments: Another big thank you to Tim "Grocery" Fox for dragging my huge carcass around the roads this morning. I had no intention of doing that many miles today...but my Clydesdale brother, like the Energizer Bunny, he just kept going and going and...
It is a relief to know all that's left to complete 300 miles in 6 days is 12 miles tomorrow morning. I really would not want to try and accomplish this every week, I think for my schedule it is too much. I can do 150 to 200 miles each week without putting undue strain on the loved ones and other things that are important to me. However, it sure is fun trying little adventures like this. Next one? I think the Pensacola to Tallahassee Ride this Fall looks pretty good. The dates are October 7 to 10. Stay tuned for details.
Well, after tomorrow's 12 miles, I'm taking the rest of the week off to rest and spend some quality time with the lovely Mrs Graves. I pick her up at the airport tomorrow evening...can't wait to see her! I'll do a final summary of the 300 mile challenge and lessons learned in the next day or two.
And then, I'll see you guys again for the Saturday morning ride and...
...out on the road,
Bob
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
The 300 Mile Challenge Day 4
I'm sure for most of you, if not all, 300 miles in 6 days is no big deal. However, for this 50 something AARP card carrying ancient Clydesdale, it's been pretty tough juggling work, family, and riding. I do like a challenge though. Today was the hardest day yet. Good news though. Late last evening I received a call from the lovely Mrs Graves in California. Aunt Andree's surgery went very well and was successful. A heartfelt thank you to all that prayed for her!
So, here are the results for Day 4 of the 300 Mile Challenge:
1. Miles: AM:31 miles PM:33 miles Total today:64 miles Total miles to date:223 miles To go: 77 miles
2. Resting Heart Rate: 58bpm
3. Weight: even for today Total lost: 5lbs
4. Mental/Emotional Outlook: A bit weary. Although riding with the group tonight was great. Encouraged that I'm below 100 miles to go.
5. Physical Wear and Tear: A number of small ailments. Feet ache, knees are a bit stiff, feel like I may be on the edge of a head cold.
Comments: I have a new respect for those who do cross country rides. I have a friend that went on one a few years back. They averaged 80 miles a day with one day in seven for rest. His longest day was 104 miles. I guess there would be some advantage to new scenery everyday, but 40 some days at an average of 80 miles a day...that's pretty stout.
I know I am over training because I have these little things cropping up. However, I figure just a couple more days then I can rest for a day before Saturday's group ride. Symptoms of over training I am experiencing include; elevated resting heart rate, some weariness and the ailments mentioned above. I'm trying to get more rest. But, I'm not sleeping well. I think that's a symptom of over training as well, however it might be because the lovely Mrs Graves isn't there next to me. I don't know about you, but I always sleep better with her. (Uh, that didn't exactly sound right. I meant that she...ummm, well, you get the idea.)
Also, I notice elevating my feet on something about chest high as often as possible really helps the general springiness of the pistons. I found a wonderful remedy for sore feet; get a golf ball and put it on the floor and roll your foot around on top of it...works wonders! You can get to just the right spots and work on them. Ooo yeah baby...
If the knees get any worse, I'll ice them down after every ride. But, I think the toughest is behind me. All I need is 77 miles over the next two days to reach the goal. That's about half what I've been doing the previous two days. Hopefully the weather will cooperate. Got rained on this morning 3 separate times. That's got to be a record.
I was thinking, maybe I should treat myself to a new jersey or something if I make it...hmmm. Not a bad suggestion. Any ideas?
See you out on the road,
Bob
So, here are the results for Day 4 of the 300 Mile Challenge:
1. Miles: AM:31 miles PM:33 miles Total today:64 miles Total miles to date:223 miles To go: 77 miles
2. Resting Heart Rate: 58bpm
3. Weight: even for today Total lost: 5lbs
4. Mental/Emotional Outlook: A bit weary. Although riding with the group tonight was great. Encouraged that I'm below 100 miles to go.
5. Physical Wear and Tear: A number of small ailments. Feet ache, knees are a bit stiff, feel like I may be on the edge of a head cold.
Comments: I have a new respect for those who do cross country rides. I have a friend that went on one a few years back. They averaged 80 miles a day with one day in seven for rest. His longest day was 104 miles. I guess there would be some advantage to new scenery everyday, but 40 some days at an average of 80 miles a day...that's pretty stout.
I know I am over training because I have these little things cropping up. However, I figure just a couple more days then I can rest for a day before Saturday's group ride. Symptoms of over training I am experiencing include; elevated resting heart rate, some weariness and the ailments mentioned above. I'm trying to get more rest. But, I'm not sleeping well. I think that's a symptom of over training as well, however it might be because the lovely Mrs Graves isn't there next to me. I don't know about you, but I always sleep better with her. (Uh, that didn't exactly sound right. I meant that she...ummm, well, you get the idea.)
Also, I notice elevating my feet on something about chest high as often as possible really helps the general springiness of the pistons. I found a wonderful remedy for sore feet; get a golf ball and put it on the floor and roll your foot around on top of it...works wonders! You can get to just the right spots and work on them. Ooo yeah baby...
If the knees get any worse, I'll ice them down after every ride. But, I think the toughest is behind me. All I need is 77 miles over the next two days to reach the goal. That's about half what I've been doing the previous two days. Hopefully the weather will cooperate. Got rained on this morning 3 separate times. That's got to be a record.
I was thinking, maybe I should treat myself to a new jersey or something if I make it...hmmm. Not a bad suggestion. Any ideas?
See you out on the road,
Bob
Monday, August 16, 2010
The 300 Mile Challenge Day 3
It's only 8:30pm and I'm ready for bed. I find it interesting that when you commit to a goal, everything has a more intense focus. I mean, rest, and more rest. I crave good nutritional food. I have been on this 5 fruit servings a day kick for several weeks now, but this goal has caused me to not only eat 5 a day, but to try and spread them out evenly throughout the day...every 2 to 3 hours. Thus keeping my energy level more stable.
I find that I really want to make sure I'm staying on top of my hydration. Water, water, water and recovery protein shakes. I'm finding that the amount of fluids I take in, or don't take in, have a lot to do with my performance. Even the cycling clothes I choose each day and the uh...moisturizer. It's like all your faculties are focused on assuring that you attain the goal. I think there is a wonderful spiritual analogy here. I was reading Phillipians chapter 3 this weekend. Check it out and see if you pick up the same analogy as I did. I would love to hear your comments.
Now, The 300 Mile Challenge Day 3 Results:
1. Miles: AM:33 miles PM:31 miles Total today:64 miles Total to Date:159 miles To goal:141miles
2. Resting Heart Rate: 56 bpm
3. Weight: lost 1 lb. Total lost: 5 lbs.
4. Mental/Emotional Outlook: Better, now that I am ahead of schedule again.
5. Physical Wear and Tear: Doing pretty good. Feet are a bit sore as well as hands. Legs are feeling good. May be developing a saddle sore. Rats!
Comments: First a huge thank you to Tim "Grocery" Fox who rode with me early this morning and Richard "Left Lane" Lopiccolo who braved the storm this evening to pull me around for close to 30 miles. Thanks, my fellow Clydesdales...it's true; "I get high (mileage) with a little help from my friends."
I am delighted to be back ahead of schedule. I'm tired by happy. Squeezing that amount of miles in before and after work is a feat in itself and I couldn't have done it without the big boys! I think I may need more rest though...and more calories. I'm feeling a bit weary. Nothing bad, just more than what I would consider normal. I'm pleased with how the body is holding up so far. However, I think I'll break out those new gloves tomorrow. I'm a little bit concerned about the possible saddle sore. I use a quality chamois creme, but a problem with the gluteus maximus could spell an end to this quest. And my gluteus is a bit more maximus than most!
See you out on the road,
Bob
I find that I really want to make sure I'm staying on top of my hydration. Water, water, water and recovery protein shakes. I'm finding that the amount of fluids I take in, or don't take in, have a lot to do with my performance. Even the cycling clothes I choose each day and the uh...moisturizer. It's like all your faculties are focused on assuring that you attain the goal. I think there is a wonderful spiritual analogy here. I was reading Phillipians chapter 3 this weekend. Check it out and see if you pick up the same analogy as I did. I would love to hear your comments.
Now, The 300 Mile Challenge Day 3 Results:
1. Miles: AM:33 miles PM:31 miles Total today:64 miles Total to Date:159 miles To goal:141miles
2. Resting Heart Rate: 56 bpm
3. Weight: lost 1 lb. Total lost: 5 lbs.
4. Mental/Emotional Outlook: Better, now that I am ahead of schedule again.
5. Physical Wear and Tear: Doing pretty good. Feet are a bit sore as well as hands. Legs are feeling good. May be developing a saddle sore. Rats!
Comments: First a huge thank you to Tim "Grocery" Fox who rode with me early this morning and Richard "Left Lane" Lopiccolo who braved the storm this evening to pull me around for close to 30 miles. Thanks, my fellow Clydesdales...it's true; "I get high (mileage) with a little help from my friends."
I am delighted to be back ahead of schedule. I'm tired by happy. Squeezing that amount of miles in before and after work is a feat in itself and I couldn't have done it without the big boys! I think I may need more rest though...and more calories. I'm feeling a bit weary. Nothing bad, just more than what I would consider normal. I'm pleased with how the body is holding up so far. However, I think I'll break out those new gloves tomorrow. I'm a little bit concerned about the possible saddle sore. I use a quality chamois creme, but a problem with the gluteus maximus could spell an end to this quest. And my gluteus is a bit more maximus than most!
See you out on the road,
Bob
Sunday, August 15, 2010
This Week's Ride Schedule
Well, today's ride was washed out, literally. Rain, rain, rain!!! I didn't even check to see if anybody showed at Firestone and Summit or at Ellyson for the crit. I can't imagine anyone out in that downpour. But, you never know...
Yesterday's ride, however, was good fun. Great group as we headed out under cloudy skies. I think the Pine Forest Loop is quickly becoming a group favorite. The pace was brisk with a few sprints thrown in just for fun. David "Lawman" Carroll was a beast yesterday. He manhandled even the Young Jedis as he won all the major sprints for the day. Of course, there were a few unannounced sprints that the Clydesdale boys won with ease. (You gotta love those guys) Even Left Lane won the little known Martin Wyatt Memorial Environmental Recycling Center and Garbage Dump Sign Sprint. (MWMERCGDSS) I even saw Sheila going for one of the sprints...laying it down with the big dogs!
Unlike the previous two Saturday rides with plenty of machines coming apart under their riders, this week's ride was totally devoid of any issues whatsoever. This allowed us to finish ahead of schedule for this first time since I can't recall when! A really great ride on really great roads with a really great group. We even avoided the impending thunderstorm! Not a single raindrop the entire ride. (David Mayo wanted me to add that in for Josh Sharpe's benefit)
This week's rides are, as always, listed on the Ride Calendar at the bottom of this blog. Check it out for all the details as to start times and distances, etc. I, for one, am looking forward to a fantastic week of cycling! Come on out and enjoy the cooler temperatures.
PS Since we missed today's ride, anyone interested in riding tomorrow evening? If so, 5:30pm at Firestone and Summit. Let me know if you're interested. If we get enough interest, I'll post it on the Ride Calendar.
Update on the 300 Mile Challenge: Day 2
Not much to tell really. However, I did get in a few miles early this morning. Here's where I stand to date:
1. Miles: This morning 24 Afternoon 0 Total miles: 95 Miles to goal: 205
2. Resting Heart Rate: 57bpm
3. Weight: Lost 4 lbs.
4. Mental/Emotional Outlook: Okay. A little bummed by the rain. Now I'm behind schedule instead of ahead.
5. Physical Wear and Tear: Nothing yet...thankfully.
Comments: I think the 10% increase in the resting heart rate number may be due to lack of hydration. The weight number may verify this as well. I drank a lot of water today, especially this morning. It will be interesting to see what the resting heart rate is tomorrow morning since I didn't do many miles today. Should be lower. I wish I had been able to ride this afternoon. If it were just rain I may have headed out...that much lightening, not a chance. I was hoping to be way ahead of schedule today. I like to attack things, not chase them from behind. Hopefully, I can make it up over the next couple of days...weather permitting!
See you out on the road,
Bob
Yesterday's ride, however, was good fun. Great group as we headed out under cloudy skies. I think the Pine Forest Loop is quickly becoming a group favorite. The pace was brisk with a few sprints thrown in just for fun. David "Lawman" Carroll was a beast yesterday. He manhandled even the Young Jedis as he won all the major sprints for the day. Of course, there were a few unannounced sprints that the Clydesdale boys won with ease. (You gotta love those guys) Even Left Lane won the little known Martin Wyatt Memorial Environmental Recycling Center and Garbage Dump Sign Sprint. (MWMERCGDSS) I even saw Sheila going for one of the sprints...laying it down with the big dogs!
Unlike the previous two Saturday rides with plenty of machines coming apart under their riders, this week's ride was totally devoid of any issues whatsoever. This allowed us to finish ahead of schedule for this first time since I can't recall when! A really great ride on really great roads with a really great group. We even avoided the impending thunderstorm! Not a single raindrop the entire ride. (David Mayo wanted me to add that in for Josh Sharpe's benefit)
This week's rides are, as always, listed on the Ride Calendar at the bottom of this blog. Check it out for all the details as to start times and distances, etc. I, for one, am looking forward to a fantastic week of cycling! Come on out and enjoy the cooler temperatures.
PS Since we missed today's ride, anyone interested in riding tomorrow evening? If so, 5:30pm at Firestone and Summit. Let me know if you're interested. If we get enough interest, I'll post it on the Ride Calendar.
Update on the 300 Mile Challenge: Day 2
Not much to tell really. However, I did get in a few miles early this morning. Here's where I stand to date:
1. Miles: This morning 24 Afternoon 0 Total miles: 95 Miles to goal: 205
2. Resting Heart Rate: 57bpm
3. Weight: Lost 4 lbs.
4. Mental/Emotional Outlook: Okay. A little bummed by the rain. Now I'm behind schedule instead of ahead.
5. Physical Wear and Tear: Nothing yet...thankfully.
Comments: I think the 10% increase in the resting heart rate number may be due to lack of hydration. The weight number may verify this as well. I drank a lot of water today, especially this morning. It will be interesting to see what the resting heart rate is tomorrow morning since I didn't do many miles today. Should be lower. I wish I had been able to ride this afternoon. If it were just rain I may have headed out...that much lightening, not a chance. I was hoping to be way ahead of schedule today. I like to attack things, not chase them from behind. Hopefully, I can make it up over the next couple of days...weather permitting!
See you out on the road,
Bob
Saturday, August 14, 2010
The 300 Mile Challenge: Day 1
I haven't done 300 miles in a week since the 1980s. In those days I raced a bit and it seemed easier to get in the miles because you were training for a specific goal...the next race. Now, a few years older, the 300 miles itself seems like a good goal. You see, usually I don't have the kind of time needed to rack up 300 miles in one week. But this week it looks like I will, seeing as the uh, lovely Mrs Graves is in California visiting with our mother and aunt Andree. Technically, it is her mother, but they both seem like ours.
Our aunt recently had a stroke and is having surgery on Monday to help clear some blockage. The uh, lovely Mrs Graves flew out early this morning to help the two of them in any way she can until things are a bit back to normal. If you are praying folks, please pray for Andree's successful surgery and speedy recovery. She really is one of the most delightful ladies I know. I say one of because our mom is delightful as well. They are both a joy to be around and I really hope all goes well.
Anyway, the point is, I have some extra time on my hands this week. Or at least until Thursday evening. (That's when the uh, lovely Mrs Graves flies back into town). Therefore, I thought to have a little adventure. I love adventures...I think it's one of the best parts of cycling. Besides it beats watching TV and eating chips.
So, here's the deal; I have today through Thursday evening, well maybe Friday morning to complete 300 miles on the machine. Let's see...a little fifth grade math... I need to complete 300 miles in 6 days. That's uh...50 miles a day. Hmmm...that sounds like a lot considering my schedule...I mean, I do have to work and all. Maybe I should employ the infamous Double Secret Workout Training Regimen. If I do, then I have 12 sessions on the bike. Uh, 12 into 300 is...ummm, carry the 2 and that makes 25 miles per session. Okay, I think maybe I can do that. I always have one more session on Friday morning if I need it! Hope we have good weather.
Okay, The 300 Mile Challenge
Goal: Starting today, complete 300 miles before the end of the day on Friday.
I'm either going to love this or I'm going to throw the Lynskey machine in the dumpster.
Now, let's have a few daily measurements:
1. Miles...of course!
2. Resting heart rate. Each morning.
3. Weight. Before the morning ride.
4. Mental/emotional outlook.
5. Physical wear and tear.
So, for today, here are the results thus far:
1. Miles: Morning- 47 Evening- 24 Total Day 1: 71 miles To go: 229
2. Resting heart rate this morning: 52 bpm
3. Weight: Uh...let's just say well within the minimum qualifications for a Clydesdale. Let's change this to weight lost!
4. Mental/emotional outlook: Upbeat, encouraged. A bit apprehensive.
5. Physical wear and tear: Feeling pretty good. No problems yet.
Anybody care to ride along? (even for a day) I could use a wheel to suck, especially along about Wednesday and Thursday. You know, this really could be an interesting experiment. Observe what changes may occur as the miles rack up on this 50 something year old body?! Could have some excellent lessons for future training. I've been averaging just over 170 miles a week for the last 6 weeks, with the exception of last week...137 miles. So, I have a good base. Well, let's see what happens. I'll report in each day and let you know where I stand. Until then...
...see you out on the road, more often,
Bob
Our aunt recently had a stroke and is having surgery on Monday to help clear some blockage. The uh, lovely Mrs Graves flew out early this morning to help the two of them in any way she can until things are a bit back to normal. If you are praying folks, please pray for Andree's successful surgery and speedy recovery. She really is one of the most delightful ladies I know. I say one of because our mom is delightful as well. They are both a joy to be around and I really hope all goes well.
Anyway, the point is, I have some extra time on my hands this week. Or at least until Thursday evening. (That's when the uh, lovely Mrs Graves flies back into town). Therefore, I thought to have a little adventure. I love adventures...I think it's one of the best parts of cycling. Besides it beats watching TV and eating chips.
So, here's the deal; I have today through Thursday evening, well maybe Friday morning to complete 300 miles on the machine. Let's see...a little fifth grade math... I need to complete 300 miles in 6 days. That's uh...50 miles a day. Hmmm...that sounds like a lot considering my schedule...I mean, I do have to work and all. Maybe I should employ the infamous Double Secret Workout Training Regimen. If I do, then I have 12 sessions on the bike. Uh, 12 into 300 is...ummm, carry the 2 and that makes 25 miles per session. Okay, I think maybe I can do that. I always have one more session on Friday morning if I need it! Hope we have good weather.
Okay, The 300 Mile Challenge
Goal: Starting today, complete 300 miles before the end of the day on Friday.
I'm either going to love this or I'm going to throw the Lynskey machine in the dumpster.
Now, let's have a few daily measurements:
1. Miles...of course!
2. Resting heart rate. Each morning.
3. Weight. Before the morning ride.
4. Mental/emotional outlook.
5. Physical wear and tear.
So, for today, here are the results thus far:
1. Miles: Morning- 47 Evening- 24 Total Day 1: 71 miles To go: 229
2. Resting heart rate this morning: 52 bpm
3. Weight: Uh...let's just say well within the minimum qualifications for a Clydesdale. Let's change this to weight lost!
4. Mental/emotional outlook: Upbeat, encouraged. A bit apprehensive.
5. Physical wear and tear: Feeling pretty good. No problems yet.
Anybody care to ride along? (even for a day) I could use a wheel to suck, especially along about Wednesday and Thursday. You know, this really could be an interesting experiment. Observe what changes may occur as the miles rack up on this 50 something year old body?! Could have some excellent lessons for future training. I've been averaging just over 170 miles a week for the last 6 weeks, with the exception of last week...137 miles. So, I have a good base. Well, let's see what happens. I'll report in each day and let you know where I stand. Until then...
...see you out on the road, more often,
Bob
Friday, August 13, 2010
Riding in the Rain
Looks as though that may be our theme song for the next couple of days. I don't know about you, but I don't have the extreme phobia to getting wet, as our beloved Coolio does. Yea, if I don't have to get soaked, I'll avoid it. However, I've never stopped, dismounted my machine and picked it up to hop across a puddle just so my wheels won't get partially damp. Ahhh, I see a teachable moment for the weedhoppers...
Hydrophobia is the fear of water. Though I don't think this is actually the problem doctor. A fear of thunderstorms is called brontophobia...this isn't the precise diagnosis either, however when on the machine it doesn't hurt to have a healthy respect for those bad boys. (Brontophobia? Who comes up with these names anyway? I mean, shouldn't it be something like thunderaphobia or perhaps more acurrately lighteningaphobia?! But brontophobia? Sounds like something out of the stone age, like a fear of getting stomped on by a dinosaur!)
I think guys that have the little known fear of having to clean the bike again phobia, or as it is more commonly known among cyclists, the dreaded Roadgrimeaphobia, have more than just a fear of a dirty bike. This fear actually stems from an extreme desire to see one's own reflection in the shine of one's own machine. The roadgrimeaphobe takes great pleasure in looking at one's self while traveling down the road. Many that are cursed with this dreaded phobia have been known to carry personal mirrors in the back pockets of their jerseys. As you can imagine, both genders have been stricken by this terrible phobia.
When the roads are dry, nothing really sticks to the machine...unless of course you have the misfortune of hitting the one piece of already chewed gum that some little junior higher threw out the window of her mom's minivan as she was beeboppin' to the latest Disney Channel musical. Now you wish it was raining! Because when it is raining those minuscule pieces of sticky funk, don't stick. However, everything else sticks...especially every granule of sand between here and Mexico. Thus creating the filthy mess we all know as roadgrime. Mysteriously, the same rain that causes nothing sticky to stick to the bike also causes every else on the planet to stick to the same machine. And, it doesn't even need to be raining for this phenomenon to occur...all you need is damp roads. Whoa, maybe we just discovered a new phobia...damproadsaphobia. (Uh, be careful how you say that!) I know a few cyclists who suffer from that.
Now, we gave that explanation to say this; if you have been diagnosed, or suspect you may have, (which is actually another phobia in itself. It's called phobophobia, the fear of phobias.) any of the dreaded phobias listed above, namely hydrophobia, brontophobia, thunderaphobia, lighteningaphobia, roadgrimeaphobia or even dampraodaphobia then consider yourself excused from any ride with the remotest chance of any kind of precipitation. (However, know we will be talking about you) Everybody else, you are excused only if it is actually raining with thunder and lightening at the start time.
Tomorrow morning's ride is the delightful Pine Forest Loop. It is about 45 miles on great roads. The weather forecast is for 30% chance of thunderstorms. My advice is to check the weather map before leaving the house. Temps are a bit cooler than the last couple of weeks.
Sunday afternoon we will try to ride the UWF/Scenic Hills Loop that we couldn't last Sunday because of foul weather. Great loop with plenty of hills. I think it is about 30 to 35 miles long. Still a good chance of rain.
Please check the Ride Calendar at the bottom of this blog for all the ride details. While there, check out our next Full Moon Beach Ride date as well as the next SSORES ride!
See you out on the road,
Bob
Hydrophobia is the fear of water. Though I don't think this is actually the problem doctor. A fear of thunderstorms is called brontophobia...this isn't the precise diagnosis either, however when on the machine it doesn't hurt to have a healthy respect for those bad boys. (Brontophobia? Who comes up with these names anyway? I mean, shouldn't it be something like thunderaphobia or perhaps more acurrately lighteningaphobia?! But brontophobia? Sounds like something out of the stone age, like a fear of getting stomped on by a dinosaur!)
I think guys that have the little known fear of having to clean the bike again phobia, or as it is more commonly known among cyclists, the dreaded Roadgrimeaphobia, have more than just a fear of a dirty bike. This fear actually stems from an extreme desire to see one's own reflection in the shine of one's own machine. The roadgrimeaphobe takes great pleasure in looking at one's self while traveling down the road. Many that are cursed with this dreaded phobia have been known to carry personal mirrors in the back pockets of their jerseys. As you can imagine, both genders have been stricken by this terrible phobia.
When the roads are dry, nothing really sticks to the machine...unless of course you have the misfortune of hitting the one piece of already chewed gum that some little junior higher threw out the window of her mom's minivan as she was beeboppin' to the latest Disney Channel musical. Now you wish it was raining! Because when it is raining those minuscule pieces of sticky funk, don't stick. However, everything else sticks...especially every granule of sand between here and Mexico. Thus creating the filthy mess we all know as roadgrime. Mysteriously, the same rain that causes nothing sticky to stick to the bike also causes every else on the planet to stick to the same machine. And, it doesn't even need to be raining for this phenomenon to occur...all you need is damp roads. Whoa, maybe we just discovered a new phobia...damproadsaphobia. (Uh, be careful how you say that!) I know a few cyclists who suffer from that.
Now, we gave that explanation to say this; if you have been diagnosed, or suspect you may have, (which is actually another phobia in itself. It's called phobophobia, the fear of phobias.) any of the dreaded phobias listed above, namely hydrophobia, brontophobia, thunderaphobia, lighteningaphobia, roadgrimeaphobia or even dampraodaphobia then consider yourself excused from any ride with the remotest chance of any kind of precipitation. (However, know we will be talking about you) Everybody else, you are excused only if it is actually raining with thunder and lightening at the start time.
Tomorrow morning's ride is the delightful Pine Forest Loop. It is about 45 miles on great roads. The weather forecast is for 30% chance of thunderstorms. My advice is to check the weather map before leaving the house. Temps are a bit cooler than the last couple of weeks.
Sunday afternoon we will try to ride the UWF/Scenic Hills Loop that we couldn't last Sunday because of foul weather. Great loop with plenty of hills. I think it is about 30 to 35 miles long. Still a good chance of rain.
Please check the Ride Calendar at the bottom of this blog for all the ride details. While there, check out our next Full Moon Beach Ride date as well as the next SSORES ride!
See you out on the road,
Bob
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Who Wants to Ride?
This past weekend saw a couple of really great rides. Saturday's NAS Back Door Loop saw the peloton cruising through southwest Pensacola without a pedal stroke in anger. (attempt to mimmick Phil Liggett) Heading west on Jaskson under friendly skies we rolled along around 20mph until Sheila dropped a water bottle. When somebody stopped to pick it up Carol Ann slammed into the back of him thus breaking her shifter and receiving a bit of road rash from the Jackson Street pave'. The previous SheBeast Award winner, got up off the floor, brushed herself off and continued on to finish the ride using only her platto petito. (Uh, that's the small chainring for those of you less fortunate than my multilingual self) Amazing! And for this, Carol Ann is again awarded the SheBeast Award for the week. Congrats Carol Ann Chandler! Uh, ask Woody for your award.
Another casualty of the ride was Josh Sharpe's handcycle machine. Might be time for an upgrade there big guy. Or, at least some replacement parts. He could not have broken down in a better place...right in front of Teen Challenge. David Mayo knew somebody who knew somebody who knew somebody who knew somebody who ...well you get the idea...they gave Josh a ride home.
Once on NAS, the Count of Monte Fishbone cranked it up, thus verifying the suspicion that he has been doing the dubious early morning Double Secret Workouts. In fact, when I contacted him today for comment, the Count expressed that he was in Tampa! I guess the spotters with the video surveillance deployed throughout Pensacola scared him into training down south. I would say that this controversy has been discovered to be fact! All in favor?
Tim "Grocery" Fox broke another spoke on Saturday's ride thus verifying the conspiracy against the Clydesdale boys. What sinister forces are at work within the peloton these days! Who knows what lurks around the next curve...
Sunday's ride was an amazing forced hammerfest. Only 4 riders showed up, (3 Clydesdales and 1 Wannebee) for what looked to be at best a soaking wet ride. The skies were as dark as I have ever seen them. We debated whether to go south or west or back home. We decided to give it a go and headed west on Summit to north on 12th. We had not even made it to Airport Blvd when we decided that any amount of distance to the north was absolutely futile. So a quick left hander on Airport was in order. We hammered across the length of Airport and blasted through a few neighborhoods until we popped out on Massachusetts. We stomped on it west on Massachusetts with one eye on the ever growing storm chasing just over our shoulder...it was a wall of blackness and we were fleeing it with everything we had.
Across Mobile Highway and more southward and westward roads until we reached Hwy 98. We had all taken pulls of equal duration at speeds in the mid to upper 20s. Man, when you have a monster like that chasing you somehow you don't get tired! South on Fairfield to Gulf Beach Hwy and a much needed stop at the Shell station to fill the bottles and check the skies. The storm appeared to be breaking up. I telephoned the lovely Mrs. Graves back home. She expressed that it had been pouring for 45 minutes but that now it was a light drizzle. "I think we beat it", exclaimed Left Lane. He was quickly chided as trying to jinx us.
We headed back through Navy Point and the Country Club at an easy pace as we watched the skies get lighter and lighter. We didn't want to hammer right back into the face of the beast. When we got downtown the roads were soaked by we were not! All the way back we didn't get one rain drop. We had, in fact, outrun the storm and made it back without even getting a sprinkle. I can't remember having so much fun on a bike ride since way back in northwest Ohio when we used to ride towards a storm until we felt the first raindrop then quickly turn around and stomp on it to try and beat the storm back home. Great fun!
Well, let's have some more fun tonight...and this weekend!!! Please check out the Ride Calendar at the bottom of the blog for the ride details. Tonight is bound to be another hammerfest with a bit of cat and mouse and the all important final sprint for the weekly bragging rights. I, for one, can't wait to...
...see you out on the road,
Bob
Another casualty of the ride was Josh Sharpe's handcycle machine. Might be time for an upgrade there big guy. Or, at least some replacement parts. He could not have broken down in a better place...right in front of Teen Challenge. David Mayo knew somebody who knew somebody who knew somebody who knew somebody who ...well you get the idea...they gave Josh a ride home.
Once on NAS, the Count of Monte Fishbone cranked it up, thus verifying the suspicion that he has been doing the dubious early morning Double Secret Workouts. In fact, when I contacted him today for comment, the Count expressed that he was in Tampa! I guess the spotters with the video surveillance deployed throughout Pensacola scared him into training down south. I would say that this controversy has been discovered to be fact! All in favor?
Tim "Grocery" Fox broke another spoke on Saturday's ride thus verifying the conspiracy against the Clydesdale boys. What sinister forces are at work within the peloton these days! Who knows what lurks around the next curve...
Sunday's ride was an amazing forced hammerfest. Only 4 riders showed up, (3 Clydesdales and 1 Wannebee) for what looked to be at best a soaking wet ride. The skies were as dark as I have ever seen them. We debated whether to go south or west or back home. We decided to give it a go and headed west on Summit to north on 12th. We had not even made it to Airport Blvd when we decided that any amount of distance to the north was absolutely futile. So a quick left hander on Airport was in order. We hammered across the length of Airport and blasted through a few neighborhoods until we popped out on Massachusetts. We stomped on it west on Massachusetts with one eye on the ever growing storm chasing just over our shoulder...it was a wall of blackness and we were fleeing it with everything we had.
Across Mobile Highway and more southward and westward roads until we reached Hwy 98. We had all taken pulls of equal duration at speeds in the mid to upper 20s. Man, when you have a monster like that chasing you somehow you don't get tired! South on Fairfield to Gulf Beach Hwy and a much needed stop at the Shell station to fill the bottles and check the skies. The storm appeared to be breaking up. I telephoned the lovely Mrs. Graves back home. She expressed that it had been pouring for 45 minutes but that now it was a light drizzle. "I think we beat it", exclaimed Left Lane. He was quickly chided as trying to jinx us.
We headed back through Navy Point and the Country Club at an easy pace as we watched the skies get lighter and lighter. We didn't want to hammer right back into the face of the beast. When we got downtown the roads were soaked by we were not! All the way back we didn't get one rain drop. We had, in fact, outrun the storm and made it back without even getting a sprinkle. I can't remember having so much fun on a bike ride since way back in northwest Ohio when we used to ride towards a storm until we felt the first raindrop then quickly turn around and stomp on it to try and beat the storm back home. Great fun!
Well, let's have some more fun tonight...and this weekend!!! Please check out the Ride Calendar at the bottom of the blog for the ride details. Tonight is bound to be another hammerfest with a bit of cat and mouse and the all important final sprint for the weekly bragging rights. I, for one, can't wait to...
...see you out on the road,
Bob
Friday, August 6, 2010
A Couple of Group Favorites!
This weekend we have two great rides scheduled. First is the NAS Back Door Loop starting at 7am from the Fish and Wildlife Center. This route will take us on nice shady roads for several miles...much nicer than last Saturday. In fact, the temps are for low to mid 80s under overcast skies throughout our ride. Last week it was 99 degrees and blazing hot sunshine. This week we will be starting at 7am, a full hour earlier than last week...and a full 10 miles shorter as well! The pace will be moderate. Please remember to bring your photo ID to get on NAS!!!
Sunday's ride will be the group favorite UWF/Scenic Hills loop. Hills aplenty on this 30 mile route starting from Firestone and Summit at 3pm. Easy to moderate pace.
See you out on the road,
Bob
Sunday's ride will be the group favorite UWF/Scenic Hills loop. Hills aplenty on this 30 mile route starting from Firestone and Summit at 3pm. Easy to moderate pace.
See you out on the road,
Bob
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Could It Be?
Several controversies are swirling about the peloton these days. It appears that the dog days of summer have settled into the psyche of the Firestone and Summit gang. There has not been such news since Coolio's alleged hidden internal motor incident. In case you have missed one or more of the last few rides, here is a summary of what's happening:
1. Tim "Grocery" Fox and yours truly both had spokes break on the same day this week! The awful smell of foul play has wafted upon the peloton. I know, it's shocking to think of the sinister minds that are behind such a brutal attack on the Clydesdale boys. But wait, there's more, both broken spokes were located in the rear wheels of their unsuspecting victims...an obvious attack on the raw power of the Clydesdales. Someone must be jealous of the incredible torque generated that these Beasts of the Bicycle. (BOB) Clydesdale Warning: If you are among the Fellowship of the Clydesdale Brotherhood, (FOCB), please check your machine carefully for any tampering, especially with the rear wheels. (Word on the street is that it may be one of the Young Jedis.)
2. Tuesday morning shortly after dawn, a lone figure on a red steed (bicycle) was spotted through the early morning mist on Firestone heading north toward Summit. Upon closer observation, it was determined that it was the peculiar riding style that can only be, Count Fishbone! Yes, there has been a confirmed Count Fishbone sighting. This begs the question however, when you consider the crack of dawn hour, is the Count participating in the infamous Double Secret Workout Training Regimen? Could it be? We must know, therefore we have employed spotters throughout southeastern Pensacola armed with video surveillance equipment to obtain the evidence needed to bring the Count to justice. (I know, one of our own. I'm sure you are as shocked as I am.)
3. I, your humble and albeit lovable bloganator, has been brutally and falsely accused of misquoting Clint Eastwood in the movie The Outlaw Josie Wales. As you can see from the previous blog posted, I quoted Mr. Eastwood as saying, "Dying ain't much of a living, boy." And, "A man's got to know his limitations." Both of these I used as metaphors regarding hydrating before and during a long hot day in the saddle. I thought it was a clever way of saying, it's only a bike ride, it's not worth dying over. And, know your own body and how much suffering you can endure. Well, instead of heeding the warning, the accuser has attacked the messenger! This controversy will rage on long after we've discovered the correct quotes. It will last to the end of the next long hot ride. "Go ahead punk, make my day!"
4. This last one is hardly worth mentioning as it is so common that it barely rates as a controversy. However, it is a continual gnawing at the heart of the peloton. Everyone wants to know, inquiring minds want to know! It's the ever present question that has plagued the Firestone and Summit peloton now for years.
Coolio, it's time to come clean!
How much is Krispy Kreme actually paying you to stay in Pensacola? Come on Bobby, we'll still love you...kinda.
Well, there you have it. You are up to date and fully blogified!
Hey, heard back from Ken Tuttle...he broke his ankle showing his kid how to ride a skateboard. Dude. Says he'll be back shortly. Hey, wait a minute, he's a Clydesdale boy...Ken, better check that skateboard for any foul play!!!
Anyone seen Trish "The Kat" Kuhnell lately? Circle K misses drafting the helmet.
David "Twin Six" Murphy says no more fixed gear for him! I guess he's tired of dropping almost as many chains as Left Lane. We'll see tonight! And, I'll...
...see you out on the road,
Bob
1. Tim "Grocery" Fox and yours truly both had spokes break on the same day this week! The awful smell of foul play has wafted upon the peloton. I know, it's shocking to think of the sinister minds that are behind such a brutal attack on the Clydesdale boys. But wait, there's more, both broken spokes were located in the rear wheels of their unsuspecting victims...an obvious attack on the raw power of the Clydesdales. Someone must be jealous of the incredible torque generated that these Beasts of the Bicycle. (BOB) Clydesdale Warning: If you are among the Fellowship of the Clydesdale Brotherhood, (FOCB), please check your machine carefully for any tampering, especially with the rear wheels. (Word on the street is that it may be one of the Young Jedis.)
2. Tuesday morning shortly after dawn, a lone figure on a red steed (bicycle) was spotted through the early morning mist on Firestone heading north toward Summit. Upon closer observation, it was determined that it was the peculiar riding style that can only be, Count Fishbone! Yes, there has been a confirmed Count Fishbone sighting. This begs the question however, when you consider the crack of dawn hour, is the Count participating in the infamous Double Secret Workout Training Regimen? Could it be? We must know, therefore we have employed spotters throughout southeastern Pensacola armed with video surveillance equipment to obtain the evidence needed to bring the Count to justice. (I know, one of our own. I'm sure you are as shocked as I am.)
3. I, your humble and albeit lovable bloganator, has been brutally and falsely accused of misquoting Clint Eastwood in the movie The Outlaw Josie Wales. As you can see from the previous blog posted, I quoted Mr. Eastwood as saying, "Dying ain't much of a living, boy." And, "A man's got to know his limitations." Both of these I used as metaphors regarding hydrating before and during a long hot day in the saddle. I thought it was a clever way of saying, it's only a bike ride, it's not worth dying over. And, know your own body and how much suffering you can endure. Well, instead of heeding the warning, the accuser has attacked the messenger! This controversy will rage on long after we've discovered the correct quotes. It will last to the end of the next long hot ride. "Go ahead punk, make my day!"
4. This last one is hardly worth mentioning as it is so common that it barely rates as a controversy. However, it is a continual gnawing at the heart of the peloton. Everyone wants to know, inquiring minds want to know! It's the ever present question that has plagued the Firestone and Summit peloton now for years.
Coolio, it's time to come clean!
How much is Krispy Kreme actually paying you to stay in Pensacola? Come on Bobby, we'll still love you...kinda.
Well, there you have it. You are up to date and fully blogified!
Hey, heard back from Ken Tuttle...he broke his ankle showing his kid how to ride a skateboard. Dude. Says he'll be back shortly. Hey, wait a minute, he's a Clydesdale boy...Ken, better check that skateboard for any foul play!!!
Anyone seen Trish "The Kat" Kuhnell lately? Circle K misses drafting the helmet.
David "Twin Six" Murphy says no more fixed gear for him! I guess he's tired of dropping almost as many chains as Left Lane. We'll see tonight! And, I'll...
...see you out on the road,
Bob
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Some Like It Hot...
...and if you do, then Saturday's SSORES ride was for you! The temps by the time we were finishing were mid 90s! It just plain hurt. However, if we had started a bit earlier it would not have been so bad. The route itself was an absolute pleasure to ride. Road surfaces were smooth, for the most part, and the loop was interesting.
I had wanted to do this particular route for a couple of years. Actually, I wanted to combine it with our Around the Bay Loop. If we were to do it in the future, (cooler future), we would start at Firestone and Summit and use our usual route until downtown Milton. At this point we would use the East Bay Loop, (that's what we named Saturday's ride), until we made it back to the Gulf Breeze WalMart at which point we would reconnect with the Around the Bay Loop to Firestone and Summit. It measures in at a whopping 80 miles!
Maybe one Saturday this Fall?! Anybody game?
Other than the heat, it was a very nice and uneventful ride. Good group, I think we had about 15 willing participants including a couple of Young Jedis, the handcycle boys Josh and David, Happy, Left Lane, Gianni Bugno, Grocerystore as well as some of the usual faces of the peloton. There were no real sprints or any other antics because of the heat. (I drank 11 bottles)
The following was told to me by the one:
Sunday's ride wasn't nearly as hot, but only one showed up. The one rode all by his oneness singing the old '60s favorite "One is the Loneliest Number", by 3 Dog Night. The one one-dered unto his own oneself where the rest of the peloton was. "Is one the loneliest number?", he pondered the question, while riding as one. The one figured that the heat must have caused the rest of the other ones to be in recovery, while the one soldiered on by his oneness.
"One more mile", he replied to his one self as his other oneself complained that it was too much for any one to endure by oneself. He encouraged his oneness by humming the 1970s fav, "You're Still the One", by Orleans. The one remembered the lyrics,
"You're still the one that can scratch my itch,
Still the one that I wouldn't switch,
We're still having fun, cause you're still the one."
A smile came over the one as he headed down the oneliness road all by his oneness. "Yes", he smiled, "I'm still the one, even if I am the only one."
Author's note: I think maybe the heat was one degree to hot for the one!
Don't forget to check out the Ride Calendar for all our Firestone and Summit rides.
See you out on the road,
Bob
I had wanted to do this particular route for a couple of years. Actually, I wanted to combine it with our Around the Bay Loop. If we were to do it in the future, (cooler future), we would start at Firestone and Summit and use our usual route until downtown Milton. At this point we would use the East Bay Loop, (that's what we named Saturday's ride), until we made it back to the Gulf Breeze WalMart at which point we would reconnect with the Around the Bay Loop to Firestone and Summit. It measures in at a whopping 80 miles!
Maybe one Saturday this Fall?! Anybody game?
Other than the heat, it was a very nice and uneventful ride. Good group, I think we had about 15 willing participants including a couple of Young Jedis, the handcycle boys Josh and David, Happy, Left Lane, Gianni Bugno, Grocerystore as well as some of the usual faces of the peloton. There were no real sprints or any other antics because of the heat. (I drank 11 bottles)
The following was told to me by the one:
Sunday's ride wasn't nearly as hot, but only one showed up. The one rode all by his oneness singing the old '60s favorite "One is the Loneliest Number", by 3 Dog Night. The one one-dered unto his own oneself where the rest of the peloton was. "Is one the loneliest number?", he pondered the question, while riding as one. The one figured that the heat must have caused the rest of the other ones to be in recovery, while the one soldiered on by his oneness.
"One more mile", he replied to his one self as his other oneself complained that it was too much for any one to endure by oneself. He encouraged his oneness by humming the 1970s fav, "You're Still the One", by Orleans. The one remembered the lyrics,
"You're still the one that can scratch my itch,
Still the one that I wouldn't switch,
We're still having fun, cause you're still the one."
A smile came over the one as he headed down the oneliness road all by his oneness. "Yes", he smiled, "I'm still the one, even if I am the only one."
Author's note: I think maybe the heat was one degree to hot for the one!
Don't forget to check out the Ride Calendar for all our Firestone and Summit rides.
See you out on the road,
Bob
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