...tomorrow morning's ride anyway!
Hey, sorry for the lack of blogulations this week. I have been out of pocket. The uh, lovely Mrs Graves and myself took some time at the condo on the beach. Gorgeous! The weather was perfect and the water, as always, absolutely beautiful! So, I wasn't really thinking about a bunch of sweaty bike riders.
Our condo is just across the street from Margaritaville Beach Hotel, so we head over on occasion for a Cheeseburger in Paradise. Hey man, "it's Five o'clock somewhere." Yep, nothing like a little change in latitude, change in attitude to refresh the soul. (Alright, I'll stop with the Jimmy Buffet songs)
We did see some fins to the left, fins to the right...
I know, enough already!
Now, regarding tomorrow's ride; Around the Bay Loop, it will be getting hot around mid to late morning. The forecast is for 90 degrees by 11am. However, it is calling for much lower humidity levels, 40 to 50% range. Here's some more good news, nice breeze out of the northnorthwest so the usually tortuous Garcon Point Bridge should be a pleasure with a nice tailwind. The 3 Mile Bridge might be another story though...but by then we're home.
Regardless, we need to start on time and move through our rest stops quickly. It will be important not to be riding any longer than need be, considering the forecast. Remember to drink plenty of fluids along the way. Don't wait to tank up at the rest stops, that's way too long between hydrations. Also, if you are waiting until you feel thirsty, you have waited too long. Drink before you feel the need. Keep topped off!
Tomorrow's route we have ridden probably a dozen times. It is about 60 to 65 miles long and has it all; flats, hills, 8 bridges and many miles of quiet roads. There's plenty of horsepower in the peloton to keep us moving along at a good pace and get us home before it gets too hot. So, the only variable is hydration. Please keep that in mind as we head down the road. Don't want you to be, "...wasting away again at the back of the pack...searching for your lost energy bar...some people say that he didn't hydrate enough...but I know, it's always Coolio's fault!"
Sorry, those Jimmy Buffet tunes really stick in your head.
See you in the morning! Until then...
See you out on the road,
Bob
Friday, August 26, 2011
Friday, August 19, 2011
A Word About Tomorrow
Tomorrow morning we will be doing a practice run of the Pensacola Cycling Classic road race course. This course is one of three stages that we will race four weeks from tomorrow. It's hard to believe it is already time for the race again. This year will be a bigger event than last year's inaugural race. I think we had over 340 riders last year! The only real change of note to this year's race is the location of the time trial stage. This year we are starting it in East Park on Pensacola Beach. This is the big parking lot about a mile east of Portofino. The time trial will be one way heading east on the Navarre Beach road for 5k. (3.1mile) The criterium course will remain the same in downtown Pensacola on Sunday morning.
So, tomorrow morning we will leave the Trailhead behind Truly Spokin' in Milton at 7:30am and cruise out to the course. The ride out to the start/finish is about 15-16 miles. The road race course is 40k (25miles). We will have two rest stops to fill the bottles and tell stories. The total miles for our loop is about 56 miles. We will be taking a different route back to Milton. Should be a fantastic ride! Weather forecast is for some overcast and temps in the 80s. The clouds will be a welcome addition compared to last year's cooker.
I have a few of my Senior Olympian buddies coming over from Destin and parts east to ride with us. I raced with some of the guys last year in Pensacola and this year in Mississippi. Great guys and strong riders. In fact, Jim Convey is a time trial champion from several States and Fred McLaughlin won the General Classification in last year's PCC as well as placed in the top ten in the National Senior Olympics in Houston in June. Both won their age groups in MS. It will be great riding with them again! After the ride we may look to do lunch somewhere with them if you are interested let me know. They have stories to tell.
Also, we will have a "recovery ride" Sunday afternoon at 3pm at Firestone and Summit. This easy spin ride will probably be around 20 to 25 miles and incorporate one stop somewhere. Regardless, should be just what the legs ordered after a fairly difficult effort on Saturday. Come on out!
See you in the morning and as always...
See you out on the road,
Bob
So, tomorrow morning we will leave the Trailhead behind Truly Spokin' in Milton at 7:30am and cruise out to the course. The ride out to the start/finish is about 15-16 miles. The road race course is 40k (25miles). We will have two rest stops to fill the bottles and tell stories. The total miles for our loop is about 56 miles. We will be taking a different route back to Milton. Should be a fantastic ride! Weather forecast is for some overcast and temps in the 80s. The clouds will be a welcome addition compared to last year's cooker.
I have a few of my Senior Olympian buddies coming over from Destin and parts east to ride with us. I raced with some of the guys last year in Pensacola and this year in Mississippi. Great guys and strong riders. In fact, Jim Convey is a time trial champion from several States and Fred McLaughlin won the General Classification in last year's PCC as well as placed in the top ten in the National Senior Olympics in Houston in June. Both won their age groups in MS. It will be great riding with them again! After the ride we may look to do lunch somewhere with them if you are interested let me know. They have stories to tell.
Also, we will have a "recovery ride" Sunday afternoon at 3pm at Firestone and Summit. This easy spin ride will probably be around 20 to 25 miles and incorporate one stop somewhere. Regardless, should be just what the legs ordered after a fairly difficult effort on Saturday. Come on out!
See you in the morning and as always...
See you out on the road,
Bob
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Great Rides This Past Weekend
This past weekend we had two great rides. On Saturday, the group did one of our all time favorites, The Twisted Hammock. We started out under sunny skies with a smaller than normal peloton. Although small, it got even smaller once we hit Beulah. Four of the original eleven turned back stating varying reasons. The surviving seven soldiered onward into the Hammock. (It's much easier to get into the hammock than it is to get out.) Crusher and Danamal were later overheard to say the pace was disappointingly slow. So, Crusher took up the gantlet and pushed the pace until about 1k to go. Then Aero Jim Britnell who was looking fitter than ever led the group to the line in a blistering pace. The Hammock Sprint was won by the Vortex who dedicated the victory to the MIA Gianni Bugno. Evidently, Aero wasn't getting enough exercise, because he was seen by the group riding back down into the Hammock as they rode out of the Hammock. Whaaat?!
The Bad Mayonnaise, Doug "The Devastator" Gehman and others took the shorter route after the first rest stop while Crusher and the Vortex opted for the longer miles. All were back together at the second rest stop just in time for the Vortex to be assaulted by an old crusty curmudgeon masquerading as a retired Marine. Crusher almost, uh...crushed the cranky codger as the other six riders circled ready for a throw down with a hapless has-been. It wasn't a pretty scene. (We still aren't sure what the, uhhh...gentleman's issue was. Maybe he was having another bad day. Maybe he just hates life.) Regardless, we headed down the road without incident...thankfully!
We rolled on around to Maygarden and back to the start line. Great ride! I had 61 miles as I was pulling into the garage.
Sunday was the Full Moon Ride. And want a fantastic ride it was! We had close to 20 riders of all talents and abilities. The sunset on the way out to the Fort was gorgeous as advertized. The Full Moon was equally beautiful over the Gulf for the ride back. Bad news though: Not a single meteor spotted. We even stopped along the way back hoping to see a couple of the shooting starts...nada. (That's Spanish...means nothing.) We did have two flats though. Wheelmen Matt flatted just before the second campground on the way back. We all stopped. As we are waiting, a couple of the more talented brethren amongst us began singing tunes from the 70s and 80s. At one point, one of the wannabe rockstars hit a high note and Chris Norton's front tire blew!!! That's right, while she was just standing there in flatted! The fans went wild!
Semper Cy, being the good kind of Marine, (is there any other? Uh, read story above) repaired it quickly and just in time as the fixers of Matt's flat showed up. The group, now all back together headed for home with no other events to share in this report. Great ride!!!
And speaking of great rides...tonight is the WERAD! That's right, 5:30pm at Firestone and Summit. Come on out! It looks to be a beautiful evening! See you then! And...
See you out on the road,
Bob
The Bad Mayonnaise, Doug "The Devastator" Gehman and others took the shorter route after the first rest stop while Crusher and the Vortex opted for the longer miles. All were back together at the second rest stop just in time for the Vortex to be assaulted by an old crusty curmudgeon masquerading as a retired Marine. Crusher almost, uh...crushed the cranky codger as the other six riders circled ready for a throw down with a hapless has-been. It wasn't a pretty scene. (We still aren't sure what the, uhhh...gentleman's issue was. Maybe he was having another bad day. Maybe he just hates life.) Regardless, we headed down the road without incident...thankfully!
We rolled on around to Maygarden and back to the start line. Great ride! I had 61 miles as I was pulling into the garage.
Sunday was the Full Moon Ride. And want a fantastic ride it was! We had close to 20 riders of all talents and abilities. The sunset on the way out to the Fort was gorgeous as advertized. The Full Moon was equally beautiful over the Gulf for the ride back. Bad news though: Not a single meteor spotted. We even stopped along the way back hoping to see a couple of the shooting starts...nada. (That's Spanish...means nothing.) We did have two flats though. Wheelmen Matt flatted just before the second campground on the way back. We all stopped. As we are waiting, a couple of the more talented brethren amongst us began singing tunes from the 70s and 80s. At one point, one of the wannabe rockstars hit a high note and Chris Norton's front tire blew!!! That's right, while she was just standing there in flatted! The fans went wild!
Semper Cy, being the good kind of Marine, (is there any other? Uh, read story above) repaired it quickly and just in time as the fixers of Matt's flat showed up. The group, now all back together headed for home with no other events to share in this report. Great ride!!!
And speaking of great rides...tonight is the WERAD! That's right, 5:30pm at Firestone and Summit. Come on out! It looks to be a beautiful evening! See you then! And...
See you out on the road,
Bob
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Full Moon Ride Tonight...with a Twist!
Just a quick note to remind everyone riding tonight on the beautiful Full Moon Ride; please remember to bring $3 for entrance into the Fort Pickens National Park. We usually have enough annual pass holders to get everyone in "free" however sometimes we don't and you may need to pay for yourself. Also, please bring your lights! There are very few cars on Fort Pickens Road at night, but there are a few. Lights are a must. They don't have to be the big fancy, light up a stadium type, but just something on the front and rear of your machine to let others know where you are.
We start as promptly as possible at 7pm tonight and ride to the Fort as the sun is setting. We have a few minutes to regroup at the Fort before heading back under the gorgeous full moon over the Gulf! This is a fantastic ride and one that everybody does more than once! (kinda like Lay's potato chips) you just can't stop.
And guess what?
Tonight we have a special treat (twist)! It is the peak of the annual Perseid Meteor Shower. The event is the remnants of the Swift-Tuttle Comet that passed our (earth's) way many, many years ago. However, this time every year the orbit of the earth passes through the "debris" left by the comet and gives us an awesome display we call a meteor shower! The full moon tonight may hinder the visibility of these shooting stars which can flood the sky at up to 100 meteors every hour! It may be worth a stop along the way back to catch a star or two.
For all the details check the Rides Calendar at the bottom of this Blogazoidal!
Can't wait! See you then and as always...
See you out on the road,
Bob
We start as promptly as possible at 7pm tonight and ride to the Fort as the sun is setting. We have a few minutes to regroup at the Fort before heading back under the gorgeous full moon over the Gulf! This is a fantastic ride and one that everybody does more than once! (kinda like Lay's potato chips) you just can't stop.
And guess what?
Tonight we have a special treat (twist)! It is the peak of the annual Perseid Meteor Shower. The event is the remnants of the Swift-Tuttle Comet that passed our (earth's) way many, many years ago. However, this time every year the orbit of the earth passes through the "debris" left by the comet and gives us an awesome display we call a meteor shower! The full moon tonight may hinder the visibility of these shooting stars which can flood the sky at up to 100 meteors every hour! It may be worth a stop along the way back to catch a star or two.
For all the details check the Rides Calendar at the bottom of this Blogazoidal!
Can't wait! See you then and as always...
See you out on the road,
Bob
Friday, August 12, 2011
Maybe One Exception...
As you can imagine, I get all kinds of requests to post things on the Blogazoidal. Some, to be sure, you would expect, (since we are so worldwide with an audience in the 7 figures...not!), but some things border on the bizarre. You would expect to get a request to post somebody's bike that he wants to sell or maybe a rider that has an issue with a motorist. But, some of the requests I get are just way out there.
For example, a few months back, someone emailed me wanting to know if I would post recommendations for chamois cream applications. Now, I don't know about you, but that's getting kind of personal, don't you think? I mean, something you rub on your hinter regions is a bit of a private matter. Some folks apply the soothing potion to the chamois and others to the hinters themselves...and some may even slather both with the soothing balm.
However, I don't really think it's anybody's business but your own hinters as to your particular preference. And, I for one am not going to take up reader's valuable time posting how, where, what and why I or any other cyclist applies the lubricating lotion upon the hinters. I mean, some folks really rub...
Now wait just a minute! I'm doing the very thing I said I wouldn't do. This Blogazoidal is supposed to be used for the information, (sometimes entertainment), of it's readers who want to know what happened on the last ride or where we meet for the next ride. That's all, right? So no more requests about bar tape or how many rides before I wash my shorts or should I clean my water bottle when there's something black down in there. Okay?
Good, I'm glad we got that settled. And no, we're not listing your old TV for sale either. However...
There are exceptions to almost every rule, so...
Maybe we should talk about the things that affect us all as cyclists. This may be the one divergent from our puritan cycling blogazoidal ways. Things like the new traffic control measures on Langley Ave just east of Pensacourt. This is something that could have serious consequences for any cyclist. In fact, there is a real danger to the rider as he approaches this area. The new control measures push the rider into the traffic lane. It eliminates the bike lane/parking lane from use for the cyclist. This will be sure to irritate motorists as well. And to top it off, there is absolutely no warning that the traffic flow changes whatsoever. This isn't good.
Well, what can we do? Several have already written their council member. Mike Louy has even taken photographs as cyclists are riding by the new obstacles on Langley showing clearly the danger. He sent them to his council member, Ms. DeWeese. Here's her email address: mdeweese@ci.pensacola.fl.us
Maybe send her an email letting her know what you think about the new traffic measures on Langley. Who knows, maybe this will start some kind of "voice" for cyclists that is long overdue in our wonderful city...hope so.
Now, how about those rides this weekend?!
Well, tomorrow morning will we be doing the group fave Twisted Hammock Loop! This 55 miler is a fantastic ride. The shorter group will turn off at Kingsfield and looks like we may hook up again with them at the second rest stop at Pine Forest and 9 Mile Road. The shorter loop is about 45 miles. Pace will be moderate until after the first rest stop. (except for the Hammock Sprint)
Sunday will see the peloton at the beach for the Full Moon Ride. This monthly ride is the all time favorite of our group. Rumor has it that Left Lane may have some adult beverages at the finish line. I'm looking forward to seeing everyone out tomorrow morning! But, until then, I'll...
See you out on the road,
Bob
For example, a few months back, someone emailed me wanting to know if I would post recommendations for chamois cream applications. Now, I don't know about you, but that's getting kind of personal, don't you think? I mean, something you rub on your hinter regions is a bit of a private matter. Some folks apply the soothing potion to the chamois and others to the hinters themselves...and some may even slather both with the soothing balm.
However, I don't really think it's anybody's business but your own hinters as to your particular preference. And, I for one am not going to take up reader's valuable time posting how, where, what and why I or any other cyclist applies the lubricating lotion upon the hinters. I mean, some folks really rub...
Now wait just a minute! I'm doing the very thing I said I wouldn't do. This Blogazoidal is supposed to be used for the information, (sometimes entertainment), of it's readers who want to know what happened on the last ride or where we meet for the next ride. That's all, right? So no more requests about bar tape or how many rides before I wash my shorts or should I clean my water bottle when there's something black down in there. Okay?
Good, I'm glad we got that settled. And no, we're not listing your old TV for sale either. However...
There are exceptions to almost every rule, so...
Maybe we should talk about the things that affect us all as cyclists. This may be the one divergent from our puritan cycling blogazoidal ways. Things like the new traffic control measures on Langley Ave just east of Pensacourt. This is something that could have serious consequences for any cyclist. In fact, there is a real danger to the rider as he approaches this area. The new control measures push the rider into the traffic lane. It eliminates the bike lane/parking lane from use for the cyclist. This will be sure to irritate motorists as well. And to top it off, there is absolutely no warning that the traffic flow changes whatsoever. This isn't good.
Well, what can we do? Several have already written their council member. Mike Louy has even taken photographs as cyclists are riding by the new obstacles on Langley showing clearly the danger. He sent them to his council member, Ms. DeWeese. Here's her email address: mdeweese@ci.pensacola.fl.us
Maybe send her an email letting her know what you think about the new traffic measures on Langley. Who knows, maybe this will start some kind of "voice" for cyclists that is long overdue in our wonderful city...hope so.
Now, how about those rides this weekend?!
Well, tomorrow morning will we be doing the group fave Twisted Hammock Loop! This 55 miler is a fantastic ride. The shorter group will turn off at Kingsfield and looks like we may hook up again with them at the second rest stop at Pine Forest and 9 Mile Road. The shorter loop is about 45 miles. Pace will be moderate until after the first rest stop. (except for the Hammock Sprint)
Sunday will see the peloton at the beach for the Full Moon Ride. This monthly ride is the all time favorite of our group. Rumor has it that Left Lane may have some adult beverages at the finish line. I'm looking forward to seeing everyone out tomorrow morning! But, until then, I'll...
See you out on the road,
Bob
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Several Great Rides This Week
In light of the very sad news of the passing of a fellow cyclist, David Bailey, it seems inappropriate to do our usual color commentary regarding this past weekend's rides. They were wonderful rides to be sure. Saturday's ride had a huge group headed to Innerarity Point and back...with plenty of peloton antics. However, I think we'll forgo this week's Blogification out of respect and just remind you of what's on tap for our group starting tonight.
Tonight at 6pm we'll have our easy paced ride leaving from Firestone and Summit. Tomorrow evening at 5:30pm is our WERAD leaving from the same location. The WERAD is our weekly hammerfest or sufferfest depending on which end of the paceline you happen to be on. This coming weekend will see our peloton on two of the all time favorite routes! Saturday is the infamous Twisted Hammock Loop. Everyone loves this route! And Sunday is, of course the monthly fave Full Moon Ride out on the beach. What a fantastic weekend for riding!
Any questions? Just check out the Rides Calendar at the bottom of the Blogazoidal.
We'll talk soon. But until then, I'll...
See you out on the road,
Bob
Tonight at 6pm we'll have our easy paced ride leaving from Firestone and Summit. Tomorrow evening at 5:30pm is our WERAD leaving from the same location. The WERAD is our weekly hammerfest or sufferfest depending on which end of the paceline you happen to be on. This coming weekend will see our peloton on two of the all time favorite routes! Saturday is the infamous Twisted Hammock Loop. Everyone loves this route! And Sunday is, of course the monthly fave Full Moon Ride out on the beach. What a fantastic weekend for riding!
Any questions? Just check out the Rides Calendar at the bottom of the Blogazoidal.
We'll talk soon. But until then, I'll...
See you out on the road,
Bob
Friday, August 5, 2011
Innerarity Point Calls, NAS Beckons
Tomorrow morning we will once again attempt the awesome Innerarity Point Route. This route is a group fave and is around 50 to 55 miles long with alot of variety. However, if 55 miles is a bit too big a plate for your Saturday early morning appetite, then try the shorter route. This week it will be the NAS Back Door Loop which is just under 40 miles.
Both groups will start together from Fish and Wildlife at 7am and will maintain an easy to moderate pace until the shorter route group turns off for NAS. From this point each group will determine the pace for their particular group.
Important Note: If you are in the shorter route group, you must have government issued photo identification (GIPID) to go onboard NAS. No exceptions!
The longer route group will have two rest stops to fill the bottles. Should be home no later than 10:30am+/-. Which ever group you choose, come on out and get in some miles! Only 7 weeks until the Pensacola Cycling Classic!!!
See you in the morning and as always...
See you out on the road,
Bob
Both groups will start together from Fish and Wildlife at 7am and will maintain an easy to moderate pace until the shorter route group turns off for NAS. From this point each group will determine the pace for their particular group.
Important Note: If you are in the shorter route group, you must have government issued photo identification (GIPID) to go onboard NAS. No exceptions!
The longer route group will have two rest stops to fill the bottles. Should be home no later than 10:30am+/-. Which ever group you choose, come on out and get in some miles! Only 7 weeks until the Pensacola Cycling Classic!!!
See you in the morning and as always...
See you out on the road,
Bob
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