A little internal debate, a little light ribbing, and a little longing. That’s about all it took to get the zip-tie cutters out of the tool box, and drop the Bianchi frameset down from its place of honor over the garage workbench. After a couple hours of wrenching in the garage, the beast breathes again. And, it’s gorgeous – perhaps moreso than it was when I first tore it down.
Yes – unrest is rampant in the ‘Dude’s stable: if you don’t like what I’m riding, wait a few weeks. For now, however, part of my successful 2006 season is taken care of, with zero-excuses: a faster, lighter, stronger race-oriented bike, to tackle my race needs.
But, what about the CrossCheck, the ‘one’ that was supposed to tackle it all?? What’s yer problem, man?
The CrossCheck -- it still lives, and it now replaces the Steamroller. Let’s face facts: I love the Steamroller, but it’s going to turn into a feature-bike for weekend fixxie stuff, not so much the daily grind. It’s a stripped down warrior, and it’ll likely see a few alley-cats this year, but no more daily-duty. The PERFECT commuter that I always refer back to is my old Trek 720. It was indeed perfect – I ran it geared, I ran it single, fixed, too. It was rock-solid, and took full fenders. The CrossCheck is VERY close to that platform, with slightly shorter chainstays – and with its full fenders and fixed gear platform, it’s ready to fill the commuter gap, and get me to work clean in the sloppy rain, it’ll take massive tires for gravel road tours – there is very little this bike WON’T do – but like an old friend recently said, it doesn’t do any ONE of those things very well. Jack of all trades – master of none. But, that's perfect for commuter-duty.
The Bianchi -- well, it's master of only one thing: fast. No-excuses, tear-up-that-next-corner, fast. But, at the same time, it was cozy enough to provide the platform for the most comfortable 400K I've ridden to date, last May. Ask a bike with the same geometry in a different material to do THAT! (Ok, maybe Ti or carbon would be as comfy - but I'm biased.) But, the Bianchi can transition from ultra-distance to short-course racing with ease. So it doesn't take fenders? So WHAT?! It's meant to be ridden -- and ridden it shall be. She's ready to brevet – if it rains on brevet, well, so be it – and worst case, I can repeat my single-speed brevets on the CrossCheck – but I doubt it. I’ve gotten past the “oh-no, it’ll-get-dirty” phase with the Bianchi: but reality is that it WILL get dirty, and it will clean up just as easily. Since I LIKE to clean stuff, what does it matter? It didn’t matter at Tinbutt in 2004, when it rained for the first 3 hours!
Build it clean – get it dirty… repeat. It’s an absolute joy to ride, and I’m glad she’s back!
The Steamroller -- it's the perfect fixxie – but not the perfect commuter. The CrossCheck isn’t a perfect fixxie, but it’s a better commuter than the Steamroller – and so-on. Basically, after nearly 9 months of tearing this down, and building this up again, ad nauseum – I’ve nearly come full circle. If the CrossCheck was a darker shade of green, you might not be able to tell any difference between my current stable, and the same stable last July. Full circle, in this case, is a good thing – I experimented, and eventually put to rest my own demons on the issue. I indeed had things right the first time, and if I wasted a few hours and a little grease to find out, so be it. Things are good again.
Now, if it would PLEASE warm up outside – maybe I could get some training on the actual ROAD done!
Ugh… two hours on the indoor trainer is PLENTY!
But it’s all part of the goal-realization plan… and I’m right on track, and ready to ramp up for week seven.
This week, temps will rise a little out of the basement, and I can get to some real-world training, finally!
More as it happens!
February 20, 2006
February 13, 2006
The lay-off.
For the first time in over one-and-a-half years, I took a FULL WEEK OFF the bike.
A full seven days with ZERO cycling activity.
It was weird, really. Very, very weird... but the results are pleasant.
Even though I have been active, it's been on a non-cycling level, and I'm once again itching to get out and train. Unfortunately, my resolve for cold weather hasn't been restored, but my soul, legs, and resting heart-rate HAVE been.
The quest for the "total package" continues, however, with a lot of abdominal work, treadmill, and weights for resistance training on the upper body. For the first time since July, I feel the twang of multi-sport possibly coming back into the fray... assuming my upper body comes along at the same rate as everything else. To be more realistic, also, *IF* I do head back to Shawnee Mission Park this July for a little Tri-action, I'll opt for the short course. Regardless of my ability to gather back minutes during a longer bike-section, the prospect of another 1000-meter swim doesn't sit too well. It's on the "we'll see" list, for sure... the primary goals will take precedence, and if a tri- doesn't fit the mold this summer, I'll skip it. Have to look at the big picture, and not diversify too much.
Has it been strange NOT commuting to work? Absolutely.
There is almost a feeling of guilt, even despite a recent change in vehiclar mobility. A new car, something more appropriate for the CommuterDude automotive stable, now graces the driveway, taking the place of the 6MPG monster. Now, if I DO decide to drive, I'm using FAR less gas - so it won't sting as badly.
But still, seratonin levels are down, and the workday passes more slowly without a rousing workout before punching in. Further, the commute home is unsatisfying; sitting in traffic instead of humming along and breathing hard. The depression that comes packaged with late winter is intensified without that post-work outlet, but with most of this month behind me I know things will improve in a short time.
Spring, after-all, is only a month away... and the weather patterns are already reflecting it, the clouds taking on familiar shapes, and birds are becoming more active, as the shadows of the morning begin to march the other direction with the northward advance of sunrise on the horizon each day. This is the part I love - the transition of seasons.
Soon, the trees and fields will be awash with the fresh green of new birth, and the skies will rumble with the first spring rains. The salty roads will be washed clean, and will shine towards the horizon, beckoning. Arms and legs, long hidden by tights and warmers, will emerge again to bask in the sunlight. Warmth! Bliss!
I cannot wait... even as I huddle in my own coat with 20º winds blowing past my face, I smile - because I know the tides are about to turn...
Even after a full week off, I feel like I'm ready to pounce.
A full seven days with ZERO cycling activity.
It was weird, really. Very, very weird... but the results are pleasant.
Even though I have been active, it's been on a non-cycling level, and I'm once again itching to get out and train. Unfortunately, my resolve for cold weather hasn't been restored, but my soul, legs, and resting heart-rate HAVE been.
The quest for the "total package" continues, however, with a lot of abdominal work, treadmill, and weights for resistance training on the upper body. For the first time since July, I feel the twang of multi-sport possibly coming back into the fray... assuming my upper body comes along at the same rate as everything else. To be more realistic, also, *IF* I do head back to Shawnee Mission Park this July for a little Tri-action, I'll opt for the short course. Regardless of my ability to gather back minutes during a longer bike-section, the prospect of another 1000-meter swim doesn't sit too well. It's on the "we'll see" list, for sure... the primary goals will take precedence, and if a tri- doesn't fit the mold this summer, I'll skip it. Have to look at the big picture, and not diversify too much.
Has it been strange NOT commuting to work? Absolutely.
There is almost a feeling of guilt, even despite a recent change in vehiclar mobility. A new car, something more appropriate for the CommuterDude automotive stable, now graces the driveway, taking the place of the 6MPG monster. Now, if I DO decide to drive, I'm using FAR less gas - so it won't sting as badly.
But still, seratonin levels are down, and the workday passes more slowly without a rousing workout before punching in. Further, the commute home is unsatisfying; sitting in traffic instead of humming along and breathing hard. The depression that comes packaged with late winter is intensified without that post-work outlet, but with most of this month behind me I know things will improve in a short time.
Spring, after-all, is only a month away... and the weather patterns are already reflecting it, the clouds taking on familiar shapes, and birds are becoming more active, as the shadows of the morning begin to march the other direction with the northward advance of sunrise on the horizon each day. This is the part I love - the transition of seasons.
Soon, the trees and fields will be awash with the fresh green of new birth, and the skies will rumble with the first spring rains. The salty roads will be washed clean, and will shine towards the horizon, beckoning. Arms and legs, long hidden by tights and warmers, will emerge again to bask in the sunlight. Warmth! Bliss!
I cannot wait... even as I huddle in my own coat with 20º winds blowing past my face, I smile - because I know the tides are about to turn...
Even after a full week off, I feel like I'm ready to pounce.
February 6, 2006
Over-rated, my foot.
Yeah, yeah --
"Suck it up, man -- it's only (insert ridiculously cold temp here) outside, common! "
Forget THAT. This winter, despite warmer than normal temperatures, I'm defintely turning into one of those people that has "only so-many gut wrenchingly epic days" in him.
Going off of my "kinder-gentler" 2006 training plan spreadsheet, (ok, I said I was gonna RIDE less. I'll work on the over-analysis problem later) it looked like I was going to need 48 miles this last weekend. No problem! It's been REALLY nice these last few weekends, right? What could go wrong?
Well, winter could show up fashionably late, that's what.
And so it goes that I woke up Sunday morning to a blistering 18ºF on the thermometer, and promptly put my pre-ride carbo-bomb drink back in the fridge. Hmmmm... Might be time to dig that dusty thing I call a trackstand out of the rubble in the garage, and see if it will still support me with all this winter weight.
Ok, who am I kidding? -- there's no rubble in the garage.
So, I retrieved the trainer from its hook on the wall, and removed the protective bubble wrap and silca gel packet, and set it up. It was a hard sell, but with winds howling outside, the prospect of riding a few hours INside wasn't seeming all that horrid. A couple hours later, I was right. Not only did I get a quality cardio workout, I could still feel my fingers and toes, and my nose wasn't equipped with a fashionable and aerodynamically-stable snot-sickle.
So, I may have bashed training indoors before, and yeah -- it IS hard to keep one's mind occupied -- but thank the maker: I still got a workout, and the slow building of base mileage continues without regard to weather.
Special thanks to Landshark, without whom this would not have been possible.
Until next time -- keep your bike in one place and keep pedaling for the opposite wall.
You'll get there. Honest.
"Suck it up, man -- it's only (insert ridiculously cold temp here) outside, common! "
Forget THAT. This winter, despite warmer than normal temperatures, I'm defintely turning into one of those people that has "only so-many gut wrenchingly epic days" in him.
Going off of my "kinder-gentler" 2006 training plan spreadsheet, (ok, I said I was gonna RIDE less. I'll work on the over-analysis problem later) it looked like I was going to need 48 miles this last weekend. No problem! It's been REALLY nice these last few weekends, right? What could go wrong?
Well, winter could show up fashionably late, that's what.
And so it goes that I woke up Sunday morning to a blistering 18ºF on the thermometer, and promptly put my pre-ride carbo-bomb drink back in the fridge. Hmmmm... Might be time to dig that dusty thing I call a trackstand out of the rubble in the garage, and see if it will still support me with all this winter weight.
Ok, who am I kidding? -- there's no rubble in the garage.
So, I retrieved the trainer from its hook on the wall, and removed the protective bubble wrap and silca gel packet, and set it up. It was a hard sell, but with winds howling outside, the prospect of riding a few hours INside wasn't seeming all that horrid. A couple hours later, I was right. Not only did I get a quality cardio workout, I could still feel my fingers and toes, and my nose wasn't equipped with a fashionable and aerodynamically-stable snot-sickle.
So, I may have bashed training indoors before, and yeah -- it IS hard to keep one's mind occupied -- but thank the maker: I still got a workout, and the slow building of base mileage continues without regard to weather.
Special thanks to Landshark, without whom this would not have been possible.
Until next time -- keep your bike in one place and keep pedaling for the opposite wall.
You'll get there. Honest.
January 31, 2006
Get it on.
Training starts TODAY!
I wanted to give myself January as kind of a screw-off month, and that's pretty much what I did - but at least I got something of an OFF-SEASON. Still, training REALLY started yesterday, as I write this. I just couldn't wait - which, again to the anti-burnout thing - is a good sign. Last night I was itching to start training, instead of dreading it. It was VERY hard to stay off the bike, especially considering this January has officially broken records as the warmest on-record for Kansas City. I abstained, however, and I can already feel a difference.
Unlike previous years, THIS season's training will actually be mapped out, planned, and executed with more fore-thought, and less guessing. After all, the philosophy of "ride ride ride" only goes so far. This year, training smarter should yield better personal results. I may end up with fewer miles, but they will ALL be quality miles, instead of just a big number like the last two years.
Looking back, "ride ride ride" has been my training mantra for the last 5 years, and this year it's time for something different. A more structured approach to mileage, something decidedly "goal oriented" - taking my goals (ie, the 400K, Tinbutt, etc.) and working that mileage and speed goal backwards to today. Asking myself questions like, "How is what I do THIS week going to affect how I perform in 25 weeks?"
While "ride ride ride" has previously been enough to get-by on, this year more of a total athletic approach is at hand. Last night was 20 minutes on the treadmill, 3 sets of abdominal work, 10 minutes of stretching - today, commute to work for training. Light intensity this AM, and aerobic zone this afternoon. Tomorrow, rest. More important than the riding itself, this new routine of off-bike work should provide a well-rounded approach, will help better attack these "last five pounds", and will develop a stronger core - which all translates to better riding. This, along with a more balanced diet, and I think I'm on a good track here.
I might even have enough in my tank by August between Tinbutt and Tejas to try my hand at some short-track stuff, like Tour of Shawnee for sure, and POSSIBLY Tour of KC --- Spinman will be thrilled to read this!
I can't commit to buying a year-long license, tho --- I'll opt for the day-pass, if I go there.
But part of the package should be more speed.... so, we'll see. It's a long time between July and October, so I don't think some shorter races would hurt -- just to keep things spicy, ya know... We'll see if I can hang onto the Bicycle Shack pack first, tho!
As opposed to previous years where I had trepidation about things to come, dreading the 600K and wondering how I'd survive, I am now very optimistic about 2006!
Here's the biggie: personal accountability --- I probably just put half my audience to sleep here, but it's all good. I HAVE to have something to look back on to keep my head in check.
Alright, ya'll --- January is over -- let's get it on!
I wanted to give myself January as kind of a screw-off month, and that's pretty much what I did - but at least I got something of an OFF-SEASON. Still, training REALLY started yesterday, as I write this. I just couldn't wait - which, again to the anti-burnout thing - is a good sign. Last night I was itching to start training, instead of dreading it. It was VERY hard to stay off the bike, especially considering this January has officially broken records as the warmest on-record for Kansas City. I abstained, however, and I can already feel a difference.
Unlike previous years, THIS season's training will actually be mapped out, planned, and executed with more fore-thought, and less guessing. After all, the philosophy of "ride ride ride" only goes so far. This year, training smarter should yield better personal results. I may end up with fewer miles, but they will ALL be quality miles, instead of just a big number like the last two years.
Looking back, "ride ride ride" has been my training mantra for the last 5 years, and this year it's time for something different. A more structured approach to mileage, something decidedly "goal oriented" - taking my goals (ie, the 400K, Tinbutt, etc.) and working that mileage and speed goal backwards to today. Asking myself questions like, "How is what I do THIS week going to affect how I perform in 25 weeks?"
While "ride ride ride" has previously been enough to get-by on, this year more of a total athletic approach is at hand. Last night was 20 minutes on the treadmill, 3 sets of abdominal work, 10 minutes of stretching - today, commute to work for training. Light intensity this AM, and aerobic zone this afternoon. Tomorrow, rest. More important than the riding itself, this new routine of off-bike work should provide a well-rounded approach, will help better attack these "last five pounds", and will develop a stronger core - which all translates to better riding. This, along with a more balanced diet, and I think I'm on a good track here.
I might even have enough in my tank by August between Tinbutt and Tejas to try my hand at some short-track stuff, like Tour of Shawnee for sure, and POSSIBLY Tour of KC --- Spinman will be thrilled to read this!
I can't commit to buying a year-long license, tho --- I'll opt for the day-pass, if I go there.
But part of the package should be more speed.... so, we'll see. It's a long time between July and October, so I don't think some shorter races would hurt -- just to keep things spicy, ya know... We'll see if I can hang onto the Bicycle Shack pack first, tho!
As opposed to previous years where I had trepidation about things to come, dreading the 600K and wondering how I'd survive, I am now very optimistic about 2006!
Here's the biggie: personal accountability --- I probably just put half my audience to sleep here, but it's all good. I HAVE to have something to look back on to keep my head in check.
Alright, ya'll --- January is over -- let's get it on!
January 26, 2006
It's back.
It's been a while since I posted, so might as WELL, right?
Geez, guys - get off my back already!
Gross.
Anyways.... things have been going well, as I dive into the zen existance of a clean-slate, which comes with the new year. Had dinner with Ort and his crew a few nights ago -- awesome bean soup, man. Also, this segues into the fact that I'm also continuing my January-of-not-caring:
Eat whatever. Train whenever. Whatever.
Although, thankfully, my weight seems to have stabilized. Not that I'd do anything about it if it WASN'T, because it's the January-of-not-caring -- but still I keep tabs on it, and we're solid in the 150-club. Even after what I will heretofor refer to as the "Night of the Enchilada".
Holy crap, dude - have some more CHEESE.
Whenceforth. (whatever -- I'm getting all King James for some reason. Hither. Forthwith.)
Make haste, soccer-mom!
On the bike-front, the Fix (if you hadn't heard me screaming it) is BACK.
I got this delusion that part of the reason I've become a lump and a pack-sucker was the fixed gear was holding me back. Hogwash. I simply have been base-building. For like, a year.
Ok ok ok -- so I took the darn thing apart, and I felt this LONGING for it.
Once you go fixed, you never... you can't..... you're..... crap, nothing rhymes with that.
So, it's back. Hey. It's back. Pass it on.
(did you hear? It's back.)
FIXXIE! I misssed you!!! I love you, fixxie! (bwaaaaaa!!!)
That's not creepy or anything.
So, after installing a slightly smaller gear to migrate from "mash-mode" to "spin-mode", I've fully integrated the fix back into stable. Of course, I'm still not riding all that much - all part of the plan. I've been chastised recently for missing the great weather - which is true: it's been WEIRD warm here for January, but the fact remains - even if it's punctuated by the occasional Canadian shortwave (no, not radio, fool.), spring will come, and the days that we feel so fortunate to have right now will seem awfully cold compared to the 70º pre-dawn warmth that awaits only 45-60 days away. Ok, maybe not THAT warm pre-dawn -- whatever. Stop correcting yourself, dude!
So, bite me. I'll ride when I'm good and ready. And that, apparently, is this afternoon. See you out there! 60º in January is another story entirely, but I'm being careful to keep my reserves in the black -- I'll need them in March.
TWO 200K's this year! Two weeks apart -- and one, entirely new.
And, in typical -- "hello, I'm Bob, and I will punish you" RBA fashion, the first one starts very close to Wyandotte County Lake Park -- "read: HILLY as death."
Great. Thanks, Bob -- I can see him now, back in December, plotting out the new route by dim candlelight in a dingy basement with a quill and inkwell, occasionally letting an evil bellow punctuate the otherwise quiet evilness of his route-planning lair.
"let's see... route 77 north.... no, no... too flat.... how about this abandoned service road? yeeessss.... MUAAHAAHAAAAHAAAA!!!!!"
Thanks for helping my mental game, man.
Whoof. I still sent him the ten bucks, so I guess it's MY fault, in the end.
Start the season!!!
(the fix is back, by the way.)
Geez, guys - get off my back already!
Gross.
Anyways.... things have been going well, as I dive into the zen existance of a clean-slate, which comes with the new year. Had dinner with Ort and his crew a few nights ago -- awesome bean soup, man. Also, this segues into the fact that I'm also continuing my January-of-not-caring:
Eat whatever. Train whenever. Whatever.
Although, thankfully, my weight seems to have stabilized. Not that I'd do anything about it if it WASN'T, because it's the January-of-not-caring -- but still I keep tabs on it, and we're solid in the 150-club. Even after what I will heretofor refer to as the "Night of the Enchilada".
Holy crap, dude - have some more CHEESE.
Whenceforth. (whatever -- I'm getting all King James for some reason. Hither. Forthwith.)
Make haste, soccer-mom!
On the bike-front, the Fix (if you hadn't heard me screaming it) is BACK.
I got this delusion that part of the reason I've become a lump and a pack-sucker was the fixed gear was holding me back. Hogwash. I simply have been base-building. For like, a year.
Ok ok ok -- so I took the darn thing apart, and I felt this LONGING for it.
Once you go fixed, you never... you can't..... you're..... crap, nothing rhymes with that.
So, it's back. Hey. It's back. Pass it on.
(did you hear? It's back.)
FIXXIE! I misssed you!!! I love you, fixxie! (bwaaaaaa!!!)
That's not creepy or anything.
So, after installing a slightly smaller gear to migrate from "mash-mode" to "spin-mode", I've fully integrated the fix back into stable. Of course, I'm still not riding all that much - all part of the plan. I've been chastised recently for missing the great weather - which is true: it's been WEIRD warm here for January, but the fact remains - even if it's punctuated by the occasional Canadian shortwave (no, not radio, fool.), spring will come, and the days that we feel so fortunate to have right now will seem awfully cold compared to the 70º pre-dawn warmth that awaits only 45-60 days away. Ok, maybe not THAT warm pre-dawn -- whatever. Stop correcting yourself, dude!
So, bite me. I'll ride when I'm good and ready. And that, apparently, is this afternoon. See you out there! 60º in January is another story entirely, but I'm being careful to keep my reserves in the black -- I'll need them in March.
TWO 200K's this year! Two weeks apart -- and one, entirely new.
And, in typical -- "hello, I'm Bob, and I will punish you" RBA fashion, the first one starts very close to Wyandotte County Lake Park -- "read: HILLY as death."
Great. Thanks, Bob -- I can see him now, back in December, plotting out the new route by dim candlelight in a dingy basement with a quill and inkwell, occasionally letting an evil bellow punctuate the otherwise quiet evilness of his route-planning lair.
"let's see... route 77 north.... no, no... too flat.... how about this abandoned service road? yeeessss.... MUAAHAAHAAAAHAAAA!!!!!"
Thanks for helping my mental game, man.
Whoof. I still sent him the ten bucks, so I guess it's MY fault, in the end.
Start the season!!!
(the fix is back, by the way.)
January 18, 2006
One is all you need.
It's a phrase I'm holding on to, but for different reasons that you've read here before.
I eluded to it in yesterdays post, and last night after the kids went to sleep, I was thinking about it again. Badgerland said it on Sunday's ride, too, talking about his conversation with a bicycle manufacturer, and how his goal was to have ONE bike that could do it all.
Funny -- there was a time when I followed the same philosophy. When did I let things get so complicated??? Reading back over my own thoughts from the past couple weeks, my new goals, my new training philosophy, etc., I'm realizing that there is more happening here than a change in approach, but a change in equipment, too. Fixed gear and single-speed have provided a monster base, and a lot more leg strength than I probably would have gained otherwise, but I have not been balanced in that regard: over 85% of my mileage from the end of 2005 was on a single-gear -- and, thinking back, all the brevets were on single-speed, too. Dang.
Yes -- the time differences between riding the brevets on single, and with gears for me was not a HUGE difference -- I was just as fast without derailluers, so why go back?
Mainly, I've noticed, without gears I've allowed myself to become complacent -- since the excuse for not going faster is built-into the bike, I don't have to worry about making those excuses for myself. "I can't chase, because I can't pedal that fast." Justifications for a fitness base that, regardless of bike, I have let slip. If I have the gears, and I can't chase, it's because I'm out of shape - a fact that I was not willing to admit.
Time to face facts, and retire the single-cogs for a while.
Also, I've realized that a lot of the parts on the good bike - critical parts - were ending their service life. The BB was getting notchy, the crankarms looked really nasty, chipped - opportunities for fractures everywhere, pedals, cables, etc., many items on their 5th year of hard use. Can I really expect a 6th year of use out of this stuff? Time to gather the best bits in a pile, and see what I have to work with here.
Yeah, I'll probably still have a fixxie built up for seriously nasty weather -- but I won't be running premium parts on it, that's for sure. Too tempting to grab it instead of another bike, I suppose. Fixed and single is still an absolute BLAST -- but I'm seeing something of a mental transformation in myself these last two weeks that calls for something more.
Last season, one gear was all I needed.
This year, looks like one BIKE.
After amassing all the parts worth reusing, I'm fairly happy with the results. Unfortunately, I'm turning into a junk dealer in the process. I have this frankensteined-together bike, but at least I know the parts are newer, and probably not prone to fatigue failures for a couple years. It's something to train on, for sure. When bonus-time comes in a few months, however, I'm thinking either some upgrades are in the cards, or something completely new to take on the title of "good bike" in my stable. We'll see -- but for now I have the tools I need to start getting back to business.
Now, Saturday's weather looks good -- intervals on 175th street, anyone?
I eluded to it in yesterdays post, and last night after the kids went to sleep, I was thinking about it again. Badgerland said it on Sunday's ride, too, talking about his conversation with a bicycle manufacturer, and how his goal was to have ONE bike that could do it all.
Funny -- there was a time when I followed the same philosophy. When did I let things get so complicated??? Reading back over my own thoughts from the past couple weeks, my new goals, my new training philosophy, etc., I'm realizing that there is more happening here than a change in approach, but a change in equipment, too. Fixed gear and single-speed have provided a monster base, and a lot more leg strength than I probably would have gained otherwise, but I have not been balanced in that regard: over 85% of my mileage from the end of 2005 was on a single-gear -- and, thinking back, all the brevets were on single-speed, too. Dang.
Yes -- the time differences between riding the brevets on single, and with gears for me was not a HUGE difference -- I was just as fast without derailluers, so why go back?
Mainly, I've noticed, without gears I've allowed myself to become complacent -- since the excuse for not going faster is built-into the bike, I don't have to worry about making those excuses for myself. "I can't chase, because I can't pedal that fast." Justifications for a fitness base that, regardless of bike, I have let slip. If I have the gears, and I can't chase, it's because I'm out of shape - a fact that I was not willing to admit.
Time to face facts, and retire the single-cogs for a while.
Also, I've realized that a lot of the parts on the good bike - critical parts - were ending their service life. The BB was getting notchy, the crankarms looked really nasty, chipped - opportunities for fractures everywhere, pedals, cables, etc., many items on their 5th year of hard use. Can I really expect a 6th year of use out of this stuff? Time to gather the best bits in a pile, and see what I have to work with here.
Yeah, I'll probably still have a fixxie built up for seriously nasty weather -- but I won't be running premium parts on it, that's for sure. Too tempting to grab it instead of another bike, I suppose. Fixed and single is still an absolute BLAST -- but I'm seeing something of a mental transformation in myself these last two weeks that calls for something more.
Last season, one gear was all I needed.
This year, looks like one BIKE.
After amassing all the parts worth reusing, I'm fairly happy with the results. Unfortunately, I'm turning into a junk dealer in the process. I have this frankensteined-together bike, but at least I know the parts are newer, and probably not prone to fatigue failures for a couple years. It's something to train on, for sure. When bonus-time comes in a few months, however, I'm thinking either some upgrades are in the cards, or something completely new to take on the title of "good bike" in my stable. We'll see -- but for now I have the tools I need to start getting back to business.
Now, Saturday's weather looks good -- intervals on 175th street, anyone?
January 17, 2006
The wake up calls are loud!
Work continues on refining my training program to closely mimic my 2003 season, while I pour over old journal entries, accounts from that year's races, and even the commutes - the mileage, the intensity. After taking an unprecedented FULL WEEK OFF THE BIKE (gasp!), I was pretty much going crazy for a ride. Warm, unseasonably warm, days came and went without me on a bike -- torture. It's one thing if I'm iced in or something, but last week a couple of afternoons got near 60ºF, and I was itching for a ride. I'm still sticking to my plan, however, and I figure a week off the bike - whether I need it or not - is probably a good thing. Better to nip overtraining in the bud, BEFORE it happens (see last July's pathetic Lone Star Century ride!).
A few of the things I'm beginning to realize that nailed my coffin shut, and I'm boring you to death by putting these in print, I know -- but I HAVE to for my own reference.
Single-speed. Yes -- one speed is all you need, but not if you are trying to get faster! I got really good at riding one gear, so good that I had completely forgotten how to shift -- rather, I know *HOW* to shift, just not WHEN. Riding a bike with gears these past few trips out, I noticed that I wasn't shifting at ALL, until often it was too late -- which goes all the way back to '98, when I was first starting to figure out how to maximize my hill-climbing by keeping the RPMs constant, even if speed dropped a little. You know - spinning.
Thankfully, the fixed gear has done wonders for my spinning - but part of translating that skill onto a geared bike is timing the shifiting with the spinning. It took until the last part of last week's ride with Ort to realize that "yes", I CAN continue in one gear longer than I used to be able to, but if I truly want to flatten these hills, I need to shift a couple times - instead of grinding up the first half in a huge gear - because that's what a fixxie HAS to do. By the time I remembered "hey, I can shift!", it was too late, and my momentum was already gone.
I'm just glad that I'm figuring all this out NOW, instead of later... and it also gives me an opportunity to figure out my commuting routine. Part of successful training is consistancy, not only in diet, exercise, crosstraining and mileage increases, but in equipment. If I'm always switching bikes, positions, and methods, I'm not going to excel at any one of them. Looking back on my 2003 season, I realized that I was doing the majority of my commutes AND weekend training rides on the same bike - the orange Schwinn. The only time I'd abandon to another bike was in the nasty weather, and then I'd grab the single speed with fenders. This differs greatly from the last couple years, where I had been commuting on a single-speed, recently a fixed, and some weekends I was not touching the geared bike at all --- it was no wonder that I would finally see an opportunity to grab that geared bike, and see less-than-spectacular performances. I would forget to shift, and the non-fixed factor made it hard to keep a smooth spin and efficient power transfer on the freewheeling gearie. No WONDER my average speeds dropped.
True true -- if I STAY on the fixed, I could still train hard and have a good 2006 season, but the writing is on the wall, and I think more geared commutes are in store for 2006 - I need to get that feel back for timely shifts, and consistancy in cadence, instead of just muscling up the climbs like I've gotten used to doing.
While I've had a terrific time these last couple years, I'm been on a slow, downward slope. Beginning with the departure of the Warbird from my training scene, I lost my chase plane (so to speak), and started doing more solo rides. Even though I sitll had numbers to train with, I let them slip -- with no-one to chase and a hard work schedule, I started to play around with equipment to kep my restlessness occupied. I went through more bikes in two years than I had in the previous five, mainly from boredom. Things like weight, gears, speed and goals became less important -- but, I was still having fun! It's not like it was a total loss -- I just lost some of my competitive edge, I suppose. Am I weeping for it? No. Just wanting to get it back, and keep the fun that came with it, and the fun I've discovered the last 2 years, too.
While I've had a good run on fixed and single-speed, I recently find myself wanting more what I had previously - with the added benefit of all the other things I've discovered recently. Still, I hearken back to last year's MS-150, and a miracle of a run with Ort on the early part of day 2, where we averaged nearly 22 MPH for 30 miles, with me on the fixxie. Dang, what a RUSH --- but honestly, I don't tihnk I could have repeated that on the geared bike -- it's all trainign and exposure. Later that morning, Ort kicked things up again and started disappearing up the road, and because of the gear I was in, I was unable to chase. Hmmm... so, you see, it leans both ways. I'll figure it out. While I doubt I'll get rid of the fixxie for good, I certainly think it will see less road time this season - but the verdict is still out on that one, maybe dirt road rides or something. So far, it's a lot harder to be fast on a geared bike than it is on the fixed gear for me.
Things like drivetrain momentum, consistancy and fast spinning are just harder to master when the rear wheel isn't doing some of the work.
All I know is this Sunday on a team ride, I had a blast on the geared bike -- I was coasting down hills at high-speed, leaning into corners, bunny-hopping pavement joints and railroad tracks. It was great fun -- and I was still with a fantastic group of my favorite local riders. I can indeed have both -- but little things here and there reminded me of the work ahead -- getting outsprinted at the end of the ride by Brinehawk, having trouble bridging up to Badgerland on a climb on Pflumm, things like that. While I never stopped smiling, it certainly fired up those competitive juices again. Looking forward to this weekend already, and looking forward to the shipment of a headlight bracket so I can commute on both bikes.
This is very much a blah blah blah kind of posting --- but it's helping me voice some of this junk.
This, however, is shaping up to be very much a single-bike season.
A few of the things I'm beginning to realize that nailed my coffin shut, and I'm boring you to death by putting these in print, I know -- but I HAVE to for my own reference.
Single-speed. Yes -- one speed is all you need, but not if you are trying to get faster! I got really good at riding one gear, so good that I had completely forgotten how to shift -- rather, I know *HOW* to shift, just not WHEN. Riding a bike with gears these past few trips out, I noticed that I wasn't shifting at ALL, until often it was too late -- which goes all the way back to '98, when I was first starting to figure out how to maximize my hill-climbing by keeping the RPMs constant, even if speed dropped a little. You know - spinning.
Thankfully, the fixed gear has done wonders for my spinning - but part of translating that skill onto a geared bike is timing the shifiting with the spinning. It took until the last part of last week's ride with Ort to realize that "yes", I CAN continue in one gear longer than I used to be able to, but if I truly want to flatten these hills, I need to shift a couple times - instead of grinding up the first half in a huge gear - because that's what a fixxie HAS to do. By the time I remembered "hey, I can shift!", it was too late, and my momentum was already gone.
I'm just glad that I'm figuring all this out NOW, instead of later... and it also gives me an opportunity to figure out my commuting routine. Part of successful training is consistancy, not only in diet, exercise, crosstraining and mileage increases, but in equipment. If I'm always switching bikes, positions, and methods, I'm not going to excel at any one of them. Looking back on my 2003 season, I realized that I was doing the majority of my commutes AND weekend training rides on the same bike - the orange Schwinn. The only time I'd abandon to another bike was in the nasty weather, and then I'd grab the single speed with fenders. This differs greatly from the last couple years, where I had been commuting on a single-speed, recently a fixed, and some weekends I was not touching the geared bike at all --- it was no wonder that I would finally see an opportunity to grab that geared bike, and see less-than-spectacular performances. I would forget to shift, and the non-fixed factor made it hard to keep a smooth spin and efficient power transfer on the freewheeling gearie. No WONDER my average speeds dropped.
True true -- if I STAY on the fixed, I could still train hard and have a good 2006 season, but the writing is on the wall, and I think more geared commutes are in store for 2006 - I need to get that feel back for timely shifts, and consistancy in cadence, instead of just muscling up the climbs like I've gotten used to doing.
While I've had a terrific time these last couple years, I'm been on a slow, downward slope. Beginning with the departure of the Warbird from my training scene, I lost my chase plane (so to speak), and started doing more solo rides. Even though I sitll had numbers to train with, I let them slip -- with no-one to chase and a hard work schedule, I started to play around with equipment to kep my restlessness occupied. I went through more bikes in two years than I had in the previous five, mainly from boredom. Things like weight, gears, speed and goals became less important -- but, I was still having fun! It's not like it was a total loss -- I just lost some of my competitive edge, I suppose. Am I weeping for it? No. Just wanting to get it back, and keep the fun that came with it, and the fun I've discovered the last 2 years, too.
While I've had a good run on fixed and single-speed, I recently find myself wanting more what I had previously - with the added benefit of all the other things I've discovered recently. Still, I hearken back to last year's MS-150, and a miracle of a run with Ort on the early part of day 2, where we averaged nearly 22 MPH for 30 miles, with me on the fixxie. Dang, what a RUSH --- but honestly, I don't tihnk I could have repeated that on the geared bike -- it's all trainign and exposure. Later that morning, Ort kicked things up again and started disappearing up the road, and because of the gear I was in, I was unable to chase. Hmmm... so, you see, it leans both ways. I'll figure it out. While I doubt I'll get rid of the fixxie for good, I certainly think it will see less road time this season - but the verdict is still out on that one, maybe dirt road rides or something. So far, it's a lot harder to be fast on a geared bike than it is on the fixed gear for me.
Things like drivetrain momentum, consistancy and fast spinning are just harder to master when the rear wheel isn't doing some of the work.
All I know is this Sunday on a team ride, I had a blast on the geared bike -- I was coasting down hills at high-speed, leaning into corners, bunny-hopping pavement joints and railroad tracks. It was great fun -- and I was still with a fantastic group of my favorite local riders. I can indeed have both -- but little things here and there reminded me of the work ahead -- getting outsprinted at the end of the ride by Brinehawk, having trouble bridging up to Badgerland on a climb on Pflumm, things like that. While I never stopped smiling, it certainly fired up those competitive juices again. Looking forward to this weekend already, and looking forward to the shipment of a headlight bracket so I can commute on both bikes.
This is very much a blah blah blah kind of posting --- but it's helping me voice some of this junk.
This, however, is shaping up to be very much a single-bike season.
January 13, 2006
Stoke the fire...
Start the season! There is something to be said for publishing, and personal accountability. Let's get it on.
January 12, 2006
Why do I mess with success?
Sometimes, I swear - I'm my own worst enemy.
With this recent bike frame swap, I'm learning that many times it's best NOT to try and incorporate ancient junk onto a brand new frameset. In this case, cantilevers.
In an effort to get rolling, save a little dough, I swapped over these old Dia Compe XCM canti's from a late-80's/early-90's mtn. bike. They are pretty nice, basic black - and in the vein of cantilever brakes in general, there is very little there that can go wrong, or wear out.
In this case, however, they look a little nasty, and kind bring down the feel of the entire bike. They've got these massive aluminum yokes, with big pinch-bolt arrangements, and just look sloppy. As simple as this brake type is, it's amazing how many advances they've made in cleaning up the installation, design, and performance of cantilevers.
I've got the rest of the bike pretty much "done" - even though, lately, as I've tried and tried and TRIED to get these brakes slop-free, toed-in, and self-centering I feel like tearing the entire bike down again, and going back to the Bianchi, *JUST* so I can use my now home-less Dura-Ace calipers. One bolt, one cable - DONE. Of center? Use the centering adjustment.
They are light, small, sexy, and stop the bike on a dime. And the new frame won't take 'em.
Sure, this new frame solves a lot of problems the Bianchi suffered from - really tight clearances, tight geometry, no room for anything bigger than 23c tires, etc..... BUT, it was tight, sexy - a real head-turner at the club rides. But, buidling it back up will only reveal the same problems I was trying to avoid by getting a new frame in the FIRST place.
DANG IT -- I should have just sold it, because now, every time I look at it hanging over the work-bench in the garage, I start to think that fussing with goofy things like threadless headsets and cantilever brakes JUST ISN'T WORTH THE HASSLE. Especially since I've swapped back to 23c tires and have a new goal for more speed and more success in 2006, did I jump too soon with getting this Crosscheck frameset? It's starting to look like an awfully attractive replacement for the Steamroller -- after all, where else are big tires and fender clearances more appropriate than on a commuter bike?
Or maybe I should just drop $80 on a pair of Avid Shorty6 cantis and call it good.
Dammit.
Being "me" is such a freakin' chore sometimes.
UPDATE: Avid Shorty6 picked up this afternoon. Too much invested to scrap this project, and once this is done I have no other complaints about the bike -- START THE SEASON!
With this recent bike frame swap, I'm learning that many times it's best NOT to try and incorporate ancient junk onto a brand new frameset. In this case, cantilevers.
In an effort to get rolling, save a little dough, I swapped over these old Dia Compe XCM canti's from a late-80's/early-90's mtn. bike. They are pretty nice, basic black - and in the vein of cantilever brakes in general, there is very little there that can go wrong, or wear out.
In this case, however, they look a little nasty, and kind bring down the feel of the entire bike. They've got these massive aluminum yokes, with big pinch-bolt arrangements, and just look sloppy. As simple as this brake type is, it's amazing how many advances they've made in cleaning up the installation, design, and performance of cantilevers.
I've got the rest of the bike pretty much "done" - even though, lately, as I've tried and tried and TRIED to get these brakes slop-free, toed-in, and self-centering I feel like tearing the entire bike down again, and going back to the Bianchi, *JUST* so I can use my now home-less Dura-Ace calipers. One bolt, one cable - DONE. Of center? Use the centering adjustment.
They are light, small, sexy, and stop the bike on a dime. And the new frame won't take 'em.
Sure, this new frame solves a lot of problems the Bianchi suffered from - really tight clearances, tight geometry, no room for anything bigger than 23c tires, etc..... BUT, it was tight, sexy - a real head-turner at the club rides. But, buidling it back up will only reveal the same problems I was trying to avoid by getting a new frame in the FIRST place.
DANG IT -- I should have just sold it, because now, every time I look at it hanging over the work-bench in the garage, I start to think that fussing with goofy things like threadless headsets and cantilever brakes JUST ISN'T WORTH THE HASSLE. Especially since I've swapped back to 23c tires and have a new goal for more speed and more success in 2006, did I jump too soon with getting this Crosscheck frameset? It's starting to look like an awfully attractive replacement for the Steamroller -- after all, where else are big tires and fender clearances more appropriate than on a commuter bike?
Or maybe I should just drop $80 on a pair of Avid Shorty6 cantis and call it good.
Dammit.
Being "me" is such a freakin' chore sometimes.
UPDATE: Avid Shorty6 picked up this afternoon. Too much invested to scrap this project, and once this is done I have no other complaints about the bike -- START THE SEASON!
January 9, 2006
Less can be more
I'm a mileage hog. I admit it.
Although I don't log 10,000-mile-years, it has been a past goal of mine.
The numbers -- the bigger, the better.
Hey - look what *I* did.
Let's forget for a second that the last two months of the year end up being a CHORE.
Cycling is no longer fun, and long after January 1st comes and goes, the numbers of the previous year are quickly forgotten - often stewed about, especially if I came up short.
In the dark, sometimes things can be SO clear and bright.
Sunday morning, before the sun came up, Ort and I were spinning southbound on a familiar country backroad, talking in the darkness. Talking about the usual early-season stuff. What went wrong last year - what's in store for the coming season.
Fresh from another year of coming up slightly short of an unrealistic mileage goal, I was doing more listening than talking for once, as Ort recounted a conversation with our RBA a couple weeks back, wherein said RBA was talking about HIS mileage for 2005 -- and the number shocked me. It was low. VERY low. Lower than I expected.
This RBA is an iron-giant of a rider, someone that I'd simply assumed was getting 10,000+ mileage years. Things like PBP, and multiple 1000K rides usually dominate his calendar, so it was a given that he'd have big numbers. Not really.
Instead of training A LOT, he was training smart.
While mileage totals over 1000 are nearly a guarantee for ANY aspiring ultra-rider, mileages over 5000 are sometimes rare -- and totally un-neccessary.
As I floated along through the darkness with Ort, many bells were going off in my head -- the burnout of last summer, the duldrums of late winter cycling, just shooting for a number; mistakes here and there that now had a spotlight on them. For once, I was plotting solutions -- and later that morning I spent a good amount of time writing them down, and looking back over my banner-year of 2003 again.
The mileage that I ended up with was simply gravy atop a pile of really good, QUALITY miles - I had goals each week, specific targets, destinations in mind -- some days I'd go light, others hard with lots of climbing, and always pushing myself when needed, and resting when needed.
Thank goodness for documentation.
I also looked back at 2003 with a little trepidation: was that ME??!! I was looking over a season of personal-bests that I had sorta forgotten about. I had remembered MV24, which - considering - I still hold up as a personal triumph; but leading up to that were impressive rides - rides that THIS last summer, I would not have been able to duplicate. There was a 20-or-better MPH average century, SOLO. There was a personal-best 200K with an average speed of 18.5 MPH, including stops. There was a 2nd place finish at the Tour De Shawnee, there was a near-record Octoginta in Lawrence, and there were smatterings of 23 MPH average speed-work runs at distances up to 30 miles. There were tales of body weight about 10 lbs. lower than where I am now. There are pictures of me wearing jerseys that, today, no longer fit loosely.
The big question is - can I get BACK?
Some would call it "hanging onto the glory days".... but I refuse to subscribe to that.
I'm not 70 years old, recounting a storied criterium career, something truly out-of-reach and foolhardy to re-attempt at that age. (until someone writes and tells me about what their grandpa did last summer, that is --- NOTHING is impossible, just improbable.)
This was only 3 seasons ago, and I know precisely who is responsible for letting that form slip. Me. Time to get to work.
This morning, as I logged into BikeJournal.com, I recorded the weekend's mileage, and modified the "2006 mileage goal" section of my profile. I put in a lower number, and saved changes.
Not only can I DEFINTELY make THAT mileage goal, I'll have a blast doing it.
Although I don't log 10,000-mile-years, it has been a past goal of mine.
The numbers -- the bigger, the better.
Hey - look what *I* did.
Let's forget for a second that the last two months of the year end up being a CHORE.
Cycling is no longer fun, and long after January 1st comes and goes, the numbers of the previous year are quickly forgotten - often stewed about, especially if I came up short.
In the dark, sometimes things can be SO clear and bright.
Sunday morning, before the sun came up, Ort and I were spinning southbound on a familiar country backroad, talking in the darkness. Talking about the usual early-season stuff. What went wrong last year - what's in store for the coming season.
Fresh from another year of coming up slightly short of an unrealistic mileage goal, I was doing more listening than talking for once, as Ort recounted a conversation with our RBA a couple weeks back, wherein said RBA was talking about HIS mileage for 2005 -- and the number shocked me. It was low. VERY low. Lower than I expected.
This RBA is an iron-giant of a rider, someone that I'd simply assumed was getting 10,000+ mileage years. Things like PBP, and multiple 1000K rides usually dominate his calendar, so it was a given that he'd have big numbers. Not really.
Instead of training A LOT, he was training smart.
While mileage totals over 1000 are nearly a guarantee for ANY aspiring ultra-rider, mileages over 5000 are sometimes rare -- and totally un-neccessary.
As I floated along through the darkness with Ort, many bells were going off in my head -- the burnout of last summer, the duldrums of late winter cycling, just shooting for a number; mistakes here and there that now had a spotlight on them. For once, I was plotting solutions -- and later that morning I spent a good amount of time writing them down, and looking back over my banner-year of 2003 again.
The mileage that I ended up with was simply gravy atop a pile of really good, QUALITY miles - I had goals each week, specific targets, destinations in mind -- some days I'd go light, others hard with lots of climbing, and always pushing myself when needed, and resting when needed.
Thank goodness for documentation.
I also looked back at 2003 with a little trepidation: was that ME??!! I was looking over a season of personal-bests that I had sorta forgotten about. I had remembered MV24, which - considering - I still hold up as a personal triumph; but leading up to that were impressive rides - rides that THIS last summer, I would not have been able to duplicate. There was a 20-or-better MPH average century, SOLO. There was a personal-best 200K with an average speed of 18.5 MPH, including stops. There was a 2nd place finish at the Tour De Shawnee, there was a near-record Octoginta in Lawrence, and there were smatterings of 23 MPH average speed-work runs at distances up to 30 miles. There were tales of body weight about 10 lbs. lower than where I am now. There are pictures of me wearing jerseys that, today, no longer fit loosely.
The big question is - can I get BACK?
Some would call it "hanging onto the glory days".... but I refuse to subscribe to that.
I'm not 70 years old, recounting a storied criterium career, something truly out-of-reach and foolhardy to re-attempt at that age. (until someone writes and tells me about what their grandpa did last summer, that is --- NOTHING is impossible, just improbable.)
This was only 3 seasons ago, and I know precisely who is responsible for letting that form slip. Me. Time to get to work.
This morning, as I logged into BikeJournal.com, I recorded the weekend's mileage, and modified the "2006 mileage goal" section of my profile. I put in a lower number, and saved changes.
Not only can I DEFINTELY make THAT mileage goal, I'll have a blast doing it.
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