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| PBP 2011 |
Monday, September 5, 2011
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Paris Brest Paris 2011
Paris Brest Paris 2011
I started preparing for Paris-Brest-Paris (PBP) last year. Having completed this 1200 kilometer (750 mile) ride in 1999, at a leisurely pace of over 88 hours, just under the limit of 90 hours, this year I wanted a challenge. The goal is to equal or best a time of 56h 40m, which is the time the first American Charly Miller finished the ride back in 1901. He got fifth overall, and rode the entire ride unsupported, unlike the other top riders, who had elaborate support for food, water, mechanics, pacers, etc. He endeared himself to many French, who admired his perseverance through many difficulties he encountered on the ride. Doing the ride in this time or better would get me into the "La Société Charly Miller." Americans with this qualifying time usually number around ten for each PBP. All the more special, since PBP is run only every four years.
After all my months of training and logistical technicalities, it was a few minutes to the start. I am lined up for the start in the first wave of riders, the fastest of who would finish in about 44 hours. The first finishers will invariably have some sort of support. I would only have what I was carrying in a rear seatbag, handlebar bag, and rear jersey pockets. I even opted out of an organized group bag drop at Loudeac and Tinteniac. I was going to use the official check-ins about every 50 miles to eat, drink, and catnap. I had memorized the stops, distances, and rough arrival time for each stop. My approximate finish time of 54 hours had a good buffer built in for contingencies to meet my Charly Miller goal.
After snaking though four different queues in over two hours, with half of that time being roasted in hot sun, I was lined up next to Brad, whom I have rode with on some of the qualifying rides. We have a similar pace, and he has three Charly Miller times under his belt. Emotional waves shot through me as we all clipped into our pedals and started rolling. The lead pack tooled along the forgettabble office park area around the start, then we finally got out to the countryside. I sat in the back and found some other chatty English speaking riders. Paul from the UK was looking to break 60 hours. I also met an Aussie Oliver, who has a 48h PBP time from '99. As we progressed to the first stop, we continously shelled riders through some brisk short climbs, at least four minor falls, and brutal crosswind tactics. Guys were guttering each other on the oncoming traffic lane to escape the crosswind from the right. The official motorcycles kept warning us to move "a droit," but to little avail. Between the crosswinds and the hot sun, I was taxed a bit. I desparately needed water as we pulled into first stop. I filled up the bottles quickly, got back onto the route with Paul, but the main group had already gone. Somehow Brad and I missed each other, but I figured he was up with the first group, and at some point we may meet down the road, around a sleep stop. We kept a good pace and had a few other riders join to help each other. My legs started cramping ominously about mile 110. I slowed up, guzzled most of an electroltye bottle. Five minutes later I felt much better, and the problem did not reappear for the rest of ride.
We get to next checkpoint at mile 137. There are about 60 riders ahead of us. Next leg to Fougeres was all in the dark. The second wave of first starters came up on us and we hopped on their train to conserve energy. My front light had become a little loose, it was tightened up at Fougeres. We had also picked up a German Steffen, so were a core group of three. We traded our goals, and discussed when would be the best sleep time. My plan was to sleep a few REM cycles at Tinteniac on the return, at about 3-4am Tuesday morning, which would be a about 2/3 of the ride, 36 hours on the bicycle. We all knew things could change, and we may want to stop earlier. We plowed along with various groups to the next stops in the early Monday morning. Riding in a group helped a lot. Out of Loudeac, the terrain got steeper, and we were drizzled upon. Next leg was to Brest. This included a huge climb, to a spectacular view of the Brittany country side. We chatted briefly with Ryan from Colorado, who was doing the ride on a three speed Sturney-Archer rear hub - very impressive. We dropped Ryan in the ascent, but would meet up and ride with him again later.
We got to Brest in sub 23 hours. We were halfway done, decided to rest for over an hour. The slog out back to Carhaix was hilly and Steffen was really mixing it up passing groups of other riders on hills. We decided for sure to stop at Tinteniac about 100 miles away. Loudeac was a zoo with riders from the later starts. Sleeping there would have been impractical. I did a quick check, and saw Brad was about two hours ahead of us, giving me hope we could catch him after sleeping. We all agreed on a quick 15 minute catnap to recharge what was likely to be a tough section. We left and immediately the skies went from light dizzle to deluge. We kept getting wetter and colder; just miserable. We saw the last of the earlier starters coming toward us. We wearily arrived at Tinteniac a little after 4am. I saw Brad's bike here; that was good, he was sleeping. I figured we would probably see him soon. We slept till 6am.
On the way to Fougeres we pick up Brad, Oliver, two French guys (one of them has a 46h PBP time,) and Jan, riding his shiny silver randonneuring bicycle. We get to Villains and I am feeling great. Paul and I leave together, and I announce we are going to try and catch "them," who I think is Brad and Oliver. We go on a complete tear, and pull up behind Oliver in about a half hour. We ask if he has seen Brad, but we start to realize he has probably stopped on the road, and is behind us. So we dial it back and eventually we are regrouped with Paul, Oliver, Ryan, the two French guys, Jan, and a few others. We get to Mortagne and again get mixed up departing late. Paul, Ryan, and myself again are chasing to catch our group. We have nice flat roads and a tailwind and we rip it up, going 25mph+ for a good 30 minutes. We eventually latch on to our core group and slow down. I briefly get into a time trial duel with a rider. We get to Dreux, 40 miles from the finish. We all leave together this time. Right out of town my front tire goes flat. Brad stops and helps with a CO2 cartridge. I am grateful he stopped even after I told him to keep going. Brad and I are now on a chase mission. We turn on the after burners for about 40 minutes and catch the main group, which includes a 20+ group of very organinized, very supported Germans. We had been leap frogging them a lot of the way back from Brest. Jan made a funny comment that he thought their technique of going slowly uphill and fast downhill was not working. We were a big group, less than 25 miles from the finish. One of the strongest Germans from the group attacked. My race instincts kicked in. Jan, Brad, and myself relentlessly counter attacked. Eventually we shook off everyone, but we could not drop the German. Jan called a truce about 20 minutes to the finish. We four finished together. My time was 53h 41m. I am now a very happy, new member, of La Société Charly Miller.
I started preparing for Paris-Brest-Paris (PBP) last year. Having completed this 1200 kilometer (750 mile) ride in 1999, at a leisurely pace of over 88 hours, just under the limit of 90 hours, this year I wanted a challenge. The goal is to equal or best a time of 56h 40m, which is the time the first American Charly Miller finished the ride back in 1901. He got fifth overall, and rode the entire ride unsupported, unlike the other top riders, who had elaborate support for food, water, mechanics, pacers, etc. He endeared himself to many French, who admired his perseverance through many difficulties he encountered on the ride. Doing the ride in this time or better would get me into the "La Société Charly Miller." Americans with this qualifying time usually number around ten for each PBP. All the more special, since PBP is run only every four years.
After all my months of training and logistical technicalities, it was a few minutes to the start. I am lined up for the start in the first wave of riders, the fastest of who would finish in about 44 hours. The first finishers will invariably have some sort of support. I would only have what I was carrying in a rear seatbag, handlebar bag, and rear jersey pockets. I even opted out of an organized group bag drop at Loudeac and Tinteniac. I was going to use the official check-ins about every 50 miles to eat, drink, and catnap. I had memorized the stops, distances, and rough arrival time for each stop. My approximate finish time of 54 hours had a good buffer built in for contingencies to meet my Charly Miller goal.
After snaking though four different queues in over two hours, with half of that time being roasted in hot sun, I was lined up next to Brad, whom I have rode with on some of the qualifying rides. We have a similar pace, and he has three Charly Miller times under his belt. Emotional waves shot through me as we all clipped into our pedals and started rolling. The lead pack tooled along the forgettabble office park area around the start, then we finally got out to the countryside. I sat in the back and found some other chatty English speaking riders. Paul from the UK was looking to break 60 hours. I also met an Aussie Oliver, who has a 48h PBP time from '99. As we progressed to the first stop, we continously shelled riders through some brisk short climbs, at least four minor falls, and brutal crosswind tactics. Guys were guttering each other on the oncoming traffic lane to escape the crosswind from the right. The official motorcycles kept warning us to move "a droit," but to little avail. Between the crosswinds and the hot sun, I was taxed a bit. I desparately needed water as we pulled into first stop. I filled up the bottles quickly, got back onto the route with Paul, but the main group had already gone. Somehow Brad and I missed each other, but I figured he was up with the first group, and at some point we may meet down the road, around a sleep stop. We kept a good pace and had a few other riders join to help each other. My legs started cramping ominously about mile 110. I slowed up, guzzled most of an electroltye bottle. Five minutes later I felt much better, and the problem did not reappear for the rest of ride.
We get to next checkpoint at mile 137. There are about 60 riders ahead of us. Next leg to Fougeres was all in the dark. The second wave of first starters came up on us and we hopped on their train to conserve energy. My front light had become a little loose, it was tightened up at Fougeres. We had also picked up a German Steffen, so were a core group of three. We traded our goals, and discussed when would be the best sleep time. My plan was to sleep a few REM cycles at Tinteniac on the return, at about 3-4am Tuesday morning, which would be a about 2/3 of the ride, 36 hours on the bicycle. We all knew things could change, and we may want to stop earlier. We plowed along with various groups to the next stops in the early Monday morning. Riding in a group helped a lot. Out of Loudeac, the terrain got steeper, and we were drizzled upon. Next leg was to Brest. This included a huge climb, to a spectacular view of the Brittany country side. We chatted briefly with Ryan from Colorado, who was doing the ride on a three speed Sturney-Archer rear hub - very impressive. We dropped Ryan in the ascent, but would meet up and ride with him again later.
We got to Brest in sub 23 hours. We were halfway done, decided to rest for over an hour. The slog out back to Carhaix was hilly and Steffen was really mixing it up passing groups of other riders on hills. We decided for sure to stop at Tinteniac about 100 miles away. Loudeac was a zoo with riders from the later starts. Sleeping there would have been impractical. I did a quick check, and saw Brad was about two hours ahead of us, giving me hope we could catch him after sleeping. We all agreed on a quick 15 minute catnap to recharge what was likely to be a tough section. We left and immediately the skies went from light dizzle to deluge. We kept getting wetter and colder; just miserable. We saw the last of the earlier starters coming toward us. We wearily arrived at Tinteniac a little after 4am. I saw Brad's bike here; that was good, he was sleeping. I figured we would probably see him soon. We slept till 6am.
On the way to Fougeres we pick up Brad, Oliver, two French guys (one of them has a 46h PBP time,) and Jan, riding his shiny silver randonneuring bicycle. We get to Villains and I am feeling great. Paul and I leave together, and I announce we are going to try and catch "them," who I think is Brad and Oliver. We go on a complete tear, and pull up behind Oliver in about a half hour. We ask if he has seen Brad, but we start to realize he has probably stopped on the road, and is behind us. So we dial it back and eventually we are regrouped with Paul, Oliver, Ryan, the two French guys, Jan, and a few others. We get to Mortagne and again get mixed up departing late. Paul, Ryan, and myself again are chasing to catch our group. We have nice flat roads and a tailwind and we rip it up, going 25mph+ for a good 30 minutes. We eventually latch on to our core group and slow down. I briefly get into a time trial duel with a rider. We get to Dreux, 40 miles from the finish. We all leave together this time. Right out of town my front tire goes flat. Brad stops and helps with a CO2 cartridge. I am grateful he stopped even after I told him to keep going. Brad and I are now on a chase mission. We turn on the after burners for about 40 minutes and catch the main group, which includes a 20+ group of very organinized, very supported Germans. We had been leap frogging them a lot of the way back from Brest. Jan made a funny comment that he thought their technique of going slowly uphill and fast downhill was not working. We were a big group, less than 25 miles from the finish. One of the strongest Germans from the group attacked. My race instincts kicked in. Jan, Brad, and myself relentlessly counter attacked. Eventually we shook off everyone, but we could not drop the German. Jan called a truce about 20 minutes to the finish. We four finished together. My time was 53h 41m. I am now a very happy, new member, of La Société Charly Miller.
Saturday, August 20, 2011
pre rides in Paris
We came here a week before start to relax. First ride was Mon 8/15 into Bois de Bologne. Found the 'loop' where other riders were swooping around. Did a few intense efforts. About 1.5 hrs. Wed 8/17 rode out to start. Got a little lost coming back. Easy four hours. Fri 8/19 rode out to start and rode with Boston group, including Brad, Melinda, Justin, and others. Big day, over 7hrs, included many stops and very easy pace. Then day before easy ride to start for bike inspection 3hrs.
Tommorrow we start.
Tommorrow we start.
Monday, August 8, 2011
Intensity Week 3/3 - long ride
Rode a 300K with Rick. We did the ride in about 12.5 hours. Just doing easy rides and a few intensity rides before PBP on 8/21. If I can figure out how to post from mobile while in France I may try to post updates here along the route. We'll see how I'm doing.
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Intensity Week 2/3
Rode to work on Tuesday 7/26. Then off to Tarrytown for a relatively easy ride on Wed/Thu. Then a brisk ride on Saturday up to Mt. Kisco. Then the NYC 200K ride up to Bear Mtn. Rode most of ride with Nate and Ken, and sometimes Rob. Pretty hot in the sun. Pretty reasonable pace, we finished a little under 9hrs. There was about an hour off the bike, we stopped for a long lunch stop. This is certainly no Charly Miller pace. I guess you could string together six 200Ks to make it about 54 hours. But I'd really like to front load the miles the first 7-800K. The pace the first few hours I hear is nuts so that will be great, just need to stay upright and vigilant. I would love to get to Tinteniac on the way back then stop for a nap around 3am Tuesday morning. We'll see. I have to keep the avg speed at 21.7 km/h, including stops. One good thing I've noticed on this ride, and some others, is that I start to feel great after about 100 miles. I realize I'll be pushing the outer limits on PBP. Going to be an adventure!
Monday, July 25, 2011
Intensity Week 1/3
This was an intensity week. Goal was to ride hard, and keep the HR at tempo the majority of time, and occasionally jamming it on hills and flats. Started off Sunday with a brisk ride up to Redding. Then rode over to Tarrytown and back on Wed/Thu (7/20-21), going faster on Wed. It was just too hot the next morning. Kept up the pace but did not go all out.
Saturday 7/23 got some hills in around Tarrytown. Tempo pace. Blazing heat near end of ride. A lot of the riding was mercifully in the shade. The next day was a big ride up north. Wandered around a bit up to Mt. Kisco. Found some dirt roads, wound up on Rt. 22. Rode up along the Titicus resevoir route. My plan was to loop back through Ridgefield, but wound up getting a little lost. Found my way back to Rt. 35 eventually then cut back along some of the WNR route through Pound Ridge. The last hour of this epic five hours was spent getting sprinkled then dumped on by some cool rain. Felt good! Pretty shot from the ride, spent more than half the ride at tempo.
Saturday 7/23 got some hills in around Tarrytown. Tempo pace. Blazing heat near end of ride. A lot of the riding was mercifully in the shade. The next day was a big ride up north. Wandered around a bit up to Mt. Kisco. Found some dirt roads, wound up on Rt. 22. Rode up along the Titicus resevoir route. My plan was to loop back through Ridgefield, but wound up getting a little lost. Found my way back to Rt. 35 eventually then cut back along some of the WNR route through Pound Ridge. The last hour of this epic five hours was spent getting sprinkled then dumped on by some cool rain. Felt good! Pretty shot from the ride, spent more than half the ride at tempo.
Friday, July 15, 2011
Rest week rides to Tarrytown and work
This week is a rest week. I managed to get a easy paced roundtrip in from Norwalk to Tarrytown on Mon 7/11 and Tue 7/12. What beautiful weather! Then a great work commute in on Thursday, Bastille Day. Plan is to get a few days rest then a 3hr+ ride with intervals in on Sunday.
PBP is less than 40 days away. I've made a decision of no more races or group rides like Gimbel's or WNR. Not going to risk breaking anything. I'm feeling pretty strong on the bike, need to watch the eating and weight till the ride. Planning on a few 6-8 hour rides, at a brisk pace, with intervals as well. Three weeks of training left. The majority has been done, what is remaining is to polish up my power output, and get the miles in the saddle in for my head.
PBP is less than 40 days away. I've made a decision of no more races or group rides like Gimbel's or WNR. Not going to risk breaking anything. I'm feeling pretty strong on the bike, need to watch the eating and weight till the ride. Planning on a few 6-8 hour rides, at a brisk pace, with intervals as well. Three weeks of training left. The majority has been done, what is remaining is to polish up my power output, and get the miles in the saddle in for my head.
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Tarrytown roundtrips, up to Redding, and gym intervals
6/29 and 6/30 were roundtrips from Norwalk to Tarrytown. Got some nice sprints and short SMSP intervals in on the way over. Great weather. Then a nice 3hr ride up to Redding on Saturday 7/2. Rain the following day took us to the gym, for another nice 3 sets of 20 min intervals on the bike. Another ride back from Tarrytown on Tue 7/5, a roundtrip from work on Thu 7/7, then another 3hrs up to Redding on Sun, 7/10. PBP is rapidly approaching. Planning on doing a few more races, most likely CRCA on 7/24 and 7/30. Also like to do a few 8hr+ rides. Want to keep doing intervals to keep power output high. Having a few equipment issues, namely wheels. Trashed my FSA wheel. Looking at getting a sturdy 36 hole rear wheel for Paris and winter training. Still need some good race wheels. May hold off on those till next season.
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Gym intervals and weekend races
Wed 6/22 - did some gym intervals - 3x20mins. Very efficient.
Sat 6/26 - Floyd race with Rick and Mehi. Got in break but did poorly in sprint. Rick got 2nd in field sprint. Two top tens. Goal is to work on sprint.
Sun 6/26 - E. Hartford 3 and 40+ race. A little tired from yesterday. No breaks, fast races. First race sat in back till about five to go, attacked, but foolhardy attempt to break away not working. Blew up last lap. Next race was tired, tried to drag Rick to front, but could have been more meaningful.
Monday, June 20, 2011
Rest Week and EB
Too most of week of 13th of June off. Was pretty beat up from the weekend ride and cold. Rode into work on Thursday. Did Early Birds on LI with my Dad on Sunday. Stayed in the back most of the time; but did a few efforts in the front near the sprints - on Dune Rd to bridge and over, to 7-11, then near end. Felt pretty good. Then a nice easy ride to work on Monday 6/20. Planning on WNR on Wed.
Monday, June 13, 2011
Boston 600K
As the start date grew closer, the weather forecast for the Boston 600 kilometer (~380 miles) ride steadily deteriorated. The likelihood of rain increased, while the predicted temperatures crept lower. On the way up to Boston , I quickly stopped at the shop to pick up a new pair of knee warmers, but they were out. I'd just have to rely on healthy doses of embrocation to keep the knees and legs warm. I told the guys at the shop about the ride, and got a "that's awful". I was a bit more enthused, delusion, or both. Regardless, I found myself at the 4am Saturday start. It was still June, how cold and rainy could it really get? My new lightweight long sleeve wool base layer was stashed in my drop bag in case of steady rain, and I had a new rain jacket. This was also the last qualifying ride for Paris-Brest-Paris (PBP), which I plan to do in August.
The group of 22 started out with some random raindrops falling. My goal was to finish in roughly 24 hours, subject to revision. As we pulled into the first and second checkpoints, we had most of the group together. The pesky light rain continued. As we progressed toward the third checkpoint at Deerfield , the heavens opened. At the Deerfield checkpoint, I put on my wool base layer and wrung out my gloves. We climbed up to Ashfield in the rain and then onto Pittsfield for some Price Chopper pizza. It was just Brad and I now. We climbed up and over the Jiminy Peak road race finish line. We turned off the race course, and then started the Petersburg Pass climb. It was windy, foggy, wet, and cold up at the top. We rode past the Battenkill-Roubaix start line and into Vermont . Cyclo-crossed up the driveway to the Sandgate control, hoping I keep on the bike and moving, because if I fall off I'm walking, and if a bear jumps out, I'm in trouble. Hear the dinner bell ringing, sprint to the end of the driveway, sit down and chug a Coke. We are at mile 220. While dining on nice pasta dinner, our host John googled the triangular purple boxes we had seen hanging about 15 feet up in various trees along the road. Brad and I leave, seeing the five who were behind us just pulling in, about 50min behind.
We start a long climb up out of Manchester . It is getting colder, wetter, foggier, and nastier as we ascend. I'm dreading the descent. Brad, a three time PBP 'ancien', responds to my query that this weather is worse than the '07 PBP weather, which everyone says was miserable. Not sure if that makes me feel better, or just stupid. The descents are brutally cold. We slog along in the wet cold and can only keep moving to stay warm. We make a turn over a covered bridge to cut over to Brattleboro. Brad has a flat on a steep climb. Have to fix it twice as we forgot to pull out the rock in the tire that caused the flat. We pull into Brattleboro at mile 285, and are greeted by picture snapping Bill, documenting our rough condition, and his frisky grey standard poodle. The only way I'm going to finish this ride is to stop and get warm. Hopefully it will be a little less apocalyptic at daybreak. I let my loved ones back home know the ETA has shifted to roughly noon, take a hot shower, and nap for three warm, dry hours. During the night, the other five riders who were after us arrive and leave.
We depart at daybreak, 53 degrees, and lightly raining. We have 90 miles to the finish. We enter NH, and pass three fireworks shops right next to each other, all closed at this early hour. It is taking a while for my creaking legs and knees to warm up on these large looming rollers next to a clear brown, fast running mountain stream. We then turn south away from the valley. The cue sheet calls out a 'steep ascent' and for a few minutes, I'm hopeful Bruce slipped on keyboard when typing up the cue sheet; 'ascent' instead of 'descent'. Nope. This is a killer. As I weave back and forth up this cable car worthy monstrosity, near the top there is a small clear plastic Ziploc bag of GORP splayed forlornly in the middle of the road. I can only wonder if it was dropped knowingly or not, and by whom. I comment on the nastiness of that climb (Jacob's Hill) and Brad says 'that's not right'.
Right before we get into the Gardner checkpoint, we have to make a stop to pull a chunk of brown Budweiser glass out of my rear tire. While pumping up the tube, I proceed to shear off the valve stem. Patch up the old tube. Lucky I brought that patch kit, as that was the last spare tube between us. We stop at Dunkin Donuts for a breakfast sandwich and coffee. We then notice the 'real' checkpoint across the street and sign in. We have one more section to go, which turns out to be, mercifully, relatively flat. We finish a little after 1pm. The hardier bunch of five who leap-frogged us at Brattleboro, finished a little before 11am.
Overall this was a brutal, tough ride. Many thanks for the great help along the way. Can't wait to go to the shop and get those knee warmers. When I tell them about finishing the ride, I expect to get the same response.
Cheers
The group of 22 started out with some random raindrops falling. My goal was to finish in roughly 24 hours, subject to revision. As we pulled into the first and second checkpoints, we had most of the group together. The pesky light rain continued. As we progressed toward the third checkpoint at Deerfield , the heavens opened. At the Deerfield checkpoint, I put on my wool base layer and wrung out my gloves. We climbed up to Ashfield in the rain and then onto Pittsfield for some Price Chopper pizza. It was just Brad and I now. We climbed up and over the Jiminy Peak road race finish line. We turned off the race course, and then started the Petersburg Pass climb. It was windy, foggy, wet, and cold up at the top. We rode past the Battenkill-Roubaix start line and into Vermont . Cyclo-crossed up the driveway to the Sandgate control, hoping I keep on the bike and moving, because if I fall off I'm walking, and if a bear jumps out, I'm in trouble. Hear the dinner bell ringing, sprint to the end of the driveway, sit down and chug a Coke. We are at mile 220. While dining on nice pasta dinner, our host John googled the triangular purple boxes we had seen hanging about 15 feet up in various trees along the road. Brad and I leave, seeing the five who were behind us just pulling in, about 50min behind.
We start a long climb up out of Manchester . It is getting colder, wetter, foggier, and nastier as we ascend. I'm dreading the descent. Brad, a three time PBP 'ancien', responds to my query that this weather is worse than the '07 PBP weather, which everyone says was miserable. Not sure if that makes me feel better, or just stupid. The descents are brutally cold. We slog along in the wet cold and can only keep moving to stay warm. We make a turn over a covered bridge to cut over to Brattleboro. Brad has a flat on a steep climb. Have to fix it twice as we forgot to pull out the rock in the tire that caused the flat. We pull into Brattleboro at mile 285, and are greeted by picture snapping Bill, documenting our rough condition, and his frisky grey standard poodle. The only way I'm going to finish this ride is to stop and get warm. Hopefully it will be a little less apocalyptic at daybreak. I let my loved ones back home know the ETA has shifted to roughly noon, take a hot shower, and nap for three warm, dry hours. During the night, the other five riders who were after us arrive and leave.
We depart at daybreak, 53 degrees, and lightly raining. We have 90 miles to the finish. We enter NH, and pass three fireworks shops right next to each other, all closed at this early hour. It is taking a while for my creaking legs and knees to warm up on these large looming rollers next to a clear brown, fast running mountain stream. We then turn south away from the valley. The cue sheet calls out a 'steep ascent' and for a few minutes, I'm hopeful Bruce slipped on keyboard when typing up the cue sheet; 'ascent' instead of 'descent'. Nope. This is a killer. As I weave back and forth up this cable car worthy monstrosity, near the top there is a small clear plastic Ziploc bag of GORP splayed forlornly in the middle of the road. I can only wonder if it was dropped knowingly or not, and by whom. I comment on the nastiness of that climb (Jacob's Hill) and Brad says 'that's not right'.
Right before we get into the Gardner checkpoint, we have to make a stop to pull a chunk of brown Budweiser glass out of my rear tire. While pumping up the tube, I proceed to shear off the valve stem. Patch up the old tube. Lucky I brought that patch kit, as that was the last spare tube between us. We stop at Dunkin Donuts for a breakfast sandwich and coffee. We then notice the 'real' checkpoint across the street and sign in. We have one more section to go, which turns out to be, mercifully, relatively flat. We finish a little after 1pm. The hardier bunch of five who leap-frogged us at Brattleboro, finished a little before 11am.
Overall this was a brutal, tough ride. Many thanks for the great help along the way. Can't wait to go to the shop and get those knee warmers. When I tell them about finishing the ride, I expect to get the same response.
Cheers
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Last of MSP intervals
Two sets of riding. First was the riding during last week of May. Rode over to Tarrytown after work on Tuesday, 5/31, then back in morning on Wednesday. Did the WNR after work, up until turn off at top of climbs back to Pound Ridge. That was a huge day, almost four hours total. A few days rest, then Gimbel's on Saturday, pushed pace in a break, but fell back on second climb on 22. Legs felt heavy. Caught onto second chase group. Then Sunday CRCA race - felt OK but did not contest sprint, it was pretty fast. Mon 6/6 over to Tarrytown, whipped up those hills in Greenwich. Then back over to CT on Tuesday. Resting up for rest of week for Saturday's Boston 600K.
Monday, May 30, 2011
MSP intervals and races
Thursday 5/26 did three longish (~15min) intervals up in the hills of Pound Ridge. Kept a nice pace up and down the hills. Very hot. Saturday did NJ Menci Crit and got two top ten, in the money placings. The first race, raced it as a sprint, and got to the front for the last two laps. I was about fifth week coming around last turn. The second race, bridged to second group and squeeked into the money. Sunday was a fast Gimbels ride, pushing the pace with a lead group of about six.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Weekend races and Gimbels
Did the CRCA race on Saturday 5/21. Rode down with Mehi from Tarrytown for a nice hour warmup. Was vigilant in the race, in the front, going with attacks. Looked like it was winding down to sprint, but a group snuck away on the hill 1/2 lap to go. Sat up in sprint. Then Sunday did Gimbels. Monday did some soggy 3x9m MSP intervals after ride to work.
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Friday, May 20, 2011
Boston 400K and ride to work
Did the 400K on 5/14. Rode with Matt, Brad, and Steve. We had a pretty good pace, with almost perfect weather (cloudy, in 50's). There were a few flats, along with the required three checkpoints. Overall, felt pretty good. Did the ride a little faster than last year (15:10). Took off most of week for recovery, with an easy ride to work on Thursday.
Thursday, May 12, 2011
Easy ride to work and fast WNR
Tuesday 5/10 rode to work and back in beautiful weather. Took it easy. Wednesday night Greenwich was pretty tough and fast. First week out to Rt. 35. There were lots of attacks and attempted breakaways, which were fun to chase down. We were down to a dozen or so riders at the sprint finish, which I somehow managed to get everyone, by keeping the pace up for like 500m. Boston 400K on Saturday, plan to jam it.
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Weekend Race and Gimbel's
Saturday was my first Brooklyn race of the season. Rick, Mehi, Curtis, and Roger were teammates in attendance. We started out fast, then a smallish group started to dangle. I got to the front. Coming back around by the start I started to boil over and had to throttle back. Had to sit back to recover. The guys stayed away. Made a big pull down the hill then had to pull off again. Not my best race, not feeling it. Sunday did Gimblel's. Smallish group. Was up in the front with three other guys. Drifted back to main group on Rt. 22. Beatiful day out.
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Third Block of SMSP intervals
Nice big four day block of intervals, starting with Sat, 4/30 Gimbels ride. Super aggressive, attacking off front. Made it up all the hills with the group, but flatted near descent off of Rt. 22 after climbs. Met up with Mehi and we rode back together to Tarrytown.
Next day Sunday did Gimbel's again. This time was a little less aggressive, hung in till near end, another flat! Sheesh. Hobbled home after some help from Diego, Greg, Kathleen, and others. Replaced tire and tube on Monday, then did hill climbs over to Tarrytown after work. Blistering pace. Tue 5/3 before work did 1.75hrs; then after work, some fast intervals with Kyle, down by the water in Darien. Tired! Taking well deserved few days off.
One other note - got the plane tickets to France!
Next day Sunday did Gimbel's again. This time was a little less aggressive, hung in till near end, another flat! Sheesh. Hobbled home after some help from Diego, Greg, Kathleen, and others. Replaced tire and tube on Monday, then did hill climbs over to Tarrytown after work. Blistering pace. Tue 5/3 before work did 1.75hrs; then after work, some fast intervals with Kyle, down by the water in Darien. Tired! Taking well deserved few days off.
One other note - got the plane tickets to France!
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Second block of SMSP intervals
Second block of SMSP (Super Maximum Sustainable Power, per Dave Morris). First on Tues 4/26 was 4x4min. Did this up a long shallow climb with only one four way stop in Darien. Tacked an extra minute onto last interval. Total ride was 1.5 hr + 0.5 with ride to work. Plan is to keep volume same across days within blocks. Next day was the Greenwich ride. Made it to top of Round Hill then flatted. Chased up to 22 then Rt. 137 steps to get remaining interval work. Took off Thu and Friday to recover.
Friday, April 22, 2011
Wednesday night ride and start of intervals
Did the Wednesday night ride (on Thu due to rain), 4/14, out of Greenwich. Felt great, was in the front until I peeled off in Scott's Corner. Took most of the next week off. Then started the tough intervals on Friday 4/22. Did 3x4min then some brisk riding to make it a good two hour ride. Then another set of 6x2min - same volume but shorter. Took off next day. Plan is easy riding Monday, then a block of three days of intervals.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Westfield 300K and Bethel races
On the 300K on Saturday 4/9, we started out in very cold temps! I chipped ice of my bottle as the sun started to peek over the trees. We saw some amazing scenery as the sun came up - check some of Matt's pictures here. We had a group of about five after the halfway point - Matt, John, Justin, Chris, and myself. It turned into a beautiful day, with an awesome tailwind. We got home in a litle under 11.5 hours. Here is me at about mile 150. 
Then on Sunday, I mustered up the strength for the 3/4 and 1/2/3 race at Bethel. In the 3/4 I relentlessly attacked to see if would blow up, and I did a few times, but still managed to recover. Sat in the next race and hung on. Very tired after 100K of racing. Great weekend.
Then on Sunday, I mustered up the strength for the 3/4 and 1/2/3 race at Bethel. In the 3/4 I relentlessly attacked to see if would blow up, and I did a few times, but still managed to recover. Sat in the next race and hung on. Very tired after 100K of racing. Great weekend.
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Early April racing/200K/commuting
Got a race in last Saturday (4/2). Felt good, got to front around the Tavern and stayed on second wheel till about 800m to go. Did not have it to maintain position, but happy with feeling so good for this 70K race. The next day did the NJ 200K. Greg, Steve, and myself happily hung behind John and Katie on their tandem and did the ride in about 8.5 hours. A great day for riding, and we got to see some nice parts of the Jersey Shore (a first for me!). Then on Wed/Thu some a round trip from Norwalk to Tarrytown, Thu early was in the rain, yeech. 300K coming up on Sat, then hopefully some racing on Sun if I'm feeling it.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Last of March training
Got some good riding in the past week. Raced last Saturday. Got a few good attacks in; felt good mixing it up. A few fixed gear sessions; one this week with Ed early in the morning. Then two commuting rides between Norwalk and Tarrytown- 2.5 hours each. About 10 hours total. Racing this weekend then the 200K on Sunday.
Monday, March 21, 2011
March commuting and racing
Three days of good riding. Friday rode from Stamford over to Tarrytown after work, beautiful out. I have the route down well. Saturday did Gimbel's long for about four hours. Sunday did the Bethel race and rode home. Attacked a lot in the race. In retrospect, probably could have been in some later moves, and also could have worked harder to bring back break. Good fun. Taking some time off this week; doing easy rides, then race on Saturday. After that, will start about three weeks of big riding, with first 200K coming up!
Thursday, March 17, 2011
March Endurance block
Got some nice riding in the past few days. Saturday rode over to Gimbels then Tarrytown, for roughly 4.5 hours. The up to the Bethel race (via car), raced, then rode home, another 2.5 hours. Then Monday a one way shot to work, then Tarrytown; with a return trip on Tuesday morning, about 5 hours total there. Legs feel great. Still getting the weight down. Taking a few days off, then going to do another 3 day block of big riding (Fri-Sun). Race coming up on 3/26 and 200K is on 4/3. Re-worked my training and event schedules.
Have also been looking at travel arrangements for Paris.
Have also been looking at travel arrangements for Paris.
Saturday, March 5, 2011
First Race 2011 - CRCA A Race
Cold, drizzly, five laps. Fourth lap dropped. Never blew a gasket, just watched field ride away after descending the hill. Still working on endurance phase at the moment. Although August still about six months out, the focus is now on big miles.
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