This year I've done a lot of riding. Excluding workouts at home and gym, I managed to log over 4823 miles on the bike. The summary from Cyclemeter
rides: 221
total distance: 4823
total ride time: 283:31
total calories: 180,247
average distance: 21.83 miles
average ride time: 1:16
average ascent 1278 feet
average calories: 816
number of centries: 4 - king's tour of the quabbin, mount greylock, CRW fall century, major taylor century
Hopefully next year I can get in 5K miles on the bike and do atleast 2 centuries. On my list of centuries for 2012.
Mount Greylock Century
Three notches
If time permits, I would also like to do one of the bumps challenges. Not sure which one yet, but it would be fun to do one.
Friday, December 30, 2011
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Stating the obvious
On Sunday I went for a ride around holden. According to accuweather, the real feel temperature was 15 degrees. When I left the house, my water bottle had water in. By the end of the ride, a layer of ice had formed.
I was only out for about 50min and rode about 14 miles. I honestly didn't think it would be enough time for ice to form. I didn't notice until I grabbed the bottle near the end to get a sip.
The worst part of riding in freezing weather is the effect of cold air on the lungs. Even though my torso and legs were warm, taking a deep breathe was tough. That cold air really does a number on the lungs.
I was only out for about 50min and rode about 14 miles. I honestly didn't think it would be enough time for ice to form. I didn't notice until I grabbed the bottle near the end to get a sip.
The worst part of riding in freezing weather is the effect of cold air on the lungs. Even though my torso and legs were warm, taking a deep breathe was tough. That cold air really does a number on the lungs.
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Saturday, November 5, 2011
Pearl Izumi Pro softshell jacket
Now that I've ridden several times with the Pearl Izumi Elite Softshell Jacket, I decided to get another one. This time I found the P.R.O. Softshell jacket on sale at Huck N Roll.
http://www.hucknroll.com/pearl-izumi-p.r.o.-softshell-jacket-mens
So far I've been very happy with the Elite softshell jacket. I paid $112.46 for the Elite jacket last week. The P.R.O. jacket only costs $149.96, which is 33% off the retail price of $224.96. Having a second jacket makes it easier to ride every day. Often times I can't ride the clothes immediately after a ride, so it may not be dry by the next day.
http://www.hucknroll.com/pearl-izumi-p.r.o.-softshell-jacket-mens
So far I've been very happy with the Elite softshell jacket. I paid $112.46 for the Elite jacket last week. The P.R.O. jacket only costs $149.96, which is 33% off the retail price of $224.96. Having a second jacket makes it easier to ride every day. Often times I can't ride the clothes immediately after a ride, so it may not be dry by the next day.
Why do people ride?
My kids ask me "why don't you go to the gym instead of riding in the freezing weather?" Honestly, if I could handle spending 30mins on a stationary bike, spin class or gym workout, it would be preferable. Sadly, it's too damn boring and I have a hard time doing it. At some point, I will have to force myself to go to the gym when the road conditions are too bad or the temperatures too cold.
Lots of people ride for different reasons. My reasons are pretty simple, I'm addicted to riding. But that leads to the question of "why are you addicted to riding?"
I could list a bunch of rational reasons like cycling is low impact, great for cardio, gets you outside, and natural scenery. Honestly, I just love the feeling of being on a bike and riding around. I'm not into racing and don't have some hope of being an elite cyclist.
Being on a bike, is a zen thing for me. Everything else just seems to disappear and I'm only focused on riding. Most of the time 99.9% I don't think about work or anything else. My focus is on my cadence, breathing, looking out for potholes, listening to the gears and the feel of my legs. It rejuvenates my body and soul. Even when I'm out of shape, being on a bike for an hour gives me a great feeling.
On the downside, if I don't ride for a few days, I am very cranky. It's totally aweful.
Lots of people ride for different reasons. My reasons are pretty simple, I'm addicted to riding. But that leads to the question of "why are you addicted to riding?"
I could list a bunch of rational reasons like cycling is low impact, great for cardio, gets you outside, and natural scenery. Honestly, I just love the feeling of being on a bike and riding around. I'm not into racing and don't have some hope of being an elite cyclist.
Being on a bike, is a zen thing for me. Everything else just seems to disappear and I'm only focused on riding. Most of the time 99.9% I don't think about work or anything else. My focus is on my cadence, breathing, looking out for potholes, listening to the gears and the feel of my legs. It rejuvenates my body and soul. Even when I'm out of shape, being on a bike for an hour gives me a great feeling.
On the downside, if I don't ride for a few days, I am very cranky. It's totally aweful.
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Pearl Izumi long sleeve thermal baselayer
Last week I ordered another baselayer. To my surprise, it wasn't what I expected.
Pearl Izumi Thermal long sleeve baselayer is different than the transfer baselayer.
I have three of these Pearl Izumi transfer baselayer and they work well.
Looking at the pictures, they don't look any different. In terms of warmth, the thermal baselayer is warmer. The material is thicker and feels nice. Hopefully tomorrow I can get up early and go for a ride.
Pearl Izumi Thermal long sleeve baselayer is different than the transfer baselayer.
I have three of these Pearl Izumi transfer baselayer and they work well.
Looking at the pictures, they don't look any different. In terms of warmth, the thermal baselayer is warmer. The material is thicker and feels nice. Hopefully tomorrow I can get up early and go for a ride.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Cold weather gear and drag
Today I went for a ride and the temps were around low 50's. Add a windchill and the temps drop to low 40's. The last few weeks I've noticed how much drag affects you. With a loose fitting windbreaker, I have a hard time maintaining 27mph. With just a long sleeve jersey, I can easily maintain 29mph on flats.
Since stationary bike is super boring, I decided to invest in some warmer clothes. The Pearl iZumi AmFIB tights are great. I ordered the Elite Softshell jacket.
I also bought another long sleeve thermal baselayer. Those are great for every day wear.
Since stationary bike is super boring, I decided to invest in some warmer clothes. The Pearl iZumi AmFIB tights are great. I ordered the Elite Softshell jacket.
I also bought another long sleeve thermal baselayer. Those are great for every day wear.
Monday, October 24, 2011
Best ride of the year
I was going over my ride log for the year, now that weather is starting to get cold. By far, my best ride of the year was with the wednesday nite stone church ride. On that day, I managed to stay with the A group and average 21 mph http://maps.google.com/?q=http://share.abvio.com/bc64/6357/4c7a/cf0e/Cyclemeter-Cycle-20110824-1759.kml.
The route is pretty flat and doesn't have any categorized climbs.
I hope to make it to a few wednesday nite rides next year. Riding with those guys really pushes me to my limits and helps me improve.
The route is pretty flat and doesn't have any categorized climbs.
I hope to make it to a few wednesday nite rides next year. Riding with those guys really pushes me to my limits and helps me improve.
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Wachusett Summit road open again
On Saturday, I climb wachusett mountain. The road is finally done and DCR isn't charging for parking on the weekends. I enjoyed the climb up. One down side with the weekend is there's too many people. I wanted to climb the short way up, but there was too many people to do that. I took the long way up, which is considerably easier, but still a fun climb.
I look forward to training on wachusett summit next year before greylock century.
I look forward to training on wachusett summit next year before greylock century.
Saturday, October 22, 2011
Southern CA boy learning to layer
When I first moved to MA, I had no clue about layering. For the first few years, I refused to get winter coats. It wasn't until 2003 commuting to south boston that I gave in. I had to walk from south station a half mile to the office. Here is a couple of videos on layering.
Friday, October 21, 2011
Hilarious video
I just came across this Specialized commercial with Andy and Alberto. It's old, but hilarious.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Cold weather gear
The last 2 weeks the weather has been getting colder, so I decided to buy some warmer clothing. After some research, I decided to get Pearl Izumi AmFIB bib tights
from http://www.nashbar.com/. One thing I missed is the picture on nashbar is the AmFIB cycling bib tights
.
The difference is the cycling tights have chamois, where as the regular tights do not. There's a benefit to the regular tights. You don't have to wash it as often. Instead, you wear either liner shorts or regular bike shorts underneath. This way, you wash the bike shorts after each ride and the AmFIB every few days.
When I ordered the AmFIB, I didn't notice this difference. Nashbar has great prices, but their inventory varies quite a bit and they don't always have the item I want in my size. I've been very happy with the stuff I buy at nashbar. If I like the AmFIB, I may get the cycling tights in January, when it really gets cold.
from http://www.nashbar.com/. One thing I missed is the picture on nashbar is the AmFIB cycling bib tights
.
The difference is the cycling tights have chamois, where as the regular tights do not. There's a benefit to the regular tights. You don't have to wash it as often. Instead, you wear either liner shorts or regular bike shorts underneath. This way, you wash the bike shorts after each ride and the AmFIB every few days.
When I ordered the AmFIB, I didn't notice this difference. Nashbar has great prices, but their inventory varies quite a bit and they don't always have the item I want in my size. I've been very happy with the stuff I buy at nashbar. If I like the AmFIB, I may get the cycling tights in January, when it really gets cold.
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Random thoughts on cycling techniques
Some people are naturally good at cycling, while others have to work at it. I'm not one of those people that naturally picks things up without trying. I've been reading about different techniques and methods for training since last year, but my progress has been slow.
For example, I read several articles on how to increase speed. Last winter I worked out every day at the gym and tried to apply those lessons. I tried to keep a high RPM between 110-100 for 30 minutes. After several weeks, I was able to do that on the stationary bike. The thing is, doing it on a real bike is different. This will seem obvious, but a stationary bike doesn't require balance or keeping an eye on the road. All of these things make it difficult to maintain a steady cadence and rhythm. Without a steady cadence, it's very difficult to improve speed or average pace.
Before I started road riding, I had been mountain biking for 2 years. I naively thought "my legs are in decent shape, so it shouldn't be that hard." Well, that's simply not true. Riding trails requires a completely different set of skills and muscles. Even fire roads and dirt roads require different skills than road riding.
On a single track, you have to look at the obstacles, terrain and make sure your peddle is in the right position. If there's a boulder on the left side, you have to make sure your left peddle clears it. If there's a series of branches, rocks, boulders and trees, your peddling has to timed appropriately. When your left peddle is down at the wrong spot, you end up crashing. On more than one occasion, that's happened to me.
On the road, keeping a smooth steady cadence is critical. Even after spending November to February practicing it, I had a hard time applying it on the bike. It wasn't until mid august that I finally felt strong enough to focus on smooth cadence. So what does it mean to have a smooth cadence?
I think of it this way. Put the bike on a repair stand and turn the crank with your hand. Apply pressure evenly with one hand and listen to the sound. If you push down harder than up, it will have a "swoosh" sound. If you push the crank evenly, the sound should be a constant click.
Trying to do this on the bike is hard. Like most people, my tendency is to push harder with my strong leg. Being right-handed, that means my right leg. To develop a good cadence, you have to push evenly with both feet and lift on the up stroke. It sounds easy, but is quite hard.
Add to that breathing and body position. Good cycling technique takes a lot of time and effort to develop. Here's some videos on cadence.
For example, I read several articles on how to increase speed. Last winter I worked out every day at the gym and tried to apply those lessons. I tried to keep a high RPM between 110-100 for 30 minutes. After several weeks, I was able to do that on the stationary bike. The thing is, doing it on a real bike is different. This will seem obvious, but a stationary bike doesn't require balance or keeping an eye on the road. All of these things make it difficult to maintain a steady cadence and rhythm. Without a steady cadence, it's very difficult to improve speed or average pace.
Before I started road riding, I had been mountain biking for 2 years. I naively thought "my legs are in decent shape, so it shouldn't be that hard." Well, that's simply not true. Riding trails requires a completely different set of skills and muscles. Even fire roads and dirt roads require different skills than road riding.
On a single track, you have to look at the obstacles, terrain and make sure your peddle is in the right position. If there's a boulder on the left side, you have to make sure your left peddle clears it. If there's a series of branches, rocks, boulders and trees, your peddling has to timed appropriately. When your left peddle is down at the wrong spot, you end up crashing. On more than one occasion, that's happened to me.
On the road, keeping a smooth steady cadence is critical. Even after spending November to February practicing it, I had a hard time applying it on the bike. It wasn't until mid august that I finally felt strong enough to focus on smooth cadence. So what does it mean to have a smooth cadence?
I think of it this way. Put the bike on a repair stand and turn the crank with your hand. Apply pressure evenly with one hand and listen to the sound. If you push down harder than up, it will have a "swoosh" sound. If you push the crank evenly, the sound should be a constant click.
Trying to do this on the bike is hard. Like most people, my tendency is to push harder with my strong leg. Being right-handed, that means my right leg. To develop a good cadence, you have to push evenly with both feet and lift on the up stroke. It sounds easy, but is quite hard.
Add to that breathing and body position. Good cycling technique takes a lot of time and effort to develop. Here's some videos on cadence.
Monday, October 3, 2011
Thoughts about GPS and elevation
I've been using my iPhone to record all of my rides for a year now. One thing I find interesting is how big the margin of error is. The official mapmyride calculation for ascent http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/fullscreen/52396398/ says 2877 feet of gain. The actual gps record of my ride on sunday
http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/fullscreen/52892664/ says 2894 feet of gain.
The cyclemeter summary and split says 5897 feet of ascent (http://maps.google.com/?q=http://share.abvio.com/bc64/6357/4c7a/cf0e/Cyclemeter-Cycle-20111002-0743.kml).
Finished Cycle: Oct 2, 2011 3:30:44 PM
Route: 2011 Major Taylor Century
Google Maps URL: http://maps.google.com/?q=
Shortened Google Maps URL: http://j.mp/ogumTC
Import URL: http://share.abvio.com/bc64/
Ride Time: 6:32:23
Stopped Time: 1:14:52
Distance: 100.67 miles
Average: 15.39 miles/h
Fastest Speed: 47.63 miles/h
Ascent: 5897 feet
Calories: 4386
The thing is, when I compare the actual elevation from the phone to mapmyride, it is off by 100 feet. In some spots it's off by 130 feet. This is unscientific, but it appears weather plays a big factor in the precision. On overcast and cloudy days, the elevation has a higher margin of error.
http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/fullscreen/52892664/ says 2894 feet of gain.
The cyclemeter summary and split says 5897 feet of ascent (http://maps.google.com/?q=http://share.abvio.com/bc64/6357/4c7a/cf0e/Cyclemeter-Cycle-20111002-0743.kml).
Finished Cycle: Oct 2, 2011 3:30:44 PM
Route: 2011 Major Taylor Century
Google Maps URL: http://maps.google.com/?q=
Shortened Google Maps URL: http://j.mp/ogumTC
Import URL: http://share.abvio.com/bc64/
Ride Time: 6:32:23
Stopped Time: 1:14:52
Distance: 100.67 miles
Average: 15.39 miles/h
Fastest Speed: 47.63 miles/h
Ascent: 5897 feet
Calories: 4386
The thing is, when I compare the actual elevation from the phone to mapmyride, it is off by 100 feet. In some spots it's off by 130 feet. This is unscientific, but it appears weather plays a big factor in the precision. On overcast and cloudy days, the elevation has a higher margin of error.
2011 Major Taylor Century
On Sunday I did 7 Hill Wheelmen's Major Taylor Century with 3 friends. The weather was better than last year, which was a chilly 45 degrees. This year, the weather was between 55-65 degrees. It sprinkled a little around noon. Several guys from the wednesday nite ride were there. Peter, Don, Eric, Gary and a few others.
The route is different this year. The weather was a bit cloudy, but the roads were mostly dry. The registration tent had bagles, bananas and a few other items.
Rob rides a specialized, Matt rides a Trek and Dave rides an Orbea. We're about to head out at 7:45.
The rest stop was about 33 miles in CT.
A group of riders pulling in. Some of them are wearing the major taylor jersey.
Rob and Dave pulling into the rest stop.
Dave, rob and others getting some food.
Peter Howard is the president of 7 hills wheelmen in the Barney's jersey.
Gary in the discovery channel jersey. Gary usually joins mike L's rides. He fast and rides a lot.
Don "old fast don" in the checkered vest is grabbing a bite. Peter H is also grabbing some food. Don is fast and rides with the A group on wednesdays.
Dave and rob pulling into the rest stop the second time. This year the 1st and 2nd rest stop are the same place. That makes it easier for the support people.
The third rest stop is around 67.5 miles.
Rob pulls into the rest stop.
Dave pulls into the third rest stop.
Dave and Matt resting.
Rob pulls into the finish!
Dave and Matt finish.
Friday, September 30, 2011
Holden Reservoir Friday Ride
Today I took a casual ride to Holden reservoir and took some pictures.
Reservoir street going south
North side of the reservoir
Going down south street towards Reservoir street
Intersection of South and Reservoir
Seven hill wheelmen monday nite social ride goes up reservoir street. For those getting into road riding, give the monday nite ride a try.
Seven hill wheelmen monday nite social ride goes up reservoir street. For those getting into road riding, give the monday nite ride a try.
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