So I rode the Sempre in to work this morning (Thursday). Paul had recommended I do some 30 second all out intervals to work on my sprinting speed at the end of rides. I thought it would be cool and a time saver to incorporate it into my Thursday commute.
So I did about 6 30 sec bursts at various points on my route that were conducive to totally psychotic riding.
I saw the super cool high scooler (SCHS). He was just staring his ipod. There is also an insane woman who has started walking up and down 34th st. She is insane because she is wearing jackets and multiple back packs. Even though it's in the 90's. She may be homeless.
It was threatening rain on the commute home and I'm not going to lie it was nice being able to fly home on the Sempre.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Went on the Glider ride this morning (Wednesday). Once again in the last mile 2 riders whizzed past me. I tried to go with them but there was no way even though I was going 27 mph.
Later I went to Bikes and More to deal with the flat tire issue with the Cortina. Brian said there was a worn spot in the Kevlar tire that was creating friction on the tube. That caused the tube to rupture. That made me feel better because the tubes didn't blow because I was a dope but rather because I"m such a bad ass that I wore out a Kevlar tire. That's how I decided to look at it anyway.
Afterward I related to Paul how I keep getting dropped at the end of group rides. He flashed his supportive smile of zen like tranquility and dispensed some wisdom and training advice. Paul said he was a little envious that I'm able to ride regularly. He said he loves to ride bikes but between being a dad and a business owner he doesn't have as much time as he would like.
Later I went to Bikes and More to deal with the flat tire issue with the Cortina. Brian said there was a worn spot in the Kevlar tire that was creating friction on the tube. That caused the tube to rupture. That made me feel better because the tubes didn't blow because I was a dope but rather because I"m such a bad ass that I wore out a Kevlar tire. That's how I decided to look at it anyway.
Afterward I related to Paul how I keep getting dropped at the end of group rides. He flashed his supportive smile of zen like tranquility and dispensed some wisdom and training advice. Paul said he was a little envious that I'm able to ride regularly. He said he loves to ride bikes but between being a dad and a business owner he doesn't have as much time as he would like.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Flat tire on the way home from work. I changed it in the Publix parking lot. Felt somewhat pleased with myself. When I came home I pumped up the tire to full pressure. A little later V and I lit out to go downtown. The new tube blew in under a minute. Either there was something still in there that caused the original flat or the tube was pinched from a due to my shitty installation job. Either way I still suck at changing tires.
Rode downtown on the Sempre which was a little weird but a nice change of pace.
Oh and I saw the Small Kid with Huge Backpack (SKHB) this morning. His backpack seemed almost imperceptibly slightly less huge.
Rode downtown on the Sempre which was a little weird but a nice change of pace.
Oh and I saw the Small Kid with Huge Backpack (SKHB) this morning. His backpack seemed almost imperceptibly slightly less huge.
Monday, April 25, 2011
Monday I had to switch shifts and work 8-4 instead of 2-10. Normally I bike the Millhopper route in the morning. Today I drove to work with my bike in the hatch then drove over to Millhopper right afterward to do my ride. I started out filling sluggish but after I passed my first check off point in pretty good time I knew I had a chance at a special ride. On all my routes I have certain points where I compare my time to my best ever. Like if I make it over the overpass to the crosswalk for the birdwatchers in under 27 minutes then things are cooking. It's kind of a game but it keeps me motivated.
I was keeping my cadence way up and trying not to burn out in too hard of a gear. I thought I had an outside shot at the coveted sub 40:00 ride but I wound up clocking in at 40:25. Still good enough for my best time ever on the course.
That night V and I biked down to the new restaurant where Cafe Gardens used to be. I had a tempeh burger with Thai Chili sauce topped with veggies and cheese. Afterward we headed over to Karma Cream and called it a night.
I was keeping my cadence way up and trying not to burn out in too hard of a gear. I thought I had an outside shot at the coveted sub 40:00 ride but I wound up clocking in at 40:25. Still good enough for my best time ever on the course.
That night V and I biked down to the new restaurant where Cafe Gardens used to be. I had a tempeh burger with Thai Chili sauce topped with veggies and cheese. Afterward we headed over to Karma Cream and called it a night.
Sunday, April 24, 2011
On the ride home from work Easter Sunday, I shit you not- I saw a bunny hopping along the sidewalk. It was brown, fluffy, pretty cute.
In other news I had Bikes and More put my old bike computer with the cadence sensor on the Cortina. I figure on my commutes to work I can work on increasing my pedaling speed. Ridiculous, I know but it keeps me out of trouble. Normally I pedal about 90 rpm's on the road with the Sempre. I put the Cortina in a low gear and a couple of times jacked the pedaling up to 157 rpm's for a few seconds. It was weird, like a hamster on amphetamines running on an exercise wheel.
Saturday I did the Racetrack loop before work. I didn't set any personal records but it was a solid effort. The middle half was pretty windy.
Had a pretty meaningful conversation with Paul about gears and chain rings. Brian, the big friendly giant was looming in the background. At one point some random little kid rode down the sidewalk on a bike and Brian greeted him "Hey P'Shawn". How does Brian know everyone? I think he is a benevolent being from another dimension sent here to save the human race using only positive vibes and the power to finely tune bicycles.
In other news I had Bikes and More put my old bike computer with the cadence sensor on the Cortina. I figure on my commutes to work I can work on increasing my pedaling speed. Ridiculous, I know but it keeps me out of trouble. Normally I pedal about 90 rpm's on the road with the Sempre. I put the Cortina in a low gear and a couple of times jacked the pedaling up to 157 rpm's for a few seconds. It was weird, like a hamster on amphetamines running on an exercise wheel.
Saturday I did the Racetrack loop before work. I didn't set any personal records but it was a solid effort. The middle half was pretty windy.
Had a pretty meaningful conversation with Paul about gears and chain rings. Brian, the big friendly giant was looming in the background. At one point some random little kid rode down the sidewalk on a bike and Brian greeted him "Hey P'Shawn". How does Brian know everyone? I think he is a benevolent being from another dimension sent here to save the human race using only positive vibes and the power to finely tune bicycles.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Rode with the Gliders Wednesday. Only 3 other dudes showed up and one left 3/4ths of the way through the ride. So it was a lot of work because I had to spend more time at the front. As usual I couldn't hang on in the last mile and was dropped. It sucks to ride 29 miles and then with just a little to go to fall off.
Went to Bikes and More that afternoon. I was there to pick up some shorts. Paul tells Chandler to handle the register. Chandler walks over. A phone starts to ring. Keith answers the phone. Chandler, oblivious to the fact that the phone has been answered picks up a different phone and tries to answer it instead of waiting on me. What is mystifying is Keith was like 1 foot away from us. I then tell Chandler I need to pick up the shorts. He goes into the back and amazingly is able to 1) locate the shorts and 2) bring them back without destroying the universe in the process. He then hands me the shorts and wanders off instead of ringing me up. I wait for Keith to get off the phone who then completes the sale. I have got to figure out what the deal is with Chandler. Did Paul win him in a poker game, did he just come with the building?
Rode downtown again with V. Went to the Farmer's Market. Ate at Boca Fiesta and then the cupcake place. Rode down to the Top and the Backyard Bar (between Boca and Palomino) last night.
Lost a pannier on the ride over to Bikes and More earlier. Luckily I found it by the bridge on Glen Springs Rd still there 30 minutes later. I hadn't bungee corded it to the bike
Went to Bikes and More that afternoon. I was there to pick up some shorts. Paul tells Chandler to handle the register. Chandler walks over. A phone starts to ring. Keith answers the phone. Chandler, oblivious to the fact that the phone has been answered picks up a different phone and tries to answer it instead of waiting on me. What is mystifying is Keith was like 1 foot away from us. I then tell Chandler I need to pick up the shorts. He goes into the back and amazingly is able to 1) locate the shorts and 2) bring them back without destroying the universe in the process. He then hands me the shorts and wanders off instead of ringing me up. I wait for Keith to get off the phone who then completes the sale. I have got to figure out what the deal is with Chandler. Did Paul win him in a poker game, did he just come with the building?
Rode downtown again with V. Went to the Farmer's Market. Ate at Boca Fiesta and then the cupcake place. Rode down to the Top and the Backyard Bar (between Boca and Palomino) last night.
Lost a pannier on the ride over to Bikes and More earlier. Luckily I found it by the bridge on Glen Springs Rd still there 30 minutes later. I hadn't bungee corded it to the bike
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Very foggy this morning. Like fog machine at an Interpol concert fog. Right before University Ave on 34th St. there was this Super Cool High Schooler (SCHS) standing on the sidewalk. This kid was really making it happen. His legs were crossed and he kind of had this shoegaze thing going. The fog was thick all around and he was looking down with this pensive expression. His hair was kind of long in the front and falling in to his face. Of course he was completely oblivious as I whizzed by since he was busy starring in his own private vampire movie.
I hope he becomes a regular on my route because my other characters, Biking Hispanic Lady and Small Kid Huge Backpack have pretty much disappeared.
I hope he becomes a regular on my route because my other characters, Biking Hispanic Lady and Small Kid Huge Backpack have pretty much disappeared.
Monday, April 18, 2011
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Rode the Hawthorne trail solo Sunday morning. Started off poorly. My chain was messed up around the derailleur and the pedals weren't moving. A half hour and a pair of greasy hands later I took off. I saw a deer, a rabbit, and dozens of panicked squirrels on the trail. One dude riding the opposite way actually ran over a squirrel on his bike.
There was a big fallen tree blocking part of the path. I had to put my back over my shoulder cyclocross style and step over it. Want to know how badass the park service is? The guy already had it cleared and was sawing it up by the time I was riding back. Other than that not much to report. I didn't stop at the halfway point. It didn't seem worth it when there wasn't anyone awesome to talk with about the greatness of Gary Numan. There were a bunch of older people there getting ready to ride, but I figured they probably thought "Cars" was Numan's high water mark and were likely Ultravox fans.
The new cadence sensor was working great. After not having it for a few weeks I noticed my pedal rate was down some so I just focused on bringing it back up without overdoing it.
Stopped by Bikes and More later to check on some shorts I had ordered a while back. Chandler started to wait on me, but of course Paul quickly took over. I have to ask Paul about Chandler's story some day.
Have you ever seen the Dinosaur Jr. video to "Over It"? It's pretty cool and I like the song. The video has "the band" doing skateboard and BMX bike tricks.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TgTJtdn6VjM
Tomorrow I'm going to do the Millhopper loop (I do it every Monday). My dream is to go under 40 minutes someday. Maybe tomorrow's the day.
There was a big fallen tree blocking part of the path. I had to put my back over my shoulder cyclocross style and step over it. Want to know how badass the park service is? The guy already had it cleared and was sawing it up by the time I was riding back. Other than that not much to report. I didn't stop at the halfway point. It didn't seem worth it when there wasn't anyone awesome to talk with about the greatness of Gary Numan. There were a bunch of older people there getting ready to ride, but I figured they probably thought "Cars" was Numan's high water mark and were likely Ultravox fans.
The new cadence sensor was working great. After not having it for a few weeks I noticed my pedal rate was down some so I just focused on bringing it back up without overdoing it.
Stopped by Bikes and More later to check on some shorts I had ordered a while back. Chandler started to wait on me, but of course Paul quickly took over. I have to ask Paul about Chandler's story some day.
Have you ever seen the Dinosaur Jr. video to "Over It"? It's pretty cool and I like the song. The video has "the band" doing skateboard and BMX bike tricks.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TgTJtdn6VjM
Tomorrow I'm going to do the Millhopper loop (I do it every Monday). My dream is to go under 40 minutes someday. Maybe tomorrow's the day.
Friday, April 15, 2011
V and I biked downtown last night (Thursday). We partied at the Top. I had a couple of White Russians- which has pretty much become my favorite drink Also had the tempeh rueben. Then pedaled over to Karma Cream for a black chocolate cherry ice cream cone. We went over to Durty Nellie's after ward. I had a Scotch and watched Morrissey videos. I'm glad I saved drinking for middle age. You shouldn't do too much when you're young. Life inevitably gets boring and there is nothing left to try. I'm saving heroin and caviar for when I'm 50.
Today (Friday) I biked the 30 mile Racetrack loop solo. The wind was heavy. Gears kept slipping. Going to Bikes and More tomorrow.
On the ride home from work tonight I stopped off at Sweet Dreams and had a Black Raspberry milkshake. My leg feels kind of messed up. I'll rest tomorrow.
Today (Friday) I biked the 30 mile Racetrack loop solo. The wind was heavy. Gears kept slipping. Going to Bikes and More tomorrow.
On the ride home from work tonight I stopped off at Sweet Dreams and had a Black Raspberry milkshake. My leg feels kind of messed up. I'll rest tomorrow.
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Surprisingly nippy this morning (Thursday). Able to ride in my work clothes in. I was encouraged to see so many parents and kids biking to Glen Springs Elem. Then I saw the massive line of cars backed up waiting to turn in to the school and became slightly less upbeat.
The last few rides have been smooth as silk- no static at all.
On the way home I got into the jesus bike lane on 34th right before University. That's where the bike lane straddles the lane of cars going straight on the left and the lane of cars turning on the right. It's tricky because cars going straight sometimes decide to swerve over into the right hand turn lane without looking. Today there were cars on the left and a semi on my right. I assumed I wouldn't die and kept pedaling.
The last few rides have been smooth as silk- no static at all.
On the way home I got into the jesus bike lane on 34th right before University. That's where the bike lane straddles the lane of cars going straight on the left and the lane of cars turning on the right. It's tricky because cars going straight sometimes decide to swerve over into the right hand turn lane without looking. Today there were cars on the left and a semi on my right. I assumed I wouldn't die and kept pedaling.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Rode with the Gliders this morning. One dude got a flat. I was going to offer him my bead jack but of course he put the tire on using his bare hands with the ease of a clown making a balloon animal. Dammit, what do I have, kitten strength, super tight tires? I give up.
To add insult to injury since everyone had been standing around for the tire change, they ramped up the pace big time in the last couple of miles. I am not good at riding really fast. I am better at long sustained efforts. We were about a mile away and going 26mph. The lead guy dropped back and I was next in front. I couldn't keep up that pace leading so I dropped back after 30 seconds or so. The hard part about dropping back is reattaching to the group. You've been up front and your tired. The key is to not to slow down to much, let the group pass and slide right in behind the last person in line. It's tough though. If a gap forms then you're in no man's land working like a mother to catch up facing all the air resistance.
So I was dropped, but by that point we were near the finish anyway.
To add insult to injury since everyone had been standing around for the tire change, they ramped up the pace big time in the last couple of miles. I am not good at riding really fast. I am better at long sustained efforts. We were about a mile away and going 26mph. The lead guy dropped back and I was next in front. I couldn't keep up that pace leading so I dropped back after 30 seconds or so. The hard part about dropping back is reattaching to the group. You've been up front and your tired. The key is to not to slow down to much, let the group pass and slide right in behind the last person in line. It's tough though. If a gap forms then you're in no man's land working like a mother to catch up facing all the air resistance.
So I was dropped, but by that point we were near the finish anyway.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
It blows my mind how many people on bikes diagonally cross the intersection of 13th and University.
On the way to work this morning I forgot to cross the road in time and got caught in Glen Springs Elementary school traffic. The crossing guard waved me through along with this little kid so it was cool. I go through 3 school zones on the way to work. It's a sleazebag move but if I can piggyback on to some little kid trying to cross the road then I'm golden.
On the ride home after the night shift I see so many people spray painting on the 34th st wall. Then on the ride in the next morning I read all the dumb shit they were putting up there.
The 'bead jack' is awesome. It's this thing I ordered to help pull the last bit of tire onto the rim while changing a flat. I just practice changing tires on my extra wheel, pretty much every day. It sounds dumb but it's actually kind of fun.
Haven't seen small kid with huge backpack lately.
Did the Millhopper route (13.4 miles) Monday. I did it pretty quickly (41:09) but my power output was significantly less (454 watts) than some rides. Maybe it was less windy or maybe I was more aerodynamic. Riding with the Gliders Wednesday morning.
Man, where is my replacement cadence sensor? I'm going by Bikes and More tomorrow to get some answers. I'll probably come home with no idea about the sensor but having purchased a pair of wool biking underwear.
On the way to work this morning I forgot to cross the road in time and got caught in Glen Springs Elementary school traffic. The crossing guard waved me through along with this little kid so it was cool. I go through 3 school zones on the way to work. It's a sleazebag move but if I can piggyback on to some little kid trying to cross the road then I'm golden.
On the ride home after the night shift I see so many people spray painting on the 34th st wall. Then on the ride in the next morning I read all the dumb shit they were putting up there.
The 'bead jack' is awesome. It's this thing I ordered to help pull the last bit of tire onto the rim while changing a flat. I just practice changing tires on my extra wheel, pretty much every day. It sounds dumb but it's actually kind of fun.
Haven't seen small kid with huge backpack lately.
Did the Millhopper route (13.4 miles) Monday. I did it pretty quickly (41:09) but my power output was significantly less (454 watts) than some rides. Maybe it was less windy or maybe I was more aerodynamic. Riding with the Gliders Wednesday morning.
Man, where is my replacement cadence sensor? I'm going by Bikes and More tomorrow to get some answers. I'll probably come home with no idea about the sensor but having purchased a pair of wool biking underwear.
Saturday, April 9, 2011
Stopped off at Sweet Dreams on the ride home from work late Saturday night. Had the fudge brownie with raspberry ice cream. Sitting outside on a bench next to my bike sinking my teeth into the sugary goodness a feeling of contentment washed over me- kind of like Robert Plant's "Big Log" video.
This was in contrast to earlier while at work I was irritated and annoyed, kind of like how I feel when listening to Plant's "Tall Cool One" on the Walgreens muzak.
Also, there are about 12 uplifting latter day Bon Jovi "anthems" that get played at Walgreens. They are all totally interchangeable. All came out way after their heyday. One is actually called "We Weren't Born to Follow". It came out in 2009. According to wikipedia Jon Bon says it's "about working people picking themselves up by their bootstraps in hard times." I guess if anyone owns boot straps it's a Bon Jovi fan.
This was in contrast to earlier while at work I was irritated and annoyed, kind of like how I feel when listening to Plant's "Tall Cool One" on the Walgreens muzak.
Also, there are about 12 uplifting latter day Bon Jovi "anthems" that get played at Walgreens. They are all totally interchangeable. All came out way after their heyday. One is actually called "We Weren't Born to Follow". It came out in 2009. According to wikipedia Jon Bon says it's "about working people picking themselves up by their bootstraps in hard times." I guess if anyone owns boot straps it's a Bon Jovi fan.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Accidentally posted stuff to wrong blog and I'd hate to rob you of these gems.
4/1/11
Racetrack loop this morning. I discovered part of the bike lane on 441 was ripped up due to construction. Fortunately like Ice Cube I checked myself and thus avoided wrecking myself. Had a dude in a truck yell indecipherably at me while passing. I guess he wasn't thrilled with the concept of cyclists on the road.
I rode pretty hard but I was still a little over a minute off my course record. Two magical rides last September on the Imola I finished in 1 hr 32 minutes. During that same period I rode my best time on the Millhopper loop. I wish I could figure out why.
4/4/11
Lots of biking, not much news. Biked the Millhopper loop Monday morning. Legs were still a little sore from the Hawthorne trail ride.
Had to use sunscreen on the ride in to work for the first time this year. Rocked out to A Place to Bury Strangers on the way home. Did the patented red light scamper through University and 34th St intersection.
Man I wish Sweet Dreams was open late Tuesday night. I could really go for a sugar freak out on the way home after what will be a long ass 14 hour day.
4/1/11
Racetrack loop this morning. I discovered part of the bike lane on 441 was ripped up due to construction. Fortunately like Ice Cube I checked myself and thus avoided wrecking myself. Had a dude in a truck yell indecipherably at me while passing. I guess he wasn't thrilled with the concept of cyclists on the road.
I rode pretty hard but I was still a little over a minute off my course record. Two magical rides last September on the Imola I finished in 1 hr 32 minutes. During that same period I rode my best time on the Millhopper loop. I wish I could figure out why.
4/4/11
Lots of biking, not much news. Biked the Millhopper loop Monday morning. Legs were still a little sore from the Hawthorne trail ride.
Had to use sunscreen on the ride in to work for the first time this year. Rocked out to A Place to Bury Strangers on the way home. Did the patented red light scamper through University and 34th St intersection.
Man I wish Sweet Dreams was open late Tuesday night. I could really go for a sugar freak out on the way home after what will be a long ass 14 hour day.
Well I rode with the Gliders and it was about 50 degrees so I wore the Nitto wool jersey. There was some badass I had never seen before that was dominating the ride. For a while we were in a double paceline which led to more socializing. I was tempted to start pontificating about the genius of Billy Squire to the dude riding next to me but decided to sing "Lonely Is the Night" to myself instead.
When we went back to single file the badass started hammering it again. A few miles from the end one group started sprinting out. I was too busy watching for rocks and sticks to notice right away . The badass was a little ahead and caught the light at 53rd and 441 just right and he was gone while the rest of us had to hang back.
Still, buoyed by the power of the Nitto I felt like I was floating in the sky like a giant parade float. Or maybe it was the lack of oxygen and glucose going to my brain.
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Like Bob Seger I woke last night to the sound of thunder. I drove to work rather than chance getting caught up in some windy ass storm shit.
Tomorrow (Wednesday) could be huge. The 'Glider' group ride is the Racetrack loop which is my bread and butter solo ride. Plus it may be cold enough for me to wear my dope Nitto wool jersey.
Got a bead jack tool in the mail which is supposed to make getting a tire on a bike a lot easier without potentially effing up the tube like when you use a tire lever. More later on that.
Tomorrow (Wednesday) could be huge. The 'Glider' group ride is the Racetrack loop which is my bread and butter solo ride. Plus it may be cold enough for me to wear my dope Nitto wool jersey.
Got a bead jack tool in the mail which is supposed to make getting a tire on a bike a lot easier without potentially effing up the tube like when you use a tire lever. More later on that.
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Hawthorne trail ride with Harry: stats
Miles- 43.76
Average mph- 14.15
Total work- 1046 kilojoules
Average number of Depeche Mode references/hr- 9.2
Most frequently mentioned Bikes and More employee: Brian
Christian's most obnoxious continuous weather related complaint. Pea soup like fog rendering glasses useless.
Miles- 43.76
Average mph- 14.15
Total work- 1046 kilojoules
Average number of Depeche Mode references/hr- 9.2
Most frequently mentioned Bikes and More employee: Brian
Christian's most obnoxious continuous weather related complaint. Pea soup like fog rendering glasses useless.
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