Rode 6.46 miles to Monclova Elementary to meet with the other riders at the starting point of the ride which was 27.8 miles long. Afterwards, rode home.
This was a much harder ride. Tried to stay in the lead group once the group splintered up. Push hard most of the ride even while drafting but several riders rode ahead essentially rendering me further back.
While it was hard and it was fun (I think), I am glad it was over. It was the hardest ride to date. I see how this kind of group ride encourages a faster ride.
MXS: 24.6 mph
Weather Conditions: 1235 hours. Cloudy with a lighter wind of 5.8 mph or less variable primarily ENE.
Min: 56 Avg: 61 Max: 62 ºF
BTW...some other stud had the power meter!
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Cyclocross: An hour In hell
Cyclo-cross (sometimes cyclocross, CX, CCX, cyclo-X or 'cross') is a form of bicycle racing. Races typically take place in the autumn and winter (the international or "World Cup" season is September–January), and consists of many laps of a short (2.5–3.5 km or 1.5–2 mile) course featuring pavement, wooded trails, grass, steep hills and obstacles requiring the rider to quickly dismount, carry the bike whilst navigating the obstruction and remount. Races for senior categories are generally between 30 minutes and an hour long, with the distance varying depending on the ground conditions. The sport is strongest in the traditional road cycling countries such as Belgium (and Flanders in particular), the Netherlands and the Czech Republic .
Cyclo-cross has some obvious parallels with mountain bike racing, cross-country cycling and criterium racing. Many of the best cyclo-cross riders cross train in other cycling disciplines. However, cyclo-cross has reached a size and popularity that racers are specialists and many never race anything but cyclo-cross races. Cyclo-cross bicycles are similar to racing bicycles: lightweight, with narrow tires and drop handlebars. However, they also share characteristics with mountain bicycles in that they utilize knobby tread tires for traction, and cantilever style brakes for clearance needed due to muddy conditions. They have to be lightweight because competitors need to carry their bicycle to overcome barriers or slopes too steep to climb in the saddle. The sight of competitors struggling up a muddy slope with bicycles on their shoulders is the classic image of the sport, although unridable sections are generally a very small fraction of the race distance.
Compared with other forms of cycle racing, tactics are fairly straightforward, and the emphasis is on the rider's aerobic endurance and bike-handling skills. Drafting, where cyclists form a line with the lead cyclist pedaling harder while reducing the wind resistance for other riders, is of much less importance than in road racing where average speeds are much higher than in cyclo-cross.
A cyclo-cross rider is allowed to change bicycles and receive mechanical assistance during a race. While the rider is on the course gumming up one bicycle with mud, his or her pit crew can work quickly to clean, repair and oil the spares. Having a mechanic in the "pits" is more common for professional cyclo-cross racers. The average cyclo-cross racer might have a family member or friend holding their spare bike.
Origins and history
There are many stories about the origins of cyclo-cross. One is that European road racers in the early 1900s would race each other to the next town over from them and that they were allowed to cut through farmer's fields, over fences or take any other shortcuts in order to make it to the next town first. This was sometimes called steeple chase as the only visible landmark in the next town was often the steeple. This was a way for them to stay in shape during the winter months and put a twist on road racing. In addition, riding off road in more difficult conditions than smooth pavement increased the intensity at which the cyclists were riding and improved their on-the-road bike handling abilities. Forced running sections, or portage, were incorporated to help deliver warm blood to the feet and toes, as well as exercise other groups of muscles. Daniel Gousseau of France is credited as having inspired the first cyclo-cross races and organizing the first French National Championship in 1902. Géo Lefèvre, the originator of the idea for the Tour de France, also played a key role in the early days of the sport.
After Octave Lapize attributed his win in the 1910 Tour de France to his off season training in cyclo-cross the sport began to spread to countries bordering France. Belgium organized its first National Championship in 1910, Switzerland did so in 1912, then Luxembourg in 1923, Spain in 1929 and Italy in 1930.
Cyclo-cross proved itself as a sport extending beyond the boundaries of France when in 1924 the first international race, Le Critérium International de Cross-Country Cyclo-Pédestre, was held in Paris.
Like many international cycle sports, CX is administered by the Union Cycliste Internationale; although it wasn't until the 1940s, around 40 years after cyclo-cross' inception, that the UCI began its regulation and the first world championship was held in Paris in 1950.
Cyclo-cross began to become popular in the US in the 1970s and in 1975 the first race was held in New England but the first US National Championship was held in Berkeley, CA. The Surf City race series held in Santa Cruz, CA holds a lot of history of cyclo-cross in the US. The sport has experienced a growth in popularity in the US since the mid 90s and now the northwest hosts some of the largest events in the country.
Racing seasons
Cyclocross is typically an Autumn and Winter sport, the northern hemisphere season running from September to February. The World Championships take place in late January. The Canada and US national championships are held in November and December, with little racing after that except in the climates of the Southern and Western United States like California.
Riders' age categories for cyclocross under UCI rules are currently determined by their age on the 1 January which lies in the middle of the international season, i.e. they compete in the same category that they would be in for the following road season.
Souce: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyclo-cross
The following video was produced for a University Of Oregon electronic media class. It is designed as a short documentary to give people a better idea of what is cyclocross racing.
Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VRZOa_E9Qs8
Cyclo-cross has some obvious parallels with mountain bike racing, cross-country cycling and criterium racing. Many of the best cyclo-cross riders cross train in other cycling disciplines. However, cyclo-cross has reached a size and popularity that racers are specialists and many never race anything but cyclo-cross races. Cyclo-cross bicycles are similar to racing bicycles: lightweight, with narrow tires and drop handlebars. However, they also share characteristics with mountain bicycles in that they utilize knobby tread tires for traction, and cantilever style brakes for clearance needed due to muddy conditions. They have to be lightweight because competitors need to carry their bicycle to overcome barriers or slopes too steep to climb in the saddle. The sight of competitors struggling up a muddy slope with bicycles on their shoulders is the classic image of the sport, although unridable sections are generally a very small fraction of the race distance.
Compared with other forms of cycle racing, tactics are fairly straightforward, and the emphasis is on the rider's aerobic endurance and bike-handling skills. Drafting, where cyclists form a line with the lead cyclist pedaling harder while reducing the wind resistance for other riders, is of much less importance than in road racing where average speeds are much higher than in cyclo-cross.
A cyclo-cross rider is allowed to change bicycles and receive mechanical assistance during a race. While the rider is on the course gumming up one bicycle with mud, his or her pit crew can work quickly to clean, repair and oil the spares. Having a mechanic in the "pits" is more common for professional cyclo-cross racers. The average cyclo-cross racer might have a family member or friend holding their spare bike.
Origins and history
There are many stories about the origins of cyclo-cross. One is that European road racers in the early 1900s would race each other to the next town over from them and that they were allowed to cut through farmer's fields, over fences or take any other shortcuts in order to make it to the next town first. This was sometimes called steeple chase as the only visible landmark in the next town was often the steeple. This was a way for them to stay in shape during the winter months and put a twist on road racing. In addition, riding off road in more difficult conditions than smooth pavement increased the intensity at which the cyclists were riding and improved their on-the-road bike handling abilities. Forced running sections, or portage, were incorporated to help deliver warm blood to the feet and toes, as well as exercise other groups of muscles. Daniel Gousseau of France is credited as having inspired the first cyclo-cross races and organizing the first French National Championship in 1902. Géo Lefèvre, the originator of the idea for the Tour de France, also played a key role in the early days of the sport.
After Octave Lapize attributed his win in the 1910 Tour de France to his off season training in cyclo-cross the sport began to spread to countries bordering France. Belgium organized its first National Championship in 1910, Switzerland did so in 1912, then Luxembourg in 1923, Spain in 1929 and Italy in 1930.
Cyclo-cross proved itself as a sport extending beyond the boundaries of France when in 1924 the first international race, Le Critérium International de Cross-Country Cyclo-Pédestre, was held in Paris.
Like many international cycle sports, CX is administered by the Union Cycliste Internationale; although it wasn't until the 1940s, around 40 years after cyclo-cross' inception, that the UCI began its regulation and the first world championship was held in Paris in 1950.
Cyclo-cross began to become popular in the US in the 1970s and in 1975 the first race was held in New England but the first US National Championship was held in Berkeley, CA. The Surf City race series held in Santa Cruz, CA holds a lot of history of cyclo-cross in the US. The sport has experienced a growth in popularity in the US since the mid 90s and now the northwest hosts some of the largest events in the country.
Racing seasons
Cyclocross is typically an Autumn and Winter sport, the northern hemisphere season running from September to February. The World Championships take place in late January. The Canada and US national championships are held in November and December, with little racing after that except in the climates of the Southern and Western United States like California.
Riders' age categories for cyclocross under UCI rules are currently determined by their age on the 1 January which lies in the middle of the international season, i.e. they compete in the same category that they would be in for the following road season.
Souce: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyclo-cross
The following video was produced for a University Of Oregon electronic media class. It is designed as a short documentary to give people a better idea of what is cyclocross racing.
Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VRZOa_E9Qs8
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Ride to NSBSS
This was a ride to work filling a 12-hour shift, followed with a 90 min workout in the fitness center and a ride home in the morning and thus there are separate stats.
The ride to work was a rush to be on time taking approximately 70 mins. averaging 16.3 mph and an avg HR of 155 bpm and a max of 163 bpm. Avg cadence of 81; max 105. Also had to ride an extra 3 miles to keep off of US20 from Delta westward to County Rd 9.
The ride home was difficult due to the fog condensing upon my glasses and the probable fatigue from the long night. It took about the same time; 69 mins. averaging a faster 16.6 mph and a slower avg HR of 146 bpm and the same max of 163 bpm. Avg cadence of 80; max 99.
Interestingly, the ride out was primarily within a HR Zone 4; the ride home while within less time was primarily within HR Zone 3. Why?
Weather Conditions: 1732 and 0846 hours. Little to no wind during the ride out to Northstar or during the return home which was foggy.
Min: 62ºF Max: 78ºF
The ride to work was a rush to be on time taking approximately 70 mins. averaging 16.3 mph and an avg HR of 155 bpm and a max of 163 bpm. Avg cadence of 81; max 105. Also had to ride an extra 3 miles to keep off of US20 from Delta westward to County Rd 9.
The ride home was difficult due to the fog condensing upon my glasses and the probable fatigue from the long night. It took about the same time; 69 mins. averaging a faster 16.6 mph and a slower avg HR of 146 bpm and the same max of 163 bpm. Avg cadence of 80; max 99.
Interestingly, the ride out was primarily within a HR Zone 4; the ride home while within less time was primarily within HR Zone 3. Why?
Weather Conditions: 1732 and 0846 hours. Little to no wind during the ride out to Northstar or during the return home which was foggy.
Min: 62ºF Max: 78ºF
County Rd C Steady State Intervals
County Rd C Steady State Intervals
Weather Conditions: 1100 hours. 12.7 mph winds out of the west. Warm and cloudy. Avg: 73 ºF
Weather Conditions: 1100 hours. 12.7 mph winds out of the west. Warm and cloudy. Avg: 73 ºF
Monday, September 20, 2010
TAB Monday Night Group Ride
This was my first group ride. Jimmie met me in the driveway and we met Mark at the park adjacent to General Ice Cream.
There were quite a few riders and I was happy to stay at the back of the pack and observe the mechanics of group riding. Mark and Jimmie hammered down on Monclova Rd and I reminded myself that I was here to observe and learn even though I could have rode faster although what I take away most from this experience was how easy the ride was and how much faster I was biking.
Ergo, it was this thing called a "draft" that I had heard so much of during this past four months' madness.
It was a pretty cool thing!
MXS: 24.5.
Weather Conditions: 1800 hours. Easterly wind at 10.4 mph and partly cloudy. Min: 66 Max: 68 ºF
There were quite a few riders and I was happy to stay at the back of the pack and observe the mechanics of group riding. Mark and Jimmie hammered down on Monclova Rd and I reminded myself that I was here to observe and learn even though I could have rode faster although what I take away most from this experience was how easy the ride was and how much faster I was biking.
Ergo, it was this thing called a "draft" that I had heard so much of during this past four months' madness.
It was a pretty cool thing!
MXS: 24.5.
Weather Conditions: 1800 hours. Easterly wind at 10.4 mph and partly cloudy. Min: 66 Max: 68 ºF
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Country Rd C
OK...so I go out to the garage to "suit-up" as it were for some SS intervals only to find the front tire flat again.
Long story short the air loss previously on County Rd C was not due to a leaking valve stem but a small hole on the inside surface of the tube between the tube and the tape on the rim.
I patched the tube in about an hour given my lack of recent experience and was off for a quick ride with the time left before I would have to leave for work.
Average 18.1 mph for the first half of my run and expected to return with a head wind out of the east and was not disappointed.
Overall, it was an enjoyable ride.
MXS: 25.3 mph.
Weather Conditions: 1643 hours. Mostly cloudy and a calm wind going out and an easterly wind of 9.2 mph during the return; 53 percent humidity. Avg: 70 ºF.
Long story short the air loss previously on County Rd C was not due to a leaking valve stem but a small hole on the inside surface of the tube between the tube and the tape on the rim.
I patched the tube in about an hour given my lack of recent experience and was off for a quick ride with the time left before I would have to leave for work.
Average 18.1 mph for the first half of my run and expected to return with a head wind out of the east and was not disappointed.
Overall, it was an enjoyable ride.
MXS: 25.3 mph.
Weather Conditions: 1643 hours. Mostly cloudy and a calm wind going out and an easterly wind of 9.2 mph during the return; 53 percent humidity. Avg: 70 ºF.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
County Rd C Steady State Intervals
OK...this was a poor attempt to use a better route for intervals that I discovered while biking to work earlier this past week. It was a poor attempt because I failed in reaching my goal due to mechanical difficulties, namely, a flat tire. The presto value was found loose and vented most of the air as I was riding.
I made it down County Rd C, about 11 miles, just past 109. Then upon the realization of a flat, I did the math, turned around and started walking back home, a brisk walk, one that would result in a long enough pilgrimage to realize how and why I failed in my training this day and how proper planning i.e., a CO2 inflator would have saved the day. Oh, btw, that journey would take about 3 hours.
But alas, my fair wife knowing my route and expected ETA got very concern with my lack of a timely return and I was promptly rescued from a plague of blisters upon the souls of my feet when she drove up within the final two miles of said journey.
Oh, well. I will try again for the route is less traveled and there are few stops along the way. Perfect for interval training. Also, I ordered a roomy bike wedge for under the seat that has tools and an inflator with CO2 cartridges.
Weather Conditions: 1643 hours. Mostly cloudy and a calm wind going out and an easterly wind of 9.2 mph during the return; 53 percent humidity. Avg: 70 ºF.
I made it down County Rd C, about 11 miles, just past 109. Then upon the realization of a flat, I did the math, turned around and started walking back home, a brisk walk, one that would result in a long enough pilgrimage to realize how and why I failed in my training this day and how proper planning i.e., a CO2 inflator would have saved the day. Oh, btw, that journey would take about 3 hours.
But alas, my fair wife knowing my route and expected ETA got very concern with my lack of a timely return and I was promptly rescued from a plague of blisters upon the souls of my feet when she drove up within the final two miles of said journey.
Oh, well. I will try again for the route is less traveled and there are few stops along the way. Perfect for interval training. Also, I ordered a roomy bike wedge for under the seat that has tools and an inflator with CO2 cartridges.
Weather Conditions: 1643 hours. Mostly cloudy and a calm wind going out and an easterly wind of 9.2 mph during the return; 53 percent humidity. Avg: 70 ºF.
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