Stego's Fall Cycling Thread: come on in...

[stego]

Whether it be road races, mountain bike races, cyclocross or distance rides, this is the place to post up about it. It was suggested I do so...
In response to those who took the time to reply to my tri thread: thank you. I posted on the team site as well and got the obligatory "competition" reply from the team captain. I'd had hoped by sharing as a father that it would be taken in that context. It wasn't...
Someone stated that if I was "quitting" tri because of my dismal placing that I should reconsider. I did reconsider and came to the same result: it's not for me. I've been back on the mountain bike even longer and it's even more clear. I went yesterday out in west Austin off of Loop 360 to Ken's trail and being up off the cliffs, picking my lines, riding the ledge: it's what I do and it is so different from tri. I am familiar enough with this activity that I can dial back or ramp up as needed. What is my priority is my son and if anything that is even more at the front. Yes, I will admit that placing so low had an effect on me but what is important is that I had to go through that to realize what is important to me. Let's just say it was part of my journey.
For those out of the know, in 2004 on my 40th birthday my wife and son bought me a new comfort bike to ride the weight off: I rode it home 14 miles. I joined WW in March 2004 and in July 2005 hit lifetime. I came here to the wish board and journaled for that year. I put thousands of miles on that bike and it has since found a new home but I re-discovered my love of cycling and it has kinda of chain effected on people close to me. A co-worker suggested mountain bike racing and I got the bug and I have been racing for 3 years. I was able to join a team last year with my son. Two years ago I started commuting 20 miles round trip to work each Friday. There have been some really good positive changes in my life and by coming here and sharing I feel like I can pass on some of the good stuff about my experiences: and my growing pains.
Perhaps you too would like to share about your cycling experiences...

[escape]

Hi Stego!

What a great story! The thing I like about biking is that almost anyone can do some form of it in the beginning. I started out on a comfort bike a few years ago but I only rode every now and then. I enjoyed riding but I really didn't have anyone to ride with. In my small town, most people I knew that biked had road bikes or did moutain biking. I couldn't keep up with the road bikers and my comfort bike couldn't handle the trails as well as the mountain bikes could. Now days, a lot more people have comfort bikes around here but I was ready to move on to longer distances by the beginning of this past summer. In order for me to move on, I needed a new bike.

I bought my first road bike in June and I love it. I did have a little problem getting used to the cleats but I'm getting more confident riding with them now.

This past weekend, I completed my longest distance to date: 50 miles. I participated in the Big Dam Bridge 100 tour in Little Rock, AR. For hard core riders that's nothing but for me, it's quite an accomplishment, especially since I hadn't gone more than 32 miles this season (36 miles last year was my longest distance ever). Next year, I plan to either do a 100K or 100 miler. In the meantime, I'm looking for more riding events to do in the next few months. I absolutely loved the one I participated in this weekend. Now if I can just get my weight under control......:rolleyes1

I'd love to hear more stories. I might even venture into mountain biking some day.

[stego]

But then again, that is why I joined WW. I can eat a ton of broccoli: and guess what? I'll weigh a ton! There are really no surprises now; the scale is my best measure. The pants/belts getting tight are an indicator too!
Congatulations escape on your 50 mile ride! The longest I've been on the road bike is about 35 miles. I do have a road bike and it is a wonderful training tool for my mountain bike racing. A number of racers have a road bike and it is a significant part of their training. It's a lot easier on the body and a great way to get in interval training. Trust me, mountain biking is a whole other beast from road cycling. My wife rides on the road and has seen us on the trails and it has absolutely no interest to her. She's seen the technical stuff and drops/ledges and it can be quite intimdating. That's why I started on Ken's trail because there is lots of stuff in there to make me cry for my momma! If you are looking for more local rides in the area, stop by your local bike shop. They usually have flyers on local events, as well as information on local riding groups. I've been riding clipless for years and was scared just like everyone else. Now it is just second nature. I did get some road clips a few years back and those were quite different as well. The footprint on those help significantly with "hot spots". I prefer shimano's myself.

[twoWDWfools]

Hey Stego!

Great to see a cycling thread. Hopefully it can become a place to help others regardless of what type of riding they do.

DH and I both ride - road and off-road. Not mountain biking just trails that are limestone & dirt mainly. DH rode near daily in his teens and early 20's then for various reasons just tapered off to casual riding. We got back into it last year and this year even more so. I got a new hybrid bike for Mothers Day and he got a new road bike for Fathers Day (he uses his old one for off road). Both of us quite pleased but I will likely get a full road bike in the spring.

We've done two 30 mile rides that were organized by bike clubs. Those are great as the routes are mapped out and they even provide food stops. I highly recommend one of those to anyone.

I want to do a 50 miler in the spring and DH wants to do a century. Swears when I do the 50 I'll want to go further. We'll see. He's also interested in criteriums (no way for this gal).

With winter coming in sooner rather than later, we're actually going to pick up a pair of trainers to use in the basement when we just cannot get out. Not the same but better than a stationary.

[stego]

though I frequent enough sites to see commuters tackling the winter. Go to roadbikereview.com and check out the forums. They have a subforum on commuting that has some great reports and photos. I get to see so many different parts of the country that way. There are some up right now that show the fall colors.
I myself have a trainer: a cycleops fluid. My wife purchased it for me on those rare days but mostly for warm-up before a race. I am fortunate that TX is a warm weather state and most of the cyclists here train year round. I see many roadies out on 620/Parmer whenever I go out there. Sundays are usually group rides.
If your husband wants to do crits the local bike shop should have more info on that. Tell him to begin at Cat 5 (beginner). There should be enough local rides in your area where they offer incremental distances at each event. The important thing is safety for all the riders. My wife had a hybrid but when she did the team in training she got a plush road bike: think specialized sequoia. The latest round was it was too uncomfortable for her so I sold that along with her hybrid for a fitness bike. The whole premise of that was she would ride more but that hasn't happened (and that is a whole other can of worms.)
Since it is Tuesday it must be dirtderby and my son hits the short track: dirtderby.com They have different levels and distances and it is another venue for local cyclocross and MTB'ers. This weekend is the annual TX wildlife expo as the local MTB club hosts rides for kids 8-14yo (being as it is national take a kid for a ride day). It's being held both days so if you are in the Austin area check it out...the event is free but it does get crowded.

[laxdef69]

Liz, there is a group called the South Chicago Wheelmen that had races in Matteson...I think they are shut down for the season.

http://www.southchicagowheelmen.com/

Let me know when or where you are going on one of the organized rides...sounds like fun!

Mike

[lap3]

Hey Stego!

Cool! A dedicated cycling thread! I started riding many moons ago when I was in college. A newly formed cycling club started and they welcomed anyone...bike or no bike. A few of them were hardcore and asked me if I wanted to give racing a shot so I did. Holy crap! I not only got dropped in my first crit but I learned a new level of pain! But I loved it and I was hooked. I started to train more and although I have yet to podium, I enjoy it a lot more. I don't do it anymore because my interests have turned to triathlons but I still enjoying watching the local races. In fact, I'll cover (photographer) some of the pro races such as the Tour of California.

Stego, sorry to hear that the triathlon did not go well for you. If it's any consolation, I'll still consistently come out of the water last but I'll generally move up in placing on the bike and run. Besides, winning isn't everything. As long as you have fun, right?

So, what about others? There has to be other cycling fans here, right? Anyone???

[stego]

well, yeah, that was the context of the team captain response. Mostly though, about the ability to go out and compete and give your all. I got that. I thought I had that down, and really didn't need a "verbal" lecture on competition. I guess that's one of the things with a forum. The whole context on my part was my decision to scale back and concentrate on being there for my son. At 13yo he's going through some big changes in his life and if that means riding next to him...then that is what I need to do. I see many, many others training away from their kids but that just doesn't work for me. It's time for me to stop paying lip service to this great dad I am and start showing up. I've been driven to move up to Expert level in MTB racing when I finally realized what was most important to me. That doesn't mean I can't give my all when I do compete. It's just that right now I won't be able to compete at the level I am capable of. It's more to do with the amount of training and intensity and right now I have a somewhat good balance in my life between father, husband, career, etc.
We went out to the dirt derby and I went out with the B group MTB and pretty much redlined the whole 6 laps: there are some really fast guys! Short distance is not my thing, but I needed to do it: P-ville has their 2nd cyclocross race Saturday and we are entered. My son raced beginner and nailed 2nd place. I saw him slow down numerous times because his closest competitor was having a really lousy night. When he gets into it he really pushes himself but I have learned he needs to do it on his own: not when I push him to do so. Maybe moving up to B group will be in the future.

[wtpclc]

stego - First of all, I apologize if anythign I said ws taken teh wrong way on teh tri thread. Part of your statement was to teh effect that if you weren't going to be in teh top %s, it's not for you. That statement just hits many of us hard, as we are thrilled to death if there are 10% behind us. The poor responses may have been due to people being hurt by that statement. I'm sure you didn't mean it that way, just as I am sure that the others didn't mean to offend you either. My guess, and I admit I didn't see it, is that they felt they had to respond that way so as not to discourage others. Had you simply said that it was all fro your son, you would have gotten 100% backing.

Hopefully, everyone can get past that and we can all get ontio biking. WHile I'll be shutting down for the season real soon here, heaven knows I need all teh advice I can glean out of this group! Thansk for starting the thread!

[twoWDWfools]

Thanks for the link and info on the crits. I'll pass them along to Patrick.

Mike - Most clubs are done with long rides for the season but I will be sure to let you know when next year's dates start posting. What kind of distance you looking for? The ones we've done offer multiple distances in one day all supported.

Carrie - have you thought about getting a trainer so you can continue to bike over the winter? Of course that requires having the space, too.

Speaking of winter (boo), I need to get some cold weather gear. I've seen the arm/leg warmer sleeve thingies (decriptive aren't I) and wondering if anyone has used those. I hate have multiple layers bunched up in places where you need to bend but have to keep my knees warm. Suggestions?

[ahoff]

Hello fellow cyclists! I also do a lot of cycling, both recreational, some racing, both mtb and road, and I also commute almost every day, a 25 mile round trip. Even in the cold I do it, it is not too bad here, but some winter days it approaches single digits. Those are the days I wear mittens instead of gloves, and add the ear warmers. Luckily I have a shower at work and my own office, so that is not much of a problem. I have a race coming up in two weeks, a dualathon where you run two miles, bike ten, and run another two.

See you on the trails or road!

[skfulkers]

Ahhhh, a cycling thread. I could definitely spend some time on here. :) I wouldn’t consider myself a guru like some of you by any stretch, but I have been putting in some miles. I started cycling about 3 ½ years ago to complement my running and I fell in love with it. I went from a hybrid bike to my first road bike that first season and just this spring, I splurged and bought my first tri bike. I haven’t gotten into MTB, and I probably won’t. Just doesn’t appeal to me as much, and frankly, scares the $&@* out of me. :) You guys are nuts on those things!

I could learn a lot from some of you, I know that.

So here’s my question of the moment: I’m looking at headlights for night riding, and I want to get a decent one, but definitely not “top of the line.” Looking to spend around $200 or so. I’ve had some cheapo ones in the past that worked for short rides or dusk/dawn riding, but I want something I can take out for 2 hours or so at night. I’ve been looking at Light & Motion stuff—anyone have any experience with their lights? Also, I’m guessing I should probably supplement the bike-mounted light with a backup headlamp. Any recommendations for a decent backup headlamp?

Thanks in advance! Stego, thanks for starting this thread!

Steve

[twoWDWfools]

Ahoff - Know LI doesn't get as cold as Chicago normally but it does get it's fair share (DH is from LI and we visit regularly). What do you use to keep your legs warm? I've seen all kinds of tights but no idea if any are better than others.

I did my first duathlon in May and loved it! Have to find more of those for spring.

Steve - good question. We're on our second cheapy model of headlight and they just don't throw enough light. Friend of ours uses the same headlamp he uses for caving on his helmet as back up. I can find out what type it is.

[wtpclc]

Liz - We have no room. A trainer would have to go in the living room. Then, we'd have no room for a CHristmas tree this year. Not really and option. We will likely do stationery bikes at the new fitness & aquatic center. They do have a body works bike class that sounds interesting, so we may try that if we have time with full training and learning to swim. :upsidedow

[3DisneyKids]

I am glad to find this thread. I am a new cyclist, having just got my bike in June. Right now I use cycling to cross-train for running and I really enjoy it and I would like to get better at it. It is strange, I have known how to ride a bike since age 5 or younger, but I don't really know anything about HOW to ride for speed, distance, fitness, etc.

So I would like to join you all here and learn as much as I can. Please don't get tired of me if I ask too many questions! I have a ton and really don't know where to begin, so again, I am thrilled to find this thread.

I will post a bit about myself and my journey a bit later on. For now, I am just joining the ride....:goodvibes

~Erika

[skfulkers]

Erika—glad you found the thread. Don’t worry, there can never be too many questions asked on the WISH threads! There are a lot of great people on here with a ton of knowledge about all things distance related. I know this because I’ve asked them all sorts of things and learned a great deal from everyone.

I know what you mean about knowing “how” to ride a bike since you were a kid but never really understanding “how” to ride a bike. I am by no means an expert, and Stego and others can probably offer all sorts of better advice, but I have learned a great deal about road cycling over the last few years. If I can help answer any questions at all, just let me know!

Steve

[stego]

Winter clothing: you'd think in TX it doesn't get cold but I have found that my threshold is 20 and it's gotten close. It doesn't happen often, but it does.
In regards to arm & leg warmers, most of my everyday use for that is Performance wear. Durable & affordable. If you are looking for more quality than Pearl Izumi is it. I have both arm and leg warmers. I do have thermal tights with the pad in it but remember your legs warm up much more than upper body. Performance's site is: performancebike.com
Lighting: I had cateye but last year after watching Chris Eatough I switched to light and motion. I have the solo logic for the front and the stella for my helmet. Check out e-bay, I did purchase the stella on sale from nashbar. You just have to spend some time looking. For the rear, it's the planet bike taillight, which flashes. You can probably find that for around $20 and it is a good value.
Mountain biking: yeah, you really have to love it and have a skill set for it. I will say some years back I went out to city park and that is not my thing. I am definetly XC but that doesn't mean it can't be challenging. Here in TX there are many different race venues and you wouldn't think they'd be too different but they are. Since I'm not a sprinter, but mostly a climber and do well at technical, my favorite course is Comfort and I always do well there. I've had some guys follow me through rock gardens and they are just amazed. There are folks who literally throw themselves off a mountain but TX is not really the scene for that: think Colorado and California.
Tri is not my thing: yeah, it's all good. The part about it being slowtwitch had to sink in. I also read an article on swimming and at this point I am OK with walking away. It's just way too time consuming for me. I gave it the old college try but after some time to take it all in realized I need my summers off. I thought that going full throttle in the summer straight out of the spring season would be the solution but for me that's not the answer.
Kinda plays into today. Usually one day during the work week I get the OK to go MTB after work. My wife told me she had to work late today and so it just didn't happen. I have the ability to go run and that is what I will do. Usually during the work day I can look across the office and out the window and know that come 5pm, I will BE outdoors with my son. We're outside pretty much as soon as I get home for about 2 hours and then reality sits in and I have to be responsible: homework, dinner, shower, etc. I try to have a healthy balance but hey...nobody is perfect.

[skfulkers]

Wow, Stego, thanks for all the info!

Sounds like you've got your head on straight regarding priorities. It's amazing how many people in the world just don't get that. :)

Ok, I'll take advantage of your expertise if you don't mind. I was sort of looking at the Light & Motion Stella, so I'm glad you mentioned it. Do you think it would be powerful enough to use as my primary light mounted on the bike? I'm thinking my headlamp would be some other cheapo model that I'd only use if I got stuck on the road with a low battery on my primary light. Have you used your Stella as your only light before and been ok? I'm looking at the 200N model with 200 lumens max on the highest setting. I don't really have a good feel for how much light output that would give me.

And I've got a planet bike taillight, too. So I'm probably all set there.

Thanks again for all your advice!

Steve

[twoWDWfools]

Stego - thanks for the arm/leg warmer info. Performance is actually our local bike store. Love some of their stuff but do prefer Pearl for certain things like my gloves. Temps here are dropping - highs this week have only been about 60 and once you get moving, it gets cool especially since I don't get out until after work. Right now it's mainly my arms and fingers. Like you said legs warm up pretty quick.

Tomorrow will be a morning bike ride before tackling other things. Hoping to get in a quick 20 miles.

[stego]

Lighting: Had to do some digging but check this out:

http://reviews.roadbikereview.com/blog/category/led-light-shootout/

I went with the L&M solo logic because the beam is more wide and gets the attention of autos. Nashbar has the stella r for 229 but I got it for under 200 last year. It comes with a rapid recharger that fully charges the battery within 1-2 hours. I was planning for the future for 24 hour racing but if I want to do that I will need to get another lamp for the front. The arc li-ion is the bomb but man 500 bills for one light...what do they say? you get what you pay for? I see L&M has come out with some new stuff. I know some other readers are saying 7-8 bills JUST FOR A LIGHT...but remember, cycling is not a cheap man's sport. You could go with the stella as your main but I would personally recommend the solo. If you are wondering how to mount it I took a gel bottle holder and put it on my top tube and put the battery in it. The cable does go through. Don't laugh...it works. I was concerned about the stability of the battery. Some batteries come as a "water bottle" for the battery but I want full use of my two water bottle cages...especially now with my ihome 2 go.

Arm & leg warmers:Performance does sell pearl izumi as well. I've been to BSS and they also sell spesh which is comparable. When you get into the tights they start getting pretty pricey. They usually have a blow-out in early spring so save your clams or wait for black Friday. I scored some serious deals this past year while all the other shoppers were braving the crowds at the big stores. Nashbar occasionally has good deals on tights as well. For jackets I wore the transformer jacket this AM on my commute in because the days are getting shorter and I want to be seen; but it doesn't vent so well. I also have the commuter jacket for when it gets colder, I just layer underneath. When winter comes it's all about visibility for me. My hands really, really get cold and I have several gloves. This AM was planet bike's long finger's orion with sweat pad. When it gets much colder I've got some mitts but also recently scored some manzella cascades which I hear are the bomb.

My son and I will be wearing the team colors tomorrow at P-ville's cyclocross and throwing down in the beginner class for 25 minutes. We'll also be taking the kids out for rides at the wildlife expo Sun AM for our 3rd year.

[skfulkers]

Stego--wow, thanks again for all the info. The link to the lighting reviews is phenomenal. I did a few searches, but hadn't found anything that detailed. This will definitely help me.

Thanks a lot!

Steve

[wtpclc]

stego - Thasnk tons for teh performance link! ALready did a little Xmas shopping fro DH! Hope oyu adn your son have a great time tomorrow!!!!

[escape]

Lots of good info, Stego! Thanks for sharing.

Erika - I just got my road bike in June. I'm learning as well. I still have problems getting in and out of my clipless pedals in heavy traffic or at sudden stops. I actually fell the other night at a sudden stop. Not fun. :sad2: At least I landed in a grassy area so the impact wasn't so bad. Ha! I think I need to loosen the tension on the cleats. My shoe stayed on the pedal but, luckily, my foot was able to get free.

I'm thinking about participating in a bike event next weekend. It's a fairly small event - probably only a few hundred riders vs. a few thousand at the event I particpated in last weekend. I'm thinking about doing the 100K route. I did 50 last weekend with little problem so I'm hoping I can do the 62 mile route. Maybe I'll try for a century next year. Maybe.

[stego]

road bike pedals:Yup, always fun...that depends on the pedal you choose. Standard shimano spd's don't work for me because of hot spots. So going to the road specific one's require more practice. After years of riding, I still can go down. It doesn't happen often, but it still does.
lighting: Remember now, that there is a premium since the days are getting shorter and winter will soon be here. If the stores can get an extra nickel...
another cycling weekend: wait for it...I had 1st place...for 1/2 mile. That's never happened but it did. Then the guys with the cyclocross bikes came up and hung with them but soon they were gone. At the creek crossing almost ran over someone's back wheel cuz the turn was tight and down he went. Finished 4th of 10 and all was good. Watched the intermediates and maybe one day...my son was out there with our group and after I finished I watched him. He had a bad case of the sore loser syndrome and that doesn't escape most 13yo's so I am not alone. He finished and took the only junior spot so we came back and he scored some goodies. Another cyclist came over and gave him a good pep talk and it seemed to work. Went to Frankenbike and it's the same crowd and stood in the heat for 1 1/2 hours but only sold 2 things so off to performance for the teen. At the expo we got to ride with lots of kids since it was NATIONAL TAKE A KID BIKING DAY and so as usual my son led the rabbits and I got to learn patience with the slower kids. They come in all shapes and sizes and basically all the kids just want to do is just ride in the woods. They don't want a lecture from adults: I understand the Charlie Brown/adult trumpet thing now. I got the jonesing for a new cyclocross bike now but have to sell my tri bike to get one for my son first. THEN I can look...
Lake Bryan is next Sunday AM and our first fall series MTB race. We get to ride out with the Aggies and all is good...

[twoWDWfools]

Sounds like you had a great weekend Stego.

I use the Shimano SPDs and found the work great for me. I have taken one fall but the nasty fall I took in May was with toe straps. DH used those since his teens but just not good for me. Once I swapped to the SPDs no prob. One fall but I had already come to a stop and just couldn't get it loose in time. Embarrassing but no injury. DH has now switched to the cleats and I do love that I can still get into/out of them faster. That's about all I can do faster than him so I'll take it!

Susie - let us know what you decide on the event. Around here we're pretty much done for the season by way of events.

[skfulkers]

I use the Look Keo brand cleats/pedals. I like having the float that they allow.

I've been clipping in and out for three years, and I STILL have moments where I go down on the ground clipped in. It usually happens when you have to come to a sudden stop or change of balance that you weren't expecting. Embarassing, but usually not too painful or damaging (unless you count damaging the ego :) ).

Steve

[stego]

Visiting the sites and this popped up over at bike portland. Scanned on over to the local elementary and they ARE participating. Saw lots of parents dropping their kids off...and the local crossing guard directing traffic: Cop sitting there not enforcing. It's frustrating to see "the rules don't apply" becoming prevalent. I swear riding the bike on each Friday is my sanity...
My SIL and her kids are SUPPOSEDLY flying in Saturday for a short visit and so pre-ride @Lake Bryan is out: it's not all about me. So Saturday I'll be roped into BIL/Uncle duty and stomping around with the day tourists at Fredericksburg and then hiking up Enchanted Rock.

[stego]

over the weekend. Some clouds, but they burned off pretty quickly. SIL and nieces came in and all was good. No pre-ride on Saturday but I've done the course 3 times and I'm familiar with it: ie; no surprises. Had a few drops and logs but that is what the front fork is for. Got to the race site on time, and warmed up pretty well. Got called up last at the start so did not have a good position; I'd say about 30 guys. Off the start swung wide right to avoid collision and could not catch the front runners before super tight single track. It stacked pretty quickly but soon had the long run up on the dam so I could catch up but it played out pretty quickly. Came through the feed and one guy who'd been on my tail caught me and took off. Caught some more in the woods and they stacked up behind me so I took off. Finished 12th out of 30 in my first fall race and it's all good. My son went up against 10 other kids and pulled out a 6th place finish. He came in with a really bad attitude (sore loser syndrome) and so I let him be. He was ready to go, as were all the girls, so we packed up and went home. They all seemed to enjoy the experience and that was important. Afterawhile, my son came around a bit but he wasn't talking much so we just let it go. He's at the age where he has to challenge himself and be a bit more responsible for how he races so the road might be a little rough ahead. Ruston is in 2 weeks and we're headed out a day early next Friday for a time trial race on that Saturday. I got my tri bike sold and we told our son we are buying him a new cyclocross bike. He didn't seem that excited but then again: sullen teen. Go figure. I've put up my Roubaix to get a cyclocross bike myself but one thing at a time.

[wtpclc]

Trainer question: First, are trainers that much beter than stationary? I think it's a dumb question, but don't understand why they are that much better.

So, what do you look for in a trianer. Prices go from $80 to $400 (or maybe more). What's the deal.

FInally got out again on teh bikes for a quick ride yesterday. Boy have I missed tehm.

[stego]

I've had one for two years, and to tell you the truth, I hate it. For me, it is strictly a tool. There are a few odd days here in central TX where the weather is just not fit but that does not happen often. I use it 90% of the time to warm up for my mountain bike race: and there you have it: portability. The legs fold up, and with the front wheel stand it works. If you are looking for a beginner trainer, I would recommed the Ascent which is 90 clams right now at Performance. If you can buy one locally, I would do that as they can be expensive to ship. Check out your local craig's list as that is how I sold mine. I upped to a cycleops fluid because it is much more quiet and that was my motivation. I got it on supersale at Performance for 200 clams. There are many different trainers so just shop around. I do have a little stand to put my front wheel on so it raises the front of the bike even. If I do have to spin, I get my ipod and do that. I am easily bored but not everyone is like that so it depends on the individual.

[twoWDWfools]

Carrie - you and I have the same winter weather issues making it impossible at times to ride outside. I bought a stationary last fall and hate it. Uncomfortable, far too upright vs my bike, general pain. Mind you we did not buy an expensive one since we had a feeling that might happen. On the trainer it's my bike, my gearing, etc. To me, far more enjoyable. I do toss in a movie or tv show while pedaling indoors as it can get just as boring as the TM.

Trainer cost us $150 at Performance (we have one locally). Needed something capable of two of us putting in miles everyday. May wind up with getting the Performance Ascent as a 2nd one for Christmas to avoid the who-gets-to-go-first thing.

[NYcpa]

Carrie - Lynne has had to do alot of her early season tri training on a trainer. She would put in a 3 hour movie, turn on the ceiling fan and go. Using a trainer has the advantages Liz said for set up and being comfortable. Stationary bikes are not set up for alot of spinning. You can never get the seat height adjusted properly.

I got out yesterday and put 17 miles on my bike. May try to get in another 10 tonight. Won't have many more nice days or daylight at 6 so have to take advantage of them.

[escape]

Hi all!

stego - Congrats on your successful weekend. For me, any race I complete is a successful race. Ha! Sounds like you had a good time. By the way, I have a Ruby bike and I love it so far. I also have a comfort bike that I use on the mountain bike trails but I know it's not the same as a mountain bike. Maybe someday I'll get one. *sigh*

Liz - once you get your second trainer, you and your DH can then race each other on them. Ha! Speaking of trainers....someone told me that they are hard on your tires. I'm sure with the weather you guys have, you don't have much of a choice if you want to continue to train. But, when spring comes and you are ready to get out, do you put new tires on your bike? Just curious, I'm thinking about getting a trainer and just want to know the pros and cons.

Steve - I have the Shimano cleats. I like them OK but I have a little problem getting out of them at times. The owner of the bike shop I frequent told me that the Look cleats were easier to get in and out of. Seems that Liz can master the Shimanos just fine so I'm sure it's that I'm a little uncoordinated at times. :laughing:

Kathy - good to hear from you. Unfortunately, the daylight is getting shorter and shorter. We don't have too many more days of riding in the evenings. :(

The following is a copy of what I wrote in my team report regarding my ride this past weekend:

Well, my goal was not met this past weekend. I guess it just wasn't meant to be. I was supposed to ride 63 miles in a small cycling event. I thought the course was supposed to be relatively flat with some rolling hills...or so I was told. The event I participated in a couple of weeks ago was somewhat hilly and I did 50 miles just fine so I thought I could do 63 this weekend. What I wasn't prepared was the number of rolling hills (some of them quite large) and THE HILL that just about killed me around mile 20.

I should have known it was going to be a killer when I saw some folks walking up it instead of riding up it as I approached it. If I could have gotten out of my cleats halfway up it without falling, I would have. However, I clinched my teeth, bared down on those pedals and gave it all I had. I made it to the top but it took every ounce of energy I had. By the time I got to the 30 mile marker, I had to decide whether to go the 63 mile route or the 50. Knowing there were more rolling hills, although not a large as THE HILL, I opted for the 50. I just ran out of energy early on and I was afraid that the extra 13 miles would be a little too much. Steve could have handled the 63 miler just fine but he chose to stick with me to make sure I was OK. In reality, I think he was secretly relieved I wanted to go the shorter distance. :teeth:

Bottom line, I just wasn't prepared for the challenge. I'm glad I did the event, though, and I conquered THE HILL but I doubt I'll do it next year. There are several other biking events I'd rather concentrate on. Oh, I do need to mention....going down the hills were lots of fun! Wheeeeeeeeee!

One of the biking events I want to do next year is called the Hotter 'N Hell 100. It's in Wichita Falls, TX. Stego, are you familiar with this event? I know you aren't into road bikes any more but still thought that you might be familiar with it. Anyway, there were ~ 12,000 participants last year and probably close to the same this year, if not larger. It really is a fun event, GREAT expo and GREAT rest stops. I especially loved riding through Shepard Air Force base. Just thought I would mention it for those of you that like to participate in such events.

[dsnyfan21]

Sorry for the interupption.......

Information for a WISH hat/visor order please go to:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1981995

....now back to your regularly scheduled programming.



Tracy

[ahoff]

Hi! I lost this thread, I should subscribe to it! Anyway, in answer to some of the questions here:

Lights - I have used NightRider for about 10 years, I still have my original, and it is still working, though the cable sometimes has to be wiggled, guess there is a break in it. I also had to resolder a connection inside, but after 7 years I guess that is pretty good. I have two NightRiders, a 10W and a 15W. For my commuting I use either one, but usually the 15W is the one mounted n my helmet. I use both with the 10W mounted on the bar when I go MTB'ing. Lately I have just had the 10W mounted on the bar for commuting, I have a route that sees not many cars. I have a 5 LED flashing tail light that is from Performance. I also use a cateye LED headlight when I ride in the city, in flashing mode so I am seen by cars, other bikers and pedestrians. Oh, and the NightRiders are rechargable, one has the water bottle pack, and the other is the small cordura bag that I put in my camelback. I bought one at a bike shop, around $125,the other I got from Performance on sale for a little less. And I also wear an Iluminite vest during my commute.

Tights - Both pair of tights I got from Performance. One is a standard weight and I use that up until it gets to the 30's. For when it gets colder, I have a Perforance Winstopper, I think it was called, a little heavier, and the front half is heavier with some material that blocks the wind. I have had them for probably 5 years now, and they still are holding up. Maybe I am just adadptable to the cold, but all I wear is a T shirt, turtleneck, and windbreaker, I had a Pearl Izumi but the zipper gave out, and now I have a Performance jacket. Yes, it is not as cold as Chicago, but once in a while it gets to single digits in the morning. That is when the mittens go on. And an ear band. I have never used any type of head warmer or skull cap or balaclave. I do have a beard which helps I guess.

One other thing, I use Egg Beater pedals on all three of my bikes. I guess the only reason is I can use the same shoe for everything.

Glad I found this thread again, to tell the truth I sort of forgot about it.

Augie

[NYcpa]

Didn't make it out for a bike ride last night. The route I ride is tree lined and with it being overcast, it was darker than I care to ride.

I use the Speed Play Light Action pedal. Tried the regular speed play pedals but they had too much wobble

[stego]

escape: here is a link: http://www.theracingpost.us/
Check it out, it's all about the cycling scene in TX. It is mostly road bike, with a blurb on MTB, and a Junior spotlight. The October (current one) has lots of info on the HH. I have heard it is heavily attended, and that it is a ride. They do have races as part of the event, including MTB. It's way up in Wichita Falls, and so at this point I have to be more selective of how far we travel for a race venue. That's why we picked Ruston, LA instead of Palo Duro. Both my wife and son voted for this one again and so I was in the minority.
Called the bike shop and got the final price for our son's new cyclocross bike. I've craiglisted my Roubaix to sell, but will probably e-bay today. I'm going to call the bike shop back tomorrow and put down some money so they can order it and get the ball rolling. Looks like we'll pick it up the weekend of Nov. 1st and get him going. BSS has a fall sale this weekend so when I go run down at Town Lake Sat. I'm going to check it out. The outlaw trail bike ride is this Sat. so my wife and son are going to do the 25 mile ride.

[stego]

with lowballers? Listed the Roubaix on craig's list and had 2 good bites. Both guys came out and lowballed me $100-150. I hate the fees on e-bay but get much more traffic. Anyhow, the bike has been bid on and so the auction will close in the next day or so. I pulled the trigger and won an auction on a used cyclocross bike. I should be getting it at the end of the week. We are waiting for our son's new cyclocross bike to come in and it should be ready next week. Here in central TX everyone got a good dose of whatever latest allergy is going around and it got me good: body aches & sore throat. Pulled something in my lower back and I've been having fun with that. But that didn't stop me from going down to town lake and running 7 1/2. The temp's really came down and it was quite comfortable. Then over to BSS for their garage sale and wisely put away the plastic. My wife and son did the Outlaw trail ride and completed 25 miles in about 2 hours Sat. morning. I took our son out to the 'nut Sun AM and Yeti & Trek had demo bikes going on. Mellow Johnny's had a tent set up for some vittles but weren't cooking yet. Got on the MTB but didn't hit it hard: probably about 50-75%. We're headed out to Ruston, LA Fri afternoon. They have a time trial and short track on Sat, and the XC race on Sun.

[stego]

Yeah, that was fun. Not. Spiking temp's and took off from work Tues & Wed and got some antibiotics after seeing the doc. So much for quality training time on the bike. Went out to Ruston and I'm back in the office this Mon AM. We've had a cold front come in and the wind has picked up. Couldn't have asked for nicer weather in Ruston. Spent 8 hours in the car driving out and it's like I transform into the "Beast". Took way longer than I expected but I forget how long it takes to get out of TX. Went out to the venue Sat AM and did short track at 1030am: 15 min + 1 lap. Took off and going into my 2nd lap my 13yo son passes me...what the???? and he's not even breathing hard. Me? I sound like a train in the woods, chugging along. Eventually he came back and I held off two guys to nail 5th out of 12. Then 330 rolls around and the time trial for everyone is set. They call each one up in 30 second intervals and then I am up. I get passed about 1/2 way in: it's a 3.2 mile lap and I do my best. I'm not fast by any means and the results are in: 15th in my AG. Sunday AM rolls around and our son's race is early. Some ringers come up and he gets that look: last year the local kids came out and he stomped them: he wanted 1st handed to him again. Gazing at the line-up I see a 9yo with the 14yo's and he looks tiny among them. They go off and our son is holding 5th. He decides to create some drama and starts a bad version of coughing. My wife calls him on it and she gets the usual response. They eventually go out deep in the woods and I go off to see them finish on the big hills. Lo and behold the 9yo has moved up to 2nd and he has thrown down. Our son held on to 5th and he comes in with what has lately been a bad rash of "sore loser syndrome". I've been beating myself senseless in trying to figure out what I am doing wrong as a parent and my wife tells me it is all him. It makes me sick to my stomach to see this "sense of entitlement" attitude that drips off of him and there is absolutely nothing I can do. I try not to be distracted in warming up but going to the line I am apprehensive. There's a good group of men there and they are all itching to go. I get a good start but rightly decide not to burn all my matches and settle in. I get passed by quite a few but stay steady. After the 1st lap it's pretty much settled but some guys come up and I struggle to keep them off. There is nothing in the tank and I can tell there is something wrong: I have no excuses and I am sure countless of others race when they are sick too. Some local guy passes me on a hill but the big hill comes up and he is in my sight: he looks back at the last turn and speeds up and I just can't catch him. Frustrated, tired, aching, sick, soaked in mud and sweat I jump off my bike and I'm hopping up and down at the car to run over to the shower because we have a 7 hour drive back home and my son and wife can't move fast enough. Yup, you guessed it: the "Beast" returns in the car and I struggle to keep my big fat mouth shut. I hate doing so badly but what was important to me is to be able to compete and give it my best. I don't want to relapse and get sick again so I'm going to take it easy...

[wtpclc]

stego - SO sorry things didn't go well fgor you. I ran a half with a sinus infection (just though ti was allergies or a lisght colld). It was awful. Darn near thought I would die. 4 weeks later, I PR'd big time. I'm sure it was beign sick thatgot you. SO sorry about ds's attitude. WIth you adn your wife both being concerned, though, I'm sure you'll get it straightened out.

Traniner - Well, I missed teh rest of teh trainer posts when life took over. lol. Soctt did the stationery last weekend and ranted about how awful it was. Guess we need to put the trianer back onteh list I'd like to go to REI so we could actually try them first, but that takes a weekend at my parents, with about 3 spare hours. Not gonna' hapen (unless we wait until teh leave fro FL)

Susie - OMG, what a ride. You got in 50 adn that's AWESOME! I have heard about teh race you speak of. Made my eyes dor this. :eek: Not goinna' happen for this heat-intolerant girl. ;)

[stego]

on the bike a bit. I've been trying to get over this sinus infection and it's sapping my energy a bit. Had bad dreams about NOT commuting on Friday and decided to do it anyway: no matter how bad I felt. I was late to work coming in but just felt better riding. My son had a district band competition in the downtown Austin area, so I decided to do a long run down at town lake early Sat AM. I usually go later: 10-12am. But I hit the trail this time at 8am and it was like a whole different world. Many runners out, in groups and packs. I surmised that many of them were in training for the marathon season. The temp's were a bit cooler than usual, and my times dropped by 3 minutes for the long loop. I know: not cycling: running helps with my intensity on the MTB. At the end of my last MTB race, my left pedal gave out and re-discovered that on my training ride on Thurs. evening. I just could not find a good rhythm and felt "off" the whole time, so I called it after an hour of futile pedaling. I did have another set on my other bike, so I transfered those over to ride Sunday AM for some fast laps at WC. This weekend is the last TMBRA race out at Rocky Hill and then I will shut it down on the MTB for awhile. The time change over the weekend shortens the daylight after dark, so I will have to adapt our rides in the evening for the winter. We've got some really nice weather in the Austin area right now with high's in the 80's during the day so it's not really cold yet. I've got to save my pennies and buy some new pedals, and some lights F & R for my new cyclocross bike.

[ironz]

Hi, kids! :)

Stego...I just wanted to support your decision to get back to your biking roots if Tri wasn't really the thing for you. No worries!

Are you doing any of the Dirty Du events at Rocky Hill? The weekend before T'Giving. I am going to do the 10K trail run. Would do the Du, but I am just not good on my mt. bike. May need to do some of that over the winter on the weekends. Though, in my only mt. bike outing in a few years (just 6 weeks ago), I managed to partially tear my rotator cuff. Hint: do not grab a tree with your arm internally rotated to keep from falling down. ha! :sad2:

And yes, the Town Lake trail is probably seriously bustling, what with 1/2 the town getting ready for the SA marathon, and the other ramping up training for the Austin marathon. I like to run towards the east end, when I can...less crowded.


Note on trainer riding. Yes, it can be hard on the rear tire, from more friction/heat (while your front tire is not being used really--unless you have rollers). I have sometimes put on a cheaper tire for trainer use in the winter.
As for boredom, watching movies helps. I particularly like to watch Cycling races that I have on DVD or on the DVR. My favorite is the 2003 TDF. :) It makes me feel more like I am actually riding and getting somewhere, so the time goes by faster. A nice workout to do is also a Spinning DVD such as Spinervals.
It does help to have some sort of variation in the workout (intervals) to keep you thinking and also breaking up the riding.
Example for a 3 hour ride might be: 15 min easy warmup, 5 x 15 seconds sprint (to bring your cadence up)/45 sec easy, 10 min steady spin, then some sort of interval work such as 4 x 20 min strong/10 easy....or 2 x 20 strong/10 easy, 2 x 10 strong/5 easy, 4 x 5 strong/5 easy... then use the rest as easy spin to cool down.

[stego]

IronZ: I've had many, many thoughts on my triathlon "experiment". And some reflections as well. My wife summed it up one way: I prefer going all out at one event. I don't think she's far off...as she does have some insight on what makes stego tick. MTB and winter don't go well for me so I'm going to spend some time on my new cyclocross bike. This will give me a chance to work on intervals...and intensity. At WW, they say that you are successful if you just maintain during the holiday season. Just this morning a coworker brought in his kid's candy from Halloween and it is in plain view. This is just the beginning and I will have to take it day by day.
With the Texas MTB Fall series ending I'm going to spend some more time running. Stack is running the dirt derby thru January and I think we'll go every other week. This weekend went well and I finished mid-pack in my age group. I felt much better at this race so I think I'm on the mend. I'm still having some congestion though. Our son had some real ringers on the front line and he went out well. But we saw them all come in and sure enough; another sunday rendition of "sore loser syndrome". He came off the bike all bent out of shape and neither my wife or I took the bait. He hopped in the truck as fast as he could and that was that. They have overall series awards but at this point it just made sense to go on home and get some down time. I talked with the team captain and his new cyclocross bike will be in and so we'll pick that up this coming weekend. We did do a cyclocross race on the way out for our pre-ride. I went back and forth with one guy in the beginner group, but wisely decided not to burn all my matches for the next day's race. By default, my son took the overall junior series and scored a new series champion jersey as well as a set of tires. If you hadn't heard the news, a famous cyclist "humbled" us with his presence at Rocky Hill yesterday and entered the pro race. They all went out well, and coming through on the first lap you could just tell he was playing "cat and mouse" with the other two guys. He came through the 2nd lap just pedaling along and closed the finish decisively with about 1:30 gap. They loaded him up pretty quickly after the race; I saw a bunch of folks go over as well as a lot of kids who wanted a good look at him. I got some photos but there are a number on a few bike sites which are much better.

[stego]

and the interest in cycling has gone down. Shorter daylight hours, much lower temp's and strong north winds. I realized the DIS'ers in the northern part of the country take their bikes inside and on the trainers and that is just a fact of life. I'm grateful I live in a southern state where I can pretty much ride year round. Every now and then we get an ice storm and I get cabin fever really bad.
Went down to town lake and ran at a comfortable pace for 10 1/2. Legs were a bit sore but was within the mark by 3 minutes. It was not quite cold, with some wind. After lunch, we went down to the team store and picked up our son's new cyclocross bike. Pulled it off the stand and he was on it after I adjusted the saddle height. Couldn't get him off it but he did come in so I could settle the bill. I put him on the trainer when we got home so he could work on his shifting. Then he did laps around the 'hood so he could show off his bike and his new team kit. Sunday AM rolled around and so I decided to do an endurance ride...and took him out. He kept up ok but got a flat 20 miles in so good ole' dad fixed it. He didn't want to go ride with his mom after that so I figured I wore him out a little...we did 30 miles. Again, cool and some wind. So xmas came very early but he played along with "Santa" to humor us. We've been very firm to him that there will be little for him under the tree...as I understand will be the case with most folks.
If you're reading along you know this is the WISH section and that has to do mostly with weight loss. I had an insight this past week or so and it seems the way to close out this thread. Most of us are dreading the holidays because the tempations are great and beyond abundance. I figured out that was what was wrong with me: I was projecting too much...kinda of like putting the cart before the horse. I have a tendency to think ahead of myself; and realized that just does not work for me. My motivation is different from lots of people: it's the red plate. Red plate= expert/category 1.
The cold hard fact is is that my pants have gotten way tight, the old nibble behaviors came back: a little nibble here, a little nibble there. It all adds up. What I have found is a solution that works for me and that is: I can say no right now. My end goal is about mid-march and to be ready for the spring series and to peak out for 2 races. But I will have to do the work and that means many things: endurance, more time on the MTB, hard and then harder intervals etc. Most people don't like the thought of being uncomfortable but in order for me to get to my goal that is going to have to be part of it. The weight will come off and 4 months is not unreasonable. It's just that in WW they pretty much tell you if you can just maintain that is HUGE during this time. I want more and will take the focus off of my wife and son and put up with my hunger pains for awhile. It will pass and the rewards will be so worth it. I don't know quite yet if I will start a cycling thread in the spring but I will come back and post about how it went.

[ahoff]

Cycling is not over yet here, but it sure is getting cold in the mornings! I am still commuting to work via bike, and will continue throughout the winter. I just did my last race of the year two weeks ago, a duathlon with a 2 mile run, 10 mile bike, and another 2 mile run. This was all off road, which I enjoyed more than the road one I did a few weeks before that. Plus I won my age group, so that is always nice. Looking forward to the warmer weather!