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......

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.

 

[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....

~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.