King of Pain

I've been feeling like the King of Pain a few times recently. A little over a week ago I used, for the first time, the Cyclo-Core workout that I purchased years ago. Graeme Street kicked my butt! And my quads. It was really more my quads. I could barely walk down stairs for the better part of a week. The worst part is that I had only done part of the first third of the workout that morning. Ouch. I did try the program again last Saturday and fared significantly better. I got through two of the three sections of the workout, and was still able to walk normally afterward.

Well, during this time I have continued to regularly utilize the NordicTrack for my morning workouts. This has become a critical part of my weight loss regimen, especially since the stationary trainer for my bike broke last year. Well, the NordicTrack has adjustable resistance, and I have been slowly increasing that resistance over the past month or so.

Let me tie these last two thoughts together. This morning I did a little over 2 km on the NordicTrack on the higher resistance levels and was feeling some muscle burn after that, but I then proceeded to use my ABslide, then go into some of the exercises from Cyclo-Core. By the end of that 25 minute workout, I knew that I'd done something. I could still do stairs okay (thank goodness), but could feel a bunch of muscles from my arms, legs, and core.

The payoff of all of this? I was down to 87.1 kg when I weighed in right after that workout! Woohoo! Only 7 km to my goal weight. Could it be that I will finally achieve the resolution that I've been chasing for the last four years? Probably not by the end of this year, but most likely by next Spring. How would it be to actually start a cycling season without the extra 10 kg of Winter storage? Hopefully I'll be able to know and share that feeling.

Use It or Lose It

Im not really familiar with the Motley Crue song that titles this post, but I think that I would have titled it Use It and Lose It. At least that's what is happening with my off-season exercise. I am using some tools that I've had for some time, but not used well, and I'm losing weight as I rediscover them.

I've been using the NordicTrack. That's been good for me. Not only does it keep my legs up for the coming cycling season, but it works my upper body for some waterskiing strength. It's amazing what 15-18 minutes in the morning, burning 200 kilocalories before breakfast can do for weight lost.

Then today I pulled out a video that I had ordered years ago, then filed under "Failed Resolutions". That video is Graeme Street's Cyclo-Core. I attempted to complete one of the workouts after my 15 minutes of NordicTrack. I was able to do about half of the squats, half of the push-ups, and 2/3 of the other exercises.

Then, I weighed in. I was below 87 kilos. That's down from over 93 kilos earlier this year, and over 92 kilos earlier this month. I felt pretty good about that. I continued to feel pretty good until I tried walking up the stairs to my office. From that point on, my legs have felt like jelly all day.

I don't know if I can repeat that tomorrow, but I'll be up doing some sort of exercise before work. It's feeling good to get back to some regular exercise, even if it's not biking.

Hot Blooded

"I'm hot blooded, check it and see." While the song then diverges from the point I want to make, this phrase applies very directly.

I went out for one evening commute with the following morning back to work. The evening was very pleasant with temps above 60° F, but the morning was down around 40° F. So, being the prepared cyclist that I am, I put on my cold weather bibs with the long pants, by warmest jersey, a skull cap, and a wind-proof vest. I figured that I didn't want to get too cold.

That combination was great for the first three miles, then I started to doubt the wisdom of the vest and skull cap. While I would have been a little chilly without one or the other, I quickly became too warm with both. I think that I could have skipped the vest and relied on the wind resisting properties of the jersey to regulate my core temperature. It had just been so long since I'd ridden in the cold that I had forgotten.

And this week I've not helped my learning curve since I blamed bad weather for my lack of motivation to get back out on two wheels. Instead, I've been putting in time on my NordicTrac in the mornings. It's a good cross-training workout, and perhaps heralds the end of this cycling season.

But how can the season be over while I have my bike at the office waiting to be ridden? I guess I'll have to ignobly haul it home in the bed of my truck. Poor bike. Poor me.

But I will get through another off-season and look forward to another great year of biking. In the mean time I'll listen to The FredCast to regularly remind myself that I am a  cyclist, and work to not get too fat during the sedentary season.

We're Ready

Ah, some Boston this morning.

I am a cyclist. I have to remind myself of that. I think that's one reason why I've left my Cervélo by my desk at the office. The poor thing's just sat there for weeks now as I've, for one reason after another, failed to ride at all. Now, does this mean that I've have not exercise whatsoever? Why, yes. Yes it does. I finally at least got on the NordicTrack this morning for the first time since last Winter. Pathetic. However, I am a cyclist.

So, now that the weather has finally turned for the worse and temperatures have finally dropped, I've gotten myself ready to ride. I have a bike, clothes, meals, and hope. These will all be with me at the office in mere minutes.

Now, I just have to get days when I will not be soaked by rain during either the ride home or to work. It looks like that will be Wednesday. No matter, I will be ready when the weather is. I guess that I'm kind of a fair weather cyclist, but that is what I am. I can take cold; I can take hot. I can take dry; but I don't do well with rain. I guess I've just gotten out of the routine of it since living in Miami and Houston where I would often have to hang my shoes in front of a fan to dry them overnight after a commute home in the torrential rain. I look back on those days with fondness, but don't necessarily want to relive them right now. Especially if the rain is combined with cold and I get all hypothermic during a ride. I'm okay with dry.

Well, I'm off to work in my motorized vehicle. I'll watch for you all out there on the roads until I can join you on my bicycle.

Cruisin'

Okay, so I realized that I’ve been using advanced cycling jargon on what I’ve always touted as a beginning biker – or even non-biker – blog. So, this post is meant to clarify some items that may have caused confusion from earlier posts related to the Salt to Saint Bicycle Relay Race.

In Slow Ride, I talked about crusier bikes. I should back up and explain the basic types of bikes on the market today to help explain this comment. Generally you can find bikes in one of three broad categories: road (or race) bikes, mountain bikes, and cruiser (or comfort) bikes. Now, for those in the industry, this is far too simplistic a set of choices as there are sub categories within each of these groups. There are also commuter bikes, but these are usually specific applications of one of the main categories I’ve listed. For my purposes, I’ll deal with only these three broad categories for simplicity.

Let me compare the main types of bikes in a table to show differences:

	Road Bikes	Mountain Bikes	Crusier Bikes
Main use	Rapid travel with minimal resistance across paved roads for long distances	Ability to climb and descend steep unpaved trails without losing traction	Moving comfortably around neighborhoods or to local stores
Benefit	Light weight, and low friction	Suspension (on most models) to smooth out rough trails	Affordable, easy-to-use transportation
Drawback	Bumps in the road come through to the rider	Traction on dirt translates to more friction on paved surfaces, requiring more effort	Upright position and soft tires can make long distance travel more challenging
Pricing	Occasionally found at big-box stores for under $200, but most models begin around $700 and can go as high as $10,000	Many examples found in big-box stores for under $200 without good dependability. Quality models begin around $450 and can go up to $7,500	Some can be found in big-box stores for under $200. Quality models start around $300, but top out around $1,000
Tires	Narrow, high pressure tires with minimal traction to provide least resistance when traveling	Large, low pressure tires with large traction blocks to provide most grip on dirt	Large, medium pressure tires with minimal traction to provide a mix of comfort and low resistance when traveling
Gearing	Most have 18 or 20 gear options, often gears are tightly clustered	Models have 18 to 27 gear options, with wide spreads between gears to provide choices from climbing to descending.	Most have a single gear ratio, but some have 3- or 7-speed internal geared hubs
Recommended distance	Rides of 10+ miles on pavement	Any distance over rough terrain	Rides up to 5-8 miles on pavement

That is probably too much information for most readers, but I wanted to be thorough about the differences before translating the Slow Ride post “into English”.

On the Salt to Saint, as with most road-based bicycle races, most riders will use a race bike. That is they’ll choose a bike with narrow, high pressure tires, that has handlebars that allow them to tuck into the most aerodynamic position for a long haul. There will be some riders who will use their mountain bikes, but with tires switched from the standard large tread pattersn to “slicks” with smooth rubber or minimal tread patterns. These are riders who usually ride on the dirt, but want to experience road riding without a major investment in a new bicycle. No-one will be riding single-speed, cruiser bikes just because they are not designed to travel rapidly over the distances involved, nor to climb hills efficiently.

To make some comparisons, it’s like the difference between wearing running shoes, hiking boots, and flip-flops on a walk. Each could be appropriate, but each will have the use for which it is the best. I wouldn’t run a marathon in the hiking boots or flip-flops. But the hiking boots would be great for summiting a mountain, and the flip-flops perfect for a stroll down the beach.

For the driving crowd, the difference is between a Porsche, a Jeep, and a Cooper Mini. Take the Mini to a club, the Jeep off-roading, and the Porsche on a long, fast drive.

Still with me after all of this rambling? I guess you are, or you wouldn’t have even read the question. Let me try to now put it all into English.

So, riding the Salt to Saint on crusier bikess. It’s like running the RAGNAR Wasatch Back in flip-flops. You’re missing out on some equipment that would make the event so much quicker and easier, but it is still something that could be done. Will you have the coolest footwear and tan lines (and blister locations) of any team in the event? You sure will. Is it absolutely insane? Yup, it is.  However, when fielding a team of novices the cost of getting the equipment is significantly lower, so that makes it an interesting idea.

The only reason to even consider riding the Salt to Saint on cruiser bikes is to win the possibly coveted MVP award that is given at the organizers’ discretion to the team they like the most. I just don’t see how they could not love a team on rainbow-hued cruiser bikes that have no business finishing – or even entering  – the event.

The entire concept is thinly veiled humor at the futility of even trying to win the event, therefore taking a stance that precludes you from even competing so that when you don’t win you can claim that was your goal from the beginning.

Was I serious about gathering a team to do the Salt to Saint event? Certainly. Was I serious about doing it on crusier bikes? Maybe. If I have enough friends insane enough to try it with me, and to get in shape for it with me, then I’ll ride it on whatever style of bike the team chooses.

I hope that has made things more clear, and not obfuscated the matter further.

Slow RIde

Okay, here's the deal: any team I fielded to enter a bicycle relay race, like the Salt to Saint, wouldn't stand a chance of winning. Let's must be honest. I'm not that quick, and while I know some quick cyclists, they would probably form their own team for such an event: a team that had a chance at winning.

However, I like winning. I'm competitive. I just don't devote the time it takes to be the fastest cyclist. But, the Salt to Saint has an MVP team category, and I have just figured out how to win that. (Next year, of course.) I have determined that the team I field will do the ride -- please note that I'm no longer calling it a race -- on cruiser-type bikes. Yup, Electra bikes will be de rigeur on the team. We will do it on single speed and Rohloff hub bikes with full chain guards and large tires. I don't know how this will affect the climbing portions of the ride, but the team would have to be a shoe-in for the MVP award. Talk about style and throwing elegance in the face of efficiency.

The other upside is that cruiser bikes are significantly cheaper than race bikes, even if you do customize them beyond belief. So, we could get people involved who typically wouldn't have the opportunity to take on this type of a challenge. Sporting the racks and baskets, we would be the de facto support riders for anyone else slow enough to stay with us. If we did it right, we could have a rainbow of bikes for the team. I already know someone with an orange bike, and my wife's old Schwinn High Plains could count for red. Who has the rest of the colors? We could toss in a white or black to round out the team as well.

I may allow a race bike or two to act as support riders and pace the person riding each leg of the relay, but that remains to be seen.

So, with that, what do you think? Who's with me? Let's ride from Salt Lake City to St. George in under 24 hours! Well, maybe 36 hours? Try to be there for the awards ceremony? Be off the road by Sunday? I know there's a good goal in there somewhere.

I Miss You

There is a lot of missing in the musical literature. I'll let you fill in the band and melody with which you're most familiar. I just want to use the sentiment.

I miss my bike. It's just sitting at home right now, but I miss it. I haven't ridden since Friday morning. I had some scheduling issues that precluded my riding yesterday or today for my commute. I will hopefully be able to ride tomorrow.

The weekend was heavily booked with family and church commitments, so no ride then. Instead I had to talk to people about the Salt to Saint relay ride I had recently learned about. So far, the interest has been marginal. Definitely no takers for this year.

I have this great idea to ride my bike from my home in West Jordan out to Vernon, then follow that up with some waterskiing. I just then need to determine if I try to ride home, or if I can get a ride back for me and my bike. I just think that could make something quite near the ideal day of recreation for me: biking 50+ miles with some significant climbing across long grades, and some passes through the waterski course. Too bad the warm weather is rapidly fading.

But, I digress. I just need to get back on the bike and ride to keep me from packing on the pounds, and to keep myself happy. Commuting tomorrow, and the rest of the week.

Unbelievable

If you like this idea, drop a comment and let me know.

I just learned that there is a bicycle race from Salt Lake City to St. George, Utah: The Salt to Saint. Yup. That's right: a 385 miles of cycling goodness, and it's timed. Now, before you all tell me that you're not randonneurs, let me tell you that this is a team, relay race. Depending upon the number of team members you do 3 legs of 10 to 40 miles each.

So, let me put this out there. At the end of september you go for 24 +/- hours with either three or seven of your best cycling buddies over mountains and hills from Northern to extreme Southern Utah. The race happens two weeks from the day of this post. As their web site says, "You in?"

The price is kind of high, but it is fully supported. You're paying $75 to $100 per rider on the team, and have to provide your own support vehicle(s). But, what's not to love about that kind of ride. I mean, seriously, who can claim to have ridden their bike from Salt Lake to St. George? (I mean aside from my Uncle Grant?) Talk about cool bragging rights! Now that I think about it, the price isn't that crazy compared to other rides, like the ULCER that runs $55 for a mere 111 miles. Cost per mile, the Salt to Saint is a great value.

I don't think that common sense or my wife will let me do it this year, but who wants to prepare for next year? Check out the race's web site, and drop me a comment. Am I insane or inspired? Who wants to join me?

Never Surrender

Corey Hart made a great point when he sang the song, "Never Surrender." At least I think it was Corey Hart. Maybe it wasn't. I don't really know. But I do like the song, and I was singing it on the way home. It also seemed appropriate given the time that has passed since my last ride, and the time that has passed since my last post. It appears that I missed an entire month -- of posting, that is. It's only been two weeks since my last ride. That is still far too long since a ride. Fortunately I rectified that situation today. It appears that I'm rectifying both situations today.

I was reminded of the challenges of bike commuting both yesterday and today. I had planned to ride home from work yesterday, and Tuesday before that; but I was thwarted until today. Tuesday it was just easier to have a car back home rather than riding home. So I simply decided to drive both ways. That was just plain laziness.

Yesterday was another set of problems for me. I started getting everything ready for a ride. I got the rack loaded onto the truck to take the bike one way. I got bike clothes ready. I got my shoes and helmet packed up. I made lunches for the rest of the week. Then I realized that I was missing my bike computer, heart rate monitor strap, and gloves. I could have ridden without these, but felt just frustrated enough at not finding them that I left the bike home.

These two days followed up a week when I was out of town and my bikes were being repaired. I picked the bikes up a week ago. Then I had major commitments through the entire weekend and couldn't ride. I spent the Labor Day holiday waterskiing. As a side-note, I was really close to riding my bike to the lake. It's only about a metric century each way. I mean, I could have done it in a few hours; but between a neighborhood breakfast and inviting friends to the lake it just didn't happen. (Both of those events were fun, and well worth giving up a ride for.)

Finally, last night I found the bike computer, HRM strap, gloves, and some other items I misplaced just before the trip. With that I was ready to take the bike to work today and ride home. After such a long break, I couldn't take just the short route home. So, I took one of the longer, but still nearly direct, routes home. I somehow survived the short climbs of the route, managed to avoid rear-ending the car that just had to hit the brakes in front of me, and slid through two yellow (okay, more orange) lights to get home alive. All I forgot to take with me was the keys to the house, and the case for my glasses. But by the time I realized this, I was committed and rode home anyway. Thank goodness I have a combo lock on the garage door.

I realized somewhere during today's ride that I really do need to never surrender. Several years ago I set a goal to be in better shape when I turned 40 than when I was 30. To achieve this, I need to keep working every week and every day to not get complacent. I've managed to hold a level of fitness, but haven't really improved. I have my work cut out for me if I want to see real improvement. I have a few benchmarks to test myself against in 2011. Anyone up for the Showdown at 5-Mile Pass? Desperado Dual? LOTOJA Classic?

As I close, I do want to give a shout out to my friend at So Many Layers who got the really cute, orange Electra Townie last week. The great part is that she's using it frequently. Good for you.

Revolution

The Beatles song was a far-too-obvious title for a post where I'm talking about Revolution Bikes. I stopped there a few days ago to drop off my mountain bike for repair after I "fixed" it last February. Yeah, yeah, I know. Anyway, I went back today to pick up the repair.

While I was there I showed them my slightly messed up Campy shifter and learned that they had a source to repair it. That's good to know. I also got my hands on some CarboRocket. I figured that since my own cousin makes the stuff that I ought to try some. So, I am now the proud owner of a big bag of Lemon Lime CarboRocket. I'll post some thoughts after I use it on a few rides.

But that's not all. They have the coolest tool there: it's a trigger adapter for an air compressor that is built to fill presta valves! It has the trigger fill, a bleed-off valve, fits directly on a presta valve fitting, and has a built in gauge! No more adjusting the air compressor only to have the pressure drop off while filling the tire! I am stoked to try this thing out, and hope it's even half as cool as I expect.

"Don't you know it's gonna be alright!"

Free Will

This morning I decided that I was going to push for a fast ride. I was thinking about my 34 km/h ride a few weeks ago and wondering if I could replicate that. So, I chose the same route, and set my mind to push, trying to get the green lights and keep my speed up.

I believe the difference between being fast on the bike or not is often the result of small choices. It may be the decision to push a little harder to try to catch a light green. It may be the choice to do some core work to build general strength. It may be the decision to shift into or hold a higher gear. For me it sometimes involves focusing on lifting the pedals instead of just pushing them down. Sometimes it's the choice to wear Lycra instead of the more socially appropriate shorts. None of these are big choices, but each contributes a little bit to a faster ride.

Maybe a lot of life is that way. Maybe the difference between accomplishing something great and not rests in the seemingly small choices we make every day, not in looking for a few big choices. The lyrics to the song title of this post include, "If you choose to not decide, you still have made a choice… I will choose the path that's clear; I will choose free will." How many little choices do we simply choose not to make?

How many mornings have I stayed in bed just those few extra minutes instead of getting up to do even a 5 minute workout? How often have I thought that a service project may not be that important for me to be at? How many times have I simply let something expire, rather than face it head on?

On the other hand, how often have I gotten myself onto the bike, even when I wasn't sure that I wanted to exert any effort that day? (And usually had a great ride.) How often have I chosen to take care of the project that I dread, simply because I know that it has to be done? (And usually not enjoy it every bit as much as I feared.) How often have I chosen to attend church, or say a prayer, or do something else to strengthen the spiritual aspect of my life?

I think that it's in these little choices that our lives are formed every bit as much as improvements in sport.

But then again, sometimes no matter what the choices you make, whether big or little, you just run out of stamina and start to slow. Oh, and about the speed of the ride: it was just below 34 km/h, although if I had to go any further it would have dropped like a rock. The last kilometer I was dragging myself on, unable to maintain the speeds of earlier in the ride.

So, after making the choice to ride fast this morning, what are the rest of my little choices today?

The Boys of Summer

The boys of summer are all around. They're riding commuter bikes, old department store mountain bikes, slick racing bikes. They're using the roads every morning and evening. They're riding to work. They're out training. They are all enjoying the beautiful summer weather.

I waved to one of the boys of summer after a car honked at him for using the road. We both just shrugged our shoulders and smiled. There was nothing else to do. I do, however, hope that the cyclist caught the car at the next light and passed the car while it was stopped. Just the vengeful streak that I have.

I rode behind a commuter for a few blocks. When I pulled alongside to take a pull, he dropped off. I guess that he was at the end of his commute while I was at the start of mine.

I've passed them on the other side of the road, in droves. They are friendly, usually offering a wave or nod of the head. I saw one cyclist riding south last night and north this morning. I saw a fellow on an orange Giant, wearing an orange jersey with an orange bag. Unfortunately, he was camouflaged amongst the orange cones on the road. I did admire his commitment to orange while I was just wearing a sunflower print on my jersey.

This morning one riding a tricycle while his wife walked the dog shouted out, "Showoff," when I rode by. I'm still trying to figure that one out.

The boys of summer are all around. Keep an eye out for them. They will appreciate it. I'll appreciate it, since I'm one of them. We'd love to have you join us. Whether you take the Clif Bar Challenge to make all of your trips under 2 miles by bike, or you're training for an inconceivable challenging event, or you're just pulling the bike out of the garage to ride around the neighborhood, there's a fraternity, or as my college choir labeled itself, a "frarority" out there.

Join us. Resistance is futile.

We Belong

This morning I was feeling good. I kept up a pretty good pace, and caught the green lights. Oh, did I catch the green lights: 7000 S, Winchester, 6400 S, 5400 S (as it was turning yellow). As I passed through 5400, I caught up with two "serious cyclists". One was sponsored by Spin Cycles, the other by Team Wheeler. I caught them. Now, my momentum through the light helped, but even after catching them, and slowing down to draft behind them, they didn't drop me. I held tight to their wheels, and could have even pushed on, but chose to enjoy the short respite. As we approached the light at 4800 S, they were turning right, and I would have loved to follow them, but I was running late for work and had to take a left to find a shorter route. I think that I could have hung with them up to 500 W, where I would have had to turn, through the climbs and all. Simply because I belonged. Yes, that's right. I belonged in that group. My riding was up to the level they were at. I could have taken a pull at the front. Man, that's a good feeling.

I felt that sense of belonging in a group in 2006 while doing the Cycle Salt Lake Century. Penny Perkins had gathered me into a group that was flying. As I cycled through the paceline, I thought that I was doing great to hang on. But then she told me to take a pull at the front. I was doubtful. I thought that I was barely hanging with the group, but when I pulled through and took the lead, I was able to keep the pace. I took a solid pull at the front. I belonged.

Then, it all came tumbling down as I flatted while easing back into the line, and lost the group for the rest of the ride. But, for that few minutes, I belonged. Later in that day I felt a sense of importance as I pulled a group through the headwinds, but it wasn't the same sense of belonging. Those couple of moments were magical.

I think that we all yearn for that sense of belonging in some way in our lives, and there are times when we feel it. These aren't the only two times I've felt it, but the remind me that it is a wonderful feeling when it comes.

I belong. For the next few minutes, I belong.

Birthday

So, I started out my 38th year with a struggle of a ride this morning. Although I took the short commute route in, I was still fighting to just keep going. So, the question becomes why. I have a few guesses, but nothing concrete.

Guess 1: I've pushed my body pretty hard this week. Between a full week of commutes, although none were exceptionally long, and doing some core work each morning, my body has exerted harder this week than it has in some time. I stressed myself getting such a fast average speed yesterday. I've also run on somewhat shortened sleep creating some energy deprivation. These are all reasons I've heard for lower performance. However, this seems to involve way too much scientific and physiological stuff for me to put full credence in it.

Guess 2: I am older, and therefore slower.

I think I'll go with Guess 2.

Oh, wait, upon further inspection, I discovered that my back tire had gone flat. It may have just been that I had a low back tire that was dragging me down. I can always hope it was that, and I can easily blame my lack-luster performance on that. Yeah, that's it. It's not my age. I mean, it couldn't be my age.

Life in the Fast Lane

While life in the fast lane cause the Eagles to lose their [collective?] mind, it simple caused me a little pain this morning. However, that pain is fleeting and my glory is great. Well, maybe not that great.

I decided, unconsciously, to do my own prologue time trial this morning. I guess that came after watching the very delayed recording of the Tour de France prologue while eating my breakfast.

Now, I know that I am not pro-level cyclist. I was once passed by Dave Zabriskie so quickly that by the time I looked up I didn't even know he'd passed, except that my fellow riders assured me that it was indeed my one brush with cycling greatness and I had missed it entirely. So, with that in mind, let me now tell just how impressive I was today.

I can usually maintain a scorching rate of about 30 km/h on a commute to work. I feel really good when I get 32 km/h. That means that I was actually keeping up in the school zones with the speed limit -- not that school is even in session right now. Anyway, that is my usual range for a ride.

Well, this morning I held 33.9 km/h for the ride, with a 34.7 average speed before my 1/4 km cool down. I was seriously excited! I know, it doesn't take much. Anyway, I started out the ride feeling pretty good, and thought I'd push from a little earlier than I usually do. Then, after topping my short climb, I turned down the 12% gradient at the west end of Winchester and kept pedaling. I nearly made the light at 700 West, but ran into a yellow turning red. After waiting through the light, I started a hard push up the small grade, noticed my heart rate skyrocketing up around 170 and thought I'd go for something on the ride. So, I kept pushing. Hard (for me). I pushed through the light around 6000 S. I caught the green light at 5400 S. I kept pushing through the green at Vine Street. I was moving.

I caught a red at 4700 S, but got quickly back up to speed just in time to have to stop at 4500 S. As I pulled away from that light, I got a gap on a garbage truck, but that truck caught up with me, so I tried to hang. I did pretty well until he turned on his blinker. I then dropped behind that truck, and passed him on the other side to keep from getting run over. I was still flying. It was shortly after that, on a couple-meter climb that I felt the pain. It wasn't pain from that climb. I can do that one easily. It was pain from my heart and legs asking, fervently, what I was doing to them, and why. My only answer was that I didn't know why. I was just doing it. So, I slowed a little bit and didn't complain when I caught the red light at 3900 S. After my heart rate dropped about 40 bpm at the light, I headed west and caught the tail end of the next. But from there, it was sweet speed down the slight grade, past the Jordan River, and through the turn toward the office. I was excited. I was stoked. I was flying.

I made that last corner, clicked off a lap time on my computer, then slowed way down to cool off before crawling up the stairs to the office.

Now, please understand that this is simply a little personal victory post. I don't claim any shot at greatness. I'd have to lose a good 10 kg and ride a lot more to become a truly competitive cyclist. And I know that the guy in the Hammer Gel jersey rode easily away from me at a light last night. But, for me it was a huge thing. It was a personal best time for my commutes, at least for the past couple of years.

Woohoo!

This Independence

As we approached the end of our ride, Phillip said, "How about we take the little climb up to Copperton." I responded, "I need someone like you in my life… to say let's take a little climb and mean that."

This comment came on a ride we'd put together late last night, after we decided that we didn't need to pay the $20 to ride the Tour de Riverton. We figured we could ride a lot of the same stuff without the entry fee, so we did.

We crossed the TdR route, and didn't see any riders, so we figured we had missed the pack. However, a few miles later as we were climbing toward Herriman, we saw the front of the pack coming toward us on their return leg. It was fun to see so many riders enjoying what was, for them, a long, consistent descent. We were the only two climbing at that point.

My mind, seeing the rapid descent of so many cyclists, told my legs that they should match that pace. However, the same descent that propelled those riders, slowed me through that section. I held out hope that I would have a rapid descent on the Bacchus Highway once I cleared the 8% grades at the end of the climb.

We finally topped out the climb and screamed down toward the Copperton turnoff. As we passed the first option to head up, Phillip made the comment I started off with. The extra climb was quite fun. I really should also take a moment to say that Phillip has become a much stronger climber over the past year. He was rocking the steeps and held even with me, even pulling ahead at times. I was impressed.

After leaving Copperton, it was a quick sprint back home -- downhill the whole way -- to make it to the West Jordan 4th of July parade. But that's another story, and one that doesn't involve cycling.

It felt good to get my heart rate up and hit some climbs with a good friend.

Oh, and thanks to Manhattan Transfer for the title to this post: a recognition of Independence Day and the independence of riding.

Everybody Loves a Happy Ending

How does one recount a 50-mile ride with Boy Scouts? I think that the first thing is to realize that no Scouts died on the ride; and everyone who started the ride finished it. That alone qualifies as a happy ending. However, beyond that, there's a lot of random thoughts that can go through a leader's mind through the course of a day.

There is the beautiful scenery, the sun rising over the mountains, the wonderful views of the hills dropping into Bear Lake. There are the fun breaks that included geocaching. There's the retracing of the LOTOJA route - backward -- between Ovid and Montpelier, ID. There's the bananas, Newtons (in many flavors), Gatorade, muffins and other good food.

Then, there's encouraging Scouts to keep riding. There's figuring out novel ways to say that we're not even half way there yet. There's the fiftieth time you've told someone to keep pedaling. There's the incessant griping about the huge hills they have to climb.

There's the stretch where the pavement ends and the leader on the road bike pounds the dirt along with everyone else on their mountain bikes. There's hearing the turn-by-turn history and geography of Dingle, ID.

There's getting the boys to wake up at the crack of dawn to be on the road before the winds kick up. There's hoping that everyone remembered that they will need sunscreen before the day is out. There's realizing that not everyone did.

There's seeing the group of four cyclists fly past and wanting desperately to join them, if only for a few miles. There's more encouraging boys to keep riding. There's the thrill of charging from the back of the pack, past all the riders to film them and realizing that you are, indeed, the strong rider in the pack. There's realizing that no-one in the lead group has a bike computer, speedometer, or any idea where they're going, and that all the navigation aids are a good kilometer behind them.

There's the realization that the Boy Scout motto of, "Be Prepared" would be a wonderful thing for all Scouts to live by. There's the realization that "Do a Good Turn Daily" means helping others, but it could also mean keeping the pedals turning through the day.

There's the realization that, a few quick spikes excluded, your heart rate hovered close to 100 bpm the entire seven and one half hours. There's the realization that your average speed was not even on the same chart as most of your training rides.

Then, there's the final realization that for all the good and the bad, you really enjoyed the ride anyway, and you'd love to ride the same route again. But maybe this time with those four cyclists who flew by early in the ride. Ultimately, it was a happy ending. And everybody loves a happy ending.

Solitary Man

So, I met a new guy last night. Well, I kind of met a new guy last night.

I was riding along 2200 West, minding my own business, and climbing the 2% grades that live on that road. Near the crest of one, I glanced over my shoulder to see what traffic was coming. I didn't see any cars, but I did see a cyclist. Right there. I mean just off my wheel and to my left. I had no idea he was there. I had been pushing along to get myself home in time for the family picnic that evening. As we continued along the road, we chatted for a few minutes about the beauty of the day for biking and the potholes we both knew were in the road.

As we approached 5400 South, I asked if he was heading east or west. He replied that he was heading west, but first he'd go a block further south to avoid the shoulder-less road. Although I thought that it would be fun to follow him, I figured that I should head east along my shortest route home. So, I slid off to the left turn lane while he slid forward toward the light.

We went our separate ways. I don't know how long he had followed me before I noticed he was there. I figure he could have passed me easily, since he had gained on me to get into the position he was in. I enjoyed the company for a minute, then resumed my solitary ride home.

And, kudos to Neil Diamond for the title to this post.

All Apologies

I need to apologize for some breaches of etiquette I've slipped into recently.

To start, I have passed several cyclists without acknowledging them. Now, I was not trying to snub anyone, but my attention was elsewhere while they passed. I noticed them as they cleared my 9-o'clock, but it was then too late to wave. I know that it's good karma to wave at other cyclists, and I try to do it; but sometimes you just don't notice them. Sorry.

Next, my postings as of late have been more sporadic that I would have liked. I had the thought for this post on Monday, but it's taken until now to put it up. Strangely, more time biking tends to correlate to less time blogging. And, lots of family time tends to interrupt a consistent (or in my case optimistic) blogging schedule. Sorry.

And finally, we had our boat out on the slalom course last weekend, and it may have looked like we were hogging the course, or trying to keep other people off of it. In reality, our boat was having a hard time. We'd start it up, back out into the lake, then it would kill. We'd have to wait a few minutes for it to start up again. I think some people thought we were being rude out there, but in reality we were just trying to get started to either run the course or get out of the way. Again, sorry.

Well, that's my apologies for now. I hope to not have to make many more soon.

Waiting for the Sun

Wow! It seems like I have been waiting for the sun all season long. I skipped St. George in February, 5-mile Pass in May, the Cycle Salt Lake Century in May, and generally any and all riding before the month of June. Now, I've been hampered by the rain during June as well.

Now, please understand, I appreciate the rain. I know that I live in a semi-arid desert that relies on early season rains and snows to get through a dry, hot summer. I also know that every day it rains is another day I don't have to turn on my sprinklers. However, every day of rain is one more day that it's easy for me to wimp out on what could often be a great ride. Such was the case Wednesday evening when I skipped the ride on account of rain, ran a couple of errands on the way home, and found the sun beating on me for half of my drive. I was tempted to turn around and ride my bike anyway, but took the wimp out route.

I am looking forward to the sunny weather today for both my bike ride to work and some waterskiing this evening. I also have friends who are looking forward to it as they run the Wasatch Back today and tomorrow.

Maybe I'll start getting in shape for the season now. I mean, it's still a good ten days until the Boy Scout bike ride around Bear Lake. Plenty of time to train for that. Maybe once that's knocked out I'll try riding my bike to the waterski lake. There's only a net elevation gain of 300 - 400 meters on that metric century ride. And nothing like working out before working out.

Now, having waited for the sun for so long, I should go greet it with a glorious ride.

And, good luck, Malisa.

Drive this Road

Yes, please drive this road. As long as that road is 3200 West. I'll bike the road while you drive it. That's when it gets fun. You see, last night traffic got jammed up right around 4700 South, and for the next 5 km I passed car after car after car.

I really don't remember the last time I so enjoyed a traffic jam. It was great. These cars whose drivers thought they were all that were being passed by a lowly bicycle, whose rider was struggling up the 2-3% grades on the road. (Yes, I know that's a sad commentary on my fitness level.) I even passed traffic when the road briefly turned up to a 5% gradient. I kept passing them all the way to 6200 South. Then, I rocketed down the hill and kept the -- now smoothly flowing -- traffic at bay until 7000 South. Between there and 7800 South a few cars got the better of me, but I caught them all at the light before turning east to finish my ride home. For nearly 9 km in total I passed or kept pace with the traffic on that road!

There's something really fun about going from the slow vehicle on the road to being the only vehicle moving on the road. Maybe somewhere in that 5 km line of traffic there was someone who had considered riding his or her bike, but thought it would take too long to get where they were going. Maybe they'll think a little differently next time.

Maybe I'll realize that I can maintain a high heart rate for a longer period than I thought, given the right motivation.

Maybe this morning all will return to normal and I'll be passed by nearly as many cars as I passed last night. But, that will not take away the joy of being the passer, even going up the hill.

Breathe (2 AM)

Whether it's 2 AM or any other time, I've suddenly discovered that even breathing can be a little painful. While not entirely biking related, I think this will have a biking consequence.

Last Saturday I did some waterskiing. (I know, poor me.) On my first attempt through the course, I took a nasty fall crossing the wake after clearing the first buoy. Now, before continuing this story, let me explain that I waterski about as well as I bike: I've been doing both for years, but I'm far from proficient in either. I once watched a professional skier run through the slalom course and wondered if that was actually the same sport that I dabble in. I've wondered the same thing watching the expert (oops, now Cat 1) racers at Intermountain Cup races.

So, back to the story. I had just made the first turn and was crossing the wake when I, inexplicably, had my ski slide out from underneath me. I fell backward and slapped my chest on the water. HARD. I felt it through my life vest and wetsuit. That's a lot of layers of padding meant to warm me, float me, and protect me from impact. As the boat headed back to get me up again, I felt a little pain on my ribs where I had slapped the water. Just the water. I figured it was a bruise, or something. So, I got up and kept skiing. I made a few more passes through the (mini) course, then took a short breather.

When I started another set, maybe 45 minutes later, I found that I had a hard time holding the rope while I turned. Nothing wrong with my hands, but that spot where I had slapped the water was still hurting. So, I made just one pass, then called it a day. I figured the bruise would quickly pass, and that I'd be back to normal by the end of the weekend.

Well, the weekend's been over for five hours, and it's (definitely) not better. In fact, I now feel it every time I breathe deeply. So, I've now figured it's cracked ribs or something similar. Nothing to go to the doctor over, since I'd be told to just let it heal anyway. But, as I contemplate a ride home from work tonight, and think about having to breathe deeply for 30 - 45 minutes, I wonder how it will feel.

I hope it won't hurt too badly. But, since I can't even sit up from a prone position, I fear I'm in for some pain. Maybe this will give me more empathy for pro cyclists who are forced to retire from Grand Tours (a la the Giro d'Italia or Le Tour de France) for injuries. A rib seems to have more involvement with cycling that I had given credit in the past.

I'll try to get an update on how I feel after my next ride.

UPDATE:

I can ride with bruised ribs. It turns out that the cycling position does not place too much stress on the muscles supporting the ribs or upper body. The only thing to watch out for is bumps in the road that abruptly jostle you. Aside from those, the cycling isn't bad, even with needing to breath deeply during exertion.

I was able to ride home Tuesday night, then back into work on Wednesday morning without undue pain.

Road to Nowhere (Updated)

"We're on the road to nowhere / Come on inside. / Takin' that road to nowhere / Come take that ride." I guess that I'm feeling like I'm on the road to nowhere with my cycling this year.

I've taken the past two weeks off. Now, one week was for a vacation, but I have no excuse by laziness for the second week. I'm starting to feel sluggish and heavy.

Then, last night I had to tell Nicole's uncle that I couldn't ride the ULCER with him this year. I have a very good reason that I'm excited about, but it does mean no training rides in July. Bummer.

Now, I'm about to get back on that road to nowhere as I take a commute ride home. I kind of committed, half-way, to take a more challenging route home, taking on some hills and additional distance; I guess I'd better live up to that. As Lance Armstrong said a few years back in preparation for Le Tour de France, "We know the bike's fast, now we just have to see if the man is." (If the quote's slightly off, please forgive me. I'm going by memory.)

It looks like it's time to tackle the short pitch on 3200 West between 5400 and 6200 South for tonight's fun. I don't think I'm quite up to adding in the 3600 West clime in addition. Maybe later in the week?

I could pull out an analogy between my inactivity in cycling and church service as of late, but I really don't feel that motivated to think. I just need to get out and ride. Then, I need to call a few people about church service opportunities before family night begins in earnest.

Time to get my tender toushie on  the saddle.

Update: (Okay, more of an admission) I did not take the 3200 West route home since my tires had lost a fair amount of inflation and I was worried about flatting if I took a longer route. This turned out to be a wise choice, since I discovered upon arriving home that my tires were both at only 2/3 my regular pressure, or 4 bar instead of 6 bar. If I had only checked the schraeder to presta adapter in my air compressor before leaving home this morning I could have made the ride. Oh, woulda, coulda shoulda.

Workin' Them Angels

"All my life I've been workin' them angels overtime; riding and driving and living so close to the edge." Those lyrics kept running through my head last night while I rode with the Boy Scouts along the Jordan River Parkway Trail. I'm not sure why. It could have been that the river was high and close to the edge 9but the nwhy not select "Close to the Edge" as the song?) or that the Scouts were just randomly wandering down the trail, or maybe just that I like the song by Rush. Whatever the reason, it was the soundtrack for the ride.

These Scouts are working on their Bicycling merit badge, and I'm the de facto counsellor for that badge, given my history of biking. So that means I get to take some rides with them, including the 50 miler they're preparing for this Summer. Last night was only a 28 km event. 

There were some good lessons from that ride, however. One was to make sure that the tires are properly inflated. We fixed that quickly before getting into the ride for one person. Another is to make sure that your brakes aren't rubbing before heading out. You may remember a post about upgrading the brakes on my mountain bike. Well, it turns out that I still need some adjustments to get those working correctly. The front wheel is definitely rubbing, and I've not checked the back. I know the adjustments should be simple, but I didn't have the owner's manual with me and I'm not familiar with those brakes yet. So, I rode with a rub. Another lesson was that it is always better to use a road bike for a paved ride. I worked far too hard on that ride, but my road bike was at the office so I grabbed what was available.

I also learned that I need to come up with a good way to teach the concepts of shifting and using the gears to your advantage when working with new riders. I can sit there and tell them when to shift, but that only goes so far when there are six boys learning how to use their gears. I need to come up with a way to help them all to understand that the gears exist to make life easier; to make it so that at any given point they can pedal at an easy cadence without exerting too much effort to push the bike forward. However, I remember when I was their age, the goal on my Schwinn Varsity 10 Speed bike was to start in the hardest gear possible and crank it. Oh, the foibles of youth. How do I help these new riders to see what I've since figured out: that at no time should they feel like they have to stand up and mash the pedals, but that they can use gearing to make life far easier, especially over the course of 80 km, like they'll be doing this summer?

I guess they'll all be workin' them angels this year while they try to figure out efficient cycling techniques, and how to stay out of the way of traffic.

You're the Best

At times we all tell ourselves that we are good at something. Sometimes we even go so far as tell ourselves that we're the best at something. Then we have experiences that cause us to doubt ourselves for thinking such an outlandish thing. I have a friend who recently went through this with her running. I went through this on my ride home tonight.

I was making pretty good time, getting through the lights, and keeping my legs moving. I was feeling like a great biker. Then I thought about the pace and endurance of even the lanterne rouge of the Tour de France and realized that I could not hold his wheel for even 1 km. I would know I was passed by Dave Zabiskie once. He just flew by making me feel like I wasn't moving on my bike. Well, the feeling of being good lasted for a few minutes before reality took over.

Then there was this dude who ran out of gas. He just pulled around the corner, against the light, cutting me off and severely ticking off several drivers behind me. As I yelled to help ensure that he wouldn't do anything more dangerous that he already had, he yelled back telling me that he was out of gas. Well, I still don't think he handled the situation optimally, but I decided that I could go back and offer my help if he needed it. At first I think he was pretty defensive, but I hope that by the time I had offered to lend a hand the third or fourth time, that he realized that I did want to help. He had a buddy nearby that he was going to call, so I wasn't needed. However, I hope that this little act helped put him a little more at ease in a difficult situation. Maybe it was a good thing.

As I said, at times we all tell ourselves that we are good at something. And, maybe in the end, that is what really counts.

Here I Stand and Face the Rain

I was supposed to be at a trailhead in Park City right now. I was to be there with a bunch of Boy Scouts eager -- or at least caused -- to begin a 25 mile (40 km) bike ride for their Bicycling Merit Badge. This was to have come after a night camping near Jordanelle Reservoir. However, I am in front of my computer, in my warm house, listening to my daughter instead. I'm not saying that's bad.

That does, however, mean that I'm also not at 5-mile Pass getting ready for the Intermountain Cup race there today. That is the race I've chosen as my benchmark of fitness for a goal I set some years ago to be in better shape at age 40 than I was at age 30. I try to get to it every year, but have missed the past few years because our ward has had baptisms on the first Saturday of May for those years. This year is no different. I am to conduct the baptism this morning. I was going to miss that for the Scout ride and camp out, but now it's back to re-creating plan A after that was cancelled.

It is amazing how the good things in life can get in the way of biking. And, it's amazing how priorities can determine which one to choose. I was off the bike all week. I don't regret it, either, amazingly. I don't mean to make this a "churchy" post, but my family's involvement with our church is the root of the story. My wife was invited to be a presenter at the Brigham Young University Women's Conference this past week. She did a great job of that! In order to support her in this, I chose to attend her session of the conference, even though I am not (albeit to some people's surprise) a woman. I know, shocking. Well, it turns out men are allowed to attend, particularly if their wife is a presenter. With the preparations for that, I chose to have a car available at home this week, so no biking to work.

Then, even though I had not pre-registered, I could have still gone out to the race today, except I have chosen to volunteer my time at church with some responsibilities. One of those is conducting the baptisms of children turning age 8. Knowing I had committed to that made the decision to forego a bike race easier to make.

So, I guess the bottom line is this: even thought biking is one of the great things in my life, it's far from the only thing, and sometimes I need to keep my priorities in perspective to make wise decisions for my family and my life. Next week I should be back to the commuting again. 

Mr. Roboto

Dennis DeYoung of Styx spoke truth when he had Mr. Roboto say, "Machines dehumanize." I saw this so plainly as I pulled up to the intersection of 4100 South and Redwood Road on my bike the other day. I looked out at the two rivers of asphalt crossing each other creating a space that is inhospitable for man, woman, or child.

This space we call a road is not built for people. It is built for machines. It is built for cars. Particularly when you see the near freeway scale of many roads. Even when there is a shoulder, these speedways seem incompatible with all but the most intrepid interloper. I can clearly see that a bicycle is not the purpose for which these roads were built, even though a bicycle has the same right to inhabit the roads as those inhuman behemoths that more typically do so. And a pedestrian seems to have no business whatsoever even taking the sidewalks that act as shoulder on these roads.

As I was thinking about this dehumanizing, I was caused to remember that my daily commute is immediately impacted by it, but I've come to accept that impact as normal and unavoidable. I do not ride Redwood Road between 9000 South and somewhere in North Salt Lake. It's just not worth the risk. I take a five km detour that adds to an otherwise 8 km commute whenever I take my bike. The section -- just over 1 km -- that I would have to ride on the direct route is just not worth the cost of my life to use. There are seven lanes of traffic that run curb-to-curb at a 40 MPH speed limit, which in Utah usually means minimum speed. Although I am entitled to take as much of the right-hand lane as I need to cycle safely, there are hundreds of cars that would pass me during this stretch who are not aware of that fact, and would just as soon push me off the road as look at me. That's definitely dehumanized.

I compare this with riding the Jordan Rive Parkway Trail with friends. While the asphalt is the same, the entire atmosphere and purpose are humanizing. On days when the sun shines, you interact with pedestrians, cyclists, skaters, families on picnics, an entire cross section of humanity. And you interact. People wave, say hello, or at least smile as you approach. I find myself sending greetings to those I pass. There are trees, a river -- by Utah standards -- and life all around. Unfortunately, I cannot take this route regularly. It massively increases my ride time and lowers my speed. Usually I'm in a hurry to get to work or to get home. So, I compromise.

I usually find roads of three lanes or less. I look for the less travelled. I hunt for roads lined with homes. I look for lower speed limits. I find that I have a better chance of survival on these. If there is a shoulder, then I'm even better. By doing this I've been able to create several commute routes between my work and home that are safe for a cyclist. I stick to these.

Now, routes that I consider safe for taking my daughter in a trailer are another post for another day. Those are even fewer and harder to find, but I'll rant about that later.

Eye in The Sky

"…I can read your mind." Or, at least, I would like to think I can. When you're on the road, I can ascribe all my worst prejudices against you, especially when I'm on my bike and have time to think about it.

I mean you, the cyclists who rode past me without even waving or nodding. Talk about stuck up. You don't even have time to acknowledge your peers. Plus, I'm better than you -- trust me, I can just tell -- so my waving to you was a massive step down the social ladder anyway. At least return it, you snobs.

I mean you, the lady who keeps backing out of her driveway right as I come up. Oh, wait, you're pretty cool. Two days in a row, you've seen me and waited for me to pass rather than thinking that you could jump in front of the cyclist. I think good thoughts about you.

But I definitely mean you, the SUV who just had to jump in front of me this morning. Then it took you a good while to get up to speed and I almost caught you. Just go ahead and burn your fossil fuels, secure in your metal cocoon without worrying about the world around you.

I mean you, Volvo driver. Oh, do I mean you. You were entitled to get through that yellow light, weren't you?I'm sure that you actually deserved the green light, but it was taken from you by fate. If you're lucky Obama will figure out a way to make that right for you.  You'll get a tax cut for every documented green light that you miss. Just go ahead and take that out of my taxes, why don't you? You just had to push it, sneaking up behind the biker, then you just had to get in front of me to turn right across my path. Wow, I'm glad that worked out for you. I'd be even more upset at you if you hadn't accelerated so quickly to get far enough ahead of me that I didn't have to hit my brakes to avoid you. At least you did that, you little entitled  entitler.

Okay, the three walking grannies get a pass. I can figure that they were in deep conversation with each other and didn't have time to interrupt that for a rapid cyclist who was giving them a wide berth. I'll be kind to the grannies.

But the rest of you, be careful. I can see your worst possible intentions and hold those against you for upwards of 30 minutes before my mind becomes so wrapped up in more important matters that you become an insignificant part of my past, never to be remembered again. Until you reappear in my path.

Ma Musique, Mon Bicicle

A strange creole song that was playing on part of my ride yesterday provides today's title.

It's official. Spring is here. I know this because I have now commuted once from work and once back. For me, that seems to be the official start of Spring. Forget the calendar and all that other stuff. It's when I finally get the bike out. And this week is it!

I was amazed at how much of riding a bicycle has become automatic for me. I guess that every season I figure that I'll have to re-learn how to shift, and how to get a good cadence, and how to climb a small hill, and how to work with traffic, and so many other things. However, I was absolutely amazed at how much my brain has stored at a subconscious level that comes right back when I hit that saddle and clip in. It took me longer to remember how to use my bike computer than to instinctively react to the sound of traffic coming from behind. And, my bike computer is pretty easy to use.

As for the commuting, I remembered everything that I needed for a week of bike commuting, except for the case for my glasses. Fortunately, they can ride in a jersey pocket on their own. But the case makes it easier to put other things in with them without worry of scratching the lenses. What's on the list?

1. Lunches for the week.

2. Clothing for the week.

3. Bike clothes and gear for the ride home.

4. Glasses case

5. Bike

6. Lock

7. Computer

With all that I can make it for a week. I drive everything in on Monday morning, then ride the bike for the week, then take it all home on Friday evening in the truck. This way works for me because I need to drive for work more during the week than I do at home, and I don't like carrying a backpack every day with my stuff in it.

Welcome to bike commuting season.

Looks Like We Made It

In a notable old-school twist, I blog about life before bikes with a song that existed before I knew bikes. I refer of course to running a 5k, and the Barry Manilow classic.

I supported Nicole today by running the Salt Lake City Marathon 5k. I know, it's a terrible name. But, what are you going to do? The Salt Lake Marathon Bike Tour is a more elegant name (well, no it's not) for a more elegant event. Let me explain; no there is not time. Let me sum up.

I don't hurt that badly. I believe that is due to my unbelievable training program. I registered for this weeks ago, then just woke up this morning and thought, "I'm going to run a 5k." No running in between. I'd recommend that as a training regiment for any cyclist who attempts running. Cross-train on the bike, then just do the run. I recommend this for a few reasons.

Reason 1: running takes you off the bike. That is bad. Time on the bike is good. So, train on your bike. The same heart rate zones apply off the bike as on. The same cardio base applies. The same basic muscle groups apply. So, why get off the bike? Just grab a heart rate monitor and keep in the zone you've learned from cycling you can support and you'll do fine.

Reason 2: running will break your body. Two of Nicole's friends suffered fairly serious foot problems while training for this run. One suffered a Jones fracture, the other foot pain that stopped her from running for a week, and is still felt today. I've never had this while cycling. Butt pain? Sure. But that goes away quickly, and you can play through it. Chafing? Running causes that as much as cycling, and the same solutions apply. Saddle sore? Just keep clean and they never appear.

Returning to Saturday's run: While riding the train from the parking area to starting line, I saw the elegant bicyclists flying down the street toward their destination. Wow, they looked good! Poetry in motion. However, in an attempt at fairness, the cyclists who failed to make the cutoff time and were riding amidst the runners -- I have no pity on them -- were most often riding squeaking, rattling contraptions that begged for maintenance or euthanasia.

I did enjoy running with my wife while pushing my daughter. It was a kind of family togetherness. I found that my natural stride is just off from Nicole's, however. When jogging, I was slightly faster than her, and while speed walking I was just slower than her jog. So, I ended up with a combination pace, or wog as I call it. I'd jog until I'd get a few meters ahead, then walk until I was a meter or two behind, then repeat for 5 km. I discovered, as a result of this strange pacing, that the gearing on a bike makes it far easier for a group of friends to stick together for a distance. One can run a higher cadence while another pushes a harder gear, but they can stay together. While running you are pretty much on your own.

While I survived a 5k run, and will do one more this year -- the Salt Lake Komen Race for the Cure in support of my sister-in-law -- I am still a cyclist. Even when I haven't ridden for weeks or months at a time, I am still a cyclist. I have defined myself: I ride a bike. I'll watch my wife cross the finish line at other events, and encourage her to train, but I will continue to cycle.

Feels Like the First Time

At the start of every season there's a first ride when you re-fit your saddle to your bike's saddle. That happened tonight! Just when I thought I'd be doomed to wait for several more weeks to clip into my pedals again, I was able to take a ride on the Jordan Parkway trail with a neighbor, Chris, and his son, Jared.

Let me start off by stating that it's been far, far, far too long since I've mounted a saddle and ridden. You can judge me for the time off the bike, if you want, but don't judge me for my lack of speed. I didn't say it was a race, I just said it was a ride.

I rode with these friends almost 30 km in just under two hours. Not terribly fast, but it was a fun ride with conversation as we rolled down a nearly deserted trail. Now, I don't want anyone to think that cycling is suffering. I think it's more that the temperatures were barely above freezing, and the sun was going down after an overcast day. So, on this near empty trail, we traveled along, me with Beth in tow through mud, across gravel, and dodging water puddles.

Beth quite enjoyed watching Little Einsteins on my iPhone while riding along in her enclosed Chariot Child Transport System trailer. I enjoyed the scenery and burn in my legs as I pulled along my extra 10 kilos and the 22 kilos of girl and trailer. I figure that if I can do a ride with that extra, then riding solo will be significantly easier.

I got the time to ride because Nicole needed time to prepare a talk she'll be giving at the BYU Women's Conference at the end of the month. So, she kicked both Beth and me out of the house. I was glad to have Chris and Jared to ride with.

Now, the only minor dilemma was that our new neighbor pulled up to his house with a washer and dryer in his truck as I was rolling out. I felt a little guilty riding away while he was working; however my conscience was quelled when Chris said that given a choice between riding and moving someone, he'd choose riding. He's been a Bishop, so I figured I was okay to go riding.

Now I think that I may be off to watch Beth and Malisa's kids while she runs with Nicole to get in some training for the 5k that I'm going to run. On Saturday. This Saturday. When did babysitting become training?

Running on Empty

I'm going to run a 5k. On Saturday. This Saturday. This is a problem. Let me tell you why. I mean beyond the fact that it involves running.

I haven't trained. At all. I've done about five sessions on the NordicTrack all winter. I haven't actually run since —  well, since I don't even remember. I haven't been on my bike since whenever I put up the last post that actually talked about biking. So, I'm off to run a 5k.

I blame my wife. Not for the lack of training, but for getting me into this whole mess in the first place. She talked all fancy to me, and I got confused. She convinced me that I'd have tons of fun with her on this little run. She also convinced me that I wouldn't enjoy the Salt Lake City Marathon Bike Tour that goes on at the same time. I must be a sucker for my wife. I mean, I know two people who are doing the bike ride. That sounds fun.

Or maybe I should blame my wife's friend (and somehow my friend as well) who talked my wife into doing this run. Somehow that friend convinced me that I should think about doing a triathlon — like other of her friends had been doing — and running a 5k would round out my experience in preparing for one. After I sent in the registration, I remembered that I enjoy biking, and I enjoy swimming. I don't enjoy running. Maybe I should have countered that I'd try a duathlon. Or that I'd do a team triathlon with my wife doing the running and me doing the biking. In retrospect those would have been good answers, but I didn't think of them at the time. So, I'm going to run a 5k. On Saturday.

On a related side note, Nicole had sworn off the Salt Lake City 5k (this very race) after she did it a few years ago because of the abysmal handling of the cattle-chute of a finish line. Now she's running it again. And she's wrangled me in as well.

I must be insane.

So, now that it's too late to train, I guess I'll just need to taper, like all the good training guides say to do, so that I'm ready to run on Saturday. And, since it's too late to back out now, I'm going to run a 5k. On Saturday. This Saturday.

I'll be, as Jackson Browne says, running on empty, and running behind. At least Saturday should be good weather for a bike ride. Oops, make that a short run. If I'm still alive after the 5k, I may post my post-run comments. Maybe.

Stronghold

Yngwie Malmsteen finished off the soundtrack to my first real workout in, well,  I don't know quite how long. Probably since my last commute last Fall. Ouch, that hurts when I say it.

I'll admit this wasn't biking. A few reasons — or you may call them excuses. I broke my trainer last year while cleaning the garage. Just snapped the resistance unit clean off. So, I now have a sort of back-up repair stand that fastens to the rear axle. Useful at times, I guess; but not useful for exercise during the winter.

I didn't get outside because I'm feeling like a wimp about the cold weather. Something about having snow the past few days that has kept me inside.

So, that left me with the choice of my wife's treadmill, or my hand-me-down NordicTrack. I chose the NordicTrack. Now, if you've not used one of these in a while or always thought they were too hard to use, you may want to reconsider. It's a great full-body workout with a mix of cardio and resistance training. There's even some core effort involved. (When your core is a soft as mine it's noticeable.) In 15 minutes I kept my heartrate smack in the middle of my target aerobic zone (about 140 - 160) and got some upper-body that I wouldn't have gotten on my bikes. I also prefer the NordicTrack to the treadmill because I just don't really enjoy running. Skiing I enjoy (although usually the downhill kind) and I can convice myself that I'm skiing instead of running. After all, there are boards strapped to my feet.

If I can start to make a habit of this I may do a few things: start losing some of those extra pounds, get in shape for biking, accomplish some resolutions, and get closer to the Trail of Faith thing the youth in our ward are doing. Oh, and my wife keeps asking when I'm going to exercise, so this helps with that as well.

Speaking of my wife, Nicole is training for a couple of 5k runs with friends in the ward. One of her friends, Malisa, has put together a training schedule to be ready to complete a 5k by the end of April. I wish them, Nicole, Malisa, and all their training friends, the best success in this. 

And, while I'm talking way too much about running, I should put in another plug. My sister-in-law, Alena, is a cancer survivor. She has put together a team for the Salt Lake City Komen Race for the Cure on 9 May 2009. If you want to run in this, you can join team Chick 'n Breast to support her and support cancer research. As my brother says, that's two good causes.

All in all, I enjoyed the guitar heavy soundtrack that kept me moving my legs and arms for that quarter hour this morning. It felt good to sweat a little bit and feel my muscles do what they are meant to do.

"You will never take my stronghold!" Rock on!

The Working Hour

So, I decided to take the leap and make some changes to my mountain bike. You may say I'm crazy to dump money into a 2001 frameset, but hey, it's my money and my mental state. What are you going to do?

I took some pictures of the newly installed components. I put a Marzocchi ATA44 fork and the Avid Elixir brakes onto the bike. I think the Elixirs are gorgeous.

Now, should I upgrade my shifters from the old Shimano LX thumb shifters to something that goes with the brake levers better? Or should I be happy that I can shift and go ride? I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Building a Mystery

So, I thought it would be fun to build up a bike from scratch. Okay, I still think it would be fun. However, right now I'm not sure I know what bike I want that to be. I found a 29er mountain bike frame that I thought may work, but then I started thinking that, aside from the larger wheels, it is a lot like my current mountain bike.

Then I remembered that I'd told myself that my next bike would be a commuter of some sort. And I remembered just how much I haven't used my mountain bike in the past 3 years or so. Then I started to add up the cost of buying the components, fork, and all those random parts that are needed. At some point in there I realized that even with a screaming deal on a Titus Racer X 29er frame, I still don't think that I can justify the expense of building up a bike from a frame right now.

But, I've got the building bug, so I've decided to just get a new shock and brakes for my current ride, a 2001 Giant NRS XTC. Maybe I'm crazy. I don't know. But the Avid Elixir hydraulic brakes and the Marzocchi 44 ATA shock would both be excellent upgrades to that ride. I could get some great lift assist performance while keeping the cross country feel of the bike.

Maybe I should just save up my pennies and buy a new bike, abandoning the building process, to get a more all-mountain type ride (read longer rear travel). 

I don't know. However, I'm going to have to stop vacillating soon, or the shipping and return shpping are going to use up all the money I'd have for doing something.

Oh, and did you know that there are a lot more technologically advanced shocks available for 26 inch wheels than for 29ers? Turns out to be the case. I don't want to even guess at the limited availability for 650c wheels for mountain bikes.

Anyway, even though I may have found another riding partner for road rides, I think I may have to spend some weekends chasing the dirt and trying out the newly modified ride.

Yeah, I think I may have to stick with the new forks and brakes. That should be good. Then maybe I'll upgrade the drivetrain with a Shimano XT shadow rear derailleur. Maybe some new pedals. I don't know. I guess I'll see how the season goes.