tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76086214404709572812024-03-05T18:37:22.800-07:00Lanterne Rouge ridesMostly, it's about the ride.Lanterne Rouge RIderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06016707511429784336noreply@blogger.comBlogger108125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7608621440470957281.post-8053185405371590682011-05-06T12:31:00.000-06:002011-05-06T12:31:32.716-06:00525,600 Minutes<div style="font-family: Arial;">(Note: I know that I declared this blog dead, but this seemed a more fitting final entry.)</div><div style="font-family: Arial;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial;">It’s a real song! Really. It’s from some Broadway musical, I think. Don’t mock me, Perry the Platypus.</div><div style="font-family: Arial;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial;">525,600 is the number of minutes that make up a year. And, that’s the number of minutes since I last rode a bike: 8:20 AM on 4 May 2010. Prior to that, about 15 short rides gets me back to 21 October 2009. (Yes, I keep records like that.)</div><div style="font-family: Arial;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial;">I asked some time ago of anyone willing to listen on Twitter (@kevintcom) and Facebook just how long one could go without straddling a bike and still consider one’s self a cyclist. I was hoping for insight, but found that no one really cares about that kind of introspection. So, I’ll have to come up with my own answers.</div><div style="font-family: Arial;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial;">First, I realize that I’ve extended the useful life of all of my cycling apparel and gear by one full year. I’ll pull out some jerseys and socks that have barely been work when next I find myself riding. That’s a good thing, right? The tires that I bought for 2010 still have the manufacturing nubs on them.</div><div style="font-family: Arial;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial;">However, that doesn’t answer the question. It simply delays the discussion.</div><div style="font-family: Arial;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial;">I’ve forgotten most of what I had learned about bike commuting. I know that I will need to take some stuff to work to clean up after a ride, and plan outfits for the days that I will commute, but the effort of planning that has returned to a level of difficulty similar to when I first tried to commute. I need to take a lock, too, I think. Hmm…</div><div style="font-family: Arial;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial;">Again, doesn’t really answer the question, but I think that I’m getting closer.</div><div style="font-family: Arial;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial;">You know, a few years ago when I was able to really drop some kilos off my body I had a good off-season fitness program in which I would get up daily for a dose of NordicTrack aerobic fat burning. I’ve not gotten to that this year. I have done the occasional few minutes on the AbSlide (yes, I do own one) and some squats to pretend that I’m exercising. However, it’s easier to just use the morning to catch up on all of my other projects and pretend that I still have months to get myself in shape. I’m pretty sure that I don’t have “legs” right now. I’m also pretty sure that my lungs and heart will balk at my first sustained effort. Oh, and don’t get me started about how my butt will feel after the first mile. You don’t want to know, and neither do I.</div><div style="font-family: Arial;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial;">So, am I still a cyclist? Still avoiding the question.</div><div style="font-family: Arial;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial;">In 2006, after riding thousands of miles, I was told that I wasn’t in shape to “race” the LOTOJA Classic. That same year I also was told by someone who completed it previously that after that year, she didn’t ride much for the next year. I definitely cut back in 2007, but I kept riding. Was this finally my rebound year from the efforts five years ago? What about if I still think about cycling? Does that count as “being” a cyclist? What about if I’ve done maintenance on the bikes this year? Does that count?</div><div style="font-family: Arial;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial;">Maybe I’m not a cyclist. Wow, that’s a change. Is that right? Am I a cyclist as long as other people consider me to be that? If I’m not a cyclist, then what am I now?</div><div style="font-family: Arial;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial;">I still haven’t answered the question, have I?</div><div style="font-family: Arial;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial;">Wait, I’m averaging just under one ride per month for the past 18 months. As long as I don’t clarify that those all happened between 7 April and 4 May, I might be able to confuse people enough that they don’t (and therefore I don’t have to) ask the question. Oops, I just blew that chance. So, I’ve essentially ridden one of the past 18 months. Am I still a cyclist?</div><div style="font-family: Arial;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial;">Bob “Bobke” Roll told me once (yes, I did talk to him personally) that he had not ridden a bike for a month. He’s still a cyclist. Of course, I’ve not started one Tour de France, or provided commentary on a single bike race, or had a fabled career like he has had. And, it’s been a year, not a month.</div><div style="font-family: Arial;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial;">How do I define myself?</div><div style="font-family: Arial;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial;">I still listen to cycling podcasts. Does that make me a vicarious cyclist? I’ll be auctioning off bicycle tune-up services for a charity auction coming up. Does that mean that I’m a bike mechanic now?</div><div style="font-family: Arial;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial;">Maybe it’s time to let myself be defined into another group. I could be a waterskier. I could resign all ambition and simply define myself as a dad. There’s just not as much press to follow on that front, or as many competitions to revel in vicariously. And don’t ask your kids to valid feedback. They’ll either rate you the best of all time, or the worst ever. There’s not much in between.</div><div style="font-family: Arial;"><br />
</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">So, after those 525,600 minutes am I still a cyclist? And, even more, does it matter?</span>Lanterne Rouge RIderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06016707511429784336noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7608621440470957281.post-67503140862658381522010-05-17T10:08:00.000-06:002010-05-17T10:08:09.976-06:00Closing TimeIt's time to close this blog down. Over the years that it has been up, it has not met the expectations I had of it.<br />
<br />
Signing off.Lanterne Rouge RIderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06016707511429784336noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7608621440470957281.post-41569426177270608992010-04-20T12:57:00.000-06:002010-04-20T12:57:26.115-06:00Tailwind<div class="MsoNormal">I was fast this morning. I mean, noticeably faster than any time this year fast. For me. My morning commute was a full ½ km/h quicker than my next best effort of the last few years; and at least one km/h quicker than my next five quickest rides. How quick was I? Prepare to be underwhelmed. I averaged 35.1 km/h from my home to the office. Are you impressed? I’m guessing that the answer is a resounding, “No!” I’m guessing this because either you don’t understand the metric system and think that I’m just making up numbers here that have no meaning, or if you do know the metric system you have heard the speeds that professionals ride and realize that this is pretty weak. I thank you for your honesty if you fall into one of these camps. If there’s anyone left out there who thinks that this may be impressive still (and at 21.8 MPH it is for me), then thank you for your kindness.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Every year I look for the first commute to average over 32 km/h, which is about 20 MPH. It came early this year. It even came on a route that has never held a high-speed record before. I know the route I take when I’m pushing for a high speed. I drop down the steep hill on Winchester, and then follow 700 West. This gives me a quick jolt of speed, spiking around 64 km/h, as a starting point, and not too much residual climbing to lower that average. But there are some other things that play into a good speed: wind and lights.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Wind, or more specifically a strong tailwind, is the biggest contributor to a high speed for me. If I can get somewhere over 20 km/h and then feel the wind vanish, I know it’s a good wind day. And today was. I was feeling still air near 30 km/h. That means that I didn’t have to overcome wind resistance until I was moving pretty quickly. That also means that I have a quicker base to get from intersection to intersection.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">That quicker base speed translates into catching more lights green, which translates to keeping my speed high. So, putting these two things together, I had a magical ride this morning. I rolled through most intersections on green without having to slow down.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Halfway through the day I’m still excited about that great start. It’s amazing how a fairly lithe thing can keep you going for a while. I don’t expect to match this effort for several months or even longer, but I can bask in the glory of it now, until I ride home into the headwind and have the slowest ride of the past few years. But that will be another post for another day.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">-------------</div><div class="MsoNormal">Oh yeah, "Tailwind" is indeed the name of a song. Not one that I own, but a title used by several artists for several songs.</div><!--EndFragment-->Lanterne Rouge RIderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06016707511429784336noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7608621440470957281.post-35701614005151527882010-04-19T11:43:00.000-06:002010-04-19T11:43:57.032-06:00Hill Groove<!--StartFragment--> <br />
<div class="MsoNormal">I haven’t ridden out to Camp Williams in years. Let me just start with that. Somewhere around 17 km into a ride on Saturday, in the midst of a downhill coast, I suggested to Phillip that we should make the right turn at Redwood and climb up to the Camp. Let me clarify something here: neither Phillip nor I are climbers in any sense of the word. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">To this point in the ride we’d taken on the relatively mild 1% - 3% grades that the valley floor offers. I was feeling pretty good. I’d managed to keep up with Phillip so far.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">A little recent background on Phillip. He’s been riding his trainer this winter. He’s dropped 40 pounds in the past year. He’s taken to this biking thing seriously since I introduced him to it years ago. And, Phillip is the kind of guy you want to ride with. He’s willing to talk, takes solid turns pulling, and just helps you to feel good while you’re with him.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">So, we rolled past the Maverik at Redwood – if you’re a cyclist in Salt Lake, you know the one I’m talking about – and turned South. I love the recently widened road. Instead of rumble strips and vanishing shoulders, there is a painted bike lane and smooth pavement! It’s beautiful. In fact it was almost beautiful enough to cause me to forget that I was now climbing at 5% - 6% gradients instead of the smooth valley. Almost. However, I know a solid climb when I feel one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Did I mention that I’m no angel of the mountains?) And I felt that climb. I made some comment about how I wondered what I had gotten myself into, but mostly we rode quietly, just keeping the pedals turning.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Somewhere up this climb I started testing new ways to turn the pedals over. Last year I had focused on lifting the pedals rather than pushing them down. That wasn’t working for me on this climb. However, I discovered that by pushing the pedals forward across the top of the stroke, I was able to utilize different muscles and find a new rhythm that worked for me on that climb. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Then, I spotted another cyclist at the base of the final grade. He was far in the distance, but when the world drops a rabbit in front of me, it’s hard for me to not think about chasing it down. However, my desire to chase and my ability to chase were not the same. Having him out there kept me going, but couldn’t give me wings. As a side note, I didn’t have any Red Bull, so I couldn’t test if their ads are true or not.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Then, about 6 km after we turned the corner onto Redwood, we reached the top. Now, just for the record, the light is not at the summit, nor is the county line. You have to go a few hundred meters past each of those to reach the summit. At this point we congratulated ourselves on a solid climb, told ourselves how good we were, discounted the efforts of cyclists who rode past us, then turned around for the descent. I’ve decided that this self aggrandizing is a critical part of cycling. Were it not for these sessions, none of us would have any idea just how good we were.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Well, the rest of the ride was largely a footnote to that climb. Phillip had some aerodynamics issues with his jacket that slowed him on the descent, then I got a flat about 10 km before the finish, but it was pretty quick and uneventful.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Alright, one quick note on the flat tire. Always make sure that you sweep the inside of the tire for any sharp objects that may have caused the flat. I’ve read this advice countless times, and usually follow it, but forgot to this time. I got lucky and didn’t have another flat. However, there was still a metal sliver poking through my tire when I checked after arriving home.</div><!--EndFragment-->Lanterne Rouge RIderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06016707511429784336noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7608621440470957281.post-44315200010208873582010-04-16T12:19:00.000-06:002010-04-16T12:19:22.323-06:00Swing of Things<!--StartFragment--> <br />
<div class="MsoNormal">I’ve decided that these past weeks have been neither my most stellar riding nor writing. I think that there is a parallel here. Let me explain.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I’ve taken a few months off from both riding and writing. Without bike rides, there is very little to write about on a cycling blog, so the lack of writing seems to have an obvious cause. I blame the lack of riding mostly on cold weather. And, I’m a wimp about being cold. So, it was off the bike and into the heated truck for a few months.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Well, now that spring has finally arrived in northern Utah, I’m trying to get myself going again, but find myself rusty. I feel much like the cycling comic book entitled <u>Old Guys Who Get Fat in the Off Season</u>. I’ve been dormant, almost hibernating. That means, that despite some muscle memory kicking in to get me down the road, I’m back to where I was last Spring when the cycle played out then as well. That same rustiness has settled into my writing. Despite some terribly interesting events on my<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>recent commutes and ride with my daughter, my writing has been terrible.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I haven’t even talked about how I used ski gloves and a baklava to keep warm when I was riding in near freezing temperatures. Nor have I talked about the migration from the wind jacket over a thick, long-sleeved jersey to a vest and arm warmers now that the temperatures have risen closer to 50° F in the mornings. I’ve not talked about these things because I couldn’t find a clever way to work them in anywhere. I still couldn’t think of a clever method of incorporating them into a great story, so they just get listed like that.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I still need to gripe and rant about West Jordan and their inability to support anything that doesn’t have a baseball diamond as part of the discussion. I’ll hold that for another day.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">So, I’m still looking for the great story about helping out the geocachers, or my daughter falling asleep in the trailer immediately after telling me to go home, or about having three people lined up for the Salt to Saint relay race in June. Well, I’m really not looking for those stories. Those stories have all happened already. I’m just looking for the inspiration to write them in a way that anyone else will want to read.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Basically what I’m saying is that my writing will improve again. Please be patient, and I’ll get there.<o:p></o:p></div><!--EndFragment-->Lanterne Rouge RIderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06016707511429784336noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7608621440470957281.post-62359377984356980802010-04-16T07:33:00.000-06:002010-04-16T07:33:44.840-06:00Don't Be Stupid<div class="MsoNormal">I really felt like yelling this time and again at drivers last night! “Don’t be stupid!” However, since they were all in their metal boxes, although some with a window cracked, they couldn’t have heard me even if I had yelled it.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Where to begin? Well, I knew that smoking was popular on the west side, but I didn’t know that it’s popularity had skyrocketed over the Winter. I swear there was a smoker at every intersection last night. And I got to breather all of their exhaust, both from the car and their mouth. The stupidity here should be self evident, but let me just clarify that smoking is not good for you, and it leads to distracted driving as bad as someone on a cell phone. I just couldn’t believe the increase in smoking and other mass stupidity that had come over the population along my commute route.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">There was the guy in the moster SUV who decided it would be smart to turn around the cyclist. Let me clarify a bit further. Her decided that he would loop out into the left turn lane, then angle himself hard across the lane of traffic to be able to get a tun in before the light changed. In the end he did get onto the street a few seconds earlier than witing, but, wow, what a bone-headed way to get home so little quicker.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">There were three people pulled over along my short commute. That’s moer than one driver per 5 km. I don’t know what they did, but there was, apparently, mass stupidity preceding my ride as well as duing it. Where, however, was the cop during that stupid turning-right-from-the-left-lane incident I just talked about. That would have been good. Oh, wait, the cop drove past about 20 cars after the guy turned. Dang, that could have been four citations.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Let me preface this one by saying that I am grateful that the vast majority of drivers are pretty smart on this next item, and whether they realize that Utah has a three-foot passing law or not, usually provide closte to that when they pass me. However, there’s always the idiot who wants to prove his sole right to use the road as a motorist and buzzes the cyclist. He pulled this one just before pull-over number three. Some little, silver wannabe-racer car had to rev his missing muffler as he zipped past the cyclist to prove his gas-guzzling superiority. Maybe if I hadn’t had the immediate impression that he was a moron I could have been impressed by the noise his car made, or how quickly he could accelerate. However, neither of those latter two thoughts made it pas the moron label at the time. Too bad for him.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Then there’s the truck who is offered a small opening in a line of traffic and pulls out just far enough to claim that spot, but also just far enough to make going around him impossible either to the front of the back. While the cars may be backed up on their lane, there’s nothing ahead for nearly a kilometer in mine, except for this one joker parked across my lane. Fortunately he was able to inch forward enough for me to pass, so that I could make that light, rather than waiting another three. So far, I think I can forgive this one more than the others. But it was annoying to have to lose my momentum then crank back up to speed.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Okay, now this is a gripe I have whether I’m on a bike or in a car: Choose one lane and stick with it, people. Seriously, when one lane of traffic splits near an intersection to allow for different lanes for turning and straight traffic, choose one of them. Then act like you’re in that lane. There are at least two intersections where this is a constant problem. People either can’t decide which lane they want, so that all traffic has to wait for the slower lane to move before anyone can more; or they choose a lane, but then can’t commit to driving in it and sit there for a while. This is only a problem when I want to actually go through the intersection ahead of me. I guess I should blame this on men, since they are so frequently blamed for not being able to commit, but I think this is a gender neutral issue. Just commit.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">After all of that, turning into my neighborhood was a blessed relief. I at least knew that I could predict the drivers from long experience, and I’ve found most of them to be pretty good, at least around their own homes and the neighbor’s kids.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I am more motivated than ever to get through the book <u><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1479934172">Traffic: Why We Drive the Way We Do, and What it Says about Us</a></u><a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0307277194?ie=UTF8&tag=kevintaylor-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0307277194%22%3ETraffic:%20Why%20We%20Drive%20the%20Way%20We%20Do%20(and%20What%20It%20Says%20About%20Us)%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=kevintaylor-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0307277194%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20!important;%20margin:0px%20!important;%22%20/%3E"> </a>that I just got from the library. I’m sure that I’ll find something scathing about me, but I’m sure there’s plenty about these clod-pated drivers as well.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div>Lanterne Rouge RIderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06016707511429784336noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7608621440470957281.post-86533538210919873802010-04-12T13:16:00.000-06:002010-04-12T13:16:13.634-06:00Rite of Spring[A Note: I think that by posting two entries on the same day, the listing of 100 things of interest about my riding and cycling history was missed by may people. That entry can be found under 500 Miles.]<br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Whilst the seasonal change seems to be stalled out in Salt Lake, I have decided to declare Spring as here. I have made this declaration for a few reasons that I would like to lay out here, namely biking to work, scheduled rides beginning, a good excuse to end snow skiing season, and water ski season beginning.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Let’s start with bike commuting. In a bold move of self-commitment and competition, I challenged our office’s new cyclist to a commuting challenge. From the time each of us first dared to commute by bike this year until the end of October we are keeping track of how many times each of us bike commutes. I don’t think I even included a prize for the winner. The very fact that it’s a competition of sorts should help to spur me on. I got off to an early deficit during March, so now have to work on catching up. It has to be Spring for me to start in, so I DECLARE SPRING HERE. For those wondering, I have cycled to work twice this year and hope to double that this week.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Then, there’s the fact that my Upcoming Rides calendar shows that I am supposed to be in shape to be getting out and riding. I’ve gotten a few invitations from <a href="http://www.teamgive.org/">teamgive</a> to participate in Saturday rides with them. The annual rides are starting to roll out, including the Salt Lake Marathon Bike Tour this Saturday. I guess that I had better start riding so that I can do even a few of these this year. Therefore, I DECLARE THE ARRIVAL OF SPRING. Now, how many will I ride? I dunno. The rides that I have a real interest in I’ve listed, but there’s always the issues of active fathering with a 3-year-old and newborn that can hinder even the greatest of plans. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Back to the point at hand: Spring. I need a good reason to feel less badly about not snow skiing at all this season. (Okay, there, I’ve admitted it. I think that’s one of the steps on the road to recovery.) It’s a whole lot easier to hang up the skis if they haven’t even come down this season. Well, they’re now hung up because IT’S SPRING. I am, of course, ignoring the one-hundred inches of fresh snow that have fallen in the last ten days.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Then the fourth major reason: it’s time to start water skiing. I know this because my brother invited me to go this weekend. Somehow I have no problem accepting air temps in the low 60s and water temps in maybe the upper 40s as ski-able. Yes, it’s still dry suit weather, but I have a dry suit. The lake I prefer is still down from a draining over the Winter, so it’s off to Utah Lake. I can’t believe the number of obstacles against going out, but IT IS SPRING, so I think I’m doing it. If my head freezes off, or my toes become one with the ice, then I’ll regret it. But in order to make this a reality, I DEFINITIVELY DELCARE IT TO BE SPRING.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><!--EndFragment-->Lanterne Rouge RIderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06016707511429784336noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7608621440470957281.post-74177252695927724762010-02-18T12:36:00.000-07:002010-02-18T12:36:09.616-07:00Faith<!--StartFragment--> <br />
<div class="MsoNormal">I think that I’ve figured out why I don’t want to exercise. Exercise is hard. I mean, that probably goes without saying. But if I think about exercise from the standpoint of just here and now, it’s not worth it. It hurts. I get all sweaty. I have so many other things that I need to do, that I could do during the same time. Far too often, exercise just doesn’t work for me. (Those who know me well know that I have very little in my life that does work for me, and I still don’t have time to do the little that remains.)</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I’ve actually had time to exercise a few days this past week, but found ways to talk myself out of doing anything on each occasion. Today it was paying bills; Saturday it was using the Wii to pretend I was doing something. There’s been an excuse every day. I’ve come to see the NordicTrack as an implement of torture. I don’t want to get back on the horse.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I realized that I really need a goal to actually get me motivated to exercise, and the goal can’t simply be to lose weight or get in shape, or something like that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It has to relate to something that I enjoy that I believe today’s exercise will help. I need a goal event or achievement. I need to decide to ride the Desperado Dual or the ULCER. I need to determine that I’m going to clear the water ski slalom course this season. I need something that ties in something that I know I enjoy. I then need to believe that I will be able to accomplish that goal, and I need to believe that today’s exercise will positively impact my ability to accomplish the goal.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Right now I don’t have a goal like that simply because I don’t believe that I will achieve a goal like that this year. I’ve officially declared this winter’s snow skiing season to be over before it even began. I’m increasingly dubious of any major biking events staying on my schedule this summer. Stemming from a number of factors, I don’t know how much I will actually get to the lake for water skiing this summer either. And, lacking a goal I can believe in, I don’t have the desire to get up early in the morning, drag my tired self down to the basement, crank up some tunes that I may or may not enjoy, and make myself hurt. It’s just not intrinsically worth it to me.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Maybe I’m just weak willed. Maybe I’ve just decided that it’s okay to live a borderline-obese existence. (Maybe I should find a primary care physician and get back on the statins.) I don’t know. Maybe I just need to figure out how I can believe in a goal for this year that will have the power to motivate me to give up a half hour of coveted sleep, replacing it with daily pain. At this point, that’s going to take some doing.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">So, for now I’ll continue to eat a few more calories each day that I burn, and gradually watch my weight go back up. Such is the life of a stressed desk jockey. I wonder when Rubenesque will again become popular; I’m ready.</div><!--EndFragment-->Lanterne Rouge RIderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06016707511429784336noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7608621440470957281.post-75217512692911719842010-02-18T12:28:00.000-07:002010-02-18T12:28:38.559-07:00500 MilesSo, this is my 100th post. I had heard somewhere that a blogger should list 100 things about himself (in my case) in his 100th post. I started the list some time ago with the intention of fleshing out the stories of each thing, but never added the details, and when I started today it became overwhelming and would have been far too long. So, without clarification, here are 100 (more or less) things about Kevin's biking history. If you have questions or want to hear the stories behind any of these, comment, email me, call me, or just talk to me. I'm always glad to talk about this stuff.<br />
<br />
<!--StartFragment--> <br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><!--StartFragment--> </div><div class="MsoNormal">100 Things about Kevin’s biking</div><ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1"><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Yellow banana seat bike</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Roger De Coster</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Schwinn Varsity</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Centurion LeMans</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Roland</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Trek 830</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Elastomer shocks</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Trek stolen</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Specialized Duralcan</li>
<ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="a"><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: list 1.0in;">Clipless pedals</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: list 1.0in;">XT</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: list 1.0in;">Future Shock by Rock Shox</li>
</ol><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Cannondale w/ bullhorn bars</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Giant </li>
<ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="a"><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: list 1.0in;">LX/XT</li>
</ol><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Diadora shoes</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Cervelo</li>
<ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="a"><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: list 1.0in;">Campy</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: list 1.0in;">Compact crankset</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: list 1.0in;">Wider cassette</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: list 1.0in;">Look pedals</li>
</ol><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Northwave shoes</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Polar</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">GARMIN</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Ride to Stokes Brothers</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Ride to Cook’s grandparents to swim</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Broken frame on mission</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Free refills summer in Houston</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">One-handed shift and fall</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Biking through underpass in 3’ water</li>
<ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="a"><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: list 1.0in;">Rebuilding BB, hubs, brakes</li>
</ol><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">500 miles August 1991</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Sandy to Sterling</li>
<ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="a"><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: list 1.0in;">Fig Newtons near Utah Lake</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: list 1.0in;">Not 100 miles</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: list 1.0in;">Water from a trailer South of Utah Lake</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: list 1.0in;">Downed 2 litres in 5 minutes in Nephi (that’s 100 miles)</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: list 1.0in;">Nap in Nephi</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: list 1.0in;">Seat too low (by a few mm)</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: list 1.0in;">Walking grades</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: list 1.0in;">Front light / back light (one each)</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: list 1.0in;">We ARE stopping in Gunnison</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: list 1.0in;">Headwind down Spanish Fork canyon</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: list 1.0in;">BYU campus in spandex!</li>
</ol><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Deathride to WalMart with Mom</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Schwinn Varsity at college</li>
<ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="a"><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: list 1.0in;">Zip from Institute to Pres. Circle</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: list 1.0in;">Lock worth more than bike</li>
</ol><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Locking Trek w/ bag strap on campus</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Big Cottonwood to Amer Fork Canyon</li>
<ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="a"><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: list 1.0in;">Lost getting down to Park City</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: list 1.0in;">Rod pull group through Park City then bonk</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: list 1.0in;">Ride up canyon in truck</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: list 1.0in;">Calling for extraction near Timp cave trail</li>
</ol><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Bike camping on Boulder Mountain</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">First to bottom, last to the top</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Broken derailleur hanger in Provo Canyon</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">ULCER</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Desperado</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">LotoJa (LotoAft)</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">BBTC (BCC)</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">New guy who’s strong</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Emigration canyon</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Millcreek canyon</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Big Cottonwood canyon</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Moab 3x</li>
<ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="a"><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: list 1.0in;">“We’ll fix that when we get there… Let’s go ride.”</li>
</ol><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Never Gooseberry</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">No brakes on Little Cottonwood MTB</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Corner Canyon mud ride</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">ICup first race</li>
<ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="a"><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: list 1.0in;">First ride on Giant</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: list 1.0in;">Pedals too tight</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: list 1.0in;">Wow I know these guys</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: list 1.0in;">Two hours for one lap!</li>
</ol><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Brian Head ribbon</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">5-mile Pass improvement</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Snowbird mechanical failure</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Deer Valley course</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Deer Valley downhill</li>
<ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="a"><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: list 1.0in;">Fix Phillip’s tacoed wheel</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: list 1.0in;">You can go faster when you can stop</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: list 1.0in;">Stan’s No-Tubes dried out</li>
</ol><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Early morning winter rides</li>
<ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="a"><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: list 1.0in;">Slide out on Jordan Parkway wood bridge</li>
</ol><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Scout 25 milers</li>
<ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="a"><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: list 1.0in;">Out to Bluffdale</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: list 1.0in;">Park City Rail Trail 2x</li>
</ol><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">First family 25-miler (Zion Century 2008)</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Biking Moon Palace</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Biking Nuevo Vallarta</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Ride to Brigham</li>
<ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="a"><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: list 1.0in;">Nap in the park</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: list 1.0in;">Didn’t quite make Promontory Point in time</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: list 1.0in;">40°+ C</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: list 1.0in;">Flat on fruit lane</li>
</ol><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Cub Scout bicycle presentation</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Boy Scout 50 miler</li>
<ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="a"><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: list 1.0in;">Complaining the whole way.</li>
</ol><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Too many socks</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Collecting water bottles?</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Lakeside Cycles shot glass</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Chainlove.com</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Fun print jerseys</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Like long zippers on jerseys</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Bibs</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Workstand</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Wheel truing stand</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Install new headset & forks</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Buying trailer from classmate</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Pickett</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Mickelson</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Asher</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Phillip</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Daniel B.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Rasmussen</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Penny Perkins</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Atkisson</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Justin Parker</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Flores</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Brad Keyes</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Jarom Zenger</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Don’t use bike ride analogies in Sunday school</li>
<ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="a"><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: list 1.0in;">Or maybe do</li>
</ol><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">CSC</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Team Garmin</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">DZ passed me!</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Bikes for Kids</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">LR cycling club</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Team Mata seminar</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Dave Shields</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Want to see the Giro</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Want to see the Vuelta</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Kind of want to see Le Tour</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Want to see Tour of Utah</li>
<ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="a"><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: list 1.0in;">Missed half the stage in 2008</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: list 1.0in;">Missed half the stage in 2009</li>
</ol><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">2 years over 3,000 km each</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">FredCast</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Spokesmen</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Twitter fan of pros</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">VeloCast</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">I have biking blog (surprise)</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fatcyclist</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Finally sold a bike</li>
</ol><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><br />
</div><!--EndFragment--> <br />
<ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1"></ol><!--EndFragment-->Lanterne Rouge RIderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06016707511429784336noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7608621440470957281.post-38508044895553609962010-01-25T07:11:00.000-07:002010-01-25T07:11:25.954-07:00Hurt so GoodYesterday it was my ankles. Right now it's my lower abs. I'm pretty sure I'll feel it in my arms soon. And, I may not be able to walk stairs at some point in the next 24 hours. It's true: I have all the tell-tale symptoms of a horrifically out-of-shape, cyclist who gets fat in the off-season. I don't know what muscle groups are still in tact after my last, three-week hiatus, I don't think there are any.<br />
<br />
For Christmas we got a Wii and Wii fit. These were mostly for my wife, but I figured I'd try them just for kicks, or possibly to throw scorn at the "exercise" that game offers. However, I realized after two days of using it that it really does make exercise more fun, and therefore makes me want to do something for the fun more than the eventual reward. I discovered on the third day that if I combined the Wii with my regular workout that I could get a nicely balanced effort in the morning. However, after that third day our television died; the day after that I went on a break. I (obviously) didn't use the Wii since then, and didn't do my regular exercise until Saturday. (More on the Wii and television repair after they're finally running again.)<br />
<br />
So, Saturday I actually got up the discipline to get back onto my schedule and do something active. Thirty minutes of cardio and some toning / strength training to accompany it. I felt pretty good about myself. That afternoon, my daughter -- remember this blog is about her too? -- wanted to walk to a neighbor's house to bake cookies. The cookies were pre-arranged, but the mode of transport was not. So, we put on coats, went out into the semi-cold, and walked to the neighbor's house. Google maps puts it at just under a half-mile. We went at her fast pace over there, which meant I got a brisk walk. On my way home, alone, I decided to pick it up a bit an jog. I know, I don't jog. I think that I figured out why. The shoes I had on had no heel padding, so I had to run on the balls of my feet. It felt fine while I was doing it.<br />
<br />
Then, a few hours after finishing that massive run, my ankles hurt. Wow. I finally figured out that it was a muscular pain, not something serious.<br />
<br />
So, today, after another morning workout, it hurts so good.Lanterne Rouge RIderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06016707511429784336noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7608621440470957281.post-86707223202557552472010-01-22T14:38:00.000-07:002010-01-22T14:38:40.513-07:00Private IdahoI've learned about a pro-cycling bill being discussed in the Utah Legislature this year, HB 91, that would allow cyclists to make rolling stops when safe. Idaho has had this same type of legislation for years and it has been safely implemented there. I just wrote to my legislators in favor of this bill. You can too, if you live in Utah, by entering your address on the <a href="http://le.utah.gov/GIS/findDistrict.jsp">Legislator finder</a>. Here is what I said in my letter:<br />
<br />
Dear Representative / Senator,<br />
<br />
<!--StartFragment--> <br />
<div class="MsoNormal">I am a voting citizen in your district. I am writing in support of House Bill 91, Traffic Control Signs for Bicycles. I have been an active cyclist for several years, commuting to work when weather permits, participating in organized group rides, and cycling for fun and fitness. I have ridden my bicycle in excess of 1,000 miles for the past three years.<br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">During the time I’ve been riding there have been several times when the provisions of HB91 would have been very helpful to me, and increased safety. Let me cite a few examples of how this bill would actually increase safety for a cylsist like me.<br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">A few years ago I was on a group ride and approached an intersection. Another rider recognized that the light at<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>this intersection would only change when an automobile activiated the magnetic sensor. That cyclist went through the red light. I, however, wanting to obey the law, left the lane of through traffic, crossed the right turn lane perpendicular to traffic, and activated a pedestrian crossing on the sidewalk. I than had to cross the turn lane again to return to the through lane. This actually put me at higher risk than crossing the intersection against the light would have because I had less control of my bike in those strange maneuvers, and there was no cross traffic approaching. I have had similar experiences in various areas of Salt Lake County.<br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">There is an intersection at 1300 West and 5400 South that I regularly cross as part of my commute where the light triggers only with an automobile on the sensor. I have waited at this intersection for several minutes awaiting a vehicle to activate the light. At this intersection the only access to a pedestrian button is across on-coming / right turning traffic. I contravene the law by crossing to activate the button, or by going through the intersection. <br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I will admit that I have, at times, treated a stop sign at a “T” intersection as a yield when I am passing through the side with no cross street. Doing this allows me to remain in control of my bicycle without putting any other people or vehicles at risk. While I realize that this allows me to maintain control of the bicycle by maintaining momentum, I don’t know that others understand this as well. I do worry about the perception of other drivers when I have done this. However, by making this type of maneuver a legal activity, it will let me – and other cyclists – safely negotiate this type of intersection as well as sign controlled intersectiosn on quiet roadways more efficiently and safely.<br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I understand there may be concerns about safety. In this regard I submit that a cyclist does need to be aware of pedestrians, but also has great reason to be aware of automobiles in the area. In any automobile to bicycle collision, the cyclist will lose, whether legally in the right or wrong. For this reason, I believe that cyclists will continue to approach intersections with care, and avail themselves of the increased latitude only when doing so will not lead to personal harm.<br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I appreciate your taking the time to read my views on this bill, and strongly encourage you to vote in favor of HB91.<br />
</div><!--EndFragment-->Lanterne Rouge RIderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06016707511429784336noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7608621440470957281.post-57423574519497365142010-01-22T11:20:00.000-07:002010-01-22T11:20:59.778-07:00Happy New YearYes, there is a song with the name, "Happy New Year." It's by ABBA. Don't ask how I know these things. I even found this one without help from <a href="http://cddb.com/">cddb.com</a>. Anyway, it's a new year, and I realized it's now been two months without a post. That practically qualifies this as a dormant blog. Sorry to anyone out there who was actually looking for updates from me.<br />
<br />
I have decided this year that new year resolutions are overwhelming. Not because you're striving for improvement, but because you're going for total makeover improvement - in the middle of winter. So, instead, I've decided to implement monthly life improvements. Each month I will implement one thing into my life that will improve me. Just one thing. It can be a physical improvement goal, something related to family, a personal issue, work related, anything. The point is that I want to make one thing a habit during that month, then hopefully find that it will continue as I move on to the next area of improvement.<br />
<br />
So, what is my great start to monthly improvements? I have selected that to be the implementation of the monthly improvements! Wow! I've already accomplished the first one! Now, I know that's a weak start, but I didn't actually decide to do this until halfway through January. So, I'll really begin in February. Some of these improvements I'll mention here and provide updates. Others may not fit this forum. I'm sure some will relate to weight loss, some to cycling, others to waterskiing, maybe some to getting my family outside and active. Whatever they are, having these monthly improvement goals will give me something to aim for even after the health clubs have emptied in February.Lanterne Rouge RIderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06016707511429784336noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7608621440470957281.post-41555659030741546052009-11-17T18:43:00.000-07:002009-11-17T18:43:43.457-07:00King of PainI'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 <a href="http://www.cyclo-core.com/">Cyclo-Core</a> 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.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
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.Lanterne Rouge RIderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06016707511429784336noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7608621440470957281.post-6326181345742270902009-11-02T21:19:00.000-07:002009-11-02T21:19:27.873-07:00Use It or Lose ItIm not really familiar with the Motley Crue song that titles this post, but I think that I would have titled it Use It <i>and</i> 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.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
Then today I pulled out a video that I had ordered years ago, then filed under "Failed Resolutions". That video is Graeme Street's <a href="http://www.cyclo-core.com/">Cyclo-Core</a>. 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.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
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.Lanterne Rouge RIderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06016707511429784336noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7608621440470957281.post-2031683726533246702009-10-29T06:54:00.000-06:002009-10-29T06:54:39.842-06:00Hot 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.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
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 <a href="http://www.thefredcast.com/">The FredCast</a> to regularly remind myself that I am a cyclist, and work to not get too fat during the sedentary season.Lanterne Rouge RIderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06016707511429784336noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7608621440470957281.post-14087330652262309912009-10-19T07:49:00.000-06:002009-10-19T07:49:51.341-06:00We're ReadyAh, some Boston this morning.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
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.Lanterne Rouge RIderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06016707511429784336noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7608621440470957281.post-36555156845374850432009-09-21T14:31:00.000-06:002009-09-21T14:31:46.133-06:00Cruisin'<div class="MsoNormal">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 <a href="http://salttosaint.com/">Salt to Saint Bicycle Relay Race</a>.<br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">In <a href="http://lanternerougeutah.blogspot.com/2009/09/slow-ride.html">Slow Ride</a>, 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.<br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Let me compare the main types of bikes in a table to show differences:<br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-padding-alt: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;"><tbody>
<tr> <td style="border: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 110.7pt;" valign="top" width="111"> <div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div></td> <td style="border-left: none; border: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 110.7pt;" valign="top" width="111"> <div class="MsoNormal">Road Bikes<o:p></o:p><br />
</div></td> <td style="border-left: none; border: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 110.7pt;" valign="top" width="111"> <div class="MsoNormal">Mountain Bikes<o:p></o:p><br />
</div></td> <td style="border-left: none; border: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 110.7pt;" valign="top" width="111"> <div class="MsoNormal">Crusier Bikes<o:p></o:p><br />
</div></td> </tr>
<tr> <td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 110.7pt;" valign="top" width="111"> <div class="MsoNormal">Main use<o:p></o:p><br />
</div></td> <td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext .5pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext .5pt; border-top: none; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 110.7pt;" valign="top" width="111"> <div class="MsoNormal">Rapid travel with minimal resistance across paved roads for long distances<o:p></o:p><br />
</div></td> <td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext .5pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext .5pt; border-top: none; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 110.7pt;" valign="top" width="111"> <div class="MsoNormal">Ability to climb and descend steep unpaved trails without losing traction<o:p></o:p><br />
</div></td> <td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext .5pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext .5pt; border-top: none; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 110.7pt;" valign="top" width="111"> <div class="MsoNormal">Moving comfortably around neighborhoods or to local stores<o:p></o:p><br />
</div></td> </tr>
<tr> <td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 110.7pt;" valign="top" width="111"> <div class="MsoNormal">Benefit<o:p></o:p><br />
</div></td> <td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext .5pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext .5pt; border-top: none; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 110.7pt;" valign="top" width="111"> <div class="MsoNormal">Light weight, and low friction<o:p></o:p><br />
</div></td> <td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext .5pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext .5pt; border-top: none; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 110.7pt;" valign="top" width="111"> <div class="MsoNormal">Suspension (on most models) to smooth out rough trails<o:p></o:p><br />
</div></td> <td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext .5pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext .5pt; border-top: none; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 110.7pt;" valign="top" width="111"> <div class="MsoNormal">Affordable, easy-to-use transportation<o:p></o:p><br />
</div></td> </tr>
<tr> <td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 110.7pt;" valign="top" width="111"> <div class="MsoNormal">Drawback<o:p></o:p><br />
</div></td> <td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext .5pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext .5pt; border-top: none; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 110.7pt;" valign="top" width="111"> <div class="MsoNormal">Bumps in the road come through to the rider<o:p></o:p><br />
</div></td> <td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext .5pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext .5pt; border-top: none; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 110.7pt;" valign="top" width="111"> <div class="MsoNormal">Traction on dirt translates to more friction on paved surfaces, requiring more effort<o:p></o:p><br />
</div></td> <td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext .5pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext .5pt; border-top: none; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 110.7pt;" valign="top" width="111"> <div class="MsoNormal">Upright position and soft tires can make long distance travel more challenging<o:p></o:p><br />
</div></td> </tr>
<tr> <td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 110.7pt;" valign="top" width="111"> <div class="MsoNormal">Pricing<o:p></o:p><br />
</div></td> <td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext .5pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext .5pt; border-top: none; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 110.7pt;" valign="top" width="111"> <div class="MsoNormal">Occasionally found at big-box stores for under $200, but most models begin around $700 and can go as high as $10,000<o:p></o:p><br />
</div></td> <td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext .5pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext .5pt; border-top: none; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 110.7pt;" valign="top" width="111"> <div class="MsoNormal">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<o:p></o:p><br />
</div></td> <td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext .5pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext .5pt; border-top: none; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 110.7pt;" valign="top" width="111"> <div class="MsoNormal">Some can be found in big-box stores for under $200. Quality models start around $300, but top out around $1,000<o:p></o:p><br />
</div></td> </tr>
<tr> <td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 110.7pt;" valign="top" width="111"> <div class="MsoNormal">Tires<o:p></o:p><br />
</div></td> <td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext .5pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext .5pt; border-top: none; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 110.7pt;" valign="top" width="111"> <div class="MsoNormal">Narrow, high pressure tires with minimal traction to provide least resistance when traveling<o:p></o:p><br />
</div></td> <td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext .5pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext .5pt; border-top: none; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 110.7pt;" valign="top" width="111"> <div class="MsoNormal">Large, low pressure tires with large traction blocks to provide most grip on dirt<o:p></o:p><br />
</div></td> <td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext .5pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext .5pt; border-top: none; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 110.7pt;" valign="top" width="111"> <div class="MsoNormal">Large, medium pressure tires with minimal traction to provide a mix of comfort and low resistance when traveling<o:p></o:p><br />
</div></td> </tr>
<tr> <td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 110.7pt;" valign="top" width="111"> <div class="MsoNormal">Gearing<o:p></o:p><br />
</div></td> <td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext .5pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext .5pt; border-top: none; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 110.7pt;" valign="top" width="111"> <div class="MsoNormal">Most have 18 or 20 gear options, often gears are tightly clustered<o:p></o:p><br />
</div></td> <td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext .5pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext .5pt; border-top: none; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 110.7pt;" valign="top" width="111"> <div class="MsoNormal">Models have 18 to 27 gear options, with wide spreads between gears to provide choices from climbing to descending.<o:p></o:p><br />
</div></td> <td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext .5pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext .5pt; border-top: none; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 110.7pt;" valign="top" width="111"> <div class="MsoNormal">Most have a single gear ratio, but some have 3- or 7-speed internal geared hubs<o:p></o:p><br />
</div></td> </tr>
<tr> <td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 110.7pt;" valign="top" width="111"> <div class="MsoNormal">Recommended distance<o:p></o:p><br />
</div></td> <td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext .5pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext .5pt; border-top: none; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 110.7pt;" valign="top" width="111"> <div class="MsoNormal">Rides of 10+ miles on pavement<o:p></o:p><br />
</div></td> <td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext .5pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext .5pt; border-top: none; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 110.7pt;" valign="top" width="111"> <div class="MsoNormal">Any distance over rough terrain<o:p></o:p><br />
</div></td> <td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext .5pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext .5pt; border-top: none; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 110.7pt;" valign="top" width="111"> <div class="MsoNormal">Rides up to 5-8 miles on pavement<o:p></o:p><br />
</div></td> </tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">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”.<br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">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.<br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">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.<br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">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.<br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">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.<br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">So, riding the Salt to Saint on crusier bikess. It’s like running the <a href="http://www.ragnarrelay.com/wasatchback/index.php/">RAGNAR Wasatch Back</a> 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.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, when fielding a team of novices the cost of getting the equipment is significantly lower, so that makes it an interesting idea.<br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>– the event. <br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">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.<br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Was I serious about <a href="http://lanternerougeutah.blogspot.com/2009/09/unbelievable.html">gathering a team</a> 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.<br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I hope that has made things more clear, and not obfuscated the matter further.<br />
</div>Lanterne Rouge RIderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06016707511429784336noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7608621440470957281.post-28308883780841520162009-09-18T08:57:00.000-06:002009-09-18T08:57:17.298-06:00Slow RIdeOkay, here's the deal: any team I fielded to enter a bicycle relay race, like the <a href="http://salttosaint.com/">Salt to Saint</a>, 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.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
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.Lanterne Rouge RIderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06016707511429784336noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7608621440470957281.post-2541747834342019692009-09-15T13:41:00.000-06:002009-09-15T13:41:40.987-06:00I Miss YouThere 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.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
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.Lanterne Rouge RIderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06016707511429784336noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7608621440470957281.post-66496870142884557942009-09-11T16:59:00.002-06:002009-09-11T17:12:50.511-06:00UnbelievableIf you like this idea, drop a comment and let me know.<div><br /></div><div>I just learned that there is a <a href="http://salttosaint.com">bicycle race from Salt Lake City to St. George,</a> 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.</div><div><br /></div><div>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?"</div><div><br /></div><div>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.</div><div><br /></div><div>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 <a href="http://salttosaint.com">race's web site</a>, and drop me a comment. Am I insane or inspired? Who wants to join me?</div>Lanterne Rouge RIderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06016707511429784336noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7608621440470957281.post-35493323150086686252009-09-10T20:49:00.003-06:002009-09-10T21:24:43.551-06:00Never SurrenderCorey 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.<div><br /></div><div>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.</div><div><br /></div><div>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.</div><div><br /></div><div>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.)</div><div><br /></div><div>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.</div><div><br /></div><div>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?</div><div><br /></div><div>As I close, I do want to give a shout out to my friend at <a href="http://somanylayers.blogspot.com/2009/09/my-new-ride.html">So Many Layers</a> who got the really cute, orange Electra Townie last week. The great part is that she's using it frequently. Good for you.</div>Lanterne Rouge RIderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06016707511429784336noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7608621440470957281.post-41830304253634251472009-07-30T19:12:00.003-06:002009-07-30T19:52:52.870-06:00RevolutionThe Beatles song was a far-too-obvious title for a post where I'm talking about <a href="http://www.revolutionutah.com/">Revolution Bikes</a>. 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.<div><br /></div><div>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 <a href="http://www.carborocket.com/">Lemon Lime CarboRocket</a>. I'll post some thoughts after I use it on a few rides.</div><div><br /></div><div>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. </div><div><br /></div><div>"Don't you know it's gonna be alright!"</div>Lanterne Rouge RIderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06016707511429784336noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7608621440470957281.post-61607859933948820072009-07-29T11:13:00.007-06:002009-07-29T18:12:54.773-06:00Free Will<div>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.</div><div><br /></div>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.<br /><br />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, "I<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000W1YZHQ/ref=dm_dp_trk2?ie=UTF8&qid=1248912695&sr=301-1">f you choose to not decide, you still have made a choice… I will choose the path that's clear; I will choose free will.</a>" How many little choices do we simply choose not to make?<div><br /></div><div>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?<br /><br />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?<br /><br />I think that it's in these little choices that our lives are formed every bit as much as improvements in sport.<br /><br /></div><div>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.</div><div><br /></div><div>So, after making the choice to ride fast this morning, what are the rest of my little choices today?</div>Lanterne Rouge RIderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06016707511429784336noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7608621440470957281.post-51457274736992810392009-07-28T21:10:00.002-06:002009-07-28T21:38:29.019-06:00The Boys of SummerThe 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.<div><br /></div><div>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.</div><div><br /></div><div>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.</div><div><br /></div><div>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.</div><div><br /></div><div>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.</div><div><br /></div><div>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.</div><div><br /></div><div>Join us. Resistance is futile.</div>Lanterne Rouge RIderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06016707511429784336noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7608621440470957281.post-44750917414524139422009-07-22T08:15:00.003-06:002009-07-22T08:41:24.916-06:00We BelongThis 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. <div><br /></div><div>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.</div><div><br /><div><div>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.</div><div></div><div><br /></div><div>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.</div><div><br /></div><div>I belong. For the next few minutes, I belong.</div></div></div>Lanterne Rouge RIderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06016707511429784336noreply@blogger.com2