60 ft of climbing just before the finish doesnt sound bad until you do it with a head wind in 90 degree heat. Then it just plain sucks
Today was a long day, stage 6. Before yesterday, today's race was 55 miles up and over Thompson Pass with an elevation gain of 3000 feet. After yesterday's race and the trials that come along with the rain, cold and wind the race was shortened to only 25 miles. We still had to do the 3000 foot climb but that's where we ended. If we would have kept with the original plan we would have descended that same amount and with the rain and cold, it can cause some safety and health concerns, as 2 people got hypothermia yesterday during the race. I didn't get a chance to wite yesterday so to be brief stage 5 was a 38 mile road race though Cordova. I did well and finished 4th, a few seconds behind Katz for 3rd. We averaged about 14mph and were pumped with our results. Back to today..
A shorter course it was. We started at 11am and were told we had 18 miles of a few hills but mostly flat before we got to the real climb. Katz and I started off together and for the first 18 miles we helped each other and switched off drafting every 2 miles. I appreciate drafting more then ever now. You get a few good minutes to rest a little, get some food, and take in the scenery. Today, even with the rain, the scenery was beautiful. We were in this winding canyon and there were waterfalls all around. It was gorgeous. A true Alaska moment.
The climbing started around mile 18 but the real serious climbing began at mile 20. By real climbing I mean a 9% incline for 5 miles.
I was feeling pretty good so I got ahead of Katz and did my best to climb hard. Rain and wind still present, I felt pretty good throughout the whole climb as I watched the odometer creep up oh so slowly. I finished a few minutes ahead of Katz and come to find out it was enough to bring me into 3rd palce overall, about 8 minutes ahead of Katz. That's the beauty of a stage race, we can flip flop times every day and just see who comes out ahead at the end. But today was a tough one, and I give props to all that finished.
We have much much more climbing to do in the next 2 days so it's really anybody's race. Tomorrow is the longest day at 54 miles and it has a substantial amount of climbing. Then stage 8, the last day is around 30 miles with a 4000 foot climb in there over Hatcher pass. Something to look forward too (sense the sarcasm)
On a good note, the sun does actually shine in Alaska. Of course it waited until after the race to end and while we were driving to the hotel but the big burning ball of gas actually came out for once. There were even a few blue sky patches in there. It was a miracle. And even more of a miracle is that the forecast for tomorrow is coudy, but no rain. Hallelujah. Cross your fingers it stays that way.
Bedtime now. Peace Out Glennellyn!
Once again I've failed on my 2 week mark. Oh well.
A few weeks back I participated in Soldier Ride DC. I've written about Soldier Ride before but for those that haven't read those posts let me explain. Soldier Ride is part of the WOunded Warrior Project and the ride brings wounded vets from all over the country to participate in these 3 day rides. This particular one was from Walter Reed up to Baltimore. We don't ride the whole way, usually just 20-30 miles a day to raise awareness for the Project and to prove that just becasue we may be missing limbs we can be out and active and riding our bikes. At my first Soldier Ride I learned to ride a bike for the first time with one leg. That was 4 years ago now but seeing the newer soldiers realize they can still ride a bike, missing a limb and all, is what makes the trip so great. On this ride I rode my handcycle for my Alaska training and we rode 3 days with the longest being 36 miles. Now I have done 30 mile rides on the trainer a few times but being outside with hills was extremely eye opening. Hills suck. Especially on an arm bike. Multiple times I found myself going under 4 miles an hour as I attempted to chug up the hill. Not the greatest morale booster but the downhills motivate me to go up te hills. I hit my first 30mph mark and loved it. Overall, the ride was awesome, as ususal. Good riding, awesome people, a few too many adult beverages not to mention meeting the president...pure awesomeness.
When I came back from DC I was determined to find a place to ride with hills. The Lakeshore path is great but the hills are lacking. Last SUnday I went and tried out a place called Morton Arboretum. It's aswesome and gorgeous and has a 7.5 mile bike path filled with hills. 7.5 miles isn't enough for a long ride but I've gone a few times now and usually do 3 loops. Its hard but hard is good. Earlier this week I rode 4 days in a row which was a first. Especially with those hills. I was quite sore every day but after I warmed up for a few miles I would do OK. I even improved my average mph as the days went on. After 4 days I took a day off and then had my longest ride yet today. 50 miles. I did it on the bike path as going around the loop 8 times would be tough but the wind along the lake added enough resistance for me. The wind is not my friend and I could really go without it..I was doing pretty good for the first 40 miles but the last 10 were pretty difficult. I was purely worn out partly becasue I failed to drink enough water. I came directly home and fell asleep. Then I drank a gallon of water...I know there will be many more long rides and this one was a good start. I definately learned the importance of water.
Running is slightly non- existant at the moment,. My leg was so beat up after the 5K that I was on crutches for a few days unable to wear my prosthetic leg. My prosthetist and I are actively working on a new type ot socket that won't hurt my leg as bad but between being out of town and being busy at the office it's taking a while. The next 5K is planned for Memorial Day weekend. Hopefully I'll have a new socket by then.
Tomorrow I am off to my first swim met since Beijing. Um yeah...we'll see how that goes...Hopefully my handcycling will help and I'll be surprised with my times...then on SUnday I'm headed to the FL 70.3 to do the swim on a relay with an all women team. We're going to beat up on those boys. I'll let you know by how much next time...:)
Till then...
Ironman World Champions Tim DeBoom and Normann Stadler both visited the A2 Wind Tunnel in Mooresville, North Carolina in the past few weeks. They were joined by the CTS Coaches, Kirk Nordgren and Lindsay Hyman, respectively. Also joining them was CTS Premier Coach Dean Golich, who was a member of the F1 Group of experts that helped optimize Lance Armstrong's equipment and positioning on his road and time trial bikes.
A great trip to Cape Town, South Africa to participate in the Cape Argus / Pick 'n Pay Cycle Tour 2009. This is the largest timed bike race in the world, with nearly 40,000 riders taking part. This year, a southeastern wind rolled in and made it the toughest tour in the event's 30-year history. The wind got up to 65 km/h during the race, and slowed times dramatically, especially during the first half, which was all into the wind. On the way back, the wind was coming down the side of the mountain and slowing what should have been 60+ km/h rides downhill into hard pedalling to maintain 25 km/h. A fantasically organized and run event. We are already planning for next year's trip, with the race on March 14, 2010.
A great trip to Cape Town, South Africa to participate in the Cape Argus / Pick 'n Pay Cycle Tour 2009. This is the largest timed bike race in the world, with nearly 40,000 riders taking part. This year, a southeastern wind rolled in and made it the toughest tour in the event's 30-year history. The wind got up to 65 km/h during the race, and slowed times dramatically, especially during the first half, which was all into the wind. On the way back, the wind was coming down the side of the mountain and slowing what should have been 60+ km/h rides downhill into hard pedalling to maintain 25 km/h. A fantasically organized and run event. We are already planning for next year's trip, with the race on March 14, 2010.
A great trip to Cape Town, South Africa to participate in the Cape Argus / Pick 'n Pay Cycle Tour 2009. This is the largest timed bike race in the world, with nearly 40,000 riders taking part. This year, a southeastern wind rolled in and made it the toughest tour in the event's 30-year history. The wind got up to 65 km/h during the race, and slowed times dramatically, especially during the first half, which was all into the wind. On the way back, the wind was coming down the side of the mountain and slowing what should have been 60+ km/h rides downhill into hard pedalling to maintain 25 km/h. A fantasically organized and run event. We are already planning for next year's trip, with the race on March 14, 2010.
A great trip to Cape Town, South Africa to participate in the Cape Argus / Pick 'n Pay Cycle Tour 2009. This is the largest timed bike race in the world, with nearly 40,000 riders taking part. This year, a southeastern wind rolled in and made it the toughest tour in the event's 30-year history. The wind got up to 65 km/h during the race, and slowed times dramatically, especially during the first half, which was all into the wind. On the way back, the wind was coming down the side of the mountain and slowing what should have been 60+ km/h rides downhill into hard pedalling to maintain 25 km/h. A fantasically organized and run event. We are already planning for next year's trip, with the race on March 14, 2010.
Tried to capture the wind attacking the trees. It was gale force and almost to much at times.
Wanaka to Hasst Long hard day, started out with a strong head wind from Wanaka to Lake Hawea and then stayed that way till the first 40k took me to a place called "the Neck" this is where you cross over from Hawea to Lake Wanaka again. The day went downhill from there on, hard rain and the wind really picked up, I had trouble pushing any gear into it. The 140 k took just on 10 hours. The last time I came this way was from the other direction in the winter and it was cold, ice on the roads and very slippery. I was hopeing to get some photos this time but only got the camera out a couple of times, once to try and catch the wind knocking the trees around and the second to get the rock that fell of the hill onto the road. Only just stopped in time for that. A long hard day, not enough food but still enjoyed the challange.
P
manapouri to queenstown - 180k
away early today and raining when i set out. this rain lasted around an hour and then the day settled and turned out coolish with good tail winds most of the way. I had some fun at one stage with a big wind and the 53X13 spun out. Took around 7 hours with the stops for photos and food so a good day.
i stopped at a place called "Athol" and according to the sign it is world famous for its cheese and corn rolls so I guess that you will know this place. As you do I ordered the cheese and corn rolls, coffee and set of to a nice warm courtyard to enjoy. the waitress came out with my order and asked my story. She wandered away, stopped at a rose bush in with some yellow roses in full bloom and picked one. the lady returned and told me that i was on an interesting journey and that I should take time out to smell the roses along the way.
The cheese and corn rolls were good - but you knew this
P
on the bike at 0530 this morning, a long 170k. Blowing hard from the gun and feeling very sorry for myself. The road today was undulating and follows the coast for a while along southern NZ. The road changed direction this was great as it allowed the wind to go from head to tail and the torential rain was at my back....
One of those days, 7 hours in total and the highlight was lifting my arm up to ajust my cap and getting a lot of water that had been collecting in my jacket arm to run down my side. Just when you think it cant get worse....
I ended up in Manapouri today, this was great as I crayfished out of this area for a long time and it was trip down memory lane. Run into a friend and his partner at the hotel and that was good. NZ is a small place in a lot of ways and this happens a lot.
P
up and away early this morning, around 6am. First thoughts are that I should not have given kev some stick for his ride into the wind yesterday as it is blowing quite hard this morning and I have 150k for today.
Today I end up in Invercargill, a fair sized town with NZ's only fully covered cycle track, they also have one of the best netball teams in NZ along with a great stadium.
I met a lady cycling in the middle of the Catlins, she introduced herself and was down from Auckland and doing around 20k per day for exercise. When she asked I said where I was from and how far i was going. She asked where all my gear was and I told her in my pack on my back (3ltr camel back) and that I only had one change of clothes wiht me. A funny look and she said "dont you sleep in pajarmas?" is said no and that I sleep in a skin suit. Another funny look and i left her with her thoughts.
This was a long day of 10 hours at an avg of 15kph and each k earned.
P
Spent the night in Dunedin with kev as he was there for a few days with his family. Kev races with us in Westport and has a bag of TT medals to his credit. We had a good 80k to a town named Balclutha, some lunch and then parted. Kev went back to Duneding into a strong head wind and I carried on to Owaka, another 40 k down the road. New years eve in Owaka - in bed at 0830. I was in a backpackers and sharing a room with some as yet unseen guests, 2 irishmen turned up and the usual hi, are you coming out for a beer was asked, it was new years eve and expected. I said a weary no as I was tired from riding and they left the room. My bike was in the hallway and I heard the following "no wonder he'd knackered, look at the fecking saddle!, then a "tap, tap" this happens a lot as I have a carbon saddle and its just rock hard and this amazes people.
[if !mso]> Cyclists are the biggest sandbaggers and secret trainers around. It's not that hilly" More cyclist code phrases: This has sort of been said: "Your bikes (plural) are worth way more than you car." After hammering along with others in the group ride, you recall that you scheduled EM workout specified that HR > 160, and that you were mistaken to think that the plan was HR < 160. ...You've asked your kids if they have cleaned their room "As Prescribed"!
They'll say anything to soften you up for the kill. Don't let this happen to you. Study this handy rider's phrasebook to find out what they really mean when they say:
"I'm out of shape"
Translation: I ride 400 miles a week and haven't missed a day since the Ford administration. I replace my 11-tooth cog more often than you wash your shorts. My body fat percentage is lower than your mortgage rate.
"I'm not into competition. I'm just riding to stay in shape" ---
Translation: I will attack until you collapse in the gutter, babbling and whimpering. I will win the line sprint if I have to force you into oncoming traffic. I will crest this hill first if I have to grab your seat post, and spray energy drink in your eyes.
"I'm on my beater bike"
Translation: I had this baby custom-made in Tuscany using titanium blessed by the Pope. I took it to a wind tunnel and it disappeared. It weighs less than a fart and costs more than divorce.
"It's not that hilly"
Translation: This climb lasts longer than a presidential campaign. Be careful on the steep sections or you'll fall over -- backward. You have a
39x23 low gear? Here's the name of my knee surgeon.
"You're doing great, honey"
Translation: Yo, lard ass, I'd like to get home before midnight. This is what you get for spending the winter decorating and eating chocolate. I shoulda married that cute Cat 1 racer when I had the chance.
"This is a no-drop ride"
Translation: I'll need an article of your clothing for the search-and-rescue dogs.
"It's not that far"
Translation: Bring your passport
- Iain
Translation: This climb lasts longer than a presidential campaign. Be careful on the steep sections or you'll fall over -- backward. You have a
39x23 low gear? Here's the name of my knee surgeon
- I like this one especially! [if gte vml 1]>
I bonked
(All I took for a 4-hour hammerfest was a half-empty bottle of month-old OJ and a moldy Twinkie)
If you don't crash, you're not going fast enough, dude!
(I crash a lot)
I don't own a car, dude!
(I'm a better person than you)
Why doesn't somebody do something about all these potholes?
(Why doesn't somebody else do something about all these potholes?)
I do all my own bike maintenance
(When I squeeze the front brake lever, the bike shifts gears)
Thanks for waiting
(Wipe that smug grin off your ugly face)
Hey, did you guys hear about those new 1.8 gram carbon-fiber quick-release skewers with titanium springs?
(I am a very lonely person)
You pass the dirt bikes on a good decent.
You look at you legs and name the crash that goes scar.
You look at your legs and there are so many scars you lost count of the previous statement a long time ago.
