IGVENTURE
- Thread starter pooriggy
- Start date
So lets recap.
Tuesday- Met at MTBNJ headquarters after work to seek out KOM segments with Norm and Eric. I had a hot sweaty day at work and didn't know how long I'd last. The first climb up Finley Ave I felt ok and managed to stay with Eric to the top. The second climb up Chestnut Ave is the one that did the damage on me. We were only 20 minutes in at the start of this climb. Five minutes later when we got to the top my HR had damn near maxed out and my wad for the night was spent. Eric edged me out in the final ascent to the top, I was cooked. I spent the next 1.5hrs. drafting and chasing Norm and Eric. I had enough in the tank to stay in the slipstream on the flats but the climbs I had to conserve to make it though the ride. Luckily Norm avoided any big climbs after I popped and I managed to limp along for the rest of the ride.
Wednesday- It was too nice out not to ride so I did a recovery loop on the road bike before joining in trail maintenance at Chimney Rock. We did a re-route on the red trail. The old trail was a fall line mess that had gotten wider and more washed out over the years. It was easy putting in the new trail since it didn't require any bench cutting and no major earth moving. We also had time to prune back some vegetation and drain an area on the fire road that leads over to Chimney Rock Rd. As usual its always good to see familiar peeps(Robin, Vreeland, Woody & Kirt) as well as meet some new faces(Brian, Warren/Big W, and Tsvi). I already knew some of the names.
Thursday- Still not feeling 100% but I didn't want to save this work out for Friday so I pedalled to the swamp and busted out 5x5's. My avg. time for 5 of these was 23.78. When I did these a month ago my avg. was 24.27. Yes, work hours and the heat is starting to get to me. After this week I take a much needed rest week before the DH40. My peak may have come and gone but hopefully with some rest I can regroup and have a good race next week. This may not be summer burn out, I still might be feeling the effects of a century ride I did last week at tempo pace(18.9mph avg.). Whatever, the DH 40 is a fun event no matter what the outcome. With the rumours of this possibly being the last DH event you know we gonna party like its 1999.
Do kids still use this term?
Tuesday- Met at MTBNJ headquarters after work to seek out KOM segments with Norm and Eric. I had a hot sweaty day at work and didn't know how long I'd last. The first climb up Finley Ave I felt ok and managed to stay with Eric to the top. The second climb up Chestnut Ave is the one that did the damage on me. We were only 20 minutes in at the start of this climb. Five minutes later when we got to the top my HR had damn near maxed out and my wad for the night was spent. Eric edged me out in the final ascent to the top, I was cooked. I spent the next 1.5hrs. drafting and chasing Norm and Eric. I had enough in the tank to stay in the slipstream on the flats but the climbs I had to conserve to make it though the ride. Luckily Norm avoided any big climbs after I popped and I managed to limp along for the rest of the ride.
Wednesday- It was too nice out not to ride so I did a recovery loop on the road bike before joining in trail maintenance at Chimney Rock. We did a re-route on the red trail. The old trail was a fall line mess that had gotten wider and more washed out over the years. It was easy putting in the new trail since it didn't require any bench cutting and no major earth moving. We also had time to prune back some vegetation and drain an area on the fire road that leads over to Chimney Rock Rd. As usual its always good to see familiar peeps(Robin, Vreeland, Woody & Kirt) as well as meet some new faces(Brian, Warren/Big W, and Tsvi). I already knew some of the names.
Thursday- Still not feeling 100% but I didn't want to save this work out for Friday so I pedalled to the swamp and busted out 5x5's. My avg. time for 5 of these was 23.78. When I did these a month ago my avg. was 24.27. Yes, work hours and the heat is starting to get to me. After this week I take a much needed rest week before the DH40. My peak may have come and gone but hopefully with some rest I can regroup and have a good race next week. This may not be summer burn out, I still might be feeling the effects of a century ride I did last week at tempo pace(18.9mph avg.). Whatever, the DH 40 is a fun event no matter what the outcome. With the rumours of this possibly being the last DH event you know we gonna party like its 1999.
Do kids still use this term?
Hey Case, good go hear from you...I'll see you at the dH40.
Well I took the day off work today to take my dad to see a doctor, nothing serious just another Dr. for another issue. Its tough for me to see such a loving dad go through so much failing health. Sometimes I wonder how come other 72 yr. olds are walking around living with good health...am I allowed to say its not fair. On the bright side my dad does stay positive and goes about doing his daily chores and living as best as he can.
Ben Harper wrote... I am not as scared of dying as I am of growing old.
I'll drink to that.
Ok now that you're good and depressed on a gloom Monday morning let me re-cap my weekend for you. It was good so it should cheer you up for 5 minutes.
Saturday- I always say great things come about kinda last minute and just seem to take shape organically. I had my best training ride this year and it just seemed to happen with very little planning.
I had to work Saturday morning so I brought my road bike in to put in a 3hr. deal afterwards. I figured I'd pedal to the Princeton area from upper Freehold, this is an out and back ride going through Cranbury which passes lots of farmlands, a ride I have done many times before.
As I was getting my gear together I started thinking about what I read in Norm's post the previous day about him doing a 3hr/almost 20mph. avg. Originally my plan was to take a leisurely 18mph.avg. ride but after reading Norm's post plus the fact that I am supposed to be training for the DH40 next week I decided not to do something lame. My updated plan was to do a 3hr. tempo ride with a 20.mph avg.
I hopped on the bike and began pedaling down the road on my 3hr. ride, warming up slowly to get the legs loose. Earlier in the week I had popped on a ride from Norm's house when attacking hills early in the ride, I knew I had to ride smart if I was going to hit a 20mph. avg.
Going out I was conservative with my efforts but still hitting the speed, my legs felt powerful plus a slight tailwind was allowing me to hit over a 21mph. avg. The weather was perfect, a little humid but not hot. The overcast skies helped keep the temps in the 80's as the sun was hidden my whole way out.
At the halfway point when I turned around my avg. was 21.4mph. When I saw this I was impressed. Going back I knew I would have a slight headwind but my legs felt really strong and knew that I had a real good shot at getting a 21mph. avg for the ride. I had a 21mph. avg. last year on a 3hr. loop but to be honest the winds shifted and somehow I got the benefit of a tailwind for the whole ride...so I almost consider that cheating or not legit.
Pedaling back with my sights set on 21 I focused on speed and disregarded keeping my HR in a tempo zone. As the sun came out on the way back it drove the temps and my HR up, I was riding in LT for well over an hour in pursuit of speed. Despite this I felt strong, as I kept checking my avg. the fact that I was maintaining a 21.1 mph. avg. kept me motivated.
Finishing up the rollers on Sweetman's lane and keeping my effort's strong I managed to reach the end with a 21.1mph. avg. for a little over 3hrs. I am going to say I reached a milestone by doing this. Now this course has very little climbing but sections of the ride are wide open and wind plays a big factor. Doing this made me happy.
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/203982221
Sunday
I worked early Sunday morning then headed over to the Cannondale Demo at 6 mile that J from Halter's put on. It was truly amazing to see that many 2013 bikes on hand for people to ride. Most people are lucky if a bike shop has a 2013 cdale 4 months from now in there shop. The fact that we were able to take these bikes out and use them on trails and road is incredible.
My road bike is 14yrs. old so I decided that by next year I was going for an upgrade. After doing some research the Cdale Caad 10 was my pick. For the money you can't beat the value. After riding it for over an hour It was the verification that I needed. Even though the bike is aluminum it was so smooth. I'd like to keep going on to tell you how great this bike is but I got to get my dad to the his Dr appointment.
Well I took the day off work today to take my dad to see a doctor, nothing serious just another Dr. for another issue. Its tough for me to see such a loving dad go through so much failing health. Sometimes I wonder how come other 72 yr. olds are walking around living with good health...am I allowed to say its not fair. On the bright side my dad does stay positive and goes about doing his daily chores and living as best as he can.
Ben Harper wrote... I am not as scared of dying as I am of growing old.
I'll drink to that.
Ok now that you're good and depressed on a gloom Monday morning let me re-cap my weekend for you. It was good so it should cheer you up for 5 minutes.
Saturday- I always say great things come about kinda last minute and just seem to take shape organically. I had my best training ride this year and it just seemed to happen with very little planning.
I had to work Saturday morning so I brought my road bike in to put in a 3hr. deal afterwards. I figured I'd pedal to the Princeton area from upper Freehold, this is an out and back ride going through Cranbury which passes lots of farmlands, a ride I have done many times before.
As I was getting my gear together I started thinking about what I read in Norm's post the previous day about him doing a 3hr/almost 20mph. avg. Originally my plan was to take a leisurely 18mph.avg. ride but after reading Norm's post plus the fact that I am supposed to be training for the DH40 next week I decided not to do something lame. My updated plan was to do a 3hr. tempo ride with a 20.mph avg.
I hopped on the bike and began pedaling down the road on my 3hr. ride, warming up slowly to get the legs loose. Earlier in the week I had popped on a ride from Norm's house when attacking hills early in the ride, I knew I had to ride smart if I was going to hit a 20mph. avg.
Going out I was conservative with my efforts but still hitting the speed, my legs felt powerful plus a slight tailwind was allowing me to hit over a 21mph. avg. The weather was perfect, a little humid but not hot. The overcast skies helped keep the temps in the 80's as the sun was hidden my whole way out.
At the halfway point when I turned around my avg. was 21.4mph. When I saw this I was impressed. Going back I knew I would have a slight headwind but my legs felt really strong and knew that I had a real good shot at getting a 21mph. avg for the ride. I had a 21mph. avg. last year on a 3hr. loop but to be honest the winds shifted and somehow I got the benefit of a tailwind for the whole ride...so I almost consider that cheating or not legit.
Pedaling back with my sights set on 21 I focused on speed and disregarded keeping my HR in a tempo zone. As the sun came out on the way back it drove the temps and my HR up, I was riding in LT for well over an hour in pursuit of speed. Despite this I felt strong, as I kept checking my avg. the fact that I was maintaining a 21.1 mph. avg. kept me motivated.
Finishing up the rollers on Sweetman's lane and keeping my effort's strong I managed to reach the end with a 21.1mph. avg. for a little over 3hrs. I am going to say I reached a milestone by doing this. Now this course has very little climbing but sections of the ride are wide open and wind plays a big factor. Doing this made me happy.
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/203982221
Sunday
I worked early Sunday morning then headed over to the Cannondale Demo at 6 mile that J from Halter's put on. It was truly amazing to see that many 2013 bikes on hand for people to ride. Most people are lucky if a bike shop has a 2013 cdale 4 months from now in there shop. The fact that we were able to take these bikes out and use them on trails and road is incredible.
My road bike is 14yrs. old so I decided that by next year I was going for an upgrade. After doing some research the Cdale Caad 10 was my pick. For the money you can't beat the value. After riding it for over an hour It was the verification that I needed. Even though the bike is aluminum it was so smooth. I'd like to keep going on to tell you how great this bike is but I got to get my dad to the his Dr appointment.
Thanks Segundo, I wish Clapper raced SS so I could whip his ass...instead I have to throw down with Mitch at the 40.
Random art work you need to check out.
http://www.madeinslant.com/2012/07/seung-mo-park-cuts-portraits-from-layers-of-wire-mesh/
Just checking in today, not much to report other then to tell you I'm in taper mode for the DH40. I had some really good rides over the last 3wks. and am feeling really strong.
I dropped my SS bike off at HG yesterday because I am having issues with the dropouts...again. I really like the geometry of my Rig but damn, the sliding drop out system on that SS is shit. My ideal SS would be to build up a ti Seven with the same geometry and the Paragon Slider. One day...sigh
I'll probably take an easy road ride tomorrow followed by a trip to Hartshorne on Thursday after work with the SS to open up a bit. Friday I am taking off from work and heading to Keegans(college buddy) with wife and Jamie, Evan has to work. Keegan lives in Spring Lake Hts. so we are going to have a beerch day. I just invented that word(beer+beach). Its kind of bad timing to plan this kind of get together 2 days before the DH40 but everyone's schedule is so full that you gotta take what you can get. I'll be conservative and keep the beer drinking to under a 12pk.
I posted up this song awhile ago here and now I see Sears using it for a commercial on TV. Mark my words 6 months from now Z100 will be playing this song every 10 minutes...maybe they are now. I'll have to ask my kids.
Random art work you need to check out.
http://www.madeinslant.com/2012/07/seung-mo-park-cuts-portraits-from-layers-of-wire-mesh/
Just checking in today, not much to report other then to tell you I'm in taper mode for the DH40. I had some really good rides over the last 3wks. and am feeling really strong.
I dropped my SS bike off at HG yesterday because I am having issues with the dropouts...again. I really like the geometry of my Rig but damn, the sliding drop out system on that SS is shit. My ideal SS would be to build up a ti Seven with the same geometry and the Paragon Slider. One day...sigh
I'll probably take an easy road ride tomorrow followed by a trip to Hartshorne on Thursday after work with the SS to open up a bit. Friday I am taking off from work and heading to Keegans(college buddy) with wife and Jamie, Evan has to work. Keegan lives in Spring Lake Hts. so we are going to have a beerch day. I just invented that word(beer+beach). Its kind of bad timing to plan this kind of get together 2 days before the DH40 but everyone's schedule is so full that you gotta take what you can get. I'll be conservative and keep the beer drinking to under a 12pk.
I posted up this song awhile ago here and now I see Sears using it for a commercial on TV. Mark my words 6 months from now Z100 will be playing this song every 10 minutes...maybe they are now. I'll have to ask my kids.
Pampa
Well-Known Member
I have the same drop out system in my 2011 Superfly and it's driving me crazy. The only way I found for this shitty system to stay put was to put a supplement in front of the "first" bolt of the drop out, to fill the space in the guide between the bolt and the frame. I also had to add a similar supplement behind the bolt on the non-drive side. Now it doesn't move but if I want to change gears, I'll need to do new supplements of different lengths. A royal pain.
Funny, I also love the geometry of this bike and also fantasized about one day getting it done in Ti with the Paragon system. I wonder if it would handle the same, with the G2 fork and same geometry...
Clapper
Active Member
No SS for me, my next bike is going to be a Harley. My long range goals are to get fat and grow a big, bushy beard.
I missed your music choices, keep them coming.
it should handle better with ti, less harsh. I think vreeland has this setup on a geared Seven mtb...does he still ride mtb's?
i could see u on a HD, we'll call u dude clapper.
The Dark Horse 40 Edition.
SS OPEN MEN
This was the same course as last year with the long gravel road start that led to the single track. This year I paced myself better on this road and entered the ST in the front third of the pack. Last year I was with the leaders up front racing down the road, I felt good at the time but paid for it later when I started cramping on the 1st lap. I lost sight of Mitch about 20 minutes into the ST but I'd say he was within 2 minutes in front of me. Not wanting to overdo it on the first lap I was keeping my HR from going over 93% of max and generally staying in the 75%-85% range.
Even though Stewart has very little technical sections the course does slow down when people find rocks or some twisty areas. This is where I made up time and was able to get by people as I cruised along passing the team riders who went out in front of us or the open men class.
As I came towards the 1/2 way aid station/beer stop wailing down the gravel road I made no attempt to slow down as I approached the little gully that trickled water out from the lake. Taking it at full speed I launched to the other side of the gully and managed to nail a rock with my front tire and send Stan's shooting into the air. Immediately I pulled into the aid station and shot Co2 into the valve hoping it would seal. After a couple unsuccessful tries I threw in a tube and inflated. The whole process took me about 10 minutes which was enough time for a shit load of people to pass me.
Oh well, there is still 30 miles of racing left...so I hopped back on my bike with the intention of getting my moneys worth. I passed a ton of people but was too far back to real in the top 10 guys. You can only make up so much time on a SS. Going down a steep technical descent I did come across a woman who had gone down hard and broke her shoulder. I didn't actually see it happen but saw the first responders(racers) tending to her seconds after it happened. When I got out to the road I told a Dark Horse volunteer about the woman who went down around mile 15.
The next lap I just had fun and did the best I could. Passing people on lap 2 was more rewarding because these were better riders but they were hitting the wall. When I passed people with authority they cheered me on, which is always encouraging. I felt strong to the end with no cramping but my quads were feeling fatigue. I finished with a time of 3:43, 20th out of 47. Now I am going to speculate that it took me about 10 minutes of messing with my tire to try to get it to seal then putting in a tube. This would have put me finishing behind Mitch in 6th-8th place range. Woulda, Coulda, Shoulda...bla-bla-bla.
The Controversy
Unless you live without the internets you know about the shit storm that blew up after Norm and Utah won the team category. I think Maddawg made the best decision he could given the info he had at the time. Just like an umpire in baseball you have to make a decision on the spot. Some folks are not going to like the decision but that's the way the game goes.
Personally I don't get worked up about this stuff. I find it harder to control may anger when folks complain about what volunteers do at a TM session. Volunteers who improve the trails for the benefit of others, yet who are not appreciated.
Why was Walter so angry about the Dot the right thing thing. I sense some anger from a previous wound that didn't heal...or some other issue. When Walter gets un-banned I hope he comes on and comments or spills his guts. I like Wally.
Nice write up Chris. I glad you had as much fun as I did and enjoyed the all-around vibe that all the riders had. Whats funny is I lost track of you when Gozick had his little dismount and about 5-6 SS guys passed me when I stopped for him. I chased them down and then I had a mishap and they passed me again! To make a long story short, I was chasing YOU the whole time. I thought you were way ahead in the first 10 so I just worked my way back up and could not find you. When I crossed the finish line someone yelled to me and I thought it was you but I was to tired to look up. Then I was talking to Norm in the Pit area asking where you were and he said he hadn't seen you yet. I was kinda happy and sad at the same time.(another race chasing a ghost , but I guess it helps motivate me) Sorry about the flat, I know how that feels unfortunately . When I came thur that gully on the 2nd lap I made sure to slowwwww down. It almost got me as well on the 1st lap. Well onto the next race and better times.
If I do Tymor it will be on my geared bike, too much climbing on that back section.
As of right now I can't do CP, my son has his confirmation scheduled for that day. I have to place a call to see if I can switch this. If I can race CP I think I am going to go geared to have a better shot at getting in 8 laps.
Interesting you commented on this as you tend to stay out of that kind of drama. I can see why Walter was upset over thing, however his comments were blown way up and a banning was uncalled for. It probably didn't sit well with Walter as it doesn't with me. Just because the promoter says it is ok, doesn't make it right either. In any case, Free Walter!
ChrisG
Unapologetic Lifer for Rock and Roll
I was in the same boat as Mitch, I thought you were ahead of me the entire race, since I knew you went by when I was laying in the weeds like an idiot, and I figured you had good legs, so I assumed that was that. Tough luck on the puncture, but well done on pushing through and getting as much from the day as you could.
Hey Jigglypuff
Post DH40 is a good time to take a break from riding. I've already done 12 races this year, so I need some down time. I did ride a couple times this week. Tuesday I went out with my neighbor for a road ride around the hood and yesterday I met Clapper at CR. After being on my SS Rig it felt awkward to be back on my Cdale. My front tire washed out on me a couple times and I got banged up a little. That's the one thing I don't like about having these two bikes, the geometry is so different on them that it takes some getting used to in order to get the feel of the bike back.
I am taking off this weekend and heading to Cincinnati with Jamie to go to a Bengals pre-season football game. I am not much of a football fan but J is and the Bengals are his favorite team. The game is tomorrow night, Saturday we'll play golf then probably hit us some bars...are 14 yr. olds allowed to drink in Ohio? On the way home Sunday I got tickets for a Pirates game, I heard the stadium is really cool. J might have to drive home to NJ depending on how many beers I have in the stadium. So there you have it a guys weekend. Mary couldn't go because she is taking classes in NY this week and Evan didn't want to go. I didn't force him since a 17 yr. old can make a road trip hell if he doesn't want to be there...besides he is working.
Kevin, I usually do stay out of drama...or at least keep you from hearing my drama. I don't think Walter had a reason to be so upset...he doesn't race and he is not real tight with the guys Norm & Utah beat. Norm explained the source of Walters digs on his blog, so it does shed some light as to where Walter's anger came from.
On a score of 0-100 I'd give Norm a 90 for the job he does as head honcho. Now even with a 90 that means he is not perfect...no one is. What this means is that personality conflicts are going to arise and sometimes issues won't get resolved. Remember Al. Maybe Walter's character is played out and he wants to move on due to creative differences...I don't know. It just seems silly to me to throw it all away, but then again if you can't let go of the anger its best to move on.
As of tomorrow morning I will be internet free until Monday, but don't worry I'll tell you all about my trip, complete with pics when I get back!
Post DH40 is a good time to take a break from riding. I've already done 12 races this year, so I need some down time. I did ride a couple times this week. Tuesday I went out with my neighbor for a road ride around the hood and yesterday I met Clapper at CR. After being on my SS Rig it felt awkward to be back on my Cdale. My front tire washed out on me a couple times and I got banged up a little. That's the one thing I don't like about having these two bikes, the geometry is so different on them that it takes some getting used to in order to get the feel of the bike back.
I am taking off this weekend and heading to Cincinnati with Jamie to go to a Bengals pre-season football game. I am not much of a football fan but J is and the Bengals are his favorite team. The game is tomorrow night, Saturday we'll play golf then probably hit us some bars...are 14 yr. olds allowed to drink in Ohio? On the way home Sunday I got tickets for a Pirates game, I heard the stadium is really cool. J might have to drive home to NJ depending on how many beers I have in the stadium. So there you have it a guys weekend. Mary couldn't go because she is taking classes in NY this week and Evan didn't want to go. I didn't force him since a 17 yr. old can make a road trip hell if he doesn't want to be there...besides he is working.
Kevin, I usually do stay out of drama...or at least keep you from hearing my drama. I don't think Walter had a reason to be so upset...he doesn't race and he is not real tight with the guys Norm & Utah beat. Norm explained the source of Walters digs on his blog, so it does shed some light as to where Walter's anger came from.
On a score of 0-100 I'd give Norm a 90 for the job he does as head honcho. Now even with a 90 that means he is not perfect...no one is. What this means is that personality conflicts are going to arise and sometimes issues won't get resolved. Remember Al. Maybe Walter's character is played out and he wants to move on due to creative differences...I don't know. It just seems silly to me to throw it all away, but then again if you can't let go of the anger its best to move on.
As of tomorrow morning I will be internet free until Monday, but don't worry I'll tell you all about my trip, complete with pics when I get back!
We once did a Guys Sports Driving Weekend in that sort of direction:
* baseball HOF in Cooperstown
* NHL HOF in Toronto
* baseball game in Toronto?
* Lions game in Detroit
* Tigers game in Detroit
* NFL HOF in Canton
No basketball. Man Detroit SUCKS.
Have fun, look forward to the recap of the kid driving home.
* baseball HOF in Cooperstown
* NHL HOF in Toronto
* baseball game in Toronto?
* Lions game in Detroit
* Tigers game in Detroit
* NFL HOF in Canton
No basketball. Man Detroit SUCKS.
Have fun, look forward to the recap of the kid driving home.