Yesterday's (Sunday 12/8) Capital City CX Race at Lake Fairfax was a blast and had some great weather for watching CX and it was very traditional with Snow and sometimes sleet coming down.
I left my house around 10AM and started up the road towards Vienna. And right away I knew I SHOULD go back and get glasses and a buff/facemask/something but I really didn't want to even though it was REALLY blowing snow and usually sleet into my face pretty hard. I spent a lot of time with my head down looking at my front wheel and peeking up every 15 seconds to check that the road was clear most of the way to Vienna and out the W&OD to Reston. Opted to take the back entrance via Michael Faraday into Lake Fairfax and rode some of the trails. It was a scary blast. A few bad mud holes. Made it out to the Front side of the park with no major issues and rode thru parts of the course. :P Hands were pretty cold but I was warm thanks to a travel mug of cocoa.
Hit the MORE/Scudfry operation up and warm fries rocked! Hung out. Got someone to take a picture of my frozen beard. Watched some racing. Chris Scott destroying fools! Helicopter parents are apparently a sucky part of cycling now also. Almost wanted to punch them and their idiotic strategy yelling crap. Drank some PLB's. Watched some more racing. Saw a bunch of friends. Talked club stuff a bit. Watched more racing, the ladies were pushing HARD! A hotdog later and I was on my way back to Vienna. Rode back out the south, though not before a wrong way on the actual course. :P
The Slog out was slow but not bad. Then I rode the W&OD back and then did some of it on the horse trail for some "REAL" CX. And at right before hunters mill I flatted. Yep. Changed under the sign at Hunters Mill, wasn't bad. Hardest thing was getting the ice off the valve stem to unscrew it. 20 minutes later back on the trail. Snow and Sleet blowing again after just snow. Rolled into Vienna and hit Spokes for 3 spare tube. Almost went to Whole Foods for a beer but it was pretty full.
Went home to watch the Looser-skins loosing in epic fashion. Warm shower never felt so good! Gassed up the car ran some errands.
Gotta do the breaks on the bike before I ride again, the ice destroyed the breaks. Now I remember why disc brakes are awesome.
Monday, December 09, 2013
Wednesday, December 04, 2013
When is Nap Time?
Sometimes you just want to take a Nap.
Thats today's motto and yesterday's also I think. Part of it is the push to get back into cycling habit from my slacking off in November. I'm at 56 miles in the last 2 days. Today I shall run I self declare.
Crap the weather Wed and Thurs is looking Shittier. I may still ride in tomorrow, but Thursday is now looking like a possible Plan B ride.
Cooked up a new batch of Skratch, this time finally doing the eggy things. Turned out awesome and super easy due to greasing the muffin tin with my super secret ingredient.
Bacon Grease.
Next time I want to integrate the bacon and cheese more so I will actually add it at the mid-way point versus after like the book says. Also adding a "crust" of rice or bread might help also. Or I will use Extra Large Eggs.
Taking a down day on Wednesday. My body needs a recharge after 3 days of pretty hard work following 2 weeks of low activity. May roll into DC to see a friends band play The Brixton Tonight.
Rain Rain and Snow on Sunday! Looking like Cap Cross CX at Lk Ffx may be a real interesting event. I may ride out to watch the mayhem/insanity on Sunday.
Thats today's motto and yesterday's also I think. Part of it is the push to get back into cycling habit from my slacking off in November. I'm at 56 miles in the last 2 days. Today I shall run I self declare.
Crap the weather Wed and Thurs is looking Shittier. I may still ride in tomorrow, but Thursday is now looking like a possible Plan B ride.
Cooked up a new batch of Skratch, this time finally doing the eggy things. Turned out awesome and super easy due to greasing the muffin tin with my super secret ingredient.
Bacon Grease.
Next time I want to integrate the bacon and cheese more so I will actually add it at the mid-way point versus after like the book says. Also adding a "crust" of rice or bread might help also. Or I will use Extra Large Eggs.
Taking a down day on Wednesday. My body needs a recharge after 3 days of pretty hard work following 2 weeks of low activity. May roll into DC to see a friends band play The Brixton Tonight.
Rain Rain and Snow on Sunday! Looking like Cap Cross CX at Lk Ffx may be a real interesting event. I may ride out to watch the mayhem/insanity on Sunday.
Thursday, November 28, 2013
It's important to remember what we have from time to time.
This has been a VERY rough year for a lot of friends for a gamut of reasons. And today of all days makes me thankfull for a laundry list of items but not just limited to whats below:
The men and women in our services. Doing there best to represent us and protect us. Especially those on deployment who can't be with their family's this holiday season.
The men and women who server in our protective services, aka police, fire, rescue, etc. These people are out doing incredibly hard jobs to keep us safe. Remember that next time you get pulled over for breaking the law, even though you were only going 10 mph over! :)
For my health and most of my friends continued good health. If nothing else it reminds me to make smart decisions about what I am comfortable with and where I move into risk exceeding the reward. I want to live to bike/run/eat/drink tomorrow. Is going that extra bit faster worth it? Do you know who besides yourself your risks can impact?
For my continued employment, a lot of friends have lost jobs recently or left bad ones. My job isn't awesome in someways but it continues to be stable and offer opportunity to make $$ if you are willing to work.
My friends. What can I say, be they roommates, people I ride with regularly, people I ride with occasionally or new people I've gotten to meet thru out the year. Watching a movie last night I was reminded of how important friendships are to keeping people on an even keel during the hard times.
My family. Family drives you nuts, but they are your roots always something I feel I can look back on and see the support they have provided over my life. Sure there are twists and turns and they aren't always pretty.
Good Beer. 'Nuff Said.
Shelter, Food, Clothing, Friends, Health and Stuff.
The men and women in our services. Doing there best to represent us and protect us. Especially those on deployment who can't be with their family's this holiday season.
The men and women who server in our protective services, aka police, fire, rescue, etc. These people are out doing incredibly hard jobs to keep us safe. Remember that next time you get pulled over for breaking the law, even though you were only going 10 mph over! :)
For my health and most of my friends continued good health. If nothing else it reminds me to make smart decisions about what I am comfortable with and where I move into risk exceeding the reward. I want to live to bike/run/eat/drink tomorrow. Is going that extra bit faster worth it? Do you know who besides yourself your risks can impact?
For my continued employment, a lot of friends have lost jobs recently or left bad ones. My job isn't awesome in someways but it continues to be stable and offer opportunity to make $$ if you are willing to work.
My friends. What can I say, be they roommates, people I ride with regularly, people I ride with occasionally or new people I've gotten to meet thru out the year. Watching a movie last night I was reminded of how important friendships are to keeping people on an even keel during the hard times.
My family. Family drives you nuts, but they are your roots always something I feel I can look back on and see the support they have provided over my life. Sure there are twists and turns and they aren't always pretty.
Good Beer. 'Nuff Said.
Shelter, Food, Clothing, Friends, Health and Stuff.
Monday, November 25, 2013
Being locked out is no fun
Saturday was a planned off day as I had some delusions about going on Pete's ride Sunday. Well by the time to roll came around on Sunday I was not going anywhere except by foot for a bit.
Saturday I took care of some business and helped a friend with a project. It was good to get it off the list, and we actually got it done quick. Then trolled the otherside of Vienna, who knew their were some snooty snobby @#$#@ just off Maple/123.
Sunday started off bad and went to stupid/worse quickly.
Woke up to the house at a lovely 53 degrees F. COLD! Went down and turned heat off for 2 minutes then tried to engage emergency heat - no real difference in air coming from vent. The EM heat is out I suspect. I think it had tried using it over night and failed. So I messed around and changed some stuff and got the heatpump/aux going. I went out back in fleece/hat/gloves/jeans (No jacket) to check heatpump and after inspection went back up to go in. Uh Oh. Oh Shit. Front door shut behind me. And knob based lock was engaged. Tried to pop/force as it was loosely shut - no luck it closed solid on 3rd try! No roommates 1 was at work, 1 was not due back till afternoon from out of town. No phone. No keys. No Cash. Tried my car in-case i left it unlocked as that would give me access to secret cash stash - No luck.
Back down to basement. Tried to pop sliding glass door - No luck, very well secured. Nice job me. Basement window - Locked. Deck climb??? Last resort. Try front windows. 2 sets appear to be in open position. No luck. Back to examine deck climb. Not going to be easy/safe or fun. Re-examine basement window then main windows. Try a bit harder - BINGO! Back in I go. Now about 9 am and I'd been out for 30-40 mins. Almost had given up to go bum around downtown vienna and bounce from shopping ctr to shopping ctr to stay warm till roommate returned.
Once I was warmer I was off to Starblechs for Cocoa and breakfast. Then home depot for a new key lockbox outside. No more lockouts! The rest of the morning was spent straightening up the house, taking care of errands, and general crap. House got warm again around mid-afternoon. Still is okay now. Sigh.
Busy week. Tonight I gotta run. Tuesday uh avoid winter storm. Wednesday prep for Turkey Lurkey Day Adventures, Turkey Day Armageddon. Friday - Going out, Saturday - who knows. Sunday I shall Take 0ver the World!
Saturday I took care of some business and helped a friend with a project. It was good to get it off the list, and we actually got it done quick. Then trolled the otherside of Vienna, who knew their were some snooty snobby @#$#@ just off Maple/123.
Sunday started off bad and went to stupid/worse quickly.
Woke up to the house at a lovely 53 degrees F. COLD! Went down and turned heat off for 2 minutes then tried to engage emergency heat - no real difference in air coming from vent. The EM heat is out I suspect. I think it had tried using it over night and failed. So I messed around and changed some stuff and got the heatpump/aux going. I went out back in fleece/hat/gloves/jeans (No jacket) to check heatpump and after inspection went back up to go in. Uh Oh. Oh Shit. Front door shut behind me. And knob based lock was engaged. Tried to pop/force as it was loosely shut - no luck it closed solid on 3rd try! No roommates 1 was at work, 1 was not due back till afternoon from out of town. No phone. No keys. No Cash. Tried my car in-case i left it unlocked as that would give me access to secret cash stash - No luck.
Back down to basement. Tried to pop sliding glass door - No luck, very well secured. Nice job me. Basement window - Locked. Deck climb??? Last resort. Try front windows. 2 sets appear to be in open position. No luck. Back to examine deck climb. Not going to be easy/safe or fun. Re-examine basement window then main windows. Try a bit harder - BINGO! Back in I go. Now about 9 am and I'd been out for 30-40 mins. Almost had given up to go bum around downtown vienna and bounce from shopping ctr to shopping ctr to stay warm till roommate returned.
Once I was warmer I was off to Starblechs for Cocoa and breakfast. Then home depot for a new key lockbox outside. No more lockouts! The rest of the morning was spent straightening up the house, taking care of errands, and general crap. House got warm again around mid-afternoon. Still is okay now. Sigh.
Busy week. Tonight I gotta run. Tuesday uh avoid winter storm. Wednesday prep for Turkey Lurkey Day Adventures, Turkey Day Armageddon. Friday - Going out, Saturday - who knows. Sunday I shall Take 0ver the World!
Friday, November 22, 2013
I'll take that for a dollar!
It was a warm one out last night for sure. It was warmer than I was prepared for. The winter boots were overkill, except when going thru the very damp creek. Oh well.
Ton of riders out, some new folks, some old returnee's. It was a good ride, big thanks to Russ A for leading a supersized Cas+ ride.
Way too much b33r last night. But good times were had and good talk was exchanged by the DDRC. But getting home at 11:20 was a bit harsh and by the time I was in bed I think it was 12:15. Another semi-restless night of sleep and my neck is still a bit tender. Now my stupid left hand is sore either from riding or punch myself stupid in my sleep.
Busy weekend on deck maybe. Depends on some flakey folks and how @##@$$# the weather is on Sunday and how stir crazy I am. Hoping to make some positive plans.
Also need to bottle some beer and get ready for brewing a new batch for Thanksgiving week. I think it's a Black Rye IPA on deck! Hell yah!
Poured out the last of the failed Peanut Butter Chocolate Stout yesterday. It's a sad thing to pour out 2 cases of BAD beer. Even when it tastes like crap. I learned 2 things. Don't mess around with timing on homebrew and avoid @#$@# extracts/etc in full batches. If using something funky limit to half batch at maximum.
It's almost time to escape work, I can NOT fricking wait. Ants in my pants or something. Actually excited to get out and run! Someone stop me!
Ton of riders out, some new folks, some old returnee's. It was a good ride, big thanks to Russ A for leading a supersized Cas+ ride.
Way too much b33r last night. But good times were had and good talk was exchanged by the DDRC. But getting home at 11:20 was a bit harsh and by the time I was in bed I think it was 12:15. Another semi-restless night of sleep and my neck is still a bit tender. Now my stupid left hand is sore either from riding or punch myself stupid in my sleep.
Busy weekend on deck maybe. Depends on some flakey folks and how @##@$$# the weather is on Sunday and how stir crazy I am. Hoping to make some positive plans.
Also need to bottle some beer and get ready for brewing a new batch for Thanksgiving week. I think it's a Black Rye IPA on deck! Hell yah!
Poured out the last of the failed Peanut Butter Chocolate Stout yesterday. It's a sad thing to pour out 2 cases of BAD beer. Even when it tastes like crap. I learned 2 things. Don't mess around with timing on homebrew and avoid @#$@# extracts/etc in full batches. If using something funky limit to half batch at maximum.
It's almost time to escape work, I can NOT fricking wait. Ants in my pants or something. Actually excited to get out and run! Someone stop me!
Wednesday, November 20, 2013
Get out there young man!
Busy week of riding and doing stuff.
Saturday I snuck in a great ride with Maureen at WF post work. It was a tad damp and the bike showed it afterwards requiring me to re-hook up the hose to get it somewhere approximating clean. Got a ton of other crap also done this day.
Sunday I cooked epic pancake and snausage breakfast before heading out on a 40 mile re-introduction to roadie-hood. It was a nice way to spend a few hours except I forgot water and snacks and by halfway back I was bonked. Quick stop at TBL Reston for water, fuel, and rinsing out the sweaty headband and I powered home feeling better. Got the car washed and oil changed and a few other things.
Friday I also hit costco and WF post picking up my roomie. It was a busy but uber productive weekend. Good times.
Monday rolled up on me with a vengeance. Like a Spirit of Vengeance like Nic Cage.
So I rode into work on Monday and that wasn't bad i was honestly too warm in my woolie. Work sucked but I got out mostly ontime and road home in my T-shirt. Gotta leave a spare jersey at work for those unplanned super warm days. My left shoulder was a tad sore so I decided to go for a quick run. As I was running I decided I would do some urban crossfit and hit the park gym of pull up bars and other stuff. Bad mistake. Shoulder went from ouch to @#$@## THAT F@#KING HURTS!
Spent the night and next day abusing the heating pad and advil but by 4pm the shoulder was mostly okay. So off I schlepped to Schaeffer Farm. Damn it felt cold in the lot and my fingers froze right away for some reason! Trails have REALLY eroded in a few spots. But it was good except where I made a few bad line choices and had to stop. d'oh.
Post ride it was off to DFH GTown for beer and chow. Good beer and good friends.
WACK dreams and I don't know whether to blame beer or food or what but I must have had my most active night of dreaming in years. Slept thru my alarm till 8PM.
Saturday I snuck in a great ride with Maureen at WF post work. It was a tad damp and the bike showed it afterwards requiring me to re-hook up the hose to get it somewhere approximating clean. Got a ton of other crap also done this day.
Sunday I cooked epic pancake and snausage breakfast before heading out on a 40 mile re-introduction to roadie-hood. It was a nice way to spend a few hours except I forgot water and snacks and by halfway back I was bonked. Quick stop at TBL Reston for water, fuel, and rinsing out the sweaty headband and I powered home feeling better. Got the car washed and oil changed and a few other things.
Friday I also hit costco and WF post picking up my roomie. It was a busy but uber productive weekend. Good times.
Monday rolled up on me with a vengeance. Like a Spirit of Vengeance like Nic Cage.
It's Monday B@#$@es!!!!
So I rode into work on Monday and that wasn't bad i was honestly too warm in my woolie. Work sucked but I got out mostly ontime and road home in my T-shirt. Gotta leave a spare jersey at work for those unplanned super warm days. My left shoulder was a tad sore so I decided to go for a quick run. As I was running I decided I would do some urban crossfit and hit the park gym of pull up bars and other stuff. Bad mistake. Shoulder went from ouch to @#$@## THAT F@#KING HURTS!
Spent the night and next day abusing the heating pad and advil but by 4pm the shoulder was mostly okay. So off I schlepped to Schaeffer Farm. Damn it felt cold in the lot and my fingers froze right away for some reason! Trails have REALLY eroded in a few spots. But it was good except where I made a few bad line choices and had to stop. d'oh.
Post ride it was off to DFH GTown for beer and chow. Good beer and good friends.
WACK dreams and I don't know whether to blame beer or food or what but I must have had my most active night of dreaming in years. Slept thru my alarm till 8PM.
Friday, November 15, 2013
It's a hard knock life on MTB
A better night at WF last night except for 1 bit.
I broke another saddle. Thats saddle #2 to give up the ghost at WF. And the 3rd saddle thats failed on me. 1st was my original WTB back on the Giant Rainer that eventually the rails simply flattened/crushed on. 2nd was my Terry Fly Ti. Rail snapped while riding towards Salemander at WF on the rocks. This one failed somewhere early I think in phase 1 headed towards the creek trail section 3. It survived the next 8 mile pretty well. A Selle Italia that had been on there for at least 2 years. I think it's a good reflection that I am a better rider but I still do sit too much. I'm sure the PA Adventure also contributed to it's recent failure. That was a LOT of rocks.
New tubeless tire up front gets a mixed rating, but I expect that to improve. I had WAY too much air at around 34/35psi in it last night and expect it to get less-funky/loose when I drop it to 30'ish.
Boy was that tire a B@#!! to get mounted. Super tight bead. I also had to go back nearly flatten it 2 times then use stans on a rag to get 2 spots to seat properly/slip the bead in to seat. Those pops always are good for a scare. :)
Tuesday I went down to WF post work for a pre-ride beer and ended up with a 11oz BCS from Goose Island from 2012. Hell yah! 15%+ ABV. It's a monster and it's smoother than at release for sure with a year aging. Went down super nice. And I weaved my way towards Barlington the first 2 miles of the WOD I rode. No food plus 15% = Ass kicking booze hit. Even in 11 OZ.
Went down to Mad Rose with a few navigation mis-cues but got there eventually. In time to score a free beer to start with, a Lagunitas IPA. Damn good. Saw a few known faces, talked with Mike E for a bit. Got some food order and checked out the Race Dots. Excellent idea. Mini Magnets setup for holding on race #'s for bike and running races. No safety pins. Really strong magnets. Lets you slide them and the plate around your shirt.
Busy weekend on deck again. Plans tonight, work sat, ride Saturday afternoon, party Sat, Sun big ride on road, and other crap.
I'll be so glad when I have 2 official days off again. Off for more free taco's at work now. Viva la Bell!
I broke another saddle. Thats saddle #2 to give up the ghost at WF. And the 3rd saddle thats failed on me. 1st was my original WTB back on the Giant Rainer that eventually the rails simply flattened/crushed on. 2nd was my Terry Fly Ti. Rail snapped while riding towards Salemander at WF on the rocks. This one failed somewhere early I think in phase 1 headed towards the creek trail section 3. It survived the next 8 mile pretty well. A Selle Italia that had been on there for at least 2 years. I think it's a good reflection that I am a better rider but I still do sit too much. I'm sure the PA Adventure also contributed to it's recent failure. That was a LOT of rocks.
New tubeless tire up front gets a mixed rating, but I expect that to improve. I had WAY too much air at around 34/35psi in it last night and expect it to get less-funky/loose when I drop it to 30'ish.
Boy was that tire a B@#!! to get mounted. Super tight bead. I also had to go back nearly flatten it 2 times then use stans on a rag to get 2 spots to seat properly/slip the bead in to seat. Those pops always are good for a scare. :)
Tuesday I went down to WF post work for a pre-ride beer and ended up with a 11oz BCS from Goose Island from 2012. Hell yah! 15%+ ABV. It's a monster and it's smoother than at release for sure with a year aging. Went down super nice. And I weaved my way towards Barlington the first 2 miles of the WOD I rode. No food plus 15% = Ass kicking booze hit. Even in 11 OZ.
Went down to Mad Rose with a few navigation mis-cues but got there eventually. In time to score a free beer to start with, a Lagunitas IPA. Damn good. Saw a few known faces, talked with Mike E for a bit. Got some food order and checked out the Race Dots. Excellent idea. Mini Magnets setup for holding on race #'s for bike and running races. No safety pins. Really strong magnets. Lets you slide them and the plate around your shirt.
Busy weekend on deck again. Plans tonight, work sat, ride Saturday afternoon, party Sat, Sun big ride on road, and other crap.
I'll be so glad when I have 2 official days off again. Off for more free taco's at work now. Viva la Bell!
Friday, November 08, 2013
Once, Twice, Three times...
Oy the MTB gods sent me a message loud and clear last night to drag my sorry ass of the trails early. I was done and at my car by 7:45 or so with a flat and realized I had hit my 3 strikes rule and it was time to be done. In actually that was the 4th strike, not the third.
1st Bungle. Riding section 3 of the creek trail aka the race course section below phase 1 and phase 4 I hit a sandtrap I didn't see and nearly ditched my bike and myself recovery at the last second somehow to get a foot down and an arm around a tree.
2nd Bungle - Phase 4 lower/western entrance we had gotten thru 3 of the 4 rock gardens and I ran out of steam and ended up stalled. I got stopped safely and scooted out of the way to the left as far as possible. Unfortunately the following rider was too close, didn't/couldn't get around me and stalled and fell over onto me knocking me half over and my bike fully. 2#$#@!!! Thank rich! Too bad Neil didn't have his camera ready for that one.
3rd Bungle - Coming out of phase 4 and after crossing the logs into upper phase 1 I hit a hidden stick and fully dump my bike and myself. My first real fall in a while. I landed well it was just done/over quick.
4th Insult - Flat tire on access trail along creek to phase 1/salemander/powerlines/berms. I must have hit the lone thorn of doom or something but after messing about with ramping a log more safely I noticed my front was squirely and going flat. I had neil take over leadership with the group headed towards the bowl. By the time I hit the tennis courts the front was flat. Or at least mostly flat. And no pump in the car. Oh well. I changed and relaxed.
Kilroy's was nuts as the Skins game was on and they were still winning. We ended up in the dining room. Good group and was pretty damn funny.
Rode in this morning, wasn't THAT cold though the tips of my fingers were a bit frozen by the end. Ride home should be nicer. Gotta figure the layers out.
Run tonight and hopefully sneak in a ride on Sunday before some lawn work with J.
1st Bungle. Riding section 3 of the creek trail aka the race course section below phase 1 and phase 4 I hit a sandtrap I didn't see and nearly ditched my bike and myself recovery at the last second somehow to get a foot down and an arm around a tree.
2nd Bungle - Phase 4 lower/western entrance we had gotten thru 3 of the 4 rock gardens and I ran out of steam and ended up stalled. I got stopped safely and scooted out of the way to the left as far as possible. Unfortunately the following rider was too close, didn't/couldn't get around me and stalled and fell over onto me knocking me half over and my bike fully. 2#$#@!!! Thank rich! Too bad Neil didn't have his camera ready for that one.
3rd Bungle - Coming out of phase 4 and after crossing the logs into upper phase 1 I hit a hidden stick and fully dump my bike and myself. My first real fall in a while. I landed well it was just done/over quick.
4th Insult - Flat tire on access trail along creek to phase 1/salemander/powerlines/berms. I must have hit the lone thorn of doom or something but after messing about with ramping a log more safely I noticed my front was squirely and going flat. I had neil take over leadership with the group headed towards the bowl. By the time I hit the tennis courts the front was flat. Or at least mostly flat. And no pump in the car. Oh well. I changed and relaxed.
Kilroy's was nuts as the Skins game was on and they were still winning. We ended up in the dining room. Good group and was pretty damn funny.
Rode in this morning, wasn't THAT cold though the tips of my fingers were a bit frozen by the end. Ride home should be nicer. Gotta figure the layers out.
Run tonight and hopefully sneak in a ride on Sunday before some lawn work with J.
Tuesday, November 05, 2013
Blow up the outside
What a week it's been. Crazy shit at work. Crazy shit on the bike. Crazy cold with no heat at home still.
Should be getting the replacement thermo today. I'll re-check the wiring that is there currently against what I originally had hopefully. It was a TAD chilly this AM when I got up at 4 and 6 to do some remote testing.
HOPEFULLY will be biking in tomorrow for the 1st time in WAY too long.
Rode big up in PA with some friends this weekend. RB Winter Park has some awesome riding. Pick up the Lizard Map for the Bald Eagle area and some others.
I realized I was at 54 miles of MTB between Thursday and Sunday. Damn. Second best week since Spring Man Camp. Gotta ride the mtb WAY more this next year.
Still easily on track to double my mileage on bikes of last year but my MTB will have dropped probably 200+ miles this year. Thats kinda sad honestly.
However things are SLOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOWLY changing at work. Had an informal sitdown interviewation. The wagon wheels are turning. Will the day come before Year 9 starts that I get my Saturday's back. More than likely I suspect it will actually be the spring.
Should be getting the replacement thermo today. I'll re-check the wiring that is there currently against what I originally had hopefully. It was a TAD chilly this AM when I got up at 4 and 6 to do some remote testing.
HOPEFULLY will be biking in tomorrow for the 1st time in WAY too long.
Rode big up in PA with some friends this weekend. RB Winter Park has some awesome riding. Pick up the Lizard Map for the Bald Eagle area and some others.
I realized I was at 54 miles of MTB between Thursday and Sunday. Damn. Second best week since Spring Man Camp. Gotta ride the mtb WAY more this next year.
Still easily on track to double my mileage on bikes of last year but my MTB will have dropped probably 200+ miles this year. Thats kinda sad honestly.
However things are SLOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOWLY changing at work. Had an informal sitdown interviewation. The wagon wheels are turning. Will the day come before Year 9 starts that I get my Saturday's back. More than likely I suspect it will actually be the spring.
Monday, October 28, 2013
Mookie Blaylock rocked it:
Saw MB last night at 1st Mariner in Baltimore last night. Awesome show. No opener. Started at 8:20 and ended at 11:10.
Set List
Pendulum
Hard to Imagine
Elderly Woman Behind the Counter in a Small Town
Lightning Bolt
Lukin
Corduroy
Mind Your Manners
Given to Fly
MFC
Sirens
Habit
Daughter -(Walk on the Wild Side tag)
Wishlist
Present Tense
Spin the Black Circle
Let the Records Play
Setting Forth -(Eddie Vedder song)
Unthought Known
Rearviewmirror
Encore 1:
Yellow Moon
Man of the Hour
Nothingman
I'm Waiting for the Man -(The Velvet Underground cover)
Better Man -(Save it for Later tag)
Do the Evolution
Blood
Porch
Encore 2:
Once
Love, Reign O'er Me -(The Who cover)
Black
Alive
Rockin' in the Free World
Lots of old, some of the new. Damn solid.
Set List
Pendulum
Hard to Imagine
Elderly Woman Behind the Counter in a Small Town
Lightning Bolt
Lukin
Corduroy
Mind Your Manners
Given to Fly
MFC
Sirens
Habit
Daughter -(Walk on the Wild Side tag)
Wishlist
Present Tense
Spin the Black Circle
Let the Records Play
Setting Forth -(Eddie Vedder song)
Unthought Known
Rearviewmirror
Encore 1:
Yellow Moon
Man of the Hour
Nothingman
I'm Waiting for the Man -(The Velvet Underground cover)
Better Man -(Save it for Later tag)
Do the Evolution
Blood
Porch
Encore 2:
Once
Love, Reign O'er Me -(The Who cover)
Black
Alive
Rockin' in the Free World
Lots of old, some of the new. Damn solid.
Friday, October 25, 2013
The Big 180 is done.
I've officially logged 180 activities in Garmin or in 2 or 3 cases out this year so far. Well garmin has 177 but will have 179 after I upload so I only missed garmin recording 1 event. Pretty geeky. Just shy of 2500 miles.
Cycling is will hit 2300 miles in 133 activities, that leaves almost 200 miles of running.
My end goal this year? 220 Events 3K miles. To hit that mark I've gotta get back into regularly bike commuting with a few rides post work I think. I REALLY need to pull out the Winter gear. Next week warms up a bit but then after that we are solidly in the 50-30 daily range. Ugh.
Last nights WF TNR was a damn good ride for a group of around 12 people. We kept rolling well and only stopped to regroup a few times. We did shrink the pack on lap 2 with a few people bailing to change at the parking lot before I re-hit the bowl.
Trails are a mess with stream work and getting around WF over the next few weeks is going to get REALLY shitty with bridge's being removed on CCT sections, etc.
Rumor has it we may be doing something uh...interesting for the halloween ride.
If it doesn't uh...nevermind. Positive weather re-enforcement in place now.
And strangely enough I plan to keep running. In fact I actually want to try running a bit more and shoot for a possible half marathon of stupid. Who knows?
Pearl Jam Sunday. FCK yah!
Cycling is will hit 2300 miles in 133 activities, that leaves almost 200 miles of running.
My end goal this year? 220 Events 3K miles. To hit that mark I've gotta get back into regularly bike commuting with a few rides post work I think. I REALLY need to pull out the Winter gear. Next week warms up a bit but then after that we are solidly in the 50-30 daily range. Ugh.
Last nights WF TNR was a damn good ride for a group of around 12 people. We kept rolling well and only stopped to regroup a few times. We did shrink the pack on lap 2 with a few people bailing to change at the parking lot before I re-hit the bowl.
Trails are a mess with stream work and getting around WF over the next few weeks is going to get REALLY shitty with bridge's being removed on CCT sections, etc.
Rumor has it we may be doing something uh...interesting for the halloween ride.
If it doesn't uh...nevermind. Positive weather re-enforcement in place now.
And strangely enough I plan to keep running. In fact I actually want to try running a bit more and shoot for a possible half marathon of stupid. Who knows?
Pearl Jam Sunday. FCK yah!
Tuesday, October 22, 2013
Ouchie. Ouchie. Ouchie.
Getting out of bed was never so trying as this morning since maybe my last bad crash or maybe the day I hauled 100 tons of lumber into Fountainhead by hand. I did take some advil yesterday but am avoiding it today in an attempt to expedite muscle recovery/repair.
It's also joint and other soreness, not just muscles. Some new bruises visible.
But still I'm thinking Spartan Race next year.
Update - Whoops never posted this yesterday. Muscles feel better today by a good bit but my left knee was a @#$@! last night and I slept like crap due to lack of advil taking/supply! Stooopid.
Special News Bulletin 1 - Sucky pre-winter weather has arrived with high temps in the 50's and low's in the 30's. @#!!
Special Special News Bulletin 2 - I like running. There. I said it. FML. Especially trail running.
I need a drink.
Photo's of me are up from Tough Mudder on MarathonFoto site. I'm gonna chump out and buy a bunch once I've found em all.
It's also joint and other soreness, not just muscles. Some new bruises visible.
But still I'm thinking Spartan Race next year.
Update - Whoops never posted this yesterday. Muscles feel better today by a good bit but my left knee was a @#$@! last night and I slept like crap due to lack of advil taking/supply! Stooopid.
Special News Bulletin 1 - Sucky pre-winter weather has arrived with high temps in the 50's and low's in the 30's. @#!!
Special Special News Bulletin 2 - I like running. There. I said it. FML. Especially trail running.
I need a drink.
Photo's of me are up from Tough Mudder on MarathonFoto site. I'm gonna chump out and buy a bunch once I've found em all.
Sunday, October 20, 2013
It was one Tough Mudder for sure - Tough Mudder - Mid-atlantic 2013 - Saturday.
It was a good day, to die hard.
Whoops wrong movie.
The Gods WERE crazy!
@#$@$ there I go again.
It was a cold and overcast Saturday morning as Team WolfPack rallied at the DKL Residence for the trip out to West Virginia to face the Tough Mudder Mid-Atlantic 2012 Event. It's not a race. Except against your friends and yourself.
http://www.strava.com/activities/90113789
11 Miles of trail. 1800 Ft of climbing. 22 Obsticles. Mud and Water and Cramps and Pain. That was what awaited us. We left Vienna around 9 at hit the parking field a bit before 11. At registration at 11:25 running a tad late. Our official wave was 12:15 but we were dropping our bags and making final preps when it was called. So we went out with the last wave of the day 12:30.
Last wave at 12:30? I could've sworn they had waves running till 2 or later on reg. Maybe they rescheduled them or something. Regardless we queued up in the waiting zone, then we made it to the starting line wait after scaling over 5 or 7 foot Berlin walls.
Prerace prep was cool and as the last group they didn't just play the National Anthem, we sung that mofo like the bad-asses we are. And we were off at a slow conservitive pace. 1st REAL obsticles were a ways away not counting small mud holes/creeks/etc. The first obsticle in some ways was the worst. I got the dirtiest on it for sure it was a crawl under barbed wire and on the 2nd half they kept spraying us from a water truck with VERY cold water. My bib was 2/3rd's torn off. And I looked like a mud man. I went thru one of the muddiest lanes I think. And we were off. Lots of hills and small mud sections till we eventually hit the Burn Zone. No fire this year, just exercise. 20 pushups, run up and down a steep hill, 20 lunges, another steep hill up and down, 20 more pushups, another 2 hills. Then it was time.
The Arctic Enema. I jumped in and compressed too much and went under I shoulda gone under the board then, instead I had to pop up, breath and swim under. More ICE at the far end then the front. Getting out was hard and starting to run sucked but at least I was mostly clean! And after a few minutes I was pretty warm and dry. Nike's Pro Combat Dryfit T-shirt saved me. Next time I wear long sleeves for crawling stunts. And we were off but group was suffering major fragmentation 12 dudes staying together is hard. One guy's ankles were already a mess. We chose to split in 2 groups. At first I was gonna stay with the slow guys but I wanted to push a bit faster due to the upcoming course clear at the halfway mark at 2:30. I made it to that at 2:05. I'm shocked the 2nd group must have made it with minutes to spare I think. I pushed on with several different groups of people till I caught up to the main group after some giant mud pits. I needed to empty/clean out shoes but honestly couldn't undue the laces. Too mucked up. I hung on. We continued to push on thru stuff like the beard, Wheelbarrow, Log Carry, Log Hopping. But my elbow went whack and me and my new partner Jimmy skipped the BIG Berlin Walls. 12 foot of suckiness. Crazy zig-zag Gorrilla Killer Hills then pushups for Wounded Warriors. I only could manage 10 at that point. My arms were shot. Then we pushed on throu 2 balance exercises. Skipped the electric eel due to cramps starting in legs a few nasty crawl things in pipes and in water were tough but fun. Near the end I had to skip Everest also as my elbow could take the pulling/etc and I was already banged up. Tried to climb up to walk the plank but legs cramped up again a bit over halfway up. The other electric stunt wasn't bad at all with carefull-ness got hit 1x. Pushed on and we were basically DONE.
Finished in 3 hours.
Our team with out shirts got lots of support and people could tell we were a team, anytime I was lagging or me and Jimmy were we heard our team was just ahead. Cutting of the sleeves and shit really helped me not be bound up in the shirt. Garmin watch kicked ass, it kept me on pace and let me know I needed to keep pushing.
Gear Good -
Trail Shoes - Worked well and way better tracktion then sneakers, only slipped once and that was cause I under committed on dry/loose. No problems with wet/mud other than crap getting into them.
Nike Pro Combat Dri-fit compression - Awesome, just use long sleeve next time to protect elbows a bit.
Socks - Wool - Okay, kept feet warm even after being wet.
Shorts - Reebok Crossfit Boardshorts - Nice, zippered pocket worked well.
Garmin GPS - Worked pretty well though did loose 600-800 ft of elevation depending on site.
Bad Gear -
Shirt - Go long sleeve.
Legs - Knee pads or 3/4 lengths tights with knee padding.
Socks. Maybe layer up with a compression long sock to protect shins from scrapes.
Socks Part 2 - Find someway to keep shit out of shoes.
Shoes - See Socks Part 2.
Bring Sharpie of decent size to mark up arms/legs/head's with #.
Bring real shoes for after - not flip-flops. Half mile in/out was a beast.
Training Notes -
Requires SERIOUS upper body training. I estimate a fit competitor needs to be able to do 15-20 pull ups. Plank for several minutes and have some leg strength training also. My legs were mostly okay. I would raise my base target to 8 or 9 miles with more hill work.
Whoops wrong movie.
The Gods WERE crazy!
@#$@$ there I go again.
It was a cold and overcast Saturday morning as Team WolfPack rallied at the DKL Residence for the trip out to West Virginia to face the Tough Mudder Mid-Atlantic 2012 Event. It's not a race. Except against your friends and yourself.
http://www.strava.com/activities/90113789
11 Miles of trail. 1800 Ft of climbing. 22 Obsticles. Mud and Water and Cramps and Pain. That was what awaited us. We left Vienna around 9 at hit the parking field a bit before 11. At registration at 11:25 running a tad late. Our official wave was 12:15 but we were dropping our bags and making final preps when it was called. So we went out with the last wave of the day 12:30.
Last wave at 12:30? I could've sworn they had waves running till 2 or later on reg. Maybe they rescheduled them or something. Regardless we queued up in the waiting zone, then we made it to the starting line wait after scaling over 5 or 7 foot Berlin walls.
Prerace prep was cool and as the last group they didn't just play the National Anthem, we sung that mofo like the bad-asses we are. And we were off at a slow conservitive pace. 1st REAL obsticles were a ways away not counting small mud holes/creeks/etc. The first obsticle in some ways was the worst. I got the dirtiest on it for sure it was a crawl under barbed wire and on the 2nd half they kept spraying us from a water truck with VERY cold water. My bib was 2/3rd's torn off. And I looked like a mud man. I went thru one of the muddiest lanes I think. And we were off. Lots of hills and small mud sections till we eventually hit the Burn Zone. No fire this year, just exercise. 20 pushups, run up and down a steep hill, 20 lunges, another steep hill up and down, 20 more pushups, another 2 hills. Then it was time.
The Arctic Enema. I jumped in and compressed too much and went under I shoulda gone under the board then, instead I had to pop up, breath and swim under. More ICE at the far end then the front. Getting out was hard and starting to run sucked but at least I was mostly clean! And after a few minutes I was pretty warm and dry. Nike's Pro Combat Dryfit T-shirt saved me. Next time I wear long sleeves for crawling stunts. And we were off but group was suffering major fragmentation 12 dudes staying together is hard. One guy's ankles were already a mess. We chose to split in 2 groups. At first I was gonna stay with the slow guys but I wanted to push a bit faster due to the upcoming course clear at the halfway mark at 2:30. I made it to that at 2:05. I'm shocked the 2nd group must have made it with minutes to spare I think. I pushed on with several different groups of people till I caught up to the main group after some giant mud pits. I needed to empty/clean out shoes but honestly couldn't undue the laces. Too mucked up. I hung on. We continued to push on thru stuff like the beard, Wheelbarrow, Log Carry, Log Hopping. But my elbow went whack and me and my new partner Jimmy skipped the BIG Berlin Walls. 12 foot of suckiness. Crazy zig-zag Gorrilla Killer Hills then pushups for Wounded Warriors. I only could manage 10 at that point. My arms were shot. Then we pushed on throu 2 balance exercises. Skipped the electric eel due to cramps starting in legs a few nasty crawl things in pipes and in water were tough but fun. Near the end I had to skip Everest also as my elbow could take the pulling/etc and I was already banged up. Tried to climb up to walk the plank but legs cramped up again a bit over halfway up. The other electric stunt wasn't bad at all with carefull-ness got hit 1x. Pushed on and we were basically DONE.
Finished in 3 hours.
Our team with out shirts got lots of support and people could tell we were a team, anytime I was lagging or me and Jimmy were we heard our team was just ahead. Cutting of the sleeves and shit really helped me not be bound up in the shirt. Garmin watch kicked ass, it kept me on pace and let me know I needed to keep pushing.
Gear Good -
Trail Shoes - Worked well and way better tracktion then sneakers, only slipped once and that was cause I under committed on dry/loose. No problems with wet/mud other than crap getting into them.
Nike Pro Combat Dri-fit compression - Awesome, just use long sleeve next time to protect elbows a bit.
Socks - Wool - Okay, kept feet warm even after being wet.
Shorts - Reebok Crossfit Boardshorts - Nice, zippered pocket worked well.
Garmin GPS - Worked pretty well though did loose 600-800 ft of elevation depending on site.
Bad Gear -
Shirt - Go long sleeve.
Legs - Knee pads or 3/4 lengths tights with knee padding.
Socks. Maybe layer up with a compression long sock to protect shins from scrapes.
Socks Part 2 - Find someway to keep shit out of shoes.
Shoes - See Socks Part 2.
Bring Sharpie of decent size to mark up arms/legs/head's with #.
Bring real shoes for after - not flip-flops. Half mile in/out was a beast.
Training Notes -
Requires SERIOUS upper body training. I estimate a fit competitor needs to be able to do 15-20 pull ups. Plank for several minutes and have some leg strength training also. My legs were mostly okay. I would raise my base target to 8 or 9 miles with more hill work.
Friday, October 18, 2013
It's time to start running!
It's time to start running!
As he says at the start of the video. Tough Mudder for me is tomorrow Oct 19. Distance wise I'm not super worried, I've done up to 7 miles and with a 3-4 hour eta for finish with obstacles and such I'm confident I have the leg power to finish with some longer rides in the bag. The elevation may be a biatch but I will survive.
The obsticles are another thing. Arctic Enema, Berlin Walls and a few others do scare me a bit. I am debating skipping the 2 electric ones due to my old school occasional heart beat issues. Temp should be low 60's at start. Debating tech layer Might go pick up a dryfit long sleeve tonight. Also must err pad the man nips. I know what happens to them when I run a long time and I don't want to repeat the last time. Tech compression underwear for sure. Wool socks. Wolf Pack t-shirt. May also look at some compression/tech running tights.
Gotta trim my nails for sure tonight, some are fricking claws I realized.
I'm nervous but excited.
Full report Sunday or Monday for sure.
As he says at the start of the video. Tough Mudder for me is tomorrow Oct 19. Distance wise I'm not super worried, I've done up to 7 miles and with a 3-4 hour eta for finish with obstacles and such I'm confident I have the leg power to finish with some longer rides in the bag. The elevation may be a biatch but I will survive.
The obsticles are another thing. Arctic Enema, Berlin Walls and a few others do scare me a bit. I am debating skipping the 2 electric ones due to my old school occasional heart beat issues. Temp should be low 60's at start. Debating tech layer Might go pick up a dryfit long sleeve tonight. Also must err pad the man nips. I know what happens to them when I run a long time and I don't want to repeat the last time. Tech compression underwear for sure. Wool socks. Wolf Pack t-shirt. May also look at some compression/tech running tights.
Gotta trim my nails for sure tonight, some are fricking claws I realized.
I'm nervous but excited.
Full report Sunday or Monday for sure.
Monday, October 07, 2013
Rainy after all
Seriously raining here today in DC. Ma nature is getting brassed off the gov't is still shutdown me thinks.
Went into DC yesterday for some cycling around the monuments with Pete from Freshbikes Mosiac. Good group and good times. Crazy to see all the empty roads blocked off by barriers and monuments also. You could have a pretty cool crit down there on the weekend safely right now instead of say Haines Pt. It was a nice but somewhat ridiculous 40 mile ride.
Now that fall is coming in last week was my first longer MTB ride since the summer. Going to start pushing harder on the rides and getting in good pre-rides. 13 Last week this week I'll push for a few more. Though honestly I did stop not too long after 8. With another 25 minutes I could have pushed out another 2 or more miles.
Tough Mudder training continues. Did a 4 on Satuday at lunch and felt like crap. I need to feel WAY better on next weeks Saturday so maybe Thursday will be a lighter mtb day. Ugh.
Also still have to figure out gear for the race. I'm thinking I'm going to wear gloves. And right now I'm planning on a longsleeve tech woolie shirt for base layer. Legs I'm not sure about. Might get a set of tech tights. Not sure. Weather still isn't clear. We are running above average so far.
Went into DC yesterday for some cycling around the monuments with Pete from Freshbikes Mosiac. Good group and good times. Crazy to see all the empty roads blocked off by barriers and monuments also. You could have a pretty cool crit down there on the weekend safely right now instead of say Haines Pt. It was a nice but somewhat ridiculous 40 mile ride.
Now that fall is coming in last week was my first longer MTB ride since the summer. Going to start pushing harder on the rides and getting in good pre-rides. 13 Last week this week I'll push for a few more. Though honestly I did stop not too long after 8. With another 25 minutes I could have pushed out another 2 or more miles.
Tough Mudder training continues. Did a 4 on Satuday at lunch and felt like crap. I need to feel WAY better on next weeks Saturday so maybe Thursday will be a lighter mtb day. Ugh.
Also still have to figure out gear for the race. I'm thinking I'm going to wear gloves. And right now I'm planning on a longsleeve tech woolie shirt for base layer. Legs I'm not sure about. Might get a set of tech tights. Not sure. Weather still isn't clear. We are running above average so far.
Monday, September 30, 2013
Jet Lagged
It's been a busy few weeks and now I'm heading into a VERY busy stretch here at work due to people on Vacation. I think for most of Oct I'll be grinding at least 10 hour days plus being on call. Ugh.
Good times this weekend starting with too much b33r on Friday though more moderate than last week by FAR.
Then my one of my roommate's rolled with me down to the Crystal City Diamond Derby. It was a blast an he wants to try some single speeding. We shall see if we can find him something cheap enough. Looking at Performance's Langer stuff and bikesdirect for now. He's a smaller guy and Craigslist is suprisingly light on small bikes currently. Versus they have a glut of stuff for gangly tall people like me, since I'm not looking for myself. Thanks Murphy!
Rebuild of road bike drive train a few weeks ago was a stunning success. Still not sure if all the creaking was from pedals which definetely needed re-greasing (they spun 3x times versus Speedplay says 1 to 1.5 is normal. 2 means re-grease. Or if it was cleaning and relubing the whole BB setup. I think it was both. Who knows? It's quiet and I like it.
My mtb has really suffered this summer with Road and CX riding/commuting but my mileage is WAY up. I'm over last years mileage just this summer. Hoping to get out for a decent CCT haul south tonight after work.
CCDD was a great event, with some cool stuff in the Open and some hard racing in the grand prix. Didn't get to stay for the team event as my friends back was hurting from a recent injury. Lots of crazy costumes, with some very nice ladies for sure! Good beer, cool people. Was a tad warm, next time I'll wear shorts. And next year maybe I'll race in the open category.
Good times this weekend starting with too much b33r on Friday though more moderate than last week by FAR.
Then my one of my roommate's rolled with me down to the Crystal City Diamond Derby. It was a blast an he wants to try some single speeding. We shall see if we can find him something cheap enough. Looking at Performance's Langer stuff and bikesdirect for now. He's a smaller guy and Craigslist is suprisingly light on small bikes currently. Versus they have a glut of stuff for gangly tall people like me, since I'm not looking for myself. Thanks Murphy!
Rebuild of road bike drive train a few weeks ago was a stunning success. Still not sure if all the creaking was from pedals which definetely needed re-greasing (they spun 3x times versus Speedplay says 1 to 1.5 is normal. 2 means re-grease. Or if it was cleaning and relubing the whole BB setup. I think it was both. Who knows? It's quiet and I like it.
My mtb has really suffered this summer with Road and CX riding/commuting but my mileage is WAY up. I'm over last years mileage just this summer. Hoping to get out for a decent CCT haul south tonight after work.
CCDD was a great event, with some cool stuff in the Open and some hard racing in the grand prix. Didn't get to stay for the team event as my friends back was hurting from a recent injury. Lots of crazy costumes, with some very nice ladies for sure! Good beer, cool people. Was a tad warm, next time I'll wear shorts. And next year maybe I'll race in the open category.
Monday, September 09, 2013
Where did some go?
Summer has nearly passed me by this year again leaving me staring back thru a hazy goblet of heavily hopped IPA. The golden tint of everything through this view makes the tale much more bearable.
The short story of the summer, is I rode a LOT. Well for me. YTD I'm at 149'ish logged gps activities at just under 2000 miles by the end of today. Last year I had 110'ish and 1350'ish total. Checking back in the logs I was at #79 June 1. Not bad considering I also had 2 weeks of forced car commuting and was sick as hell for a week and change also in Aug.
The commute in the AM was extremely nice due to a perfect temperature and nice scenery on the WOD. Pretty busy morning to. I did get passed but the guy was a total hammerhead on his commuting road rig. I tried to keep up but just couldn't push that fast that soon.
Doing a regular group ride out of FreshBikes Mosiac on Wednesday with PeteB and it's been good. I can see that in general I've been ticking up faster since the start adding about 1.1mph since the start. Last week was much slower due to tired legs and then HORRIBLE traffic coming down Gallows where we typically are flying. Basically had to almost walk before the 66 overpass to the metro station. Hopefully I'll be fresher myself this week. Going to push HARD to ride to work 3 or 4 days this week, though if I work from home on Saturday I might accept 3.
Busy week this week with MORE BOD meeting tonight, Tuesday has riding options, Wednesday MUSE (no freshbikes, oh well), Thursday TNR, Friday uh something. Jeez. Plus I'm on super grind at work starting tomorrow potentially for 2 weeks while boss goes to Pakistan. But the extra money will be nice. Will have to pack extra lunch. Today I packed a huge salad with chicken and a half PB&J.
Will weight in tomorrow for the first time in a while.
Also had Boatswain HLV and IPA last night from TraderJoe's. Not bad for $2 big boys!
The short story of the summer, is I rode a LOT. Well for me. YTD I'm at 149'ish logged gps activities at just under 2000 miles by the end of today. Last year I had 110'ish and 1350'ish total. Checking back in the logs I was at #79 June 1. Not bad considering I also had 2 weeks of forced car commuting and was sick as hell for a week and change also in Aug.
The commute in the AM was extremely nice due to a perfect temperature and nice scenery on the WOD. Pretty busy morning to. I did get passed but the guy was a total hammerhead on his commuting road rig. I tried to keep up but just couldn't push that fast that soon.
Doing a regular group ride out of FreshBikes Mosiac on Wednesday with PeteB and it's been good. I can see that in general I've been ticking up faster since the start adding about 1.1mph since the start. Last week was much slower due to tired legs and then HORRIBLE traffic coming down Gallows where we typically are flying. Basically had to almost walk before the 66 overpass to the metro station. Hopefully I'll be fresher myself this week. Going to push HARD to ride to work 3 or 4 days this week, though if I work from home on Saturday I might accept 3.
Busy week this week with MORE BOD meeting tonight, Tuesday has riding options, Wednesday MUSE (no freshbikes, oh well), Thursday TNR, Friday uh something. Jeez. Plus I'm on super grind at work starting tomorrow potentially for 2 weeks while boss goes to Pakistan. But the extra money will be nice. Will have to pack extra lunch. Today I packed a huge salad with chicken and a half PB&J.
Will weight in tomorrow for the first time in a while.
Also had Boatswain HLV and IPA last night from TraderJoe's. Not bad for $2 big boys!
Thursday, June 27, 2013
Funder Thuck.
That pretty much describes work, life and the weather this week.
I wimped out early in the week on riding to work Monday and Tuesday (well Tuesday I had to as I was driving in from elsewhere) Monday I did haul home a 30lb system for some work and it wouldn't have fit in my bag.
Pace wise I'm picking back up on the CX bike slowly. Was sub 28 in today I believe and I hit most of the lights nearly perfectly. I stopped briefly at Nutley/Couthouse and 123/Courthouse but rolled every other light I actually made. Good think considering how late I left!
The ride in was nice but super humid, glasses were super fogged up by the time I hit Sunset Hills I had them way down on my nose to see.
Yesterdays ride home I dogged the storm by leaving work late, 4:30 or so. It was disgusting on the ride home. I did a tuneup ride working on adjusting my new pedals/shoes around 6 and it was much better. Not sure about the Pearl road shoes, they may be a tad narrow for me in the main foot, though the heel is almost perfect. Will play with adjustments a bit more. Right cleat needs to move inwards to move my foot outwards a bit so I can add a bit more heel in angle back on the cleat. As of now its too far out by a tiny bit to keep my heel from hitting the chain stay.
Tonights WF ride is not looking great weather wise once again. My plan is currently to ride, but who knows maybe it won't storm in WF land, like yesterday. I suspect W@W is using up our good weather luck for the year.
Got in new breakpads for the MTB but I won't put em on till next week especially under the threat of shitty, err I mean gritty conditions. Nothing like ruining new pads due to grinding the grit of the CCT/Etc.
Mileage has fallen back off. Since the Birthday Epic Week, really to be a better rider I've got to get a 2nd day off a week and put in 1 longer ride, my Sundays just aren't regular enough. Or I need to commit to a ride every Sunday be it a 6AM early bird or a forced march later in the day.
Weighed in yesterday at a shocking 196. Holy crap! Talk about un-expected especially after the Garbage In and Out weekend that last weekend was.
Well the hot fudge and brownie ice cream sunday I just ate helped that I'm sure, especially after eating salads for lunch 2 days in a row.
And to raise the level of awesomeness of this post I offer this for your viewing pleasure:
I wimped out early in the week on riding to work Monday and Tuesday (well Tuesday I had to as I was driving in from elsewhere) Monday I did haul home a 30lb system for some work and it wouldn't have fit in my bag.
Pace wise I'm picking back up on the CX bike slowly. Was sub 28 in today I believe and I hit most of the lights nearly perfectly. I stopped briefly at Nutley/Couthouse and 123/Courthouse but rolled every other light I actually made. Good think considering how late I left!
The ride in was nice but super humid, glasses were super fogged up by the time I hit Sunset Hills I had them way down on my nose to see.
Yesterdays ride home I dogged the storm by leaving work late, 4:30 or so. It was disgusting on the ride home. I did a tuneup ride working on adjusting my new pedals/shoes around 6 and it was much better. Not sure about the Pearl road shoes, they may be a tad narrow for me in the main foot, though the heel is almost perfect. Will play with adjustments a bit more. Right cleat needs to move inwards to move my foot outwards a bit so I can add a bit more heel in angle back on the cleat. As of now its too far out by a tiny bit to keep my heel from hitting the chain stay.
Tonights WF ride is not looking great weather wise once again. My plan is currently to ride, but who knows maybe it won't storm in WF land, like yesterday. I suspect W@W is using up our good weather luck for the year.
Got in new breakpads for the MTB but I won't put em on till next week especially under the threat of shitty, err I mean gritty conditions. Nothing like ruining new pads due to grinding the grit of the CCT/Etc.
Mileage has fallen back off. Since the Birthday Epic Week, really to be a better rider I've got to get a 2nd day off a week and put in 1 longer ride, my Sundays just aren't regular enough. Or I need to commit to a ride every Sunday be it a 6AM early bird or a forced march later in the day.
Weighed in yesterday at a shocking 196. Holy crap! Talk about un-expected especially after the Garbage In and Out weekend that last weekend was.
Well the hot fudge and brownie ice cream sunday I just ate helped that I'm sure, especially after eating salads for lunch 2 days in a row.
And to raise the level of awesomeness of this post I offer this for your viewing pleasure:
TheBadPiper covering AC/DC's Thunderstruck.
Monday, June 17, 2013
100 Miles of Nowhere.
I crossed the 39th barrier recently. Several notable stars on IMDB have their birthday listed on the same day. And apparently the kard-ass-ian spawn arrived around then also. Sigh. There goes the neighborhood.
I also believe I have come up with the most impossible classification for my #100MoN:
100MoN Workus Intrerruptus 2 Day Ride - You must make your commute to work, do at least 4 hours of work, Then go out and do at least 60+ additional miles. Then the next day you must do any remaining mileage on the route you originally took.
My plan was to ride the WHOLE W&OD, but since I couldn't get all day Saturday off I had to make it a 2 day since I had a 7PM dinner commitment. So on Saturday I blasted off to work at about 6:35 and did the 8 mile ride in. Worked till almost noon then headed back out on the warpath out to Purcelville VA at the trails end. An 8 to 10 mph headwind on the way out really wasn't bad. My book on MP3 kept me rolling along instead of bored out of my mind. At the trails end I stopped, at half a chocolate peanut butter sandwich and headed back. In s'Leesburg I stopped to refill water and have some Coke. It was damn good. Making VERY good time back so far. I thought wow I might have a slight opportunity to actually do this in one day.
Then real life caught up to me. About 5 miles out of Leesburg my left leg cramped a bit. I pedaled slower and lightly and eventually it cleared. But it cost me. I must have been pedaling a bit strangely as my left foot then decided to throw a fit just outside of Herndon. Couldn't put any real weight/power into it. My MTB shoes also contributed I think. Not really meant for 4 or more hours in the saddle and at 5 years old they are pretty worn out. Finally made it back to my office in Reston for Advil, half a Taylor Gourmet Deli Sandwich and more Coke. After checking on things and checking time I realized with my slower speed on the 2nd half back I had ended up with the same time out and back between work. When it should have been 20 minutes shorter or more. Foot felt a bit better but I still couldn't put full power into it or stand for long. Time to call part 1 a day. And back to starbase Vienna for a shower change and off to dinner. But still I must note, my longest cycling set and day 76 for the day and 68 for the main ride. That was my longest recorded total ride by 20 miles. With a 16.2 average. I've been commuting to work and back at about 15.6 lately with some faster days in the 16 range.
WAY too much dinner and drinks that night lead to the morning ride plan abandonment. So I had to wait to finish till yesterday afternoon.
Part Deux was upon me and my motivation was failing slightly. I went out to finish off the W&OD. I had added a bit extra in Vienna the day before to push my total up past 75 as I new Vienna was at MM 12'ish and I wanted to not have to go way further to complete my 100. So off I went, foot wasn't bad, legs were a bit slow. Got down to Falls Church with some on and off rain sprinkles. Stopped in at Bikenetic to chat on shoes and phone cases. I need new shoes.
Then back off down to Mile 0. It's a nice ride down from that point. Fly down Glebe and I hopped on the road. Found where Phoenix Bikes is and looked at their stock for a friend. Nothing like what he needs alas. And on I went. I was craving a beer so I rolled into Shirlington but no where really safe to leave my bike unlocked where I could watch it and I wanted to head back as it was already 4:30. Quick stop for another partial coke and back up the trail I went. 2 climbs sucked but the rest wasn't bad. Way easier than the @#$@# Custis trail for sure. Lots of runners and walkers out in both directions so I wasn't pushing speed very often.
And it was done. 105 miles in 6 hours 42 minutes over 2 days. With 4 hours of work in part during the 1st. Next year I'll do the whole damn thing in one shot. In fact my goal is to do my first full century in the next month or two. I've been pretty much a 50 mile a week guy.. This week I hit 140 and wasn't "dead" though I made 1 mistake yesterday. On saturday I went for a 2.5 mile walk post ride (after a snack and 20 minute rest). Yesterday I just vegged then went to dinner with no walk. And today I'm paying my knees woke me up at around 4am. 2 advil later I feel almost human but they were sore, no ride to work today alas. And I suspect no run. May have to do a short ride on the CCT or something.
My SIDI eagle 6's from 5 years ago are just worn out. Now I must begin searching for a new shoe in ernest. I want something cheaper for road and I think I will go SIDI again for mtb.
I also believe I have come up with the most impossible classification for my #100MoN:
100MoN Workus Intrerruptus 2 Day Ride - You must make your commute to work, do at least 4 hours of work, Then go out and do at least 60+ additional miles. Then the next day you must do any remaining mileage on the route you originally took.
My plan was to ride the WHOLE W&OD, but since I couldn't get all day Saturday off I had to make it a 2 day since I had a 7PM dinner commitment. So on Saturday I blasted off to work at about 6:35 and did the 8 mile ride in. Worked till almost noon then headed back out on the warpath out to Purcelville VA at the trails end. An 8 to 10 mph headwind on the way out really wasn't bad. My book on MP3 kept me rolling along instead of bored out of my mind. At the trails end I stopped, at half a chocolate peanut butter sandwich and headed back. In s'Leesburg I stopped to refill water and have some Coke. It was damn good. Making VERY good time back so far. I thought wow I might have a slight opportunity to actually do this in one day.
Then real life caught up to me. About 5 miles out of Leesburg my left leg cramped a bit. I pedaled slower and lightly and eventually it cleared. But it cost me. I must have been pedaling a bit strangely as my left foot then decided to throw a fit just outside of Herndon. Couldn't put any real weight/power into it. My MTB shoes also contributed I think. Not really meant for 4 or more hours in the saddle and at 5 years old they are pretty worn out. Finally made it back to my office in Reston for Advil, half a Taylor Gourmet Deli Sandwich and more Coke. After checking on things and checking time I realized with my slower speed on the 2nd half back I had ended up with the same time out and back between work. When it should have been 20 minutes shorter or more. Foot felt a bit better but I still couldn't put full power into it or stand for long. Time to call part 1 a day. And back to starbase Vienna for a shower change and off to dinner. But still I must note, my longest cycling set and day 76 for the day and 68 for the main ride. That was my longest recorded total ride by 20 miles. With a 16.2 average. I've been commuting to work and back at about 15.6 lately with some faster days in the 16 range.
WAY too much dinner and drinks that night lead to the morning ride plan abandonment. So I had to wait to finish till yesterday afternoon.
Part Deux was upon me and my motivation was failing slightly. I went out to finish off the W&OD. I had added a bit extra in Vienna the day before to push my total up past 75 as I new Vienna was at MM 12'ish and I wanted to not have to go way further to complete my 100. So off I went, foot wasn't bad, legs were a bit slow. Got down to Falls Church with some on and off rain sprinkles. Stopped in at Bikenetic to chat on shoes and phone cases. I need new shoes.
Then back off down to Mile 0. It's a nice ride down from that point. Fly down Glebe and I hopped on the road. Found where Phoenix Bikes is and looked at their stock for a friend. Nothing like what he needs alas. And on I went. I was craving a beer so I rolled into Shirlington but no where really safe to leave my bike unlocked where I could watch it and I wanted to head back as it was already 4:30. Quick stop for another partial coke and back up the trail I went. 2 climbs sucked but the rest wasn't bad. Way easier than the @#$@# Custis trail for sure. Lots of runners and walkers out in both directions so I wasn't pushing speed very often.
And it was done. 105 miles in 6 hours 42 minutes over 2 days. With 4 hours of work in part during the 1st. Next year I'll do the whole damn thing in one shot. In fact my goal is to do my first full century in the next month or two. I've been pretty much a 50 mile a week guy.. This week I hit 140 and wasn't "dead" though I made 1 mistake yesterday. On saturday I went for a 2.5 mile walk post ride (after a snack and 20 minute rest). Yesterday I just vegged then went to dinner with no walk. And today I'm paying my knees woke me up at around 4am. 2 advil later I feel almost human but they were sore, no ride to work today alas. And I suspect no run. May have to do a short ride on the CCT or something.
My SIDI eagle 6's from 5 years ago are just worn out. Now I must begin searching for a new shoe in ernest. I want something cheaper for road and I think I will go SIDI again for mtb.
Thursday, June 13, 2013
F Spring.
You know what else Spring brings besides cooler temps.
It brings rain. GOBS of F'n rain.
Since June 1st - Between 4.5 and 6.5 depending on where you are in NVA. MD has gotten more I think. Today we may add an inch or more again. And once again it's looking like no TNR. Though I did get some pre-ride pre-rain action last week. And it's almost the same forecast, clears for a bit this afternoon then turns to rainy/t-storm central starting at 5 PM for the next 4 or 5 hours. Ugh. I might have to commit to that ultimate sin after work. A run.
Desolation and other things are setting in I fear.
Yesterday I did bike to work, then opted to drive over to Fresh Bikes at Mosiac District and do the Wed ride in Vienna with Pete. It was a blast, pretty informal. Low key I suspect also. I averaged 15.6. In all 3 of my last 3 rides this week. I definitely wasn't pushing last night so I know I could hold faster and this was after 16 miles in commuting also. But it wasn't like I was Pete who had done 111 miles earlier in the day. But we all know Pete ain't all there, in the best possible way.
Also met up with Mike R, Vince A, and Sean C who I haven't seen in a while either. It was a lot of fun and I plan to be back next week with the course actually loaded.
Strava continues to be a tool of mostly good in driving me to push myself in distances and time and a bit in speed. I simply also realize that I'm not going to be strong enough for a while to challenge in some of the very regular segments out there.
This weekend I have flagged for my 100MoN for Fatcyclist.com. If I get Saturday off it will be awesome. Sunday won't be quiet as nice. Oh well we will see. It may have to be a 2 day split also. Who knows. I'd like to do it as 1 but life has a way of interrupting. At the least it will be 100KM of Nowhere. Out and back to P-ville will be 100KM+ I estimate actually that would be near, uh 109KM/68 miles. What will really suck is after I do whatever I do I will need to spend 20 minutes walking per 2 hours of riding to keep my legs from revolting for the next 3 to 10 days. I may even just build it into the ride and walk a few sections to keep the legs looser.
It brings rain. GOBS of F'n rain.
Since June 1st - Between 4.5 and 6.5 depending on where you are in NVA. MD has gotten more I think. Today we may add an inch or more again. And once again it's looking like no TNR. Though I did get some pre-ride pre-rain action last week. And it's almost the same forecast, clears for a bit this afternoon then turns to rainy/t-storm central starting at 5 PM for the next 4 or 5 hours. Ugh. I might have to commit to that ultimate sin after work. A run.
Desolation and other things are setting in I fear.
Yesterday I did bike to work, then opted to drive over to Fresh Bikes at Mosiac District and do the Wed ride in Vienna with Pete. It was a blast, pretty informal. Low key I suspect also. I averaged 15.6. In all 3 of my last 3 rides this week. I definitely wasn't pushing last night so I know I could hold faster and this was after 16 miles in commuting also. But it wasn't like I was Pete who had done 111 miles earlier in the day. But we all know Pete ain't all there, in the best possible way.
Also met up with Mike R, Vince A, and Sean C who I haven't seen in a while either. It was a lot of fun and I plan to be back next week with the course actually loaded.
Strava continues to be a tool of mostly good in driving me to push myself in distances and time and a bit in speed. I simply also realize that I'm not going to be strong enough for a while to challenge in some of the very regular segments out there.
This weekend I have flagged for my 100MoN for Fatcyclist.com. If I get Saturday off it will be awesome. Sunday won't be quiet as nice. Oh well we will see. It may have to be a 2 day split also. Who knows. I'd like to do it as 1 but life has a way of interrupting. At the least it will be 100KM of Nowhere. Out and back to P-ville will be 100KM+ I estimate actually that would be near, uh 109KM/68 miles. What will really suck is after I do whatever I do I will need to spend 20 minutes walking per 2 hours of riding to keep my legs from revolting for the next 3 to 10 days. I may even just build it into the ride and walk a few sections to keep the legs looser.
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