Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Winston-Salem Duathlon
The Winston-Salem short course duathlon was held this past Saturday in Lewisville, NC. It was put on by Finish Strong (www.fsseries.com), a relatively new company out of Raleigh that has, over a short time, developed a series of duathlons, triathlons, and other multisport events in NC. This duathlon was the second of their early-season duathlon series, which also includes races in Greenville, Charlotte, and Cary. FS puts on a great event that is well-organized and efficient. The W-S short course consisted of a 3-mile run, 14-mile bike, and 2-mile run.
Temperatures at the 9am start were still around freezing, despite the promise of spring-like weather by mid-day. I quickly became warm during the first running leg. The running course was a 1-mile loop that went 1/2 mile down hill, then back up. Not being much of a runner, it was a challenge to say the least. My still-aching calves and ankles reveal that the punishing part was not the uphill part but the downhill. Despite the course profile, I was able to avoid both an asthma attack and being the last male runner into the transition area for the bike leg.
The bike course was fantastic. 14 miles of gently rolling hills through the wine country of the Yadkin River valley. Coming off the first run leg at the back of the field, I had nowhere to go but up. I steadily regained lost ground on my TRC Surly, which I kitted out with a pair of shorty aero bars for some comfort and aerodynamics. I rode my tank-like behemoth past featherweight time trial machines with smug satisfaction, and I hurled insults at my competitors as I left them behind on their delicate bikes. Actually, I think I hallucinated that whole part due to oxygen deprivation. But, I did enjoy my ride on my bike with 80s-era technology and 60s-era weight.
Heading into the transition area for the second run leg, I actually had overtaken several people over the course of the bike leg, and my spirits were high. I racked my bike, reached down to unstrap my cleats, and bam - calf cramp. A bad one. I had to stand for what felt like several minutes until it loosened up. Although it was only a few seconds longer, the first mile of the second run leg was agonizing. But, things loosened up, and I was able to finish without too much complication.
Out of the 94 competitors, I did not finish first. My time of 1 hour, 32 minutes, 45 seconds was well behind the overall winning time of 1:07:40 and my age-group winning time of 1:10:30. But I both survived and avoided debilitating asthma, which wasn't too bad considering that I didn't prepare for the duathlon in any way, shape, or form other than cutting back on candy for the week. I think it served as an excellent training race as I prepare for my 2009 goal of finishing higher than last or next-to-last in my age group in something at some point.
Temperatures at the 9am start were still around freezing, despite the promise of spring-like weather by mid-day. I quickly became warm during the first running leg. The running course was a 1-mile loop that went 1/2 mile down hill, then back up. Not being much of a runner, it was a challenge to say the least. My still-aching calves and ankles reveal that the punishing part was not the uphill part but the downhill. Despite the course profile, I was able to avoid both an asthma attack and being the last male runner into the transition area for the bike leg.
The bike course was fantastic. 14 miles of gently rolling hills through the wine country of the Yadkin River valley. Coming off the first run leg at the back of the field, I had nowhere to go but up. I steadily regained lost ground on my TRC Surly, which I kitted out with a pair of shorty aero bars for some comfort and aerodynamics. I rode my tank-like behemoth past featherweight time trial machines with smug satisfaction, and I hurled insults at my competitors as I left them behind on their delicate bikes. Actually, I think I hallucinated that whole part due to oxygen deprivation. But, I did enjoy my ride on my bike with 80s-era technology and 60s-era weight.Heading into the transition area for the second run leg, I actually had overtaken several people over the course of the bike leg, and my spirits were high. I racked my bike, reached down to unstrap my cleats, and bam - calf cramp. A bad one. I had to stand for what felt like several minutes until it loosened up. Although it was only a few seconds longer, the first mile of the second run leg was agonizing. But, things loosened up, and I was able to finish without too much complication.
Out of the 94 competitors, I did not finish first. My time of 1 hour, 32 minutes, 45 seconds was well behind the overall winning time of 1:07:40 and my age-group winning time of 1:10:30. But I both survived and avoided debilitating asthma, which wasn't too bad considering that I didn't prepare for the duathlon in any way, shape, or form other than cutting back on candy for the week. I think it served as an excellent training race as I prepare for my 2009 goal of finishing higher than last or next-to-last in my age group in something at some point.
Monday, February 09, 2009
Thursday, February 05, 2009
White Industries Wheelset
Waiting for that right frameset to show up!
fixed/free 135mm rear and M15 White Industries hubs lace to Velocity 36H rims.
Meant for dirt road riding!
Not That Scenic `til You Get Loopy
Pretty sure that this is good for you. Next stop is build a fire in the cabin and fix a big pile of food.
Wednesday, February 04, 2009
Not That Scenic `til You Get Loopy
Love this bike. Still a few things to upgrade for the fun of it but after lots of miles and years plodding along on one bike or another this one works real well. Oh yea, It`s a Redline monocog flite 29r.
The pro at the cash register was kind enough to pop a shot of me before heading back down the hill. He said at least all you have to do now is coast. Concept of fixed gear comes up in his next semester. Afternoon and the wind is whipping around (at least mostly at one`s back going down the hill) and both thermometers on the store porch are at 9 degrees.
This non flash shot looks like some old geezer who should have listened to the weather man. Still some ice on stash and face is stinging and puffy. Just bought some fine health food for anyone in serious training. ( large tube of Pringles and large hot chocolate)
No - not crying or praying. Just letting the warm air do it`s thing at the Jonas Ridge Outfitter. Maybe should have worn booties.
Please here`s my money - just take it- must have hot chocolate - now.Not That Scenic `til You Get Loopy
Trying not to sweat, working at about 98%, spots with no wind and then shots in the face of a good 20+ mph gust, very little traffic, and looking forward to some hot chocolate at the top.
Not That Scenic `til You Get Loopy
Frigid Wednesday solo ride. 55c tire, backpack full of goodies, one water bottle and stopping here where the gatoraid froze solid. Just heading up hwy 181 to go up the mountain. Not exactly single track mountain biking but good training of some sort for something I`m sure.Tuesday, February 03, 2009
Solo Monday Ride
Mondays ride included 5hrs of Fixed Mtn Biking, Hiking, exploring and crossing creeks in the High Country of Wilson's Creek, no map needed!
Top Ridge coming out of harpers creek!
Johnny himself!
Some creek crossing!
Nice Views
Friend and machine of choice!
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